AFM RSS Feed Follow Us on Twitter       
AMERICAN FOOTBALL MONTHLY THE #1 RESOURCE FOR FOOTBALL COACHES
ABOUT |  CONTACT |  ADVERTISE |  HELP  



   User Name    Password 
      Password Help





Article Categories


AFM Magazine

AFM Magazine


UNC-Charlotte Offensive Line Blocking Stations

by: Ed Ratliff
© More from this issue

Click for Printer Friendly Version          

Editor’s Note: UNC-Charlotte former offensive line coach Ed Ratliff wrote this clinic this summer before his sudden passing. Ratliff died of natural causes in early August and was both an experienced and respected coach. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

We start practice with a blocking station circuit that sets the tone for the day. We play in a fast tempo offense that runs the inside zone, counter play, and power play. We take pride in starting practice fast and working on basic, but vital, fundamentals in developing our run game. The OL and TEs are separated into two even groups. One group will start on the Crowther Sled and the other on the boards and chutes. Each station consists of five minutes.

Keep in mind this is a high tempo offense and very intense start to practice. We never allow our players to walk around on the field. At the conclusion of each rep, they sprint to where they are going. We are extremely intense demanding precision and maximum effort. This includes our Boards and Chutes Drill and the Crowther sled.

Boards and Chutes Drill (Photo 1)
   
The Boards and Chutes Drill will have five 100-pound blocking pads opposite the group with a player holding them. This is the only time we use blocking pads. The 100-pound pads forces the players to punch it properly and keep their feet moving on contact to create movement. They go through the proper footwork that allows them to be successful on the field.

The first rotation is right and left foot base step. The first step is up and down gaining very little ground but not losing any either. This allows maximum power as the second step makes contact and explodes through the pad. They will then use the over and up step. We have the players place their foot along the edge of the board which forces them to step over it as they go over up to the right and then over up to the left.

Their punch will come from their rib cage, tight elbows, and thumbs at 12 o’clock. They lead with their hands, hitting on the rise with a flat back, and never winding up. Their weight is on the balls of their feet pounding the inside of their cleats into the ground.

They finish by pulling right and left down the board, forcing them to remain low and explode through the bag. We have them put their foot on the end of the board forcing them to step and bucket pull. Keep in mind that during this drill they sprint back to the end of the line after they hold the pad. Once the player takes a rep, he then grabs the pad and holds it for the next player. 

The Crowther Sled (Photo 2)

This is the only sled we use and it is utilized each day. We go through some very specific techniques that allow us to work on our hips, hitting with the top of our pads, strong leg drive, and a high intense tempo.

We start with two players on their knees. Have them reach out and touch the pad. This will put them at the proper distance to the Sled. On command, they hit the sled with the top of their pads exploding out of their hips and landing on their stomach. We repeat this and have them punch the sled, forcing them to keep their thumbs at 12 o’clock, having tight elbows from the rib cage, and punching on the rise.

They then repeat the sequence from a stance. Then have them drive it. The sequence is then repeated where the players start on their knees. This forces them to come out of their hips. Once the whistle blows to end their rep, they sprint to the back of the line. 






NEW BOOK!

AFM Videos Streaming Memberships Now Available Digital Download - 304 Pages of Football Forms for the Winning Coach



















HOME
MAGAZINE
SUBSCRIBE ONLINE COLUMNISTS COACHING VIDEOS


Copyright 2024, AmericanFootballMonthly.com
All Rights Reserved