Allen East Football

Offensive Line Manual

Kevin Schelb
Offensive Line Coach: Allen East High School
schelbk@ae.noacsc.org
740-360-9988
 Table of Contents

Goals: Offensive………………………………………………………..………………3
Goals: Unit/Individual…………………………………………………………….… 3
Expectations of an Offensive Lineman………………………………………….…4
Huddle Mechanics…………………………………………………………………….6
Splits………………………………………………………………………………….…7
Stance…………………………………………………………………………….……..7
Fundamentals of Run Blocking……………………………………………………..8
Fundamentals of Pass Protection………………………………………….……….9
Steps……………………………………………………………………………….……10
Run Blocking Techniques…………………………………………………….……..11
Pass Protection Techniques…………………………………………………….…..14
Terminology/Phrases…………………………………………………………………15
Line of Scrimmage Calls
Run Game……………………….…………………………………………….16
Pass Game……………………………………….……………………………17
Defensive Identification……………………………………………….……………18
Examples……………………………………………………………………...18
Film Study Sheet………………………………………………………………….…19
Sample Grade Sheet…………………………………………………………….…..21
Food for Thought……………………………………………………………….……22

“Linemen are literally the unsung heroes of the game. Their

situation is analogous to the infantry in warfare. They do the
hard, bitter fighting for victory. As the generals reap the
headlines in war, the backs reap the headlines in football. Yet in
their hearts, the generals and backs know that victory and the
accolades came to them through the work of the footsoldiers and
linemen.”
--Gomer Jones

“To be a good offensive line requires more than just discipline or

good blocking technique, it requires pride -- pride in yourself,
your group and your team. A team with pride is a hard team to
beat, because they're willing to do the little things that most
teams aren't willing to do.”
Offensive Goals:
1) WIN!!!!!
2) 125 yards rushing
3) 100 yards passing
4) 225 total yards of offense
5) 1 or fewer turnovers
6) No Sacks
7) Zero Fumbles lost
8) 10 First Downs
9) 8 yards per pass attempt
10) 4.5 yards per rush attempt

Offensive Line Goals:

1: ____________________________________________________________________

2: ____________________________________________________________________

3: ____________________________________________________________________

4: ____________________________________________________________________

5: ____________________________________________________________________

Individual Goals:
1: ____________________________________________________________________

2: ____________________________________________________________________

3: ____________________________________________________________________

4: ____________________________________________________________________

5: ____________________________________________________________________
 Expectations of an Offensive Lineman at Allen East
Being an offensive lineman is far and away the most difficult position to play on the field. It takes a special person to play
the position, and an exceptional person to excel at the position. The following are five of the major things that we expect
from our offensive lineman.

1) Toughness: Physical/Mental
Football is a game that requires more toughness than many other things you have done up to this
point in your life, and being an offensive lineman requires more toughness than any other position
on the field, both physically and mentally. Playing in the trenches, you will be getting hit on every
play and will typically feel very beat up. There is a major difference between being injured and
hurt and you must quickly learn to make that distinction. It is impossible for you to do your job
standing on the sidelines in street clothes, and if that happens someone else will be getting your
reps. Just as important as physical toughness is the mental aspect of being tough. In this game, you
will eventually find yourself back up against a wall, either from a tough opponent or a coach who is
pushing you. If you truly want to succeed in this game, as well as life, you must not cower in these
situations, simply because the task looks tough, but instead, embrace them as a chance to show just
how tough you really are, mentally. Individuals and teams who are able to do this will always be
the most successful.

2) Well Prepared
Former Ohio State football coach, Woody Hayes, was famous for saying, “Give me enough of a
head start and I can beat Jesse Owens in a 100 meter dash.” What Coach Hayes meant by this is
that even if he was not as talented as someone else he could even the playing field by outworking
that individual. This concept applies not just to football, but in life as well. It is your job to utilize
all the various ways we will have to prepare yourself for games. Doing this requires you to study
film of your opponent and of yourself, as well as make yourself familiar with your scouting report.
If you are diligent in studying both your film and scouting report you will feel much more confident
when you take the field on Friday, this way you will not be seeing things for the first time and will
have a good idea as to what to expect from your opponent.

