Tight Ends: Learning the Angle Block

The Angle Block is different from previous blocks covered here in that it's used against defenders lined up on your teammate to either your left or right. Additionally, the targeted defender in this case will be focused on an offensive player OTHER THAN yourself to start the play. His reaction to you and your block will usually be a secondary reaction. Getting into the defender with your block before he's prepared is one of the reason you need to execute this block with as much speed as you can muster.

Another reason for quickness with this block is that you MUST try to stop the defender's progress across the line of scrimmage. Remember - the defender will be charging straight ahead. You must anticipate this forward move to best make your block. One error commonly made by beginning tight ends when first learning the angle block is that they step to where the defender lines up, not where they'll be moments after the play begins.

Begin your move by taking a short step down the line of scrimmage with the foot nearest the defensive player you intend to block. This step will put you in position to get your head in front of the defensive man and turn your hips so you can continue the block into the defender's side. Don't narrow your base. Keep a good bend in both knees.

Your second step must come around so that your head, shoulders, and body are all directed squarely into the defender's side. Your back must remain straight and your head and eyes up. This step will generate the majority of the power for your block so make it quick and strong. Stay low and keep focused on the defender.

As your second step lands:

1. Explode with your shoulder pad on the side of your second step into the exposed side of the defender's body.

2. As your pads make contact, drive the palm of your hand on that side into the defender's ribs with as much power as possible.

3. Finish your block, maintaining a wide base throughout

4. Drive your legs in short powerful steps

5. Thrust your hips forward and down so you drive up and through your man.

It will be impossible to drive the defensive player back up-field. Instead, once your goal should be to drive him down the line of scrimmage away from the ball-carrier's path.