Coaching The Chip Block And Release

Gronk is the master of the Chip Block

I can't think of a better chip blocker than Rob Gronkowski. He was a master of it. Just ask any NFL DE and OLB. He could knock you off your attack and onto your ass, and slip out for for a TD. A thing of beauty.

Why is this? Aside from the fact that Gronk is a beast and the goat, its all about fundamentals and technique. It is NEVER a waste of time to coach, reenforce, and practice positional fundamentals. Many coaches never do this or don't do it enough. A chip block with your TE or RB can be a very powerful weapon in your youth or HS offense IF you coach it right and your players incorporate the chip block properly.

Just incase you don't know what a chip block is, a chip block is when the TE or RB "chips" the defensive end or OLB first before releasing towards the passing route. A "chip" is a angle block or forearm shive/punch to knock the defensive player off their attack and disrupt their timing.

A proper chip block can also buy time for your QB to get a pass off. Further, when done with a TE, a chip block is a disguise tricking the defensive player into thinking you are a blocker and not a receiver. In some/many cases, a WR or Slot can chip the DB making the DB believe the WR is pass blocking before slipping out and creating space for the WR.

Unfortunately, many coaches never coach up their players on the proper technique to get the most out of their chip blocks and thus reduce their offensive effectiveness. I want to share a few techniques and coaching points (CP's) to help you coach up your players to properly chip. I will focus on the TE position, but will address RB's and WR's as well.

TIGHTS ENDS

CP1: A chip block with a Tight End can be executed either in a 2 point or 3 point stance or from a receiver stance. Putting your tight end on the line in a 2 or 3 point stance will disguise the chip/release enabling your TE to execute the chip and release.

CP2: DO NOT rush the chip. This is all about deception. Coach your player to actually chip. I have seen many TE's just lay hands on the DE or OLB and not actually block and disrupting the defensive attack. The TE must actually chip block otherwise, you have wasted one of your assets. The TE must develop the proper timing to sell the chip. DO NOT RUSH IT or just touch and run. Terrible and ineffective.

CP3: A chip block needs to be set up. If you do it all the time, your TE is essentially acting as a linemen and you might as well dedicate him to that role. Set up your play sequence so that when you spring a chip block and release, its effective.

CP4: When using a chip/release with your TE ensure the route they release to is an effective route to take advantage of the space. You may need to clear a zone, to get your TE in space, etc. Offensively, this needs to be considered in your route tree and play design.

CP5: Using a chip/release in first down attempts is a great way to get that first down. Using the TE to chip and release to an out route, slant, curl, etc. by the sticks on short yardage is an great way to get that 1st down.

CP6: Using a TE chip/release is a great combo with a RB screen. Now your QB has two options to either hit the screened RB or the releasing TE.

CP7: Your TE needs to be physical. Obviously. They need to actually block, catch, run, etc. But when they chip it needs to be physical and violent otherwise, don't bother. Watch any Gronk film of him chipping... a thing of beauty.

CP8: A TE is an athlete. Do not neglect working them on how to explode out of a 2 or 3 point stance. Its different than a lineman. This is important because the DE or OLB may not be lined up on the line and may be wide. IF this is the case, you will want your TE in a WR stance and maybe a little wider to be able to pick up the wide DE or OLB. This gives the TE an advantage of leverage/angle and it can almost become a pseudo crack block. Be creative how you use your TE's.

CP9: A chip can be disruptive to the TE's route. I am a stickler for running a proper route. So work your TE's against a player or coach with a shield to chip, release, route. Focus on the fundamentals.

CP:10 When using a chip with your TE's remember there is a progression that must be followed - CHIP, TIMING, RELEASE, ROUTE. Like all things in a progression, this must be repped. Don't forget that depending on the play, the TE may need to chip longer and on other players it may be a quick punch/shive then release. Your TE's need to be aware of this based on the play. To many players just know they need to chip and release and its the same thing every play. In many cases its not even a chip, but patty cake. This is ineffective. Coach your players up and improve their football IQ. Give them a cadence to remember i.e. 1, 2, release, 1 hippo, 2 hippo, release, etc. Be creative.

RUNNING BACKS

CP1: RB's need to learn patience. Whether its hitting a hole on a stretch play, RB screen, etc. a RB chip block on a attacking DE or OLB, requires patience and purpose. To many RB's are in a rush to execute and RB coaches very rarely coach their RB's on how to block let alone run routes! The offense needs time and synchronization to execute. Patience.

CP2: Use your RB to chip the DE/OLB as they run their route of the backfield. This is a great way to buy time for your QB. Especially if the RB is running an out or some out short field pass route.

CP3: If you are in an Empty formation and motion your RB back in, the RB can chip the DE or OLB and slip across and out for a drag or any other effective route, etc.

CP4: Using the RB to chip on a screen. The RB chips the DE or OLB and slips out for the screen. Good option.

CP5: Coach your RB's on the craft. Don't just holler "hit the hole" or other obvious things. Coach them on pass blocking, blitz pick up, routes, catching, etc.

WIDE RECEIVERS

CP1: Teach your WR's to chip as if they are pass blocking and then release. Your WR's will gain the all important distance to get space. If that DB is blitziing, you just knocked them off their blitz.

CP2: ALL WR's need to know how to block and hold their block until the whistle. I guarantee you that if they let go on their block, the guy they were blocking will make the tackle.

CP3: Having one of your WR's in bunch formation and designate one WR to chip and release will give you advantages. Especially if its the inside WR.

CP: Putting your WR or Slot in motion and chipping the DE/OLB will disrupt the defense and get an uncovered man in space. Julian Edelman was a master of this!

So as you can, coaching your players to properly chip can pay dividend for your offensive production and give you new options. A dynamic offense is unstoppable. It also gives the defense a lot more to think about and defend against. Plus, nothing is as satisfying as seeing a violent chip, crack block or trap. Love it!

Coach your players up on the fundamentals of their position. Thats out job!

Coach David Frederick