35 Under 35 Presents | Grant Olson, North Dakota State: Block Destruction
February 28, 2025
Grant Olson currently serves as the Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach at North Dakota State University (NDSU). A former All-American linebacker, Olson was instrumental in leading the Bison to a 14-2 record and an FCS Championship in 2024. Before his return to NDSU, Olson held coaching roles at Indiana State and Wyoming. Coach Olson was a member of the 2025 AFCA 35 Under 35 class.
In this segment, Coach Olson shares his four foundational principles for block destruction. He emphasizes a structured teaching progression and introduces key drills to master the techniques required to defeat blockers. These drills include the Crash Pad, 6/4 Point Explosion, 4 Point Launches, and Knee Punch, all designed to help players develop strength, precision, and effectiveness.
Block Destruction Fundamentals
Base Fundamentals
- Chest over knees, knees over toes
- Near foot in the ground
- Maintain horizontal leverage
- Keep elbows tight (hidden from behind)
- Thumbs up, punch through the chest
- Maintain vertical leverage
- Head under chin
- Eyes through the target (eyes = power)
Finish
- Drive back knee through the opponent’s crotch (knee punch)
- Execute a chop or rip to disengage
Teaching Progression
- Teaching Drills
- Focus on simple, controlled movements
- Players are prepared for what’s coming
- Work on the beginning, middle, and end of each skill separately
- Reactionary Drills
- Introduce variability, requiring players to read and react
- Scout simulates 2–3 options
- Reinforce the same movements learned in teaching drills
- Competitive Drills
- Perform at full speed with winners and losers charted
- Combine all phases of the skill
- Emphasize finishing the rep
Key Drills for Block Destruction
Crash Pad Drill
- Focus: Establishing proper base fundamentals
- Chest over knees, knees over toes
- Maintain horizontal leverage
6/4 Point Explosion Drill
- Focus: Executing the punch with power
- Engage both horizontal and vertical leverage
- Drive toes into the ground and use leg strength
- Keep eyes through the target
4 Point Launches Drill
- Focus: Enhancing finish and extension
- Combine horizontal and vertical leverage
- Add a forceful punch
Knee Punch Drill
- Focus: Developing knee drive mechanics
- Ensure horizontal and vertical leverage
- Elbows remain tight, thumbs up
By incorporating these fundamentals and drills, Grant Olson provides a clear and effective roadmap for teaching block destruction. His systematic approach ensures that players not only understand the technical details but also develop the strength and reaction skills needed to dominate on the field.
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
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Grant Olson currently serves as the Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach at North Dakota State University (NDSU). A former All-American linebacker, Olson was instrumental in leading the Bison to a 14-2 record and an FCS Championship in 2024. Before his return to NDSU, Olson held coaching roles at Indiana State and Wyoming. Coach Olson was a member of the 2025 AFCA 35 Under 35 class.
In this segment, Coach Olson shares his four foundational principles for block destruction. He emphasizes a structured teaching progression and introduces key drills to master the techniques required to defeat blockers. These drills include the Crash Pad, 6/4 Point Explosion, 4 Point Launches, and Knee Punch, all designed to help players develop strength, precision, and effectiveness.
Block Destruction Fundamentals
Base Fundamentals
- Chest over knees, knees over toes
- Near foot in the ground
- Maintain horizontal leverage
- Keep elbows tight (hidden from behind)
- Thumbs up, punch through the chest
- Maintain vertical leverage
- Head under chin
- Eyes through the target (eyes = power)
Finish
- Drive back knee through the opponent’s crotch (knee punch)
- Execute a chop or rip to disengage
Teaching Progression
- Teaching Drills
- Focus on simple, controlled movements
- Players are prepared for what’s coming
- Work on the beginning, middle, and end of each skill separately
- Reactionary Drills
- Introduce variability, requiring players to read and react
- Scout simulates 2–3 options
- Reinforce the same movements learned in teaching drills
- Competitive Drills
- Perform at full speed with winners and losers charted
- Combine all phases of the skill
- Emphasize finishing the rep
Key Drills for Block Destruction
Crash Pad Drill
- Focus: Establishing proper base fundamentals
- Chest over knees, knees over toes
- Maintain horizontal leverage
6/4 Point Explosion Drill
- Focus: Executing the punch with power
- Engage both horizontal and vertical leverage
- Drive toes into the ground and use leg strength
- Keep eyes through the target
4 Point Launches Drill
- Focus: Enhancing finish and extension
- Combine horizontal and vertical leverage
- Add a forceful punch
Knee Punch Drill
- Focus: Developing knee drive mechanics
- Ensure horizontal and vertical leverage
- Elbows remain tight, thumbs up
By incorporating these fundamentals and drills, Grant Olson provides a clear and effective roadmap for teaching block destruction. His systematic approach ensures that players not only understand the technical details but also develop the strength and reaction skills needed to dominate on the field.
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
