Pass pro

Pass pro is the umbrella for everything the offensive line (plus backs and tight ends) does to keep rushers off the quarterback. It's built on the 45° pass set, independent hands, getting to your spot, staying square, and anchoring the bull rush — plus the communication to pass off stunts and twists and pick up blitzes. A protection is only as good as its weakest link: five linemen have to think as one.

Defined by Coach Jay Freeman — 34 years coaching the offensive and defensive line.

Related trench terms

45° setO-Line

Coach Jay's default pass set — kick on a 45° angle to close the rusher's path and meet him square at your spot, instead of dropping straight back (the vertical set).

Kick-slideO-Line

A pass-set technique where the outside foot kicks back and the inside foot slides to keep a square base.

Independent handsBoth sides

Each hand is a separate weapon with its own job — not a single two-hand punch. Coach Jay’s signature hand doctrine.

AnchorO-Line

To stop a bull rush by sinking the hips and widening the base.

A gap (gap lettering)Both sides

The gap between center and guard — first letter in the gap-lettering system that names every hole up front.

Go deeper

• Coach Jay’s lineman training library — the technique behind the term →
• Back to the full Trench Dictionary →
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