Since I began working with defensive lineman nearly 15 years ago, I’ve found that training a 7 technique defensive end can be challenging on the youth level.

A 7 technique is a defensive end used mainly in four down fronts who aligns himself on the inside shoulder of the tight end.

This position serves a key function for even fronts because this player controls the C gap where many off-tackle runs end up. Having played that position myself at the FCS level, I always felt I was overmatched against a physical tight end who – although I may have been quicker than – was able to control the C gap by down blocking me at the point of attack.

Below, I will focus on the various types of blocks that present itself to that 7 technique end and how to defeat them.

Please note that in a 4-3 defense, we ask the 7-technique to read the “V” of the neck of the tight end to identify blocks. While some coaches teach to read the adjacent tackle, we feel the “V” of the neck is the most point of focus for all of our defensive linemen.

Down or base block from tight end

Possible run schemes: Power, counter and other gap schemes

Defeating the block: This block typically is the most difficult to defend, because the tight end has a beneficial angle at presnap. While it is essential for defensive ends to “hold their water” by staying in the C gap, it becomes difficult.

In order to defend against these blocks, I teach ends to get penetration upfield right away once they feel pressure is in his gap. Nothing defeats run schemes like penetration, and whatever disadvantage is given up in strength can be made up for in speed.

Arc block from tight end

Possible run schemes: Power, counter, pass pro

Defeating the block: Some power teams arc release that tight end to block the second level against four down teams. When this is the case, it’s imperative that the 7 technique gets his eyes inside to the next adjacent threat, which typically the guard or fullback to kick him out. Depending on the force call, the defensive end should spill the block to get the ball to the perimeter defenders. He will attack the block by running his feet through it and getting vertical on contact.

Cutoff block from tight end

Possible run schemes: Zone away

Defeating the block: Cutoff blocks typically are used with the play going away from the defensive end to the open side of the formation. In these circumstances, the 7 technique end must not get cut off from the C gap and needs to avoid that at all costs. To do this, he must flatten out the tight end and work down the line of scrimmage. Go where the running back is supposed to be, not where he is. Too often, young players get themselves too far upfield by chasing the back. It’s surprising how many times I’ve seen backside plays made – both as a coach and as a player – by taking the proper angles.

There is an option for 4-3 and 4-4 coaches who choose not to play that defensive end in the C gap, and that is to put him on the outside eye of the tight end at a D gap alignment. I’ve found that doing this leaves him susceptible to the gap schemes mentioned above because it allows for a clean release of the tight end to the second level.

We’ve done at ties in the past to provide a different look is to start him in a 9 technique and slant him into the C gap postsnap.

We use more of a flat step than an angle step to keep his shoulders square, which gives him more of a presence in the C gap. Essentially, he is moving from a 9 technique to a 7 technique postsnap by reading the hip of the tackle and reacting to his block the same as he would the tight end. 

Mike Kuchar is co-founder and senior research manager at XandOLabs.com, a private research company specializing in coaching concepts and trends. Reach him at mike@xandolabs.com or follow him on Twitter @mikekkuchar.