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Systems/6-2 Wide Tackle/Tackle Pinch
StuntBest for: Run down12U+ · Advanced

Tackle Pinch

Both defensive tackles pinch into the B-gaps to close inside running lanes.

Concept: Tackles slant off the offensive tackles' inside shoulders into the B-gaps while ends hold contain.

Age version
OLBTGGTOLBBBCFC
RushBlitzDrop to coverage
14U — Attack 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. Add the line stunt/twist to beat the offense's blocking rules. 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. 12UIntroduce: Line up right and own your gap — win with alignment, pad level, and pursuit to the ball.
  2. 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. Add the line stunt/twist to beat the offense's blocking rules. Combine front, pressure, and coverage — and disguise it pre-snap.

Every position's job

DT (strong)

Wide tackle slants inside off the offensive tackle into the strong B gap.

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

Wide tackle slants inside into the weak B 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 as the tackle pinches inside.

Coach it with
Team Inside Run Period DL Shed and Block Destruction LB Read Keys and Shuffle
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
Guard (strong DL)

Own the strong A gap.

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

Own the weak A gap.

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

Fill the strong C gap / off-tackle as the tackle pinches in.

Coach it with
Team Inside Run Period LB Downhill Fill Scrape & Fill Over the Top
LB (weak)

Fill the weak C gap / off-tackle.

Coach it with
Team Inside Run Period LB Downhill Fill Scrape & Fill Over the Top
CB (strong)

Cover the strong receiver / deep and support the edge.

Coach it with
Edge Rush & Bend the Corner
CB (weak)

Cover the weak receiver / deep.

FS

Play over the top and fill the alley.

Coach it with
LB Downhill Fill Team Inside Run Period Scrape & Fill Over the Top

How to teach it

  • 1Both wide tackles slant inside into the B gaps while the edges HOLD the D gap and contain — rep the split responsibility.
  • 2The edges must not follow the tackles in; they keep the edge.
  • 3Backers fill the vacated C gaps behind the pinch.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !An edge crashes in with the tackle and loses contain; fix by teaching the edge to hold his D gap.
  • !Backers don't replace the C gap; fix by drilling the fill.
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