Trench Warfare Slides
Feeder Program Technical Manual
System Alignment
Offensive Line
Development
Building Dominant Trenches from Middle School to Varsity
Program Alignment Goals:
- Align terminology and techniques from 6th to 12th grade
- Streamline the developmental progression for players
- Build immediate high school impact with zero re-learning
Section 1
Feeder Program Alignment
Core Mission
Feeder Program Alignment
Key Concept:
Developing consistent mechanics, , and culture from 6th grade through 12th grade is the foundation of a championship program.
Developmental Pipeline
6th-8th Grade
Stance, Base & Basic Fits
High School Varsity
Elite Speed, Power & Finish
Key Alignment Directives:
- Feeder work in September wins championships in November
- Use identical commands across all feeder levels
- Build elite muscle memory for seamless varsity transitions
Program Pillars
OL Development Standards
The 3 Pillars of OL Development
Our Non-Negotiable Technical Foundations
01
Stance & Base
Creating an explosive, balanced foundation. Every single play starts with perfect weight distribution and athletic readiness.
02
Strike & Fit
Developing tight hands with thumbs up inside the defender's frame. Leverage wins over raw strength at every level.
03
Feet & Finish
Teaching short, powerful drive steps. We move our feet through contact and cultivate an unstoppable finish mentality.
Master Blueprint Slide 3 of 12
Section 2
Stance Mechanics
Tactical Foundation
Mastering
the Stance
The Launching Pad:
A lineman's stance is his launching pad. If the stance is flawed, the entire block is compromised before the snap.
Point of emphasis
We do not compromise on the stance. It must be checked and corrected on every single repetition during individual drills.
Coaching Focus:
- Stance mechanics are our absolute priority
- A bad stance guarantees failed plays and slow get-offs
- Inspect and correct stance on every single repetition
Stance Checklist
3-Point Mechanics
The 3-Point Stance Mechanics
01
Base Width
Feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart for maximum balance and power generation.
02
Stagger
Toe-to-instep stagger. Set the power foot back based on position and play assignment.
03
Weight Distribution
60% on the balls of the feet, 40% light touch on the down-hand.
04
Flat Spine
Flat back, tailbone elevated, eyes up looking through the top of the eyebrows (protect the neck).
05
Off Hand
Rested on the hip/thigh, primed for instant, explosive recoil and strike at the snap.
Coaches Command: "Stance, Set, Fire!"
Technical Specifications Slide 5 of 12
Critical Checkpoint
The 60/40 Rule
Core Balance Metric
The 60/40 Rule
Common Flaw
"Heavy Hands in the Mud"
Middle school linemen frequently put 80%+ of their weight on their down hand. This causes them to fall forward, making it impossible to pull, step laterally, or set in pass protection.
The Fingertip Test
Teach players to rest only light fingertips on the grass. A balanced player should be able to wave or lift his down hand instantly without leaning or falling forward.
60%
On Feet (Base)
40%
On Hand (Light)
Coaching Focus:
- Execute the Fingertip Test daily on every stance
- Instantly correct players with heavy weight in their hand
- Keep hips low and load power into heels and insteps
Section 3
Run Blocking
Line Domination
Run Blocking
Mechanics
Key Concept:
Delivering force through proper hand placement, low pad level, and relentless leg drive. Move the defender against his will.
Primary Objective
Move the Line of Scrimmage
We do not catch blocks. We deliver the strike, create a fit, and unseat their leverage.
Coaching Focus:
- Combine physical aggression with sound mechanics
- Prevent holding calls and defensive sheddings
- Maintain strict body structure and balance on contact
Technique Fit
Hand Strike & Placement
Hand Placement & Contact Fit
Target Area: Inside Frame Control
Target the chest plate and V-neck of the defender's jersey. Keep thumbs pointing straight up (12 o'clock) and elbows tucked into the ribs like a bench press.
Why it works:
Gives complete leverage, locks the defender's arms, and prevents holding flags.
Technique Flaw to Fix
Avoid grabbing the outside of the shoulders or wrapping arms around defenders. This is the #1 bad habit at the youth and middle school level.
The Penalty:
Causes instant holding penalties and allows defenders to push-pull and shed easily.
