Tight Ends: Combination Blocking

When we talked about double team blocking, we focused on a tight end paired with a tackle or a wing back to impede a defender. Combination blocking presents a different scenario - the tight end and a tackle working in tandem to block TWO defensive players, usually a lineman and linebacker.

The combination block is used primarily against stunting or slanting defenses where the d-lineman move quickly into a gap on the snap of the ball. The combination block starts with an attack on the defensive player on the line of scrimmage. Both tight end and tackle must understand what each other will be doing and how they'll be handling each situation the defense might present.

The block may be used against the defensive end and an outside linebacker. The end will be lined up directly on the tackle while the outside 'backer is lined up on you. The play might be being run to the OPPOSITE side of the formation and your goal is to keep both defenders from pursuing down the line of scrimmage.

On the snap, you'll both step laterally with your inside foot. It's important on the second step that the tackle strikes the end in the chest with the palm of his outside hand, halting his penetration across the line.

As the tight end, on YOUR first step you should check the linebacker in front of you. If he begins to blitz, abandon the combination block and impede the 'backer as best you can. If he moves laterally in pursuit, you can continue with the combination block - take your second step and strike the END with the palm of your inside hand.

When the end stunts or slants to the outside, the tackle should turn him over to you after making first contact, release to the inside, and move up field to engage the incoming linebacker.

As the tight end, you must:
1. Get in front of the defensive end
2. Cease his forward progress across the line
3. Impede his LATERAL pursuit

If the end instead moves to the INSIDE, you must keep your vision on the 'backer. The end will remain the tackle's responsibility.

Once the linebacker makes his move, you must:

1. Disengage from the defensive end/offensive tackle scrum
2. Perform a running drive block, covered previously, on the linebacker