Football Toolbox

How to Quickly & Easily change from a static 4-3 into Odd Fronts to Maximize Pressure

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This article was originally posted on the Glazier Coaching Blog.

One of the drawbacks to the 4-3 is that it is static and that you are placing guys in gaps.  Offenses feel like they know where defenders will be.  They know where the big gap bubble is.  One of the reasons you need to get into an odd look is to change that up on them, to change up where the big gap bubble is.

You need to change where your three techniques play and where your end is going to be. You need to do that against both the run, and against the pass.  Our video shows three ways to do that.

The presenter is Coach Scott Goolsby, Defensive Coordinator, Auburn HS, AL.  This clip is taken from Getting into Odd Looks From Your 4-3 Defense to Maximize Your Pressure Package

Auburn HS uses three main ways to shift from a 4-3 into odd fronts, addressing a key weakness of the 4-3 (being too static and predictable). The fundamental rule is simple: slide everything to the strong side and walk down the weak-side linebacker.

The three variations covered are:

  1. Bengals Front (Pass-Rush Focus)

  • Slides nose guard head-up on center
  • Three-technique moves to head-up or 5-technique
  • Creates favorable one-on-one matchups
  • Forces guards to block like tackles
  • Can be used to show pressure and drop back

  1. Bear Front (Run Defense Focus)

  • Tighter alignment than Bengals
  • Nose head-up, 4i-techniques
  • Easier to stem in and out of
  • More effective against run plays

  1. Stack Look (Multiple Uses)

  • Effective against 20 personnel and trips
  • Good for third down packages
  • Creates 3-3 stack look
  • Strong-side end moves to the middle

Coach Goolsby emphasizes that a simple, consistent rule (slide strong, walk weak) helps players align quickly without overthinking. Each front can be used as a base call, a blitz look, or part of a stem package to create confusion for the offense.