Mastering Pass Protection: Techniques and Schemes in NCAA Football
One of the most misunderstood, yet crucial, aspects of football is pass protection. The intricacies of pass protection schemes can be overwhelming, especially for young players. Often, offensive linemen are considered the smartest players on the field, and for good reason. This article aims to demystify the basics of pass protection in NCAA football, providing a foundational understanding of the techniques and schemes employed.
Core Concepts: BOB (Big on Big, Back on Backer)
To start, let's consider a scenario where a five-man blocking scheme is in place. In such a scheme, the uncovered lineman becomes the "double read" blocker. The offensive line (OL) prioritizes protecting against the most immediate threat. The "Big on Big" concept dictates that a non-center offensive lineman blocks a defensive lineman lined up directly over or shaded over him, creating a "half-man advantage."
The lineman without a direct opponent over him, referred to as the "bubble" offensive lineman, works in tandem with the adjacent player inside (typically a guard or center) to manage the MIKE linebacker, as defined by the offensive strategy. For instance, the offensive guard (OG) and the center (OC) might collaborate to neutralize the nose tackle (NT) and either the middle linebacker (MLB) or the weakside linebacker (WLB).
In a five-man blocking scheme, this 2-on-3 approach effectively addresses the entire defensive line (DL) and a potential interior blitzer. In a left call scenario, the backside linebacker is left unblocked. However, the offense ensures that the MLB is accounted for by an offensive lineman.
In a man-blocking scheme, the offensive guard may need to execute a double read, prioritizing the most immediate threat. If a linebacker lines up on the edge, the offensive tackle (OT) might make a "tough" call if there isn't an additional edge rusher; otherwise, a "soft" call is made.
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Enhancing Protection with Additional Blockers
By incorporating a tight end (TE), a running back (RB), or both (or two RBs), each blocking assignment can evolve into a 2-on-2 BOB blocking assignment. This strategy is exemplified by teams like Michigan. While six- and five-man blocking schemes can be viable, they necessitate the implementation of hot reads to counter potential free blitzers. This increases complexity for the blockers (identifying the free rusher) and the quarterback (QB), wide receivers (WRs), and tight ends. Each potential free rusher requires a corresponding hot read to fill the resulting void.
Opting for a seven-man blocking scheme necessitates a secondary defender blitz from the defense to force a hot read, often coupled with cover 0 coverage, a high-risk proposition for most defenses. If the offensive line desires a specific linebacker matchup, they can designate the OL combo, tasking the fullback (FB) with blocking the remaining linebacker, typically stepping up and across to defend the far side A or B gap. These schemes often utilize numerical codes to dictate which blockers will stay in and their designated responsibilities.
Gap Schemes: Slide vs. Turnback
Gap schemes come in two primary forms: slide and turnback. Turnback is designed to counter slants, but we will focus on slide protection. Slide protection simplifies blocking assignments. Instead of passing off defenders and managing intricate combinations, blockers defend a specific gap. A sixth blocker, typically a running back to the backside, is usually added to any slide.
Maintaining blocking discipline is critical; blockers should not chase defenders. If a defender isn't attacking vertically, they are likely targeting another gap, and another pass rusher is likely to fill the vacated gap. Blockers must lock onto the first gap threat, while the backside executes a dual read.
This dual read might involve picking up a defensive end (DE), posing a potential mismatch issue. While slide protection simplifies assignments for the OL, the resulting block can be challenging for the RB. This is also known as "Spider 3," where "Spider" denotes slide protection and "3" indicates the back's direction (with "2" signifying a rightward direction).
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Hybrid Schemes: Combining Man and Gap Blocking
Many teams employ a hybrid approach, integrating both man and gap blocking schemes. Gap blocking one side facilitates the handling of stunts and twists, as blockers simply protect an "area." The frontside utilizes BOB concepts. The distinction between the "half-slide" side (away from the call) and the BOB side (to the call) is determined by the first bubble from the playside. Running backs read this inside out to the playside.
This approach also prevents dual reads for the OL, allowing the RB to execute the dual read, typically assessing the linebackers for twist or loop blitzes and blocking the most imminent threat. This is also known as "Ringo" (with "Lucky" indicating an OL slide to the left).
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tags: #NCAA #football #pass #protection #techniques
