Power

Power is the classic gap-scheme run and a tone-setter. The play-side linemen down-block to wall off the defense, a backside guard pulls through the hole to lead, and the running back hits it downhill behind that wall of bodies. It's a way to physically impose your will on a front, and it lives and dies on the down blocks holding their seal and the pulling guard finding and finishing the right man in the hole.

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

Related trench terms

CounterO-Line

A gap run scheme with a pulling guard going opposite the initial backfield flow to misdirect the defense.

PullO-Line

When a lineman leaves his stance and runs along the line of scrimmage to lead-block on a sweep, power, or counter.

Down blockO-Line

A block down on the defender to the inside, sealing him away from the play.

Trap blockO-Line

When a backside lineman pulls and blocks a playside defender at an unexpected angle, "trapping" him.

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 →
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