4 4 1 Defense Worksheet

Granby Bears
Stack 4-4 Defense Manual

August 2012
Stack 4-4 Defense
Coaching Philosophy.................................................................................................................................................................3
Why the Split 4-4?.....................................................................................................................................................................3
History of the Split 4-4..........................................................................................................................................................3
Defensive Philosophy............................................................................................................................................................3
Learning Progression for All Defensive Positions.................................................................................................................3
Defensive Tea !oals...........................................................................................................................................................3
Why the Split 4-4?.................................................................................................................................................................3
"#$ering an% Alignent Techni&#es.....................................................................................................................................3
Defensive !aps......................................................................................................................................................................3
"#$ering Syste................................................................................................................................................................3
Defensive Calls..........................................................................................................................................................................3
The H#%%le............................................................................................................................................................................3
When the 'ffense $rea(s the h#%%le).................................................................................................................................3
Pre-Snap *ea%iness Process..................................................................................................................................................3
Split 4-4 +ase Alignent , -Split 3. Cover 3/.........................................................................................................................3
Defensive 0eys..........................................................................................................................................................................3
1oration A%2#stents..............................................................................................................................................................3
Strength Call..........................................................................................................................................................................3
Personnel 3%entification.........................................................................................................................................................3
4. Personnel 54 +ac(s .T67..................................................................................................................................................3
48 Personnel 54 +ac(s9 8 T67................................................................................................................................................3
.. Personnel 5. +ac(9 . T67..................................................................................................................................................3
.4 Personnel 5. +ac(9 4 T67..................................................................................................................................................3
44 Personnel 54 +ac(9 4 T6s7................................................................................................................................................3
34 Personnel 53 +ac(s9 4 T6s7...............................................................................................................................................3
!#n 1orations.....................................................................................................................................................................3
4 : . 1orations....................................................................................................................................................................3
4 : 4 1orations....................................................................................................................................................................3
3 : . 1orations....................................................................................................................................................................3
!lossary.....................................................................................................................................................................................3
Defensive Line Play...................................................................................................................................................................3
!eneral Coaching Points.......................................................................................................................................................3
Principals of goo% %efensive line play...................................................................................................................................3
Defensive Linean Techni&#es.............................................................................................................................................3
Defensive Tac(le an% "ose Play...........................................................................................................................................3
Strong Si%e Defensive 6n% Play 6"D ..................................................................................................................................3
Wea( Si%e 6n% Play +;C0...................................................................................................................................................3
Line$ac(er Play.........................................................................................................................................................................3
+asics.....................................................................................................................................................................................3
Line$ac(er Principles............................................................................................................................................................3
She% Techni&#es....................................................................................................................................................................3
Line$ac(er *#nning +ac( 0eys............................................................................................................................................3
3nsi%e Line$ac(er Play..........................................................................................................................................................3
SA< Line$ac(er Play............................................................................................................................................................3
+A"D3T Line$ac(er Play.....................................................................................................................................................3
Secon%ary Play..........................................................................................................................................................................3
Pass Coverage , Cover 3...........................................................................................................................................................3
"#$ering *eceivers............................................................................................................................................................3
=ones......................................................................................................................................................................................3
;n%er Coverage for the Line$ac(ers.....................................................................................................................................3
*eceiver *o#tes.....................................................................................................................................................................3
Pattern *ea%s.........................................................................................................................................................................3
Cover 3...................................................................................................................................................................................3
Cover ....................................................................................................................................................................................3
Cover 8...................................................................................................................................................................................3
*o$$er....................................................................................................................................................................................3
3nvert Cover 4 , -3">6*T/..................................................................................................................................................3
Stack 4-4 Defense
P#rs#it Angles............................................................................................................................................................................3
St#nt Pac(ages...........................................................................................................................................................................3
Line st#nts..............................................................................................................................................................................3
Dogs.......................................................................................................................................................................................3
+lit?es....................................................................................................................................................................................3
=one +lit?es...........................................................................................................................................................................3
@A !oal Line..............................................................................................................................................................................3
Tac(ling <etho% an% Drills.......................................................................................................................................................3
*easons for <etho%...............................................................................................................................................................3
1or Tac(ling Techni&#e......................................................................................................................................................3
Tac(ling Drill Principles........................................................................................................................................................3
Personnel....................................................................................................................................................................................3
*eso#rces...................................................................................................................................................................................3
Stack 4-4 Defense
Coaching Philosophy
.. Lea% the to $ecoe $etter people , Titans $#ilt for others
4. +e organi?e% an% prepare%
3. +e a steBar% an% a st#%ent of the gae
4. +e positive an% enth#siastic
A. 6phasi?e attention to %etail , set a high e:pectations for yo#r players
@. +e a an of integrity
C. 1oc#s on Bhat yo# can control
D. 6n2oy the 2o#rney
They call it coaching but it is teaching !ou "o not #ust tell the$you sho% the$ the
reasons& 'ince (o$bar"i
)you ha*e no ba" habits to break+ other than %hat %e allo% to e,ist) -e either coach
it or are allo%ing it to ha..en/ Mar*in (e%is
0f you are .re.are"+ you %ill be confi"ent+ an" %ill "o the #ob/ To$ (an"ry
1ne of life2s $ost .ainful $o$ents co$es %hen %e $ust a"$it that %e "i"n2t "o our
ho$e%ork+ that %e are not .re.are" Merlin 1lsen
To"ay2s .re.aration "eter$ines to$orro%2s achie*e$ent/ 3nkno%n
4ollo% the 5 67s throughout your life an" success %ill be assure"8 Pro.er Planning
Pre*ents Poor Perfor$ance/ 9eff Sturgeon
Stack 4-4 Defense
Why the Split 4-4?
History of the Split 4-4
The Split 4-4 is an ol% school %efense $ase% on the f#n%aental concepts of the Bi%e tac(le-@9 split-@9 an% 4-4 %efenses
#se% since the early .E@8s an% .EC8s. The Bi%e tac(le-@ Bas pop#lari?e% $y Ferry Clai$orne Bho ran it in the .EC8Gs
Bhile at <arylan% an% Coach Clai$orne got it fro Coach +ryant Bhile they Bere $oth at 0ent#c(y. The Bi%e tac(le-@
Bas also eploye% $y !eneral "eylan% at Tennessee. The split-@ or split-@8 Bas chapione% $y >ince Dooley an% 6r(
*#ssell at the ;niversity of !eorgia as the -F#n(yar% Dogs/ %efense Bhich they #se% to Bin the national chapionship in
.ED8. Coach *#ssell Bent on to #se the %efense to $#il% a Division 33 an% 3-AA national poBer at !eorgia So#thern. The
4-4 %efense Bas a%e pop#lar $y Ara Parsegian Bhile at "otre Dae9 an% it Bas once referre% to as the -national/ %efense.
A c#rrent variation of the split #se% in a2or college foot$all to%ay is the 4-4-A Bhich is $eing #se% at schools s#ch as
>irginia Tech9 +oise State9 +aylor an% Ar(ansas.
Defensive Philosophy
We Bill $e (noBn for o#r relentless effort9 physical to#ghness9 %iscipline9 sportsanship9 character9 an% the passion Bith
Bhich Be play %efenseH
.. Stop the r#n on first an% secon% %oBn an% play goo% ?one %efense
4. Win thir% %oBns an% get the offense off the fiel% , $ring press#re $y r#shing at least five an% playing
an to an or an free pass %efense
3. S&#ee?e the fiel% o#tsi%e in an% p#rs#it the fiel% insi%e o#t
4. Play Bith passion - $e aggressive an% physical
A. Control the line of scriage9 h#stle an% p#rs#it relentlessly9 an% $e s#re an% har% tac(lers
@. 6liinate ental ista(es9 $ig plays9 an% penalties $y $eing entally to#gh an% %iscipline%
C. Play together - $elieve in yo#rself an% yo#r $#%%y ne:t to yo#
D. *ef#se to stay $loc(e% , $e physical9 get off $loc(s9 p#rs#it relentlessly9 an% a(e plays
E. DonIt #se lac( of physical s(ills as an e:c#se
.8. ShoB great character an% sportsanship , overcoe a%versity
... Control the oent# of the gae Bith %efense , ta(e the $all aBay9 score9 create fiel% position9 an%
%ef#se s#%%en change sit#ations
.4. !ive .88J effort every %oBn regar%less of the gae sit#ation or score , play #ntil the echo of the
Bhistle
Learning Progression for All Defensive Positions
.. Stance
4. Alignent
3. Assignent
4. Techni&#e
A. 0eys
@. *ea%s
C. +loc( Protection
D. +loc( 6scape
E. P#rs#it Angles
.8. Tac(ling
... Creating T#rnovers
Ko# Bill $e s#ccessf#l ifH
.. Ko#r (i%s get line% #p right.
4. 6veryone #n%erstan%s their gapLcoverage responsi$ility
3. Ko# p#rs#e the foot$all Bell
4. Ko# tac(le Bell.
A. Ko# create t#rnovers...
Stack 4-4 Defense
Defensive Team Goals
.. Win
4. Play Bith enth#sias an% intensity , o#t h#stle the offense
3. Hol% opponents to 3.8 yar%s per carry
4. Hol% offense to D points or less
A. Hol% offense to #n%er 4A offensive plays 5p#nts not incl#%e%7.
@. Do not alloB a r#shing to#ch%oBn fro Bithin o#r .8 yar% line.
C. Score or give o#r offense fiel% position tBice 5A8 yar% line pl#s7
D. !et three ta(eaBays
E. 3ntercept . o#t of every D passes
.8. "o $ig plays - *#n M .A yar%s9 Pass M 48 yar%s9 TDIs M .A yar%s
... Win C8J of thir% %oBn plays an% .88J of 4
th
%oBn conversion attepts
.4. Three an% o#t A8J of all %rives
.3. "o TDs in s#%%en change sit#ations 5e.g.9 t#rnover9 $loc(e% p#nt9 (ic( ret#rn9 etc.7
.4. 6ight in#s yar%age plays
.A. =ero ental ista(es9 penalties9 an% critical errorsH %rive contin#ing penalties9 isalignents9 isse%
tac(les
Why the Split 4-4?
.. 3t is strong against the r#n an% contains the pass
4. Provi%es e:cellent alignents an% angles for st#nting an% overloa%ing $loc(ing schees
3. The #n#s#al spacing an% alignent creates $loc(ing conf#sion , itIs not a %efense a tea sees every
Bee( or on television , contrarian
4. A%2#sts an% a%apts easily to co#nter ost pro$les create% $y an offense Bitho#t significant changes in
%efensive techni&#es or a%%itional instr#ctional tie.
A. Alignents are siple an% easy to teach9 $#t %iffic#lt to $loc(
@. 6specially effective at the loBer levels Bhere offenses are E8J r#n oriente%
C. Attac(ing techni&#es Bill force offensive play creating $ig plays for the %efense
D. 1orces offenses to $loc( against st#nting %efenses9 Bor( #n%er long yar%age sit#ations9 an% throB #n%er
press#re.
E. Stresses &#ic(ness9 spee%9 an% strength rather than si?e. Ko#th an% i%%le school players can a%apt an%
$e very effective in the syste.
Stack 4-4 Defense
Numbering and Alignment Techniques
Defensive Gaps
Defensive gaps are %esignate% Bith lettersH
.. A !apH Center , !#ar% gap
4. + !apH !#ar% , Tac(le gap
3. C !apH Tac(le , 6n% gap
4. D !apH '#tsi%e the T6
Numering System
The folloBing n#$ering syste is #se% to %esignate the alignent positions for %efensive lineanH
Alignment Technique:
8 , Hea% #p center 5can sha%e either si%e if calle%7 4i , 3nsi%e sho#l%er tac(le
S , Sha%e strong or Bea( si%e A , '#tsi%e sho#l%er of tac(le
. , 3nsi%e sho#l%er g#ar% @ , Hea% #p en%
4 , Hea% #p g#ar% C , 3nsi%e sho#l%er of en%
3 , '#tsi%e sho#l%er g#ar% D , '#tsi%e en%
4 , Hea% #p tac(le E , '#tsi%e sho#l%er en%
Line$ac(ers alignent Bill #se the sae n#$er ties .8 5e.g.9 a 48 alignent is three to three to five yar%s off the $all
hea% #p the Tac(le7.
T
6
*
T
*
!
C T
6
L
T
L
!
8 . 3 A 4 4 @
C E A 4i 3 . . 3 4i A C E D D S S
T
6
*
T
*
!
C T
6
L
T
L
!
A A + C + C D D
Stack 4-4 Defense
Deensi!e Calls
>ario#s %efensive calls are #se% to present the offense Bith either a split 4-49 4-4-A 5-stac(I79 Bi%e tac(le @9 or a 4@
5-+ear/7 front Bhile (eeping the %efensive gap control responsi$ilities siple. The #ltiple fronts try to create conf#sion
for the offensive $loc(ing schees. The %efense play call se&#ence isH 1ront alignent9 St#nt9 Direction 5i.e.9 strong or
Bea(79 an% Coverage. 1or e:apleH 3. Split Strong Slant <i(e Will
The front alignent tells the strong si%e an% Bea( si%e tac(le the alignent techni&#e.
3f a st#nt is calle%9 it is calle% after the alignent. 3f no st#nt is calle%9 play yo#r $ase assignent. St#nts can $e
calle% to the strong or Bea( si%e. 3f a st#nt is calle% Bitho#t a strong or Bea( %irection9 it is r#n on $oth si%es.
