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Systems/Flexbone (Triple Option)/Midline Trap
RunBest for: Base down10U+ · Core

Midline Trap

Quarterback rides the fullback on the midline while the backside guard traps the read tackle.

Concept: Backside guard pulls to trap the first tackle over the center, hardening the give read for the fullback.

Age version
TGCGTQBFBSSWRWR
Ball carrierBlock / pullMotionRoute / pass
14U — Add the edge: Add the kickout block and run it to both sides. Add pre-snap motion to stress the defense's edge. Add the fake/mesh — and a counter off the very same look. Run it fast both directions and check into it by defensive look.
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: Nail the snap/exchange, aim the right hole, and finish downhill.
  2. 12UAdd the lead: Add the pulling guard(s) leading through the hole.
  3. 14UAdd the edge: Add the kickout block and run it to both sides. Add pre-snap motion to stress the defense's edge. Add the fake/mesh — and a counter off the very same look. Run it fast both directions and check into it by defensive look.

Every position's job

QB

Ride the B-back on the midline and read off the trap — the backside guard trap hardens the give, so give unless the read defender clearly beats the trap.

Coach it with
QB Read and Keys Team Skelly Pass Period Progression Read (1-2-3)
B-back

Hit the A-gap downhill behind the trap block for tough interior yards.

Coach it with
RB Blitz Pickup Pull and Kick Technique Trap Block Angle
Playside A-back

Arc to the alley for the keep phase.

Coach it with
TE Seal and Arc Block Off-Man Phase & Drive
Backside A-back

Motion into pitch relationship.

Coach it with
QB Pitch Delivery RB Pitch Relationship Track Scoop / Cutoff Block
Backside Guard

Pull and trap the first tackle over the center, kicking him out to open the give lane.

Coach it with
Pull and Kick Technique Trap Block Angle Scoop / Cutoff Block
Playside Guard

Skip/climb to the linebacker as on midline.

Coach it with
Second-Level Climb to Backer
Center

Block back on the backside A-gap to let the trapper pull clean.

Coach it with
Pull and Kick Technique Trap Block Angle Scoop / Cutoff Block
Playside Tackle

Block the next man out.

Coach it with
WR Stalk Block TE Seal and Arc Block DB Tackle in Space
Backside Tackle

Hinge and protect the backside.

Coach it with
Pass Set Kick-Slide Hinge Back-Side Block Scoop / Cutoff Block
Split End

Stalk the corner or clear coverage.

Coach it with
Team Skelly Pass Period LB Coverage Drop DB Backpedal Technique
Playside Slot

Arc to the force defender.

Coach it with
TE Seal and Arc Block

How to teach it

  • 1Backside guard pulls flat and traps first tackle past the center — drill the pull path and kick-out angle.
  • 2Center blocks BACK so the puller has a clean track; rep the exchange.
  • 3Because the trap hardens the give, coach the QB to lean give unless the read defender is unblocked and free.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Trapper aims too deep and misses the tackle; fix by teaching a flat pull and a tight kick-out.
  • !Center steps playside and collides with the puller; fix by drilling the block-back first step.
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