Football Toolbox

Defensive Coordinator’s Playbook: Gap Cancelling Tools That Change Games

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This article was originally posted on the Glazier Coaching Blog.

Why manipulate gaps?

Shane Dierking, DC/DB Coach of 2024 DIII National Champions North Central College (IL), believes:

  1. 10 Personnel: Relieve Stress on Conflict Players, Eliminate Easy Access Throws
  2. 11 Personnel: Can play zone coverages you want (Multiplicity), while being gap sound (Especially with Y Off)
  3. Make Offense React Post-Snap: QB RPO Reads, OL Tracks/Pass Pro Communication

This video is a segment of his full Glazier Drive clinic on 4-2-5 Gap Manipulation.

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For 2×2 Formations:

  • The Will linebacker faces stress without a cover down on #2 weak, especially against RPO plays
  • Solution: Will makes an “Eat” call to the End, who spikes to B-gap
  • The End then communicates “Tag Cop” to the Nose tackle
  • This stunt allows the Will to play C-gap while still being able to relate to #2 receiver
  • The Nose covers contain responsibilities on pass plays

For 3×1 Formations:

  • Mike linebacker faces pressure with three detached receivers to the field
  • Solution: Mike makes an “A-B” call, triggering the Anchor (strong-side DE)
  • The Anchor communicates with the Tackle, resulting in a field-side pirate stunt
  • Similar “Cop” call creates contain on the field side
  • This allows Mike to relate to #3 strong while maintaining gap integrity

Drill Recommendation:

  • Practice “RPO drill” with late stem to 5-man box
  • Focus on proper footwork (lead foot/trail foot technique)
  • Linebackers practice reading mesh point while maintaining ability to break on passes
  • Receivers should vary alignments to force linebackers to make decisive calls

The video emphasizes communication between defensive players and provides specific terminology for gap cancellation tools that help defenders maintain both gap responsibility and pass coverage leverage.