StuntBest for: Run down10U+ · Core
Slant Weak
Slants the front one gap away from the tight end to defend backside runs.
Concept: Linemen fire into the weak-side gap while backers fold over the top to fill vacated gaps.
Age version
RushBlitzDrop to coverage
14U — Add 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.
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.
- 10UIntroduce: Line up right and own your gap — win with alignment, pad level, and pursuit to the ball.
- 12UAttack blocks: Add get-off and block destruction so the front controls the line of scrimmage.
- 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
NG
Fire into the weak A-gap on the snap.
DE (strong)
Cross into the next weak-side gap (strong B-gap).
DE (weak)
Cross the weak tackle's face into the weak C-gap.
Sam
Fold over the top to fill the strong backside gap, guard cutback.
Mike
Flow weak and fill the gap vacated by the slant.
ILB
Fill behind the slant, plug the open gap.
FS
Deep-middle center field.
CB (weak)
Cover weak receiver, force ball inside.
How to teach it
- 1The front fires one gap away from the tight end to defend backside runs.
- 2Backers fold over the top to fill the vacated gaps behind the slant.
- 3The strong backer is the cutback insurance.
Common mistakes to fix
- !Front slanting late and getting washed; fix by firing on the snap in unison.
- !Cutback opening strong; fix by the Sam reading and replacing the backside gap.
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.