5 Reasons Your Defense Is Giving Up Big Plays

1. Misalignment
One of the biggest reasons defenses give up big plays is misalignment. When your defense is not properly aligned, offenses can easily outnumber or out-leverage you to either side, creating instant
advantages. Never allow the offense to outnumber and /or out-leverage you to any side.

Coaching Points:  Practice alignments every day – Ensure players understand leverage and spacing – Alignment should be automatic and fast.

2. Poor Pursuit Paths / Lack of Swarm
Bad angles turn small gains into explosive plays. When defenders take poor paths to the ball carrier, they lose leverage and allow cutbacks, bounce-outs, and extra yards after contact. Contain players need to set the edge, wall players / pursuit players need to run track the near hip of the ball carrier- pursuit inside to out.

Coaching Points: Set the edge and force the ball inside – Pursue inside-out with a near-hip aiming point – Do pursuit drills every single day – Swarm the ball carrier with multiple defenders

3. Too Static / Not Aggressive Enough
If your defense is predictable, offenses will pick you apart. Sitting in the same looks and not applying pressure allows offenses to get comfortable and execute without stress. Don’t stay in the same alignment and don’t attack the same gaps with the same defenders. Mix it up and keep the offensive line guessing.

Coaching Points: Mix up fronts and coverages – Bring pressure consistently – Force the offense to react to you – Use defensive line movement (STEM)

4. Eyes in the Backfield
Getting caught watching backfield action leads to blown coverages. Linebackers and defensive backs bite on play-action and defensive backs lose receivers, resulting in wide open plays.

Coaching Points: – Maintain eye discipline – Read your keys and trust your assignment – Understand down and distance – Don’t get nosy in the backfield. If you’re playing man coverage, eyes on your guy!

5. Not Creating Turnovers
If you’re not taking the ball away, you’re giving the offense more opportunities to create big plays. Turnovers shift momentum and stop explosive drives. Many youth football defense don’t force any turnovers. When I say force turnovers- that means stripping the ball or getting an interception- not receiving a botched snap from the QB/ C.

Coaching Points: Emphasize stripping the football – Attack the catch point aggressively – Turn every play into a takeaway opportunity – Build a takeaway mindset into your defense.

The post 5 Reasons Your Defense Is Giving Up Big Plays and Easy Yardage appeared first on Youth Football Online.

• Allows you to easily align to any formation that offense comes out in.
• Allows you to attack offenses with multiple blitzes and stunts- that they won’t be able to pick up.
• It’s an attacking defense- it gives you defense an identity! It’s a fun defense to run!

Playbook: 4-4 Stack Defense Playbook 

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Twist Blitz out of the 3-5 Stack Defense

N: Dip and rip, slant right A-gap. Anchor- don’t get washed down.

RDE: Contain. If there is a running back to his side, he will play peel technique.

LDE: Dip and rip, slant left A-gap. Anchor- don’t get washed. You can have him cheat his alignment down to lessen the distance he has to slant.

L: When QB begins his cadence, L creeps up. When the football is snapped he blitzes off of the edge- he has contain. If he has a running back to his side he will play peel technique.

M: When QB begins his cadence, M creeps up. When the ball is snapped, he will blitz B-gap. Pre-snap he should show that he’s blitzing A-gap. Post snap- he will blitz B-gap, behind the LDE slanting A-gap.

R: Blitz C-gap. You can also have him creep up when the QB begins his cadence.

D: Inside leverage, man coverage on the Y.

D: Inside leverage, man coverage on the S.

CB: Inside leverage on the Z.

CB: Inside leverage on the X.

FS: Man free (deep middle) read the shoulders of the QB.

Playbook: 3-5 Stack Defense Playbook 

Coaching Points 

-Make sure all slanting defensive linemen dip and rip. They cannot allow themselves to get washed down.

-Blitzing linebackers should disguise their blitz for as long as they can- don’t give away where they’re blitzing.

-You can play press man or off man- whatever works for your team.

-Peel technique means the contain players will peel off and cover the running back if he swings out to his side.

-This is a great blitz that will pretty much always work. Think about this- how often do coaches practice how to pick up these type of blitz / slants? Not very much, or at all. The Twister Blitz out of the 3-5 Defense is a great blitz that will terrorize offenses and you’re kids will love it. Be sure to focus on the coaching points above if you are going to implement this blitz.

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It’s important that you do have your DE (slanting out defender) slanting down to the B-gap a couple times to set this up. For us we have two base calls- Downtown and Uptown. Downtown will tell the DE that he is slanting B-gap and the stacked backer behind him is responsible for C-gap.

Uptown tells the DE that he is slanting to the C-gap and the stack linebacker behind him has B-gap. If you mix up these calls it will keep the offensive linemen guessing, which will slow down their ‘fire out’ because they don’t know which way the defender is going to slant. Here’s the breakdown of the Uptown LEO blitz out of the 3-5 Stack Defense.

Uptown LEO Blitz out of the 3-5 Stack Defense

Right DE (E): Dip & Rip, C-gap. Cutback defender when play is going away.

Nose (N): Double A-gap responsible. Shock and shed.

Left DE (E): Dip and rip, slant C-gap. Do not get washed out. Cutback defender on backside pursuit.

