Jonathan Himebauch, O-Line Coach, Arlington Renegades

Full video on Glazier Drive: Organizing Your O-Line Pass Protection Plan & Drill Templates

OFFENSIVE LINE PASS PROTECTION TRAINING SYSTEM

This coaching presentation delivers a comprehensive approach to developing elite pass protection skills in offensive linemen through creative, competitive, and game-realistic drill work.

MAXIMIZING PRACTICE EFFICIENCY AND PLAYER ENGAGEMENT

The foundation of effective pass protection training centers on keeping multiple players active and engaged simultaneously rather than having individuals work while others stand idle. The coach emphasizes creating practice environments where players are constantly moving, reacting, and competing. This approach maximizes repetitions and maintains high energy levels throughout practice sessions.

A critical element involves teaching drills before players take the field. By explaining and demonstrating techniques in classroom or walk-through settings first, coaches avoid wasting valuable field time on explanations and can immediately begin productive repetitions. This preparation allows for multiple drill rotations within each practice period, keeping players actively involved in the learning process.

REDIRECTION DRILLS AND VISUAL STIMULI

The redirection drill serves as a cornerstone technique for developing reaction skills and rhythmic movement. Players execute quick, short foot-fire steps while responding to visual stimuli provided by coaches. These visual cues prepare linemen for blitz periods and help them develop the muscle memory needed for split-second reactions during games.

Throughout these drills, maintaining proper posture and finishing with correct form remains paramount. The coach stresses instilling ownership in players by demanding they complete every repetition with good habits, even in drill work. This attention to detail in practice translates directly to game performance.

PUNCHING TECHNIQUE AND TIMING DEVELOPMENT

Multiple punching target drills form another essential component of the training system. These include both stationary targets like sleds or punch walls and live movement situations. The focus centers on punch timing and active work down the line of scrimmage, preparing linemen for pass-off situations and twist stunts.

Live repetitions against actual defensive linemen provide the most realistic training environment. These situations emphasize winning each rep through proper technique execution. Coaches should incorporate various punching methods including independent hands, two-hand punches, and clamp techniques. Each variation serves specific purposes against different rush moves and defensive alignments.

Working down the line of scrimmage and refitting hands during engagement requires constant practice. Players must maintain proper posture and demeanor while executing these techniques, understanding that defensive linemen won't have bags attached to them in real games.

CREATING COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENTS

Competition drives improvement in pass protection drills. The coach emphasizes moving away from "the same old drills" that fail to engage players or simulate real scenarios. Instead, creative drill design that mimics actual game situations keeps players invested and successful.

One-on-one pass rush drills offer value but have limitations since they don't fully replicate game conditions. However, they do help players understand the critical importance of pass protection and the defensive urgency to reach the quarterback. These drills should incorporate various angles and sets, including angle A and angle B sets, along with proper hand strikes and stabs.

The key lies in creating scenarios where linemen must demonstrate movement, skill, punch timing, and anchoring ability against live resistance. This competitive element forces players to apply techniques under pressure rather than in sterile, controlled environments.

BUILDING MUSCLE MEMORY THROUGH REACTION DRILLS

Visual stimulus drills build the muscle memory and reaction speed essential for elite pass protection. Mirror drills and continuous reaction exercises train linemen to process information and respond instantaneously. Players must learn to play with speed while maintaining technique and control.

Creative drill variations enhance this development. Examples include pushing and pulling exercises with wooden dowels or grabbing opponents by shoulder pads. These drills help players both feel and see the movements, creating multiple sensory pathways for learning. The goal involves making reactions automatic so players don't have to think during game action.

GAME-REALISTIC PREPARATION

All drill work must translate to game-day scenarios. Hand replacement drills prepare linemen for maintaining engagement after initial contact. Bull rush defense techniques teach players how to give ground strategically while maintaining protection integrity. Players must prepare for various rush techniques including swiping, lifting, grabbing, and combination moves.

The coach strongly advises against drills that don't simulate real game situations. If a drill wouldn't occur on game day, it shouldn't consume practice time. Every repetition should prepare players for actual rush techniques and situations they'll face on Friday nights or Saturdays.

EMPOWERING PLAYERS FOR SUCCESS

The ultimate goal involves empowering players with drills that directly transition to field performance. Coaches must develop comprehensive plans that help players understand and execute techniques before, during, and after practice sessions. This systematic approach ensures continuous improvement.

Individual work remains crucial for addressing specific player needs. Whether focusing on hand placement, footwork, or anchoring against power rushes, coaches must provide targeted instruction that helps each player improve their weakest areas. Encouraging players to take ownership of their technique and provide feedback on drills they need creates a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

By implementing creative, competitive, and applicable drills while maintaining high activity levels, coaches can develop offensive linemen who consistently execute sound pass protection and keep their quarterbacks clean.

SIMULATED PRESSURE VS CREEPER CONCEPTS

The key distinction is that a creeper shows four declared rushers (dropping one, bringing a non-declared rusher), while a simulated pressure shows five or six potential rushers, then drops some while bringing an unexpected blitzer.

THE "A'S" PRESSURE (NOW CALLED "AIKMAN")

This is the primary simulated pressure in their system. It creates a "five up" look that forces offenses into either Bob protection (big on big), man protection, or full slide protection. The defensive ends drop into coverage while the inside linebacker blitzes the A gap. The nose gets a "left" call to redirect the offensive line's attention.

KEY COACHING POINTS

When defensive ends work out on the drop, they must continue running to cut off plays. Droppers need to recognize run versus pass - on run reads, they must re-engage immediately. The coaching mantra is "shuffle, shuffle" and when the second foot hits on a run read, re-engage to the run.

BLIND FRONT VARIATION

This can be run from different front alignments (double threes, three-shade, four-eye) while keeping the nickel up. The nickel can either drop like in other creeper pressures or be a box rusher. Using an inside linebacker as the dropper is effective because they're experienced with coverage responsibilities and can pattern match routes in three-hook zones.

TRANSPORTATION BLITZ FAMILY

These pressures feature an "Oscar" call by the nose and a "long stick two-face" call to the defensive end, making him a box player rather than slanting. This can show six defenders while bringing five, creating excellent pressure against slide protection by getting two rushers off the edge.

PHILOSOPHY

The goal is to waste blockers and create indecision in offensive linemen. Even when pressures don't execute perfectly as drawn up, they force protection issues and create opportunities for disruption.