Inside Fit Execution Slide 8 of 12
Progression Sequence
Run Block Progression
4 Steps to Run Block Finish
1
First Step
(Get-Off)
Fast, directional 6-inch step. Gain ground immediately without over-striding.
2
Second Step
(Power Step)
Put the second foot in the dirt instantly to roll the hips and generate explosion.
3
Hand Fit
& Lift
Strike inside numbers with thumbs up, lifting hips through contact to unseat.
4
Drive
& Finish
Short, choppy, wide-base steps. Stay lower than defender, churning feet.
Full Block Progression Slide 9 of 12
Section 4
Pass Protection
Pocket Protection
Pass Protection
Fundamentals
Key Concept:
Keeping pass sets simple for youth players to prevent bull rushes and build solid pocket protection. Stop retreating; meet the rush head-on.
Key Directive
No Back-Pedaling
Youth pass protection is an aggressive, controlled strike. Do not retreat into the QB's lap.
Coaching Focus:
- Set boundaries on pass protection depth to prevent retreating
- Train explosive, independent hand strikes to stun rushes
- Keep knees bent and hips dropped to anchor firmly
Set & Strike
Pass Sets & Hand Punch
Pass Sets & Hand Punch
SET
1. Set & Punch Strategy
Teach middle school players to step into the block rather than retreating passively. A short, aggressive kick-set meets the rush head-on and prevents being pushed back into the QB's chest.
Rule of Thumb:
First contact must occur inside the first 2 yards off the snap.
PUNCH
2. Independent Punching
Strike with independent hands to stun the defender's chest plate. Maintain a wide base with knees bent, tailbone down, and shoulders square to avoid over-extending.
Core Body Control:
If the head travels over the toes, the defender will throw you by.
Pass protection execution Slide 11 of 12
Program Culture
Conclusion
One Family, One Unit
Building One Unit
Closing Message:
Thank you coaches for your dedication to developing our young linemen! Your investment at the feeder level builds the championship foundation of our program.
Immediate Action Items
Trench Warfare Alliance Slide 12 of 12
Trench Warfare Drills Guide
Trench Warfare Drills
Part 1: Base & Fit
On-Field Implementation Guide
Run these drills daily during the individual (INDY) period. Focus on relentless correction of micro-mechanics. Never prioritize speed over perfect technical execution.
1. Stance Balance (Fingertip Wave)
Core Drill
Focus: Eradicating Heavy Hands | Time: 5 Mins Daily
Execution Steps:
- Linemen line up on a painted yard line in their 3-point stances.
- On the command "Check Balance," players must lift their down hand 2 inches off the grass.
- Hold for 3 seconds without falling forward or resetting hips.
Coaching Cues & Corrections:
"Settle back on the insteps." If a player falls, they have 80%+ weight forward. Slide the power foot slightly back and sink the tailbone to redistribute.
2. Six-Inch Strike Drill
Strike Fit
Focus: Exploding Through Hips & Thumbs Up | Time: 8 Mins
Execution Steps:
- Linemen pair up. Blocker down in 3-point stance, defender standing upright with holding shield.
- On whistle, blocker takes a rapid, directional 6-inch step and strikes inside frame.
- Thumbs up (12 o'clock), elbows tucked, lifting hips through contact.
Coaching Cues & Corrections:
"Punch the V-Neck!" Watch for wide hands or wrapping arms. Ensure elbows graze the ribs on the strike. Hold contact to inspect hand fits.
3. Board Drive Drill
Drive Step
Focus: Maintaining a Wide, Powerful Base | Time: 10 Mins
Execution Steps:
- Place a standard 8-foot blocking board between the blocker's feet.
- On whistle, player drives down the board using short, choppy steps.
- Feet must straddle the board. Do not allow feet to touch or cross over.
Coaching Cues & Corrections:
"Keep the base!" Avoid long steps that open the hips. Steps should be no longer than 6 inches, staying low and wide.
OFFENSIVE LINE feeder manual Page 1 of 2
Trench Warfare Drills
Part 2: Pass Protection & Team Drills
4. Kick-Slide Mirror
Pass Pro
Focus: Lateral Balance & Recovery | Time: 8 Mins
Execution Steps:
- Blocker and defender stand nose-to-nose in athletic stance (2 yards apart).
- Defender moves laterally at 50% speed.
- Blocker kick-slides to match the movement, keeping shoulders square, chest up, and hands loaded.
