COMMITMENT

COMMITMENT
SACRIFICE
AVAILABILITY
WORK ETHIC
LOYALTY
DEDICATION
ENERGY
ENTHUSIASM
HONOR
HONESTY
DISCIPLINE
DESIRE

The very things we expect from our players.
http://www.prismltd.com/commit.htm

Pay close attention to the final paragraph:

"WHEN IT IS MOST IMPORTANT

Commitment is most difficult and most readily proven during tough times. How someone weathers the storms most clearly demonstrates their basic beliefs. In antiquity, Epicurus stated: "...a captain earns his reputation during the storms." When your competition scores big against you, when the money dries up, or when the glamour of success wears off, this is when it is easiest to compromise your commitments. The real test comes when you can hold the line against the easy route of compromise.

Fortunately, paying the price that commitment commands has payoffs worth the cost - a reputation for integrity and, even more important, the commitment of others in return. Commitment is a two-way street. You only get it if you are willing to give it. "

At what point does a Coach say " I can no longer commit to this job"- its a personal choice I suppose. For any job a coach is going to have to have a thick skin and take criticism from his superiors from time to time. He might also need to be disciplined (air has been disciplined for his actions and can a) tuck and run or b) grow and learn from it) If a coach is not himself "coachable" then he will be doomed to scoot off from one job to another for the rest of his coaching days. Its unrealistic to think that the head coach and his superiors will always be in 100 percent agreement on every action or reaction. "lack of support" has to be more than just a disagreement doesnt it? I would think that there at times must be some give and take philosophically as the admin has to take some heat if the header is a problem child. SIMILARLY any coach who constantly thinks the grass is always greener somewhere else will likely fail where he is - "BE WHERE YOU ARE AT" applies to head coaching as well as assistant coaching roles.

I think its stupid to consider a promotion "quitting" so I am not sure why any one would seek to argue that. Lateral moves for the wrong reasons certainly can be considered quitting.

WHAT IS COMMITMENT

A great business leader once said:

"...the basic philosophy, spirit, and drive of an organization have far more to do with its relative achievements than do technological or economic resources, organizational structure, innovation, and timing. All these things weigh heavily in success. But they are, I think, transcended by how strongly the people in the organization believe in its basic precepts and how faithfully they carry them out." (from Thomas J. Watson, Jr., A Business and its Beliefs - The ideas that helped build IBM).

As true as this is for the success of a corporation, it is even more so for the individual. The most important single factor in individual success is COMMITMENT. Commitment ignites action. To commit is to pledge yourself to a certain purpose or line of conduct. It also means practicing your beliefs consistently. There are, therefore, two fundamental conditions for commitment. The first is having a sound set of beliefs. There is an old saying that goes, "Stand for something or you'll fall for anything." The second is faithful adherence to those beliefs with your behavior. Possibly the best description of commitment is "persistence with a purpose".

Many successful business people are hailed as visionary leaders. On careful inspection they are found to be individuals who hold firmly to a simple set of commitments, usually grounded in beliefs such as "the best product money can buy", or the highest possible customer service". It is the strength of these commitments, religiously followed, that led to their business success.

WHERE TO PRACTICE

It appears that effective leaders hold dearly to a half dozen commitments. The first, and most basic, of these is a commitment to a set of values, principles or beliefs. These underlying principles define both the organization's uniqueness and the fundamental direction in which it wants to head. This first commitment leads to a common vision and purpose within the organization.

The second commitment is to oneself, to how one acts as a leader. An effective leader possesses a strong sense of personal integrity and self confidence. This leads to a willingness to share the credit for success. Another side to this commitment is a deliberate emphasis on continual self-improvement.

The combination of a strong, positive commitment to self and to a set of principles serve as a foundation to effectively maintain the remaining four commitments. These commitments are to: customers, results, employees, and the organization.

