The purpose of the “HOP - HOP” is to first try and stop the charge of a rusher who is trying to rush through the blocker. Usually, by the second hop, a defender will try and make some sort of move. This occurs because it takes a lot of energy on the part of the defender so he then takes the path of least resistance. If the defender is still bull-rushing after the second hop and closing the pocket, cut him. If you play tackle, widen him or flatten the defender inside. Don’t leave your feet.
CENTERS AND GUARDS
- If the defender is power rushing/bull rush.
- Maintain contact with the defender. If the charge can’t be stopped at L.O.S. and the defender is rushing through the blocker, use a hop-hop and then a chop block to cut the defender.
- The chop helps keep the depth of the pocket. Only chop as a last result. We want to stay on our feet.
- While hopping, maintain your good base and feet shoulder-width apart. This keeps the defender from making a move.
TACKLES
- If the rusher is power rushing/bull rush.
- If the defender has the momentum to rush through, you hop-hop and then walk.
- Don’t leave your feet.
- Try and widen the defender on your second hop or start to flatten inside. Don’t open your shoulders to the QB.
- The hop is designed to stop a rusher’s momentum by planting your hop steps.
- Don’t allow the pocket to restrict. Keep the width of the pocket.