Middle LB (M): Read and react. Since the N is two gapping the A-gaps, the M is free to run to the football. Make sure the M is always chasing the ball carrier inside to out. He is one of the primary cutback players.

Rip LB (right stacked LB): Read step B-gap, cut back / wall player when play goes away.

Leo LB (left stacked LB): Creep up once the QB begins his cadence. Stay stacked behind the DE, blitz right off his butt on ball movement. He cannot show where he is blitzing pre-snap.

Right Dog (D): Contain player. He is not blitzing, he is responsible for contain / force. Flat on pass.

Left Dog (D): Contain player. He is not blitzing, he is responsible for contain / force. Flat on pass.

CB: Deep 3rd, contain support on run. If man coverage- they have #1 receiver (widest eligible receiver)

CB: Deep 3rd, contain support on run. If man coverage- they have #1 receiver.

FS: Deep middle 3rd. If man coverage, he’ll be the post player.

Note: pass cover responsibilities vary, depending on the coverage you use.

The great thing about the 3-5 Stack Defense is that it allows you to be multiple, in regard to slants & stunts. It’s also a great defense for youth football because you can easily align to any formation the offense is coming out in. It’s great against spread formations and great against double tight compressed formations. We’ve used the 3-5 Stack Defense for the last 5 years with great success. Here’s a link to the playbook.

Playbook: 3-5 Stack Defense Playbook 

Coaching Points 

• Slanting DEs need to dip and rip and anchor the C-gap. They cannot slant themselves too wide or out of the play.
• Stacked blitzing linebacker will creep up once the QB begins his cadence. He will creep up stacked right behind the DE. You don’t want him to giveaway where he is blitzing.
• Make sure you have your DE slant down a couple time before changing it up and having him slant out (calling this blitz). If you set this up, the blitz will be unblockable.
• Don’t blitz for the sake of blitzing. This is a great blitz play to the TE side (3-man surface) and if you know it’s going to be Power, ISO, or any other off-tackle play.

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Blitz 101: Building a System | Blitzing in Youth Football

I am going to cover how I have communicated our blitzes/stunts over the years. I have done it many different ways and I will keep evolving looking for the best way possible for my kids.

Single Gap Blitzes

We call these Fire Blitzes and its simply tagging a Fire call with the linebacker. The linebacker called will blitz their gap assignment.

Ex. Sam Fire

The Sam is assigned to the “B” gap and blitzes that gap accordingly.

See Also: Blitz Packages for Youth Football 

Switch Stunts/Blitzes

In our 30 stack scheme, our defensive linemen are paired up with an inside linebacker. A switch stunt tells them to “switch” gap responsibility.

Ex. Mike Switch

The Mike will communicate which “A” gap he is blitzing by tapping the nose before the snap. We can also combine our switches and run them at the same time. 

Ex. SAW (Sam & Will Switch)

Combo Pressures (DL Movements & Blitzes)

We use simple one-word calls to combine our DL movements and blitzes. We use Shark (Strong) and Whale (Weak) for our America blitz that is probably one of the most used schemes in the country.

The Sam is going to blitz off the edge at the nearest backs upfield shoulder – nobody is allowed to cross his face. The strong end is going long stick into the “A” gap – he must read the guard’s movement. If attacks him, he must fight to get into that “A” gap and if the guards goes away get skinny and chase down the line. The Mike is going to blitz the “B” gap off the butt of the DE who is coming down to the “A” gap.

Conclusion

In the end, find the language that makes the most sense to your kids. We are able to get creative and aggressive with our system. I am always looking for better ideas and constantly looking to improve our language and allow our kids to play fast. Kids do the best when they get to play fast and do not get held back with overthinking.

Once again always reach out if you have any questions or ideas.

Mike Wilson

Head Coach

A.P. Schalick High School, New Jersey

Twitter: @wilson2882

Email: wilson2882@yahoo.com

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5 Menacing Blitz Packages out of the 4-3 Defense

The bottom line is that zone blitzing allows your defense to apply pressure in the run and pass game without having to play man coverage.  A major part of a successful zone blitz is disguise. Be sure to commit practice time to disguising your coverages and blitzes. We coach our defenders up on not giving away where they are blitzing or stunting to. We want youth football offensive linemen to have to reaction post-snap, which is very difficult for a youth player to do. When you attack the defense with multiple stunts, slants and blitzes it will keeps the offensive linemen on their heels and keeps them guessing. It will also slow down their fire out because they don’t know who is going to come from where. Cover 3 is played behind all of these blitzes. All these blitz complement each other very nicely.

Disclaimer! I prefer to draw my defense on the top! So take it easy on me. 

Strong Side Linebacker Gap Blitz

This is a very simple blitz we like to run to the 3-man surface (Guard-Tackle-Tight-end side). This is a simple blitz that works very well against off-tackle plays like ISO and Power. This is a simple blitz that works well against gap or zone blocking schemes. It’s a basic gap blitz that sends a defender through each gap. Sometimes I do like to send the M through the A-gap as well, making this blitz an overload blitz.  The T will have B-gap, the DE will have D-gap (contain), and the S will have the C-gap. Again, this is a very simple blitz that is inexpensive (doesn’t require a lot of practice time) for the defense, but it is very difficult for the offense to pick up. You will almost always have a free rusher on this blitz. The CBs play deep 3rd coverage and the SS rolls down to play curl to flat. The FS rolls to the middle of the field and plays the deep middle 3rd. The W has hook zone, then works to curl.