Everyone has a customer and is a customer to someone else. Customers are usually thought of as external to the organization who needs your product or service. A question worth asking is, "How much are others willing to pay for my work?" The price your customers are willing to pay measures its values in their eyes.

Besides serving customers, all organizations target specific results. Given the large number of demands placed on all of us, it is important to concentrate on achieving the most important goals and objectives. Commitment to results is largely determined by how clear priorities are, what actions get rewarded, and what risks are being taken to improve intended results.

The next commitment is to the people. The quality of the organization's commitment to customers and results is largely based upon the quality of its commitment to people. The simple reason for this is that it is these people who serve the customer and achieve results. How are people treated in the organization? Commitment to people is largely the product of treating people with respect, challenging them, and giving them effective feedback on how they are doing.

The final leadership commitment is to the larger organization. Other departments, higher management, the organization's overall strategy & mission are important. Communication is the key with this commitment. How people talk to, and about, each other greatly affects the quality of cooperation. How open are the channels of communication up, down, and across? Can management be challenged? Will people support management decisions and changes?

Balancing all six commitments is the key to well directed leadership. When management supports its employees, they will be able and willing to achieve intended results, When these results support customer needs and expectations, customers will support the organization with their business. A strong and healthy organization can then continue to show commitment to its people. The glue that holds this process together is the values and leaders in the organization.

HOW TO PRACTICE COMMITMENT

Effectively demonstrating commitment to others, to the organization's basic principles, and to oneself is never easy. The truth is, demonstrating commitment is hard work. Wavering commitment is usually seen as no commitment at all. The only way to achieve a reputation for commitment is through determination and persistence. Genuine commitment stands the test of time.

Day to day, commitment is demonstrated by a combination of two actions. The first action is called supporting. Genuine support develops a commitment in the minds and hearts of others. This is accomplished by focusing on what is important and leading by example. It is not uncommon for people to be either confused as to what is important, or lose sight of it over time. Supporting means concentrating on what adds value, spotlighting what's working, and rewarding others who are focusing on what is important and leading by example. A crucial aspect of true support is standing up to those who would undermine commitment, those whose words or actions show disrespect.

The second action underlying commitment is called improving. Improving stretches our commitment to an even higher level. Commitment means a willingness to look for a better way and learn from the process. It focuses on eliminating complacency, confronting what is not working, and providing incentives for improvement. The spirit of improving is rooted in challenging current expectation and ultimately taking the risk to make changes. These changes are based more on an optimism in the future than dissatisfaction in the past. It is embodied in the reply of car maker Professor Porsche, who, when asked which was his favorite model in the long line of Porsche automobiles replied: "I haven't built it yet!"

It is the combination of both supporting and improving behaviors that makes up the practice of commitment. Separately neither action is capable of sustaining commitment. Promoting alone can come across as a shallow and pollyannish. Continuous improvement can be seen as "good is never good enough". Together they provide a needed balance. Both are essential to commitment.

WHEN IT IS MOST IMPORTANT

Commitment is most difficult and most readily proven during tough times. How someone weathers the storms most clearly demonstrates their basic beliefs. In antiquity, Epicurus stated: "...a captain earns his reputation during the storms." When your competition scores big against you, when the money dries up, or when the glamour of success wears off, this is when it is easiest to compromise your commitments. The real test comes when you can hold the line against the easy route of compromise.

Fortunately, paying the price that commitment commands has payoffs worth the cost - a reputation for integrity and, even more important, the commitment of others in return. Commitment is a two-way street. You only get it if you are willing to give it.

DCOHIO on Taking a New Job

The first thing I would say is before accepting any position you really need to do your homework. You need the AD, principal and superintendent...you need at least 2 of these 3 in your corner, to be athletic minded people...all 3 would be perfect but if it's only 1 then you're going to have problems and if it's none, then you need to stay away from that job.

