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Sammy Lawanson, Bowling Green University, O-LB Coach

Full video on Glazier Drive: LB Block Destruction Escape Moves 

BLOCK DESTRUCTION AND ESCAPE TECHNIQUES FOR LINEBACKERS

This instructional video focuses on fundamental block destruction techniques and escape moves for linebackers, particularly when facing tight end or reach blocks from the nine technique position.

BASIC BLOCK DESTRUCTION FUNDAMENTALS

The foundation of effective block destruction starts with staying square and hitting with your near foot and near shoulder. Three key explosion points must be emphasized: legs, hips, and hands working in unison. Maintaining a wide, stable base provides the balance necessary for generating maximum power during engagement.

FOOTWORK AND POSITIONING

Proper footwork requires keeping the inside (near) foot up rather than working laterally. This positioning keeps shoulders square to the line of scrimmage, which is crucial for maintaining proper leverage. When the outside leg comes up, shoulders tend to turn, making it difficult to disengage and pursue the ball carrier effectively. The goal is to work at a 45-degree angle, pressing the blocker backward to reestablish the line of scrimmage while maintaining the near foot position.

ESCAPE MOVE TECHNIQUES

Two primary escape techniques are demonstrated:

Push-Pull Technique: After exploding through the legs and hips, lock out the legs and snatch the blocker's arms downward into your "pocket" area, then execute a violent rip motion upward and through. This technique is most effective against base blocks where the blocker is simply trying to maintain position.

Quick Arm Over: Used when escaping to the outside, this involves maintaining arm extension and keeping the hat positioned in the gap. Execute a quick punch-through motion with the inside arm while keeping the outside arm locked out. The movement should be swift and efficient rather than a sweeping motion.

SITUATIONAL APPLICATION

The instruction emphasizes using the blocker's body to secure the gap, which is one of three gap security methods (eyes, blocker's body, or your own body). When executed properly, ball carriers should be forced to cut back inside, at which point linebackers can use an inside escape technique by keeping the outside arm posted and using a quick arm over with the inside arm.

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

Several technical errors are highlighted: failing to explode the hips properly, not reestablishing the line of scrimmage, using sweeping motions instead of quick precise movements, and finishing with turned shoulders instead of staying square. The emphasis throughout is on violent, explosive movements combined with precise technique rather than relying on strength alone.

The video concludes by showing game film examples where these techniques either succeed or fail, demonstrating the real-world application of these fundamental skills in competitive situations.

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