Matt Waldman defines the basics of Stalk Blocking in this edition of the RSP NFL Scouting Glossary with the help of a play from Charlotte NFL Draft Prospect, WR Grant DuBose.
What Is Stalk Blocking?
When the blocking assignment calls for an offensive player detached from the formation to work toward a defender to execute the block, this is a stalk block.
This method involves the receiver being the aggressor/initiator of the interaction without manipulating the defender into believing that he’s running a route.
The Basic Techniques of Stalk Blocking
- Break down in the Contact Zone.
- The Contact Zone is within two yards of the defender.
- Breaking down involves these components:
- A square stance: The hips and pads pointed squarely at the opponent.
- The feet are placed at shoulder width to generate a solid base/anchoring point during contact.
- The knees and hips are bent in an athletic position to solidify the base/anchoring/leverage.
- Maintaining the wide base by shuffling the feet.
- Take the air out: Earning a chest-to-chest position with the defender to maximize leverage.
- Don’t overextend:
- Keeping the head and eyes up.
- The upper body should not be too far over the knees in an unstable stance.
- These body positioning points encourage a stable base for an attack or to handle contact from the opponent.
- Hand and arm positions: The intent is to attack the center of the opponent’s gravity and maintain a stable position.
- Tight hands aiming for the chest plate of the opponent.
- Elbows bent.
- The punch: Some blocks don’t require a punch. When they do . . .
- Tight hands
- Elbows bent
- Uppercut motion
- Rolling through the hips with an upward trajectory to generate force without overextending the frame.
- Running the feet after contact.
- Maintaining a wide base
- Shuffling the feet
- Maintaining the hands tight and in the chest of the opponent as much as possible.
What It Looks Like on Film with Charlotte WR Grant DuBose
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