2nd thing - what you are fighting is a change from what they are use to. People are afraid of change and everyone has a different opinion on what should be and how to make it be. The definition of insanity is 'doing things the way you've always done them and expecting different results'.
This is where your booster club and principal are coming together. Your program is different, and they aren't use to it and they are fighting it and looking for anything to knit pick you about.

3rd thing - how's your staff and your kids? Are they still working hard and believing in the system? You're always going to lose kids, they aren't getting the "tick" or the ball or whatever...those kids aren't program kids and you're better off without them. What you have found are the kids with character. Character people don't abandon ship when the sea gets rough. What you're going through with these kids is a necessary evil to turn a program. You had a 2 way starter...a freshman...quit because he wasn't getting the ball? You know what I say "good phuk him" and I'll tell you this, if he comes back out next year, I wouldn't let him get Varsity tick, I'd make him play JV.

4th - no one said it would be easy, there is a reason the program is where it is and the people near the program have no idea what it takes to win or be winners. That isn't limited to players and parents. That may also include the AD, the principal, the teachers, and possibly every person in that district.

But you've got to stand up for yourself, at some point and this has to be over and time to move on. He11 I can't even believe you're on the carpet for it. I've been nose to nose with an opposing HC during a timeout on the field in the middle of the 4th quarter before. We were up and I called a TO to get the JV kids straightened out and he came on the field and said "what the he11 are you doing calling a phuking time out up 28?" and words were exchanged, the official separated us. The AD asked me what was said and I told him he wanted to meet for beer and wings at BW3's after game.

You're a first year HC, you said something following a game. OK...that was obviously a mistake. One I'm sure you won't make again. First year HCs are always going to make mistakes, heck 30 year HC's make mistakes. I can't believe the BS you have been through over this...you have went way further towards trying to make it right, appease everyone than I ever would have.

Say your sorry and that's it. That is all of it. and if it keeps coming up I would take the principal into his office and ask him - how many times am I going to have to apologize for this? When is there an end to this? What's the deal? If push comes to shove, I'd get the he11 out, phuk em, sounds like they are a bunch of gossip hounds just looking to for something to talk about and someone to pick apart.

Maybe I'm not ready to be a HC, this would have already been over if I were you, it would be over one way or another and I would be fine with it either way. They aren't the only school in Louisiana that plays football.

as per the kids? I feel sorry for the kids, but there will always be kids that you'll hate to leave, that's just the way of the world, that's how it is.

Being a HC is not about X's and O's. You have a plan, stay the course, you have to do what you think is best and be done with it. Some will like it, some won't, that's just how it is. Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer.

That's my take on it. I know this, whether you be my employer or wife or mother, there is only a certain amount of time that you are going to hang something over my head and I'm going to be apologetic about it. After a certain period of time my reaction is going to adverse to an extreme.

Routes from 2x2

1. fade/speed out
2. smash
3. switch
4. spot screen
5. shallow cross
6. slant/wheel
7. post/wheel combo
8 post/post corner

STALK BLOCK

We start off by doing a mirror drill with our hands behind our backs. Helps keep the chest up and forces the kids to use their feet to get into position instead of reaching or grabbing. We set two cones 5 yds apart and on the whistle the defender just works side to side as quickly as he can. On the 2nd whistle the defender goes vertical somewhere between the cones and cannot juke. The WR moves his feet w/ a base to stay square on the defender. Very important that he understands he can keep working his feet after contact to either keep or obtain leverage on the defender. Also very important that he keeps his eyes on the defenders belt buckle. This seemed to help us more than anything.
After a day or so of this, we go sprint to mirror. The WR sprints about 5-7 yds and executes the mirror drill above. The next day go to a mirror w/ a punch after the defender goes vertical on the 2nd whistle. We teach lock onto the steering wheel...if you don't have the steering wheel, then you better be fighting for the steering wheel. Almost all blocks are won/lost because of bad hand placement or whoever gets there hands fit first. I failed to mention we will pair up and punch and grab defenders steering wheel, getting about 10-20 grabs apiece. Thumbs up and locked on. We go around and hit on the arms and have the defender hit on the arms trying to knock them off.
We now do a one step slant and sprint to leverage (based on play) and mirror from there. Can't break down until you have leverage.
One of the most important teaching tools I have found is just video your drills and make time to show them the video. Explain to them, this is what I am seeing...now do you understand what I am saying? Great for showing them their hips on the sled. Most of them have their butts out and don't know or understand sinking their hips. When they see it on the video, they understand what you are seeing and plus when the tape is rolling they tend to give more effort if they know the whole group is going to see it the next day or next video opportunity. Also a great way of showing them their effort level in practice.

