Dominate the Gridiron: How to Shed Blocks in Football (expert Guide)

So, you want to be a tackling machine? You’re tired of being stuck on a block, watching the play unfold right in front of you. You’re in the right place! Shedding blocks is a critical skill in football, separating the good defenders from the great. It allows you to make tackles, disrupt plays, and generally wreak havoc on the opposing offense.

This guide will break down everything you need to know about shedding blocks, from the fundamental techniques to advanced strategies. We’ll cover different types of blocks, how to recognize them, and the specific moves you can use to defeat them. Plus, we’ll dive into the importance of strength, leverage, and mental toughness. Get ready to transform your game and become a force to be reckoned with!

Understanding the Importance of Shedding Blocks

Before we jump into the ‘how,’ let’s clarify the ‘why.’ Why is shedding blocks so crucial? Simply put, it’s about making plays. If you can’t get off a block, you can’t make a tackle. You become a spectator. Shedding blocks gives you the opportunity to:

• Tackle the Ball Carrier: This is the primary goal. Get to the ball and stop the play.
• Disrupt the Play: Even if you don’t make the tackle, shedding a block can force the ball carrier to change direction, giving your teammates a chance to make a play.
• Pressure the Quarterback: If you’re a defensive lineman or linebacker, shedding blocks allows you to get to the quarterback and disrupt the passing game.
• Improve Your Stats: More tackles, sacks, and tackles for loss will boost your individual performance.
• Boost Team Morale: Big plays energize the team and demoralize the opponent.

Shedding blocks is a fundamental skill that directly impacts your ability to contribute to your team’s success. It’s not just about strength; it’s about technique, anticipation, and mental toughness.

Types of Blocks You’ll Encounter

Knowing the type of block you’re facing is the first step to shedding it effectively. Here are some common blocks you’ll see on the field:

1. The Drive Block

Definition: A drive block is when the blocker attempts to drive you backward, creating a running lane or protecting the quarterback. This is the most common block.

How to Recognize It: The blocker usually comes at you directly, attempting to get their body between you and the play. They’ll try to establish a base and drive you backward.

Shedding Strategy: We’ll cover specific techniques for this later, but the key is to use leverage and hand placement to control the blocker and get off the block.

2. The Cut Block

Definition: A cut block is a low block aimed at the legs of the defender. It’s designed to take away your legs and make you fall.

How to Recognize It: The blocker will drop their body low and aim for your legs. You’ll need to react quickly to avoid being taken down.

Shedding Strategy: This requires quick reactions and either jumping over the block or using your hands to get separation. This can be a dangerous block, so awareness is key.

3. The Zone Block

Definition: A zone block is used in zone running schemes. Blockers will work together to create running lanes, often assigning themselves a specific area to block.

How to Recognize It: The blocker’s assignment will be determined by the play call and your alignment. You might see double teams or blockers shifting laterally.

Shedding Strategy: Often, you need to defeat the initial block and then pursue the ball carrier, as the blocking scheme is designed to move laterally.

4. The Pass Block

Definition: Pass blocks are designed to give the quarterback time to throw the ball. They often involve a more upright stance and focus on protecting the pocket.

How to Recognize It: Blockers will have a wider base and prioritize staying between you and the quarterback.

Shedding Strategy: This often involves quick hands and using your power to push the blocker back or around, creating a lane to the quarterback.

5. The Double Team

Definition: Two blockers will team up to block one defender. This is a common tactic, especially against strong defensive players.

How to Recognize It: You’ll see two offensive players converging on you.

Shedding Strategy: The key here is to control one blocker and then work to shed the other. Use your leverage and hand placement to split the double team or force the ball carrier to run outside your block.

Essential Techniques for Shedding Blocks

Now, let’s get into the specific techniques you can use to shed blocks. Remember, practice is key. These techniques are more effective with repetition. (See Also: how to put a foundation under an existing shed)

1. The Swim Move

Description: The swim move involves using your arm to ‘swim’ over the blocker’s shoulder, getting your arm free and allowing you to disengage.

How-To:

1. Hand Placement: As the blocker engages, place one hand (the outside hand) on their shoulder or chest.
2. The Swim: Bring the other arm up and over the blocker’s shoulder, like you’re swimming.
3. Disengage: Use your momentum to pull your body free and step towards the ball carrier.

Best Used Against: Drive blocks and pass blocks.

2. The Rip Move

Description: The rip move involves ripping your arm up through the blocker’s arm, creating separation.

How-To:

1. Hand Placement: Get your hand inside the blocker’s arm.
2. The Rip: Bring your arm up and across the blocker’s body, like you’re ripping a shirt.
3. Disengage: Use the momentum of the rip to pull your body free and attack the ball carrier.

Best Used Against: Drive blocks and pass blocks.

