BlitzBest for: Passing down
Mike Blitz A-Gap
The Mike linebacker blitzes downhill through the A-gap.
Concept: Mike triggers on his read and fires the open A-gap while the tackle slants away to clear the lane.
Base alignment — schematic, not to scale
Every position's job
Mike
Blitz strong A-gap, get skinny and fast
Defensive Tackles
Occupy guards to free the A-gap
Defensive Ends
Contain rush, keep QB in the pocket
Sam
Cover strong flat/hook zone
Will
Cover weak hook, fill B-gap if run
Corners
Man coverage on receivers
Safeties
One rotates down to Mike's vacated zone
How to teach it
- 1Time the blitz with the snap, do not tip it early by leaning in.
- 2Aim for the near hip of the guard, run through the gap.
- 3If it is a run, tackle low and wrap, do not lunge.
Common mistakes to fix
- !Mike creeps up too early and tips the blitz; fix by timing the walk-up on the cadence.
- !Blitzer runs around the block instead of through the gap; fix by teaching a downhill gap-shoot path.
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.