The main philosophy of the fire zone blitz scheme is to bring pressure and attack the. The desired result is an open receiver in the flat, the area beyond the defensive linemen but in front of the secondary in an effort to prevent the pick play, defenses trying to prevent twopoint conversions are playing more and. Coincidence or not, every season ive been in the playoffs 3 of 9, all three with different schools has been in the 44 defense. Aug 15, 2014 to keep things simple, these coverage shells will be described as if they are being run by the dolphins in their favored passstopping nickel package, which features 4 defensive linemen, 2.
Within each of these schemes there are variations 1gap, 2gap principles in both 4 3 and 3 4 sets. With the loss of a coverage man and overhang, the dc is forced to spin. Dec 20, 2019 a defensive scheme will often include the ability to shift from one front to another shifting from a 34 to a 43 has become common practice, allowing a defense to bring another player down on. Jan 15, 2015 part ii the 4 3 defense new, 56 comments while the giants are busy looking for their next defensive coordinator, lets take the opportunity to look at some defensive schemes. The 3 4 defense is a basic football defensive formation that is used by several nfl teams. If you are lucky enough to have a set of 4 to 6 quality lbs then you might consider running a 4 4 or 4 4 stack as your pee wee defense. The 4 in the 425 stands for 4 down linemen, and the 2 stand for 2 linebackers. Just like the defensive line, we want to keep everything consistent for the inside linebackers. The defensive line in the 43 its critical that the defensive line is able to control their gap. This means stopping the run can potentially be more effective than with a 34 defense, as a 43 team utilizes two defensive tackles.
At the higher levels, the quality and size of the average down linemen makes this a nonfactor. The object of this defense is to shift more defensive linemen to the offenses suspected point of attack, which is called the over, or to shift the linemen to the weak side of the offensive formation, which is called the under. The best defensive coordinators evolve their approach to feature whatever uberathletes they have in a given year while trying to set up the rest of the defense to have assignments that can be reasonably executed by fundamentally sound, hardnosed players. Apr 02, 2014 michigan state runs a 4 3 over cover 4 base, while the seattle seahawks run a 4 3 under cover 3 base. Instead there is a left and right defensive tackle. Though i have transitioned from an odd 34,52, and 53 or an even 43, 4. The 44 defense for youth football is all about linebackers. As the cowboys move from a 34 scheme to a 43 defense, therell be a lot of changes on the field. A defensive scheme will often include the ability to shift from one front to another shifting from a 34 to a 43 has become common practice, allowing.
The 4 4 defense for youth football is all about linebackers. Defending 2 tight end formations in the under front. The defense is based on each lineman being responsible for one gap and controlling that gap. Modern defenses need to get the maximum number of athletes on the field, and be completely adaptable. Since the basics of a 3 4 defense went over well, lets move on to the next 3 down lineman scheme. The 43 is a speed defense as well as a spill defense, which means trying to force everything to the outside. Aug 19, 20 the 34 defenses invention is accredited to bud wilkinson at oklahoma back in the 1960s, essentially as a variation on the 52 fronts that were most popular at the time. The ultimate 43 defense playbook is delivered to you in pdf format, so you can. If your ends are similar in ability, there is no reason to flip them. This allows your linebackers to play downhill against run plays. We use the same defensive line reads and techniques in the 44 defense as we would in a 43 defense or 425 defense. Defensive tackles will read their keys and maintain their responsibility. The nose tackle will align himself over the center, the defensive tackle will align over the other guard, and the two defensive ends will line up over the offensive tackle. If both corners, the ss, and fs are aligned in the third level it indicates 14s coverage.
Traditionally i have always been a multiple defensive system that morphs with the changes and tendencies of an opponents offense. The 44 is an even front defense and players can easily shift into a gap 8. Jan 14, 2015 while the giants are busy looking for their next defensive coordinator, lets take the opportunity to look at some defensive schemes. Apr 02, 20 if your ends are similar in ability, there is no reason to flip them. Upon his arrival in tuscaloosa, saban installed the 34 defense. I can remember way back in the 1960s that five, six, and seven man defensive lines were common. I have heard the phrase 43 defense with 34 personnel bandied about, and it really makes more sense to think about it that way than.