3. The Bull Rush

Description: The bull rush involves using your strength to drive the blocker backward, creating a lane to the quarterback or ball carrier.

How-To:

1. Hand Placement: Get your hands inside the blocker’s chest.
2. The Drive: Use your legs and core to drive the blocker backward.
3. Disengage: Once the blocker is off balance, shed the block and make the play.

Best Used Against: Pass blocks and drive blocks.

4. The Club/push-Pull

Description: This technique involves using a combination of a club and a push-pull to disengage.

How-To:

1. The Club: Use your outside arm to ‘club’ the blocker’s arm, creating space.
2. The Push-Pull: Use your inside arm to push the blocker’s chest, then pull them off balance.
3. Disengage: Step around the blocker and make the play.

Best Used Against: Drive blocks.

5. The Cross-Face

Description: This move involves using your hand to cross the blocker’s face, creating space and allowing you to shed the block.

How-To:

1. Hand Placement: Get your hand across the blocker’s face.
2. The Push: Push the blocker’s head away, creating space.
3. Disengage: Step around the blocker and make the play.

Best Used Against: Drive blocks and pass blocks.

6. The Spin Move

Description: This is a more advanced move that involves spinning to avoid the blocker. It requires agility and good balance.

How-To:

1. Assess: Determine if the spin move is the best option (i.e., the blocker is over-extended).
2. The Spin: Spin away from the blocker, using your momentum.
3. Disengage: Keep your eyes on the ball and quickly pursue the ball carrier.

Best Used Against: Over-aggressive blockers.

Key Principles for Effective Block Shedding

Beyond specific techniques, some core principles will dramatically improve your ability to shed blocks.

1. Leverage

Definition: Leverage is the ability to use your body position to gain an advantage over your opponent. It’s all about using angles and body positioning to control the blocker. (See Also: how much does it cost to move a shed)

How to Use It:

• Stay Low: A lower center of gravity gives you more power and makes it harder for the blocker to move you.
• Angle of Attack: Attack the blocker at an angle to create space and avoid getting locked up.
• Hand Placement: Get your hands inside the blocker’s chest or shoulders to control their movement.

2. Hand Placement

Definition: Where you place your hands is critical. Poor hand placement will leave you vulnerable to the block.

Best Practices:

• Inside Hands: Aim to get your hands inside the blocker’s chest or shoulders. This gives you control and prevents them from getting their hands on you first.
• Punch and Extend: Punch with your hands and extend your arms to create separation.
• Stay Active: Don’t let the blocker control your hands. Constantly work to maintain control and get your hands in the right position.

3. Footwork

Definition: Your footwork is the foundation for all your moves. It provides the power and agility you need to shed blocks.

Key Points:

• Quick Feet: Use short, choppy steps to maintain balance and react quickly.
• Lateral Movement: Be able to move laterally to avoid getting sealed.
• Explosive First Step: Explode off the line to beat the blocker to the point of attack.

4. Strength and Conditioning

Definition: Physical strength is essential for shedding blocks, but it’s not the only factor. Conditioning ensures you can maintain your strength throughout the game.

Training Focus:

• Upper Body Strength: Focus on exercises like bench press, rows, and pull-ups to develop upper body power.
• Core Strength: A strong core provides stability and allows you to generate power.
• Explosive Movements: Exercises like box jumps and power cleans will improve your explosiveness.
• Agility Drills: Agility ladders and cone drills will improve your footwork and quickness.
• Endurance: Running drills will help maintain your energy throughout the game.

5. Film Study and Anticipation

Definition: Watching film is crucial for understanding your opponent’s tendencies and anticipating their blocks.

How to Watch Film:

• Identify Blocking Schemes: Learn to recognize the different blocking schemes your opponent uses.
• Study Individual Blockers: Observe how individual blockers set up and execute their blocks.
• Look for Tendencies: Does a particular blocker favor a specific move? Do they telegraph their blocks?
• Anticipate the Play: Based on the formation and down and distance, try to anticipate the play and how the blockers will react.

6. Mental Toughness

Definition: Football is a mental game. You need to be able to stay focused, even when you’re getting blocked.

Key Mindset:

• Persistence: Never give up. Keep fighting to shed the block and make the play.
• Aggression: Play with controlled aggression. Don’t be afraid to initiate contact and be physical.
• Focus: Stay focused on your assignment and the ball carrier.
• Resilience: Don’t let a missed block or a bad play discourage you. Bounce back and keep fighting.

Putting It All Together: A Step-by-Step Approach

Here’s a practical approach to shedding blocks, combining the techniques and principles we’ve discussed:

1. Pre-Snap Assessment:

• Read the formation and identify potential blocking schemes.
• Study the blocker’s stance and tendencies.
• Anticipate the play.

Initial Contact:

• Get your hands inside the blocker’s chest or shoulders.
• Establish leverage.

