In American football, a “hole” isn’t a physical pit in the turf; it’s the temporary gap or lane created by the offensive line for the ball carrier (usually the Running Back) to run through.
Think of it as a doorway that stays open for only a split second. If the offensive line does their job, they “open a hole.” If the defense does their job, they “plug the hole.”
How Holes are Numbered
To make play-calling efficient, coaches assign numbers to these gaps. While different teams use different systems, the most common method is:
- Even Numbers (2, 4, 6, 8): On the right side of the Center.
- Odd Numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9): On the left side of the Center.
Where the Holes Are
If you look at the offensive line from behind the quarterback, the holes are typically located as follows:
| Hole Number | Location |
| 0 or 1 | Directly to the left or right of the Center (the “A” gap). |
| 2 or 3 | Between the Guard and the Tackle (the “B” gap). |
| 4 or 5 | Between the Tackle and the Tight End (the “C” gap). |
| 6 or 7 | Outside the Tight End or the last blocker (the “D” gap). |
Why It Matters
When a Quarterback calls a play like “I-Right, 34 Power,” that number “4” tells the Running Back exactly which “doorway” he is supposed to run through.
- The “A” Gap: These are the holes closest to the Center. Running here is high-contact and “north-south.”
- Hitting the Hole: This refers to the Running Back’s ability to accelerate quickly into the gap before the defenders can close it.
- Closing the Hole: This is when a linebacker or defensive lineman moves into that space to tackle the runner before they get past the line of scrimmage.
Pro Tip: In modern football, commentators often use “Gaps” (A, B, C, D) and “Holes” (1, 2, 3…) interchangeably. Both refer to the space between specific offensive linemen.