Can someone go over the difference between 2-gap and 3-gap technique?

[bamagiantfan]

I had asked this question before and received terriffic responses and realized many had the same lack of understanding of what these terms mean that I did. I want to say GiantJason and Painter gave great insight.

[MightyGiants]

Did you mean 1 gap VS 2 gap?

[bamagiantfan]

Yes, all of the above.

[MightyGiants]

To be frank Bama, I think you are getting gap and technique confused.  I have never heard of a 3 gap, but I have heard of a 3 technique lineman.   Now Gaps are the area between offensive men on the line.   They are lettered and here is a standard diagram



There are two different options of defensive line play, one gap or two gap.  I will go into detail later.

Now there is also designations as to where a d-linemen (or linebacker for that matter) lines up.  They are designated by numbers.  Here is the diagram for that.



A 3 technique lineman lines up on the guard