The Punch Inside Technique

Win UNDER the block

Sometimes you need to go OVER TOP of a block, and sometimes you need to go UNDERNEATH.

Today’s article is all about going UNDER the block with a Punch Inside technique.

Let’s get right into it.

When should you Punch Inside?

This typically happens when you meet a blocker out in space.

There are two main reasons you would decide to go UNDER the block:

• The ball carrier has cut back on the play

• The blocker is out of position

When it comes to the OVER/UNDER question, be decisive.

You will only have a split second to choose.

Going UNDER is the riskier option, because if you Punch Inside and get stuck under the block, you can no longer pursue the play.

But sometimes it’s the right path to take.

How to Punch Inside

Remember this:

The blocker can’t see the ball carrier.

You can.

If you make the blocker think you are going Over Top, they will believe you.

A quick jab step can sometimes freeze the blocker and open up a path underneath.

Next you need to:

• Gain ground with the back side foot.

• Punch with the near arm to defeat the blocker’s hands.

• Step with the near foot to clear the blocker.

If you’re looking for some DRILLS you can use to teach your Linebackers how to Punch Inside, check out the Linebacker Toolbox 2.0. Find it by clicking here.

Play Fast

This is categorized as a “Win With Speed” technique.

You are not taking on the full blocker here, but instead using your speed to avoid the blocker underneath.

Once you defeat the block, STACK the blocker.

This means replacing the blocker and getting into a position where they cannot recover.

Then find the football and make the play.

Final Thoughts

There are many different ways to defeat a block.

Make sure you’re developing your toolbox of techniques.

These should be drilled so frequently they happen automatically on game day.

That’s how you play fast.

All the best,

Jon Svec
Defensive Coordinator
St. Francis Xavier University
X-Men Football
Email: jsvec@stfx.ca
Twitter: @jonsvecx

Take a DEEP DIVE into Linebacker fundamentals with the Linebacker Toolbox 2.0.