Tight Ends: Blocking Well With Others

Up to now, all the blocks you've been learning have been performed by you and you alone. Today we're introducing you to a block that requires the help of a teammate - the double team!

Double team blocks take a lot of practice to perfect, but the results are well worth the effort. You'll want to make sure you and your partner are working in unison and toward the same goal.

The double team is the most powerful block an offense can direct at any single defensive player. When executed correctly, you'll be directing the combined size, weight, and strength of two players against a single defensive athlete.

The defensive player should NEVER win this engagement. You may find a savvy defender will even drop to the ground hoping to simply tie both of you up in a pile to block the ball carrier.

When executing the block, the offensive man directly in front of the targeted defender will use a drive block as covered earlier in these lessons. The other blocker will use a modified angle block. The combination of these two blocks forms the double team.

As a tight end, you may be part of a double team block with a tackle or a teammate set up in the wing. It all depends on your offensive scheme. When working with the tackle, you'll take on the role of angle blocker. When working with a player on the wing, you'll be the drive blocker.

Go over the relevant previous blocking lessons to refresh your memory and be prepared for whatever role and block you need to implement.

Tight Ends: Blocking 'Backers on the Run

With the countless variations in defensive alignment, it's probable that you'll be asked to block a linebacker that isn't lined up on the line of scrimmage. To do this well, you should be successful with the techniques necessary to perform the running drive block.

You'll often be called upon to perform this block when blocking a linebacker playing off the line but directly in front of you or to your inside. Taking the proper path to the defender is essential when you are tasked with blocking someone not on the line.

This is a drive block with the contact occurring after you've taken several steps to get to the defender. The two main differences between this style of drive block and the drive block we covered earlier are that you'll have to run to get to the defender and that defender will have a better opportunity to move to his right or left as you approach.

You need to get off the line quick when the ball is snapped. Know the snap count and make your first step a fast one, moving your back foot directly at the target. Keep a wide base and stay low as you come off the line. If the linebacker is to your INSIDE or in front of the tackle, make certain your first step is with your inside foot. Always anticipate the 'backer charging straight ahead on a blitz upon the snap of the ball.

The closer you get to your quarry, the wider your base should be and the shorter your stride should become. As you prepare to make contact:

1. Bend your knees
2. Lower your hips slightly in preparation for the block
3. Make sure your back is straight
4. Keep your head up
5. Keep your eyes focused on the center of the 'backer's chest
6. Get your body square to the linebacker's

As with all blocks on running plays, initiate the block with the big muscles in your legs, coming up and through the defender in an explosive motion.

The instant your pads make contact, punch out with the palms of both hands into the 'backer's jersey numbers. Keep your momentum and finish the block, legs driving. Move the linebacker off the line and backwards.

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.

Tight End: Utilizing the Hook Block

One of the most difficult blocks to learn as you pick up the tight end position is the hook block. Like the drive block, this is a block you'll use against a defender lined up in front of you. Trying to hook a linebacker or lineman set up outside of your position will be even more difficult.

Your primary goal with the hook block is to stop the defender from coming across the line of scrimmage and then either blocking him down the line or driving him back down the field.

In order to get superior position and guarantee you stop the defender on the line, it will be necessary for you to take a short step with your outside food. This step should be lateral rather than directly AT the defender and is designed to place your body in front of the defensive player in order to initiate your block.

Take a second step with your other foot directly AT the defender. All the power for your block will come from this step. As the second step pushes into the ground, you should drive your far arm into the chest of the defensive player.

Once in this position and with the defender's movement across the line stopped, you'll need to continue driving with your feet. Use your short, powerful steps.

As you continue your block:

1. Bring your blocking side arm up into the chest of your opponent, underneath their outside armpit.
2. Keep your body directly in front of your opponent.
3. Keep your legs driving

With this type of movement, you should be able to drive the defensive player off the line just as with the drive block or you may get the defender turned by pushing up with your outside arm.

Remember these points as you learn the hook block:

1. Do not "raise up"
2. Keep your shoulders low so you can drive up and through the defender
3. Keep a wide base, feet spread
4. Take short, quick steps
5. Keep your knees flexed
6. Keep your back straight
7. Keep your head up throughout
8. Keep your eyes focused on the center of your opponent's chest

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.

