Pad Blocking to test Drive Blocking Ability

When I try to figure out who my blockers are I run this youth football drill. Actually I have the Line Coaches run this drill. It is a simple drill where you have each player block against the coach was holding a dummy. The players start in a three point stance right in front of the pad. On the whistle, or snap the player hit the pad as hard as he can and drive blocks the coach. The coach should give resistance but let the player move him. The coach gives out a number giving that player a rating. We use a scale of 1 (weak) to 10 (strong). The players then go to the end of the line and wait their turn to try it again.

You will notice very fast that a competition will start among the players and they start asking each other “What was your score?” They all start trying to out do each other.

Similar to the Iron man drill, you will click quickly realize which players constantly tried to improve on their grade in which players shy away the competition.

You read time and time again that you are a coach of youth football, not High School or the Pros. You need to make sure that the weaker players do not get lost in the shuffle. You will have to keep great records and make sure you do not put these kids in bad situations for themselves or the team.

You will want to make sure the kids are always in the proper three point stance when they start this drill.

If you are not sure what a proper three point stance is please see The Proper Three Point Stance.

The other question that is always asked is should the youth football players be taught to block with their hands or their shoulder pads.
I believe the answer lies in which type of block your play needs at that time. The kids should be taught both techniques since certain situations will require different ways to block it.

Different kids may also feel more comfortable with one method over another so it is good ideas to have all kids try both ways.

If you need more details on these different youth football blocking techniques please go to that chapter in the book or check the website.

You will notice that the same kids seem to be your best runners, throwers and blockers. That is great since they will all have to block at some point on certain plays. Also depending on the offense you run many of the backs and ends have to make the key blocks and need to be your best blockers.


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