The coverage tells the %efensive $ac(s an% line$ac(ers coverage responsi$ilities on pass plays. We have five
types of coverageH $ase 5cover 3 , three %eep79 inverte% cover 49 ro$$er9 %og 5cover . , an #n%er Bith a free
safety79 an% $lit? 5cover 8 , an to an Bith no free safety7
3n the a$ove e:aple9 the strong %efensive tac(le aligns in a 3 techni&#e9 the Bea( %efensive tac(le is aligne% in a
. techni&#e9 the tac(les are slanting to the strong si%e 5%eclare% $y the SA< line$ac(er79 the insi%e line$ac(ers are
$lit?ing 5<i(e an% Will79 an% the secon%ary is in an to an $lit? coverage.
The Hu!!le
Procedure
.. The SA< calls the h#%%le $y raising his han%s an% the %efense aligns on hi. He sets the h#%%le tBo yar%s off
the line of scriage.
4. While <306 gets the %efensive call fro the $ench9 W3LL %eclares %oBn an% %istance folloBe% $y the 1ree
Safety %eclaring fiel% position 5i.e.9 i%%le or hash7
3. <306 a(es the %efensive call one tie
4. <306 Bill give a -*ea%y/ call9 everyone respon%s -Hit/9 claps an% h#stles into position.
a. Tac(lesL"ose go to a (nee on their si%e of the $all
$. The secon%ary Bill go to their noral area of the fiel%.
c. 6veryone sho#l% $e loo(ing at the offensive h#%%le
%. When the tight en% an% the other receivers $rea( fro the h#%%le SA< an% <306 give the strength call.
e. 6veryone sprints to their alignent
Remember).
.. Stan% Bith feet sho#l%er Bi%th apart9 rela:e%9 an% loo(ing at the signal callers
4. "o$o%y tal(s in the h#%%le e:cept <3069 W3LL9 an% 1ree Safety9
3. H#stle in an% o#t of the h#%%le. 3t is iportant to get the %efensive call &#ic(ly so that a%%itional a%2#stents an%
calls can $e a%e Bhen the offense $rea(s their h#%%le
4. 3f yo# %o not hear the call9 call -chec(/9 an% the call Bill $e repeate%.
<
W
T T 6 6
1 + C C
S
Stack 4-4 Defense
When the "ffense rea#s the hu!!le$
Tac(le an% "ose go to one (nee on their si%e of $all
SA< oves $etBeen the Tac(le an% "ose
Secon%ary goes to their area of the fiel%
All eyes are on the offensive h#%%le
Position Procedure
1.
SA< Declares strong si%e Bith a right or left callH -SA< *ight/ or -SA< Left/. The
strong si%e is the Tight 6n% si%e. 1oration strength progressionH
.. Tight 6n%
4. 'ne receiver si%e 5no T67
3. N#arter$ac(Is throBing han% 5%o#$le tight en%s7
4. <306 *epeats right or left call 5e.g.9 -*ight-*ightO/7 <306 aligns to strong si%e call.
3. W3LL Aligns aBay fro <306
4. 1*6D <a(es any foration an% coverage call
A. +A"D3T Aligns to Bea( si%e aBay fro SA<
@. TAC0L6S Align on offense g#ar%s $ase% on the strength call an% front call.
C. 6"DS Aligns to strength call an% front call.
Pre-Snap %ea!iness Pro&ess
.. 0noB %oBn an% %istance.
4. !et the call in the h#%%le.
3. *ecogni?e the offensive foration.
4. Ta(e the correct alignent.
A. Ta(e a great stance. +e rea%y.
@. *ea% an% (noB yo#r (eys.
< W
T T 6 6
1
C C
S
+
Stack 4-4 Defense
Split 4-4 "ase Alignment # $Split %& Co!er %'
Position Stance/Alignment Technique Key/Progression vs Run vs Pass
END
(Strong End)
!t "# inside $oot u!
%ide & technique('yd outside
TE)
read ste!s across ()S* +ee!
shoulders square and outside
arm and leg $ree
Near ,ac+* man on (TE) -lo. to # D /a! contain* squee0e
$ield* ta+e on ,loc+ers .ith inside
shoulder
-lo. a.ay 1 trail dee!est ,ac+
loo+ing $or ,ootleg and reverse
-lo. outside 1 $ight outside
+ee!ing shoulders square*
maintain outside leverage
)!tion 1 '
st
threat
Rush
234s
outside in
1
landmar+
is 234s
near
shoulder
W(S Tac+le/
S(S Tac)le
%/S 5!t" ga! $oot u! and shade
hand do.n6 5 tech" (outside
shoulder o$ /)6 S/S ' tech to
o!en side6 Attac+ / outside
shoulder .ith near $oot and
hands through 7v4 o$ the nec+
Near ,ac+ through / -lo. to 1 A or 3 /a! de!ending on
tech"
-lo. a.ay 1 squee0e A ga!*
!ursuit $lat do.n ()S loo+ $or
cut,ac+
-lo. outside 1 ,end to.ards the
,all loo+ing $or cut,ac+
3ull rush
23 1
landmar+
is 234s
near side
num,er
END
(%ea+ End)
!t # inside $oot u!
8 tech (outside shoulder T)
read ste!s across ()S* +ee!
shoulders square and outside
arm and leg $ree
Near ,ac+* man on (T) -lo. to # 9 /a! contain* squee0e
$ield* ta+e on ,loc+ers .ith inside
shoulder
-lo. a.ay 1 trail dee!est ,ac+
loo+ing $or ,ootleg and reverse
-lo. outside 1 $ight outside
+ee!ing shoulders square*
maintain outside leverage
)!tion 1 '
st
threat
Rush
234s
outside in
1
landmar+
is 234s
near
shoulder
SA* !t 1 inside $oot u! slightly
staggered
: tech (inside eye TE on ()S)
Attac+ TE .ith outside $oot"
Prevent inside release ,y TE"
TE* near ,ac+ -lo. to 1 $orce 9 /a!
-lo. a.ay 1 cross +ey $ar ,ac+*
chec+ $or ,ootleg* counter* $or
reverse" 9ushion ,ac+ and ta+e
!ro!er !ursuit angle
-lo. outside 1 slant to.ards D
ga!
)!tion 1 '
st
threat
-lats
"
+ T T
W *
+
C
C
,
S
Stack 4-4 Defense
Position Stance/Alignment Technique Key/Progression vs Run vs Pass
*-.+ !t 1ga! $oot slightly staggered
'; tech (outside $oot s!lits the
crotch o$ the guard <= yards o$$
the ,all)"
Read ste! to.ards ga!
res!onsi,ility
Near ,ac+ through / and
9enter
-lo. to 1 $ill A/3 ga!
-lo. a.ay 1 cross +ey $ar ,ac+ $or
tra! and counter" Scra!e do.nhill
to.ards .ea+ side A/3 ga! $illing
cut,ac+ lanes
-lo. outside 1 scra!e do.nhill
to.ards 9/D ga!" -ight through T
do.n ,loc+
)!tion 1 '
st
threat
>oo+/curl
W-// !t 1 ga! $oot slightly
staggered
5; tech (inside $oot s!lits the
crotch o$ the guard ) <=yards o$
the ,all
Read ste! to.ards ga!
res!onsi,ility
Near ,ac+ through / and
9enter
-lo. to 1 $ill A/3 ga!
-lo. a.ay 1 cross +ey $ar ,ac+ $or
tra! and counter" Secure strong
side A ga!" Scra!e do.nhill
to.ards .ea+ side A/3 ga! $illing
cut,ac+ lanes
-lo. outside 1 scra!e do.nhill
to.ards 9/D ga!
)!tion 1 '
st
threat
>oo+/curl
"AND-T !t 1 inside $oot u!
%al+ alignment # <?< o$$ end
man on line o$ scrimmage #s!lit
distance ,et.een Tac+le and @
Near ,ac+ through T -lo. to 1 $orce D /a!* maintain
outside leverage
-lo. a.ay 1 cross +ey $ar ,ac+*
chec+ $or ,ootleg* counter* $or
reverse" Pursuit do.n ()S loo+ing
$or cut,ac+
-lo. outside 1 $orce D ga!
)!tion 1 !itch
9hec+
slant
!attern6
dro! to
-lats
C)RNERS !t 1 inside $oot ,ac+"
Align 8 yards o$$ and ' yard
outside A' receiver to o!en side
6 ta+e an inside shade to a
closed side6 align 8 yards o$$
and yards outside the TE i$ he
is the .idest receiver
3ac+ !edal until run or !ass is
read
Nearest uncovered lineman
3ac+$ield $lo.
3all level
23
A' receiver
-lo. to 1 close !lay outside in
-lo. a.ay 1 ta+e !ursuit angle to
cut o$ !lay in case in it ,rea+s"
)!tion # !itch

Dee!
outside
B
,RED (-ree
Sa$ety)
!t" # $oot to .ide side is ,ac+
S!lit di$$erence ,et.een outside
receivers 1 C yds o$$ the line o$
scrimmage
Never align outside the guard
to.ards a t.o or three receiver
side
Key ,all to the receiver
.ho !oses immediate
threat to the middle B
Secondary -orce 1 alley su!!ort
)!tion 1 quarter,ac+ to !itch
Dee!
middle B
Stack 4-4 Defense
Deensi!e .eys
We are a$le to accoplish &#ic( recognition of offensive plays $y #sing a series of (eys. 'n ost offensive plays Be Bill
only nee% one or tBo (eys to (noB Bhat the play is. We #se five %ifferent (eys to %eterine Bhere the $all is going $efore
an% %#ring the playH
.. 1oration P Alignent
4. Pre-Snap 0ey
3. +ac(fiel% Action
4. +loc(ing Schees
A. Level 'f The +all
,01*AT-0N 2 A/-3N*+NT
'ffenses can $e very pre%icta$le Bith their foration an% alignent. We Bill for a gae plan aro#n% these offensive
ten%encies. An e:aple of a teaGs ten%encies Bo#l% $eQ only passing o#t of split $ac(s or r#nning $all o#t of the R3R. The
in%ivi%#al positions in an offensive foration can tip a play. A split receiver ta(ing a Bi%er split than noral Bhen he is
going to r#n the RpostR pattern. An offensive linean sitting flat in his stance Bhen he is going to pass $loc( or p#ll. A
r#nning $ac( aligne% %eeper Bhen he is getting the $all.
P1+-SNAP .+4S
6ach position is given one of three pre-snap (ey - foot of the Rnear $ac(R9 the helet of the player yo#Gre aligne% on an% an
#ncovere% linean. We Bill (ey the $all for oveent. At the snap of the $all this (ey Bill get #s oving in the right
%irection to a(e the play or %efeat any ie%iate $loc(.
"AC.,-+/D ACT-0N
We Bill rea% this (ey Bhile Be are on the ove to the $all. +ac(fiel% action Bill %eterine the %irection9 type of play an%
give #s a *;"LPASS rea%. All positions #st (noB Bhat their responsi$ility is for floB to9 floB aBay9 an% floB o#tsi%e.
"/0C.-N3 SC5+*+
*#n or pass9 there are only a feB %ifferent Bays the offense can $loc( a play. So $loc(ing schees can $e a goo% (ey in
%eterining the offensive play. There Bill $e ties Bhen yo# Bill a$le to %eterine the play $efore yo# pic( #p the
$ac(fiel% action 2#st $y Bho an% hoB yo# are $eing $loc(e%. We #st learn an% #n%erstan% the offensive $loc(ing
schees9 if not9 a player is going to have a har% tie playing o#r %efense. 5+ac(fiel% action an% $loc(ing schee Bill $e
pic(e% #p $y the %efen%er in no set or%er the player ay see $loc(ing schee first then $ac(fiel% action or $ac(fiel% action
then $loc(ing schee.7
Stack 4-4 Defense
"A// /+6+/
The %epth of the $all %#ring the play Bill in%icate Bhat type of play the offense is r#nning.
The (eys sho#l% $e #se% to fin% $all an% get yo# oving to it. Thin( of the (eys $eing in tBo gro#psH 1'*<AT3'" P
AL3!"<6"T an% P*6-S"AP9 these Bill give yo# a goo% i%ea Bhere the play is going an% get yo# oving in the right
%irection. +AC0136LD ACT3'"9 +L'C03"! SCH6<6S an% +ALL L6>6L Bill ta(e yo# to the $all. We cannot stan%
aro#n% loo(ing for the $all. We #st rea% on the r#nO
1 to 2 yards deep = OPTIO
2 to ! yards deep = R"
# to $ yards deep = PA%%
Stack 4-4 Defense
,ormation Ad7ustments
"#$er one priority is not to get $eat $y a foration. *esponsi$ilities an% alignents ay $e a%2#ste% f#rther $ase% on
gae plan an% sco#ting reports
Strength 'all
SA< %eclares strong si%e Bith a -SA< *ight/ or -SA< Left/ call. The strong si%e is the %eclare% to the Tight 6n% si%e.
