1-gap vs 2-gap
Shoot one gap vs control two
A 1-gap defender attacks upfield through his assigned gap; a 2-gap defender engages the blocker, controls him, and sheds to either side. 1-gap is aggressive, 2-gap is patient.
When it applies
1-gap in attacking 4-3 fronts; 2-gap for nose tackles and ends in 3-4 fronts.
+ Strengths1-gap creates penetration and tackles for loss; 2-gap eats double teams and frees linebackers.
− Trade-offs1-gap gets gashed by counters and draws; 2-gap needs rare big bodies and gives up penetration.
Filed under: Run fits and gap control