Center vs NT - proper step

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Permalink Reply by o_line_coach on August 22, 2010 at 11:44am

If you have a heavy set NT that's not too fast, you center should be able to reach block him if he's line up in a 1-tech. In order to do that, your center will have to practice side stepping at the same time as he is snapping the ball. To drill this have a guy with a bag line up the way you want and have the center snap & step at the same time. As first it will get messy but eventually your center will get the hang of it and gain a lot of speed doing so. Not an easy drill but one that pays off.

If you have a smaller, faster DT lined up there and your center has a hard time reaching him he can just cut block the DT.

We oftent manage that by having an audible on the LOS. to adjust the play to the defensive front presented to us. That pretty much takes care of itself right there.

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Permalink Reply by alex mctrusty on August 25, 2010 at 12:48pm

I learned this technique from Coach Hanifan (St. Louis Rams) at coaching clinic about 15 years ago. My centers have great success using it. Have your center execute a bucket ( I call it a drop) step that is used in zone schemes. The step is not straight back, it gains slight width. The width is more to widen the base of the center than to gain any initial leverage on the NG. The toe should turn 45 degrees, which will set the angle of attack to the + technique ( strong shade NG). The shoulders of the center should turn at the same angle. A general rule is the further away the defender is the deeper the drop and shoulder turn. A phrase commonly heard is give ground to gain an angle. Make sure the second step of the center is targeted toward the inside of the outside foot of the + ng, not outside of the foot like you are trying to reach around him, this would cause the base of the center to narrow and he would easily get squeezed into the hole. Pad level is key here, inside shoulder at hip of the + ng. Remember you are not reaching the ng but knocking him off the ball at a 45. Drill? Practice the first two steps with a defender holding a bag and stepping into the center.

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Permalink Reply by Ross Grall on September 21, 2010 at 10:15am

The best thing to help with this is short board work. Center has to take a flat step down the line and get his head across. It is abosultely a must to get his head across the nose guard. Also, the center has to make sure that he takes a long quick step in order to gain position on the nose guard. Once he get's his head in position, he needs to sun his feet and press his left arm through the playside shoulder. this is a difficult task to do versus solid defensive players but the more you practice it, the easier it becomes.

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Permalink Reply by Marcos Hoff on September 27, 2010 at 8:16am

Coach Hanifan??? Wow - I used to run into him at the Red Dog in St. Charles. He's quite a character. I will definitely try your (and otehrs) recommendations.

Thanks

Marcos

alex mctrusty said:

I learned this technique from Coach Hanifan (St. Louis Rams) at coaching clinic about 15 years ago. My centers have great success using it. Have your center execute a bucket ( I call it a drop) step that is used in zone schemes. The step is not straight back, it gains slight width. The width is more to widen the base of the center than to gain any initial leverage on the NG. The toe should turn 45 degrees, which will set the angle of attack to the + technique ( strong shade NG). The shoulders of the center should turn at the same angle. A general rule is the further away the defender is the deeper the drop and shoulder turn. A phrase commonly heard is give ground to gain an angle. Make sure the second step of the center is targeted toward the inside of the outside foot of the + ng, not outside of the foot like you are trying to reach around him, this would cause the base of the center to narrow and he would easily get squeezed into the hole. Pad level is key here, inside shoulder at hip of the + ng. Remember you are not reaching the ng but knocking him off the ball at a 45. Drill? Practice the first two steps with a defender holding a bag and stepping into the center.

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