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Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Trap out of Shotgun Spread Slots Close is a power run play built around a trap block scheme, where a puller (usually the guard or fullback replacement in 10 personnel) kicks out the first threat off the edge of the play side to open a lane for the running back. This is a base run play designed to punish aggressive defensive tackles and interior blitzers who shoot upfield gaps, since the trap block uses their own penetration against them. The primary read for the ball carrier is the trap block itself: press the initial hole hard to sell the defense on downhill run action, then read the puller's kick block and cut off it to whichever side the defender gets displaced toward.
Defensive Reads
Identify the technique of the play side defensive tackle before the snap, since Trap thrives against penetrating 3 techniques and stunting defensive linemen who shoot gaps instead of reading blocks. Check linebacker depth: stacked linebackers sitting back in a two gap read technique can slow-play the trap block and clog the cutback lane. Watch for a defensive coordinator calling a straight run blitz with linebackers crashing downhill pre-snap, since that aggression combined with a good trap block can spring a big gain, but a disciplined defense that stays home will limit this to a short gain. If the user controls a linebacker and sits in the hole reading the mesh point instead of flowing hard, that lurk defender can blow up the trap block window before the puller even gets there. Cover 1 or Cover 3 with an extra hat in the box tends to shut this down quickly since the numbers advantage disappears, so this play is best saved for light box looks or when the defense shows blitz.
Usage Tips
Use Trap on early downs like first and ten or second and short when the defense is likely to sell out against inside zone or gap runs from Shotgun. Watch pre-snap for defensive tackles lined up in a tight 2i or 3 technique, since their aggressive first step upfield is exactly what the trap block exploits. If the defense shows a heavy box with a linebacker crashing downhill immediately after the snap, trust the trap and cut off the puller rather than trying to bounce it outside. Pair Trap with Inside Zone and HB Draw from this same set so the defense cannot key on a single blocking scheme, forcing linebackers to hesitate on their run fits. Against teams that consistently run nano blitzes or send extra defenders through the A and B gaps, call Trap to make their interior pressure work against them instead of adjusting your protection.
