Keeping the quarterback safe in the passing game is one of the primary jobs of an offensive line. That's where slide protection comes in. Think of the offensive line moving together like a wall, blocking the rushing defenders. This tactic isn't just about strength; it's about teamwork and strategy. Slide protection is one of the most commonly used pass protection schemes in football, and it's a favorite among many offensive line coaches for its simplicity and effectiveness. Here's a brief rundown:
Slide Protection Basics
In slide protection, instead of blocking a specific man, the linemen are responsible for an area or a "gap." The line will slide in a specific direction, covering the gap beside them in that direction. The running back often complements slide protection. He usually has an assignment dependent on the type of slide called.
There are a couple of real advantages to slide protection and a few things to consider when using it. The key advantage is the simplicity of the assignments. Instead of having to identify and block specific defenders, linemen just have to protect a zone. This can be simpler for them to process, especially against complicated blitzes and stunts. Another advantage that slide protection can give is quick sets for the linemen. Since linemen are moving laterally, they can quickly set up to protect against oncoming defenders.
Things to take into consideration with slide protection include edge (or middle in half slide) vulnerability and communication between linemen. With just the 5 linemen, the edge opposite the slide direction can be left open. This is usually handled by incorporating a back or tight end in the protection. Communicating the slide direction and type (full, half, 4 man, etc) is key to executing the protection. If just one of the linemen, or backs/TEs, isn’t clear on the call the protection can break down quickly and with disastrous results.
There several variations in slide protection. The most common ones are Full Slide and Half Slide (sometimes called 3 Man Slide). Some teams will also use a 4 man slide in some situations. We will cover all three of these.
Full Slide (5-Man Slide)
Full slide has all five linemen slide in the called direction (left or right). Each OL has to cover their gap to the call side, blocking any initial defender in that gap. If backs or tight ends are included in the protection, they will typically shield the edge on the slide's backside. A quick breakdown of responsibilities in full slide:
Tackle If sliding to the Tackle’s side, he will protect the outside edge, ensuring no defender comes around the outside. If sliding away from the Tackle’s side, he protects the inside gap against any defender that tries to penetrate there. He should be ready to assist the Guard beside him if a defensive tackle or a blitzing linebacker tries to shoot that gap.
Guard If sliding to the Guard’s side, he’ll protect his outside gap (between him and the Tackle). He should be prepared for stunts or blitzes that come through this gap. Sliding away from his side means he has to cover his inside gap (between him and the center) and be ready to assist the center or pick up any defender threatening that space.
Center The Center typically sets the protection and identifies the key linebacker or "Mike." If the call is to slide left, he is responsible for the gap to his left. If the call is right, he takes the gap to his right. He often faces nose tackles or interior defensive linemen. A quick and efficient punch and maintaining leverage is crucial.
Running Back/Tight End/H Back Running backs and H backs will usually be responsible for the opposite edge of the slide direction. If the slide is to the left, the running back might handle the right edge or vice versa. This can include picking up blitzing linebackers or edge rushers. Tight ends, if in the protection scheme, might help with edge responsibilities or chip edge rushers before going into their routes.
Half Slide (3 Man Slide)
Half slide merges man and zone blocking. One side (typically 3 linemen) slides as a unit, while the other side uses man blocking. The slide side linemen are focused on their gap in the direction of the slide. The man side linemen (typically the G and T) handle the down linemen in front of them as well as accounting for any games/twists or blitzers. The back and the TE in the scheme are looking for free rushers. Here is a short breakdown of responsibilities in half slide protection:
Slide Side
Center The Center is always part of the slide. Depending on the direction, the center will block the first threat to the called side.
Guard The slide side Guard must protect the gap between him and the tackle and pick up any defender showing in that gap.
Tackle The slide side Tackle will protect the outside gap and engage with any defender attempting to penetrate there.
Man Side
Tackle The man side Tackle will take the edge rusher, typically a defensive end. Their goal is to ensure that no pressure comes from the outside.
Guard The man side Guard will typically block the defensive tackle in front of them or the most immediate inside threat.
Running Back The back is responsible for the most dangerous rusher that isn’t accounted for by the 5 linemen. He typically works inside out in finding his assignment. This means that he would pick up an inside blitz before an edge blitz from the man side..
Tight End In some formations, a tight end can be used to aid in protection. They can chip the edge defender, giving the tackle an advantage, or they can be responsible for an outside defender if the running back has to pick up an inside blitzer.
4 Man Slide
The 4-man slide protection is another version of slide protection where one side of the offensive line slides to protect against zone pressures or blitzes, while the opposite tackle typically mans up on the edge player. The back is responsible for the remaining linebacker or edge rusher on the man side. This scheme can be particularly effective against defenses that bring various zone pressures.
Slide Side (in a left-side slide scenario):
Left Tackle As part of the slide, the LT becomes the outermost part of the slide, ensuring that no outside pressure comes through. They are responsible for the furthest outside threat.
Left Guard The LG will protect the gap to his left and engage with any defender penetrating through that gap.
Center The Center takes the gap to his left and engages any defender there. He'll typically engage with a nose tackle or any immediate threat from that side.
Right Guard Though on the opposite side of the initial slide direction, the RG is still part of the 4-man slide. He will cover the gap to his left, often picking up a defensive tackle or a blitzing linebacker.
Man Side
Right Tackle The RT will be in man protection against the edge defender, ensuring no pressure comes from the outside. This is often against the defense's best pass rusher, so the RT needs to be solid in their one-on-one matchups.
