Drive block on bags

Setup

1. Contact level: bags. Full helmet and shoulder pads for everyone, and a coach watches every rep.
2. Make two lanes 2 yards wide and 6 yards long, with a cone line for the line of scrimmage.
3. A blocker sets in a three-point stance 1 yard behind the line; a partner holds the bag square on the far side.
4. The coach stands behind the bags with a ball and starts each rep by moving it.

How it runs

1. On ball movement, the blocker takes a short power step and fires out low.
2. Strike the bag with both hands inside, then drive it 5 yards with short, wide steps.
3. The coach whistles to end the rep; the blocker jogs back and goes again.
4. Three reps each, then blocker and holder swap. Start at half speed, then build to full speed.

Coaching points

• Weight slightly forward in the stance, back flat, eyes up.
• First step is short (about 15 cm), not a lunge.
• Hands inside, thumbs up, on the bag's numbers; elbows tight.
• Head up and back. The hands make contact, never the helmet.
• Keep the feet wide and churning; the hips roll through under the bag.

Common mistakes

• Standing straight up out of the stance and losing the leverage.
• Hands outside on the edges of the bag; in a game that is holding.
• Ducking the head into the bag instead of striking with the hands.
• Feet stopping on contact, so the blocker leans and falls forward.