Stop Losing in the Trenches! The Ultimate 2-Part Blueprint for Offensive Line Coaching Youth Football Blocking (Zach Davis & Coach Parker)

Coaches, let’s cut through the fluff. This Offensive Line Coaching for youth football linemen Guide to Blocking 2 part video series is pure gold for youth offensive line coaches for building powerful dominant O-lines.

You know, and I know, that championships are not won by your fastest running back alone—they are won by the commitment and execution of your offensive line. If you want a consistent, dominating offense, you need a coherent blocking system for offensive line coaching to help your o-line coaches build the Hogs that eat up defenses.

That’s why I teamed up with Zach Davis on the Mind of a Football Coach Podcast for a deep-dive, two-part series on transforming your O-line. We covered everything from basic Blocking Fundamentals to mastering complex schemes. This is your blueprint for the best in youth football offensive line coaching.

Part 1: Establishing the Foundation—Mindset and Motivation

Too many coaches rush to the X’s and O’s before establishing the Foundation. We stressed that the Role of the Offensive Line Coach is primarily that of a motivator and teacher of simple, repeatable truths.

1. Prioritize Fundamentals: Forget complex calls until your linemen can execute a great stance, fire out low, keep their Feet Alive, and deliver quick hands and feet. Consistency in Run Blocking Technique comes first.
2. Motivating Linemen: The O-line is a selfless position. Reward them for creating space, finishing blocks, and getting to the second level. A motivated, unified O-line is tougher than any defense.
3. Address Youth Coaching Challenges: We know the struggle is real with young players. Keep things simple. Use repetition over complexity.

Mastering the Art of Offensive Line Coaching

Mastering the Art of Offensive Line Coaching with Coach Parker & host Zach Davis on the Mind of a Football Coach Podcast.

In this podcast episode, Zach Davis and Steve Parker discuss the critical aspects of coaching offensive linemen, emphasizing the importance of blocking fundamentals, the challenges faced at the youth level, and effective teaching techniques. They explore the role of the offensive line coach, the need for motivation, and the evolution of blocking strategies in modern football. The conversation also touches on creating effective practice plans and the future of offensive schemes, providing valuable insights for coaches at all levels.

Chapters

• Introduction to O-Line Coaching
• The Importance of Blocking Fundamentals
• Youth Coaching Challenges
• Teaching Blocking Techniques
• The Role of the Offensive Line Coach
• Motivating Offensive Linemen
• The Evolution of Blocking Strategies
• Creating Effective Practice Plans
• The Future of Offensive Schemes
• Key Takeaways for Coaches

Part 2: The Playbook Progression—From Basic to Elite Blocking Strategies

Once the foundation is set, you can build. Part two of the podcast laid out the essential Progression of Blocking Techniques for Youth Football, showing you how to advance from an 8U rec team to a top-tier select squad and how offensive line coaching is not that much different at the High School level.

For our younger teams (8U/9U), simplicity wins. Forget the complex pulling assignments and focus on these core Blocking Schemes:

• The Jaw Block (My Go-To): I coined this term years ago, not because it sounds cool, but because the traditional GOD Blocking Rule (Gap-On-Down) was confusing young kids. Jaw Block is a simple, visual term that teaches linemen how to create that inverted wedge and eat up the defense. It’s an easy-to-teach Angle Blocking technique that works wonders for any power-run attack like the Beast Offense in the Power Wing Beast Offense playbook.
• Wedge Blocking: It’s simple, it’s effective, and it’s gold in short-yardage. Get shoulder-to-shoulder, keep that back hip low, and drive. When you are struggling with A-Gap Protection, the Wedge is often the quickest fix.
• Simple Pass Protection: Don’t let your pass blocking be an afterthought! We recommend simple Pass Protection Fundamentals like a Gap On Outside call or a simple full slide. The key is to teach your center to snap and step simultaneously to protect the interior.

More on Blocking for youth football

From Basics to Elite: A Guide to Blocking

In this engaging conversation, Zach Davis and Steve Parker delve into the intricacies of blocking techniques in youth football. They explore the progression from basic to elite blocking strategies, innovative terms like ‘jaw’ blocking, and the effectiveness of wedge blocking. The discussion also covers pass protection strategies and addresses common issues faced in youth football, particularly concerning A-gap protection. Throughout the conversation, the hosts share personal anecdotes and insights, making it a valuable resource for coaches and players alike.

Chapters

• Introduction and Overview of Blocking Part Two
• Progression of Blocking Techniques for Youth Football
• Basic to Elite Blocking Strategies
• Innovative Blocking Terms and Techniques
• Wedge Blocking and Its Effectiveness
• Pass Protection Strategies
• Addressing A-Gap Issues in Youth Football
• Final Thoughts on Blocking Techniques

JAW Blocking – DOWN / Inside Track Blocking

Game-Changing Drills and Fixing the A-Gap Leak

A common problem, especially when running more advanced zone schemes, is the A-Gap Leak. Why does it happen? Typically, it’s a slower center movement and or an unathletic guard. The simple fix: Get them working on their Footwork and snap timing every day. For a more aggressive fix, use an Unbalanced Line or use a Buck Sweep to send a back through the A-gap, killing the blitz before it starts.

You need Youth Football Drills that maximize reps and competition. I personally love the “Box Drill” where linemen fire off the line on contact, teaching them to keep their Feet Alive and stay square, proving who can actually move the man in front of them. Zach favors a competitive Reach Drill to ensure players execute the proper lateral movement and hip drive needed for sweep plays.

The bottom line: Don’t leave your O-line to chance. Implement these Blocking Fundamentals, use simple but powerful schemes like the Jaw Block and Wedge, and use competition-based O-Line Drills to create the dominating unit that wins you games.

Knowledgeable, consistent, and motivating Offensive Line Coaching is one of the key indicators of a successful youth football team. Teams with top tier blocking will win more games and this is from youth to pro levels.

Is your team committed to coaching the offensive line to control the line of scrimmage?

Below is a great Offensive Line Coaching eBook Bundle.

Jaws OLine Bundle / Drills Bundle

Jaws OLine Bundle / Drills Bundle $18.00

• Jaws O-Line Blocking eBook
• O-Line Drills eBook
• O-Line One Pager Practice Plan
• Coach Parker’s Drills eBook
• Plus – The O-line Blocking Test
• Immediate Download pdf printable file

Great O-line Blocking eBook bundle for any youth football coach, especially your o-line coach.