Defensing the 31/32 Quick Trap

Question
Our high school team plays a 4-3 defense.  What suggestions do you have or techniques you can share for us to stay in the 4-3 and have our mike, sam and will backers defend against the quick trap

Answer
Dear Chad,
There are a lot of ways to defend the trap play. The best way to defend the trap play is to use a good team defense. This is what I tell my football players to do. My defensive lineman is taught that if the offensive lineman in front of him pulls inside (towards the offensive center) the defender must go with him. The defensive lineman is to ride his hip (the offensive lineman抯) all the way to the point of attack.

If the offensive lineman pulls outside (away from the offensive center) the defensive lineman must stay low, step into the vacated hole, left by the pulling offensive lineman, but not into the backfield. He is to look inside towards the offensive center and ready himself for a trap block coming his way. He is to take on the lead blocker and neutralize him therefore plugging the hole and forcing the running back to bounce outside into the hands of the (Sam or Will) linebackers.

The Quick Trap play, is when two offensive linemen cross block (also know as a fold block) in order to gain a better blocking angle on the defender. The best way to defend this play (or any other play) is with a solid team defense. Our defensive linemen are taught to make contact with the offensive lineman, in front of them, as soon as the football moves. If the offensive lineman tries to release to either side of the defender he is to cut him off by stepping across his body. The defender is to keep the offensive lineman from blocking any other defensive lineman or linebacker near him. This technique keeps the offense from blocking key people at the point of attack therefore, destroying the timing of the play. One thing to keep in mind is that time is on the side of the defense. The longer it takes for the offense to execute any play, the more time the defensive pursuit has to stuff it.  I hope that I have answered your question and that you can put this information to good use.  If you need anymore help please let me know.

Your friend, Louis