The Cross by gunslinger

A previous article outlined Norm Chows "62- Mesh" pattern and his progression for the QB.

1- Peek to the post
2- Watch the mesh occur...

The "Cross" route that I've been toying with gives you a play that is as effective as the Mesh described above, is extremely multiple, and adds a dig route that can pop open under the post and above the mesh (much like the NCAA route).

Rules for the "cross" are as follows:

The called receiver runs the crossing pattern (10 yard dig).

The widest receiver opposite of him runs a post.

The other two receivers "mesh" (right over left).

By using these simple rules you can create a multitude of meshing type patterns with the same read for the QB.

1- Peek at the Post
2- Check the Dig
3- Watch the mesh occur

I apologize for not knowing how to insert diagrams but hopefully you can follow my discussion below.

From a Balanced 2 X 2 Set with receivers identified as (X) wide left, (H) slot left, (Y) slot right, and (Z) wide right...

X Cross

X would run the 10 yard dig
Z is the widest receiver opposite so he would run the post
Y and H would "mesh" (always right over left to minimize confusion).

H Cross

H would run the 10 yard dig
Z is the widest receiver opposite so he would run the post
Y and X would "mesh" (right over left)

Y Cross

Y- Dig
X- Post
H and Z mesh

Z Cross

Z- Dig
X- Post
Y and H mesh

As you can see, these simple rules allow you to have what looks to the defense as at least four different patterns.

The read for the QB remains constant.

Receivers simply need to know the rules, how to run a post, a dig, or shallow crossing route.

By tagging the receiver on a post with other routes you can increase the strain on the defense.

Example:

X Cross/Z Corner

X- 10 Yard Dig
H and Y- Mesh
Z- Corner

The QB can use a pre-snap read to determine whether of not the corner is a viable option. If it is he progresses from corner to dig to mesh.

If not, Dig to Mesh.

Add the "pivot" tag to the underneath receivers and you've got more than the defense can prepare for!

Example:

X Cross/Double Pivot

X- 10 Yard dig
Z- Post
H and Y- Pivot (sell the mesh, stop and pivot back to the outside)

QB still peeks to the post, checks the dig, then has two pivot routes underneath for outlet passes instead of the mesh.

The 'Multiple' Smash Route by Coach Huey

THE MULTIPLE SMASH ROUTE
Coach Huey


The Smash route has been one of our 'bread & butter' plays for the better part of 8 years now. It is the very first dropback concept we install each spring and fall. It gets the most reps of any of our passing concepts. We will typically run this route anywhere from 7 to 10 times a game. We feel that the subtle variations & adjustments within the route give us the ability to run this play versus any type of defensive coverage scheme. The basics of the route are no different than any other smash route. However, the techniques involved may be slightly different than the traditional routes.

The Basic Route Descriptions

The playside-outside receiver (runs what we refer to as a 'smash' route) has the #1 responsibility to "keep the corner low." The basic techniqe of the route is to run to a depth of 7 yards, stop and turn in to the QB. His eyes should find the flat defender. What the smash guy does next will be determined by what the flat defender does. If the flat defender "sits", the receiver will also "sit." If the flat defender "drifts" out, the receiver will "drift" out. If the defender is "flying" out to the flat, the receiver will "fly" past the defender inside to the vacated area.

