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 — 34 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.

Double teamBoth sides

Two blockers on one defender — four hands, one man, moving him off the spot.

Chip blockO-Line

A quick shot on a rusher from a back or tight end before releasing into a route.

Go deeper

• Coach Jay’s lineman training library — the technique behind the term →
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