Double A-Gap Blitz
Both linebackers blitz the A-gaps for heavy interior pressure.
Concept: Both backers fire the A-gaps while the nose occupies the center and safeties rotate to the middle.
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. Layer in the called blitz — one timed gap-shooter on the snap. 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
Occupy the center head-up so both A-gap blitzers stay free.
5-technique C-gap contain rush.
5-technique backside C-gap contain rush.
Blitz the strong A-gap downhill, attack the quarterback.
Blitz the weak A-gap downhill, attack the quarterback.
Rotate to the middle to help cover the vacated hooks.
Deep-middle center field or rotate to single-high.
Cover strong receiver in man.
Cover weak receiver in man.
How to teach it
- 1Both backers fire the A-gaps on the snap; the nose holds the center so one backer always comes free.
- 2Safeties rotate to the middle to cover the underneath zones the backers vacate.
- 3Time the blitz with the snap to avoid tipping it.
Common mistakes to fix
- !Both backers hitting the same side of the center; fix by declaring left and right A-gaps clearly.
- !Safeties late rotating and leaving the middle open; fix by rolling on the snap to cover the hot throw.
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.