The playside-inside receiver runs a flag route (we refer to a "flag" as being run by an inside receiver and a "corner" as a route run by an outside receiver). The length of his stem is determined by a few factors:
* 1-high safety with soft coverage (zone) he will push the stem to 12 yards then break to the corner
* 2-high safeties he will run through 10 yards, post stem, then break to the corner
* he is pressed and #1 is pressed, run through 8 & break to corner.


The backside-inside receiver runs what we refer to as a "tube-read". Meaning, he will press vertical to the outside part of the hash to 10 yards. If the middle of the field is closed (a defender is stationed between the hashes) he will continue down the seam. If the middle of the field is open (no defender between the hashes) he will "tube" inside - break to the post.

The backside-outside receiver runs a dig route. He will run through 10 yards, post to 12 yards, then break inside and work to "empty grass" at a depth of 12-15 yards. Versus MOFC he may settle nearer the hash but versus MOFO he may continue more into the middle of the field.

Breaking Down the Smash Route

Like I stated earlier, the outside receiver's main priority is to keep the corner low. After that, he will adjust his route to get open. This is really a very simple concept we all learned from our days playing backyard football. It is as simple as "He's there, I go here. he's here, I'll go there."

The inside receiver's job is to push vertical, break vertical, then run to the ball as the QB "throws him open." He must recognize whether there are 2 safeties high or 1 safety high. He must also determine the depth of the corner pre-snap to aid him in determing if he should break the route shorter (i.e. it's man so he must break away sooner as QB will be unloading sooner).

The outside receiver must recognize the depth of the corner over him at both pre-snap and within his first 3 steps of the route. The depth at which he makes the stem will be determined by the depth of the corner. Typical 'zone' depths are 4 to 8 yards before squaring to the QB. Upon his "square" he must identify the defender that is responsible for the flat. While this may sound difficult, it is really only a matter of determing "Did the corner stay with me?" If yes, then he's flat defender work away. If no, then find the first defender inside and adjust your route based on his movement.

Diagram 1 shows a typical Cover 3 alignment. In this example, the corner has aligned at a depth of about 9-10 yards. The flat defender (the SS here) has "drifted" with #2 and stay more in the curl lane rather than run out to the flat. The outside receiver should simply stay at 7 yards and gradually drift out. The inside receiver should start his stem at the outside shoulder of the #2 defender. He must be careful not to get "flattened" out on his stem - i.e. let the defender jam him and keep him from getting back on top of his stem path. Since there is a 1-high safety there is no need for him to make a significant post fake. He must try to "stack" the defender over him. Meaning, he must attack the outside hip, then try to run past the defender and climb back on the imaginary line that his his vertical stem. This is important if the coverage becomes man so that the defender will turn both hips to our end zone as he must be aware of #2 going vertical or post -- which aids in gaining separation when #2 breaks to the corner.

_{Diagram 1}
The pace at which he drifts should mirror that of the defender drifting to him. More often than not, the ball will be gone before he actually starts to drift. This is why it is imperative that the receiver stop and square to the QB then identify the flat defender before adjusting his route. The QB may be "throwing him open" as he hits the end of the stem. Patience is a very important virtue of this route. The inside receiver should break vertical. We want him to break deeper rather than flatter. He should have recognized that it was Cover 3 so we want to really stretch the corner. The majority of the time, the ball will be thrown underneath so his route must help in keeping the corner out of the play.

Diagram 2 shows the adjustment if the flat defender (in Cover 3) were to work fast to the flat. The receiver will still push to 7 yards, stop, and square to the QB. This "reels" in the defender. After that quick 'pause', the receiver will break inside past the defender and expect the ball. Nothing will really change about #2's route. He will start at the outside hip, but since the defender was flying out he will get on his vertical stem quickly.

