Tackle Twist
Twists a tackle and end so the tackle crashes and the end loops.
Concept: Strong tackle penetrates the C-gap first, then the end loops behind to the B-gap.
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
0-technique two-gapping the center to occupy blockers during the twist.
Penetrate the strong C-gap first, crashing hard to draw the blockers.
Hold the weak B-gap and stay disciplined while the strong side twists.
Loop behind the crashing tackle into the strong B-gap for a clean rush.
Set the weak C-gap edge normally as backside contain.
Fill the interior gap and account for the run behind the twist.
Set the strong edge since the strong end has looped inside.
Cover your receiver and support the perimeter.
Cover your receiver and hold backside.
Deep middle over the top.
How to teach it
- 1Strong tackle crashes the C-gap first (the 'penetrator') to occupy blockers.
- 2Strong end loops behind into the B-gap (the 'looper') for the clean rush.
- 3Timing matters — the looper must wait a beat for the penetrator to clear.
Common mistakes to fix
- !The looper going too early and clogging with the penetrator; fix by rehearsing the timing and path.
- !Sam not replacing the looping end's edge; fix by assigning strong-edge contain to Sam.
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.