How to Trap Block

The defensive team watches for a pass as a hole begins to open between the center and left guard. After the nose guard and defensive tackle are pushed apart, the left side linebacker shoots for the gap. He grabs the first guy through the hole and takes him to the ground. Is it a tackle? No. That guy doesn’t have the ball! The linebacker got caught in a trap, and the ball carrier is yards up the field for a respectable gain before anyone touches him. The trap block is a deceptive scheme that makes this work. Afterwards the running back shares a high five with the right guard that added to his stats by coming through with that trap block.

Things You'll Need

  • League sanctioned coaching supervision
  • Full contact football pads, helmet, cleats and gear
Show More

Instructions

  1. How to trap block

    • 1

      Open the hole.The quarterback lines up behind the center, and at least one running back is behind him. The center will snap the ball and lunge to block the nose guard. The left guard, on center’s left, is assigned to help by doubling up on blocking the nose guard. They’ll push the nose guard to their right. Left of the left guard is the left tackle. He blocks the defensive tackle opposite him toward the left. This initially opens the hole.

    • 2

      Bring on the pulling guard.Although the nose guard is out of the picture, the left side linebacker will notice the hole open up. He’ll be on the lookout for anyone running through. If the running back comes through with the ball now, he’ll be tackled for little or no gain. The right guard, just to the right of the center, will pull away from the defender opposite him and come through the hole first. He’ll be able to block out that linebacker, and clear the way for the ball carrier.

    • 3

      Make the pull with precision timing.The right guard must hit the hole after the center and left side linemen make their blocks, but before the running back arrives with the ball. That’s a small window. Yet the timing comes together, 1–2–3, by taking the proper steps. First the right guard steps his left foot to the left, while pivoting on his right foot. This turns his body sideways, parallel to the yard lines. With the next two steps the right guard runs behind the center and left guard. On that second step, the pulling guard plants his left foot to pivot to the right and face the line. This step should put him in front of the hole created by the center and left side linemen. Then the guard runs through and makes a block on the first guy wearing a different color jersey. The running back receives a hand off from the quarterback, and runs through the hole behind the pulling guard.