Field Goal & Extra Point Blocking
Special teams plays, particularly field goals and extra points, are often decided by the battle in the trenches. Successfully blocking these kicks can swing momentum and secure victories. Mastering field goal and extra point blocking involves understanding formations, identifying key blockers, and executing the right defensive play calls.
Blocking a field goal or extra point requires a specific defensive strategy. The most common and effective formation to use is the 'FG Block' or 'Punt Block' formation. Within these formations, you'll typically find players lined up in a way that allows for a quick rush towards the line of scrimmage. The key is to get pressure on the kicker before they can get their kick off cleanly.
When you call a FG Block or Punt Block play, pay attention to the personnel on the field for the offense. They will usually have their offensive line and a few tight ends or fullbacks protecting. Your goal is to identify the weakest points in their protection and send your rushers there. Some players like to 'blitz' a specific player from the edge, aiming to get around the offensive tackle. Others prefer to send a strong interior rush to clog up the middle.
A common strategy is to 'spread' your defensive line. This means manually moving your defensive linemen slightly apart before the snap. This can sometimes confuse the offensive line's blocking assignments and create a clearer path for one of your rushers. Additionally, you can 'contain' the edge rushers by manually moving them slightly wider, forcing the offensive tackles to commit to blocking them, which can open up the interior.
Timing is also critical. You want your rushers to hit the line of scrimmage as close to the snap as possible. If you press the 'Sprint' button too early, your players might get caught by the offensive line's initial push. Conversely, if you're too late, the kick will likely be away before you can get any pressure.
Another effective tactic is to 'user' a defensive player, often a defensive lineman or linebacker, and manually direct them towards a specific gap or to disrupt a key blocker. By controlling a player directly, you can react to the offense's adjustments and exploit any openings. For example, if you see an offensive lineman is slow to react, you can use your player to power through them.
Finally, remember that the offense will often try to block your block attempts. They might put extra players in protection or use specific blocking calls. Be prepared to adjust your strategy based on what you see. Sometimes, a simple, well-timed rush straight up the middle can be more effective than a complex blitz.