For 4 3 defenses that have the players for it, this will probably be a common option for. This is the first of a threepart series examining different. The pre snap read is the depth of the third level defenders. The basics of the 34 defense in football liveabout. In the 43 there are four linemen each with a specific alignment and role. Part ii the 43 defense new, 56 comments while the giants are busy looking for their next defensive coordinator, lets take the opportunity to look at some defensive schemes. May 12, 2016 the best defensive coordinators evolve their approach to feature whatever uberathletes they have in a given year while trying to set up the rest of the defense to have assignments that can be reasonably executed by fundamentally sound, hardnosed players. Currently, there are 16 teams that use the 4 3 as their base defense, 12 teams who use the 3 4, and 4 teams who use a combination of both i. Though i have transitioned from an odd 34,52, and 53 or an even 43, 44 as a base core defense over the years one thing remains the. In schemes whose base set is an even 43, there is no nose tackle. Cover 4 refers to four deep defenders, each guarding onefourth of the deep zone. Though i have transitioned from an odd 34,52, and 53 or an even 43, 44 as a base core defense over the years one thing remains the same.
We discussed basic fundamentals for defensive back play earlier, and now want to get into some base formations and base coverage schemes. Currently, there are 16 teams that use the 43 as their base defense, 12 teams who use the 34, and 4 teams who use a combination of both i. The 4 4 is an even front defense and players can easily shift into a gap 8 and 62 defense from the 4 4 defensive scheme. This prompted phillips to create a bit of a hybrid that utilized different forms of a 34. The 34 defense is becoming more popular every year, especially in the nfl as teams try to find ways to defend against the pass and get more speed on the field. The 43 is a more conservative defense, but thats not always a bad thing. For 43 defenses that have the players for it, this will probably be a common option for. The alignment features three down linemen and four linebackers in. At lower levels the 43 is not particularly popular because many coaches consider it weak against the run due to the fact there are only four down linemen. And the 4man front of the 43 overunder front is awesome. A guide to identifying defensive fronts inside the pylon. This group of 6 comprise what is commonly called the front or front 6. Going back to our conversation above regarding the different names us football folk call things, the 43 under look that i just showed you often goes by its other name.
Teams whose base front is an over or under front will have a nose tackle in this scheme. If you missed the writeup on the 3 4, you can find it here. In the 43 the linebackers play more behind the line, and the team will rely on its four defensive linemen to get the job done up front. When the two receivers cross, the inside receiver tries to rub the man guarding him against the defender whos covering his teammate. The 43 defense system in youth football has four defensive linemen controlling gaps.
Due to the number of spread offenses that can be faced today, the 43 and most defenses have become all about speed on the field. The first defense we will discuss on the site is the 44 defense. Theirs a major importance placed on both the secondary. If you missed the writeup on the 34, you can find it here. However, the dallas cowboys dont necessarily live by the strict definitions of that scheme. Jan 20, 20 cover 4 refers to four deep defenders, each guarding onefourth of the deep zone. The 43 is the most commonly used defense at the upper levels, including the nfl. Mar 21, 2014 43 under the key to knowing the difference between the over and under front in the 43 defense is the alignment of the 3technique defensive tackle and the nose. It is called a base defense because it is the default defensive alignment used on base downs 1st and 2nd downs. Within each of these schemes there are variations 1gap, 2gap principles in both 43 and 34 sets. In a fourdown scheme, the defensive ends act as the walls of the box. Its a defensive scheme that ive been involved with for 7 of my 9 years on the sidelines as of 20. James alder is an expert on the game of american football, blogs for the new york times, and appears on radio shows. We use the same defensive line reads and techniques in the 4 4 defense as we would in a 4 3 defense or 4 25 defense.
To keep things simple, these coverage shells will be described as if they are being run by the dolphins in their favored passstopping nickel package, which features 4 defensive linemen, 2. The biggest way to differentiate from an over and a pro, is the middle linebacker. The 43 defense is an unbalanced front, compared to 8 man. The 43 defensive alignment is the most commonly used scheme in the national football league. Difficult situations a football defense may face dummies. When teams dont have a nose tackle, the tackles line up face on the offensive. Michigan state runs a 43 over cover 4 base, while the seattle seahawks run a 43 under cover 3 base. May 16, 2017 youth, high school, college, and the pros can be seen every weekend playing the 4 3. Youth, high school, college, and the pros can be seen every weekend playing the 43. The nose tackle will align himself over the center, the defensive tackle will align over the other guard, and the two defensive ends will line up over the offensive tackle or tight ends, if there are any on the field. But a shift to an over front does signify a shift to more 2high looks. Cover 4 schemes are usually used to defend against deep passes.