Tight End Overview & Stances

Moving forward, we'll be looking at the following facets you need to concentrate on to be a top tight end:

1. Stance
2. Getting off the line
3. Blocking
4. Receiving

We'll start with your stance! It's vital as a tight end that the stance you utilize allows you to both explode off the line to run a receiving route and also to stand your ground when you're asked to block.

The stance you'll use will depend on the style of offense your coach is teaching to you and the team. For most offenses, this will be a balanced three-point stance.

When learning the three point stance:

1. Stand with your feet even and spread shoulderwidth apart
2. Point your toes straight ahead
3.Keep your back straight
4. Lower your body by bending at the knees
5. Rest your forearms on the inside of your thighs
6. Reach out with one hand
7. Take a small step back with the foot on the side of the outreached hand

Your down hand should extend straight out and down, coming in contact with the ground just in front of your shoulders. The toes of your back foot should be even with the middle of your front foot. Evenly distribute your weight on both feet.

Once this is done:

1. Keep your back straight
2. Keep your shoulders straight and square
3. Keep your head up
4. Don't lean in one direction or another

If you lean, you tip off the defense. Do NOT tip off the defense!

No matter the stance, you should practice it over and over off-the-field so you feel more comfortable through repetition.

Lining Up as a Tight End

When you play as a Tight End, you're playing one of the most unique positions in sports. You'll have to combine the skills needed to be a successful offensive lineman, running back, and wide receiver. Being able to play this position well presents a great challenge. You'll be asked to:

1. Possess good strength, speed, balance, and pass-catching ability
2. Block defensive linemen or linebackers
3. Run receiving routes, get open, make catches, and run after the catch

No other position on the field requires such a mix of abilities. During practice, concentrate on improving each one of your necessary skills one at a time. Stay positive and eager and you'll soon be comfortable taking over tight end duties for your team.

It's very important during the learning process to soak up everything your coaches are telling you like a sponge. Additionally, carefully observe the players ahead of you on the depth chart. They've probably got an experience edge and watching them can provide you with a lot of insight on how to excel at the position quickly.

Run your drills at full speed - conditioning is key! When you work hard and go all out in practice, by the time the game rolls around things will be much easier for you and you'll find you've got something extra left in the tank when things come down to the crucial fourth quarter.

Adapt, Desire, Practice, Learn

When blocking downfield, you should anticipate the defender attempting to shed your block. If you've widened your base and shortened your stride, you should find yourself in the perfect position to react to any attempt by the defensive player to get around you to make a play on the ball carrier.

Another thing to remember is that for wide receivers, more than half the blocking battle is about desire. You have to want to be a solid blocker. After you manage that, you'll find that competency comes much more easily.

Don't be afraid to work on your blocking technique with teammates during the off-season. Another wide receiver will do - one of you can be the blocker and the other the defender, taking turns trying to block and shed the other.

When you start, you can give your partner a heads-up to let them know where you're trying to go so they can practice blocks more easily. As skill improves, scale up the difficulty by not letting the blocker know your path.

Take the time to learn everything you can about defensive back strategies and tactics. You'll be a much more dangerous wide receiver when you know how defensive backs approach every play.

Deception and Blocking

As a wideout, if your assignment is to block the defender lined up directly in front of you, you must drive off the line and create indecision in your opponent's mind. If he continues to backup, sold on the pass, continue your drive and use the glide portion of your release - from five to twelve yards out - to position yourself properly.

The instant you notice the defender cease his backpedal and begin focusing on the ball carrier:

1. Shorten your stride
2. Bring your body under control
3. Widen your base as you approach the defender
4. Keep your feet moving with short choppy steps
5. Position yourself between the ball-carrier and the prospective tackler

As the defender approaches, focus on the middle of his numbers. To prepare for the block, you'll need to bend at the knees, keeping your back straight and head up. As you come in contact with each other:

1. Strike the defender in his numbers with both hands
2. Keep your elbows in close to your sides
3. Keep your forearms up and angled into the center of your chest
4. Open both hands, fingers up, palms facing the defender
5. Strike the defender in the chest with the heels of both hands and in ill humor - as much force as you can generate

The power for the block is first generated by the bigger muscles in your legs followed by the force of the upward and out motion of your hands and arms.

