Teaching The 2-Man Crowther Progression In The Running Game
July 29, 2011 No CommentsThe objective of the 2-man crowther progression is to teach offensive linemen the key components to a drive block. Also, the crowther progression teaches lineman to strike through defenders with pads out (pad leverage) rather than pads up. It teaches the strike and the hip roll (power comes from the hips). It also teaches the importance of the position step, and the power step.
It is important on every run block that your linemen execute the proper position and power steps. With the position and power steps there is a led leg and a drive leg.
There are six steps to the 2-man crowther progression:
- The Pendulum Swing
- The Triangle
- The Hip Roll
- The Position Step
- The Position and Power Step
- One Man Drive
1. The Pendulum Swing
The offensive lineman will be in an upright position with a slight bend in the knees. He then will place the chin slightly over the pad and slightly outside of the sled. The lineman then will strike with the pad with the back of the wrist. He will strike through the pad.
As he strikes the pad, the hips will unlock slightly. The opposite arm will reach for the sky, which helps keep the shoulders square. The pendulum swing teaches offensive lineman to strike a blow.
2. The Triangle
The offensive lineman will remain in an upright position with knees bent slightly and on the insteps of their feet. The offensive lineman repeats the same motion as in step 1 with the pendulum swing. The lineman will strike through the pad with the back of the wrist as he reaches for the sky forming a triangle.
As the lineman strikes through the pad, the hips will unlock slightly; remember power comes from the hips.
With the opposite arm the lineman will reach for the sky forming a triangle which keeps the shoulders square and creates a big blocking surface. As the lineman strikes through the pad, he needs to have a full range of motion.
3. The Hip Roll
The lineman is an arm-length away from the sled and on his knees. His weight should be back on his heels with shoulders slightly rolled forward. The lineman will snap the hips through (unlocking the hips generating power) as he strikes the pad at a 45-degree angle. He reaches for the sky with the opposite arm and keeps the head tight to the side of the sled.
As the lineman strikes through the pad, the opposite arm will reach for the sky. The lineman will strike through the pad as he did in step 1 and step 2. The hip roll teaches the lineman to punch through the defender (the pad) and snap (unlock the hips) the hips. Reach for the sky and strike through the (the pad) defender.
4. The Power Step
From a proper 3-point stance, the lineman will strike the pad with the flipper at a 45-degree angle. As he strikes the pad, he is driving the knee through the pad, which simulates driving the knee through the crotch of the defender (one step only).
As he strikes the pad and drives the knee through the pad, the opposite foot stays stationary. If the lineman is striking the pad with the right flipper, he will drive the right knee through the pad. If he is striking the pad with the left flipper, he is driving the left knee through the pad. The opposite arm is reaching for the sky.
The power step teaches offensive lineman to knock the defender off the line of scrimmage.
5. The Position and Power Step
From a proper 3-point stance, the lineman will take a 6-inch position step, lead leg (directional step) with outside foot and then drive the power step, drive leg through the pad, which simulates the crotch of the defender (two steps only).
If the lineman is taking a position step with the left foot, the power step is the right foot through the pad (the defender). If the lineman is taking a position step with the right foot, the power step is the left foot through the pad (the defender).
The footwork is position step, then power step (position, power). Also make sure they are on the insteps of the feet when working the position, power steps. If they are flat footed they will stick and stay becoming unexplosive.
The lineman will strike the defender with the flipper at a 45-degree angle and reach for the sky with the opposite arm. The lineman is striking the pad up and out.
6. The One Man Drive
From a proper 3-point stance, the lineman will work all the components of the drive block. The lineman will position, power step, strike a blow at a 45-degree angle through the pad, keep the head tight to the side, and pump the outside arm.
For the lineman to be successful driving the sled they have to be on the same angle as the sled and maintain their base of support throughout the drive block. The one-man drive is a great visual for lineman because it teaches them all the components of a drive block as well as what it takes to have a successful drive block.
College, Drills, High School, Ken Wilmesherr, Offense, Offensive Line