Coaching Point 

• Linebackers must secure their gap and play the run first! These diagrams are drawn up with their pass zone drop assignments.
• Linebackers must play downhill, then open their hips and run to their zone if it is play-action or a straight up drop back pass play. Play Run First!
• The weakness of this blitz is a hitch or quick slant to the X. If you are scared of those routes you can bump out the W and have him play underneath those routes.

Middle Linebacker Blitz Gap Blitz

This blitz is just like the Sam Linebacker blitz. The only difference is that the M is blitzing the and S is dripping into zone coverage when he reads pass. The M is blitzing A-gap , the T has B-gap and the DE contains. The (S)’s run fit is C-gap. The Cornerbacks will have deep 3rd coverage and the SS will roll to the middle 3rd. The FS will roll down and play curl to flat. The W will have the hook zone. The N will play A-gap, the T will have B-gap and both DEs will have contain.

Weak Side Linebacker Loop

This is one of my favorite blitzes to run to the 2-man surface (Guard and Tackle side). This is a simple gap-exchange pressure that has the DE slant to B-gap and the W loop around to the C-gap and he becomes the contain player. Pre-snap it will look like the DE is coming off of the edge again, but post-snap he slants across the face of the RT and slants B-gap. The W will almost always have a free run into the backfield on this. The N will have A-gap, the T will have B-gap, and the backside DE will have contain. The FS will roll down and play the curl to flat zone. The M will play the ‘hole’ in the middle of the field- basically the QB roll-out side hook zone. Both CBs will play deep 3rd coverage and the SS will roll and play deep middle.

Coaching Points 

• When the DE slants he must dip and rip across the face of the RT. You don’t want him to just shoot his gap and get washed down. He needs to dip and rip, then anchor his gap.
• The W must not show that he is coming off of the edge. Make sure he doesn’t show the loop too early. If he disguises this, he’ll have a free run. He must keep his outside shoulder free, he is the contain player.
• Safeties roll once the ball is snapped. Again, disguise the coverage!

Related Content: The 4-3 Defense System for Youth Football 

Twist Stunt (DE, T, and S)

This Twist Stunt is one of my favorite stunts that I like to use to the 3-man surface. The DE will slant down- dip and rip across the face of the LT and attack the B-gap. The T will then cross behind the DE and attack the C-gap. The S will blitz off of the edge. It’s executed the same way the  Sam Line backer Gap Blitz, but the stunt side players are just switching up which gap they are responsible for. The N will have A-gap and the backside DE will have contain. The W will have B-gap on run and hook to curl zone on pass. The M will have the QB roll out / open side hook zone. On run the M will have A-gap. The Cornerbacks will have the deep 3rds. The SS will roll down and play curl to flat and the FS will roll back and take deep middle.

Coaching Point 

• The slanting DE must dip and rip across the face of the LT. He cannot get himself washed down!
• The T must twist behind the DE as tight as possible. You don’t want him bellying back into the backfield.
• The S will not show where he is blitzing until the football is snapped.

Uptown Strong Side Linebacker Blitz | Zone Blitz 

This is a blitz we call “Uptown”. Uptown tells the defensive linemen that they are slanting one gap outside. The T will dip and rip and slant B-gap. The DE will rush off of the edge and is responsible for contain. The S will blitz A-gap. Pre-snap he will show that he is going to blitz B-gap and then post snap he’ll attack A-gap. The N will have A-gap and the backside DE will have contain. The W will play curl to flat zone. He must wall off any inside routes from the S or X (maintain inside leverage). The SS will roll down and play curl to flat and wall off any inside routes from the Y or Z.  The FS will roll to the middle of the field and have deep middle. CBs will play deep 3rd coverage. The M will play the hook zone to the side the QB rolls out / opens to.

Coaching Point 

• Slanting defensive linemen must dip and rip and anchor their gap. DO NOT GET WASHED DOWN OR OUT.
• The S will disguise his blitz by showing that he is going to blitz B-gap (pre-snap). Then once the ball is snapped he blitzes the A-gap, coming tight off of the T’s butt.

Conclusion

These 5 Menacing Blitz Packages out of the 4-3 Defense are easy to install and they complement each other very nicely. Playing zone behind blitzes is a great alternative to man to man coverage. Cover 3 is played behind all of these blitzes. However, you can easily execute any type of zone coverage behind these blitzes. You can keep both safeties back and play cover 4 or cover 2. The coverage and blitzing options are endless.

Related Content: Wreak Havoc with these Defensive Line Slants 

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Utilizing Zone Blitzes to Neutralize the Run and Pass Game

It’s a great idea to utilize zone blitzes if you have defensive ends that are athletic. We all know that is the case with most youth football defenses.

Disclaimer: I prefer to draw my defense on the top! Most people draw up plays with the defense on the top. 

