O-Line Down Block Techniques for Gap Counter - Video Summary

OVERVIEW This coaching video breaks down tight and loose down block techniques specifically for running gap counter plays. The coach explains how playside blockers handle different defensive alignments while maintaining proper leverage and technique fundamentals.

GH COUNTER PLAY SETUP The play features a running back aiming at the playside leg of the center with two pullers - the backside guard and backside tight end. This is designed as a "leave two defenders unblocked" run scheme where the playside tackle is responsible for the B gap while a trap puller handles the C gap.

TIGHT DOWN BLOCK TECHNIQUE Used when the defender is aligned directly on the blocker's body (on the inside shoulder pad). Key coaching points include:

• Drive the inside knee through the defender's inside thigh
• Force nose through the defender's near eye
• Get hands into double under grip on jersey numbers
• Lift while staying square and strong with outside arm
• Focus on vertical movement, not edge blocking
• Maintain position on outside half of defender without crossing midline

The coach emphasizes this differs from pin blocking - down blocks seek movement while pin blocks focus on control.

LOOSE DOWN BLOCK TECHNIQUE Applied when the defender has more space and isn't tight to the blocker's body. The technique involves:

• Using "gallop technique" to maintain square shoulders
• Never stepping backwards with inside foot to avoid interfering with trap puller
• Same leverage points as tight down block (knee through thigh, nose to eye)
• Double under grip with lift, strong outside hand
• Working to cover up the defender while staying square

COACHING POINTS AND ADJUSTMENTS The coach details how centers can help guards on loose down blocks by throwing a "snap hand" to the nose tackle's jersey numbers. He also explains different backside handling between GH counter (using backside tackle help) and GT counter (picking up and pulling the center when there's no backside help).

DRILL WORK The video shows practice drills using 5x5 yard boxes to work on proper footwork and leverage, emphasizing the importance of never becoming a "one-legged blocker" while maintaining vertical blocking angles and proper hand placement.