slant/angle defense

Question
Presently, we run a 50 slant/angle defense at our high school.  I would like to know what methods you would use to teach the defensive linemen how to execute the "slant or angle" technique.  What are the pro/cons of using this defensive philosophy?

Answer
Dear Mark,
sorry I took so long to get back to you. My daughter has been sick and I have had very little time to answer any questions. Anyway, back to your question.

Slant or Angle defense is nothing more than form of gap control defense. This can be done simply by shooting the gaps. Shooting the gaps requires the defensive lineman to turn his shoulders and diving into the offensive backfield by any means possible. This will disrupt the offense backfield flow and cause many headaches for the offense. That is the good news.

The bad news is that, most offenses have changed to one form of zone blocking or another. This makes it easier for the offense to control the gaps and still run what ever play they want.

Your friend, Coach Louis.