Trap Option Left
Trap action shows inside while the quarterback keeps and reads the edge for keep or pitch.
Concept: Backside guard traps inside as the quarterback attacks the contain defender to keep or pitch to the wing.
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.
- 8UAdd the lead: Add the pulling guard(s) leading through the hole.
- 10UMaster it: Run it fast both directions and check into it by defensive look.
Every position's job
Show the trap action, then keep and read the contain defender to keep or pitch to the wing.
Fake the trap up the middle to hold the interior.
Run the pitch relationship outside the QB as the pitch option.
Fake or seal the backside to sell the play.
Pull and trap the first inside defender.
Snap the ball, then block back on the backside gap.
Block down inside to seal the trap lane.
Down-block or release to the linebacker.
Release to block the alley/pitch key downfield.
Hinge and cut off backside pursuit.
How to teach it
- 1Trap action shows inside while the QB attacks the contain defender to keep or pitch.
- 2Backside guard traps inside to sell the interior run.
- 3QB reads the contain man: if he takes the QB, pitch; if he widens, keep.
Common mistakes to fix
- !QB pitches into the contain man — fix by teaching him to read and pitch off him.
- !Pitch relationship is too tight — fix by teaching the wing to stay a proper pitch distance.
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.