3) Practice Player
Practice is often seen as something that players have to drag themselves through, and simply
survive. To be successful, however, this cannot be the case. You must show up to practice every
day and be ready to improve. Teams who practice poorly will almost always play in that same
fashion. There is no switch that you can flip on game day to be intense and focused if you have not
practiced that way all week. This is not to say that practice will always be fun, because it won’t be
that way. As an offensive lineman you will often find yourself doing the same drills, day after day,
because those are the drills that we need the most. With that being said, you must find a way, as a
player to keep yourself focused on the task you need to accomplish and do it with as much
enthusiasm as possible. When you take care of this individually, it inevitably rubs off on to the rest
of your teammates and sets the tone for a solid practice.
4) Leaders: Vocal/Example
Something that this world needs more of is individuals who are willing to lead in a positive manner.
Many times people think of a leader as just someone who will talk in front of the team and get
everyone ready to go. That type of leader is a vocal leader, and is certainly a necessity on every
team. Another type of leader is one who leads by example. This individual is not a “ra-ra” person,
rather the way in which he shows his leadership ability is by showing up every day ready to work
and do things right: the way they are supposed to be done. The point to be made here is that not
everyone is a vocal leader. However, often times one of the best ways to lead is just by doing it
through example. Regardless of which type of leader you are, part of being that leader is making
sure that others are doing the right thing when they are supposed to be. If you truly care about this
team, you will make sure that others are acting and practicing, as they should be, throughout the
year.

5) Attitude
Possibly the most important aspect of being an offensive lineman is the attitude that you have day
in and day out, both on the field and in the classroom. There have been many great players/teams
who were ruined by poor attitudes, which caused selfishness and laziness. It takes absolutely
nothing special to have a positive attitude about things, which allows you to approach football/life
the right way. In many ways, attitude is similar to mental toughness. Despite all of the things
happening around you, you have to be able to stay in the right frame of mind and keep a good
attitude. Attitudes are infectious and whichever you have, either a positive or a negative one, will
leave its impact on all the others that you deal with on a day-to-day basis. How do you want to
impact others?
Huddle Mechanics:
“A Simple Efficient Business Meeting”

We will line up as a unit 7 yards from the football. The center will set the huddle and call the down and distance
for the rest of the offense. The quarterback will be the only one talking in the huddle. If you do not get the play
or the snap count, simply say, “check” and the QB will repeat the play to you (do not be a habitual “checker,”
pay attention in the huddle).

Upon breaking the huddle we will JOG to the line of scrimmage. This is an important tempo setter to our
offense and must not be neglected.

“Six Second Rule”

The six second rule refers to the time between the break of the huddle and the offense snapping the ball. These
are some of the most important seconds for a player. As a lineman you have a specific routine that you should
go through to help you accomplish your assignment.
1) What is my assignment on this play?
2) Is there anything special I should do based on my assignment?
3) What should I expect from the defense on this play? (alignment/movement)
4) What are my major threats from the defense on this play? (alignment/movement)
What can make me look bad?
5) Are there any calls that I need to make based on the play/defense?

“LOS Calls”
When we reach the line of scrimmage there will be a number of calls that we will make in order to help us
determine the best blocking assignment to be in for that particular play.

Defensive Structure Calls: When the center reaches the LOS, he will call out what the defense is giving
us. He will call the front (even/base/open/nose) as well as the LB structure (stack/solo).

Co-Op Calls: In our running game we will look to find as many double teams as possible. When you are
going through your rule progressions, and if you are part of a double team, you will call out the name
for that co-op as well as thick/thin. (uncovered lineman [the one giving help] are responsible for making
the call)
Splits:
Vertical Splits:
As a lineman we always want to be off the ball as far as legally possible. Doing this allows us more room to gain
momentum and also lets us see things develop in front of us.

