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Systems/6-2 Wide Tackle/Mike Blitz A-Gap
BlitzBest for: Passing down10U+ · Core

Mike Blitz A-Gap

The Mike linebacker blitzes downhill through the A-gap.

Concept: Mike fires the open A-gap on his run-pass read while the guards occupy the interior blockers.

Age version
OLBTGGTOLBBBCFC
RushBlitzDrop to coverage
14U — Add pressure: 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.
Play movement — schematic, not to scale

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.

  1. 10UIntroduce: Line up right and own your gap — win with alignment, pad level, and pursuit to the ball.
  2. 12UAttack blocks: Add get-off and block destruction so the front controls the line of scrimmage.
  3. 14UAdd pressure: 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

LB (Mike)

Fire the open A gap on the run-pass read for interior pressure.

Coach it with
LB Read Keys and Shuffle Blitz Timing & Path DL Gap Control and Two-Gap Read
Guard (near DL)

Occupy the interior blocker to open Mike's A-gap lane.

Coach it with
WR Stalk Block TE Seal and Arc Block DL Stance and Get-Off
Guard (far DL)

Own the far A gap.

Coach it with
DL Stance and Get-Off DL Shed and Block Destruction DL Gap Control and Two-Gap Read
DT (strong)

Wide tackle rushes / controls the strong C gap.

Coach it with
Team Inside Run Period DL Stance and Get-Off DL Shed and Block Destruction
DT (weak)

Wide tackle rushes / controls the weak C gap.

Coach it with
Team Inside Run Period DL Stance and Get-Off DL Shed and Block Destruction
OLB (strong)

Hold the strong D gap and contain.

Coach it with
DL Shed and Block Destruction LB Read Keys and Shuffle LB Downhill Fill
OLB (weak)

Hold the weak D gap and contain.

Coach it with
DL Shed and Block Destruction LB Read Keys and Shuffle LB Downhill Fill
LB (Will)

Cover the vacated middle / hook or spy the back.

CB (strong)

Cover the strong receiver (man or deep per call).

CB (weak)

Cover the weak receiver.

FS

Play single-high deep middle behind the blitz.

Coach it with
Blitz Timing & Path RB Blitz Pickup

How to teach it

  • 1Mike fires the OPEN A gap while the guards occupy the interior blockers — rep the exchange.
  • 2Mike triggers late so he doesn't tip it, then comes downhill fast.
  • 3The free safety plays single-high behind the pressure — communicate it.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Mike creeps early and tips the blitz; fix by teaching a late, disguised trigger.
  • !The guard doesn't occupy his blocker and Mike's lane clogs; fix by drilling the line's job with the blitz.
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