Matt Waldman defines the basics of Stalk Blocking in this edition of the RSP NFL Scouting Glossary with the help of a play from Charlotte NFL Draft Prospect, WR Grant DuBose.

What Is Stalk Blocking?

When the blocking assignment calls for an offensive player detached from the formation to work toward a defender to execute the block, this is a stalk block.

This method involves the receiver being the aggressor/initiator of the interaction without manipulating the defender into believing that he's running a route.

The Basic Techniques of Stalk Blocking

Break down in the Contact Zone.

The Contact Zone is within two yards of the defender.

Breaking down involves these components:

A square stance: The hips and pads pointed squarely at the opponent.

The feet are placed at shoulder width to generate a solid base/anchoring point during contact.

The knees and hips are bent in an athletic position to solidify the base/anchoring/leverage.

Maintaining the wide base by shuffling the feet.

Take the air out: Earning a chest-to-chest position with the defender to maximize leverage.

Don't overextend:

Keeping the head and eyes up.

The upper body should not be too far over the knees in an unstable stance.

These body positioning points encourage a stable base for an attack or to handle contact from the opponent.

Hand and arm positions: The intent is to attack the center of the opponent's gravity and maintain a stable position.

Tight hands aiming for the chest plate of the opponent.

Elbows bent.

The punch: Some blocks don't require a punch. When they do . . .

Tight hands

Elbows bent

Uppercut motion

Rolling through the hips with an upward trajectory to generate force without overextending the frame.

Running the feet after contact.

Maintaining a wide base

Shuffling the feet

Maintaining the hands tight and in the chest of the opponent as much as possible.

What It Looks Like on Film with Charlotte WR Grant DuBose

https://youtu.be/ZQzZCgBPYnw

And of course, if you want to know about the rookies from this draft class, you will find the most in-depth analysis of offensive skill players available (QB, RB, WR, and TE), with the 2022 Rookie Scouting Portfolio for $21.95. 

Matt’s new RSP Dynasty Rankings and Two-Year Projections Package is available for $24.95

If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2020 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.  

If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2020 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.  

Best yet, proceeds from sales are set aside for a year-end donation to Darkness to Light to combat sexual abuse of children.