As we so often reference, football can be a complex game. The decisions and actions offensive linemen consider and execute in games need to be repeated (practiced) every day to become automatized so they lose complexity and gain simplicity. Automating tasks every day in practice can reduce complexity and streamline repetitive processes, allowing players to focus on the tactical rather than the technical at the line of scrimmage on gameday. We both “train:” plan, practice, and execute a set of actions when confronted with certain conditions; as well as “educate:” observe, orient, decide, and act in non-standard situations.
For example, the Playside Guard on Power needs to identify whether he is covered or not. If he is covered, he needs to communicate the double team to the Playside Tackle, then identify which Linebacker they will double team to. Next, he determines the step, visual target, and strike points to block the defensive lineman with inside leverage in order to establish the inside half of the double team as well as account for the A Gap Linebacker run through. The steps used will differ depending on the alignment of the defender in a 2i or 3 technique. If the Guard is uncovered, he must turn his focus inward to the defender aligned on the Center to identify the step, visual target, and strike points to execute a down block. All this must occur in less than 10 seconds.
For 25 years, we have trained thousands of players and hundreds of coaches the steps, visual targets, strike points, and leverage used on run and pass blocks in Gap, Zone, and Man schemes at the Alercio OLine Clinics. We teach, train, and educate athletes and coaches to help reduce complexity and simplify decisions and actions in chaotic environments on gameday.
Come learn with us this Spring and simplify your or your team’s path to success.
Coach Rich Alercio is available to discuss coaching philosophy, X’s & O’s, or teach his O-Line “techniques in the trenches.” Contact Coach at richalercio@gmail.com and share http://www.olineskills.com with your colleagues and friends. Thanks for supporting this blog and joining our conversations, and as always, thanks for your time!
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