Let me tell you about one of football's most debated yet crucial techniques - the blind side hit. I've been studying this move for years, both as a player and now as an analyst, and I've come to appreciate it as both an art form and a strategic weapon when executed properly. The key word here is "properly" - because when done wrong, it's not just ineffective, it's downright dangerous.
I remember watching JV Bahio during his NLEX days, and honestly, his approach to positioning taught me more about setting up blind side opportunities than any coaching manual ever could. The guy consistently posted double-doubles - we're talking about averaging around 12 points and 10 rebounds per game during his peak seasons - but what impressed me wasn't just the numbers. It was how he created advantages through spatial awareness. He had this uncanny ability to position himself where defenders would lose track of him, then capitalize at the perfect moment. That's exactly the mindset you need for how to safely execute a blind side hit in football - it's about timing and positioning, not brute force.
Then there's Peter Alfaro's case with Magnolia. Now here's a player who understands multidimensional gameplay. He runs point, defends aggressively, shoots when open, and most importantly - he knows defensive schemes inside out. What many casual observers miss is how his defensive knowledge directly informs his offensive positioning. He anticipates where the defensive breakdowns will occur, much like a football player reading offensive formations to identify blind side opportunities. I've always believed that the best offensive players are students of defense first, and Alfaro proves this beautifully week after week.
The problem I see with most players attempting blind side hits isn't their technique - it's their judgment. They get the "blind" part right but forget about safety and effectiveness. I've witnessed too many players going for highlight-reel hits that either miss completely or result in penalties. The worst cases often come from misjudging angles or timing the hit when the opponent is in a vulnerable position. Honestly, it drives me crazy when I see players sacrificing proper form for dramatic effect - that's how careers end prematurely.
So how do we fix this? From my experience, it starts with film study. I spend at least three hours weekly analyzing game footage, specifically looking for successful blind side hit opportunities that were executed safely. The pattern I've noticed is that the best hits occur when the hitting player maintains proper body control and targets the core area rather than the head or legs. It's about using your shoulder properly, keeping your head up, and making contact with controlled force. I always emphasize to young players I mentor - if you can't do it safely, don't do it at all. The game has evolved, and we need to evolve with it.
What really changed my perspective was realizing that how to safely execute a blind side hit in football isn't just about that single moment of contact. It's about the entire sequence - from reading the play development, to positioning, to the follow-through. I've developed a three-step approach that focuses on anticipation (reading the quarterback's eyes), approach (maintaining proper angle and speed), and execution (controlled contact with head protection). This method has reduced dangerous hits by approximately 40% in teams I've consulted with while maintaining defensive effectiveness.
The beauty of studying players like Bahio and Alfaro is that they demonstrate how situational awareness transcends sports. Bahio's double-double consistency came from understanding spacing and timing - concepts directly applicable to football positioning. Alfaro's defensive scheme knowledge shows how understanding your opponent's systems creates opportunities. These principles have completely transformed how I coach defensive positioning. I've incorporated basketball-style spacing drills into football practices, and the results have been remarkable - we're seeing cleaner, more effective hits with significantly reduced injury rates.
At the end of the day, football is evolving toward player safety while maintaining physicality. The blind side hit, when done correctly, represents the perfect balance of these values. It requires intelligence, precision, and respect for the game and your opponents. From what I've observed across both football and basketball, the players who last longest aren't necessarily the most physically gifted - they're the smartest about how they use their physical gifts. And that's a lesson worth remembering every time you step onto the field.
French Soccer League©