1oration strength progressionH
.. Tight 6n%
4. 'ne receiver si%e 5if the offense has no T67
3. Short si%e 5if tBo T6s79
4. N+ throBing han% 5if tBo T6s7
Personnel (!entifi&ation
Personnel gro#pings are i%entifie% $y a tBo %igit n#$er Bhere the first n#$er represents the n#$er of $ac(s in the
$ac(fiel% an% the secon% n#$er is the n#$er of T6s
.7 .8 P6*S'""6L 5. +AC09 8 T6S7
a7 4 Bi%e receiver set #se to sprea% the %efense9 creates open areas an% c#t$ac( lanes for $all carrier
$7 Pass ephasis9 offense Bill rea% the $o:
c7 Protection pro$les for the offense
%7 We can o#tn#$er the protection9 they cannot $loc( everyone
e7 We Bill press#re the passer
f7 6:pect hot ro#tes9 3 step ro#tes 5fa%eLslantLo#t79 screens
g7 *#nning gae is ?one9 trap9 co#nter9 option
47 .. P6*S'""6L 5. +AC09 . T67
a7 3 Bi%e receiver set #se% to sprea% the %efense
$7 +eca#se of T69 offense can still r#n the $all
c7 +etter pass protection than .8 personnel
%7 We Bill o#tn#$er the protection9 offense can protect Bith a a:i# of C people
e7 The N+ sho#l% not $e a$le to hol% the $all or throB it %oBn fiel%
f7 6:pect $oot9 3 step ro#tes 5fa%eLslantLo#t79 screens
g7 *#nning gae is ?one9 trap9 co#nter9 option
37 .4 P6*S'""6L 5. +AC09 4 T67
a7 TBo T6LTBo Bi%e receiver set #se% to $alance-#p the %efense
$7 With tBo T6Is9 thin( ore r#n than pass
c7 'ffense can a: protect Bith D people
%7 Diffic#lt9 $#t not ipossi$le to o#tn#$er the protection
e7 6:pect $oot9 3-step ro#tes 5fa%eLslantLo#t79 %eep passes to Bi%e receivers
f7 *#nning gae is stretch9 trap9 co#nter9 option
47 48 P6*S'""6L 54 +AC09 8 T67
a7 Three Bi%e receivers9 no T6
$7 ;se% $y teas to get %efense o#t of A an fronts
c7 'ffense tra%es T6 $loc(ing strength for an a%%itional receiving threat
%7 Sprea% the %efense
e7 *eove a r#n %efen%er fro the $o:
f7 Pass protection can $e o#tn#$ere%
g7 6:pect play action9 sprint o#t9 3 step ro#tes 5fa%eLslantLo#t7
h7 'ffense has 4 $ac(s in the $ac(fiel% an% therefore can r#n all 3LPoBer plays
Stack 4-4 Defense
A7 4. P6*S'""6L 54 +AC0S9 .T67
a7 Pro personnel
$7 +ase personnel
c7 *#n or Pass
%7 To#gh to o#tn#$er protection9 offense can protect Bith D
e7 6:pect play action9 $oot9 3 step ro#tes 5fa%eLslantLo#tLhitchLsash79 %eep throBs Bith a: protection
@7 44 P6*S'""6L 54 +AC09 4 T67
a7 *#n ephasis9 poBer gae
$7 'nly one Bi%e receiver
c7 Passing gae is $ase% off play action9 f#ll$ac( or T6 o#t Bea(9 throB to the postLpost corner Bith a: protection
%7 We Bill not o#tn#$er their pass protection9 offense can protect Bith E if they choose
e7 'ffense has 4 $ac(s in the $ac(fiel% an% therefore Bill r#n all 3LPoBer plays
C7 34 P6*S'""6L 53 +AC09 4 T67
a7 *#n ephasis9 PoBer gae
$7 Passing gae is $ase% off play action to f#ll$ac( or T6
c7 We Bill not o#tn#$er their pass protection
%7 6:pect all poBer r#nning plays
Stack 4-4 Defense
)* Personnel +) ,a&#s *T-.
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Stack 4-4 Defense
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SA< %eclares strength to . receiver si%e
Stack 4-4 Defense
*/ Personnel +* ,a&#0 / T-.
Coaching Points
SA< %eclares strength to
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Stack 4-4 Defense
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Stack 4-4 Defense
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Stack 4-4 Defense
3lossary
Close% foration The Bi%est receiver is a tight en%
+ac(si%e The si%e of the offensive foration aBay fro yo#
+en% *e%irect yo#r $o%y to the point of attac(
1loB The secon% line$ac(er to the point of attac(. Ta(es a slightly %eeper ro#te to avoi% any Bash of
players. Do not over r#n the play.
1orce The fist line$ac(er to the point of attac(. Ta(e on any lea% $loc(er on the $loc(ers o#tsi%e hip an%
force the r#nning $ac( to the insi%e or force hi to $o#nce to the o#tsi%e. 3f no lea% $loc(er9 tac(le
the r#nning $ac( Bith hea% across the an9 %riving for his o#tsi%e hip.
1ront si%e The si%e of the offensive foration yo# are aligne%
!ap The area $etBeen tBo offensive linean eas#re% fro the nose of one linean to the nose of the
ne:t linean
'#tsi%e Leverage 0eep o#tsi%e ar9 leg9 an% hip free. 0eep $all on insi%e sho#l%er.
Strong si%e Si%e of the strength of the offensive foration. Strength is %eterine% $y Bhich si%e the Tight 6n%
aligns.
St#nt A %efensive call Bhere a player e:ec#tes soething other than his responsi$ility in the $ase %efense
5e.g.9 line$ac(er $lit?es9 %efensive en%s crash or pinch9 etc.7
Wea( si%e Si%e aBay fro the strength of the offensive strength
Stack 4-4 Defense
Deensi!e /ine Play
General 'oa&hing Points
.. AlBays (noB yo#r techni&#e9 yo#r (ey9 an% yo#r responsi$ility. 3f yo# %onIt (noB AS0O There is no e:c#se for
not (noBing. 3f a coach says soething yo# %o not #n%erstan%9 AS0O
4. Ta(e the proper stanceH (nees $ent9 $ac( flat9 foot #p to gap responsi$ility Bith appro:iate heel-toe relationship9
toes pointe% straight ahea%9 opposite han% %oBn three inches in front of face as( on the line of scriage9 eyes
foc#se% on yo#r (ey. 0eep $all in yo#r peripheral vision as the $all is the priary oveent (ey.
3. +e precise in yo#r alignent to ins#re s#ccess
4. +e D3SC3PL3"6DO Play yo#r gap responsi$ility an% $elieve in yo#r teaate that he Bill play his.
A. +e enth#siasticO "othing great Bas ever achieve% Bitho#t enth#sias. 6nco#rage yo#r teaates.
@. Ko# Bill play li(e yo# practice. 6verything yo# %o in practice #st $e %one to the $est of yo#r a$ility. Care
a$o#t Bhat yo# are %oing9 an% coe to practice to Bor( an% get $etter. Develop goo% ha$its.
C. "ever #se yo#r hea% as a priary contact o$2ect. This incl#%es spearing an% $#tt-tac(ling or nay action that Bill
$ring contact Bith the top of yo#r hea%
D. AlBays (eep yo#r sho#l%ers parallel to the line of scriage. 0eep sho#l%er pa% level loB for a:i# control
an% leverage.
E. 1ight to stay on yo#r feet to get to the $all. !reat players reain on their feet an% a(e plays.
.8. Ta(e pre-snap rea% of offensive linean stances an% splits to in%icate possi$le $loc(ing schees an% r#nLpass
ten%encies. Co#nicate to teaatesH
a. 'ffensive linean setting #p high in stance Bith very little Beight on %oBn han%9 Bith eyes ?eroe% in on
yo#9 or leaning $ac( on heels in%icates pass $loc(
$. 'ffensive linean setting %oBn loB in stance Bith a lot of Beight on %oBn han%9 an% leaning forBar% on
toes in%icates a r#n $loc(
c. 'ffensive linean leaning left or right Bith little Beight on han% an% $ac( on heels in%icates p#lling
%. 3f the center has the nose of the $all pointe% #p in%icates pass. 3f the center has the nose of the $all flat or
%oBn in%icates r#n.
e. 'ffensive linean has a narroB split to close yo# %oBn in%icates a r#nning play to the o#tsi%e9 possi$ly a
%o#$le tea or scoop $loc(ing schee.
f. 'ffensive linean has a Bi%er than noral split to Bi%en yo# o#t in%icates r#n insi%e or aBay.
Prin&ipals of goo! !efensive line play
.. 0noB yo#r assignent
4. 0noB yo#r alignent
3. Ta(e the proper stance
4. Attac( the line of scriage 5%o not catch $loc(s7
A. Play the proper techni&#e
@. Do not alloB yo#r self to $e $loc(e% , escape9 p#rs#it9 an% tac(le
611'*T S D6S3*6 T S;CC6SS
Defensive Lineman Te&hni4ues
There are several techni&#es that can $e #se% to get to an% control a gap. We Bill #se an attac( techni&#e as o#r $ase
techni&#e. The attac( techni&#e aggressively attac(s the $loc(er. The focal point of the charge is the > of the nec( of the
offensive linean. 3n the attac( techni&#e9 the first step is to the near sho#l%er of the $loc(er thro#gh > of the nec(. The
hit foc#s of the han%s is %irecte% toBar%s the e%ge of n#$ers. 0noc( the offensive linean $ac(Bar%s an% esta$lish neB
line of scriage Bith yo#r feet in the ne#tral ?one. The gap si%e ar9 leg9 an% hip #st $e (ept free9 an% the sho#l%ers
are (ept s&#are to the line of scriage. The %efensive linean Bor(s to loc( o#t el$oBs an% separate fro the $loc(er so
he can escape9 p#rs#it9 an% a(e the tac(le. "ever attac( past the offensive lineanIs heels #ntil yo# see the foot$all.
Stack 4-4 Defense
We Bill #se a rip techni&#e in a%%ition to an attac( techni&#e $ase% on specific calls or coaching a%2#stent. The rip
techni&#e is an aggressive penetrating charge into the gap. 3n a rip techni&#e9 the first step is alBays a 4AD step to the hip
of the ne:t offensive linean toBar%s the gap. The gap si%e ar9 leg9 an% hip #st $e (ept free. *ip the forear aBay
fro the gap thro#gh the o#tsi%e e%ge of the chest plate to #n%er the arpit of the offensive linean. AlBays stay s&#are
to the line of scriage.
The thir% techni&#e is the -pinch/ techni&#e. The techni&#e is #se% as an a%2#stent to the trap an% insi%e lea% play. The
tac(le aligns at a 4AD angle to the insi%e 5tail o#t an% hea% in7. 'n $all oveent9 %rive thro#gh the near nec( of the
g#ar%9 caving hi into the RAR gap Bhile occ#pying the R+R gap Bith their $o%y. They #st sh#t %oBn the insi%e trap an%
(eep the g#ar% off o#r insi%e line$ac(ers9 chasing hi if he p#lls. The car%inal sins in this techni&#e are 5.7 %onGt let the
g#ar% off easyQ 547 %onGt get trappe%Q 537 %onGt get hoo(e% $y the g#ar%Q 547 %onGt get c#t off $y the tac(le on plays aBayQ 5A7
%onGt get %riven $ac( $y a %o#$le-tea 5Rgra$ grassR7.
Stack 4-4 Defense
Defensive Ta&#le an! Nose Play
Deensi!e Tac)les
Alignment . techni&#e , insi%e sho#l%er of !#ar%. Align Bith o#tsi%e (nee on the insi%e n#$er of the !#ar%.
4 techni&#e , hea% #p !#ar% 5STAC0 alignent7
3 techni&#e - o#tsi%e sho#l%er of a !#ar%. Align Bith insi%e (nee on the o#tsi%e n#$er of the !#ar%.
1eys "ear $ac( thro#gh g#ar%
%tance 0nees $ent9 hips slightly higher than the sho#l%er9 sha%e han% %oBn 3 inches in front of face as(9 toes pointe%
straight ahea%9 gap foot #p Bith appro:iate heel-toe stagger. 0eep gap ar9 leg an% hip free 5insi%e han%
%oBn9 o#tsi%e foot #p7. The eyes sho#l% foc#s on the > of the g#ar%Is nec(. 0eep $all peripheral vision as the
$all is the priary oveent (ey.
Press#re on fingertips 5they sho#l% change color7
Sho#l% $e a$le to fit egg in the pal of %oBn han% 5%onIt $rea( it7
*aise $#tt slightly a$ove hea% 5roll $all %oBn the $ac(7
+#ll nec(Q loo( thro#gh eye$roBs
'pposite han% sho#l% $e tBo inches off gro#n% to s&#are sho#l%ers
Technique The first step is Bith the near foot to the near sho#l%er of $loc(er thro#gh > of the nec(. The hit foc#s of han%s
%irecte% toBar%s the e%ge of n#$ers an% the > of the nec(. 0noc( the offensive linean $ac(Bar%s an%
esta$lish neB line of scriage Bith yo#r feet in the ne#tral ?one. The gap si%e ar9 leg9 an% hip #st $e (ept
free9 an% the sho#l%ers are (ept s&#are to the line of scriage. 0eep pa% level $eloB !#ar%Is. The
%efensive linean Bor(s to loc( o#t el$oBs an% separate fro the $loc(er so he can escape9 p#rs#it9 an% a(e
the tac(le. Car%inal sins for a %efensive tac(le
!et t#rne% o#t $y the g#ar%
!et $ase $loc(e% . on . 5#st create %o#$le teas7
!et reache%9 hoo(e% 9 or scoope%
Coaching pointsH
Attac( - get off on $all oveent
PoBer step Bith near foot9 snap han%s fro the gro#n% to the target 9 an% e:plo%e hips
0noc( the $loc(er $ac( , create a neB line of scriage Bith yo#r feet in the ne#tral ?one , (eep
yo#r feet $#??ing an% the sho#l%ers s&#are
S&#ee?e an% separate , gra$ cloth an% loc( o#t. !et separation $y loc(ing o#t the el$oBs.
0eep press#re on offensive $loc(er #ntil yo# locate the $all carrier.
6scape , !etting off $loc( to a(e play
3 point fit , near han% on the > of the nec(9 gap si%e han% is on tricep9 an% face is on top of the
sho#l%er pa% 5ear hole to ear hole7
<#st s&#ee?e trap an% Brong ar trapper
Stack 4-4 Defense
Deensi!e Tac)les
Responsibilities *ea% progression is near $ac( thro#gh the g#ar% an% tac(le
*#n at yo#
.. 3 tech - sec#re + gap
4. . tech , sec#re A gap
*#n aBay , p#rs#it %oBn the line of scriage loo(ing for c#t$ac(
*#n o#tsi%e , $en% toBar%s C !ap loo( for c#t$ac(
Pass , r#sh gap to N+. Lan%ar( is N+Is near n#$er
<a(e the %o#$le tea yo# Bith the tac(le
)loc/ing
%chemes 2s
The !