Guards: Align with your toes behind the centers shoes (down hand on the heel). Doing this should place your
helmet right on the centers belt.

Tackles/Tight Ends: Align with your inside foot on the same plane as the guards/tackles inside foot. Doing this
keeps us from being back too far.

Horizontal Splits
Guard/Center: 2’
Guard/Tackle: 3’
Tackle/Tight End: 3’

These splits can be adjusted depending on the play and your assignment. If it is a trap play widen out your split.
If it as an outside play/pass reduce your split.

Smart Splits: If you are involved in a double team, cut your split down an extra 6” to reduce the amount of
space that the two of you have to cover.

Stance:
As an offensive lineman, it is imperative that you have a good stance to work out of. There are three major
areas of emphasis for your stance.

Base: As an offensive lineman your feet should be set slightly wider than shoulder width apart. Your feet should
remain pointing straight ahead (not out or in). The foot of the hand the lineman placed on the ground (if right
hand on the ground the right foot) should be staggered back to create a toe/instep relationship. The knees
should be pointed slightly in so that you feel tight in your lower body. If done correctly, your lower body will
look similar to a triangle.

Torso: The torso of a lineman should remain in a flat position. The tail should only come up as high as it needs
to in order to create that flat position.

Hand: The down hand of the offensive lineman will be placed straight down, approximately three inches inside of
the foot, to keep the offensive lineman’s shoulders square, with enough weight to accomplish what the lineman
needs to do. Ideally, the amount of weight on the hand will be such that the OL can still pick his hand up
without movement in his stance. The off hand will be pinned to the side of the knee.
Fundamentals of Run Blocking
1) Proper first two steps: Your first two steps will determine your blocks effectiveness, and there must be no
false steps. These two first steps must “pound the ground” and get in the ground quickly. You want
your first two steps in the ground before you make contact with the defender.

2) Punch/Delivery: Shoot hand to the aiming point based on your block (don’t wind up). This should be a
violent punch that shocks the defender. As you punch you must make sure to keep your hands and
elbows tight to your body (grow out of your ribcage).

The black dots indicate the

proper hand placement for the
punch

3) Leverage: There are two different types of leverage: 1) Inside Leverage – this leverage refers to you
having your hands on the defender’s breastplate (“control the driving wheel”), which is done with a good
punch. 2) Vertical Leverage – this refers to having your pads underneath the defenders, which is
accomplished by having your helmet underneath the defender’s chin and bending at the knees.

4) Duck Demeanor: Drive phase of the block. After making initial contact with the defender you must
reaccelerate your feet to get movement. Your feet must be wide (wide base) and pointed out. This puts
all of your weight on the insides of your feet. You must then take powerful rapid driving steps to get
movement on the defender.

5) Finish: In order to properly finish a block you must first bring your hips underneath your pads (“roll
your hips”). Doing this allows you to get lift on the defender There are two ways to effectively finish a
block: 1) Domination Block (pancake), 2) Maintaining contact till the end of the whistle (stick and stay)

Good examples of the drive portion of the block. Note the wide base of the offensive
lineman and their toes pointed out. Also, look at the pads of the OL underneath the
pads of the defensive lineman.
Fundamentals of Pass Protection
1) Pass Set Position: “The most uncomfortable position possible”. Inside foot should be up (post foot) with
the outside foot back (kick foot). Your back should be arched, head back, and hands up ready to deliver
the punch. This position must be achieved as quickly as possible (get from stance to set). You should
also be in a semi squatted position, with your butt down.

