How to Play Offensive Guard in Football
- 1). Protect and shield the quarterback from attacking defensive lineman and linebackers during passing plays. An offensive guard's job during a passing play is to make sure the quarterback has time to stand back in the pocket and pass the ball to his chosen receiver. This means an offensive guard must be ready to absorb anything the defense can throw at him, and must stand his ground as solidly as a wall. This is called pass blocking.
- 2). Create holes for running backs to run through when a running play is called. Offensive guards are tasked with doing almost anything they can to open up a hole for a running back, which can be anything from bull rushing the defense to speed blocking, which involves sprinting out in front of a running back and blocking for him. This is called run blocking.
- 3). Work out and keep your fitness level high. Depending on if the offensive guard is primarily a pass blocker or a run blocker, it may be more advantageous to be extremely large and built or slightly quicker and more agile. In either case, offensive guards must be some of the most aggressive, intimidating players on the field. Otherwise they don't stand much of a chance against a determined defense.
Most offensive guards in the NFL today weigh over 300 pounds. - 4). Do not try to catch a pass. Offensive guards are considered ineligible receivers, and therefore cannot catch a forward pass. The exceptions to this rule are to recover a fumble or catch a ball first touched by an eligible receiver or defender.