Slant Left
Entire defensive line slants one gap to the left to overload that side.
Concept: Each lineman steps to the left gap on the snap while backers fill the vacated gaps behind them.
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.
- 12UAdd movement: Add the line stunt/twist to beat the offense's blocking rules.
- 14UFull call: Combine front, pressure, and coverage — and disguise it pre-snap.
Every position's job
Slant to your play-side (left) gap for edge/contain to the left.
Slant one gap left into the right B-gap.
Slant left into the left-side gap as assigned.
Slant one gap left into the A-gap.
Fill the gap vacated behind the left slant.
Fill the backside (right) gap vacated by the slant.
Fill the backside edge left open by the slant.
Set contain to the left and scrape over the top.
Cover the deep third/receiver left.
Cover the deep third/receiver right.
Play over the top and fill the alley.
How to teach it
- 1Whole line steps left on the snap; each man's gap shifts one over.
- 2Backers flow over the top and fill the vacated gaps behind the slant.
- 3Teach a hard directional first step to overload the left.
Common mistakes to fix
- !Line hesitates and gets reached; fix by drilling the snap-timed step.
- !Cutback lane opens backside; fix by teaching the backside backer to fill 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.