React to the Block:

• Identify the type of block.
• Choose the appropriate shedding technique (swim, rip, bull rush, etc.).

Execute the Technique:

• Use proper form and technique.
• Generate power and explosiveness.

Disengage and Make the Play:

• Shed the block and quickly pursue the ball carrier or quarterback.
• Make the tackle or disrupt the play.

Post-Play Analysis:

• Learn from your mistakes.
• Identify areas for improvement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding these common mistakes will significantly improve your block-shedding ability:

• Poor Hand Placement: Letting the blocker get their hands inside.
• Standing Upright: Losing leverage.
• Hesitation: Reacting too slowly.
• Over-committing: Getting out of position.
• Not Using Your Hands: Failing to punch and extend.
• Focusing Too Much on the Blocker: Losing sight of the ball carrier.
• Giving Up: Losing the mental battle.

Drills to Improve Your Block Shedding

Practice makes perfect. Here are some drills you can do to improve your block-shedding skills:

1. The Bag Drill

Description: This drill involves using a tackling dummy or blocking bag to simulate a block. This drill is great for working on hand placement and technique.

How to Do It: Have a teammate hold the bag. Practice your swim move, rip move, or bull rush on the bag. Focus on proper hand placement and technique. Work on getting off the block and pursuing the ball carrier.

2. The Partner Drill

Description: This drill involves a partner simulating a block. It helps you react to different blocking styles.

How to Do It: Have a teammate stand in front of you and simulate a drive block, pass block, or other block type. Practice shedding the block using the appropriate technique. Work on staying low, using leverage, and controlling the blocker.

3. The Cone Drill

Description: This drill improves your footwork and agility, which are crucial for shedding blocks.

How to Do It: Set up cones in a line or a pattern. Practice shuffling, backpedaling, and changing direction around the cones. This will help you improve your balance, quickness, and ability to move laterally. (See Also: how to put together a rubbermaid shed)

4. The Pursuit Drill

Description: This drill combines block shedding with tackling.

How to Do It: Have a teammate line up as the ball carrier. Have another teammate act as the blocker. The defender sheds the block and pursues the ball carrier, attempting to make a tackle.

5. The Agility Ladder Drill

Description: This improves footwork and coordination.

How to Do It: Use an agility ladder to practice various footwork patterns, like in-and-outs, lateral shuffles, and high knees. This will improve your quickness and agility.

Advanced Strategies for Elite Block Shedding

Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, you can start incorporating these advanced strategies.

1. Pre-Snap Reads and Adjustments

Description: Use pre-snap reads to anticipate the block and adjust your technique.

How to Do It: Study the formation, the offensive line’s splits, and the backfield alignment. Look for any tells that might indicate the blocking scheme. Based on your reads, adjust your stance, hand placement, and approach.

2. Utilizing Your Teammates

Description: Work with your teammates to create opportunities to shed blocks.

How to Do It: Communicate with your teammates. If you’re getting double-teamed, let your teammate know. Coordinate your efforts to split the double team or force the ball carrier to run into your teammate. Trust your teammates to do their jobs.

3. Varying Your Techniques

Description: Don’t always use the same technique. Keep the blocker guessing.

How to Do It: Mix up your techniques. If you’ve been using the swim move, try the rip move or the bull rush. This will prevent the blocker from getting comfortable and make it harder for them to anticipate your moves.

4. Using Momentum to Your Advantage

Description: Use the blocker’s momentum against them.

How to Do It: If the blocker is over-aggressive, use their momentum to your advantage. If they’re leaning forward, use the bull rush to drive them back. If they’re over-extended, use the swim move or rip move to get around them.

5. Developing a Relentless Motor

Description: Never give up. Keep fighting until the whistle blows.

How to Do It: Maintain a high level of intensity throughout the game. Even if you get blocked on one play, keep fighting on the next play. Play with a relentless motor and never give up on a play. This will wear down your opponents and increase your chances of making plays.

The Mental Game: Staying Tough

The mental aspect of shedding blocks is just as important as the physical. Here are some tips to help you stay mentally tough:

• Visualize Success: Before the game, visualize yourself shedding blocks and making plays.
• Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude, even when things are tough.
• Control Your Emotions: Don’t let frustration or anger get the best of you.
• Focus on the Process: Focus on executing your techniques and making the right reads.
• Learn from Your Mistakes: Don’t dwell on your mistakes. Learn from them and move on.
• Trust Your Training: Trust that your training has prepared you for this moment.

Final Verdict

Shedding blocks is a skill that can be mastered with practice, dedication, and the right approach. By understanding the different types of blocks, mastering the fundamental techniques, and applying the key principles of leverage, hand placement, and footwork, you can transform your game. Remember to focus on the mental aspect of the game, stay mentally tough, and never give up. Go out there, dominate your opponents, and become a force on the gridiron.

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