Trap block

On a trap, the offense deliberately leaves a defensive lineman unblocked at the snap — letting him penetrate — then a pulling lineman (usually a guard) comes across and traps him from the side at an angle he never saw coming. It turns an aggressive, upfield defender's own momentum against him and opens a running lane right where he used to be. It's a chess move that punishes a D-line that just attacks upfield.

Defined by Coach Jay Freeman — 32 years coaching the offensive and defensive line.

Related trench terms

PullO-Line

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

PowerO-Line

A gap run scheme with a pulling guard and a lead blocker hitting downhill through the hole.

CounterO-Line

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

PancakeO-Line

A block that puts the defender flat on his back. The lineman’s highlight.

Drive blockO-Line

A straight-ahead block designed to displace the defender straight back.

Go deeper

• Coach Jay’s lineman training library — the technique behind the term →
• Back to the full Trench Dictionary →
• Get the free 6-week trench training program →