Nose Loop
Loops the nose from the center to an A-gap after the snap.
Concept: Nose jabs the center then works playside into the A-gap to trap the guard.
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.
- 12UAttack blocks: Add get-off and block destruction so the front controls the line of scrimmage.
- 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
Jab the center then loop playside into the called A-gap to trap the guard.
Hold the strong B-gap and occupy your blocker while the nose loops.
Hold the weak B-gap and stay in your lane.
Set the strong C-gap edge normally.
Set the weak C-gap edge as backside contain.
Fill the A-gap the nose vacates on his loop; account for the dive.
Set the strong edge/D-gap and scrape to the ball.
Set the weak edge/D-gap and cutback.
Cover your receiver and hold backside.
Deep middle over the top.
How to teach it
- 1Nose jabs the center to freeze him, then loops playside into the A-gap to trap the guard.
- 2Mike must fill the A-gap the nose vacates so the middle isn't left open.
- 3The loop should be tight and quick, not a wide arc.
Common mistakes to fix
- !Nose looping too wide and giving the guard time to recover; fix by keeping the loop tight off the jab.
- !Mike not filling the vacated A-gap; fix by pairing the loop with a Mike fill call.
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.