Storm Zone (run blitz)

This is one of my favorite zone blitzes. This zone blitz  is designed to take away run plays to the strength of the formation. The Storm Blitz is a pressure we love to call to the Tight-end side because it sends a defender through every gap and it is sound against inside and outside runs to the TE side. The (M) will creep up pre-snap, showing like he is going to blitz the A-gap. Post snap, the (M) blitzes B-gap, comes behind the DE (DE slants down to A-gap first). The (R) will remain stacked behind the DE and blitz C-gap once the ball is snapped. The Outside Linebacker (D) will come off of the edge- he must maintain outside leverage as he is the contain player. The (FS) and (CB) will each play half the field on this zone blitz. This blitz has the defense playing cover 2 behind the blitz. This is a blitz that we like to execute to the strength of the formation and from the wide side of the field if you are playing a balanced formation. All slanting defensive linemen dip and rip. If you are concerned about a TE quick pop you can have the (D) jam the (TE).

Blood Zone (run blitz)

This is a blitz we like to use against compressed formations. I wouldn’t recommend this against true spread formations (2×2 / 3×1). There are big holes in the middle of the field. However, this is a blitz that will almost always give you a free rusher. The (SS) rolls down as the QB begin his snap count. Once the ball is snapped, he blitzes off of the edge. It’s important that he maintains outside leverage as he is the primary contain player. The (M) and (W) creep up as the Quarterback behinds his cadence. Make sure they don’t give away where they are blitzing too early. The (S) will play a wall technique. Wall technique means he is walling off any inside routes. The zone dropping (DE) blue line, will also play a wall technique and will look to get underneath the X or take any swing pass out of the backfield. If you are playing a team that likes to utilize a TE quick pop you should have the DE jam him or you can have the (S) just play man to man on the (Y). You can also play a split field coverage, where the S and CB are playing man to man and the (DE), (CB), and (FS) play cover 2 to the other side.

Lion Zone (pass blitz)

This is one of my favorite blitzes for passing situations and against spread formations. This zone blitz will allow you to send multiple fast defenders (linebacker and a safety) while still staying strong against the pass with a 6 man coverage. This blitz is also very deceptive and it will keep the offensive linemen on their heels. Pre-snap, the (SS) will show that he is playing man to man on the (Y). Once the QB begins his cadence he comes off of the (Y) and aligns outside of the the (DE). Once the ball is snapped, he blitzes off of the edge, keeping his outside shoulder free. The (S) will show blitz only when the QB begins his cadence. Once the ball is snapped, he is blitzing C-gap. The (DE) blue lines, will play a wall technique and not allow any inside routes from (Y). He must open his hips and run to his zone. The only route where you are vulnerable is if the Z runs a hitch. To combat that, the DE has get under the (Z) which will create a tougher throw for the QB. Throwing the Hitch to a wide receiver is a tough throw on the youth football level. I don’t have an issue with being vulnerable for a passing route that has a low percentage of competition. But what about if the team goes 4 Verticals? If a team runs 4-verts you can have your (W) lock on the (S) if he pushes vertical. Boom, problem solved.

See Also: Defending 4-Verts

Fire Zone (pass blitz)

This is another one of my favorite zone blitzes to call on passing down and distances. I like to run this against certain formations like Pistol or any formation with twin receivers to one side. This is a great blitz that is very deceptive, aggressive, but also safe- as you have 6 defenders playing coverage behind the blitz. The (SS) will come up as the QB begins his cadence and he will blitz off of the edge. He needs to keep his outside shoulder free as he is the primary contain player on that side. The (S) is in an under alignment and we will send him off of the edge. The (DE) blue lines, will have the hook zone. This is a nice easy zone drop that doesn’t require him to cover a lot of ground in order to get to his zone. This is a simple blitz to install as the DE and SS are just switching responsibilities. On the base call the (SS) would roll down and have hook zone and the DE would rush off of the edge and be the contain player. On this zone blitz the (SS) is rushing and the (DE) is playing the hook zone.

See Also: Linebacker Zone Drops

The post Utilizing Zone Blitzes to Neutralize the Run and Pass Game appeared first on Youth Football Online.

3-4 Defense (under front): Twist Pinch 

This is a great stunt that will take away interior and off-tackle plays. The Twist side E will slant B-gap and the S will slant C-gap. This will generate blocking confusion and it will almost always leave your M backer free off of the edge. Against the TE and WB flank I do like to roll the cornerback up to match numbers. I rather roll the CB up because then I do not have to shift my linebackers and / or linemen over to match numbers (this would leave us vulnerable to the twins side). I do like playing cover 2 behind this stunt. If you decide to play cover 2 behind this, make sure your CB keys the TE, if the TE releases he knows it’s a pass and then he can drop into his flat zone. If the CB is on the boundary, he plays more of a hook to curl zone. Also, make sure your CB is tight on the line, on the outside shoulder of the W. He cannot allow himself to get hooked or sealed, as he is the primary force player.  You are somewhat vulnerable to a TE (Y) Quick Pop. However, you can have your S jam the tight-end to throw off the timing if it is a TE Quick Pop.

