Equipment Needed
- Cones to mark gaps
Mark every gap
A set of cones makes it simple to label each gap clearly so defenders can rep their assignment without confusion.
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- Set up a defensive front with cones marking each gap between offensive linemen.
- Assign each defender a specific gap responsibility.
Instructions
- On the snap count, each defender fires into their assigned gap, not wherever the ball appears to be going.
- Defenders stay low and square, filling their gap with good leverage.
- Coach calls out which gap the ball carrier is attacking to check that assignments held.
- Rotate defenders through different gap assignments so everyone understands multiple spots.
Coaching Points
- Discipline is the entire lesson here — a defender who abandons their gap to chase the ball often opens a bigger lane for the offense.
- Fill the gap with the whole body, not just an arm reaching across.
- Communication between defenders ("I've got A-gap") prevents two players filling the same gap and leaving another open.
- This concept applies at every level of football — it's worth the extra teaching time even at this age.
Variation
Add blockers to make the gap-fill live and physical, or add a ball carrier attacking a random gap to test recognition.