Technique
3RI2& )4O*1
!#ar% %rive $loc(s , "ear $ac( at yo#
.. Attac( thro#gh the > of g#ar%s nec( an% sec#re + !ap
4. 1ight press#re Bith press#re
3. S&#ee?e an% separate , gra$ cloth an% loc( o#t. !et
separation $y loc(ing o#t the el$oBs.
4. 6scape an% $en% to foot$all
A. Ko# cannot $e $ase% $loc(e% . on ..
T"R O"T
!#ar% %rive $loc(s , "ear $ac( insi%e or aBay
.. Attac( thro#gh the > of g#ar%s nec( an% sec#re + !ap
4. Control the g#ar% an% s&#ee?e the A gap Bith the $loc(erIs
$o%y.
3. 0eep sho#l%ers s&#are an% Bor( to cross the face of the
$loc(er , %o not r#n aro#n% the $loc(
4. Ta(e a flat angle of p#rs#it %oBn the line of scriage an%
Batch for c#t$ac(
R&A*. )4O*1
!#ar% reaches an% near $ac( o#tsi%e
.. Attac( thro#gh the > of g#ar%Is nec( an% sec#re + gap
4. Ko# can not get reache%. <a(e every tac(le to the o#tsi%e #ntil they
%o#$le tea yo#. Ko#r ain 2o$ is to %raB a %o#$le tea an% (eep
offensive lineen off of the <306 an% W3LL line$ac(ers.
3. <a(e goo% contact Bith han%s an% e:ten% o#tsi%e ar as yo# ove #p
fiel% an% lateral Bith the $loc(er
4. 0eep press#re on #ntil yo# are rea%y to she% an% a(e a play
A. 3f yo# are getting reache%9 yo# are not getting a goo% ta(e off
@. Defeating the reach $loc(H
a. With gap si%e han% 5long ar7 Be loc( it o#t.
$. With sha%e han% 5short ar7 Be p#ll it toBar%s #s open the gate.
c. '#r hea% stays #n%erneath the arpit of the 'L.
%. '#r near foot #st Bor( #p fiel%.
e. We escape Bith a rip ove
T
T
T
Stack 4-4 Defense
Deensi!e Tac)les
567 %*.&(&
!#ar% p#lls o#tsi%e an% Tac(le $loc(s %oBn on yo#r hip 5-!/ schee7
.. Attac( thro#gh the > of g#ar%Is nec( an% sec#re + !ap
4. !et penetration an% get $ehin% Tac(les hip
3. Chase g#ar% to $all
4. 3f tac(le $loc(s flat 5his face in the hole79 cross his face an% $en% to the
foot$all
)loc/ing
%chemes 2s
The !
Technique
,continued-
3O")4& T&A(
!#ar% %rive $loc(s an% Tac(le $loc(s %oBn 5%o#$le tea7 , near $ac(
o#tsi%e
.. Start Bith sae techni&#e as %rive $loc( - attac( thro#gh the > of g#ar%Is
nec( an% sec#re + !ap. !ra$ cloth of the %rive $ac(
4. 'nce yo# feel press#re fro tac(le get penetration $y sin(ing hips as loB
as possi$le , $ac( sho#l% $e t#rne% to the $loc( of the %oBn linean.
3. Contin#e to gra$ cloth of %rive $loc( an% Bor( $o%y thro#gh the gap
4. 3f yo# start to give gro#n%9 gra$ 2ersey9 sit %oBn9 an% a(e pile9 or
A. Spin o#t in the %irection of the %oBn $loc( fro the Tac(le9 $#t yo# can
not give #p gro#n%O
*O()O ,1I%%-
!#ar% %rive $loc(s an% Tac(le $loc(s %oBn thro#gh the gap an% onto the
front si%e line$ac(er , near $ac( o#tsi%e
4. 'nce yo# feel press#re fro tac(le get penetration
3. Defeat the reach $loc( of the g#ar%
4. Do not get (noc(e% $ac(Bar%s9 #st hol% gro#n% an% create tr#e %o#$le
tea.
A. Do not let the g#ar% Bor( his hips in front of yo#
@. When tac(le Beaves to go #p on the L+9 she% an% a(e play
C. 3f they can not reach yo#9 the g#ar% ay try to BashLr#n yo# to the
si%eline. 'nce yo# feel this9 sit an% Bor( $ac( across his face.
+O43 )4O*1
!#ar% p#lls or fol%s aro#n% %oBn $loc( of tac(le , near $ac( o#tsi%e
.. Attac( thro#gh the > of g#ar%Is nec( an% sec#re + !ap 5sta$ han%s an%
e:plo%e hips7
4. !et penetration if he has $eaten the tac(les hea% across the line of
scriage an% p#rs#it
3. 3f tac(le $loc(s flat 5his face in the hole79 cross his face an% $en% to the
foot$all
T
T
T

(
T

(
Stack 4-4 Defense
Deensi!e Tac)les
I+4"&*& TRAP
!#ar% sets in pass $loc( or p#lls to the o#tsi%e9 center $loc(s aBay an% near
$ac( goes vertical 5infl#ence trap7.
4. 'nce yo# feel the trap9 $en% to the trapping area. 0ey to rea%ing trap is
the a$sence of press#re fro the Tac(le.
3. S&#ee?e the trapper $ac( into the hole
)loc/ing
%chemes 2s
The !
Technique
,continued-
2&&R TRAP
!#ar% $loc(s %oBn9 center $loc(s aBay an% $ac( goes vertical 5veer trap7.
4. 3f g#ar% releases to the insi%e9 $en% to near $ac( s&#ee?ing A gap9 an%
anticipate trap. Do not alloB the g#ar% #p to the ne:t level.
3. Ta(e on trapper Bith near sho#l%er. Stay loB9 (eep sho#l%ers s&#are
facing #p fiel%9 an% s&#ee?e the trapper $ac( into the hole.
4. Soe gae plans Bill call for the tac(les to -trap the trapper/H
a. Ko# #st eet hi as far $ac( insi%e as possi$le an% st#ff hi
into the hole.
$. Attac( trappers insi%e sho#l%er Bith yo#r o#tsi%e sho#l%er 5rip7
an% Bor( #p fiel%
c. +o#nce the $all carrier o#tsi%e
%*OOP
!#ar% releases insi%e to line$ac(er an% tac(le steps flat into + !ap 5scoop7H
4. Step insi%e Bith g#ar% an% s&#ee?e A !ap.
3. Fa the g#ar% an% %o not let the g#ar% release to the secon% level
5line$ac(er7
4. *ip the o#tsi%e ar thro#gh the tac(les hea%9 p#rs#it flat %oBn the line of
scriage aBay fro the tac(le an% play c#t$ac(.
A. D' "'T !6T SC''P6D
TRAP
!#ar% p#lls across center an% center $loc(s $ac( , trap
4. !et in the hip poc(et of the p#lling g#ar% an% react to the centers $loc(
3. 3f the center $loc(s yo#r hip9 get $ehin% his hip an% chase the g#ar% to
the $all.
4. 3f the center p#ts his face in the hole9 cross his face an% Bor( %oBn the
line of scriage in the %irection of the g#ar%
)loc/ing
%chemes 2s
The 1
Technique
3RI2&
.. Attac( on snap. Sta$ han%s an% e:ten% hips
4. P#shLp#ll9 rip A gap , sec#re A gap
3. 0eep gap ar an% leg free.
4. Locate $all9 escape9 r#n to foot$all
T
T
T
T
T
Stack 4-4 Defense
Deensi!e Tac)les
)loc/ing
%chemes 2s
The 1
Technique
,continued-
R&A*.
.. Attac( $loc(er an% step in %irection on the $loc(
4. <a(e goo% contact Bith han%s an% e:ten% o#tsi%e ar as yo# ove #p
fiel% an% lateral Bith the $loc(er
3. 0eep press#re on #ntil yo# are rea%y to she% an% a(e a play
4. Defeating the reach $loc(H
a. With gap si%e han% 5long ar7 Be loc( it o#t.
$. With sha%e han% 5short ar7 Be p#ll it toBar%s #s open the gate.
c. '#r hea% stays #n%erneath the arpit of the 'L.
%. '#r near foot #st Bor( #p fiel%.
e. We escape Bith a rip ove
A. 3f yo# are getting reache%9 yo# are not getting a goo% ta(e off
*O()O
.. Attac( on snap. Sta$ han%s an% e:ten% hips
4. *ip A gap an% Bor( to t#rn yo#r $ac( in the %irection of the $loc(.
3. ;se other han% to p#nch center , tie #p center an% a(e the %o#$le
tea yo#
4. Do not let the g#ar% Bor( his hips in front of yo#
A. When center Beaves to go #p on the L+9 she% an% a(e play
@. 3f they can not reach yo#9 the g#ar% ay try to BashLr#n yo# to the
si%eline. 'nce yo# feel this9 sit an% Bor( $ac( across his face.
3O")4& T&A(
!#ar% %rive $loc(s an% Center $loc(s $ac( 5%o#$le tea7
.. Start Bith the e:act sae techni&#e as %efeating the %rive $loc( - attac(
thro#gh the > of g#ar%Is nec( an% sec#re A gap. !ra$ the cloth of the
%rive $loc(.
4. <a(e s#re yo# p#t the secon% foot on the gro#n%.
3. 'nce yo# feel press#re fro center t#rn hips an% sin( the as loB as
possi$le - $ac( #st $e t#rne% to the secon% linean
4. Contin#es to gra$ cloth of the original %rive $loc( an% Bor( $o%y in the
gap.
A. 3f yo# start to give gro#n%9 gra$ 2ersey9 sit %oBn9 an% a(e pile
+O43 )4O*1
!#ar% p#lls or fol%s aro#n% $ac( $loc( of center , near $ac( aBay
.. Attac( thro#gh the > of g#ar%Is nec( an% sec#re A !ap
4. !et in the hip poc(et of the p#lling g#ar% an% react to the centers $loc(
3. 3f the center $loc(s yo#r hip9 get $ehin% his hip an% chase the g#ar% to
the $all.
4. 3f the center p#ts his face in the hole9 cross his face an% Bor( %oBn the
line of scriage in the %irection of the g#ar%
T
T
T
T
Stack 4-4 Defense
Deensi!e Tac)les
Alignment 0
Technique
Ad8ustments
PI*.0TRAP
A%2#stent a%e to help against traps an% poBers #p the i%%le
.. Ta(e noral 3 techni&#e stance an% alignent e:cept align hips o#tsi%e
so that yo# are at a 4AU angle to the g#ar% 5tail o#t an% hea% in7. DoBn
han% on o#tsi%e foot of g#ar% an% feet o#tsi%e han%. CroB% the $all.
4. Drive thro#gh the near nec( area of the g#ar%.
3. ;se the g#ar%Is $o%y to s&#ee?e A gap an% yo#r $o%y to control + gap.
4. Loo( for trapper an% s&#ee?e the trap.
TI4T&3 TA*14& ,!9 %hade-
.. Alignent , align tilte% at 4AU on the center. 6ar to ear relationship on
the center. CroB% the $all.
4. Stance , three point stance. 3nsi%e foot is $ac( an% yo#r insi%e han% is
%oBn. The insi%e han% sho#l% $e on the centerIs near foot.
3. Techni&#e , step Bith the insi%e foot on oveent. Play thro#gh the ear
hole of the center
4. *esponsi$ility , r#n to yo#H A gap on yo#r si%e. *#n aBayH s&#ee?e
center to the far A gap an% (eep hi off the line$ac(ers.
+ase $loc( , get off9 step Bith insi%e foot9 e:ten% hipsQ control A gap
*each $loc( , get off9 step Bith insi%e foot. As the centerIs hea% Bi%ens to
reach yo#9 Bi%en an% press #p fiel%. P#sh9 p#ll9 an% rip A gap.
Scoop $loc( , get off9 step Bith #p fiel% foot. As yo# rea% the center trying to
scoop an% Bor( to the ne:t level9 s&#ee?e hi into the opposite A gap for tBo
steps (eeping hi off the line$ac(er. <a(e s#re the $ac(si%e g#ar% %oes not
scoop yo#. Stay on the $ac(si%e of the center playing c#t $ac(. 3f the scoop
$loc( is too Bi%e9 go #n%erneath the $loc(
Do#$le tea , get off9 step Bith #p fiel% foot. Defeat the $loc( of the center
first. As yo# feel the %oBn $loc( of the g#ar%9 fight har% to (eep yo#r hea% in
the crac( an% get #p fiel%. 3f yo# start to give #p gro#n% gra$ cloth an% sit
%oBn.
DoBn $loc( , get off9 step Bith #p fiel% foot an% s&#ee?e the center. As yo#
feel the g#ar% $egin to seal yo# insi%e9 rip yo#r ar thr# the g#ar%Is face
penetrate an% flatten %oBn the line of scriage.
T
( '
,29- ,!9-
Stack 4-4 Defense
Strong Si!e Defensive -n! Play
Strong Side Deensi!e +nd
Alignment Wi%e E techni&#e , one yar% o#tsi%e sho#l%er of a strong si%e T6.
1eys '#tsi%e foot of the near $ac( thro#gh the Tight 6n%
%tance TBo-point stance Bith the insi%e foot slightly #p an% feet sho#l%er Bi%th apart.
Technique Ta(e tBo rea% steps across the line of scriage an% s&#ee?e %oBn insi%e. The rea% steps sho#l%
$e on a line that is at a 4AD angle to the line of scriage thro#gh the stance of the near $ac( 5no
half$ac( (ey f#ll$ac(7. Do not attac( $eyon% the heels of the T6. 'n his secon% step9 he sho#l%
have his o#tsi%e leg an% ar free an% his sho#l%ers s&#are to the line of scriage.