_{Diagram 2}

Diagram 3 shows how the routes will be adjusted versus press coverage. The outside receiver will adjust to an "under" route. He will begin his route by attacking the defender as if he were running a fade. He'll "battle" for 2 to 3 yards then break under and inside looking for the ball. His angle is similar to a slant but slighlty flatter. If the inside receiver is pressed, he'll shorten his route to 9 or 10 yards. Again, he must attack the outside hip of the defender and 'stack' him as he runs by. He must snap his head around immediately after breaking to the corner to find the ball as it may already be in the air.

_{Diagram 3}

Diagram 4 gives an example of the route versus a Cover 2 look. The outside receiver will not need to take his route much deeper than 4 or 5 yards since the corner is already "low." Once he stops and squares, he should break inside if he feels the corner on his back as the receiver is "covered" in the flat. He should look for a window between the cornerback and the dropping linebacker. The inside receiver will run through 10 yards, give a post or inside move, then break to the corner. His first 3 steps should still be vertical then be prepared to bend flat and snap his head around as the QB will throw him open.

_{Diagram 4}

Diagram 5 shows how it may look versus a blitz by the defender aligned over our inside reciever. If, as he starts his route, #2 sees the defender inside him (or over him) disappear inside on a blitz he must snap his head to the QB and expect the ball. If he doesn't receive the ball he will push to 8-9 yards and break to the corner. Again, he must snap his head around as soon as he makes his flag cut. The specifics of the outside receiver's route will still be determined by the depth of the corner and whether or not he's "covered" in the flat. In the example, the corner is pressed so #1 should run an under route.

_{Diagram 5}

The main thing about this route, for us, is that the receivers understand the subtle adjustments they must make. We try to teach it in such a manner that is easy to comprehend ("we're playing keep away from the defender"). I have not discussed the QB reads as they are not drastically different than how you may teach him. The premise of this article was to show how we adjust the playside routes versus various looks the defense may give us.

I apology for being "short" with this, but I am not as gifted with the written word. I will gladly go into more specific detail with anyone. Feel free to email me or send me a pm with a question you might have.

Turning a program around: 3 Different Coaches Views

1. Do everything first class, if they need new equipment, uniforms, etc. Find a way to do it.
2. Establish a culture of mental and physical toughness from day 1. You are going to lose a few but those who do quit, you realy dont want anyway. Stress discipline and finishing in everything you do
3. Keep everything simple. Keep your offense and defense simple as possible so they can play fast
4. Focus hard on special teams
5. Make sure your assistants are great teachers of the game. Also make sure that while they spread the "vision" of the HC, that they are still building relationships with their players. Goes back to the saying "they dont care how much you know untill they know how much you care"
6. Build relationships with the faculty and community. Hold youth camps, touchdown club night once a week for the parents to come and watch the game film and socialize etc.
7. Recruit the hallways hard. Even those kids who don;t quite look like football players.

1. find a core group who will follow you
2. focus on the core group, let the others fall off the wagon
3. discipline - not just on the field, classroom, hallway, etc. - BE GOOD PEOPLE
4. be your player's biggest fan, but also their harshest critic
5. nothing is ever personal and make sure they know that upfront
6. when something occurs, whether you rip a kid or whatever, when you've said all you have to say it is over, move on and deal with the kid from the baseline again.
7. play the players who follow you regardless of grade and keep a focus on them.

A lot of people aren't with the "youth movement" concept, but I can tell you the benefits of it:

1. incoming freshmen know they have a chance to play on friday
2. upperclassmen know their jobs aren't safe and can be taken by a freshman
3. underclassmen will be back
4. freshmen don't want to screw up, so they will try to do what you are asking no matter what
5. you develop the type of players you want, you build a respect relationship with these kids

1. Discipline is the key.
2. Teach Fundamentals
3. Hire your People (Coaches)
4. Be committed to kids (help seniors get into school)
5. Be committed to the off-season

DL Block Recognition Drill

Use a 3v1 drill, I use large laminated cards that show the OL blocking on the card. I stand behind the DL, hold the card up, and then start the cadence. We check the DL for proper response.

