Matt Waldman’s RSP Scouting Glossary: Stalk Blocking Basics with Charlotte WR Grant DuBose - a podcast by Matt Waldman

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 BlockingBreak 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 handsElbows bent
Uppercut motionRolling 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 feetMaintaining the hands tight and in the chest of the opponent as much as possible.



What It Looks Like on Film with Charlotte WR Grant DuBosehttps://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. 

Further episodes of Matt Waldman

Further podcasts by Matt Waldman

Website of Matt Waldman