3-Point Offensive Line Stance

In a good offensive 3-point stance, your head is up, the back is flat with your weight centered in your hips and buttocks. The hips, knees and ankles are flexed with your heels on the ground and feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart.  The down hand is flexed (not locked) at the elbow with the hand open and fingertips touching the ground. (tip: you should be able to lift your down hand without affecting your balance) The up hand is held at knee level with elbow low and your hand open, thumb up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With your butt too low, your shoulders are raised and the tendency is to stand up. This gives the defensive man too much leverage – he will push you into the backfield. Also, with your neck hyper-extended, you risk a neck injury. With your butt too high and head down, you are out of balance and will tend to submarine into the turf, allowing your defender a free shot at the ball carrier. Never lock your down hand at the elbow, keeping it bent prevents injury.