2) Set by alignment: We always want to achieve a half man advantage (“give him the edge”) in order to
prevent penetration inside. To do this our midline must be placed on the rusher’s inside leg. Your set
will vary based on where the defender is aligned and on the protection called.
Bob:
*Defender headup/inside: Jam Set
*Defender outside shade: Kick Set (reset the feet)
*Defender a man removed: Kick Set (1-3 kicks)
Sprintout:
*Defender headup/playside: Jam Set
*Uncovered (backside): 45° reach and hinge
Slide:
*Covered/Uncovered: Jam Set

3) Punch: When punching in pass protection we want a 4” punch, to stun the defender. Do not over
extend in the punch. Your aiming point is the breastplate of the defender.

4) Feet: After punching the defender you must continue to move your feet. Doing this allows you to adjust
to any move the defender gives you.

5) Understand the protection: Before the snap of the ball you must have an understanding of where the
QB will be in the pocket. Having that we know where we must prevent the rush from going and where
we can “funnel it”
Steps
These are the steps that are used for our core running game and pass protection schemes.
*Note*: 1/2 indicate the first step (1) and second step (2)
Run Blocking Techniques
1) Drive Block
Defined: When a lineman has to base drive a defender aligned head up, or is the post man in a co-op
Uses: Lead, Veer, Drive, Lead Trap, Wedge
Step:
•Drive Step (“pound the ground”)
Aiming Point: Midpoint of Jersey
•Shoot hands to breast plate (control driving wheel)
Coaching Points
•Flat Back (roll the back knee to the ground)
•Get second step on ground before making contact
–“Don’t take him in one”
•Reaccelerate the feet on contact
•Drive defender using duck demeanor technique

2) Lead Block
Defined: When an OL has to base drive a defender in Lead/Veer by himself that is shaded, or is the drive
man in a co-op
Uses: Lead, Veer, Drive, Lead Trap, Wedge
Step:
•Lead Step
Aiming Point: Playside Number
•Shoot hands to breast plate (control driving wheel)
Coaching Points
•Flat Back (roll the back knee to the ground)
•Get second step on the ground before making contact
–“Don’t take him in one”
•Reaccelerate the feet on contact
•Drive defender using duck demeanor technique

3) Down Block
Defined: When an OL to block a defender aligned in his inside gap away from the play.
Uses: Trap, Lead Trap, Lead Sweep, Walked LB in Co-op
Step:
•Down Step
Aiming Point: Opposite Shoulder/Helmet/Near Hip
Outside Shoulder – Penetrator
Near Hip – Reader
Helmet – Catch All
Coaching Points
•Prevent Penetration
•Flat Back (roll the back knee to the ground)
•Squeeze it (get to the defender)
•Helmet in front of defender
•Outside hand underneath the armpit
•Reaccelerate the feet on contact
•Drive defender using duck demeanor technique
4) Reach Block
Defined: When an OL to block a defender aligned in his playside gap on an outside play.
Uses: Jet, Rocket, Lead Sweep, Stretch
Step:
•Reach Step (covered/uncovered)
•Covered: Man aligned in gap or head up. Uncovered: No one in playside gap or head up.
Aiming Point: Playside Armpit/Belt Buckle
•Playside Armpit: Covered
•Belt Buckle: Uncovered
Coaching Points
•Take proper first step based on alignment
–The wider the man the deeper the step
•Get opposite shoulder to the playside armpit of the defender (“Stick Technique”)
•Maintain contact with the defender and run him
Attempt to pin inside, but if he won’t be hooked maintain contact and run defender to sideline.

5) Trap Pull
Defined: When an OL is kicking out a down lineman
Uses: Trap, “G”
Step:
•Trap Pull
Aiming Point: Inside hip of the down lineman
Coaching Points
•While taking step throw the step side arm back to open hips to the down lineman
•Work into the line of scrimmage
•Take the worst possible angle (assume the DL will close)
•Run through the trap
–Head on inside, use shoulders and hands
•If there is no hole blow the whole thing up.

