How to Shoot the Gap As a Defensive Lineman

The best defensive linemen in football make a living in the offensive backfield. These players show the acceleration and strength to get in the backfield and disrupt both passing and running plays. Defensive linemen frequently will accomplish their goal by shooting the gap. Gaps, or the spaces between offensive linemen, are available across the line of scrimmage, and each defensive lineman typically has a one- or two-gap assignment. Learning how to effectively shoot your assigned gap can help you become a top-notch defensive lineman.

Instructions

    • 1

      Take your assigned position on the defensive line across from the opposing offensive linemen. Interior defensive linemen typically take a three- or four-point stance, in which both feet and at least one hand (the points) start on the ground to provide balance. Outside linemen will use a two- or three-point stance, in which the legs might be the only "points" on the ground. In both stances, feet are shoulder-width apart and one foot is slightly ahead of the other -- the toe of the back foot should be even with the instep of the front foot. Weight should be on the balls of the feet. Hands that are not planted on the ground are ready to engage with the offensive linemen.

    • 2

      Recognize the gap you need to cover and where it is. Defensive tackles generally cover the "A" gaps (between the center and the guards) or the "B" gaps (between the guards and the tackles). Defensive ends typically cover the "B" gaps, "C" gaps (outside the tackles, inside the tight end) or "D" gap (outside the tight end).

    • 3

      Listen to the quarterback's cadence. As you become more familiar with your position, you will start to recognize patterns in play calling. Players who can read a quarterback's snap count can get quicker jumps off the line and more effectively shoot their respective gap.

    • 4

      Explode toward your assigned gap when the ball is snapped. Stay low and balanced. Drive your legs and get your arms up and ready to engage with the opposing offensive lineman.

    • 5

      Power toward and through your gap. In "A" and "B" gap assignments, you will be focused on the right shoulder of one of the offensive linemen and the left shoulder of another. These are the shoulders that border the gap where you need to attack. A "C" gap rush requires you to focus on the outside shoulder of one tackle.

    • 6

      Use your hands to push aside blockers. If going head-to-head with a blocker, drive the heels of your hands into the chest of the blocker and push him back. Defensive linemen fighting between blockers use a punch move in which one arm forcefully strikes the shoulder of the opposing offensive lineman. This widens the gap in which the defender has to shoot through. Outside linemen rushing the quarterback in the "C" gap can incorporate a swim move in which the arm closest to the offensive tackle swings under the blocker's outside arm. When this position is gained, the defensive lineman's other arm sweeps across, pushing the offensive tackle back toward the line of scrimmage as the defensive lineman shoots the gap into the backfield.

    • 7

      Accelerate into the backfield as you power through the gap. Seek out the quarterback or the ball carrier and make the tackle.