Should my linemen use a two-point stance?
Guideline- USA
- USA Football
- Youth tackle
- 14U
- 14 and under
- 2026 guidelines
- Coaches
USA Football recommends it:
- Non-contact, limited-contact and modified tackle game types (such as Rookie Tackle): all players should start from a two-point stance.
- Youth tackle at the Senior level: programs are encouraged to teach and use the two-point stance for offensive players.
Why: research shows players starting from a three- or four-point stance on or near the line of scrimmage take more repetitive head impacts. USA Football says all of its blocking and block-defeat techniques can be taught and applied from a two-point stance, and it prepares players to keep the head out of initial contact if they move to a three- or four-point stance later.
Added 21 Oct 2026