Contain Rush
Passing-down alignment emphasizing edge contain to keep a scrambler in the pocket.
Concept: Ends rush upfield and squeeze the pocket while keeping outside leverage so the quarterback cannot escape.
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. 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
Rush upfield keeping outside leverage and squeeze the pocket without losing contain.
Rush upfield with outside leverage on the blind side and squeeze.
Bull-rush the interior to collapse the pocket up the middle.
Spy the QB or cover the middle hook.
Cover the hook/middle or spy a scrambling QB.
Cover the strong curl-flat and help contain the edge.
Cover the weak curl-flat and help contain the edge.
Cover the strong receiver.
Cover the weak receiver.
Play deep help over the top and watch for the scramble.
How to teach it
- 1Ends rush upfield but KEEP outside leverage — squeeze the pocket without opening a scramble lane.
- 2Interior tackles push the pocket straight back to collapse it.
- 3A backer spies mobile QBs to prevent scramble first downs.
Common mistakes to fix
- !Ends rush too far upfield and open the escape lane; fix by teaching them to squeeze in once past the QB's depth.
- !No one spies a scrambler; fix by assigning a backer to mirror the QB.
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.