4 MAN PACKAGES

The 4-man packages are the result of adding one additional defender to the front.

They can be any of the single backer Dogs or Blitzes. All of the coverage packages can be used in 4-man packages; however offensive sets could require a coverage call change (check) at the line of scrimmage.

Call: “Eagle 4” or “Bandit 4”
This is a combination, straight-ahead blitz to the callside (Eagle) or boundary (Bandit) by the outside invert. The Eagle attacks the B-gap and the End will use a “scalp” slant to the C-gap based upon a “me” call by the inside linebacker. The Eagle communicates with the inside linebacker to make the call to the End.

Call: “Open Eagle 4” or “Rover 3”
This is a combination, straight-ahead blitz to the callside (Eagle) or boundary (Bandit) by the outside invert. The Eagle attacks the B-gap and the End will use a “scalp” slant to the C-gap based upon a “me” call by the inside linebacker. The Eagle communicates with the inside linebacker to make the call to the End.

Call: “Zig 3” or “Short Zig 4”
This is a zone blitz, an illusion 4-man pressure package. The callside (or boundary – short) End will engage the offensive tackle controlling the C-gap. If the End reads pass they will drop into the hook-curl zone. The callside (Sam – short) Stud will execute a run-through Dog in the B-gap. The linebacker makes a “me/you” call.

Call: “Wide Zig 3” or “Open Zig 4”
This is a zone blitz, an illusion 4-man pressure package. The openside (or field – Wide) End will engage the offensive tackle controlling the C-gap. If the End reads pass they will drop into the hook-curl zone. The callside (Sam – short) Stud will execute a run-through Dog in the B-gap. The linebacker makes a “me/you” call.

Call: “Nag 1” or “Short Nag 2”
This is a zone blitz, an illusion 4-man pressure package. The Nose will engage the center controlling the weak (Nag) or field (Short) A-gap. If the Nose reads pass they will drop into the hook zone. The Mike will execute a run-through Dog in the callside (or Short) A-gap. The Mike makes a “me/you” call.

Call: “Nag 2” or “Wide Nag 1”
This is a zone blitz, an illusion 4-man pressure package. The Nose will engage the center controlling the strong (Nag) or boundary (Wide) A-gap. If the Nose reads pass they will drop into the hook zone. The Mike will execute a run-through Dog in the openside (or Wide) A-gap. The Mike makes a “me/you” call.

More on the 3-3-5 Defense….

3.3.5 COACHING MATCH-UP ZONE

The concepts used in zone coverage have evolved from guarding areas to match up zones.

A match up zone includes a combination of pattern recognition and coverage techniques.

The defenders must first identify the offensive personnel and formation, then at the snap of the ball makes a run/read.

Once the defenders have recognized pass, they begin to execute their zone drop techniques.

The receivers’ routes will dictate the techniques.

The following diagrams detail a few of the match-up zone concepts.

TWO RECEIVERS – NO TIGHT END

Corner – uses divider technique versus vertical routes by #1 and #2; drop splits the verticals.

Eagle – uses a zone drop based upon the release of #2. His drop is into the curl to stop the slant, curl or dig, reacting to either #2
or #3 if their route takes them to the flat.

Stud – reacts to #2 using:

• “Carry” if #2 goes vertical
• “Wall” if #2 runs a shallow crossing route
• “Turn” if #2 runs a dig

Mike – drops hook, unless the Stud is on a Dog, in which case Mike replaces Stud.

TWO RECEIVERS – TIGHT END

Corner – cover #1; remember #2 can become #1 if they cross. Route recognition is crucial.

Eagle – “buzz” technique to get under #1, while maintaining outside leverage on #2.

Stud – reacts to #2 using:

• “Carry” if #2 goes vertical
• “Wall” if #2 runs a shallow crossing route
• “Turn” if #2 runs a dig

Mike – drops hook, unless the Stud is on a Dog, in which case Mike replaces Stud.

THREE RECEIVERS – NO TIGHT END

Corner – uses divider technique versus vertical routes by #1 and #2; drop splits the verticals.

Eagle – uses a zone drop based upon the release of #2. His drop is into the curl to stop the slant, curl or dig, reacting to either #2
or #3 if their route takes them to the flat.