6) Wrap Pull
Defined: When an OL is pulling and leading up on an LB/Force Player
Uses: Lead Trap, Jet, Rocket, “Fold”
Steps: (athlete dependent)
•Skip Pull
•Power Pull
*Open Pull (open hips to sideline)
Aiming Point: Defenders midline
Coaching Points
•As you pull get eyes to linebacker level (be alert for run throughs)
•Hug the double team (pat it on the butt)
–If there is no hole blow the whole thing up.
•Never stop in the hole
•Be in control when making contact
•Adjust to linebacker flow
–“Read the helmet”: If it is inside of you pin it, if it is head up or outside than lock up and run him.
–Stay in contact with the LB
7) DART (Dip And Release To LB)
Defined: When an OL escaping inside a DL to a second level player.
Uses: Trap, Veer, Dive, Lead Trap
Steps:
•Escape step
Aiming Point: Defenders midline/ Near Hip of LB
Coaching Points
•When taking escape step rip the opposite arm through
-Avoid contact with defensive lineman
•“Get skinny”
•Get to LB level under control

8) Co-Op
Defined: When two offensive lineman are doubling a down lineman, working to a linebacker
Uses: Lead, Veer, Dive, Lead Trap
Steps:
•Post Man (covered): Drive step
•Drive Man (uncovered): Lead Step
Aiming Point:
•Near number of down lineman
Coaching Points
•Get hip to hip on down lineman
–Don’t let him split the double team
•Don’t hog the double
–Let your teammate help you
•Don’t work against each other
–Both work for vertical movement
•Get movement on the down lineman before worrying about the linebacker
•Keep eyes on the linebacker
“Feel the down and see the backer”

9) Fold Co-Op
Defined: A co-op where the drive man blocks down on the defensive lineman and the post man wraps
around for the LB
Pass Protection Techniques
These are the various techniques you will need to master in order to effectively pass protect

1) Kick Set
Defined: OL is man protecting
Uses: BOB protection
Steps:
•Kick Step
Aiming Point: Inside armpit/number
Coaching Points
•Get from stance to set!!
•Alignment dictates the kick
- Outside Shade: Reset the feet (outside foot back, inside up)
–Wide Rusher (man removed): 1-3 “kicks”
»Drive off inside foot, then kick
•Get the “half man” advantage
- Your midline on his inside leg

2) Jam Set
Defined: OL is protecting a gap/inside shade
Uses: Slide protection, Man on inside shade
Steps:
•Jam Set
Aiming Point: Inside armpit/number
Coaching Points
•Get from stance to set!
•Stay square to the line of scrimmage
•Man on inside half: take as many sets as you need to get the half man advantage
–If defender continues to go inside it becomes a run block

3) Reach/Hinge
Defined: OL is protecting a gap on backside of sprint protection when gap is unthreatened
Uses: Sprintout protection
Steps:
•45° Reach/ Peel
–Inside foot steps inside at a 45° angle, looking for possible angle and blitz. If nothing shows
hinge back looking for work.
Aiming Point: Near Threat
Coaching Points
•Know your possible threats (what can make me look bad)
•When hinging work to get back to same level as center.

4) Power Set
Defined: OL is man protecting, but wants to show run and not give any ground
Uses: BOB protection
Steps:
•Lead Step footwork
–Take the first two steps of a lead step footwork and then pass protect
Aiming Point: Breastplate of the defender
Coaching Points
•Once you make contact with the down lineman regroup and pass protect as usual.
•Keep your pads low with your head up.
Terminology
The following are major terms/phrases that you will need to know for offensive line play.

Post Man: Inside (covered) man on the double team. He will execute a drive step to the down lineman. Aiming
Point: Near Number

Drive Man: Outside (uncovered) man on the double team. He will execute a lead step to the near number of the
down lineman. Aiming Point: Near Number

Near LB: LB stacked over or to the backside of the post man in the co-op

Backside LB: LB stacked to the backside of the post man in the co-op.

