Football gaps and holes are technically the same thing, as they refer to each of the spaces between two offensive linemen. So, for example, the space between the center and the guard is a gap or hole. The space between the guard and the offensive tackle is another gap or hole.

Offensive players identify spaces with numbers called holes. Defensive players identify space with letters called gaps.

The center-guard gap is the A-gap, guard-tackle is the B-gap, tackle-tight end (s) is the C-gap, and outside the tight end (s) is the D-gap. The offense looks to protect these gaps and uses them as the aiming point for the running game.