COMPLIMENTS TO THE MIDLINE

As a compliment to the Midline we will run the Midline Trap and the Midline Trap Option. When we run the Midline Trap we would like to trap a 3-technique. We dont like to trap a 4-or 5technique since most defenses will have a shade or gap player between the center and the guard to the 4/5-technque side. If the playside linebacker is stopping the Trap it is then time to run the Trap Option. Below is a diagram of the Midline Trap with different blocking schemes.
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Influence Trap

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Influence Trap

Fold Trap

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The coaching points for the Midline Trap are: The center must get movement on his block. The fullback must stay playside. Marry the trap scheme to the rest of the offensive attack. Use lots of formations, they set defenses and we can look at defensive adjustments. Coaches must focus on the playside linebacker.

Midline Trap Blocking Rules: PST Block playside linebacker to backside linebacker PSG If covered: Veer release to the Backside Linebacker If uncovered: Drive the man on C If covered: Drive the man on If uncovered: Block backside BSG Trap first defensive lineman head up or outside the PSG (block with the outside shoulder) BST Veer release on backside linebacker to free safety TE If playside: Release on #1 If backside: Cut release WR Man on Quarterback Technique: Deep reach step with the playside foot to the backside A-Gap The 2nd step is a gather step with the backside foot (must be quick to get out of the pulling guards path) Ride the fullback to the front hip, giving him the ball. Snap the hands into a pitch position after the handoff and attack the end man on the line (emol) Once the playside linebacker is making the play we want to run the Trap Option. Generally we want to run the Trap Option away from the tight end. We never want to crack block with the wide receiver; we want him to block the man on. We would also like to have the quarterback pitch the ball if possible since we should have all the outside defenders blocked.
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The pitch path is 1 yard deeper than the fullbacks heels. The quarterback must get outside the tackle box.

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Trap Option vs. reduced front

We would prefer to run the Trap Option to a reduced front. This makes the log block by the pulling guard an easier block for him.

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Trap Option to a reduced front to the split end side. vs. reduction to the split end side, the playside guard would veer release rather than punch to the backside linebacker.
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Trap Option to the tight end side

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Coaching Points for the Trap Option: The quarterback/fullback fake is critical to the success of the play. The fullback will block backside linebacker to free safety. Must be able to log a 3- or 5-technique (pin him inside). Protection the quarterbacks backside. Use false motion to hold the linebackers. Coaches must focus on the playside linebacker.

Trap Option Blocking Rules (to split end side): PST Veer release for playside linebacker PSG If covered: Chip down lineman to middle linebacker/backside linebacker If uncovered: Drive block C Base block BSG Pull and log 3-technique (if no defender, go up on the middle linebacker/backside linebacker) BST Base Block PSB Arc block #2 BSB Pitch path 1 yard deeper than fullbacks heels QB Ride fullback, accelerate off the inside foot to the outside leg of the playside guard, then attack the pitch key FB Aim for the crack of the center, block backside linebacker to free safety Trap Option Blocking Rules (to tight end side): If tackle is covered: Smash block with the tackle If tackle is uncovered:Arc block #1 PST If covered: Smash block with the tight end If uncovered: Smash block with the guard PSG If covered with uncovered tackle: Smash block with tackle If covered with covered tackle: Zone block If uncovered: Smash block with center C Base block BSG Pull through playside C-Gap and block playside linebacker to free safety BST Power step and hinge block PSB Arc block #2 BSB Pitch path 1 yard behind the fullbacks heels QB Ride fullback, accelerate off the inside foot to the outside leg of the playside guard, then attack the pitch key FB Aim for the crack of the center, block backside linebacker to free safety TE Trap Option Quarterback Technique: Deep reach step with the playside foot to backside A-Gap Gather step with the backside foot to clear the pulling guards path Ride the fullback to the front hip Accelerate off the inside foot to the outside leg of the playside guard Then work downhill attacking the inside shoulder of #3 (some coaches teach to attack #3s outside shoulder Eyes on the pitch key Work to get the pitch Trap Option Fullback Technique:
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Make a great mesh fake with the quarterback (roll the shoulders over in the mesh) After the mesh, adjust path to get a downfield block on the free safety If backside linebacker crosses your path, block him Trap/Trap Option Pass Pro Trap Option path Responsible for playside B-Gap area after the fake Slide into the LOS playside after the fake and block the playside linebacker if he shows in the B-Gap Stay in the LOS (the quarterback is working down the line on the LOS BSB Load the #3 defender (motion if necessary) If #3 is blocked, help to the outside (get down to the LOS) PSB Run assigned route PST Aggressive block (cant be knocked back off the LOS) PSG Aggressive, drive on, inside C Block on to backside gap (know quarterback is behind you in the backside A-Gap) BSG Protect A-Gap (dont drop back into the quarterback which is in the backside A-Gap) PST Protect B-Gap (know the quarterback is in the backside A-Gap) WR Run assigned route TE Run assigned route May stay in to block (max call) On the max call stay on the LOS FB
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Pass Pro vs. 50 Front Pass Pro Max Call

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Pass Pro vs. Shade Front With the Trap/Trap Option Pass we all have our favorite routes, so I left those up to you. If you know the protection, you can develop routes or patterns that fit your quarterback. If you have any questions contact me at gitaylor@yahoo.com