Dale Williams, O-Line Coach, Syracuse
Watch the full video on Glazier Drive: O-Line Drills & Techniques for Running 1 or 2 RB Duo
WHAT IS THE DEUCE BLOCK?
The deuce block is a vertical double team technique used in duo running plays. Two offensive linemen (guard and tackle) work together to drive a defender vertically up the field. Key principles: get hip to hip, shoulder to shoulder, and drive the defender backward 3-4 yards before one player comes off to block the linebacker.
CORE TECHNIQUE FUNDAMENTALS
Linemen must get hip to hip and shoulder to shoulder, creating a unified blocking surface. Both players drive the down defender vertically, maintaining contact for 3-4 yards before the designated player comes off. Essential elements: feet together, pump the off hand, maintain low pad level throughout.
FOOTWORK AND INITIAL STEPS
Guard uses clamp step technique - pick up foot and put it down deliberately, generating force from the ground up. Second step moves vertically toward defender. Tackle uses parallel, parallel, vertical footwork pattern. This ensures both players arrive simultaneously in proper position.
DRILL PROGRESSION AND SETUP
Use hand shields or bags to represent the three technique defender, with linebacker positioned four yards deep. Guards and tackles work in pairs to practice the technique. Drill focuses on double team mechanics from the fitted position rather than initial steps.
COACHING POINTS AND CORRECTIONS
Keep players low with eyes in defender's numbers, not playing too high. Maintain proper hand placement with thumbs up and open hands. Off hand pumps continuously while inside hand maintains contact. When linebacker scrapes over, remaining player immediately gets both hands on down defender.
EQUIPMENT AND TEACHING TOOLS
Crow sled provides immediate feedback - spins when technique is improper, moves straight backward when executed correctly. Forces players to maintain proper leverage and work as a unit. Coaches can add weight to increase difficulty.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
Standing up too early and rolling hips through before completing drive phase. Other errors: playing on toes instead of whole foot contact, punching too high, closed hands instead of thumbs up, and not generating force from the ground up.
