In youth football, the offensive line often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. While quarterbacks, running backs, and receivers get most of the spotlight, the truth is that offensive linemen win games—starting with the most fundamental skill: the stance.
Teaching a proper stance to young offensive linemen is important. It sets up everything from blocking technique to injury prevention and overall confidence on the field. Without a solid stance, even good athletes can struggle with balance, quickness, and consistency.
This guide will walk you through the key principles of coaching offensive line stance to youth players (ages 8-14), with clear instructions, common mistakes to avoid, and practical drills to help them learn.
Why the Stance Matters
The offensive line stance is where every play begins. Whether it’s pass protection, run blocking, or a pulling assignment, linemen rely on their stance to:
- Keep balance and leverage
- Get off the ball quickly
- Stay low and drive opponents
- Move smoothly into blocking assignments
For youth players still developing coordination and muscle memory, getting this part right early is essential.
Key Principles of a Proper Offensive Line Stance
Before jumping into drills, coaches need to make sure players understand what a good stance feels like. There are two main types of stances commonly taught in youth football:
Two-point stance: Often used in pass-heavy offenses or for younger players who need to see the field better.
Three-point stance: The most common stance in youth football, used for run and pass plays alike.
Proper Three-Point Stance Mechanics
Feet Position: About shoulder-width apart. Toes should be slightly pointed outward.
Knees Bent: Squat position with weight on the balls of the feet—not the heels.
Back Flat: Spine should be straight, not hunched or arched.
Hand Placement: For a right-handed stance, the right hand goes down with fingers lightly touching the ground. The other hand stays ready to strike.
Head Up, Eyes Forward: Linemen should see the defender in front of them while keeping the neck safe and aligned.
The stance should feel comfortable but powerful, like being ready to explode off the line.
Step-by-Step Coaching Process
Here’s a step-by-step method to help youth players master their stance:
Step 1: Teach the Athletic Base
Start by getting players into an athletic position without worrying about the hand on the ground. This helps teach balance first.
- Feet shoulder-width apart
- Knees slightly bent
- Chest over the knees
- Weight on the balls of the feet
- Hands up in front like they’re holding a basketball
Drill Tip: Call out “Balance Check!” randomly during practice. If a player can’t move in any direction quickly, they’re not in the right stance.
Step 2: Introduce the Three-Point Stance
Once the base is solid:
- Have them drop their dominant hand to the ground (usually the hand on the side of their back foot)
- Keep the other hand ready near the thigh
- Make sure they keep their back flat, hips slightly above the shoulders, and head up
Step 3: Practice Getting Into Stance from a Two-Point Position
Line players up in a two-point stance (just standing in the athletic base), then give a command like “Down!” to move into their three-point stance.
This builds the muscle memory needed during games and prevents them from being too slow getting set.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Weight on the Hand
- Problem: Kids often lean too far forward, putting too much weight on the down hand
- Fix: Remind players they should be able to pick up their hand without falling. Have them do “hand checks” where they lift their down hand briefly to see if they’re balanced
Stance Too Wide or Too Narrow
- Problem: If feet are too wide, players lose explosion. If too narrow, they lose balance
- Fix: Use tape or cones to create foot markers so players know where to place their feet every time
Back Rounded or Head Down
- Problem: A hunched back limits explosion and visibility; a dropped head is a safety concern
- Fix: Use visual cues like “flat table” to help them remember proper posture. You can even place a yardstick on their back to check for alignment
Rising Up at the Snap
- Problem: Many young linemen stand up before engaging the defender, losing leverage
- Fix: Focus on “fire out, not up.” Use sleds or resistance bands to reinforce forward movement
Top 3 Stance Drills for Youth Offensive Linemen
1. Mirror Stance Drill
Purpose: Builds muscle memory and stance repetition.
How It Works:
- Line players up
- On coach’s signal, players drop into a stance
- Hold the stance for 5-10 seconds
- Coach walks around correcting form
- Repeat 5-10 times each practice
2. Stance & Fire Drill
Purpose: Teaches quick, explosive movement out of stance.
How It Works:
- Player gets in a three-point stance
- On “Go!” they fire out 2-3 steps forward, staying low
- Add a blocking pad or dummy for them to strike
- Focus on pad level, staying low, and short choppy steps
3. Explode and Freeze Drill
Purpose: Helps players control the burst from stance while staying balanced.
How It Works:
- Player gets into stance
- On snap count, they explode out and freeze after 2 steps
- Coach checks for balance, foot placement, and hand positioning
- Add variations with snap count or movement cues to simulate false starts
How to Structure a Practice Segment for OL Stance
Here’s a sample 15-20 minute segment for youth offensive line stance:
| Time | Activity | Focus |
| 3 min | Dynamic warm-up | Leg and hip activation |
| 5 min | Mirror Stance Drill | Reps and muscle memory |
| 5 min | Stance & Fire Drill | Explosiveness and pad level |
| 5 min | Explode and Freeze Drill | Burst control and technique |
| 2 min | Stance challenge | See who holds the best stance the longest |
Rotate players and add fun challenges like “Stance-offs” to keep engagement high.
Tips for Youth Coaches and Parents
Repetition is key: Kids need consistent reps to build muscle memory.
Positive reinforcement: Praise effort and form more than speed or aggression.
Film practice: Recorded videos can help players see their stance.
Break things down: One correction at a time works better than trying to fix everything at once.
Be patient: Coordination at this age varies widely—stick with the process.
Conclusion
Learning the offensive line stance may not be flashy, but it’s one of the most important skills in youth football. A solid stance sets the tone for every snap and builds confidence in young linemen as they learn to protect their quarterback and control the line of scrimmage.
By breaking down the stance into simple steps, using practical drills, and staying patient with corrections, coaches can set their players up for long-term success in the trenches.
For young linemen looking to refine their technique beyond team practice, Athletes Untapped connects players with experienced coaches who specialize in position-specific fundamentals like stance work and blocking technique. You can explore football coaching options to find trainers in your area who understand the nuances of offensive line play and can provide the individual attention these foundational skills require.
