High School Tip of the Week - The Pass Pro Punch

As I watch High School Football games I am focusing on the Offensive Line. I am observing technique, alignment, execution, & effort. I look for common mistakes so I can help coaches & players improve.
One mistake I am seeing is Offensive Linemen not executing their punch in pass protection. In this video I analyze the punch in pass protection and show the proper technique to execute the block.
In this segment I am focusing on pass protection for drop back pass plays. To pass block in the drop back pass game, the blockers form a protective pocket allowing the quarterback to read the defense and deliver the throw.
The pass set for the drop back protection has 3 key components:
1) Inside -Out: The Offensive Lineman sets to an inside target of the defender keeping his weight inside and protecting his inside gap. The best target is the inside number of the defender. This allows the offensive lineman to block the inside 2/3rd of the defender with his outside 2/3rd. Keeping more weight on the inside leg protects against an inside move and allows the punch to force the defender wide.
2) Set to the target: The offensive lineman sets at an angle to intercept the path of the pass rusher. The pass set angle is determined by the width of the defender's alignment. The wider the defender, the deeper the first step to get to the set up point before the defender.
3) The second step remains pointing forward and moves congruent with the first step. The 2nd step must bring the offensive lineman back into a position of power before striking the defender. The offensive lineman must keep his hips and shoulders as square as possible to the line of scrimmage as long as possible. Turning too early allows the defender to beat the offensive lineman across his face and shortens the corner allowing the defender to get around the outside. It also leaves the offensive lineman flat footed without the ability to stop the bull rush.
The proper pass set can be mastered with repetition and many high school offensive lineman have decent pass sets. Their main issue is when they try to strike the pass rusher.
The fatal mistake occurs when the offensive lineman stops his feet when attempting to strike the defender. It feels stable to set your feet and punch, but defenders are usually taught to work 1/2 of the offensive lineman. A static punch with both feet planted often misses or delivers an insufficient strike allowing the pass rusher to get around the offensive lineman.
To remedy this problem an offensive lineman should never try to strike the defender with both feet planted. It's best to step and strike at the same time so the feet remain active and the offensive lineman can keep his inside out position against the defender.
A good way to remember this is to strike off your 3rd step. An offensive should set to the intersection point staying inside out (2/3rd rule), taking the proper angle, and staying square. Then strike the defender as they kick or post depending on the rushers angle.
From there the offensive lineman just needs to work the angle while staying in a good football position and fight to protect his quarterback.
Step and punch at the same time and offensive lineman will keep their quarterback clean and happy in the pocket.
Go to boberacademy.com/ for more info
The Bober Academy was founded in 2019 by 8 year NFL Veteran Chris Bober with the Mission to train and develop athletes to maximize their potential and succeed on the gridiron by coaching the fundamentals of offensive line technique. The Bober Academy believes in laying the the building blocks of O-Line Success first then repeating over and over until mastered. The Bober Academy offers O-Line instruction for all ages and skill levels through camps, clinics, & one to one learning.
Chris Bober went from a walk-on at Division II UNO to NFL starter by hard work, determination, & becoming a master of Offensive Line technique. After graduating from Omaha South High School Chris redshirted then became a 4 year starter helping his team win NCC Conference Champions in 1996 & 1998. He was a team captain and named to All America Team after his Junior & Senior seasons. Chris went un-drafted in the 2000 NFL Draft & signed with the NY Giants. He was cut after his rookie training camp, signed to the Practice Squad & finally to the active roster for the 2000 NFC Champion Giants. Chris stayed with Giants 4 seasons becoming the starting Center in 2002-2003. In 2004 Chris signed a free agent contract with the Kansas City Chiefs where he played 4 seasons starting games at Guard & Tackle. Chris retired in 2008 after multiple hip surgeries.
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