The offensive lineman becomes one of the essential weapons of any good offense. The ability to contain players and control the line of scrimmage creates a basis for a strong offense. Working on fundamentals and blocking techniques on a daily basis helps offensive linemen succeed during game situations. These drills train linemen to stand their ground, in addition to protecting their quarterback and any other offensive players running with the ball. Being successful at this position requires endurance, upper body and lower body strength. Targeting these areas during a workout helps increase a player's strength.

One of the most critical factors to protecting the line of scrimmage originates in a player's stance. The offensive lineman's stance becomes the basis of his success on the field. Insuring that players have proper form is essential for effective blocking techniques. A proper stance requires that feet be placed shoulder-width apart. For players that are right-handed the right foot must be dropped slightly as the right hand touches the ground, and for left-handed players the left foot should drop a little as the left hand touches the field. Feet should be pointing down the field, towards the end zone. Players should then squat low enough so that they can roll their weight forward. This position allows players to push off the back foot and explode. Practicing this stance allows players to build a solid foundation for being an effective lineman. Head-to-head drills, where players go up against teammates at the sound of a whistle, help individuals work on timing, speed, and blocking.

In addition to head-to-head drills, linemen also need to work on run blocking. The key to effective run blocking is keeping the defender in front, and driving him toward his own goal line. It's aggressive in nature and players must be able to anticipate what their opponent may do. During practice, scrimmages give players the opportunity to work this technique and establish a rhythm.

The drive block features a different technique where players can take a defender in any direction. It's a basic block that requires great strength and speed. Players can work on this type of blocking during simple practice drills. Players form at the line of scrimmage and the offensive linemen takes a small power step toward the play side and then takes a second step that crosses over the first. As he does this, he strikes the defender with his helmet and hands. Linemen should practice this footwork on a daily basis so that they don't get tangled up during game situations. High-stepping through a series of tires or agility ladders also helps improve a player's footwork.

Pass protection requires that lineman protect the quarterback. Pass blocking is a simple offensive strategy in which the lineman positions himself between the defender and the quarterback. Upper and lower body strength is well tested in this position. Lifting weights and conditioning these muscles on a weekly basis, helps players excel during game time. Players must also learn to anticipate the defensive attack, the more they practice the better they'll get. In addition, the footwork during pass protection changes as the defensive players change direction.  Footwork becomes an integral part of a linemen's success.

Article by Anel Laj