Stud – reacts to #3 using:

• “Carry” if #3 goes vertical
• “Wall” if #3 runs a shallow crossing route
• “Turn” if #3 runs a dig
• Stud must be aware of crossing routes, as either #1 or #2 can become #3

Mike – drops hook, unless the Stud is on a Dog, in which case Mike replaces Stud.

GUMBO

Gumbo is a zone drop to cover the curl – hook – curl zones by three underneath defenders. The zone drops are referred to as
“LEE”, “MOH” and “RAY”, for left, middle, right. This technique is used in 5-man pressure packages and Cover 33.

Here is a list of some additional points and considerations in zone coverage.

• On the snap of the ball key quarterback, receiver and backfield action.
• Never allow a receiver to get behind a defender when he has deep zone coverage.
• A defender in zone coverage should go only as wide and as deep as he has to in order to cover his responsibility.
• See the ball – the defenders attention should be directed towards the passer and he should see the receivers. Keep head on a swivel and be able to shift your eyes – referred to as “melt to the quarterback”.
• “Ball” – “Score” are calls used in the passing game. The sideline should be active yelling “ball” when the quarterback throws the football, and the defender intercepting, as well as the sideline should be yelling “bingo” to indicate an interception has been made.
• Most interceptions are made as the defender moves forward for the ball.
• A tipped ball should be an interception if defender is hustling ( 50% of all tipped balls are intercepted)
• Intercept all passes at their highest point. Do not wait for the ball to come down. Go get it!
• Ball reaction is paramount to successful zone pass defense.
• Instill the importance of communication. Talk to your teammates; help each other. Calls such as “in-in-in-in”, “out-out-out-out”, “cross-cross-cross”, “delay-delay-delay” and “crack-crack” are very helpful to the team defensive approach.
• When responsible for a short zone, gamble for the interception.
• When responsible for deep zone, defender should never go in front of the intended receiver unless he can get both hands on the ball.
• Be aware of the red zone (20 yards and in), as the short defenders should be no closer than 7 yards to the sideline until the ball is thrown in that area.
• Interference results when a defender plays the receiver rather than the ball.
• The free safety in cover 3 and both safeties in cover 2 should keep all receivers in front of them.
• Corner’s responsible for the outside 1/3 should never take an inside fake, because you will always have help on the post route from the deep 1/3 safety.
• Always remember when working drills that break on the ball to drive on a straight line not a circular one.MAN TECHNIQUES
  There are two man coverage techniques, one used when the defender is aligned off in a safe cushion with the receiver and the other when aligned close (“bump & run”) using aggressive, hard-nosed play. In either case, when playing man coverage the defender must play the ball aggressively.Coaching Point: Don’t chastise your players if they get their early.Here is a brief recap of some of the advantages to man coverage:
• Possible to get more men rushing the quarterback
• Get the most advantageous match-ups
• Assignments are clear and specific
• Keeps the defenders from being fooled by play-action
• Don’t have defenders guarding grass
• You can bracket or get help in covering a specific receiver
• Permits aggressive play on the goal line
• Easy to stem and disguiseThe defender must watch the receiver until he is sure that the receiver is on his last cut – then “snug up” and watch the quarterback. The defender will still use his 3-slide steps reading the key, and then get into the action. Never jump an initial outside fake, always take the initial inside fake. This can be accomplished when the defender maintains a separation, or is on top of the receiver. When the receiver straightens up, he is getting ready to fake, when the arms go up break on the ball.

  
  BANJO

  

  “Banjo” is when two secondary players (C, F, B, R) use an inside / outside approach to covering 2 receivers. Each defender will cover his assigned receiver until their routes cross, at which the defenders switch responsibilities. This technique helps avoid the rubs and picks that receivers use.

   

  BRACKET

  

  There are certain pressure packages or game plan situations that bracketing a wide out or inside receiver is necessary. The
  corner or outside inverts (Eagles) will defender their man with outside leverage and the safety or outside inverts (Eagles) will defend the inside cut.

  Here is a list of some additional points and considerations in man coverage.

