Shuffle

In American football, the word “shuffle” can mean a particular move that defensive players, especially defensive ends, make. Based on what we know, a defensive end uses the Shuffle Technique, also called the 50/50 Technique, when not stopped. The “shuffle” part refers to the way the player moves their feet, and the “50/50” part describes their job: they are responsible for 50% of the backside C Gap if the quarterback throws the ball to the running back, and 50% of the quarterback boot if the quarterback keeps the ball. To use this method, the defensive end must stay square to the line of scrimmage and take shuffle steps toward the offensive tackle’s hip. This lets them respond well to both a handoff and a quarterback bootleg.