How to Defend the Trap in Football Drills
The trap play in football can be a very effective running play. The idea is for the offense to bait a defensive lineman to run into a spot or a hole where he expects the running back or quarterback to be, and just as he is about to prepare to make the tackle, he is hit or blocked by another player he does not expect to be there at that moment. As a result, a big hole opens up because the would-be tackler is on the ground -- and the running back gains big yardage. Defending the trap play requires strength, experience, and a keen sense of anticipation.
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Instructions
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Watch films of your opponents every week. You need to know what type of plays your opponent likes to run and you want to avoid being surprised. Even if they don't show it on film, you may suspect that your opponents will try to run a trap play if they have quick, small, and fast offensive linemen. Teams with bigger linemen that try to overpower tacklers generally don't try to trap opposing defenses.
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Have your head on a swivel. This is a phrase that is used in football by coaches at the earliest stages. It means to keep both eyes open and survey the entire field and not just what is right in front of you. That's because you want to see what is coming from the sides and where the big hits could develop. On a trap play, you will get hit from the side and you have to be prepared.
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Prepare to take on a blocker if you get through a center, guard, or tackle too easily. That's the "trap" in a trap play. The offensive lineman lets you through the hole only to have you get blasted by another player, such as a tight end or a fullback. As you charge through the hole realize another blocker may be coming to take you on from an angle that will leave you in a very vulnerable position.
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Get low. Not only is this the best tackling position, it makes it hard for your opponents to block you. The lower you get, the less likely your opponent will be able to trap you.
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