Youth
Football Coaching - Pass Protection
The
primary objective of the offense line in pass situations is to protect
the quarterback. Success is measured by the number of passes that are
thrown without pressure or obstruction.
Adjustments
must be made in body position and techniques when transitioning from
run blocking to pass blocking. Run blocking uses forward drive and hip
roll, while pass blocking requires the use of lateral and backward movement.
Pre-snap
read
The linemen should know where the quarterback is setting up and his
assignment according to the alignment of the defense. When blocking
a down lineman, he should recognize his alignment and what he does from
that alignment. If a blitz is showing, he needs to be aware of what
his responsibilities are for picking up the blitz.
Set
Up
The manner of setting varies depending on th alignment and capabilities
of the opponent in regards to the quarterback drop. The goal of the
set is for the lineman to position himself between the rusher and the
passer as quickly as possible and as close to the line of scrimmage
as possible Set up and maintaining proper foot, body and head position
is the foundation for good pass protection.
Punch
Teach your linemen to punch with the butt of their hands inside the
framework of the defenders body, and aim for the base of the numbers
on their jersey. The lineman needs to work up through the man and work
for a lockout position. They need to fight pressure with pressure and
keep between the rusher and the quarterback.
Body
Position
Linemen must be able to position their bodies with their weight low
and forward to maintain balance. The block must not allow the defender
to get into his body and force him into an upright position. When the
block is forced into an upright position, he loses his ability to control
the direction of the defender.
Finish
The majority of pass plays require protection for only 4 or 5 seconds.
Linemen must accept the responsibility of providing whatever time is
necessary to get the pass off. They must never quit no matter what kind
of breakdowns occur, and should stay with the defender until the whistle
blows.
