America Blitz
Sends both inside backers on a crossing double-A-gap pressure.
Concept: The two inside backers crisscross through opposite A-gaps to free one clean rusher.
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.
- 12UIntroduce: Line up right and own your gap — win with alignment, pad level, and pursuit to the ball.
- 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
Occupy the center so the crossing backers come clean.
Both ends hold their B/C-gaps and occupy their blockers.
Cross through the opposite A-gap on the crisscross pressure, timing behind the other backer.
Cross through the opposite A-gap, first through to free the crossing rusher.
Cover the strong hook/flat or the back underneath.
Cover the weak hook/flat or the back underneath.
Cover the strong receiver, man or deep third.
Cover the weak receiver, man or deep third.
Single-high deep middle over the top.
How to teach it
- 1The two inside backers crisscross through opposite A-gaps to free one clean rusher.
- 2One backer goes first, the other times behind him so they don't collide.
- 3The crossing action confuses the center and guards' blocking rules.
Common mistakes to fix
- !Both backers hitting the mesh at the same time and colliding; fix by rehearsing the go-first order.
- !The middle hook left open; fix by having outside backers replace it.
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.