Phrases
1) “Run the Rail”: Phrase used to describe the concept in our reach plays (toss/jet/rocket). On these plays
all OL want to get on their 45° tracks and run to cut off pursuit.
2) “Four Hands Four Eyes” : Phrase to describe the concept in our Co-Ops. We want to get maximum
push on the down lineman with the four hands while doing this keeping our eyes on the LB so we are
able to come off on him
3) “Feel the Down See the Backer”: When we are involved in a Co-op we must keep our eyes focused on
the LB in order to pick up any movement.
4) “Leverage”: Phrase to describe getting your pads under the defender’s.
5) “Pound the Ground”: Phrase to describe the forceful steps you must take when executing a block.
6) “Fast Feet”: Phrase to describe how the feet must move when in the drive phase of the block. We want
rapid powerful steps in order to get movement.
7) “Reaccelerate the Feet”: Phrase to describe the concept that when we make contact with a defender our
feet must speed up in order to get movement.
8) “Bring your hips with you”/”Hips under Pads”: Phrase to describe the concept that when blocking a
defender you must bring you hips with you in order to get lift/movement.
9) “Wide Base”: Phrase to describe the fact you must keep you feet wider than shoulder width when
driving a defender, or pass protecting. This allows you to adjust to any movement by the defender.
10) “Control the Driving Wheel”: Phrase to describe having inside leverage on a defender. To do this you
must have a good punch to the defenders breastplate to have your hands inside.
Line of Scrimmage Calls
The following are calls that will be made at the line of scrimmage to help us communicate solidify our blocking
schemes.

Run Game Calls

Cross – Tackle down blocks and Guard pulls and traps behind down block. If this call is made then the C must
reach playside (can never block back on a 1 technique). Made when running lead vs. a 3/5 look.

Example of a Cross Call

Zebra - Call made which forces co-ops to rotate to the frontside linebacker. This call will be made any time the
drive man is the inside man in the co-op and the LB is stacked over top of the post man. In this case the post
man will likely be coming off to the playside. Typically used when running Lead to the weak side v. 4-4

Example of a Zebra call

Down – Call made by the post man that the LB they are responsible for has walked up into the gap (showing
blitz) and he will down block on the LB. The drive man’s block is now a down block on the DL.

Example of a Down call

Scoop – Called when the backside of a play will not be working in combos, and instead their responsibility
becomes their playside gap to their near LB. This call is an adjustment if we see a team that blitzes a fair
amount. All backside OL will take a reach step (covered/uncovered) instead of a drive/lead step.

Example of Scoop Call

“LB Number” – When part of a Co-Op, both linemen will call out the number of the LB that they are working
to, so that everyone is on the same page. For example: If there is a payroll to the middle linebacker and his
number is 55, the guard/tackle would both call, “Payroll 55”
Passing Game Calls:
Tex: Tight End will stay in on the protection. Automatic vs. 5 man fronts (Base/Open) on 90’s passes.
 Example of a defense with an auto Black on 90’s

Tampa: Call made by the Guard to the Tackle to tell him he will have no help vs. a 3 technique and the Tackle
must come down hard. Made versus a zero technique nose guard.(“Nose)

Here the LG would make the “Tampa”

call to alert the LT that he will not be
helping him on the three technique. He
will be down to the Rover and the LT
has the DT by himself.

Fire: Alert made by the Tackle/Tight End to alert the rest of playside OL that an edge blitz is coming and they
must slide a man over to pick up the blitz game.

In this case the LT would call “Fire” as he

sees the LB walking up to the LOS. All of
the other OL anticipate a pinch to them

Black: Both running backs will be involved in the protection.

Max: Both running backs will be involved in the protection, as well as the Tight End.

Defensive Identification
These are the terms that we will use to communicate what the defenses are giving to us.
Structure
Even – The Center is uncovered, 4 down lineman

Base – The Center is covered, 5 down lineman

Open – The center is uncovered, 5 down lineman

Nose – 3/0/3 alignment

Defensive Line Alignments

LB Alignment
Stack – There are two inside linebackers, stacked over top of the guards, 2-4 LBs total

Solo – There is one inside linebacker, stacked over top of the center. 3 LBs total.