We drill - Drive, Down, Reach, Trap, Pull, and Double team.

Works very well. The cards help get reps in quickly as nothing needs to be explained to the OL and they aren't trying to interpret any signals.

DCohio "no one is necessary"

I am of the "no one is necessary" philosophy, so I categorically disagree with your HC and what he's doing. I think that is a common mistake for teachers/coaches in your type of environment (I'm in that environment too)...cutting kids breaks, not holding them accountable, "understanding" their situation...whatever. IMO, all those things really do is create excuses for them and allow them to not experience or learn a cause and affect relationship.

I also won't play kids on my defense who don't lift in the offseason and I don't care what kind of athlete they are...I don't care how big, how strong, how fast...I don't care. If he hasn't put in the time, then he can play JV or he doesn't have to play at all. I only play players I trust...the foxhole example is a good example...my players wouldn't want to go in with a coach who is half@$$ed prepared who they don't trust would they? No difference.

Blocking for the backs

The principles we teach:

1. Sprint to your block
2. Get between the defender and the path of the ball carrier
3. Get close enough to the defender to step on his toes
4. Fire up into the defender with your hands together, hit him in the numbers, preferably the bottom of the numbers, roll your rump as you strike him.
5. As you hit raise him up and drive with short choppy steps.

Drills we do:

1. We practice the hand strike by having the players strike a shield on command and immeidately recoil. One repetition of this drill is about 4-5 quick strikes.
2. We then have then block the dummies starting from a distance of 5 yards away, emphasizing strike and driving to the whistle.
3. We have a "blocking races" drill we run where we step 2 backs in the standard TB and FB positions behind where the guards would be. We then place cones where on each side where the end of the line would normally be and then have 2 parents or coaches hold shields directly over where the OT's would be about 3 yards off the LOS (Our standard LB position for our 6-2 defense). On our normal cadence the two players explode out of their stance go around the cone simulating the end of the LOS on their side and block the shield. We recognize the winner as the person who hits his shield first, as long as he executes a proper block, stiking low with his hands in and finishing by driving to the whistle. Some times we will do this tournament style until we have an ultimate winner. You can vary the locations of the shields to simulate kick out blocks on DE's or CB's. You will be amazed at how making this competitive will get the kids to sprint to their blocks.
4. We run a drill we call "Backfield Oklahoma", where we have one blocker, one runner, and one defender. The boundaries for this drill are typcially 2 yard lines 5 yards apart. The blocker is in his normal 2 point backfield stance and the defender is in a 2 point LB stance. We place them about 5-7 yards apart so the block happens in space.
5. When we rep plays with our backs, we always use a line strip or cones to simulate where the offensive line is and use parents and coaches holding shields to simulate the 6 defenders we are likely to block with our backs (DE's, LB's and CB's) We emphasize the same blocking principles mentioned above, especially speed to the block and driving to the whistle. We typcially try to rep all of our plays twice (12 total) with both first and second string backfield groups in a 15-20 minute time period (rotating groups quickly every play).

Should vs Hand Blocking

I was a wing T Oline coach for seven plus years and I taught Shoulder Skills. Then I went to an "I" team for a couple of years. I taught hands and worked constantly on the drive block. Then the light went off, I began teaching hands and shoulder skills. For trap, Gap, Down I taught shoulder skills and used the hip of the defender as a landmark. For On (drive) Fire (angle) and reach, I taught hands. For me, I found this to be the very best combination of scheme, the best of both worlds and more importantly; I liked being able to run an I scheme with wing-t concepts up front.

For combo blocks like Trap and down (GAP GAP TRAP) Belly Crossblock (Down + trap) was all shoulders. For Double team combos whether a Gap Scheme or a Zone Scheme, all hands and using numbers and armpits as landmarks.

http://www.hawgtuff.net/

http://www.bucksweep.com/shoulderblocking.htm