Coaching Points 

• C is the primary contain player, he must always keep his outside shoulder free. On run he is responsible for contain, if it is pass, he has the flat.
• The E and S must dip and rip through the inside shoulder of the offensive linemen they are lined up over. You don’t want them to just shoot the gap and get themselves washed down.
• You can very well play man to man coverage behind this blitz/ stunt.
• To the Twins side, the CB must not allow an outside release by the #1 receiver (X). He must jam and funnel him inside to defend against concepts like Scissors (Post by #1 and Corner by #2) and / or double verticals. 
• Once the QB begins his cadence, the M will start creeping up. You don’t want him to rush from 4 yards back!
• N will two gap the A (responsible for both A-gaps). He will shock and shed.

See Also: 3-4 Slanting Defense 

Playbook: 3-4 Defense for Youth Football 

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3-5 Stack Defense: Leo Storm 

This is a stunt right out of my playbook. This is one of our best stunts that we use to defend against off-tackle plays. This is a stunt / blitz we love to run to the Tight-end side. Our L is called Leo and our R is called Rip. Leo Storm tells our kids that we are executing this stunt to the left side and with our Leo linebacker. If we call Rip Storm, this would be executed to the right side with our R and W backer. This is an awesome play against ISO and Power. To defend ISO (or lead) you need to pinch your defensive linemen and get the play spilled. One this stunt our L and E are both slanting down one gap. Our E slants B-gap and our L slant C-gap. This is a great way to spill the ISO outside to our looping S and scrapping M. Against Power, the FB will see pre-snap that he is going to kick-out the L, but post snap my L slants, which confuses the FB (this works all the time on the youth level). The L and E will naturally squeeze the down blocks or double teams on Power and get it spilled to out L and M. It’s my go-to answer for off-tackle attacking plays.

Coaching Points

• N will two gap the A. This will also allow your M to be free to read and react. N will shock and shed.
• The L and E need to dip and rip- do not get washed. Many times you will see youth football players slant themselves right out of the play.
• I do recommend that you play man to man coverage behind this blitz. The S will play a peel technique. The peel technique means if it is pass, he will come off of his blitz path and cover the back coming on a swing pass to his side.
• This is a stunt that your kids need to executed with full effort- half-hearted execution will get your defense beat. This play does leave you vulnerable to big plays if your kids don’t do their job.
• Only when the QB begins his cadence does the S break his stack and cheat out over the L.

See Also: The 3-3 Stack Defense Base Rules and Blitzes 

Playbook: 3-5-3 Stack Playbook for Youth Football 

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4-3 / 4-4 Defense: Sam Twist 

This is a simple Twist that can be executed at all age levels of football. This is a great stunt to defend against off-tackle and sweep plays. It’s a simple gap exchange that the vast majority of youth football offensive lines won’t be able to pick up. Pre-snap, the S shows that he is the contain player. Post-snap, he dips and rips across the OT’s face and into the B-gap. This will create blocking confusion. It’s only a two player movement that creates a ton of blocking issues for the offense. Big return on your investment.

Coaching Points 

• S needs to dip and rip through the Offensive Tackle and anchor B-gap. He cannot just shoot to the B-gap and get washed down. Getting washed will create horizontal space for the offense.
• This stun can be executed against any offensive formation.
• This is a great stunt to mix in because it will throw something different at the offense and keep them guessing.
• This Twist can be execute with any defensive linemen and linebacker. This is a defensive linemen and linebacker gap exchange- two player movement / slant.

More Stunts & Blitzes: 4-4 Defense Blitz Packages 

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5-3 Defense: Razor Stunt 

This Razor Stunt is one of my favorite stunts. We run something very similar out of our 3-5 Stack. This is a great stunt that will take away one side of the field. It is great against interior, off-tackle, and edge plays. It’s basically an overload blitz- we’re sending more than the offense can block. This is a blitz I like against compressed offenses. This is also a very deceptive blitz as the M shows that he is going to blitz A-gap (pre-snap), but when the ball is snapped, he is blitzing B-gap (gap exchanging with the T). I highly recommend having this blitz in your playbook. This stunt is great because the backside is still strong if a team runs away from your stunt side. Also, if the offense breaks past your pressure side defenders you will at least still have you cut back defender pursuing to the ball carrier.

Coaching Points

• Fantastic blitz against off-tackle plays. It will completely take away one side of the formation. This great against Double TE formations.
• N and T need to dip and rips- do not get washed.
• Man to man coverage can be implemented, safety would have to roll down though- so it will be cover 0.
• Defensive ends will play “peel” techniques. Peel means that if a backfield player runs a swing or release for an outside route, the Es must come off and take him.
• When the QB begins his cadence, that is when the linebackers start creeping up. You don’t want them to give away where they are blitzing and you don’t want them to blitz from 4 yards back.

Playbook: Swarming 5-3 Defense Playbook 

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6-2 Defense: Overload left & Twist Stunt Right 

Here’s another one of my favorites! This is a great play because you are executing an overload blitz to one side and a twist stunt to the other. You don’t have to run both at the same time, but it’s always fun when you do. This play is sending more than the offense can pick up. I love this blitz against compressed formations. This blitz / twist is a high risk, high reward type play. If for some reason your defenders don’t get there you could give up a big play. I mean who doesn’t like to send the house every so often?!?

