From 2007-2011 When I was the Offensive Line/Run Game Coordinator at Foothill College:
Offensive Line and RB Philosophy
The Line
Determined, tough, intelligent and physical blocking, playing to the echo of the whistle each and every play. Every inch we gain counts.
It is difficult for a team to have outstanding morale, confidence, and enthusiasm when it cannot look to the offensive line to establish the tempo of a ball game.
Take pride that what is asked of an offensive lineman and running backs, few people have the ability or toughness to accomplish what is necessary to achieve success. Strive to be the best blocker you can be and make Foothill the best Line in the state.
The Unit
No position in football requires the kind of teamwork and offensive front 7 takes for success. Because of the close proximity and situations that require help it is necessary for each player to learn the right technique and execute it properly. A player who deviates from proper technique causes other players around him to have to cover both physically and mentally. Make your teammates around you better because of your play. Be an asset, not a liability.
The Huddle
Great Play begins in the huddle. Listen to the QB and pay attention to every word he communicates. Visualize assignment and prepare to make appropriate calls.
Never leave the huddle without knowing the snap count, don’t put the extra burden on your teammate by not concentrating.
It is IMPOSSIBLE to be aggressive if one is uncertain.
Effort
Nothing can be done without great effort, be it a drill, a scrimmage or how you play on game day. Great effort can overcome average skill or ability in many cases and allows you to improve quickly.
Skills
Lineman and running backs are required to perform varied takes, either on the run or passing game. The degree to which you play depends heavily on your ability to perform these skills. The more technique or skills that are mastered, the easier it will be to cope with various situations.
Knowledge
You must have knowledge of the defensive fronts, play philosophy and the jobs of your teammates. Defensive fronts are always changing and one must have the ability to think under pressure to adjust not only assignments but the skills/technique for optimal success.
Toughness
Toughness in some ways is difficult to measure. Suffice to say that the toughest player usually wins and compounds itself when the entire line is made up of hard-nosed players. The true signature of any great offensive lineman is the ability to drive himself longer and harder than his teammates and opponents alike.
Anticipation
This prevents a mistake and thereby eliminates bad or unsuccessful plays. Be ready for changes in the defensive alignment; they may key a blitz or stunt that may require one to alter his technique. Many keys and be picked up through proper preparation and film study during the week. Anticipation is another word for playing smart.
Conditioning
Combine all of these aspects then add great conditioning. Being in outstanding shape allows one to perform to the best of his abilities. It allows you to practice harder to gain skill, plus go more plays to learn assignments. Conversely, being in poor shape only lessens one’s ability to give effort, think under pressure and perform against a worthy opponent. Most importantly, being in superior condition allows one to make the last block or run of a game as hard or harder than the first play of the game. Break your opponents will with relentless effort.
The Line
Determined, tough, intelligent and physical blocking, playing to the echo of the whistle each and every play. Every inch we gain counts.
It is difficult for a team to have outstanding morale, confidence, and enthusiasm when it cannot look to the offensive line to establish the tempo of a ball game.
Take pride that what is asked of an offensive lineman and running backs, few people have the ability or toughness to accomplish what is necessary to achieve success. Strive to be the best blocker you can be and make Foothill the best Line in the state.
The Unit
No position in football requires the kind of teamwork and offensive front 7 takes for success. Because of the close proximity and situations that require help it is necessary for each player to learn the right technique and execute it properly. A player who deviates from proper technique causes other players around him to have to cover both physically and mentally. Make your teammates around you better because of your play. Be an asset, not a liability.
The Huddle
Great Play begins in the huddle. Listen to the QB and pay attention to every word he communicates. Visualize assignment and prepare to make appropriate calls.
Never leave the huddle without knowing the snap count, don’t put the extra burden on your teammate by not concentrating.
It is IMPOSSIBLE to be aggressive if one is uncertain.
Effort
Nothing can be done without great effort, be it a drill, a scrimmage or how you play on game day. Great effort can overcome average skill or ability in many cases and allows you to improve quickly.
Skills
Lineman and running backs are required to perform varied takes, either on the run or passing game. The degree to which you play depends heavily on your ability to perform these skills. The more technique or skills that are mastered, the easier it will be to cope with various situations.
Knowledge
You must have knowledge of the defensive fronts, play philosophy and the jobs of your teammates. Defensive fronts are always changing and one must have the ability to think under pressure to adjust not only assignments but the skills/technique for optimal success.
Toughness
Toughness in some ways is difficult to measure. Suffice to say that the toughest player usually wins and compounds itself when the entire line is made up of hard-nosed players. The true signature of any great offensive lineman is the ability to drive himself longer and harder than his teammates and opponents alike.
Anticipation
This prevents a mistake and thereby eliminates bad or unsuccessful plays. Be ready for changes in the defensive alignment; they may key a blitz or stunt that may require one to alter his technique. Many keys and be picked up through proper preparation and film study during the week. Anticipation is another word for playing smart.
Conditioning
Combine all of these aspects then add great conditioning. Being in outstanding shape allows one to perform to the best of his abilities. It allows you to practice harder to gain skill, plus go more plays to learn assignments. Conversely, being in poor shape only lessens one’s ability to give effort, think under pressure and perform against a worthy opponent. Most importantly, being in superior condition allows one to make the last block or run of a game as hard or harder than the first play of the game. Break your opponents will with relentless effort.