Responsibilities The priary responsi$ility of the strong si%e en% is contain. He has responsi$ility for the D !ap
an% #st s&#ee?e everything %oBn fro the o#tsi%e in. 3f floB is to hi9 the en% attac(s the (ic(
o#t $loc( Bith his insi%e sho#l%er thro#gh the o#tsi%e sho#l%er of the $loc(er (eeping o#tsi%e leg
an% ar free. 3f floB is o#tsi%e9 fight to (eep o#tsi%e leverage an% (eep contain. D' "'T SP3LL
SW66PS. 3f the play is -option/ 5N+ shoBs his n#$ers to yo#79 ie%iately attac( the N+ to
force the pitch.
+y attac(ing the lea% $loc(er on the sBeep an% off-tac(le plays an% attac(ing the N+ on the
option9 Be are forcing these plays insi%e an% $efore they have a chance to %evelop.
3f the play is to the opposite si%e9 trail as the %eepest $ac( loo(ing for $ootleg9 reverse9 or a $ro(en
play.
'n pass9 r#sh the N+ o#tsi%e in targeting N+Is near n#$erLsho#l%er
6 S
6 S
Stack 4-4 Defense
)loc/ing
schemes
.. Ta(e rea% steps (eying near $ac(
thro#gh T6
4. 3f the T6 (ic(s o#t9 ta(e on $loc(
Bith near sho#l%er Bhile (eeping sho#l%ers
s&#are an% s&#ee?e the line of scriage
3. 0eep o#tsi%e leverage 5o#tsi%e leg
an% ar free7 an% loo( for the play to $o#nce
o#tsi%e.
4. 3f the play $o#nces o#tsi%e9 (eep
r#nner on insi%e sho#l%er9 Bor( o#tsi%e9 an%
force $ac( insi%e
P'W6*LSP*3"T D*AW 5C !AP7
.. Ta(e rea% steps (eying near $ac(
thro#gh T6
4. 3f the T6 $loc(s SA<9 attac( $loc(
of f#ll$ac( or near $ac( Bith near sho#l%er Bhile
(eeping sho#l%ers s&#are an% s&#ee?e the line of
scriage
3. <#st %rive r#nner $ac( into the
hole.
4. 3f the play $o#nces o#tsi%e9 (eep
r#nner on insi%e sho#l%er9 Bor( o#tsi%e9 an%
force $ac( insi%e
P'W6*LSP*3"T D*AW 5D !AP7
.. <#st aintain contain $y fighting
o#tsi%e
4. 0eep $all carrier on insi%e sho#l%er9
Bhile (eeping sho#l%ers s&#are 5n#$ers sho#l%
$e pointing #p fiel%7
3. !et #p fiel% &#ic(ly to avoi% $eing
crac(e%
SW66PLC*AC0 SW66P 5D !AP7
6 S
6 S
6 S
6 S
6 S
Stack 4-4 Defense
Reading ear
)ac/
As the 6"D ta(es his rea% steps9 he is loo(ing at the floB of the near $ac(. 3n split $ac(s this is the half$ac(.
>ers#s the 3 foration9 he (eys the first $ac( that coes his %irection. 3f $oth $ac(s coe his %irection9 he
(eys the f#ll$ac( 5lea% $ac(7. There are A priary oves the near $ac( can a(eH
#1 Near back goes away
3e%iately thin( in or%erH insi%e co#nter9 $ootleg9 an% reverse. The 6"D sho#l% thin( systeaticallyH 5.7
s&#ee?e the co#nter insi%e $y a%2#sting charge angle %oBn the line of scriage ,loo( for p#lling linean
an% s&#ee?e the (ic( o#t $loc( (eeping o#tsi%e ar an% leg free , %o not spill the trapQ 547 attac( the
&#arter$ac( $ootleg path if he has the $allQ 537 trail the play going aBay as %eep as the %eepest $ac( e:pecting
reverse or &#arter$ac( reverse scra$le
1 :
#
2
!
&
&
Stack 4-4 Defense
Reading ear
)ac/
#2 Near back dives straight ahead
3f the near $ac( %ives insi%e9 the 6"D a%2#sts his charge as %escri$e% a$ove for closing %oBn the co#nter.
6"D sho#l% loo( for in or%erH 5.7 off tac(le trap an% 547 %ive option. >ers#s the trap he s&#ee?es the play
insi%e9 ta(ing on the trap $loc( Bith a loB insi%e sho#l%er (eeping his o#tsi%e ar an% leg free , %o not spill
the trap
3f the &#arter$ac( opens #p an% shoBs his n#$ers9 the 6"D attac(s the &#arter$ac(Is n#$ers9 Bor(ing his
hea% to the #p fiel% arpit. The en% sho#l% hit the &#arter$ac( at the esh point 5+ gap7 , attac(ing har% an%
fast.
3f the T6 $loc(s o#t on the 6"D9 SA< reacts to his vis#al (ey $ac( insi%e an% attac(s the &#arter$ac(.
6ssentially9 SA< sBitches options assignents Bith the 6"D. The 6"D #st rea% the (ic( o#t $loc( $y the
T6 an% oentarily 2a the T6 an% then 2#p to the pitch. The safety nee%s to fill the alley playing
&#arter$ac( to pitch on the option an% covering any %elaye% release $y the T6.
#3 Near back kicks out
When the near $ac( ta(es an insi%e-o#t approach9 the en% sho#l% e:pect an off-tac(le play. The 6"D attac(s
all (ic( o#t $loc(s $y attac(ing the $loc( Bith the near sho#l%er Bhile (eeping sho#l%ers s&#are an%
s&#ee?ing the line of scriage. 0eep o#tsi%e leverage 5o#tsi%e leg an% ar free7 an% loo( for the
play to $o#nce o#tsi%e. 3f the play $o#nces o#tsi%e9 (eep r#nner on insi%e sho#l%er9 Bor( o#tsi%e9
an% force $ac( insi%e.
&
Reaction to trap or G scheme
& %
,;)- ,Pitch-
Reaction to dive option
Reaction to dive option if TE
bocks defensive end
& %
,;)- ,Pitch-
+
,;)<Pitch-
Stack 4-4 Defense
Reading ear
)ac/
#! Near back sets for pass protection
When the near $ac( set for pass protection9 the 6"D sho#l% e:pect a %rop $ac( pass or %raB. *#sh the
&#arter$ac(Is near n#$er an% aintain contain.
#" Near back fows outside
3f the near $ac( oves laterally9 the 6"D sho#l% rea% sBeep9 sprint o#t pass or sprint option. The 6"D #st
(eep contain or force the play %eep. 3f the near $ac( is responsi$le for $loc(ing the 6"D9 the 6"D #st
%efeat the $loc(. To %efeat the lea% $loc(er9 the 6"D #st (eep his sho#l%ers s&#are to the line of scriage
an% ta(e on the $loc( Bith his insi%e sho#l%er an% forear (eeping his o#tsi%e leg an% ar free.
%plit Rules vs. a strong Bing split of
8 , . yar% , play o#tsi%e sho#l%er
4 , 3 yar%s , play hea% #p Bing
M 3 yar%s , noral alignent , $e Beary of %oBn $loc( $y Bing
vs. nasty split $y T6
M 4 yar%s , -sBitch/ call Bith SA< an% align on o#tsi%e sho#l%er of tac(le.
Stack 4-4 Defense
Wea# Si!e -n! Play
Wea) Side Deensi!e +nd
Alignment Wi%e A techni&#e ,one yar% o#tsi%e sho#l%er of a Bea( si%e tac(le.
1eys '#tsi%e foot of the near $ac( thro#gh the tac(le.
%tance TBo-point stance Bith the insi%e foot slightly $ac( Bith ost of the Beight on the
front o#tsi%e foot. 1eet sho#l% $e insi%e sho#l%ers a$o#t @/ to .8/ apart. The stance
is not a contact stanceQ therefore9 #pper $o%y sho#l% $e rela:e% an% rea%y for
oveent.
When in a three point stance9 the gap responsi$ility foot sho#l% $e slightly #p 5heel-
toe relationship7 Bith the Beight on the front foot an% finger tips. +ac( sho#l% $e
flat.
Technique Ta(e tBo rea% steps across the line of scriage an% s&#ee?e %oBn insi%e. The
rea% steps sho#l% $e on a line that is at a 4AD angle to the line of scriage thro#gh
the stance of the near $ac(. Do not attac( $eyon% the heels of the tac(le. 'n his
secon% step9 he sho#l% have his o#tsi%e leg an% ar free an% his sho#l%ers s&#are to
the line of scriage.

The %efensive en% sho#l% foc#s on the hip of the tac(le. 3f the hip
%isappears9 it is a r#nning play. 3f the hip retreats9 it is a pass. 3f the hip
opens9 the play Bill $e a &#ic( toss or other o#tsi%e play.
'nce the hip tips the play9 the %efensive en% rea%s the action of the near
$ac(. The %irection of the play is %eterine% $y the $all an% the near $ac(.
3f Tac(le release insi%e9 $en% to near $ac(. AlBays thin( (ic(-o#t9 option9
play aBay. S&#ee?e insi%e an% rea% for near $ac( or p#ller coing at yo#.
Responsibilities *#n responsi$ility for the Bea( en% is -C/ gap 5off tac(le hole7. He sho#l% close
everything fro the o#tsi%e in. Ta(e on any $loc(er Bith the insi%e sho#l%er
(eeping the o#tsi%e leg an% ar free. 'n the option9 if the N+ shoBs his n#$ers9
attac( the N+ Bor(ing the hea% to the N+Is #p fiel% arpit. The %efensive en%
sho#l% engage the N+ $ehin% the g#ar%Is initial alignent.
3f the play is to the opposite si%e9 chec( for $ootleg9 reverse9 or a $ro(en play9 an%
trail play as %eep as %eepest $ac( loo(ing for c#t $ac( or a $ro(en pla.
'n pass9 r#sh the N+ o#tsi%e in targeting N+Is near n#$erLsho#l%er.
T 6 T 6
Stack 4-4 Defense
Wea) Side Deensi!e +nd
)loc/ing schemes +LASTL3S'LAT3'"
C*AC0 SW66P 5TBins of Tight Slot7
T*AP W6A0
+LASTL3S'LAT3'" 5Cross +loc(7
P'W6* SW66P
P'W6*
T 6
T 6
+

T 6
T 6
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T 6 T 6
Stack 4-4 Defense
/inebac)er Play
,asi&s
The line$ac(ers nee% to (noB the folloBing for each %efenseH
.. *all , in the h#%%le an% at the line of scriage
4. Alignment , $e e:act
3. %tance , foc#se%9 alert9 an% rea%y to reactQ
4. 1ey , $oth oveent an% %irection
A. Responsibility , 1orce9 %ive an% floB responsi$ilities
@. &=ecution , play the proper techni&#e
C. Pursuit , ta(e the proper angle to the $all
D. Tac/le , terinate the play
Linea&#er Prin&iples
1. Attitude
a. Play Bith intensity an% enth#sias
$. !reat Bor( ha$its off an% on the fiel%
c. Coach e9 Coach
%. +ig hitters
e. To#ghness an% lea%ership
f. ;nselfish
2. Responsibility
a. 0noB an% e:ec#te yo#r assignents an% responsi$ilities
$. ;se the proper techni&#e
c. 6liinate $ig plays
%. Hit9 tac(le9 ta(e aBay9 pro%#ce
e. Co#nicate9 co#nicate9 co#nicate
!. Produce
a. Ta(eaBaysH ca#se an% recover f#$les9 interceptions
$. <a(e $ig playsH tac(les for loss9 sac(s9 3
r%
%oBn stops9 $rea( #p pass plays9 +3! H3TS
She! Te&hni4ues
The s#ccess of any %efense is %epen%ent on the a$ility of its players to %efeat an% she% $loc(ers an% get to the foot$all.
Line$ac(ers sho#l% ta(e pri%e in not getting $loc(e%.
.. +orearm shi>er , #se% Bhen the $all carrier is $ehin% the $loc(er
a. Ta(e on s&#are slightly o#tsi%e $loc(er
$. Deliver fro goo% loB hitting position
c. Step Bith sae foot %elivering the $loB 5insi%e foot an% ar7
%. Stri(e the $loc(er pa% #n%er pa% hitting on the rise
e. 0eep feet oving
f. Stay s&#are %o not get t#rne%
g. ;se the off han% to %isengage the $loc(er 5p#sh or p#ll7
Stack 4-4 Defense
4. +it ? .ands < ;se this protection Bhen the $all carrier is $ehin% the $loc(er an% has a tBo-Bay go.
a. LoB sho#l%er pa%Lhi%e yo#r n#$ers.
$. DonIt p#nch #ntil yo# can sell his $reath or step on his toes.
c. P#nch the $loc(er on the $reasts plates Bith yo#r th#$s #p9 el$oBs in to yo#r i%line.
%. Do not loo( for the $all #ntil yo# loc(e% the $loc(er o#t an% have separation.
e. *e%#ce the $ac( sho#l%er an% rip across in the %irection of the $all.
3. Rip - When yo# (noB the %irection of the $all carrier an% yo# nee% to scrape over the top of the 'L.
a. *e%#ce the $ac( sho#l%er.
$. ThroB an #pperc#t thro#gh the o#tsi%e arpit of the $loc(er.
c. H#g the $loc(er Bith yo#r nec( 5%o not leave an #nocc#pie% gap to yo#r insi%e ar7
%. S&#are yo#r sho#l%ers $ac( #p.
