Gridiron Glossary: Fold Block

A fold block is specific blocking technique where two offensive linemen block two defenders by crossing paths with one another.

Fold Block

Almost always one offensive lineman will have a defender in front of him and an adjacent lineman will not.  The lineman with the defender in front of him is said to be covered; the other lineman is uncovered.  The uncovered lineman will first block the defender covering the other lineman.  The covered lineman will step behind and around the offensive lineman and block a defender further off the ball, usually a linebacker.

A fold block creates advantageous blocking angles for the lineman.  The first lineman to block is hitting a defender from the side, which makes his block easier.  The second lineman then moves around his teammate to get a better angle on another defender.


Gridiron Glossary is a resource for football terms that are often used by commentators, coaches and players but rarely defined.  If there is a term you have questions about or a definition you don’t agree with, let me know at billy@thirddowndraw.com.

About Billy Koehler

Billy Koehler is the founder of ThirdDownDraw.com and a contributing writer at DixielandSports.com. He has been covering college football since 2006. You can follow him on twitter @billykoehler.
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