7 most common football defenses

8/3/2019 7 Most Common Football Defenses

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The 4-3

The 4-3 is the most commonly used defense at the upper levels, including the NFL. At

lower levels the 4-3 is not particularly popular because many coaches consider it weak

against the run due to the fact there are only four down linemen. At the higher levels,

the quality and size of the average down linemen makes this a non factor. In essence, ifa team possesses the size, strength, and quickness necessary to run the 4-3 defense, it

is a formidable defensive formation.

Besides the ever-present four down linemen (2 tackles and 2 ends), there are three

linebackers--two to the inside and one at the outside shoulder of the tight end. Two

cornerbacks and two safeties are the standard. Equally effective against most all

offensive formations, the 4-3 is the default defense of choice for this author. It is easily

modified for various offensive sets. The third linebacker (on the tight end) can cover the

tight end, blitz, or cover any of the short zones to that side or the hook zone over the

middle. The cornerbacks can blitz with the safety(s) assuming the corner'sresponsibilities. Or a corner can drop back in deep coverage allowing a safety blitz.

Because of its high flexibility, an offense will find it difficult to isolate a particular area or

defensive player. If the 4-3 has a weakness, it is that the inside linebackers are the

primary tacklers for runs between the tackles and they are of course four to five yards

off the ball.

The 3-4

The 3-4 is designed to stop the short passing, ball control type offense. Naturally less

than ideal against the run due to only three down linemen, this defense offers an extra

defensive back for pass coverage.

Consisting of a nose guard and two other down linemen, the coach has the task of

deciding who the outside two linemen are--ends or tackles. Often one of the linebackers

has zone pass coverage responsibilities, in effect employing five defensive backs. This

is why the 3-4 is often referred to as the "nickel" defense. Having five defensive backs

allows for random blitzing by one or more of these backs in order to maintain a sufficient

pass rush. The 3-4 is susceptible to the inside run and is used primarily is situationswhere an interior run is not expected.


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The 4-4The 4-4 is designed to stop the wide running game as well as the short passing game.

The 4-4 uses four down linemen, four linebackers, two cornerbacks, and a safety.

Stunts are a common component of this defensive set, usually with the some or all ofthe linemen stunting left or right and the inside linebackers stunting in the opposite

direction. A wide range of possible stunts and blitzes are possible. The 4-4, also known

as the "stack" defense, relies on quickness, particularly quickness in pursuit. In order to

run the 4-4 on a regular basis, the interior down linemen must be players of

considerable substance.

The 5-2

The 5-2 is the standard for many coaches at the high school level and is usedsomewhat extensively at the collegiate level. Consisting of a nose guard, two defensive

tackles, and two defensive ends, it is intended mainly as a run defense. However, it can

be effective against the pass as well with five pass rushers and two or three

linebackers.

Usually, the down linemen's first responsibilities are running lane specific, each man

responsible for a certain gap or lane. The default command for linemen is to read and

react to the play, with the defensive end's primary concern being containment.

Occasionally, a defensive end may be called on to pass defend an area such as the flat.

By design, the linebacker's first responsibility is to defend the run, then the pass. But

this may be modified for varying purposes. A coach wants his leading tacklers to be

down linemen or linebackers. If a defensive back or safety is leading the team in

tackles, it is a clear indication that the opposing offenses are getting through the first

line of defense.

The remaining four positions are the two cornerbacks and the two safeties. An option is

to allow one of the safeties to be a "free safety" meaning that this player seldom has

specific duties, and is left to read and react to each play. In zone pass coverage, the

free safety or safety to the tight end side has "up" responsibility, while the strong safety

has deep third duty. Each corner has deep third duty as well. Linebackers are four to

five yards off the ball, cornerbacks three to six yards deep, safeties 10 to 12 yards.

Down linemen keep the ball in the corner of the eye, and move on the snap--not the

quarterbacks vocalizations or other personnel movement.


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The 5-3

The 5-3 is even more intent on stopping the run and is designed to make use of a

strong middle line backer. Similar to the 5-2, the 5-3 simply replaces the free safety spot

with a third linebacker which lines up on the outside shoulder of the tight end, five yards

deep and parallel with the other linebackers. The "best" linebacker moves to the middlelinebacker position.

Obviously, modifications, or shifts, may be necessary depending on the actual

alignment of the offense. For example, let's say the offense opened in a Tripps (three

receiver) set to the defense's right. Basically, all that has happened is the fullback and

left wide receiver have been replaced with two new wide outs to the right. So the left

cornerback shifts over with the new receiver, and the left outside linebacker shifts over

as well. The two remaining linebackers return to their normal 5-2 alignment.

Another variation calls for the three linebackers to all shift down to compensate. Thetight end can be covered by the defensive end to that side, or the linebacker to that

side. The defensive end to the Tripps side can cover the flat or slat area, or even be

sent on a blitz.

The 6-2

The 6-2 is the standard short yardage defensive formation. It is often implemented to

stop the run.

Basically, the six down linemen are positioned in the gaps between the offensive

linemen with the two inside linebackers playing run first, pass second. The cornerbacks

and the safety (playing up tight to the line) play pass first, run second, each with deep

third responsibilities.

The Goal Line Defense

The goal line defense is similar in appearance to the 6-2, but the responsibilities are

different due to the proximity to the goal line. There is no tomorrow at the goal line. Noneed to worry about deep coverages or even medium ones.

The middle two linebackers stay back in order to meet the running back as he comes to

the line, particularly if the back leaves his feet and dives for the end zone. The outer two

linebackers (or cornerbacks) have the luxury of playing run first with containment

responsibilities, leaving all six down linemen free to penetrate and drive into the

offensive back field. If the offense passes the ball, the middle two linebackers (who


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remained back) fall back to the end zone in zone pass coverage occupying the middle,

while the outside two linebackers retreat to cover the corners of the end zone. The

safety reads the quarterback's eyes and plays the ball.

7 most common football defenses

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