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Brian Nix, Head Coach, Alcoa HS, TN

Full video on Glazier Drive:  Line Moves

OVERVIEW OF THE PINCH MOVE

The pinch call is a defensive line technique that addresses the main weakness of a 505 front - two exposed B gaps. It's designed as a one-face move where defensive ends cross the face of the tackle and work to the guard's outside shoulder, effectively creating a tighter front.

TECHNIQUE AND EXECUTION

The defensive lineman's steps are "get vertical then square." Players are taught to chase the hip of the guard when he's going down, or fight the hard shoulder if the guard comes to them. Unlike a two-face move, the pinch specifically crosses one face (the tackle) and attacks the guard with proper technique.

TACTICAL FLEXIBILITY

Coaches can call pinch in multiple ways:

• Both defensive ends simultaneously
• Strong side only
• Weak side only
• Toward or away from H-back
• Toward or away from running back
• Called from sideline as needed

LINEBACKER RESPONSIBILITIES

Mike linebacker and other linebackers maintain their normal fits as A gap fitters, reading H-back to guard. Outside linebackers read near back but should "freeze" when quarterback opens to their side to prevent getting caught on quick throws.

KEY BENEFITS FOR UNDERSIZED PLAYERS

The pinch move is especially valuable when using smaller defensive linemen (180-200 lbs) who can't consistently win one-on-one battles against bigger tackles. By moving on 1 out of every 4-5 plays, it slows down offensive tackles and prevents them from teeing off on smaller defenders.

COACHING POINTS AND COMMON MISTAKES

Players shouldn't cheat their alignment in the direction they're going, as this tips off well-coached offensive lines. Proper positioning on the tackle's outside shoulder forces the tackle to lunge, creating the opportunity to win inside. Linebackers must stack properly and avoid running to the edge too quickly, maintaining gap integrity.

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