Mike – Solo LB in the middle

Meg – Backside stack LB in a stack set (always to the weak side) with 4LB

Whip – Weakside LB

Stud – Strongside LB

Movement
Fire – Outside LB blitzes off the edge (C/D gap)

Example of a Fire

Twist – Two defensive lineman exchange gap responsibility at the snap. One
DL will cross the face of an OL (penetrator) and another will loop over top (looper).

Example of a twist

Pinch – Defensive lineman crosses the face to the inside of an offensive lineman.

Example of a pinch

Angle – Defensive lineman slants to the outside of an offensive lineman (opposite of a pinch)

Mike/Stud/Whip/Meg: A/B/C: Used to identify a linebacker blitz inside the box

Defensive Identifications: Examples

Even Solo:
 W M S

Even Stack

W MG M S

Base Stack

W S

Open Solo

W M S

Nose Stack

W S

Film Study Sheet

Opponent: ________________________________________________________________
Players Evaluated: ________________________________________________________

Basic Information:
What type of defense do they play?: _________________________________________
Is there anything special about how they play? ______________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Do they blitz/angle very much?: ____________________________________________

Defensive Line Play:

Run Game
How does he play the drive block: 1 2 3 4 5
How does he play the reach block: 1 2 3 4 5
How does he play the double team block: 1 2 3 4 5

Is he a runner or a plugger?

Is he a penetrator or a reader?

Pass Game
How well does he rush the passer: 1 2 3 4 5

What are his favorite pass rush moves: ____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________
How effective are those moves: 1 2 3 4 5

Linebacker Play
Run Game
Are the linebackers downhill players or scrapers?

How quickly do they run laterally

Speed: 1 2 3 4 5
Reacting to play: 1 2 3 4 5

How quickly do they fill down hill: 1 2 3 4 5

Blitzing
How frequently do they blitz: 1 2 3 4 5

What is their favorite blitz: ___________________________________________________

Who is their favorite blitzer: __________________________________________________

Evaluation:
What must you do in order to be successful this week? ________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Sample OL Grade Sheet:

Player: ____________________________________
Opponent: _________________________________

Grading Scale:
0 – Missed Assignment (you had no idea what you were doing)
1 – You knew your assignment but did not execute it very well.
2 – You knew your assignment and executed it.
3 – You preformed an exceptional job of your assignment.
Goal: Average a 2+

OL Unit Grade: ______________

Individual Grade: ____________
Run Game Grade: ____________
Pass Game Grade: ____________

Evaluation Areas:
Domination Blocks (pancakes)_______________
Loafs ____________
Effort Plays (backside blocks, downfield blocks) _________
Missed Assignments ________________
Poor Techniques ___________________

General Comments:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Food for Thought

Man in the Arena
"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong
man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit
belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust
and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short
again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but
who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself
for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high
achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring
greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who
knew neither victory nor defeat."
- Teddy Roosevelt

Things that Don’t Require Talent

Many times in life people believe that talent is the only determining factor in one’s success. However, that is
simply not the case. Below is a list of things that require absolutely no talent to do. Habitually doing this will
make you a “talent added” player.
1.Focus
2.Puncuatlity
3.Mental Toughness
4. Great Effort
5. Communication
6.Practicing Hard
7.Unselfishness
8.Practicing Hard
9. Attitude
10. Being a good teammate.

“Talent is Never Enough” – Jim Tressel

What Punctuality Says about a Person – Alicia Smith

1. You care. Showing up and on time is one of the best ways to show someone that you care about them.
2. You respect others. Arriving on times shows that you respect others. Respect is the foundation for
creating great long-term relationships.
3. You are professional. Being on time is a fundamental tool for anyone who wants to be perceived as
being the very best
4. You are confident. When you show up on time, it’s a sign that you are confident to take on whatever
might lie before you. Tardiness can imply that you aren’t confident or that you are hesitating to deal
with a person or situation.
5. You are open to others. Punctuality says, “I’m ready” –to be involved with whatever is set before you.
People who aren’t ready often show up late or not at all.
6. You have an edge. Being punctual gives you an edge in business. The early bird truly does get the
worm. Timing is everything. Being punctual is great, being early is even better.
7. You’re in control. People choose to do business with those they like, know, and trust. They like doing
business with people who are in control. If you always arrive early or on time, you give the impression
that you are in control and manage things well.
8. You have a standard for excellence. Punctuality is just one standard of excellence. It implies that you
are in control of you life and shows that you respect yourself and others.