After initial contact, keep your balance and gather yourself to engage and strike at the defender in the same way repeatedly until the whistle blows. You may not knock the defender off his feet, but as long as he doesn't make the tackle, you're doing your job well.

The Wideout's Intro to Blocking

Any football team with a strong running game usually harbors a group of wide receivers that can get down and dirty and block effectively. When you see a long, wide running play you can be almost certain a key block from a wide receiver was a big factor.

Blocking as a wide receiver is a lot like tackling effectively as a defender in that you have to have an innate desire to do the job and to be a complete player. Size is not a main factor. Plenty of small receivers block effectively at every level of the game.

Blocking a defensive back is not the same as an offensive tackle driving a defensive end off the line of scrimmage. A wide receiver's objective on a block is to position himself between the defender and the ball carrier. It's a maneuvering game where you win by making sure the defensive player is constantly required to get through you to get to the runner.

Bonus Deep Routes!

There are two additional deep patterns you'll want to add to your arsenal - the "comeback" and the "corner". The "comeback" is a deep route that works off the "up" pattern discussed previously while the "corner" branches off from the "post". It's imperative you master those earlier routes before trying your hand at these.

Once the DB thinks you're running the "Up" route, he's greatly susceptible to getting burned by the "comeback". The play is run identically to the "up" until you reach a point 15 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. At this point:

1. Begin lowering your hips
2. Plant your inside foot at 17 yards beyond the line of scrimmage
3. Stop your momentum
4. Turn quickly toward the sideline
5. Comeback at an angle toward the line of scrimmage
6. Turn your head toward the QB
7. Identify the ball in the air
8. Make your catch at around 14 yards past the line of scrimmage

Once you've made and secured the catch - preferably with your outside arm and hand - the safest thing to do is turn to the outside of the field and pick up as many yards as possible. Try not to run toward the center of the field where more traffic exists if you can help it.

The best way to combat a savvy defender cheating to the inside to cover your "post" route is to turn the "post" into a "corner" pattern. Once you've made your move toward the center of the field as if you were running the "post", count off 5 or six steps before:

1. Lean your upper body to the outside
2. Roll over your outside foot
3. Break at a 45-degree angle toward the corner of the field
4. Maintain speed and momentum
5. Peek back over your outside shoulder
6. Visually locate the QB
7. Track the flight of the ball

On a "corner" route, the ball should be lobbed and will hang in the air a long time. It's one of the most difficult passes for a QB to throw with accuracy so be prepared to adjust to the flight of the ball.

In an ideal scenario, the ball will float over your outside shoulder, away from the DB. This allows you the greatest freedom to make the catch, secure the ball, and head up the sideline.

The best laid plans often go awry, however, so you should be ready for the ball to be placed anywhere. Spotting the ball in flight as early as possible is of utmost importance. Look the ball into your hands.

Going Deep

Short and medium routes are the wide receiver's bread and butter. Catching deep balls is the icing on the cake. As a wideout, you feel a special thrill and adrenaline boost when your number gets called to go long.

The timing of deep routes will obviously require longer to develop. In order to give you time to run your route, the QB will need to drop back seven steps before throwing. The O-Line will need to block even longer. If the play is a success, there's a very high probability of scoring a touchdown.

There are two basic deep patterns to learn - the "up" and the "post".

In order to have success with either pattern, you'll need to run at full speed for the entire length of the play. The post and up are two routes where you'll be running under the ball and may even have to stretch to make a play. Try to see your fingers and the ball at the same time as you attempt to make the catch

The first of the deep patterns we'll go in-depth with is the up pattern. Prior to your release off the line, it's important to try and gauge how the defender is playing you. If he's inside, you'll want to keep him there. If he's set up outside, you'll want to try and bring him away from the sideline as you come off the line. Use a slight angle to the inside on your release, positioning the DB where you want him to be for this pattern.

