Learning the Drive Block

For tight ends, running good routes, getting open, and making catches are all icing on the cake. The real challenge in playing the position effectively is becoming a good blocker. On every wide run to your side, your block will be at the point of attack. You must make your block for the run to be successful.

To be a good blocker, you must have:

1. Good Technique
2. An understanding of how the defender will attack you
3. The desire to block successfully

The first block we'll be getting into is the drive block - a block you'll use against a defender lined up directly in front of you.

Your goal with the drive block isn't to stalemate the defender but to drive them back off the line of scrimmage. Executing this maneuver well involves starting with a proper stance and getting OUT of that stance instantly when the ball is snapped.

You should begin your movement with a short step up with your back foot the instant you hear the snap count. This quick step gets your momentum moving toward the defensive player.

Maintain a wide base keeping your feet spread apart and make sure you take short rapid steps during the entire block. When your feet are too close together, it's easier for the defender to push you aside. As you move forward, keep:

1. Your shoulders square
2. Your back straight
3. Your head up
4. Your eyes pointing directly at your target

The proper position of your head and focus are vital to avoiding injury and keeping the defender in your vision.

Most defenders you have to block will be lined up directly across the line from you. They'll come forward at the snap and you should anticipate contact when your second short step hits the ground. The key for success is to continue driving with your feet and not allowing your momentum to be halted upon contact.

When contact is made, drive forward with both of your arms and hands. For maximum leverage and force, make sure you keep your elbows close to your ribs. The palms of both of your hands should make contact with the middle of the defensive man's body in a strong, forceful manner.

Even though you make contact with your hands, keep in mind that your legs do the majority of the heavy lifting here. At the instant your hands hit the defender, you must push with your hips forward and upward, gathering your legs under you while you keep your feet driving with short, choppy steps.

For most tight ends just learning the position, this last step will be the most difficult. New tight ends have a tendancy to stop moving their feet at the moment of contact. Once this forward thrust stops, it's difficult to recover and get started again and you'll end up relying on a much weaker lean against the defender. A helpful tip is to pick a spot 2 to 3 yards beyond the defender as a goal to reach with your drive so that you keep moving and going forward properly.

Good tight ends take great pride in their ability to perform this block well. Start practicing by drive blocking into a big bag or blocking sled. Just remember that in a live situation, the defender will be moving and won't stand still for you.