• Total concentration must be on the receiver.
• Always keep the receiver in front.
• Never align or be driven to a head up position.
• Route recognition – A receiver who is going to run an outside route will generally reduce his split. A receiver who is going to run a route inside will widen his split.
• When working drills that talk about stance, always mention butt up and chin in line with the toes. The best possible situation is for the defender to stay in his backpedal as long as possible or until the receiver breaks the cushion which puts
  him within 3 yards of the defender, when this happens turn and run with receiver.
• A receiver who is bent over and running with his head down cannot make a sharp cut, until he raises his shoulders and gathers himself under control. Therefore the defender should focus his attention on the receiver’s belt buckle and his shoulders.
• Playing bump and run – Never allow an inside release by the receiver, make the quarterback make the long throw. Don’t get your feet crossed over.
• If a pass is thrown to your receiver in front of you make all drills attack the up field shoulder. Never go in front of a receiver unless you think you can get both hands on the ball.
• If the defender gets beat deep, tell him to put his head down and sprint to catch the receiver. Do not look back at the quarterback until you have caught the receiver.
• As long as the ball is behind the line of scrimmage and receivers are downfield, always maintain tight coverage.

About the Author of this post:

Jerry Campbell has over 30 years of high school and college coaching experience.  He has experience as a head coach, offensive coordinator, and various position coaches.  Jerry has written numerous football coaching articles in various publications, is the author of over 30 books on coaching football, and has produced 12 coaching video series.  Additionally, he is a nationally sought after speaker on the coaching clinic circuit.

Have you caught yourself yelling at players, “You’re too high”?  Have you overheard coaches giving verbal dissertations as they correct players?  You can be sure that every one of your players wants to do things correctly.  So help them perform correctly.   

Teach them through positives by helping them recognize, and the visualize performing correctly.  For example, “you’re too high” can be corrected with “”V of the neck”.  The concept is to teach your players how to execute the correct techniques while creating a vocabulary that paints a picture to reinforce them doing it correctly. 

This allows you to tell them what they need to do, not what they are doing wrong.

A system of “stimulus response” can be used to help reinforce learning and assignment understanding. The technique, read key, and reaction being taught should be a stimulus that triggers a response.  The stimulus response is used as a descriptive term by the coach that triggers an alert word from the player; i.e., coach calls out an offensive player’s action, the defensive player should give the appropriate response. 

It is the player’s response that should trigger the appropriate technique to defeat his opponent.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

This defense is designed to bring pressure, but each player must be disciplined in reading his keys, using his hit or jet technique and get to the football.  A system of “stimulus” and “response” has been developed to help players recognize what is happening, and how they should respond – the technique they should use.  For example, when a coach says Base (stimulus) he should hear Squeeze from his player (response). This technique aids players by helping then to master, learn and understand what is required on any given situation.  A good time to use this type of learning and reinforcement is during team and in warm-ups when the coach has time to walk around and talk with his position players.

The following are the “Stimulus Responses” for the defensive linemen.  They can be broken down into three categories:

STIMULUS	RESPONSE
COMBINATION BLOCKS
Base	Squeeze
Down	Trap
Reach	Push / Pull
Pass	Bull
COMBINATION BLOCKS
Double	Hip
Scoop	Rip
Pull	Collision
Wash	Spin
COWARD BLOCKS
Influence	Back
Cut	Hands
Cut-off	COBRA

As you develop your verbal stimulus and responses, the objective is to reinforce and to confirm that your players understand what you are teaching.   But, more importantly, it allows you to reinforce proper techniques because the players can visualize doing things correctly.  The following tables include X & O Diagrams for the three categories of blocks that defensive linemen will face.

The defensive linemen will always start off playing “Hit Technique”, unless a “Jet” (go get the passer) is alerted.  The defensive linemen must get off the ball and lead with the hands and hips getting into the “Dominant Position”.  The Hit Technique creates a dominant lean, using a 3-point punch to stay square to the LOS, and only coming off when they see ball.  The 3-point punch (dominant lean) puts the defensive linemen in a Dominant Position that allows them to defeat the blocker.  The 3-point punch (dominant lean) is:

1. Hands – Thrust both hands to the breastplate just outside the jersey number, striking with the palms, and thumbs up – grabbing cloth. There is a natural grabbing place or handle bars on the shoulder pads, so get the palms with thumbs up, grabbing jersey on the offensive lineman’s pads.  This hand placement is critical to defeating a blocker.

