Power, balance, and force starts from the ground up. To be explosive it is imperative to create force through the ground with the feet by transferring force through the body. Power and force starts from the bottom-up, not from the top-down with the ground being the power platform. Offensive linemen need to hear their feet as well as feel the ground through their feet up through the kinematic chain: ankles, knees, and hips. The bend in the kinematic chain starts at the ankles and works up.
In my opinion, ground force and the transferring of force is being under coached, as well as the stance (POOR STANCE = POOR START), playing on the medial part (insteps) of the feet which creates rotational force (torque and movement with force), balance, and power. Also, most high school offensive linemen don’t know how to transfer force from the ground through the feet, (position step, and lead hip, to the power step, to the drive hip) up through the kinematic chain. Learning how to transfer force creates power and balance. Offensive linemen need to create force because they start from a static position working to a dynamic position. Creating force creates power, balance, and explosiveness.
With that said, offensive line play is a game of angles. By having an efficient stance, an offensive lineman will be more efficient through his blocking angles. Also, blocking angles are created through the transfer of ground force through the feet up the kinematic chain. If an offensive lineman is not practicing at game speed, blocking angles will change. Blocking angles are critical to being an effective offensive lineman. The position step (the first step) by the offensive lineman should put him on the proper angle of departure to make the block. By transferring force from the position step to the power step, he will create force, balance, and explosiveness. Game speed blocking angles are much different than walk-through or three-quarter speed blocking angles.
If your offensive linemen are struggling with their blocking angles during a game, look back during the week to see if you practice at game speed. Also, look at the stance. What you teach and drill during the week will transfer to the game. I don’t know how many offensive line coaches discuss blocking angles in the run or pass game with their offensive linemen but if you don’t, then you need to start. Offensive line play is a game of angles and leverage along with force. If you have any questions regarding offensive line play, please don’t hesitate contacting me at kwilmesh@cox.net or 619-370-0765.