Goal Line 6-5
Adds a sixth lineman and crowds five defenders in the box near the goal line.
Concept: Linemen fire low into all gaps while backers plug cutbacks and safeties key the fullback.
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. Combine front, pressure, and coverage — and disguise it pre-snap.
Every position's job
Fire low into the A-gap and drive your blocker back into the backfield.
Fire low into the strong B-gap.
Fire low into the weak B-gap.
Fire low into the strong C-gap and squeeze.
Fire low into the weak C-gap and squeeze.
Added sixth lineman fires low into the extra interior gap.
Plug the middle cutback lane and meet the back at the line.
Plug the strong cutback lane and key the fullback.
Plug the weak cutback lane and key the fullback.
Key the fullback and fill the strong alley low.
Key the fullback and fill the weak alley low.
How to teach it
- 1Add a sixth lineman and crowd the box; linemen fire low into all gaps to stop the push.
- 2Get pad level under the blockers — lowest man wins at the goal line.
- 3Backers plug cutback lanes and safeties key the fullback for the lead.
Common mistakes to fix
- !Linemen standing up and getting driven off the ball; fix by firing low with knees bent.
- !Safeties not keying the fullback and missing the lead play; fix by teaching the fullback read.
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.