Shedding a block effectively is crucial for any defensive player looking to make an impact in a football game. Whether you’re a lineman, linebacker, or defensive back, mastering this fundamental skill can be the difference between a tackle for loss and a big play for the offense. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the techniques and strategies needed to shed blocks like a pro, allowing you to disrupt plays and dominate your opponent.
Understanding Leverage and Hand Placement
The foundation of successful block shedding lies in understanding leverage and hand placement.
Leverage: Your Key to Success
Leverage is your best friend when it comes to shedding blocks. It’s about using your body position and strength to your advantage.
- Stay Low: Maintaining a lower center of gravity than the blocker gives you greater leverage and power.
- Wide Base: Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly staggered for stability and balance.
Hand Placement: Control the Blocker
Proper hand placement allows you to control the blocker’s movement and create separation.
- Inside Hand: Position your inside hand on the blocker’s chest, using it to punch upwards and create space.
- Outside Hand: Your outside hand should target the blocker’s outside shoulder, providing leverage to push them away.
Mastering Block Shedding Techniques
Once you understand leverage and hand placement, you can start implementing effective block shedding techniques.
The Rip Technique: A Powerful Move for Defensive Linemen
The rip technique is a powerful move for defensive linemen to disengage from blockers.
- Low and Strong: Start with a low center of gravity and a strong base.
- Violent Rip: As the blocker engages, violently rip your inside arm upwards, aiming to get your elbow above their shoulder pads.
- Push and Separate: Simultaneously, push the blocker away with your outside hand, creating separation.
Defensive lineman executing the rip technique
The Swim Move: Quickness and Agility for Linebackers
The swim move is an excellent option for linebackers and other agile defenders who need to quickly slip past blockers.
- Low Center of Gravity: Maintain a low center of gravity as you approach the blocker.
- Swim Arm: As you make contact, use your inside arm to “swim” over the blocker’s shoulder, while driving your outside arm downwards.
- Explode Through: Explode through the gap created and locate the ball carrier.
Linebacker utilizing the swim move to evade a blocker
The Spin Move: Effective for Smaller, Agile Defenders
The spin move can be highly effective for smaller, agile defenders looking to evade larger blockers.
- Engage the Blocker: Engage the blocker with your hands, maintaining a low center of gravity.
- Initiate the Spin: As the blocker commits, plant your outside foot and spin towards the inside, using your hands to pull them past you.
- Locate the Ball Carrier: Once you have spun free, quickly locate the ball carrier and make a play.
Importance of Film Study and Practice
Mastering the art of block shedding requires more than just understanding the techniques.
Film Study: Analyze Your Opponent
Dedicate time to studying game film of your opponents.
- Identify Tendencies: Analyze their blocking schemes and identify any tendencies or weaknesses you can exploit.
- Anticipate Blocks: Develop the ability to anticipate blocks, allowing you to react quickly and effectively.
Practice: Repetition is Key
Repetition is crucial for developing muscle memory and mastering block shedding techniques.
- Individual Drills: Work on your hand placement, footwork, and technique through individual drills.
- Team Drills: Participate in team drills that simulate game-like situations, allowing you to practice shedding blocks against live opponents.
Expert Insights on Block Shedding
“Shedding blocks is all about winning the leverage battle,” says Coach Mike Jackson, a veteran defensive line coach with over 20 years of experience. “Get lower than your opponent, use your hands effectively, and don’t be afraid to be aggressive.”
He adds, “Film study is crucial for understanding your opponent’s tendencies. The more you study, the better you’ll be able to anticipate blocks and react accordingly.”
Conclusion
Mastering the art of shedding a block is an ongoing process that requires dedication, practice, and a deep understanding of leverage, hand placement, and various techniques. By implementing the principles outlined in this guide and dedicating yourself to film study and practice, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a dominant force on the defensive side of the ball. Remember, every play presents an opportunity to shed a block and make a game-changing play.
FAQs
- What are some common mistakes to avoid when shedding blocks?
Common mistakes include standing up too high, failing to use your hands effectively, and not being aggressive enough. - How can I improve my hand placement for block shedding?
Practice punching your hands upwards and outwards, focusing on maintaining a strong grip and controlling the blocker’s movement. - Is it important to be strong to shed blocks effectively?
While strength is beneficial, technique, leverage, and quickness are equally important for successful block shedding. - How can I use film study to improve my block shedding?
Focus on identifying your opponent’s blocking schemes, individual lineman tendencies, and any weaknesses you can exploit.
Need More Help?
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