Lead Blocker Drill
Setup
Align the offense in a running formation with a lead blocker in position to be the lead blocker for the running back. The lead blocker can either be a fullback or a pulling guard, depending on the team’s typical plays and playbook. A person holding a blocking pad stands as the linebacker, five yards past the line of scrimmage.
Purpose
The Lead Blocker Drill is a drill for both the lead blocker and the running back. Reactions must be incredibly quick in the middle of the defense and both players must immediately react and make moves based upon each other and the defense. This drill allows the lead blocker to practice paving the way for the running back, while the running back gets to practice making a move off of the block from the lead blocker.
Drill Description
The lead blocker runs through the hole and towards the linebacker. The linebacker makes a move either to the right or to the left. When the linebacker makes his move, the lead blocker makes his block and pushes him out of the way.
The running back receives the handoff, makes his way through the hole behind the lead blocker. The running back must read the block of the lead blocker and cut off of the block and run downfield.