Coaching Points 

• Once the QB begins his cadence that is when the linebackers start to creep up. You don’t want them to give away where they are blitzing but you also don’t want them to blitz from 4 yards back.
• Slanting defensive linemen must dip and rip- do not get washed.
• M shows blitz over the B-gap, then once the ball is snapped he blitzes C-gap (as the E slants in front of him).
• The B and S should play peel techniques in case of a RB screen or swing pass.

See Also: Cross Blitz out of the 6-2 Defense 

Related Content: Razor and Laser Defensive Line Slants 

The post Wreak Havoc with These Slants and Stunts | Generating Pressure appeared first on Youth Football Online.

Storm Blitz out of the 4-2-5 Defense

Storm Blitz (Zone Blitz-Cover 3) 

N: A-gap

DT: Outside shade of the RG, dip and rip, slant A-gap.

LE: Outside shade of the RT, dip and rip, slant B-gap. Rip across the face of the RT.

RE: C-gap, boundary contain.

M: Once the QB begins his cadence he creeps up like he is going to blitz B-gap. Once the ball is snapped, he crosses behind the LE and blitzes tight off of the edge. He needs to blitz tight off of the RT’s outside shoulder, there should be no space between him and the RT.

W: Boundary curl to flat. Wall off any inside route from #2 (Z).

S: Pre-snap, show that he is playing man coverage on the (S). As soon as the QB begins his cadence, he comes off the (S) and blitzes off of the edge once the ball is snapped. He must maintain outside leverage, as he is the primary contain player. He also has to play a “peel” technique- which means if the TB releases on a swing route, he must come off of his blitz path and cover the TB on the swing.

FS: Pre-snap show two deep safety look. Once the QB begins his cadence he rolls to the middle of the field. He has deep middle responsibility.

SS: Pre-snap show two deep safety look, once the QB begins his cadence he rolls down and plays curl to flat. He must maintain inside leverage on #2 and wall off any inside route from #2 (S).

CB: Pre-snap show like he is playing man to man coverage on #1. Once QB begins cadence the CB bails back and splits the different between #1 & #2. He has deep  3rd responsibility.

Boundary CB: Pre-snap show like he is playing man to man coverage on #1. Once the QB begins cadence the CB bails back and splits the different between #1 & #2. He has deep 3rd responsibility.  Boundary CB must play a little heavier on the #2 receiver (Z).

Playbook (15% off): 4-2-5 Defense Playbook 

Storm Blitz (Zone Blitz-Cover 3) 

The responsibilities for the N, DT, LE, RE, M, and S do not change, it doesn’t matter the coverage. The responsibility is different for the secondary players and the W backer.

CB: Lock, man to man on the #1 receiver. Play with inside leverage.

CB: Lock, man to man on the #1 receiver. Play with inside leverage

FS: Pre-snap show two deep look and once the QB begins his cadence he rolls down and plays man to man coverage on the #2 receiver (Z). He must play with inside leverage.

SS: Pre-snap show two deep safety look and once the QB begins his cadence he rolls down and plays man coverage on #2 (S). He must play with inside leverage.

W: You have several options here. You can have the W blitz B-gap (as shown on the diagram). Or you can have him spy a mobile QB or even run with any TB going on push motion. You can also have him help out underneath- play a robber type coverage.

Related Content: Storm & Snake Blitz out of the 4-3 Defense 

Coaching Points

• Blitz needs to be execute from the wide side if the field.
• Make sure your defenders do not give away where they are blitzing too early. You want to make the offense to have adjust on the fly- do not give them time to adjust to the bltiz pre-snap.
• Make sure your slanting defensive linemen, dip and rip and not get themselves washed down.
• You have several options with your W backer. You can have him spy, wall off, blitz or play some sort of underneath coverage.
• Playing man coverage (cover o) is risky- your defender have to be able to play man to man coverage

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Overload Blitz out of the 4-2-5 Defense | Cover 3

Defensive Tackle (DT): A-gap.

Defensive Tackle (DT): A-gap.

Defensive End (DE): C-gap, come tight off of the edge.

Defensive End (DE): C-gap, rush tight off of the edge.

Rover (R): Pre-snap, align over # 2 (the inside receiver), start creeping up and in when the QB begins his cadence. Post snap, R blitzes off of the edge.

Middle Linebacker (M): Blitz B-gap. Start creeping up when the QB begins his cadence.

Weak Linebacker (W): Hook to curl on pass. Run fit B-gap.

Strong Safety (SS): Roll down and play man to man on #2 (the inside receiver Z). The SS needs to roll down as soon as the offense gets set. You can have him play press man or off man. Play with inside leverage.

Free Safety (FS): Roll to the middle of the field, play deep middle zone.

Cornerback (CB): Deep 3rd coverage, split the difference between the #1 and # 2 receive (Z & X side).

Cornerback (CB): Deep 3rd coverage. Inside leverage.

Related Content: Tornado Blitz out of the 4-2-5 Defense 

Overload Blitz out of the 4-2-5 Defense | Man Coverage

The defensive linemen and linebacker & secondary player blitzing lanes do not change. The only difference is that the coverage players are playing man to man coverage, rather than zone. I personally like playing press man, but you can play off man coverage as well. That might be a good idea on longer down and distances.

