How to Play Left Tackle in Football

The left tackle is among the most important players on a football field.

The left tackle is the offensive lineman whose position is on the end of the left side of the line. He is also called the weak-side tackle because there are less blocking players on the left side (the tight end lines up on the right side, making it the strong side). The job of the left tackle is one of the most difficult jobs to perform because there is a need to have strength and speed, along with superb blocking skills. Players who excel at this position are among the highest-paid players in the National Football League.

Instructions

1. Understand your body and how it relates to the left tackle position. The left tackle is always one of the largest players on a football team. He is taller, weighs more, and has longer arms and larger hands than most of the other players--even the other offensive linemen. If you fit the mold of this player, you can play left tackle.

2. Master blocking. If you've got the body of a left tackle, you may be able to get away with improper blocking technique, but if you're small, you'd better be perfect or you'll be picked on by the strongest defenders every time you're on the field.

   To block defenders as a left tackle, you have to maintain space between you and the defender by extending your arms into the defender's chest. The objective is to stand him up (the defender loses his advantage when he is stood straight up) and drive him backward by using your hands as battering rams.

3. Learn how to back peddle and control your opponent with your arms at the same time. Back peddling is moving backward while facing forward. When blocking speedy defensive linemen and defensive backs, you'll often have to back peddle with your arms extended in front of you to maintain distance between yourself and the defender and to create a circle around the quarterback (this circle is called "the pocket").

4. Increase your strength and speed. Playing left tackle isn't only about being large. You need to be strong enough to block large defensive linemen and fast enough to stop speed rushers (smaller defensive linemen and linebackers who attempt to sprint around you) and defensive backs who attack the quarterback from the weak side.

5. Know your job on every play that's called. On running plays, you'll normally have to rush forward and attack the defender in front of you, while you'll back peddle to buy time for the quarterback on passing plays. If you back peddle on a running play, the defender will have an easy path to the running back and if you rush forward on a passing play, the exterior defender (linebackers, blitzing defensive backs, and fast end rushers) will have a clear path to the quarterback.

6. Keep a mean attitude during the game. The left tackle isn't a nice guy, and who can blame him when he goes up against the nastiest players on the opposing team whenever he's on the field. The meaner you are, the more the defense will respect you. Once they respect you, they're ready to give up.

References

• Mark Lawrence. "Football 101: Players and Positions | Offensive Guards and Tackles"