How UGA teaches 1 & 2 gap techniques
In 2021, UGA led the nation in rushing defense giving up only 72.3 YPG. This was in large part due to their mastery of 1 & 2-gap techniques.
That's why for this week's D-Line Examples, I'll be breaking down how Coach Tray Scott teaches the UGA D-Line to these techniques. Enjoy!
1-gap defender
Mindset
When a defender is lined up in an odd technique (1, 3, 5, 2i, 4i, etc) and is only responsible for the gap they are lined up in, UGA teaches their D-Line to use and attack react mindset meaning they will fire their hips, hands and then feet as demonstrated in the below drill.
Alignment
In order to secure their primary gap and get hands on their man, UGA's D-line lines up with man hand on or slightly inside the OL's outside foot and inside foot on the OL's outside foot
Eyes
The biggest indicator of a OL's block is the tip of the shoulder. By keying it UGA's D-Line can easily identify the block of their opponent.
Hand placement
Supinated hands should be aimed at the bicep and sternum in order to control half a man and get a firm grip on the blocker's pads.
Mission/Objective
When playing 1-gap, keeping the ball in the box is paramount. So setting edges on each OL and establishing a new line of scrimmage keeps the ball contained and leads to TFLs
Drill progressions
Coordinating hips, hands and feet isn't the easiest thing in the world so UGA will utilize progression drills that incrementally incorporate each fundamental to ultimately build to a full lock, peek and shed.
2-gap defender
Mindset
Conversely, when a defender is lined up in an even technique (0, 2, 4, 6), they are responsible for each adjacent gap to them, thus making them a 2-gap defender.
To account for this, UGA utilizes a read attack minds where they take a 6 inch read step first and then shoot hand and hips (demonstrated in the below drill).
Alignment
To effectively 2-gap a defender must be toe to toe and eye to eye with the OL so they can mirror the block of their opponent in either direction.
Eyes
Key the screws of the OL's helmet. If you're lined up correctly these should be staring you in the face and will give you a clear indication of the blocker's direction.
Hand placement
In order to control the blocker and make the play in either adjacent gap, place the hands under the armpits with thumbs up.
Mission/Objective
Playing 2-gap is a different beast than playing one gap. Instead of keeping the ball in the box, you actually want to funnel the ball outside where you have help from you LBs without losing any ground.
Drill progressions
To put together feet, hands and hips together in a read attack mindset Georgia utilizes a 2-gap progression that incrementally combines all these pieces.
Well that's it for today. Loved it? Didn't like it so much? Would love any and all feedback to improve this newsletter!
And whenever you are ready, there are 2 ways I can help you:
Learn how to turn your D-Line into a block destruction machine here (1,100+ students)
Learn how to develop top tier pass rushers and a lethal pass rush attack here (1,000+ students)
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If you're one gapping, can't you just dip and rip right off the ball? Won't they give you better penetration and a better pass rush as well?