FOOTBALL IN HIGH HEELS: YOU BLOCKHEAD!
Ah, another day in football lessons. When I went to do more research, I discovered that there were yet another set of terms I had no idea existed. Apparently, there are these things called blocks, which has nothing to do with what you do to an ex on Facebook. Here is a look at the first four, along with my initial thoughts.
Chop block—What It Means: The legal variety of this is used within 3 yards of the line of scrimmage. the purpose is to slow the opposition’s pass rush. A lineman then blocks down low with his shoulders and arms, attempting to take the defender’s legs from underneath him and stop his momentum. If this happens 3 yards or more beyond the line of scrimmage, the blocker is penalized 15 yards.
What I Thought It Meant: The only other time I heard this term was on the Food Network show Chopped. I doubt Ted Allen will show up in the middle of the football field and start chopping people, but it would be funny!
Cut-off block—What It Means: This block is generally used on running plays and are designed to allow a defensive player to come free, or untouched, across the line of scrimmage. Once that happens, an offensive lineman deliberately gets in the way of this on-rushing defender. This is also known as an angle block because the offensive lineman hits the defensive player from the side or angle.
What I Thought It Meant: Cutting someone off on the field as they were running.
Double-team—What It Means: This is when two linemen gang up on one defensive player. It is usually done on pass plays when the center and a guard work together to stop a pass-rusher. This also works well on running plays, especially at the point of attack or at the place where the play is designed to go. These blockers attack one defender, clearing out the one player who might stop the play from working.
What I Thought It Meant: I did have a similar thought on the two people teaming up on another person thing, but I also kept thinking of that Disney movie with the WNBA twins.
Drive block—What It Means: This is a one-on-one block that is used most often when a defensive lineman lines up directly over an offensive lineman. The blocker usually explodes out of a three-point stance, driving his hips forward, delivering the block from a wide base and keeping his head up and his shoulders square.
What I Thought It Meant: I have no clue, it sounds more like something you would see on the road rather than on a football field.
Stay tuned for more football lessons tomorrow!
