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Systems/3-4 Defense/Double A-Gap
BlitzBest for: Passing down12U+ · Advanced

Double A-Gap

Sends both inside backers through the A-gaps to overload the center.

Concept: Both inside backers fire the A-gaps forcing the center to pick one, leaving the other free.

Age version
ENEBBBBCSSC
RushBlitzDrop to coverage
14U — Attack blocks: Add get-off and block destruction so the front controls the line of scrimmage. Layer in the called blitz — one timed gap-shooter on the snap. Teach the coverage drops behind the front and read run vs. pass. Combine front, pressure, and coverage — and disguise it pre-snap.
Play movement — schematic, not to scale

Grows with your players

Same play, more layers as they age up — teach it once and build on it every season for a consistent program.

  1. 12UIntroduce: Line up right and own your gap — win with alignment, pad level, and pursuit to the ball.
  2. 14UAttack blocks: Add get-off and block destruction so the front controls the line of scrimmage. Layer in the called blitz — one timed gap-shooter on the snap. Teach the coverage drops behind the front and read run vs. pass. Combine front, pressure, and coverage — and disguise it pre-snap.

Every position's job

NG

Occupy the center so one of the two blitzers always comes free.

Coach it with
Blitz Timing & Path RB Blitz Pickup
DE (strong)

5-technique, contain the strong edge.

Coach it with
Edge Rush & Bend the Corner
DE (weak)

5-technique, contain the weak edge.

Coach it with
Edge Rush & Bend the Corner
Sam

Set the strong edge, contain.

Coach it with
Edge Rush & Bend the Corner
Will

Set the weak edge, contain backside.

Coach it with
Edge Rush & Bend the Corner Scoop / Cutoff Block
Mike

Blitz the strong A-gap downhill at the QB.

Coach it with
Blitz Timing & Path DL Shed and Block Destruction LB Read Keys and Shuffle
ILB

Blitz the weak A-gap downhill at the QB.

Coach it with
Blitz Timing & Path DL Stance and Get-Off DL Shed and Block Destruction
SS

Rotate to the middle to cover vacated hooks.

FS

Deep-middle center field or single-high.

CB (strong)

Cover strong receiver in man.

CB (weak)

Cover weak receiver in man.

How to teach it

  • 1Both inside backers fire the A-gaps forcing the center to pick one, leaving the other free.
  • 2The ends contain the edges so the QB can't escape the interior pressure.
  • 3Safeties rotate to cover the underneath zones the backers vacate.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Both backers hitting the same side of the center; fix by declaring left and right A-gaps clearly.
  • !Safeties late rotating and leaving the middle open; fix by rolling on the snap.
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