Reach block

The reach block is the signature block of the zone running game: you have to get your head and hips past the defender's playside (outside) shoulder so you can seal him inside while the run stretches to the edge. It starts with an aggressive reach step — a lateral first step that crosses the defender's playside — then you work to get your hat across and turn your hips to wall him off. It's one of the harder blocks to master because you're covering ground laterally and still have to control a man trying to cross your face.

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

Related trench terms

Reach stepO-Line

An aggressive lateral step used in zone blocking; the foot crosses the defender's playside.

Outside zoneO-Line

A run scheme where all blockers step laterally to playside, stretching the defense to the edge.

Combo blockO-Line

Two linemen briefly working together on a single defender before one releases to the next level.

Cut-off blockO-Line

A backside block to seal a defender away from pursuit on a play running away from him.

PancakeO-Line

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

Go deeper

• Coach Jay’s lineman training library — the technique behind the term →
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