Under Front
Shifts the line to the weak side so the nose slides to a shade and the strong end widens.
Concept: Weak-side nose plays a 1-technique shade while the strong end anchors the C-gap outside the tight end.
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.
- 6UIntroduce: Line up right and own your gap — win with alignment, pad level, and pursuit to the ball.
- 8UAttack blocks: Add get-off and block destruction so the front controls the line of scrimmage.
- 10UAdd coverage: Teach the coverage drops behind the front and read run vs. pass.
- 12UFull call: Combine front, pressure, and coverage — and disguise it pre-snap.
Every position's job
Play a weak-side 1-technique shade, control the weak A-gap.
Anchor the strong C-gap outside the tight end, set a hard edge.
5-technique on the weak tackle, control the weak B/C gaps.
Set the strong edge outside the tight end, force runs inside.
Set the weak edge and contain backside.
Fill the strong A/B gap on flow.
Fill the weak A/B gap on flow.
Support the strong run/pass.
Deep-middle center field.
Cover the strong receiver, force runs inside.
How to teach it
- 1In Under the line shifts weak: the nose plays a weak 1-technique shade and the strong end widens to anchor the C-gap outside the tight end.
- 2The strong end must hold the C-gap outside the tight end as a hard edge.
- 3Inside backers adjust their fills to the shifted front.
Common mistakes to fix
- !Strong end getting hooked inside the tight end and losing the C-gap; fix by anchoring the outside shoulder.
- !Nose losing the weak A-gap he shades; fix by punching the center's weak shoulder and holding.
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.