Ideally when running an up route, you'll want to keep 5 yards of space between you and the sideline to allow you room to adjust to the ball in flight.

1. Drive hard off the line
2. Angle to position the DB
3. Get to full speed
4. Burst straight up field, attacking the defender
5. Angle slightly to the outside at 12 yards
6. Clear the defender
7. Spring past the DB straight upfield
8. Look over your inside shoulder without breaking stride
9. Pick up the flight of the ball

You must be prepared to adjust to the flight of the ball as it approaches and catch it at any point near you.

The second deep pattern we'll cover is the post. The post is run into the center of the field away from the sideline. Note where the defender is set up prior to the start of the play. If he sets up inside, you'll want to try and pull him to the outside via savvy angling.

You'll want to come off the line quickly. At 12 yards, roll over your inside foot and angle 45 degrees toward the center of the field.

Again, you'll probably have to run under the ball. Be ready to adjust to the ball

Bonus Medium Routes!

Yesterday we discussed the "in", "out", and the "hook" routes. Today, we'll touch on a few more routes that, while they may not be run exclusively at medium depth, still fit due to the time it takes for the route to be run and the fact that the QB will take a 5-step drop.

The first of these patterns is the "cross." When running the cross, you'll have to:

1. Sprint up field four yards
2. Angle to the inside just as you would when running a slant
3. Roll over your inside foot and head directly across the field at eight yards
4. Run at full speed so the QB can accurately lead you
5. Swing your head around and focus on the QB
6. Be prepared to catch the ball at any time

When running a cross, try to stay within 8 yards of the line of scrimmage. Don't run so deep that you're heading back into coverage.

The "delay" is run at the same eight-yard depth. At the start of this play, you'll sprint off the line at a slight angle to the outside of the field, selling the defender on the deep ball.

Once you get 7 yards past the line of scrimmage, stop your upfield momentum with your inside foot and spin back to the inside. Once you've stopped and come out of the spin, run the remainder of the route just as you would a cross. You should expect the ball to come to you on your third or fourth step toward the center of the field.

The "quick post" is a pattern that requires no special moves and is heavily reliant on flat-out speed. Come straight off the line with as much speed as possible. Your break will be at eight yards.

Once you're at eight yards, head to the center of the field, continuing UP field at a slight angle to the inside. Make sure your angle keeps you on the outside of the hash marks. The angle MUST be just enough to get you some separation from the DB. After running 5 yards post-break, be alert for the ball to come to you at any time.

Medium Routes for Receivers

Learning and mastering the proper techniques needed to run medium routes is essential for any good wide receiver.

There are three basic medium routes we'll go over that you can get started with - the "hook", "in", and "out." All three routes should have a 10- to 12-yard breaking point. The QB on all these plays will be using a five-step drop to move away from the line of scrimmage. If you run at full speed, the two of you should be able to time things perfectly.

When running the hook, the major idea you'll want to sell to the defensive back is that you'll be running deep upfield. You want him to turn and begin running at full speed toward his own goal line.

In order to sell the play, you'll need to come off the line at a full sprint. As you near the 12-yard mark:

1. Lower your hips slightly
2. Prepare to stop your momentum with a step by your outside foot
3. Quickly turn your body to the inside and face the quarterback when your outside foot hits the ground.

The ball may be on the way as you turn to the inside so be ready to catch it immediately. If the QB is late, be prepared to come back for the ball. If playing on a wet or slick surface, you should stop your sprint momentum with three quick steps, keeping your feet under your hips at all times.

The out and in patterns are similar to each other. The main difference between the two is that the in runs toward the center of the field while the out is run toward the sidelines. Both patterns start with a hard drive up the field. Watch where the defender is located in relation to where you want to go.

If the defender is where you want to be, angle in the opposite direction to take him out of your destination. If he's opposite your desired path, drive at an angle directly toward him and make him move further away from your destination. After you've relocated the defender, sprint upfield to sell the deep ball. As you near the 12-yard mark, prepare to make the final cut into your pattern.

Both of these routes need to be run at full speed. Be prepared to roll over the foot in the direction you want to go and don't stop your momentum. Once you've made your cut, you'll want to come back slightly toward the line of scrimmage for greater initial separation from your defender.