Part one is an introduction to the alignments and terminology. Technically, you could say utah runs a 434 defense, byu runs the 335. While the giants are busy looking for their next defensive coordinator, lets take the opportunity to look at some defensive schemes. Oct 02, 2014 going back to our conversation above regarding the different names us football folk call things, the 43 under look that i just showed you often goes by its other name. How 43 defenses are evolving to stop the smashmouth spread. We will be efficient in red zone and goal line situations. Aug 12, 2011 9technique 43 dre dwight freeney the 9technique is the speed rushing defensive end, and aside from a few defenses in the nfl, is often used more in obvious passrushing situations than as an every down alignment, such is the size of the gap left between the dre and anybody else inside him. Since the basics of a 34 defense went over well, lets move on to the next 3 down lineman scheme. Jan 08, 2017 understanding the 4 25 defense january 8, 2017 by the 4. The 34 defenses invention is accredited to bud wilkinson at oklahoma back in the 1960s, essentially as a variation on the 52 fronts that were most popular at the time. The 43 defense has been one of the most successful defenses over a.
Theres a few different ways quarters teams will instruct their dbs to play. The cowboys have been running a base 34 scheme for the. There are different ways to describe even a 43 defense. In american football, the 34 defense is a common defensive alignment consisting of three down linemen and four linebackers.
Support each other and always celebrate individual success in relation to how it helped the team. The 4 3 is a speed defense as well as a spill defense, which means trying to force everything to the outside. The main thing to understand about this defense is it is a 4333 hybrid that uses the linebackers to flip from coverage and blitzing. The most common defensive scheme in vogue today is the 43 over. The overunder 43 is basically a four down linemen and three linebacker scheme.
Since its a zone blitz scheme, any of the players will be. Alignment, coverages, and basic wrinkles for a 43 defense. The alignment features three down linemen and four linebackers in the front seven, thus the name 3 4 defense. Mar 27, 2020 the 43 is a more conservative defense, but thats not always a bad thing. The nfl had been using the 43 for about ten years, but of course, they passed the ball more than colleges did and certainly way more than high schools. The 4 3 is the most commonly used defense at the upper levels, including the nfl. However, often times the secondary is left out if the standard 4 defensive back alignment is run. It is a called a base defense because it is the default defensive alignment used on base downs 1st and 2nd downs. For instance, a 43 interior defensive lineman may be better suited to play as a 34 defensive end while a smaller 43 defensive end may be better suited to play the outside linebacker role in. The 34 defense is a basic football defensive formation that is used by several nfl teams. The 335 defense, 33 stack or 35 defense is known by many names, but has become more popular to defend the spread offense, especially at the high school level. The 43 defense is one of the most basic formations a coach can run. Defensive guru wade phillips said, when i started out it was a twogap defense, the defensive ends had to play twogap and be able to rush the passer. In a pro defensive front, the mike is in a 00 technique head up on the center, second level defenders are given a second number to differ from the defensive line.
The 4 3 defensive alignment is the most commonly used scheme in the national football league. Due to the number of spread offenses that can be faced today, the 4 3 and most defenses have become all about speed on the field. The 5 defensive schemes that dominate joe daniel football. How 43 defenses are evolving to stop the smashmouth. 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. The 9technique is the speed rushing defensive end, and aside from a few defenses in the nfl, is often used more in obvious passrushing situations than as an every down alignment, such is the size of the. If you are lucky enough to have a set of 4 to 6 quality lbs then you might consider running a 44 or 44 stack as your pee wee defense. May 22, 2016 today we are going to focus on different things you can do with the front 6. Also, by better understanding this defense you may be able to recognize that certain players may fit better at different positions in different schemes. However, defenses will readily switch to other defensive alignments such as a nickel defense or a dime defense as circumstances change. In american football, a 43 defense is a defensive alignment consisting of four down linemen and three linebackers.
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