How to Build a Football Chute

A football chute is a training tool for defensive and offensive linemen. The chute is a simple PVC or metal rail frame. The frame is placed in front of blocking sleds, and the top rail forces the players to maintain a low position while hitting the sled. The chute trains the players to stay low, where they have power and control over the opponent. It discourages standing straight, which raises the center of gravity and impairs balance. Building the chute requires inexpensive PVC pipe, found at hardware stores.

Cut two 4-foot sections of PVC pipe with a hacksaw. Add PVC cement and a 90-degree joint to each end of both sections. Set the joints in matching positions and leave the cement to dry for 1 minute.

Cut four 4-foot sections of PVC pipe with the hacksaw. Use PVC cement to glue each section in one of the 90-degree joint openings. Wait 2 minute for the glue to dry. Use 3-foot sections for junior football leagues.

Apply a thin layer of PVC cement to the top of the latter upright posts. Add a three-way connector to each post and wait 1 minute for the cement to dry. Each connector must be aligned with another connector to create a square on the unfinished top section of the chute.

Cut two 4-foot sections of PVC pipe and each end of each pipe into the three-way connectors. The result is two separate squares, each having two openings on the top three-way connections.

Cut two 3-foot sections of PVC pipe with the hacksaw. Add a thin layer of glue to each end of each pipe. Connect the top of each three-way connection with the pipes. This connects the two separate squares and completes the chute. Wait 1 minute for the glue to dry.

Place the chute against a blocking sled to force players into a low position.

Tips

Make the cuts and build the stand before cementing the sections. This allows adjustments during the construction process. Use four-way connectors on the top sections to add more squares for multiple dummy blocking sleds.

Warnings

Replace broken sections of pipe with a straight joint. Broken pipe fractures into sharp pieces and may be dangerous.