Down Angle Blocking Technique

Down Angle Block — Far Shoulder (Armpit/ Hip) Block

a. Uses — This is our base Line of Scrimmage (LOS) blocking technique in JAW track blocking call and inside “Gap” (iGap) Blocking rules like GOD or GOLD. You might also here “SAB Down” for Severe Angle Block.

b. Goal — Prevent inside penetration at all costs against an inside Gap Defender

c. Application — From a low 2- or 3-point Stance, Staying low the OLM steps with inside foot first or “down foot” in a severe angle jab step or lateral jab step down the line toward the Center / football. This will set Direction; “Directional Step.” This quick inside step is key to stop leak penetration because OLMs thigh and or kneecap should be in gap to act as a pike against a quick Defender’s head or crotch. With the first inside step the OLMs inside hand should be reaching for Defender’s middle chest / numbers to feel and slow down Defender’s rush. The OLM quickly hover-drags outside foot down the line at a severe angle down to almost square up with inside foot directionally; Down. OLM should not high step with this second step. OLM is ready to block down against a gap Defender. Outside hand and shoulder pads are punching Defender in the outside numbers under the armpit. OLM facemask should ear hole the Defender in the neck area, if possible, to help body drive the Defender. The OLMs outside hand punches into the Defender’s arm pit, elbow, or hip bone to unbalance the Defender’s rush. The OLM drives the Defender down the line with short chop steps and wide base. If this down angle block technique is not working, then the OLM may need to transition current block / convert future blocks to a Crab / Scramble block and roll into Defenders path and or body or use a Butt Block if the Defender tries to spin to the outside.

Sources — Coach Parker, Football Coaching — John h McKay pg. 24, Complete Offensive Line — Rick Trickett pg. 70, Rex Ryan COOL Clinic