Slant

A slant is a called defensive-line movement: instead of rushing straight ahead, the lineman angles hard into the gap to one side at the snap. It's used to beat blocks before they're set, blow up a run scheme's blocking angles, or free a rusher. Slants and stunts are how a front stays unpredictable — the offense can't just block the man in front of them if he isn't going to be there.

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

Related trench terms

StuntD-Line

A coordinated movement where two D-linemen cross paths to confuse the blocking scheme. Also called a twist or game.

1-gapD-Line

A defensive technique where the lineman attacks one specific gap — more aggressive and more upfield.

Get-offD-Line

The first step from the stance. The single biggest defensive-line weapon.

3-techniqueD-Line

A defensive tackle aligned on the guard's outside shoulder — the B-gap penetrator spot.

0-technique (nose tackle)D-Line

A defensive lineman aligned head-up on the center — the nose tackle, the middle of the wall.

Go deeper

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