Many offensive linemen do not fire out properly at the snap of the
ball. One common problem is that the lineman's first move is to stands
up. No matter how many times you instruct them to fire out low and
not to stand up, the problem will repeat itself over and over.
A drill that can help develop good linemen firing out technique is
the Duck Walk Drill.
This drill will help with the execution of the "thrusting the hips"
because it establishes the hitting position for the lineman. Offensive
lineman need endurance in their legs to maintain low hitting position
and to move during pass protection.
This drill begins with the player stance with the feet shoulder width
apart and slightly staggered (one foot slightly further back than
the other). The player bends the knees, NOT THEIR BACK, at almost
a 90 degree angle so that their hips are level with their knees. This
resembles the same position as if a player was performing a squat
position for weightlifting or for younger players instruct them that
they should look as though they are sitting in a chair.
The player bends at the waist, setting their stomach on their thighs.
This will bring the player's hips up slightly. Their back should be
flat. With their stomach staying on their thighs, the players should
roll their neck back so that their eyes are looking forward.
On the coach's command, the players (REMAING IN THE POSITIONS DESCRIBED
ABOVE) should proceed to walk down field for 5 yards. This drill should
be repeated a number of times.
The linemen's legs should fatigue pretty quickly. Over time lengthen
the distance from 5 yards to 10 yards and so forth.