Running Back In the left slide example, the running back would be responsible for the split between the slide and the man protection or the edge on the right side. He must pick up any additional blitzers from that side. This could be an outside linebacker, a cornerback, or even a safety.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Each slide protection scheme offers specific advantages tailored to counter certain defensive looks or strategies. They also have some inherent disadvantages. Here’s a comprehensive look into each protection:
Full Slide (5-Man Slide)
Advantages
The full slide provides a cohesive, lateral moving wall that can pick up most inside and outside pressures. It's effective against defensive fronts that utilize a lot of movement, stunts, or twists.
Best Situations
Multiple Front Looks: If it's challenging to predict where the pressure will come from based on pre-snap reads, a full slide can be a safer, more encompassing option.
Stunt-heavy Defenses: Against defenses that rely on a lot of twists and stunts, a full slide can be effective, as it creates a moving wall that can pick up defenders crossing into different gaps.
Blitz-happy Defenses: If the defense is known for bringing blitzes from multiple directions, a full slide can provide a cohesive response.
Quick Passing Game: When the quarterback aims to get the ball out quickly, full slide can provide a fast setup for protection.
Disadvantages
Edge Vulnerability: With the entire line sliding, it can leave one edge vulnerable. This often necessitates a tight end or running back to secure that edge, and if they miss their block, it can result in immediate pressure on the quarterback.
Overcommitment: If the defense doesn't blitz or stunt as anticipated, sliding can lead to unnecessary double-teams, leaving potential rushers unblocked.
Defensive Recognition: If a defense recognizes the slide early, they can adjust their rush to exploit the weak edge or bring late blitzes from areas the offensive line has vacated.
Half Slide (3 Man Slide)
Advantages
Half slide offers a mix of man and zone principles, allowing the line to handle individual pass rushers on one side and zone pressures on the other.
Best Situations
Dominant Edge Rusher: If the defense has a prominent edge rusher, the center might call a half slide to allow the offensive line's best tackle to take on that rusher in a man-blocking scheme, ensuring he gets no free path to the quarterback.
Predictable Linebacker Blitzes: If a defense regularly blitzes a specific linebacker, the back can be assigned to him.
Edge-heavy Pressures: When most of the pressure is coming from the edges, leaving the interior relatively stable.
Quick Passing Situations: Similar to the full slide for quick passing situations where the ball is expected to be released rapidly, a 3-man slide might be called to quickly solidify one side of the protection.
Protection of a Less Skilled Tackle: If one tackle struggles with one-on-one matchups, placing him in the slide (with zone protection) can give him assistance against complex defensive moves or stunts.
Disadvantages
Running Back Mismatches: The scheme often requires a running back to pick up a blitzing linebacker or even a defensive end. This can lead to mismatches in size and strength.
Complexity: Given that half the line is in man protection and the other half in zone, it requires good communication. Any breakdown in communication can lead to missed assignments.
Potential Overload: Defenses can overload the man side with additional rushers, complicating assignments and potentially leaving a rusher unblocked.
4 Man Slide
Advantages
The 4-man slide still provides a robust zone wall while freeing up one tackle to handle an edge rusher. It's a middle-ground between full and half slide, providing flexibility.
Best Situations
Off-Center Pressures: If you anticipate blitzes or pressures that aren't directly on the edges but also aren't coming straight through the middle.
Unpredictable Fronts: If the defense often disguises its intentions, or if there's uncertainty about where the pressure might come from, a 4-man slide offers flexibility against shifting threats.
Strong Side/Weak Side Defenses: If a defense consistently overloads one side (e.g., the strong side), the 4-man slide can be used to counter that.
Running Back Skills: If your running back is particularly adept at pass protection, this scheme can utilize their skill set, freeing the tackle to handle the edge.
Disadvantages
Running Back Reliance: Similar to the half slide, the 4-man slide often relies on a running back or sometimes a tight end to handle protection duties. If the back fails, pressure can get to the quarterback quickly.
Delayed Blitz Vulnerability: The side with the solo tackle in man protection can be vulnerable to delayed blitzes or stunts, especially if the running back releases into a route.
Potential Miscommunication: With four players sliding and one on man, there's a potential for confusion, especially if the defense presents ambiguous fronts or shifts late.
Coaching Points for Slide Protection
Stance and Start: Make sure your linemen have a balanced stance. As they initiate the slide, their first step should be lateral – not upfield or backwards. This helps them quickly get in position.
Hand Placement and Punch: As they engage defenders, hand placement is crucial. Emphasize a strong inside punch to control the defender and keep him at bay.
Eye Discipline: Linemen should keep their eyes on their designated gap. If a defender stunts or loops into their gap, it becomes their responsibility.
Communication: Always emphasize the importance of clear communication along the line. If one player makes a mistake in slide protection, it can lead to a breakdown across the line.
Step Timing: The first step is crucial. It should be a quick lateral step in the direction of the slide to help linemen cover their gap as quickly as possible.
Maintain Leverage: Linemen should strive to keep their pads lower than the defenders, using their legs and hips to drive and sustain blocks.
Stay Square: It's important for linemen to stay square to the line of scrimmage as they slide, which helps them adjust to stunts and blitzes.
Man Side Aggressiveness: On the man side, linemen should be aggressive. Since they're blocking man-on-man, they should attack the defender to disrupt the rush.
Running Back’s Awareness: The running back must be very aware in this scheme. They need to recognize potential blitzers and understand when to stay in protection versus releasing into a route.
Recognition: In 3 and 4 man slide, both the non-sliding linemen and the running back need to be sharp in recognizing potential threats. The linemen need to identify any stunts or games from the defensive line, while the back should be ready for blitzers or adjust to help the tackle if necessary.
Slide protections play a pivotal role in mitigating defensive pressures. The choice of protection is dictated by the situation, defensive alignment, and offensive strategy. Coaches must ensure that players understand their responsibilities, communicate effectively, and adapt to the defense's movements. Proper execution requires a balance of technique, awareness, and teamwork.
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