Blocking Motivation
by Chuck Klausing
At my clinics and seminars, I ask the following question. "think of the top coaches and name a few of their characteristics?" The answer may vary from disciplinarian, organized, motivates or to a good teacher.
Many people that have watched my teams said we were great at blocking. They asked me why and how I taught it. Perhaps, the secret was how I motivated the teaching of the shoulder block.
I believe most people divide the block into three parts. They are:
|
1. Approach 2. Contact 3. Follow Through |
Many times I have watched the Olympic Gymnasts, Skaters, and Divers being graded on a ten-point system. I said to myself, why not grade my players on a similar system.
I divided the shoulder block into ten points:
|
Approach: 1. Stance 2. Take off-starting count 3. Step 1 - I believe the first step in a right shoulder block is with the left foot. 4. Step 2 - I believe in the near foot near shoulder. Contact: 5. Roll shoulder 0 I teach to roll the shoulder parallel to the ground. 6. Head Up - and press to shoulder - So important to prevent injuries 7. Body square with power angles Follow Through: 8. Accelerate - accomplished with good sled work 9. Roll hips 10. Press out - with arms when stalemate |
I have used this motivating teaching method with pros, colleges, high schools, and youth teams. Many start with "0" but with good teaching, become a "10". It makes me feel good when I walk by a practice and a player will ask me to grade their blocking.
A perfect block is a "10"!
