Why Every Coach Should Install the Trap Play

The Trap Play is one of the most effective and deceptive plays in youth football. It capitalizes on aggressive defensive linemen by using their momentum against them, creating big opportunities for the offense.  Here’s why every football coach should install the Trap Play.

How the Trap Play Works:

1. The offensive line deliberately allows a specific defensive lineman (often a defensive tackle) to go unblocked at the snap.
2. A pulling guard comes from the opposite side and delivers a “trap block” on the unblocked defender, hitting them from the side.
3. The running back takes the handoff and runs through the gap created by the trap block.
4. There are short and long trap options- long trap is just trapping a defensive linemen playing a wider technique.

Trap Blocking technique

The guard that is pulling and trapping has to pull tight off of the centers butt. This will ensure that the guard can still trap block the defensive tackle if he slants or squeezes down. The aiming point is the near hip of the defensive tackle- engage and run feet!

Why Every Coach Should Install the Trap Play

Simplicity & Easy Execution

✅ The trap is simple to teach and execute, making it great for young athletes still learning blocking schemes.
✅ It requires minimal complex reads for the running back, allowing them to hit the hole quickly.
✅ Provides simple blocking rules that work against any front.

Deceptive & Effective Against Aggressive Defenses

✅ The play takes advantage of aggressive defensive linemen who fire off the ball too fast.
✅ By letting a defender penetrate before trapping them with a pulling guard, the play creates a natural running lane.
✅ The vast majority of coaches want their defensive tackles to penetrate into the backfield- so this play will work against the vast majority of defensive tackles.

Quick-Hitting Play

✅ The ball carrier gets up-field fast, reducing the chances of negative plays.
✅ Since it develops quickly, it doesn’t rely heavily on linemen holding blocks for a long time.

Works Against Bigger & Faster Defenders

✅ If an opposing team has dominant defensive linemen, the trap can neutralize them by using their aggression against them.
✅ Smaller offensive linemen can be successful because the scheme relies more on positioning and angles rather than pure strength- trap is an equalizer.

Creates Big-Play Potential

✅ Once the initial trap block lands, there is usually a wide-open running lane.
✅ If the running back gets past the second level, it can lead to huge gains.

Versatile & Easy to Integrate

✅ The trap can be run from multiple formations (I-formation, Wing-T, Shotgun / Spread, and even Single Wing).
✅ It’s a nice complement to your core running play.
✅It can be executed out of any formation. You can also run QB trap if you have an athletic kid at QB.

Download: Winning with the Trap Football Play Clinic

Helps Develop Offensive Linemen

✅ It teaches linemen proper footwork, angles, and pulling techniques, which are essential for advanced blocking schemes.
✅ Most middle school and high school teams run the trap play.

The Trap play is easy to install and it works great on all age levels of football. It’s a play that isn’t as hard to install as people think. It takes advantage of over-aggressive defensive linemen. It also provides you linemen with simple blocking rules. The trap play is a must-have in any youth football offense. It’s simple, effective, and keeps defenses on their toes. If you’re looking for a way to gain an edge over aggressive defenses, incorporating the trap play into your playbook is a smart move.