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Photo by Donald Miralle Getty Images |
A trap block is used by the offense against inside and outside linebackers. It differs from other blocks because contact does not occur the instant the play begins, and the blocker usually comes from the opposite side of the ball, or at least two players away. A trap block's success depends on the linebacker's inability to locate the man blocking him and the possibility that the linebacker will charge straight across the line of scrimmage.
In a trap situation, the outside linebacker must quickly determine that neither the tight end directly in front of him nor the offensive tackle to his inside is going to block him. He then immediately looks farther in toward the ball, seeking the offensive guard who probably is attempting to trap him. Because the guard has an opportunity to run a short distance and build momentum, the linebacker cannot afford to wait to take on the blocker. As the trapping lineman begins to throw his block, the linebacker should bring his outside shoulder and forearm hard across the blocker's helmet and shoulder pads, redirecting the blocker's body into the hole in which the ball carrier eventually will try to run. As with taking on a drive block, it is important that the linebacker keep his knees bent, his back straight, and his shoulders at the same height as the blocker's shoulders.
An inside linebacker has a difficult job in playing the different types of blocks because he not only must look at the man in front of him, but he also must be aware of blockers coming at him from both the inside and the outside. Playing as an inside linebacker has been compared to spinning in a revolving door, with someone trying to hit you every now and then.
As the blocker reaches him, the linebacker should bring his outside shoulder and forearm hard across the helmet and shoulder pads of the offensive man, redirecting the blocker's body into the hole in which the ball eventually will be run. At the moment of contact, the linebacker must have a good bend in his knees, his back must be straight, and he should attempt to keep his shoulders at the same height as the blocker's shoulders.
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Most successful blocks against linebackers result not from the superb skills of offensive players, but from linebackers looking for the ball carrier instead of focusing their eyes on the men coming to block them. A good linebacker not only understands who can block him, but he also has a feel for the different types of blocks that each offensive man will use in any situation.
Drill: Inside Linebacker Trap
"Play Football The NFL Way" is the first Instructional Manual for Football Players and Coaches ever published by the NFL. It is the ultimate position-by-position guide of techniques and drills for Offense, Defense and Special Teams. Author Tom Bass is a former NFL coach with more than 20 years of experience with the Cincinnati Bengals, San Diego Chargers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Defeating the Trap Block
The instant the linebacker sees the lineman in front of him block toward the ball, he must shift his attention to the tackle on his outside, making certain that he is not coming on an angle block. If neither of these men is blocking him, the linebacker must attack the line of scrimmage, slanting toward the center. As the linebacker moves forward, he must look past the center to the linemen on the other side of the ball. As soon as he determines which of these offensive men is the trap blocker, the linebacker must set, gathering himself to defeat the blocker.
Drill: Outside Linebacker Trap
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