Combo block

A combo block is two offensive linemen working a single defender together for a beat — driving him off the ball with four hands and a double-team — before one of them climbs off to block a linebacker at the second level. The art is in the timing and the eyes: you drive the down lineman first, both stay square and lateral to get the fit, then the climbing blocker comes off late and clean to the linebacker (“over and back,” never turning and losing force early). Get it wrong and you either let the down lineman split the double or you climb too soon and he makes the tackle.

Defined by Coach Jay Freeman — 32 years coaching the offensive and defensive line.

Related trench terms

ClimbO-Line

When one lineman in a combo releases up to the second level to block a linebacker.

Inside zoneO-Line

A run scheme where all blockers step playside, working combo blocks up to the linebackers.

Drive blockO-Line

A straight-ahead block designed to displace the defender straight back.

Reach blockO-Line

A block where the lineman gets his head past the defender's playside shoulder to seal him.

PancakeO-Line

A block that puts the defender flat on his back. The lineman’s highlight.

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