Tailback Wedge
Quarterback or B-back follows the wedge up the middle in a goal-line situation.
Concept: All interior linemen block the nearest man shoulder-to-shoulder to create a single moving wall.
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.
- 6UIntroduce: Nail the snap/exchange, aim the right hole, and finish downhill.
- 8UMaster it: Run it fast both directions and check into it by defensive look.
Every position's job
Take the snap and follow the wedge up the middle in the goal-line situation.
Lead into the wedge and add push ahead of the ball-carrier.
Seal the edge or add push to the wedge.
Seal the edge or add push to the pile.
Block the nearest man shoulder-to-shoulder as the wedge point.
Block the nearest defender shoulder-to-shoulder in the wall.
Block the nearest man shoulder-to-shoulder on the other side.
Block the nearest defender shoulder-to-shoulder to extend the wall.
Block the nearest man shoulder-to-shoulder to complete the wedge.
Join the wedge or seal the edge to keep it tight.
How to teach it
- 1All interior linemen block the nearest man to form one solid moving wall.
- 2Ball-carrier (QB or B-back) follows the wedge point tight.
- 3Fire off low and in unison for maximum goal-line push.
Common mistakes to fix
- !Gaps open in the wedge — fix by squeezing linemen together before contact.
- !Ball-carrier drifts off the wedge point — fix by aiming him right behind it.
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.