The Quick Out, Hitch, and the Slant

When running a quick out, it's important that you sell the DB on the idea that you're going deep by driving hard off the line of scrimmage at full speed. At four yards, roll over your outside foot and redirect your momentum toward the sidelines. You will probably run six or seven yards before the pass gets to you.

As you run toward the sideline, be prepared to come back toward the original line of scrimmage to make the catch. You should also expect the pass to be low as this often occurs when the QB is throwing at such a sharp angle to the outside. Keep in mind that you might need to slide or at least have your hands positioned below your waist in order to make the catch. Remember that when catching a ball in this position, you need to have your little fingers together as you form the catching pocket.

The hitch is different from the quick out in that you'll have to completely stop your momentum and come back for the ball. As you release off the line to run a hitch, you again want to sell the defender on a deep route by exploding off the line. At five yards out, you'll have to plant your outside foot in order to halt your forward momentum.

When this happens, sit back slightly and turn your body back to the inside so you're facing the QB. The ball should be there right as you turn, so have your hands up even with your numbers, thumbs together, to make the catch.

On a slant, you'll be redirecting your route instead of cutting to the sideline or stopping your momentum. Once more, you'll want to come off the line at max speed. At four yards, roll over your inside foot and redirect your full speed movement at a 45-degree angle toward the center of the field.

When you run a slant, you should expect the QB to lead you, so you'll probably run up field six or seven yards before the ball reaches you. The slant pass can arrive at any catch height, so you must be ready to adjust your hand position quickly to haul in the reception. Get your head and eyes swung around to the QB the instant you start your move to the inside.

On all three types of short routes we covered, you have to expect to be hit immediately. Concentrate on making the catch and securing the ball above all else. You can think about running after the catch.

Short Routes

For ANY passing attack to be successful, the wide receivers must be able to execute the short game.

The benefits of the short passing game are that it can:

1. Quickly move the ball
2. Neutralize the blitz
3. Allow the QB to pick up a passing rhythm

Because the QB will only be taking a three-step drop before (ideally) throwing the ball, timing is the most important aspect of the short passing game. Your contribution to this timing involves 3 factors:

1. Run your pattern at the correct depth. Nothing hurts a short game more that a wideout that runs inconsistent routes. Consistency helps both your own and the QB's timing.
2. If depth consistency was number 1 in importance, speed consistency has to be 2. Go all out all the time.
3. You must be prepared to make the catch immediately
Having success in the short passing game requires you to turn your head and get your eyes on the QB the instant you make your break.

We're going to be covering three major short passing routes during this phase of the Tip of the Day: the "quick out," the "hitch," and the "slant." Each pattern will have distinct differences in how you approach them, but each also will require you to keep the three constants discussed above in place.

Tomorrow, we explain all three of those routes so you can get started picking apart the D in no time!

Intro to Pass Route Depth and Timing

Every wide receiver needs to have a handle on the importance of running each pass pattern at the proper depth each and every time. If you and the QB are going to coordinate your aerial attack, you'll have to make sure that you're doing your part in the equation.

On every completion, you'll be responsible for running the route at the correct depth and manner before finally catching the ball. The quarterback has the responsibility to get the ball to you in a location where you can make the catch. At the same time, the O-Line and even the running backs must assume responsibility for blocking defenders long enough for the play to develop. The passing game involves many parts working in concert with each other to succeed.

You can't help with blocking or throwing the ball yourself, but you CAN work hard to make certain you understand how to do your job. The first things you must learn are the different depths you'll be running on your various pass patterns. The distance you run down the field will be coordinated with three actions:

1. The number of steps the QB is taking in his drop
2. The time the offensive line needs to protect
3. The type of blocking utilized by the O-Line

By running your pattern at the correct depth, you'll help ensure the correct timing of the pass. We've gone over the three distinct passing zones in previous lessons. You can get more information about them by reading previous tips of the day but in short, those three zones are the Short zone, the medium zone, and the deep zone.

Tomorrow, we'll start breaking down the various short zone routes you'll be likely to run as a wide receiver. Check back then!