PASS PROTECTION IS AN offensive lineman’s greatest challenge. It is a skill which requires patience and individual concentration, combined with controlled violence.

Perfection can be accomplished by any lineman if he has reasonable physical ability, pride, desire and the willingness to give an all-out effort to be the best.

7 Keys For Improvement
To become a good pass blocker, your offensive linemen must:

1. Have overall knowledge of the pass offense and protection variations.
2. Have knowledge of the opponent’s defensive scheme and individual tendencies.
3. Apply the proper technique based on the type of protection.
4. Know adjustments and where help comes from.
5. Know where the ball is thrown from (the quarterback’s set point).
6. Know the timing of the pass, 3-step, 5-step, 7-step.
7. Understand the execution of play action, naked, boots, sprint outs and screen passes.

Controlled Aggression
The variations of protection allow players to be aggressive and physical. Stress controlled aggression in all pass protections. Being passive is not allowed. Play nose-to-nose and toes-to-toes across the front. Your line should have the following goals:

No mental busts
No sacks or pressure
No penalties
No batted balls

Players must learn to study film and look for advantages. Linemen must study a defender’s rush tendencies, whether an opponent’s counter-moves are inside or out. Identify key tendencies for twist alerts, cheated alignments, weight distribution and a change of stance.

Pass Protection Fundamentals
* TEMPO: Linemen should have the ability to set with speed and quickness, based on the defender’s alignment. The set must be done in one motion, on the move and must beat the rusher to the set point. Linemen need to dictate attitude and establish position on the man. Prevent oversetting in slide and man protection schemes.

* TARGET: A lineman needs to play with big eyes. Players need to sight adjust to the landmark, get head and eyes on the target, and then look it in. Maintain body position on the defender. Players need to anticipate initial and second moves, honor inside moves, dishonor outside fakes. By maintaining the proper target, linemen keep a relative position between the rusher and the QB.

* FOOTWORK: Coordination of the hands and feet are vital. Carry feet under the hips. Linemen should be athletes and should always bend their knees. Keep the center of gravity down the mid-line. Keep a wide base. Maintain balance and body control.

* PUNCH: A decisive punch to stop the defender’s initial charge is critical. To do this, a lineman must deliver hands under and up for leverage and lockout. Strike the blow on the move to force the defender to restart, redirect and re-separate. It is important not to allow weight transfer on contact. Maintain leverage with the legs and keep shoulders square. Patience and timing are vital. Have your players develop poise in snapping the punch and locking out.

* FINISH: Linemen must finish! They must finish defenders as far away from the QB as possible. Help violently! It’s all about attitude, competing and battling the opponent from snap to whistle.


10 Commandments Of Pass Protection
1. Know your assignment, split and alignment.
2. Know the QB set-up point on each protection.
3. Know sets and techniques vs. all alignments.
4. Never miss an auto or line call.
5. Set quick and powerful. Cover your man up.
6. Don’t allow inside penetration. Never get beat inside on man protection.
7. Never take an outside fake and always honor the inside fake.
8. Work for position. Keep your feet in the ground.
9. Finish your job. Keep the rusher away from the QB.
10. Refuse to be beaten. Have pride!