Pinch

Pinches both ends inside to close the B-gaps against inside runs.

Concept: Ends step hard to the inside shoulder of the tackle while outside backers set the edge.

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. 10UIntroduce: Line up right and own your gap — win with alignment, pad level, and pursuit to the ball.
2. 12UAttack blocks: Add get-off and block destruction so the front controls the line of scrimmage.
3. 14UAdd movement: Add the line stunt/twist to beat the offense's blocking rules. 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

How to teach it

• 1Both ends step hard to the tackle's inside shoulder into the B-gaps to close inside runs.
• 2Outside backers set the edge since the ends are now pinching inside.
• 3The pinch clogs the B-gaps and forces the ball outside to the backers.

Common mistakes to fix

• !Ends pinching soft and getting logged; fix by ripping through with penetration.
• !Outside backers not setting the edge and the ball bouncing outside; fix by holding the C-gap force.