---
slug: "poa-point-of-attack"
title: P.O.A.
depth_tier: entry
side: UNIVERSAL
category: Run Game
source_id: "OFF-0087"
created: 2026-04-06
updated: 2026-05-18
canonical: https://learningfootball.xyz/terms/poa-point-of-attack
---
# P.O.A.

## Short Definition

The specific gap targeted on a run—where blocking is focused and the ball is designed to hit, which may differ from the called gap if the defense forces a cut.

## Definition

The point of attack is the specific gap or area the offense is targeting on a given play—where the blocking is focused and where the ball carrier is designed to run. On a power play to the right B-gap, the right B-gap is the point of attack. On an outside zone, the point of attack stretches from the right B-gap to the edge depending on how the blocking develops.

Defensively, identifying the point of attack is the first job of every run-fit defender. Where is the offense targeting? Reading the point of attack from the offensive line's initial steps—which way are they reaching, which guard is pulling, which gap is uncovered—tells defenders where to fit before the ball carrier reads his lane.

Point of attack is used by coaches to describe both the design of a play (the intended POA) and the reality of where the play went (the actual POA). The two aren't always the same—a well-designed run might move the point of attack based on the defense's alignment.

## Example

"Power right—the point of attack is the right B-gap. Watch the pulling guard: he kicks out the linebacker at the edge, the tackle down-blocks inside. The ball carrier reads the kick-out and hits the B-gap. Point of attack identified before the snap, executed exactly as designed."

## Common Confusion

Point of attack is confused with the hole number or the gap letter. The hole number tells you where the play is designed to go in the playbook. The gap letter (A, B, C, D) names the space. The point of attack is the live, actual location where the ball carrier hits based on what the blocking creates—which may differ from the designed gap if the defense forces a cut.

## Related

- C.P.
- GAP SOUND
- KILL
- L.O.S.
- general-football-term

---
Source: https://learningfootball.xyz/terms/poa-point-of-attack