Trap is a gap-scheme concept that intentionally allows a defensive lineman to penetrate, then kicks him out with a pulling lineman. It's the ultimate answer to aggressive, penetrating defenses.
Overview
Trap is football's version of the rope-a-dope. Instead of blocking a penetrating defensive lineman head-on, the offense invites him upfield by leaving him unblocked, then blindsides him with a pulling guard or tackle.
The play-side offensive lineman releases inside to the linebacker while the backside guard pulls to "trap" the unblocked defender. The running back aims for the gap created by this kick-out block.
Trap is particularly effective against defenses that like to slant and penetrate. It punishes aggressive defensive line play and can create huge running lanes when executed properly. Modern offenses often use it as a changeup when defenses are crashing hard.
History & Origin
The trap play dates back to the earliest days of football, but Vince Lombardi made it famous as part of his "Packer Sweep" offense. The trap served as a complement to the sweep, punishing defensive linemen who over-pursued the outside runs.
Key Principles
- 1Leave the target defender unblocked initially
- 2Backside guard (or tackle) pulls to kick out the "trapped" defender
- 3Play-side linemen release to second level
- 4Running back takes a quick, downhill path to the trap hole
- 5Punishes penetrating defensive linemen
- 6Quick-hitting play that must be run decisively
- 7Center and tackle combination blocks are critical
When to Use
Trap is perfect against defenses with aggressive, penetrating defensive linemen. Use it when the defensive tackle is destroying your zone blocking by getting into the backfield. It's also effective against slanting defensive lines.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Punishes aggressive, penetrating defenders
- +Quick-hitting and downhill
- +Creates confusion for defensive linemen
- +Effective against slanting defenses
- +Good changeup play
Disadvantages
- −Requires precise timing
- −Can be blown up if target reads the trap
- −Less effective against patient, reading defenders
- −Pulling guard must be accurate
What Coaches Call It
Different coaches use different terminology for the same concepts.
| Coach | Team | Their Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vince Lombardi | Packers | Trap | Original terminology |
| Bill Belichick | Patriots | Trap | Still used in modern offenses |
| Greg Roman | Ravens | G Trap | Guard trap |
What You Need
Skills and jobs required to run this scheme effectively.
Critical
Guard must trap kick out the penetrating defender
Pull inside to trap kick-out defender. Quick feet and angle discipline.
High
Create the trap lane by sealing inside
Drive defender inside to seal the gap. Fundamental power blocking technique.
Hit the hole quickly behind the trap
Make quick decision and hit hole decisively. Burst and decision-making.
Medium
Identify the trap target pre-snap
Identify defensive front, communicate assignments to line. Mental quarterback of the OL.
Matchups
Good Against
- +Aggressive, penetrating DTs
- +Slanting defensive lines
- +4-3 fronts
- +Undisciplined defensive linemen
Avoid Against
- −Disciplined, reading defenders
- −Two-gap technique
- −Patient defensive tackles
- −Scouted/schemed defenses
Installation
What You Need
Prerequisites for running this scheme effectively.
- ✓Guard who can pull accurately
- ✓Quick-footed offensive tackles to release inside
When NOT to Use This
- !Don't overuse - loses effectiveness when scouted
- !Avoid against patient, disciplined DL
- !Timing is everything - puller must be on time