Relationships and Reliability Between a Drive Block Test and Traditional Football Performance Tests in High School Offensive Line Players

This study investigated the reliability of the average and peak velocity (avgV, peakV) and momentum (avgM, peakM) of a drive block test (DBT) in 15 high school OL and relationships to performance tests. A linear position transducer attached to the OL waist measured the DBT from a 3-point stance into a blocking pad. Linear speed was measured by a 36.58-m sprint. Change-of-direction (COD) ability was measured by the pro-agility shuttle (first COD, second COD, and total time) and COD deficit from the first (COD deficit 1) and second COD (COD deficit 2) of the pro-agility shuttle. Vertical jump, standing broad jump (SBJ), and 1 repetition maximum (1RM) back squat were also measured. Pearson's correlations (p 0.90; CV = 6.46–8.29%) and correlated with the second pro-agility shuttle COD and COD deficit 2 (r = −0.515 to −0.721). One repetition maximum back squat correlated with avgM and peakM (r = 0.551–0.582); SBJ correlated with avgV and peakV (r = 0.557–0.571). The pro-agility shuttle splits, COD deficit, and SBJ may provide useful information about DBT qualities important for high school OL. It is recommended high school OL training focus on strength, COD performance, and jumping ability to aid drive block performance.
Source: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research - Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Original Research Source Type: research