Every offensive line coach knows that mobility can make or break your unit's performance, but finding fresh ways to develop it during the offseason can be challenging.
In this video, AJ Blazek, O-Line Coach at Wisconsin (O-Line Coach at Vanderbilt when this video was filmed) shares three innovative mobility drills that address the specific movement patterns your linemen need to dominate in the trenches.
The drills go beyond traditional agility work to target the exact mobility demands of pass protection and run blocking, helping your players move more efficiently and maintain leverage throughout every play.
His entire online clinic is on Glazier Drive at: O-Line Offseason Movement Training
Pre-Practice Hip Mobility Drill
- Uses a 5x5 square setup (initially coned off for learning)
- Focuses on proper posture: reverse arc in back, tucked hips, tight shoulder blades, and closed "windows" (no space between elbows and ribcage)
- Players move forward, laterally, and backward within the square
- Emphasizes staying on the balls of their feet with good knee bend
- Players eventually take ownership, performing it before team stretching
Star Drill
- Set up as a 10x10 yard grid with a center point
- Combines conditioning with technical movement training
- Players sprint to points, stop with control, then change direction
- Teaches body control and hip opening for precise movements
- Can be split into two groups for larger teams
- Emphasizes three key components:
- Approach/Start - proper stance and explosive movement
- Middle Work - controlled movement and balance
- Finish - maintaining posture through completion
Coaching Points
- Focuses on correcting common issues like hunchback posture
- Emphasizes controlled stops and precise direction changes
- Teaches players to keep eyes up rather than looking at the ground
- Works on specific movements needed for pulling, zone blocking, and pass protection
- Can be adapted for position-specific conditioning
- Builds in core values while developing mobility and conditioning
Coach Blazek notes that these drills were successfully implemented at Vanderbilt, with players eventually taking ownership of the pre-practice mobility work. The emphasis is on quality of movement rather than just completion of the drill.