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Systems/4-3 Defense/Tackle-End Twist (TEX)
StuntBest for: Run down10U+ · Core

Tackle-End Twist (TEX)

A tackle and end on the same side exchange gaps to beat pass protection.

Concept: The tackle penetrates the B-gap first while the end loops behind into the vacated inside gap.

Age version
ETTESMWCSSC
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.

  1. 10UIntroduce: Line up right and own your gap — win with alignment, pad level, and pursuit to the ball.
  2. 12UAttack blocks: Add get-off and block destruction so the front controls the line of scrimmage.
  3. 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

1-technique, occupy the center and weak A-gap.

Coach it with
DL Stance and Get-Off DL Shed and Block Destruction DL Gap Control and Two-Gap Read
DT (strong)

Penetrate the strong B-gap first as the pick, occupy the guard and tackle.

Coach it with
Team Inside Run Period DL Stance and Get-Off DL Shed and Block Destruction
DE (strong)

Loop behind the tackle into the vacated inside B-gap.

Coach it with
Team Inside Run Period DL Stance and Get-Off DL Shed and Block Destruction
DE (weak)

Contain the weak edge.

Coach it with
Edge Rush & Bend the Corner
Mike

Read guards and fill inside, ready for the ball off the twist.

Coach it with
LB Read Keys and Shuffle LB Downhill Fill Team Skelly Pass Period
Sam

Set the strong edge or drop to hook depending on the call.

Coach it with
Edge Rush & Bend the Corner Zone Drop & Pattern Read QB Stance and Footwork
Will

Fill the weak gap and check cutback.

Coach it with
LB Downhill Fill Scrape & Fill Over the Top Team Inside Run Period
SS

Support the run/pass strong side.

FS

Deep-middle center field.

CB (strong)

Cover strong receiver.

CB (weak)

Cover weak receiver.

How to teach it

  • 1TEX: the tackle penetrates the B-gap first to pick the blockers, then the end loops tight behind him inside.
  • 2The end loops tight and fast so the guard/tackle can't pass him off.
  • 3Timing is key: tackle goes first, end follows immediately.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !End looping too wide and slow, getting picked up; fix by looping tight behind the tackle's tail.
  • !Tackle not occupying blockers; fix by penetrating hard to draw both linemen.
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