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The big difference here, though, is that it has to happen between the tackles, and within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage.

Also, if you are not a lineman, you have to target the defender between 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock (position wise). This prevents the dirty trick Navy used, where the second blocker (the diver) would target you at the ankles or knees from the side.

If you're the defender being blocked in such a way, you can usually see the diver coming from the front, and adjust your footwork to avoid the worst of it. If the diver were coming from the side, it's much more difficult to see, and also to disengage from the first blocker if he holds onto you.



To be clear, I have no issues with cut blocking done cleanly. This is where the blocker will aim his shoulders at the defender's hips, or even upper thigh.

Sure, the defender takes a few more bruises this way, but there's no more danger of your knees and ankles getting wrenched or broken, compared to what you would see from blocking above the waist.

Bobb (yes, spelled with two b's at the end) McKittrick (San Fran 49'ers offensive line coach for 21 years) taught his linemen how to do clean cut blocking, and they did it with excellent technique, while not destroying the opposing defenders' knees and ankles.