4. .and shi>er , #se% Bhen the $all carrier is not $ehin% the $loc(er or Bhen a line$ac(er is getting choppe% $loc(e% or
scra$le%
a. 6ye $loc(er staying s&#are to the line of scriage 5loB target7
$. 0eep o#tsi%e ar an% leg free. Do let the helet or sho#l%er to get to o#tsi%e (nee
c. Loc( han%s an% Brists on $loc(erIs helet or pa%s forcing hi %oBn an% aBay
%. !ive gro#n% if nee%e%9 (eep feet oving
e. Stay s&#are
A. *age , #se% Bhen aligne% on the line of scriage in a hea% #p techni&#e 5e.g.9 SA< aligne% on a T6 or +A"D3T
aligne% insi%e eye of a tight slot or Bing7
a. 6:plo%e #p an% thro#gh the $loc(er Bith proper leverage 5(eep pa% level loB7.
$. Stay s&#are on the $loc(er9 eet the $loc( as close to the line of scriage as possi$le
c. 1oc#s on the > of the $loc(ers nec(
%. 6:plo%e han%s into the $reast plate9 gra$ cloth9 an% e:ten% ars.
e. 0eep feet oving9 she% $loc(er aBay fro area of responsi$ility. P#ll ars %oBn an% aBay across $loc(erIs face
Linea&#er %unning ,a&# 5eys
E
-ormation
S!lit
3ac+s Strong E %ea+ E %ish,one Po.er E %ing T
SA< Tail$ac( 1ar $ac( 1#ll$ac( Tail$ac( Cross (ey
to far $ac(
Tail$ac(
thr# poBer
$ac(
1#ll$ac(
+A"D3T Tail$ac( 1ar $ac( Tail$ac( 1#ll$ac( Cross (ey
to far $ac(
Tail$ac( to
poBer $ac(
Half$ac(
<306 1#ll$ac( "ear $ac( 1#ll$ac( Tail$ac( 1#ll$ac( to
near $ac(
1#ll$ac( 1#ll$ac(
W3LL 1#ll$ac( "ear $ac( Tail$ac( 1#ll$ac( 1#ll$ac( to
near $ac(
PoBer
$ac( thr#
f#ll$ac(
Half$ac(
Priary (ey
Cross (ey
Stack 4-4 Defense
I +ormation %plit )ac/s
%trong 'ea/
'ishbone Po@er I
'ing<T
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Stack 4-4 Defense
(nsi!e Linea&#er Play
-nside /inebac)ers :*-.+ 2 W-//;
Alignment 48 techni&#e 5hea% #p the g#ar%7 at least A yar%s off the $all.
.. <306 ,aligns to strong si%e
4. W3LL , aligns to Bea( si%eQ a%2#ster in .8 Personnel !ro#p
a. a%2#sts to V3 receiver to a 3 receiver si%e
$. a%2#st to V4 receiver to a 4 receiver si%e 5nic(el $ac(7
1eys "ear $ac( thro#gh g#ar% an% center. A p#lling g#ar% ta(es prece%ence over $ac(fiel% floB
%tance TBo point stance Bith gap si%e foot slightly $ac( 5heel to toe relationship79 (nees $ent9 han%s are
positione% slightly o#tsi%e of (nees Bith pals facing insi%e. Weight slightly on the $alls of the
feet so that the heels clear the gro#n%. Legs sho#l% $e in a s&#at position $y getting goo% fle:ion
in the hips9 (nees9 an% an(les. The $ac( is flat an% fle:e% at the hip %riving the sho#l%ers
slightly forBar% an% over the feet. Hea% #p an% eyes open loo(ing at yo#r (ey.
1ro the Baist %oBn sho#l% $e alert an% tense an% the Baist #p sho#l% $e rela:e% , $e confi%ent.
Start o#t in a goo%9 loB-hitting position that alloBs the to ove laterally Bitho#t having to
raise or loBer their pa% level.
Responsibilities 3nsi%e line$ac(ers are responsi$le for the A gap 5+ gap if the tac(le is in a . techni&#e7 as Bell as
p#rs#it all r#nning plays fro the insi%e o#t. They sho#l% ta(e a rea% step toBar%s their gap
responsi$ility an% react to the oveent of the near $ac(.
3f the near $ac( goes o#tsi%e9 close fro the insi%e o#t Bor(ing fro + to C gaps.
3f near $ac( %ives at yo# fill the A an% + gap irroring the near $ac( floB
3f the near $ac( goes aBay9 %rop the $#tt an% cross (ey far $ac( loo(ing for trap an% co#nter.
Sec#re play si%e A gap an% p#rs#e insi%e o#t. 3f the L+ sees an open Bin%oB9 penetrate the line
of scriage an% a(e the play for a loss. 'therBise contin#e p#rs#ing %oBn the line insi%e
o#t chec(ing for c#t$ac(.
Techniques .. Ta(e a @/ rea% step 5-poBer step/7 toBar%s gap responsi$ility Bhile rea%ing
near $ac( (ey. A $a% step is $etter than not ta(ing a step. -A stan% an% rea% line$ac(er is
nothing ore than a $loc(ing %#yO/
4. 0eep sho#l%ers s&#are to the line of scriage
3. Ta(e on $loc(ers Bith an insi%e forear rip9 aintaining o#tsi%e leverage9 an%
either a(e the tac(le or force the $all carrier to c#t $ac( into p#rs#it.
4. Do not Bor( #n%er $loc(s9 Bor( thro#gh the o#tsi%e half of the $loc(er Bhile
Bor(ing insi%e o#t
)loc/ing schemes
A GAP ISO
"ear $ac( lea%s thro#gh A gap an% g#ar% $ase $loc(s tac(leH
Play side linebacker , fill A gap ie%iately. Attac( the lea% $loc( in the
hole Bith an insi%e forear rip. D#p the lea% $loc( insi%e an% aintain
o#tsi%e leverage.
Backside linebacker , attac( an% %efeat the centers $loc( an% s&#ee?e
insi%e. 0eep sho#l%ers parallel to the line of scriage.
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)loc/ing schemes ,continued-
FB TRAP
"ear $ac( %ives on the i%line an% g#ar% crosses faceH
Play side linebacker , Bhen the g#ar% crosses yo#r face to $loc( the
$ac(si%e line$ac(er9 fill strong si%e A gap. This sho#l% alloB the L+ to
avoi% the $loc( of the tac(le an% a(e the tac(le in the $ac(fiel%.
Backside linebacker attac(s the g#ar% Bith an insi%e forear rip9
s&#ee?e the play insi%e aintaining o#tsi%e leverage.
INFLENCE TRAP
"ear $ac( %ives i%line an% g#ar% p#lls aro#n% tac(leH
Playside linebacker , steps toBar% + gap. When he rea%s that the schee
is not a fol% $eca#se the tac(le is $loc(ing on hi9 he sho#l% ie%iately
fill $ac( toBar% A gap.
Backside linebacker , attac(s center an% s&#ee?es play insi%e
C GAP POWER
"ear $ac( lea%s thro#gh C !ap
Playside linebacker , ta(e rea% step. 'n secon% step floB to +-C gap
irroring near $ac( floB. *ea% $loc( of tac(le an% g#ar%. 3f tac(le
$loc(s %oBn on tac(le9 attac( g#ar% Bith insi%e forear rip an% s&#ee?e
play insi%e. 3f g#ar% $ase $loc(s on the tac(le9 scrape to the o#tsi%e
sho#l%er of the tac(le an% attac( Bith insi%e forear rip. 0eep sho#l%ers
s&#are to the line of scriage
Backside linebacker , ta(e rea% step9 on secon% step floB to play si%e A
gap irroring near $ac( floB. Penetrate any open Bin%oBQ otherBise9
scrape %oBn line of scriage chec(ing for c#t$ac( an% co#nter. 0eep
sho#l%ers parallel to the line of scriage an% aintain insi%e o#t
position on the $all carrier.
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B GAP ISO
"ear $ac( lea%s thro#gh + !ap9 g#ar% posts %efensive tac(leLnose9 tac(le
$loc(s %oBnH
Play side linebacker , ta(e rea% step. 'n secon% step floB to +-C gap
irroring near $ac( floB. 3f the tac(le is $eing %o#$le teae%9 attac( the
f#ll$ac( Bith an insi%e forear rip. 0eep sho#l%ers s&#are to the line of
scriage an% aintain o#tsi%e leverage.
Backside linebacker , ta(e rea% step9 on secon% step floB to play si%e A
gap irroring near $ac( floB. Penetrate any open Bin%oBQ otherBise9
scrape %oBn line of scriage chec(ing for c#t$ac( an% co#nter. 0eep
sho#l%ers parallel to the line of scriage an% aintain insi%e o#t
position on the $all carrier.
SWEEP
"ear $ac( goes o#tsi%e an% g#ar% p#lls o#tsi%eH
Play side linebacker ta(e rea% step. 'n secon% step scrape %oBn hill
thro#gh C-D gaps. P#rs#e insi%e o#t (eeping sho#l%ers s&#are to the line
of scriage. Do not over p#rs#it
Backside linebacker , ta(e rea% step. Play thro#gh the hea% of the centerQ
close fro strong si%e A gap Bor(ing to the o#tsi%e loo(ing for c#t$ac(
an% co#nter. 0eep sho#l%ers s&#are to the line of scriage
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SA6 Linea&#er Play
SA* /inebac)er
Alignment @ techni&#e 5hea% #p the T67. <ay a%2#st to a C techni&#e 5insi%e eye7 if he has
pro$les Bith the insi%e release of the T6 or controlling the C !ap.
Split r#lesH
.I-4I , @ tech
4I,3I, C tech
4I,AI , loosen slightly
M@I, D tech , -sBitch/ call Bith 6"D
1eys SA< has tBo priary (eys. The T6 is the press#re (ey an% the vis#al (ey is the
near $ac(.
%tance TBo point stance Bith gap si%e foot slightly $ac( 5heel to toe relationship79 (nees
$ent9 han%s are positione% slightly o#tsi%e of (nees Bith pals facing insi%e. Weight
slightly on the $alls of the feet so that the heels clear the gro#n%. Weight is on the
o#tsi%e foot. Legs sho#l% $e in a s&#at position $y getting goo% fle:ion in the hips9
(nees9 an% an(les. The $ac( is flat an% fle:e% at the hip %riving the sho#l%ers
slightly forBar% an% over the feet. Hea% #p an% eyes open loo(ing at yo#r (ey.
Start o#t in a goo%9 loB-hitting position so that he can %eliver a $loB to the T6 on
$all oveent.
Responsibilities >ers#s the r#n9 SA< is responsi$le for the C !ap. >ers#s the r#n aBay9 he sho#l%
sin( his hips an% cross (ey the far $ac( chec(ing for co#nter an% reverse. When he
is certain that he is not threatene% $y these plays9 he sho#l% p#rs#e %oBn the line9
chec(ing for c#t$ac(.
3f the T6 releases on a pass ro#te9 %rop to flat ?one 5$ase coverage7
Techniques .. Ta(es rea% step Bith insi%e foot attac(ing the T6 5cage techni&#e7
4. 0eeps sho#l%ers s&#are to the line of scriage
3. !ets his han%s on the T6 an% ne#trali?es hi. Does not alloB the
T6 to release to the insi%e an% $loc( an insi%e line$ac(er.
4. 'nce the T6 is ne#trali?e%9 rea% $ac(fiel% floB
)loc/ing schemes
T6 $ase $loc(s an% near $ac( attac(s %efensive en%H
.. Trap the T6 on the line of scriage an%
control C gap.
4. 3f T6 tries to hoo( SA<9 he stays in the
hole an% attac(s his near $ac( (ey.
3. 3f the T6 has alrea%y hoo( SA<9 stay on the
line of scriage an% Bor( across his face. Do not go
aro#n% the $loc(.
4. Do not coit insi%e too early
C GAP POWER
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SA* /inebac)er
T6 (ic(s o#t 6n% an% near $ac( coes at SA<H
.. 3f the T6 $loc(s o#t9 chec( near $ac(
ie%iately.
4. Ta(e on any (ic(-o#t $loc( Bith yo#r insi%e
sho#l%er to his o#tsi%e sho#l%er.
3. Sec#re C !ap.
C GAP ISO
T6 hoo(s SA< an% near $ac( goes o#tsi%e
.. 3f the T6 tries to hoo( SA<9 Bor( across
the T6Is face an% p#rs#it insi%e o#t.
4. P#rs#e #sing a 4AD angle to the $all. Do not
over r#n the play.
SWEEP
T6 releases insi%e to <306 line$ac(er an% near $ac( coes at
SA<H
.. Controls T6 an% %o not alloB hi to release
insi%e
4. Chec(s insi%e for p#lling g#ar%
3. <aintain position on line of scriage.
4. Attac( p#lling g#ar% Bith insi%e sho#l%er
(eeping sho#l%ers s&#are
A. <aintains o#tsi%e leverage preventing the
play to $o#nce o#tsi%e
G SCHEME
T6 releases insi%e to <306 line$ac(er an% near $ac( goes
aBayH
.. Controls T6 an% %o not alloB hi to release
insi%e
4. Cross (ey far $ac( an% aintain position on
line of scriage
3. Attac( p#lling g#ar% Bith insi%e sho#l%er
(eeping sho#l%ers s&#are
4. <aintains o#tsi%e leverage preventing the
play to $o#nce o#tsi%e
TRAPCO!NTER
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Stack 4-4 Defense
,AND(T Linea&#er Play
"AND-T /inebac)er
Alignment Alignent is %epen%ent on the offenseIs forationH
Split en% 5W7Lpro , Bal( alignent 4:4 off of tac(le 5splitting %ifference
$etBeen W an% tac(le
Slot 5M A yar%s fro tac(le an% M 4 yar%s insi%e W7 , split the %ifference
$etBeen slot $ac( an% tac(le 4 yar%s off the $all
Tight slot 5X A yar%s fro tac(le7 ,insi%e eye 3 yar%s off the $all
Wi%eLTBin 5Bithin 4 yar%s of W7 , split %ifference $etBeen the slot an%
tac(le at a %epth of 4 yar%s
Trips ,insi%e eye of V4 receiver
Do#$le T6 , E techni&#e 5o#tsi%e eye on T6 aBay fro SA<7
1eys Priary (ey is near $ac( thro#gh the tac(le. 3f the near $ac( goes aBay9 cross (ey
far $ac(.
