Playbook: Full Slide Protection

The simplest pass protection scheme is full slide protection.  At its simplest, it calls for the five offensive lineman to all block their adjacent gap, either left or right, in unison.  The running back is asked to block the end man on the line of scrimmage (EMLOS), whoever that may be:

Full slide protection is good against interior blitzes and twists/stunts because regardless of defensive movement, the assigned blocking gap does not change.  Despite its uncomplicated nature, full slide protection is not commonly used as a base blocking scheme in today's NFL because it forces the running back to block an edge rusher.  Many teams prefer to keep their backs away from experienced/dangerous pass rushers because backs tend to be poor blockers and assigning backs to interior linebackers gives them a better chance to release into a pattern if their assignment isn't rushing (i.e. "check-release").

Outside References

1) Calling your full slide pass protection

2) Air Raid Playbook: Pass Protection Schemes

3) What are the basic principles of dropback pass protection?

4) Pass Protection for Beginners

5) Pass Protection 101

6) Inside the Playbook - Pass Protection Schemes

7) X's and O's: Pass Protection

8) 5-step passing game protection: Sliding to protect 

9) 3 Offensive Line Tips for Full Slide Protection 

10) Football Fundamentals: Pass Protection Schemes