Ends Crash
Both defensive ends crash inside to the B-gaps to squeeze inside runs.
Concept: Ends slant into the B-gaps while the outside backers scrape over the top to take contain.
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
1-technique, control the weak A-gap.
3-technique, hold the strong B-gap.
Crash inside into the strong B-gap to squeeze inside runs.
Crash inside into the weak B-gap to squeeze inside runs.
Fill downhill, meet the ball inside.
Scrape over the top to take strong contain as the end crashes.
Scrape over the top to take weak contain as the end crashes.
Deep-middle center field.
Cover strong receiver, force ball inside.
How to teach it
- 1Ends slant inside into the B-gaps to squeeze inside runs, spilling the ball outside.
- 2The outside backers scrape over the top and become the new contain players.
- 3Communicate the crash so backers know they own the edge.
Common mistakes to fix
- !Backers not getting over the top for contain and the ball bounces outside; fix by scraping fast and wide.
- !Ends turning upfield instead of squeezing the B-gap; fix by crashing flat and inside.
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.