Buck Sweep Drill

This drill is one of the basic fundamental drills for Wing-T Offensive line coaches.  There are many variations but the basic drill is the same.  You may choose to add additional players to the drill to give it a more game like feel.  This might be one of the first drills we use to find guards.  We will make every offensive linemen run this drill.  First, to show everyone the technique and second to see if there are any lineman we did not know about that are athletic enough to play guard and pull on the sweep.

Objective:  To simulate the different adjustments defenses can take in reaction to the buck sweep and to drill the guards to be able to quickly read and react to those adjustments.

Materials:  Cone(s), Play tape, 4/5 Hand shields

Description:  

• The guards will align in their normal position on the play tape.

• The coach will begin the cadence.

• At the snap the guards will take their first step with speed but under control.

• One of the three shield holders that is representing the defensive force player will "pop" up his shield to give the play side guard his "read" on who he should block.

• Inside scrape players will also pop up his shield to give the backside guard who is walling off a read on who to block.

• Both guards should finish their blocks with intensity until the whistle is blown.

Coaching Points:

• When we start this drill, we begin by walking through it or "bird dogging" it step by step.

• This is a great drill to video tape and review with players.

• Make sure both guards are getting their eyes on the target on their first step and not looking at the ground.

• Make sure guards use a devastating shoulder block on the shield holder with the correct shoulder, ("Pull right block right!"*)

• Back side guard should "eyeball" the play side linebacker and look for run through.  If the linebacker comes the back side guard must pick him up.

• Back side guard should dip his shoulder and "grab grass" as he turns up through the hole.  He must be constantly reminded to never stop in the hole.  Find the defender, "Seek and destroy!"

• With the pulling techniques of the guards they should be reaching the point outside the halfbacks block at roughly the same time.

• To add a more realistic feel you could add a ball carrier, halfback block, tackle/tight end down block , or even an entire half line.

*Exception to this rule is the log block

Submitted by: Bryan Schaumloffel, McGann-Mercy High School, Riverhead, NY

If you would like to add additional information to this drill please email me.