The wham block is an underutilized weapon that will turn the aggressiveness of a dominant defensive lineman against him.
Related to the trap, the wham block sends a skill player to block a defensive lineman from an angle with an element of surprise. Often utilizing motion, the wham discourages penetration by sending the message that the defensive lineman can never know when he will be blindsided along the line of scrimmage.
Diagram 1 (above) shows the blocking scheme for the play. Delanie Walker is sent in short motion, giving him increased momentum to blast Ndamukong Suh. Notice how the scheme, combined with trap and fold blocks across the line, allows 49ers offensive linemen to block down the field. This downfield blocking is a hallmark of big plays in the run game. The scheme turns the Lions aggressiveness against itself, wasting the defensive linemen who were quick to penetrate up the field.
Diagram 2 (above): The moment of impact.
Diagram 3 (above): The meeting of scheme and execution. The 49ers scheme has worked to perfection – two defensive linemen (including Suh, the disruptive force who necessitates the scheme) are already behind the play, wasted to the defensive. Four 49er offensive linemen are down the field to make blocks.
Also note Vernon Davis. As the play unfolds, he blocks his man across the field. In diagram 1, we see the defensive end lined up on Davis’s inside shade. In diagram 2, Davis has locked him to the inside. In diagram 3, Davis has begun to drive him across the formation. In diagram 4, Davis has driven him off the screen.
Davis’s block as well as the 49ers offensive line’s ability to block downfield reminds us that no matter what the scheme, the most important predictor of success is the execution of fundamentals.
Discouraging aggressiveness encourages passivity, which helps to control a dominant defensive line or a particular defensive lineman. The wham – despite having faded in popularity – is a valuable tool in achieving that end. It is one of the power elements that Jim Harbaugh has brought to the table in turning also-rans at the University of San Diego, Stanford, and the 49ers into contenders.