Peel Technique Coaching Points (man coverage)

Rover (R): Pre-snap, align over # 2 ( the inside receiver), start creeping up and in when the QB begins his cadence. Post snap, R blitzes off of the edge. He also will play a peel technique. Which means if any running back releases to his side he must peel off of his blitz path and take him. 

Defensive End: C-gap, rush tight off of the edge. He will also play the peel technique. This will make the DE responsible for any running back that releases to his side- come off of rush lane and cover a releasing running back.

See Also: 4-2-5 Defense Playbook for Youth Football

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Fire Man Blitz out of the 4-3 Defense

Related Content: 4-4 Defense Blitz Package for Youth Football 

DT (blitz side): Slant A-gap.

DT: A-gap.

DE (blitz side): Dip and rip, slant B-gap.

DE: C-gap, contain (on a two-man surface).

S: B-gap.

M: Creep up once the QB begins cadence, then blitz off of the edge on ball movement. (M) must always maintain outside leverage.

W: Man on # 2 (Z).

CB: Man on (X).

CB: Man on (Y).

SS: Man on (H).

FS: Deep middle third.

Coaching Points 

• You can have the (S) take the (T) out of the backfield on a pass out to the offense’s right. The blitzing (M) can play a peel technique. Peel technique is having the edge rusher/blitzer peel off and take a running back on a swing pass.
• You can easily play zone coverage behind this blitz as well.
• It’s important that the (M) doesn’t show blitz too early. We don’t want the offensive line to get any pre-snap reads. Make them have to react post-snap.
• If you are concerned about plays like QB Iso, you can roll the safety down in the box and play zero coverage (play at own risk!). With 6 defenders vs. 6 blockers the offense has the numbers advantage on the ISO play, so that is something that must be taken into account. You can base your decision to roll down the safety on the scouting report. If you know they have a mobile QB or they are a QB Iso team, you may want to bring the safety down so that you get another run defender.
• Slanting defensive linemen must dip and rip when they slant. You do not want they to slant themselves out of the play. Slanting defenders must maintain their gap responsibility. Do not get washed down. 

Related Content: Fire Man Blitz out of the 3-4 Defense

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Crossfire Blitz out of the 3-4 Under Defense

Related Content: Laser Blitz out of the 3-4 Defense | Zone Blitz 

N: Dip and rip, slant backside A-gap

DT: Dip and rip, slant A-gap.

E: C-gap. Contain (when there is no TE to his side).

R: Dip and rip, slant C-gap. Contain.

M: Blitz B-gap, start creeping up when QB  begins cadence. Pre-snap, show like he is going to blitz A-gap, post-snap, blitz B-gap.

W: B-gap, pursuit.

S: Blitz off of the edge, contain responsibility. When the QB begin his cadence that is when he starts creeping up. Pre-snap, show like he is going to blitz C-gap, post-snap, blitz off of the edge.

SS: Roll down once the QB begins his cadence. Read and react, get to the football, he is a free defender. On pass he must play curl to flat.

FS: Once the QB begins cadence he rolls to the middle of the field. Has deep 3rd coverage.

CB: Deep 3rd coverage.

CB: Deep 3rd coverage.

Related Content: 3-4 Slanting Defense Playbook 

Pass Coverage

I prefer cover 3 behind this blitz. However, you can very easily play man to man coverage behind this blitz as well.

Coaching Points 

• Make sure your blitzing defenders creep up pre-snap. You do not want them blitzing from 4 yards off of the line of scrimmage. They need to be almost at the line of scrimmage ready to blitz their gap on ball movement.
• It’s important that all defensive linemen dip and rip, then anchor their gap. They cannot allow themselves to get washed. We don’t want them to slant themselves out of the play.
• Blitz smartly! On this crossfire blitz you are sending one entire side of the defense. If they don’t get there you could be in trouble. There is nothing worse than blitzing your linebacker right out of the play.
• It’s critical that the blitzing S maintains outside leverage. He cannot allow any ball carrier to get outside of him. If the ball carrier gets outside of contain you will have no pursuit defenders.

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Strong Safety Blitz out of the 3-3 Defense

N: Slant blitz side A-gap. If you have a nose guard that can 2-gap that will free up your middle backer (M) to run to the ball carrier.

RE: Slant B-gap. Dip and Rip.

LE: Slant B-gap. Dip and Rip.

M: A-gap, pursuit to the ball carrier.

R: C-gap, then pursuit.

L: Maintain stack, creep up as QB begins cadence, blitz C-gap.

B: Secondary contain, read and react. Flat zone on pass.

FS: Roll to middle of the field, deep middle 3rd coverage.

SS: Pre-snap, stay in a 2-high look. Once the QB begins his cadence, roll down and blitz off of the edge. If there is a WB (as drawn up) he will blitz the gap between the WB and the Y. If there is no WB, he will blitz off of the edge.

CB: Deep 3rd.

CB: Deep 3rd.

Related Content: 3-3 Stack Defense Base Rules and Blitzes  

Zone Drops

Coaching Points 

• Defenders must maintain their base pre-snap alignment until the QB begins his cadence. This will ensure that the offense can’t get a pre-snap read. Make the offense have to react, rather then give them time to recognize the blitz (pre-snap).
• This blitz needs to be execute to either wide side of the field or to the strength of the offense’s formation.
• You have the option to play man to man coverage behind the blitz as well.

