Film study is an essential part of any lineman's development. By analyzing game footage, offensive and defensive linemen can gain insights into their technique, identify areas for improvement, and better understand their opponents. However, it's important to note that there are different benefits to studying your own film versus studying your opponent's film.
When studying your own film, pay as much or more attention to the plays where you didn’t do well as you do to the ones you nailed. Here are some things to focus on:
- Technique: linemen should pay attention to their technique when analyzing their own film. They should look for inconsistencies and adjust accordingly. Check on your stance and footwork. Make sure hands are in the right position to gain leverage and maintain control of the defender.
- Leverage: linemen should analyze their leverage to make sure they are using their position and strength to their advantage.
- Communication: linemen should also pay close attention to communication with each other to make sure everyone is on the same page.
When studying opponent game film, offensive linemen need to pay attention to a few particular things:
- Defensive schemes: learn the opponent's defensive schemes. This will help anticipate blitzes and line games so the O line can adjust their blocking assignments
- Tendencies: study the tendencies of the defensive linemen. This lets the OL anticipate moves and adjust technique or assignment accordingly.
- Weaknesses: always look for weaknesses in the opponent's defense. Not just the D line but also the backers. You can often find things you can exploit.
When studying opponent's film, defensive linemen should focus on:
- Offensive formations and schemes: pay attention to the opponent's formations and schemes. What do they like to run out of the different formations? How is the behavior different based on down and distance?
- Tendencies: pay attention to the offensive line tendencies on running plays vs pass plays. They may have “tells” based on the type of play called that you can pick up on. These may help you know if the play will be run or pass or it may help you anticipate the snap count. Also, look for any habits in the linemen’s technique that you might be able to exploit. Like, the left tackle has a tendency to over set if there isn’t anyone in his inside gap.
- Weaknesses: find the weak spots and exploit them. These can be weaknesses in scheme or weakness in position.
Another thing about film study: do it as a unit. That is, all the offensive linemen should watch their film together and the defensive line should all watch their’s together. This helps with accountability but also helps you pick up on things someone else might miss. The unit works best as a whole instead of a collection of parts. It’s much easier to get on the same page with doing the film study together too.
Film study is a requirement for improving your craft. While studying your own film helps offensive and defensive linemen identify your own strengths and weaknesses, studying the opponent's film helps you anticipate their opponent's moves and adjust accordingly. Use these tips and make film study a regular part of your routine and you can take your game to the next level.
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