What it is

A kick slide is a pass-blocking technique where an offensive tackle takes a fast step back and to the side, to stay in front of an outside pass rusher.

In a game

Good footwork and balance keep the tackle between the rusher and the quarterback. If he is too slow, the rusher goes around him.

More detail

A kick slide starts with the outside foot stepping back at an angle, and the inside foot follows with a short step. A tackle must keep his shoulders square to the line and his hands ready for the punch. A wide step or a rushed set loses leverage, and the rusher goes inside or around.

Animated diagram

1. The left tackle starts the play with his feet apart. The edge rusher takes off at him.
2. Instead of stepping forward, the tackle takes a quick step backward and outward, a kick slide, and keeps his shoulders square to the rusher.
3. This lets him stay between the rusher and the quarterback, and push the rusher past the pocket on the outside.