Power Punch: Improving OL Strength with the Block-Shed Drill
At AA programs like Erasmus Hall Dutchmen, dominating the line of scrimmage is key to success. To improve OL strength and technique, Coach Thompson recommends the Block-Shed drill. Set up two cones 5 yards apart, with a third cone 2 yards behind the second. OL players will start in a 3-point stance, then explosively punch through the first cone (block) and immediately shed the defender (second cone). After shedding, they'll sprint to the third cone and back to the start. Perform 3 sets of 10 reps, resting 30 seconds between sets. Coaching cues: 'Punch through the hole,' 'Shed the defender,' and 'Finish with speed.' This drill translates to game performance by improving OL strength, agility, and reaction time. By mastering the Block-Shed, Dutchmen OL will be able to overpower and outmaneuver opponents, creating holes for their RBs to exploit.