2. Hips – The hips must explode forward or up. The hips must be aligned with the defensive lineman’s shoulders, not back.  If the butt is behind the shoulders the defensive lineman is not in balance; i.e., weight is forward putting the defensive lineman out of balance.

3. Eyes – The eyes to the “V of the neck”. The eyes should never be higher than the “V of the neck”.

The defensive linemen will always stay square to the LOS until they see ball.  They can then rip off to make the play.  The rip technique is:

• Grab the back pocket – the defensive lineman reaches the arm back as though pulling something out of their back pocket;
• Rub the body – as the defensive lineman swings the arm through, it should rub the body because this action forces the shoulders to reduce; i.e. the near shoulder points to the ground; and,
• Kiss the bicep – the arm must come violently all the way through the blockers front surface, clearing the blocker. This clubbing action is executed properly if the defensive lineman can kiss the bicep as they clear the blocker.

Common Blocks

The Common Blocks are those most often faced by the defensive linemen:

Base – Squeeze: The blocker steps directly at the defensive lineman, then use Hit Technique staying square to squeeze the gap down (inside) or maintain your initial alignment position; i.e., start in a 4-technique, stay in a 4-technique.

Down – Trap: The blocker steps down (or crosses the face) without making contact with the defensive lineman, then mirror step to take the down block away protecting the linebackers.  This allows the defensive lineman to hide behind the down block and “trap the trapper”.  The eyes should go inside looking from the fullback to guard, coming underneath the down block with an outside rip.

Reach – Push/Pull:  The blocker is trying to attack the outside shoulder, then the defensive lineman will push the outside shoulder (offensive lineman’s) to lock their arm out, pulling the inside shoulder (offensive lineman’s) to them.  This technique will open the offensive lineman to allow the defensive lineman to rip through when they see ball.  The defensive lineman will stay square, stretching the block until they see ball, then rip off.

Pass – Bull:  The blocker pass sets, then the defensive lineman will use their Hit Technique pushing the blocker back toward the quarterback (“bull rushing”).  The defensive lineman will use their dominant lean, keeping the eyes to the quarterback, maintaining their rush lane.  They may add a pass rush move once they have determined pass; i.e., eliminated screen or draw possibilities.

Combination Blocks

Combination Blocks are typically when two offensive linemen are working together.  Technique is critical to the success of defeating these types of blocks.

Double – Hip: There are two blockers working together to move the defensive lineman, then use Hit Technique on the near blocker, but drive the hip to the ground using the cloth (grabbed) to pull between the blockers.  This is referred to as “skinny in the hole”, because you do not give the blockers any surface to block.  The defensive lineman must fight to get through, and will keep fighting as long as they are getting penetration.  However, when penetration stops (or the momentum is moving backwards) then the defensive lineman will drop to the ground, and push themselves back up, under the blockers; i.e., similar to diving underneath a wave.

Pull – Collision:  The blocker pulls behind the LOS in either direction, then be prepared for some type of down block coming from the opposite direction.  The eyes must go inside, as the defensive lineman must anchor down (with the outside leg) and blow up (“collision”) the blocker with the forearm, staying square until they see ball.

Scoop – Rip: The block starts off as a reach, but a second blocker gets to the defensive lineman’s inside shoulder, then use the “push/pull” technique described under the reach, rip off as soon as you see ball.  The defensive lineman is going through either the “front door” (playside) or the “back door” (behind the play).  The difference between a double and scoop is that a scoop starts off as a reach.

Wash – Spin:  There are blockers pushing the defensive lineman down the LOS as they step with the down block (feeling pressure from the backside), then the defensive lineman must spin (“ice pick”) to get back into the play.  The “ice pick” entails throwing yourself at the backside of the offensive lineman, using your weight to lean against the pressure of being washed down.

Secondary Blocks

Secondary or “coward” blocks are those blocks used least often by your opponents.  This third phase deals with blocks that our linemen will face and how they will have to react to each particular situation.

