Scoop Blocking- a tutorial

Several folks have reached out offline to ask me to explain how I evaluate specific blocking techniques. The technique I am usually most critical of is the reach block, which I often describe as the backside scoop block.

The scoop block is utilized on the backside of a running play. The goal of the offensive lineman is to inundate himself in the pursuit angle of the defender and either seal the defender off or drive him across any potential cutback lane.

In order to be effective, the blocker must take a quick initial lateral step to the play side with the foot closest to the intended path of the running back. The blocker must contact the pursuing defender with the "V" created between his neck and his outside shoulder. The aiming point should be the defender's hip or rib cage on the side closest to the intended path of the ball carrier.

I found a wonderful example from some classic film (the 1988 NFC championship game between the Bears and Forty-Niners. Please note the right guard and right tackle.

The right guard is tasked with scooping the inside linebacker. The guard takes a quick lateral step to the left and then angles to where the linebacker is going, not where he is. The linebacker does a good job of crossing the guard's face. However, the guard maintains his feet and drives the linebacker across the hole to create a small cutback lane.

The right tackle does an even better job. He also takes a lateral first step and gets his head cleanly to the inside of the defensive end. When the end starts to roll off the block, the tackle turns his body to wall off the end. As result, a small bubble is created where, if the back can step through the bubble, he is one on one with the safety. As an offensive line, this is the goal of every running play.