Tailback Wedge
Tailback takes the snap and follows the fullback into the wedge for a goal-line push.
Concept: All interior linemen block shoulder-to-shoulder on the nearest defender to create one solid 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 direct snap and follow the fullback into the wedge, driving for the goal-line push.
Lead into the wedge and add push straight ahead ahead of the tailback.
Seal the edge or add push to the pile.
Push the pile or seal a crasher.
Snap to the tailback, then 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 the wall tight.
How to teach it
- 1All interior linemen block the nearest man to form one solid moving wall.
- 2Tailback follows the fullback tight and drives the pile forward.
- 3Fire off low and in unison on the snap for maximum push.
Common mistakes to fix
- !Gaps open in the wedge — fix by squeezing linemen shoulder-to-shoulder before contact.
- !Backs run to the wrong spot — fix by aiming them right behind the wedge point.
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.