Trap Technique with South Dakota State

When we talk about “Trap” technique, we’re really talking about a way to steal an extra hat in the run fit, using the corner as an aggressive force player. South Dakota State deploys this concept out of two primary structures: Cover 2 (Trap 2) and 3-Cloud. In both, the corner starts as a flat defender, but in trap technique, he shuffles downhill at the snap. If it’s run, he becomes an immediate box fitter; if it’s pass, he settles into the flat. It’s a smart way to gain numbers without losing a man in coverage. In this article, we’ll dive into how the Jackrabbits apply this technique, and how they execute it to perfection.

Trapping in Cover 2

Let’s focus on the corner at the top of the screen. On the snap, he shuffles aggressively downhill, reading through the tackle to confirm run. Once he gets his key, he triggers and becomes a late force defender. It looks like a delayed corner blitz, but it’s not a pressure call, it’s built into the coverage. North Dakota State, working through their standard zone run rules, doesn’t account for the corner as a run fitter. Because of his immediate downhill presence, the receiver has no chance to get hands on him, not that he makes much of an effort anyway. The result is a free hitter at the point of attack and a clean edge for the defense.

This time, we’re looking at the corner at the bottom of the screen. He triggers with trap technique and establishes himself as the edge fitter, but the real value is in how this enables the 5-technique. Because the corner is handling force, the 5 can now play more aggressively inside, attacking the B-gap late. That freedom pays off with a tackle for loss. The corner doesn’t make the play, but his role in the scheme creates the structure for success. It’s a great example of how Trap 2 isn’t just about adding a run defender, it’s about unlocking the front.

Trapping in 3 Cloud

3-Cloud is an old-school concept making a quiet resurgence, and with good reason. Coaches are breathing new life into this classic structure, adding modern wrinkles that fit today’s offenses. Using trap technique out of 3-Cloud is a smart evolution, especially into the boundary at the high school level. It gives you an extra run fitter without sacrificing coverage integrity. You’re essentially letting the corner trigger like a flat-foot read player, giving you both edge support and a late dropper in the flat. Think Cover 2 to the boundary an Cover 3 to the field.

On this rep, we get trap technique from the corner in 3-Cloud. Incarnate Word runs Dart, and on paper, their scheme has a hat for every defender. But as the play develops, the corner flashes late into the fit, forcing the pulling tackle into a no-win situation: block the corner or the scraping linebacker. He chooses the corner, leaving the linebacker untouched and free to meet the back in the hole. The bonus? The corner holds his own and helps finish the play. It’s the perfect example of how trap technique messes with blocking rules and creates clean run-throughs.

Here’s another look, this time against Power. The back tries to bounce it late, which might seem minor, but that bounce is exactly where trap technique pays off. At the high school level, especially against top-tier athletes, having that extra fitter outside is often the difference between a stop and a big play. It matters here too. The trapping corner is sitting right where the back wants to escape, shutting down the edge and keeping the run contained. It’s a small detail with a big impact, and a great example of how trap technique insulates your defense against second-reaction runs.

Bonus: 3 Cloud against the Pass

Here’s a great example of 3-Cloud doing work against the pass. The play happens to the top of the screen, and because 3-Cloud isn’t a common look, it fools the quarterback. Pre-snap and into the drop, the QB reads what looks like Cover 2, corner squatting in the flat, safety rotating to the half. When the slot receiver breaks on the post, the quarterback likes the leverage and lets it rip. But this isn’t Cover 2. It’s a full-field concept, and the backside safety has already rotated to the post. He jumps it perfectly for an interception. That’s the beauty of disguising rotation and matching routes, built-in bait that turns into a game-changing plays.

Conclusion

Trap technique gives the defense an edge, literally and structurally. By triggering the corner as an aggressive edge fitter, you steal an extra hat in the run game without tipping your hand. He’s not just a late-flat defender; he’s a true hybrid who plays with downhill urgency and coverage patience. And when you pair that with 3-Cloud, the value multiplies. It’s not just a run-fit tool, it becomes a disguise mechanism against half-field reads. Offenses see Cover 2 to one side, think they’ve got leverage, and suddenly run into a backside safety sitting right in the throwing window. Whether you’re stopping the run or baiting a pick, Trap gives your defense answers. And in a game built on numbers and leverage, that’s a win.