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than
unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the
world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on"
has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race”
-- Calvin Coolidge

How do you see it?

Two stone cutters were asked what they were doing. The first said, “I’m cutting this stone into blocks.” The
second replied, “I’m on a team that’s building a cathedral.”

Attitude – Charles Swindle

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.!!

Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money,
than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important
than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home.!!

The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We
cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the
inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced
that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.!!

And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes.

Man in the Glass

“When you get what you want in your struggle for self!
And the world makes you king for a day,!
Just go to a mirror and look at yourself,!
And see what that man has to say.
For it isn’t your father or mother or wife,!
Whose judgment upon you must pass;!
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life!
Is the one staring back from the glass.
He’s the fellow to please, never mind all the rest.!
For he’s with you clear up to the end,!
And you’ve passed the most dangerous, difficult test!
If the man in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years.!
And get pats on the back as you pass,!
But your final reward will be the heartaches and tears!
If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.”

Lions v. Gazelles
Every morning in Africa a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed.
Ever morning a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesn’t
matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle, when the sun comes up, you’d better be running.

“I am only one, but I am one.

I can't do everything, but I can do something.
The something I ought to do, I can do.
And by the grace of God, I will.”
--Evert Hale

“It is one of the strange ironies of this strange life that those who work the hardest, who subject themselves to the
strictest discipline, who give up certain pleasurable things in order to achieve a goal, are the happiest men.”.
--Brutus Hamilton (Olympic Track Coach)

“I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. What I can’t accept is not trying.”
--Michael Jordan

“Attitude is not something that comes by instinct. It has to be practiced over and over or relearned over an
over. The more our players study and practice this fundamental, the more they believe they can decide who
they feel. They realize they have power over their attitude. How they approach their attitude is their choice.”
--Jim Tressel

“Opportunity is often missed by many because it often comes dressed in overalls and looks like hard work.”
--Thomas Edison

“All I ask is that you play better than you are. As an individual and a team, play better than you are. You may
not win. But that’s all I’m asking. And for you to play better than you are means you’re not playing just for
yourself. You’re playing for that man on each side of you, on the other side of the ball, your coaches, the people
cheering for you. You will forget being tired. You will not be tired. You will play better than you are. But you
cannot do that unless you have love.”
--“Doc” Spurgeon. (Professor, Georgia Southern University)

Strength Through Adversity

Ancient Lakota warriors handcrafted their own bows from seasoned ash. There were two ways to acquire the
proper wood. The conventional way was to find a young ash tree, harvest it and let it dry for at least five years.
But these warriors were always on the lookout for an ash three that had been struck by lightning. Such a tree
had been dried and cured in an instant by the power of lightning, and any bows that were made from it would
be much stronger. Such trees were rare, but they were preferred because they had suffered the ultimate
adversity and ultimate adversity produces ultimate strength.

Learning from Geese

When geese fly in formation they travel about 70 percent faster than when they fly alone.
Geese share leadership. When the lead goose tires, he or she rotates back into the “V” and another
goose flies forward to become the leader.
Geese keep company with the fallen. When a sick or weak goose drops out of the flight formation, at
least one other goose will leave the formation to help and protect the weaker goose.
Being part of a team we, too, can accomplish much more, much faster. Words of encouragement and
support (honking from behind) inspire and energize those on the front lines and help them in spite of day-to-day
pressures and fatigue.
Finally, show compassion and active caring for your fellow man