%tance TBo point stance Bith the o#tsi%e foot slightly staggere%9 (nees $ent9 han%s are
positione% slightly o#tsi%e of (nees Bith pals facing insi%e in a rela:e% an%
coforta$le position. Weight is evenly %istri$#te% on the $alls of the feet so that the
heels clear the gro#n%. Legs sho#l% $e in a s&#at position $y getting goo% fle:ion in
the hips9 (nees9 an% an(les. The $ac( is flat an% fle:e% at the hip %riving the
sho#l%ers slightly forBar% an% over the feet. Hea% #p an% eyes open loo(ing at yo#r
(ey.
Responsibilities >ers#s the r#n +A"D3T is responsi$le for the D !ap9 an% he sho#l% close it %oBn
fro the o#tsi%e in. Does not p#rs#e insi%e #ntil he is certain the play is not
$o#ncing o#tsi%e. >ers#s the r#n aBay9 he sho#l% sin( his hips an% cross (ey the far
$ac( chec(ing for co#nter an% reverse. When he is certain that he is not threatene%
$y these plays9 he sho#l% ta(e a c#t-off p#rs#it angle an% loo( for c#t$ac(. 3f option
shoBs9 he has the pitch $ac(. 'n pass plays he is responsi$le for the flat.
Techniques .. Ta(e rea% step Bith o#tsi%e foot.
4. *ea% near $ac( thro#gh the tac(le
3. 3f the tac(leIs hip %isappears9 it is a r#nning play. 3f the hip
retreats9 it is a pass. 3f the hip opens9 the play Bill $e a &#ic( toss or other
o#tsi%e play.
4. 'nce the hip tips the play9 +A"D3T rea%s the action of the near
$ac(. The %irection of the play is %eterine% $y the $all an% the near $ac(
A. Pic( #p $ac(fiel% action9 $loc(ing schee an% level of the $all
@. <#st $e aBare of the crac( $loc( $y the split en%. Wor( #p fiel%
&#ic(ly to avoi% the $loc(.
)loc/ing schemes
Stack 4-4 Defense
"AND-T /inebac)er
Tac(le $loc(s %oBn an% near $ac( floBs toH
.. Attac( $all carrier fro the o#tsi%e in
aintaining o#tsi%e leverage
4. Attac( the $ase $loc( of a slot Bith a -cage/
techni&#eH
a. 6:plo%e #p an% thro#gh the $loc(er Bith
proper leverage 5(eep pa% level loB7. Stay s&#are on
hi an% eet the $loc( as close to the line of
scriage as possi$le
$. 6:plo%e han%s into the $reast plate9 gra$
cloth9 an% e:ten% ars. 0eep feet oving. She%
$loc(er aBay fro area of responsi$ility. P#ll ars
%oBn an% aBay across
3. Control D !ap an% aintain o#tsi%e
leverage
OFF TAC"LE PLA#
Tac(le $loc(s %oBn 5or reaches en%7 an% near $ac( goes
o#tsi%eH
.. Ta(e on $loc( of slot or lea% $loc(er Bith insi%e forear
shiver.
4. Wor( #p fiel% at 4AD p#rs#it angle to aintain o#tsi%e
leverage
SWEEP
Tac(le $loc(s %oBn9 near $ac( goes aBayH
.. Ta(e rea% step9 sin( hips an% cross (ey far $ac(
4. Pic( #p the $ac(si%e linean p#lling play si%e
3. +A"D3T is the e:tra an9 attac( $all carrier o#tsi%e in
CO!NTERTRAP
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Secondary Play
Cornerbac)s
Alignment Align insi%e eye on Bi%est receiver to their si%e of the foration. They are positione% at least
five yar%s off the line of scriage an% never ore than seven. Corners never line% #p
closer than five yar%s to the si%eline. 3f the foration is close% 5the Bi%est receiver is the
tight en%79 align five yar%s off the $all an% tBo yar%s o#tsi%e. 3f a corner is aligne% on the
one receiver si%e9 he can align on the o#tsi%e eye since he has insi%e help fro +A"D3T on a
three step ro#te fro the o#tsi%e receiver.
"#$ers r#leH Bhen the Bi%est receiver aligns on or o#tsi%e the n#$ers9 align one yar%
insi%e the receiver
1eys 'r%er of (eysH
.. "earest #ncovere% offensive linean 5#s#ally the tac(le7
4. +ac(fiel% action
3. Level of the $all
4. N#arter$ac(
A. *eceiver
Play the pass first an% the r#n secon%. 3f the nearest #ncovere% linean releases %oBnfiel%9
the $ac(fiel% action an% $all level Bill give the -r#n/ rea%. 3f the #ncovere% linean sets for
pass $loc(ing9 or if $ac(s are $loc(ing an% releasing9 the $all level9 &#arter$ac( an% receivers
Bill give a -pass/ rea%. When a pass is recogni?e%9 (ey the receivers an% the &#arter$ac(Is
release of the $all.
%tance 4 point stance Bith insi%e foot slightly staggere% $ac(. Weight sho#l% $e on the front foot9
an% the (nees sho#l% $e $ent an% s&#ee?e% together. Hips sho#l% $e high9 an% the chin o#t
over the toes. 1eet are appro:iately si: inches apart 5insi%e sho#l%ers7.
Responsibilities *esponsi$le for pass first an% r#n secon%H
PassH Priary responsi$ility is o#tsi%e thir% 5cover three7. Play over the top of the %eepest
ro#te in the o#tsi%e thir% an% $rea( #p on ro#te% in the #n%er ?ones.
*#n toBar%sH Secon%ary contain - stay o#tsi%e an% close the play fro o#tsi%e in
*#n aBayH chec( for $ootleg an% reverse then ta(e a p#rs#it angle to c#t the play off in case it
$rea(s
'ptionH Pitch
Techniques .. At the snap of the $all9 e:ec#te a short sh#ffle to protect the insi%e of the
fiel%. Ta(e aBay the &#ic( post first.
4. As play $egins eye to &#arter$ac(. *ea% the &#ic( three step ro#te 5sloB
$ac(pe%al L eyes fro &#arter$ac( to Bi%e receiver L %rive on tac(le7.
3. "o three step. 6ye control to "o. 4 receiver. +egin to play in a ?one t#rn
techni&#e
4. As long as V4 goes vertical9 contin#e to %rop to o#tsi%e thir%9 $#t $e a$le
to $rea( one-thir% the %istance to the -reception area/ on inten%e% receiver. Safety nee%s
to pic( #p vertical ro#te. Disregar% "o. . receiverIs ro#te $#t $e a$le to a(e the play
on any %eep throB in yo#r o#tsi%e one-thir% ?one.
A. <aintain three to fo#r yar% c#shion #ntil receiver $rea(s his c#shion then
%rop their hips an% t#rn #p fiel% 5?one t#rn , $#tt toBar%s si%eline facing N+7
@. Play thro#gh the o#tsi%e sho#l%er of the receiver on r#n s#pport
Stack 4-4 Defense
Cornerbac)s
Stack 4-4 Defense
,red :,ree Saety;
Alignment The safetyGs alignent Bill %epen% on the offensive foration. A siple r#le that
Bill p#t yo# in the $est position to a(e the play is ten yar%s %eep on the Ri%-
pointR $etBeen the Bi%est receiver to each si%e. Thin( of yo# an% the Bi%est
receivers foring a ten yar% high pyrai% Bith yo# at the top of the pyrai%. <ost
of the tie this r#le Bill p#t yo# in the proper position9 hoBever there are e:ception.
3f a Bi%e receiverGs alignent is greater then tBelve the safety alignent sho#l% $e
as %eep as the Bi%est receiver is Bi%e. When there are tBo or ore split receivers to
one si%e the safety ay have to cheat $eyon% the Ri%-pointR if the receivers stretch
the fiel%. HoB far the safety #st cheat his alignent Bill %epen% on the position of
the $all 5i%%le or hash 7 on the fiel% an% the Bi%e receivers alignent. *ee$er9
c#t %oBn the space the receivers have to r#n ro#tes in $y yo#r alignent , $e in
position to a(e the play on the insi%e ro#te if all receivers go vertical. An e:aple
of Bhen to cheat alignent an% Bhen not toH tBo receivers split into the si%eline9
stay on the fiel% i%-point9 the si%eline Bill c#t %oBn the space. TBo receivers split
to the open si%e of the fiel%9 cheat yo#r alignent to the receivers.
>erse trips cheat over to offensive tac(le to the passing strength.
1eys 'r%er of (eysH
.. *elease of V4 to passing strengh
4. +ac(fiel% action
3. Level of the $all
4. N#arter$ac(
A. *eceivers 5insi%e o#t7 , receiver Bho poses ost ie%iate
threat to i%%le thir%
Have a pre-snap aBareness for alignent of V4 5Tight or Wi%e7
0ey the #ncovere% offensive linean to get a r#n or pass rea% as yo# ta(e rea% steps
in yo#r $ac( pe%%le. Thin( pass firstO 3f yo# %onGt (noB Bhat the play is stay in yo#r
$ac( pe%%le.
*ea% the &#arter$ac( an% his %rop. Pic(#p the receivers Bhile loo(ing at the Bhile
N+. *ea% receivers fro the insi%e o#t. 0ey the none throBing han% of the N+ for
the release. Han% %rops prepare to $rea( on the $all.
3f yo# are having tro#$le fin%ing the $all stay in yo#r $ac( pe%%le an% stay %eep.
%tance 1eetQ insi%e foot $ac( 5heel to toe7 an% the feet insi%e of the sho#l%er. Weight on the
front foot an% heels #p. The foot to the Bi%e si%e sho#l% $e (ept $ac(.

0nees an% HipsQ 0nees $ent an% hips high9 the hastring sho#l% not $e parallel to
the gro#n%.
Ars an% Han%sQ 6l$oBs in an% even Bith the playerGs $ac(. Han%s o#tsi%e the legs9
Bith the th#$ on the o#tsi%e of the (nee.
Hea% an% Sho#l%ersQ Hea% an% sho#l%ers o#t an% over the toes.
Responsibilities *#nH Wor( #p the RAlleyR fro the insi%e to the o#tsi%e.
PassH %eep i%%le thir%
Stack 4-4 Defense
,red :,ree Saety;
Techniques Ta(e a @R %irectional step $ac( Bith o#tsi%e foot. ;se 35Wal(ing7 rea% steps for lane
of $all recognition an% the $loc(L *elease of V4.
Tie is on yo#r si%e9 (eep the gae in front of yo#9 $e as %eep as the %eepest
receiver verse pass.
>erse the r#nH
3ns#re pass responsi$ility of V4 to passing strength
>erse SBeepH Alley insi%e o#t to the $all verse #n$alance% foration9
ins#re the $loc( of V4
>erse 'ptionH Level thro#gh the %#p pass lane9 anticipating %#p pass9
ins#re pass9 ins#re $loc( $efore rallying to $all. Play N+ to pitch
>erse +ase +loc(H Anticipate $all coing off L'S an% postL slant $y
flan(er ins#re pass #ntil the $all $rea(s L'S9 2#%ge the spee% of the $all
>erse the passH
When he rea%s pass9 he #st a%2#st his %rop so that he is i%Bay $etBeen
the tBo corners
*ea% receivers insi%e o#t
3f V4 gets vertical 2#p the ro#te
3f threatene% %eep $y tBo ro#tes to the i%%le thir%9 #st stay on top an%
$etBeen the tBo ro#tes an% rea% the N+
3f V4 r#ns a short or intere%iate ro#te9 loo( for V. to r#n %eep insi%e ro#te
*ea% N+Gs intentions 5eyes7 an% elt on the front sho#l%er of N+. +rea(
on $all Bhen N+ %rops non-throBing han%.
>erse anticipate% %eep ro#tesH Post or ta(eoff9 open hips for %epth. >erse
PostL DigH Play post thro#gh the %ig (eying sho#l%er level of N+
+all in the 4 Lane. 'pen hips to floB for %epth.
o 3f N+9 e:poses $ac( n#$ers an% $en%s at Baist9 anticipate the
throB$ac( post.
o >erse c#rl flatH Play c#rl fro over the top. >erse %ragH Play post
thro#gh the %ig. >erse ThroB$ac(H ;tili?e an t#rn for %epth
>s. sprint o#t or $ootleg open hips to floB for %epth an% level. <aintain
insi%e leverage on V4 vertical an% %onGt over r#n the $all. "'T6H >erse
$ootleg9 s&#ee?e the %eep %rag
>erse 3 StepH 'pen hips for %epth an% Bi%th9 anticipate #p ro#te9 helping
play si%e corner over the top
Stack 4-4 Defense
Pass Co!erage # Co!er %
Numering %e&eivers
*eceivers are n#$ere% fro the o#tsi%e in. The V. receiver is the Bi%est receiver to one si%e on or off the $all. The V4
receiver is the ne:t receiver insi%e V.9 or nearest $ac( in the $ac(fiel%. The V3 receiver is the first receiver insi%e V49 or the
nearest $ac( in the $ac(fiel%. The V4 $ac( is the near $ac( in the $ac(fiel%.