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The Cross blitz out of the 4-3 Defense is easy to install and it works very well on the youth football level. Since youth football consist mostly of runs, this blitz is designed to defend against off-tackle and outside plays. Man to man coverage will be played behind this blitz. However, you can definitely run zone behind it as well.

The 4-3 Defense is a great defense for youth football because it allows you to be multiple. You can be multiple in your coverage, blitzes and stunts. This defense can easily align to spread formations and easily align to compressed double tight-end formations. You can roll a safety down or you can stay in a two high structure, there are several different variations.

Related Content: Storm & Snake Blitz out of the 4-3 Defense 

Defensive Tackle (blitz side): A-gap responsible.

Defensive Tackle: A-gap responsible.

Defensive End (blitz side): Dip and rip, slant B-gap.

Defensive End: Contain.

Mike (M): Pre-snap show A-gap blitz, then blitz B-gap when the ball is snapped. Gap exchange with defensive end.

Sam (S): Blitz off of the edge, maintain contain. Always keep outside shoulder free!

Will (W): Read step B-gap, then pursuit.

CB: Man coverage on the Z.

CB: Man coverage on the X.

SS: Roll down. The SS is free to run to the ball carrier. He must key the TE to make sure it is not a pass. If it is a pass, the SS locks onto the TE.

FS: Deep middle 3rd. Free safety needs to be 12 yards deep, in the middle of the field, not over the ball.

Related Content: 4-3 Defense System for Youth Football 

Coaching Points 

• Slanting defensive end needs to dip & rip and then anchor his gap. He cannot allow himself to get washed down.
• This blitz is designed to be executed to the strength of the formation.
• When called on to blitz, your defenders need to attack on ball movement. Halfhearted blitzes will get your defense toasted.
• Blitzing defenders must attack their assigned gap. You cannot have two defenders forcing one gap.
• Blitz strategically! Don’t blitz for the sake of just blitzing.
• You have the option to play press man or off man coverage. Regardless, inside leverage should always be maintained.

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4-3 Defense Blitz Packages

Storm

Storm is a blitz that attacks the off-tackle of the defense. It’s very similar to an overload blitz because this blitz is sending defenders through each blitz-side gap. When the DE slants out, it should create a free lane for the (SS).

DT: Dip and rip, slant back-side A-gap, cross the face of the center.

DT (backside): Slant B-gap.

DE: Contain. The defensive end must keep his outside shoulder free.

DE (backside): Backside contain, must keep his outside shoulder free.

S: Man to man coverage on the #2 (H). The (S) must maintain inside leverage. You can have him play press or you can have him play off man.

M: Blitzes play-side A-gap. The Mike should start creeping up once the offense begins the cadence. On ball movement, the M blitz the A-gap. Make sure he doesn’t give away which gap he is blitzing too early.

W: Man coverage on the #2 receiver. The (W) must maintain inside leverage. You can have him player press or off man coverage.

CB: Man to man coverage on the #1 receiver. You can either play press man or off man coverage. Must always maintain inside leverage.

CB: Man to man coverage on the #1 receiver. You can play press or off coverage. CB must have inside leverage.

FS: Show two deep shell, then roll to the middle of the field as the QB begins his cadence. He has deep middle 3rd coverage.

Coaching Points

• Run this blitz from the wide side of the field.
• Make sure the defensive end maintains outside leverage. If you are concerned about a swing pass to the RB you can have the DE play a peel technique. Meaning if the TB to his side runs on a swing, the DE takes him.
• Make sure your defensive linemen dip and rip.

Related Content: 4-3 Defense System for Youth Football 

Snake

The Snake blitzes is very similar to the Storm blitz, but the only difference is the (SS) is rolling down and manning up on the #2 receiver, the (S) is blitzing off of the edge and the DE is slanting to B-gap. This is a better option than the Storm if you don’t want you DE to have to contain. I’m sure your (S) will be a better athlete than your DE, so it makes sense to have your (S) as the contain/force player, rather than you slower DE.

DT: Slant backside A-gap, dip and rip across center’s face.

DT (backside): Slant B-gap.

DE: Slant B-gap. It’s important that the DE dip and rips so that he doesn’t slant himself out of the play.

DE (backside): Contain.

S: Blitz off of the edge. Pre-snap show man to man coverage, once the QB begins his cadence he comes down and blitzes on ball movement.

M: Blitzes play-side A-gap. The Mike should start creeping up once the offense begins the cadence. On ball movement, the M blitzes the A-gap. Make sure he doesn’t give away which gap he is blitzing too early.

W: Man coverage on the #2 receiver. You can have him play press or off man coverage.

CB: Man to man coverage on #1.

CB: Man to man coverage on #1.

FS: Roll to the middle of the field when the QB begins his cadence. Has deep middle third.

SS: Roll down and cover the #2 receiver man to man.

Coaching Points 

• All players must attack on ball movement, do not try and time the cadence.
• Defenders must to or adjust as soon as the QB begins his cadence.

Related Content: Zone Blitz out of the 4-3 Defense 

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