Influence – Back: This is typically used to counteract a pass set, with very little effort (quick strike and release) to pass protect and deep dropping quarterback; i.e., deeper than 7 yards.  The defensive lineman must stop and retrace their steps looking for a running back.  This Stimulus Response can also be used versus influence trapping teams; i.e., pull occurs with no down block, then the eyes must go “back” ready to collision the trap from the “backside”.

Cut Block – Hands:  This is when the blocker attacks the knees (offensive lineman’s head is down) of the defensive lineman, then throw the hands at the offensive lineman’s shoulders driving them into the ground, with the eyes up looking for the play.  If the quarterback has a short drop, then get at least one hand up.

Cut-off – COBRA:  This is an inside release by the blocker with the offensive flow away, then the defensive lineman must look for cutback, boot or reverse.  This is used in conjunction with our “chase or collapse” technique.

About the Author of this post:

Jerry Campbell has over 30 years of high school and college coaching experience.  He has experience as a head coach, offensive coordinator, and various position coaches.  Jerry has written numerous football coaching articles in various publications, is the author of over 30 books on coaching football, and has produced 12 coaching video series.  Additionally, he is a nationally sought after speaker on the coaching clinic circuit.

The 30 Stack is outstanding versus the option because it creates a defensive triangle on the perimeter.  As such, the veer option is defended (see diagram below), as well as the gun option, which keys the backside end. 

The midline option can be run, but the read is wide (4-technique) and the nose in a 0-technique creates additional scheme problems. 

The load option, whether from the center or gun has the best opportunity for success, however the offensive tackle must be able to reach block the End, and the tight end must be able to block a linebacker that is only one position removed.

The option responsibilities are:

• Dive: B-gap defender
• Quarterback: C – D-gap defender
• Pitch: Force defender

Since option responsibilities are defined by gap, all of the pressure packages can be run. 

This is significantly different from most teams that stay away from pressure packages versus option teams.  Whoever is blitzing inside to the B-gap has dive, and the outside blitzing defender, unless it is an Eagle, has the quarterback. 

The outside linebacker will always play pitch, however against true option teams you can change up this responsibility with the Eagles and Studs.

The rules are very simple, and responsibilities change based upon pressure packages, as such an option period must be run every day.  The following are some examples of defending the option.

 

Discipline in executing option responsibilities makes the 30-Stack an effective scheme.  Scouting and video study is important when preparing for a gun option team because you must determine whether the quarterback is running a true option by reading the backside EMOL.  If the quarterback is making reads, it is important to change up the “ends” techniques.  This will create confusion for the quarterback and create clear paths at the quarterback for defenders.  Also, does your opponent run a triple option with two backs or by putting receivers in pitch relationship, or a double option only?  The answers to these questions will help you game plan your pressure packages.

The “Open Storm” package is shown as an example of changing responsibilities.  This stunt creates a “give” read for the quarterback, because the EMOL is up field.  However, there are three stacked linebackers keying on the give – dive.  If the quarterback misreads, or decides to keep, the Eagle is unblocked with a clear path at the quarterback.  The pitch is covered by the End, so the quarterback will most likely keep because he will perceive there is a clear lane.

About the Author of this post:

Jerry Campbell has over 30 years of high school and college coaching experience.  He has experience as a head coach, offensive coordinator, and various position coaches.  Jerry has written numerous football coaching articles in various publications, is the author of over 30 books on coaching football, and has produced 12 coaching video series.  Additionally, he is a nationally sought after speaker on the coaching clinic circuit.

About the Author of this post:

Jerry Campbell has over 30 years of high school and college coaching experience.

He has experience as a head coach, offensive coordinator, and various position coaches.

Jerry has written numerous football coaching articles in various publications, is the author of over 30 books on coaching football, and has produced 12 coaching video series.

Additionally, he is a nationally sought after speaker on the coaching clinic circuit.

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About the Author of this post:

Jerry Campbell has over 30 years of high school and college coaching experience.

He has experience as a head coach, offensive coordinator, and various position coaches.

Jerry has written numerous football coaching articles in various publications, is the author of over 30 books on coaching football, and has produced 12 coaching video series.

Additionally, he is a nationally sought after speaker on the coaching clinic circuit.

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