7ones
The fiel% is %ivi%e% into %eep9 intere%iate9 an% short areas. 6ach area is %ivi%e% into ?ones. The si?e of the ?ones Bill
vary %epen%ing on the offensive foration9 the n#$er of receivers to the si%e of the $all9 the receiver ro#tes9 an% $all
position on the fiel% 5i%%le vs. hash7. The %eep ?one area is %ivi%e% into the i%%le thir% an% tBo o#tsi%e thir%s. The
$otto of the %eep ?one starts at fifteen yar%s an% r#ns the length of the fiel%. The intere%iate area 5ten to fifteen yar%s
fro the line of scriage7 has a i%%le ?one 5-hole/7 an% tBo o#tsi%e ?ones on each si%e of the $allH c#rl an% o#t. The
short area has three ?ones on each si%e of the $all fro the insi%e o#tH hoo(9 sea9 an% flat. The intere%iate an% short
?ones are consi%ere% the -#n%er coverage/
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8n!er 'overage for the Linea&#ers
The line$ac(ers are responsi$le for the #n%er coverage. <306 an% W3LL are responsi$le for hoo(9 c#rl9 sea9 an% hole
?ones to their si%e. SA< an% +A"D3T are responsi$le for the o#tsi%e flats. The $ase coverage is a an to an atch #p9
pattern rea%9 an% ?one coverage %efense. 3t is iportant for the line$ac(ers to (noB Bhether they are on the one receiver or
tBo receiver si%e. They sho#l% thin( of the tBo receiver si%e as the Bor( si%e $eca#se of the n#$er of ro#tes that can $e
r#n to that si%e. The one receiver si%e is the help si%e %#e to the liite% n#$er of ro#tes that can $e r#n9 an% Be have tBo
%efen%ers on one receiver.
The line$ac(ers sho#l% also (noB the Bi%est an% %eepest ro#te that can $e r#n to their si%e. 'nce they rea% pass9 the
line$ac(er sho#l% ta(e their pass %rop to a spot in the ?one Bhere the Bi%est an% %eepest ro#te co#l% $e r#n to their si%e.
As they %rop to that spot 5eight to nine yar%s %eep7 they sho#l% a%2#st their %rop $ase% on the ro#tes r#n $y the receivers.
As they %rop9 the line$ac(er sho#l% fin% the receiver closest to the $all on his si%e an% rea% his ro#te. 3f the insi%e receiver
5V47 is r#nning a ro#te in his ?one9 he sho#l% get #n%erneath the ro#te getting $etBeen the receiver an% the &#arter$ac( an%
play an-to-an coverage. 3f the V4 receiver is not r#nning a ro#te in his ?one9 he sho#l% loo( for the V. or V3 receiver to
r#n a ro#te in his ?one. 3f all receivers to his si%e %o not r#n patterns into his ?ones9 he sho#l% loo( for crossing ro#tes
fro the other si%e. 3f nothing shoBs9 he sho#l% rea% the &#arter$ac( an% $rea( on the $all Bhen it is throBn. When there
are tBo receivers in his ?one9 the line$ac(er sho#l% cover the %eepest receiver.
Stack 4-4 Defense
%e&eiver %outes
*o#tes r#n in coverage ?ones $y receiverH
V. *eceiver insi%e ro#tes
.. Post
4. C#rl
3. Dig
4. Hitch
A. Slant
V. *eceiver o#tsi%e ro#tes
.. 1ly
4. 1a%e
3. Post-corner
4. Corner
A. '#t
V4 *eceiver
.. 1ly
4. Corner
3. Post
4. Hoo(
A. Sea
@. ArroB
C. Drag
V4 or V3 o#t of the $ac(fiel%
.. 1a%e
4. SBing
3. Sea
4. Hoo(
A. Cross

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Stack 4-4 Defense
Pattern %ea!s
#ornerbacks $responsibe for deep outside third%
At the snap of the $all9 the corner$ac(s e:ec#te a short sh#ffle as they a(e their r#nLpass rea% to protect against the insi%e
release. They #st ta(e aBay in the insi%e release. 'nce they are not threatene% $y an insi%e release9 they sho#l% contin#e
to $ac(pe%al an% a(e their r#nLpass rea%. 3f the corner$ac( has rea% pass9 he sho#l% $egin his pass %rop to the o#tsi%e
thir% (eying the $all to the receiver5s7 Bho poses an ie%iate threat to the %eep o#tsi%e thir%. 3n a stan%ar% 4:.
foration 5tBo receivers to one si%e an% one receiver to the other79 the corner$ac( to the one receiver si%e sho#l% rea% the
V. receiver an% nearest $ac(. The corner$ac( to the tBo receiver si%e sho#l% foc#s on the Bi%est receiver an% the insi%e
receiver 5slot9 T69 or tBin7. 3f $oth receivers r#n #n%erneath ro#tes9 the corner$ac( sho#l% contin#e his $ac(pe%al $#t
re%#ce his spee% so that he can $rea( on the $all. 3f the Bi%est receiver r#ns an #n%erneath ro#te an% the insi%e receiver
r#ns a pattern that threatens the %eep o#tsi%e thir%9 the corner$ac( #st a%2#st his position so that he can cover the insi%e
receiver. 3f the V. receiver r#ns an insi%e ro#te 5e.g.9 hitch9 post9 c#rl9 %ig9 hoo(9 slant9 %rag9 etc.79 the corner$ac( #st
give an -in/ call to the safety an% o#tsi%e line$ac(er. 3f the Bi%est receiver r#ns a %eep ro#te9 the corner$ac( sho#l%
aintain his three yar% c#shion an% cover the receiver. 3f the receiver $rea(s his c#shion9 the corner$ac( sho#l% %rop their
hips an% t#rn #p fiel% toBar%s the &#arter$ac(9 r#nning over the top of the receiver. 3f $oth receivers r#n aBay fro hi9
the corner$ac( sho#l% s&#ee?e the fiel% (eeping o#tsi%e leverage on the %eepest receiver
&afety $responsibe for deep midde third%
The safety sho#l% (ey the $all to the receiver5s7 Bho poses an ie%iate threat to the %eep i%%le thir%. At the snap of the
$all9 the safety starts his $ac(pe%al an% a(es his r#n pass rea%. 3f he has rea% pass9 the safety #st a%2#st his %rop to ta(e
an angle so that he is at the i%Bay point $etBeen the tBo corner$ac(s. The safety sho#l% (ey the release of the V4
receiver to the tBo receiver si%e. >ers#s a pro foration this is the tight en%. 3f the V4 receiver releases vertical9 the safety
#st $e prepare% to go %eep.
When the safety is threatene% $y tBo vertical ro#tes in the %eep i%%le thir%9 he sho#l% position hiself on top of an% in
$etBeen the tBo receivers9 (ey the &#arter$ac(9 an% react to the throB.
3f the V4 receiver r#ns an #n%erneath ro#te9 the safety sho#l% loo( for a post pattern fro the V. receiver5s7.
&'( $responsibe for fat to his side%
When on the tBo receiver si%e 5#s#ally a pro foration79 SA< sho#l% open his hips an% %rop to a spot D to E yar%s in front
of Bhere the V. receiver originally line% #p. SA< #st (eep his hea% on a sBivel a% $e aBare of the %epth of the
&#arter$ac(Is %rop 5three step9 five step9 or seven step7. SA< #st listen for an -o#t/ or -cross/ call $y the <306
line$ac(er Bho is %ropping to the hoo(-c#rl ?one an% an -in/ call fro the corner$ac( Bho is %ropping to the o#tsi%e thir%.
SA< covers the %eepest receiver in his ?one an% rallies #p to shorter ro#tes.
SA< sho#l% #se the folloBing se&#ence to %eterine his coverage responsi$ility after he has a%e his r#n pass rea%H
.. Ta(e rea% step Bith o#tsi%e foot an% ne#trali?e the T6. 1olloB SA<Is $asic r#leH ne#trali?e T69 hang in
the C !ap9 an% %iagnose play. 0eep yo#r han%s on the T6 an% control hi Bhile yo# rea% the play. SA<Is press#re
(ey is the T6 an% his vis#al (eys are the near $ac(9 $all level9 an% N+.
4. 3f SA< rea%s pass9 he loo(s for V4 receiver 5#s#ally the T67 to r#n a ro#te to the flat. The n#$er of
ro#tes that the V4 receiver can r#n to the flat are liite% to priarily an -arroB/ or an -o#t/ ro#te.
Stack 4-4 Defense
3. 3f V4 r#ns a ro#te to another ?one9 SA< sho#l% contin#e his %rop an% loo( for V. to r#n a ro#te in his
?one. SA<Is lan%ar( for his %rop is .8 yar%s in front of Bhere V. line% #p.
4. 3f V. clears his ?one9 he sho#l% p#ll #p loo( for a crossing ro#te fro the opposite si%e 5e.g.9 %rag or
cross7
A. 3f no ro#tes shoB in his ?one9 SA< sho#l% loo( to the V3 receiver coing o#t of the $ac(fiel% to the flat.
3f V3 is not a threat9 he sho#l% Bor( toBar%s the i%%le rea%ing the &#arter$ac( an% $rea(ing on the throB.
@. 3f SA< is to a one receiver si%e9 the V4 receiver Bill $e in the $ac(fiel%. He sho#l% first rea% the V.
receiver 5#s#ally the T67 then the near $ac(. 3f no ro#tes shoB9 SA< loo(s for crossing ro#tes fro the other si%e.
()*E $responsibe for hook+cur%
When <306 is to the tBo receiver si%eH
.. Loo( to the V4 receiver to r#n a pass ro#te to the sea or hoo( ?ones
4. 3f V4 r#ns o#t of his ?one9 <306 loo(s to the V. receiver to r#n an insi%e ro#te fro the o#tsi%eH &#ic(
post9 c#rl9 slant9 or a %ig.
3. 3f V. clears his ?one9 <306 loo(s for a ro#te into the -hole/ or a crossing ro#te fro the other si%e.
4. 3f nothing shoBs9 loo( at V3 o#t of the $ac(fiel%.
When <306 is to the one receiver si%eH
.. 3f the V. receiver is a T69 loo( to the receiver to r#n a ro#te in the sea or hoo( ?ones.
4. 3f the V. receiver is a Bi%e receiver9 loo( for a &#ic( post9 %ig9 or c#rl.
3. 3f V. %oes not r#n a ro#te into his ?one9 <306 loo(s for a crossing ro#te or a ro#te into the hole fro the
other si%e.
4. 3f no ro#tes shoB9 he sho#l% loo( to the V4 receiver 5ost of the tie a $ac( o#t of the $ac(fiel%7 to r#n a
sea or hoo(.
,)-- inebacker $responsibe for hook+cur%
When W3LL is to the tBo receiver si%eH
.. Loo( to the V4 receiver to r#n in the c#rl9 sea9 or hoo( ?one.
4. 3f the V4 receiverIs ro#te ta(es hi o#t of W3LLIs ?one9 loo( to the o#tsi%e for the V. receiver to r#n a
&#ic( post9 c#rl9 slant or a %ig into his ?ones.
3. 3f the V. receiver r#ns o#t of his ?one9 W3LL sho#l% loo( for a ro#te fro the opposite si%e into the hole
or other crossing ro#te.
4. 3f nothing shoBs9 loo( for the V3 receiver o#t of the $ac(fiel% in the hoo( or sea ?ones.
When W3LL is on the one receiver si%eH
.. Loo( to the V. receiver to r#n a ro#te into the sea9 hoo(9 or c#rl ?one.
4. 3f the V. receiver clears his ?one9 chec( for a ro#te into the hole fro the other si%e or another crossing
ro#te for the other si%e.
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Stack 4-4 Defense
3. 3f nothing shoBs9 W3LL loo(s for the V4 receiver 5#s#ally o#t of the $ac(fiel%7 to r#n a sea or hoo(
ro#te.
.'N/)T $responsibe for the fat%
When +A"D3T is on the tBo receiver si%eH
.. Loo( for the V4 receiver to r#n a pass ro#te in the flat. 3f aligne% on a slot9 protect against a &#ic( 2et
ro#te an% any &#ic( insi%e ro#tes 5&#ic( post9 hitch7.
4. 3f V4 r#ns a ro#te into another ?one9 contin#e the %rop to the flat ?one9 loo(ing for the V. receiver to r#n a
&#ic( insi%e ro#te or a ro#te into his ?one.
3. 3f V. clears his ?one9 he sho#l% p#ll #p loo( for a crossing ro#te fro the opposite si%e 5e.g.9 %rag or
cross7
4. 3f no ro#tes shoB in his ?one9 +A"D3T sho#l% loo( to the V3 receiver coing o#t of the $ac(fiel% to the
flat. 3f V3 is not a threat9 he sho#l% Bor( toBar%s the i%%le rea%ing the &#arter$ac( an% $rea(ing on the throB.
A. 3f +A"D3T is to a one receiver si%e9 the V4 receiver Bill $e in the $ac(fiel%. He sho#l% first rea% the
release of the V. receiver to protect against a &#ic( insi%e ro#te 5slant9 hitch9 etc.7 then the near $ac(. 3f no ro#tes
shoB9 +A"D3T loo(s for crossing ro#tes fro the other si%e.
Stack 4-4 Defense
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Cover . is an-to-an coverage Bith the 1ree Safety (eying the $all9 playing centerfiel%9 an% $ac(ing #p the other
%efen%ers. He Bill 2#p any vertical release $y a V4 receiver. The coverage Bill typically $e #se% in co$ination Bith a
$lit?ing line$ac(er 5-%og/ coverage7. +ase responsi$ilitiesH
.. 1re% , 1reeQ or V4 receiver to SA<Is si%e if SA< is st#nting
4. Corner$ac(s - V. receiver
3. SA< , tBo receiver si%eH st#nt or V4 receiver 5#s#ally the Tight 6n%7Q one receiver si%eH st#nt or first
$ac( o#t his si%e
4. <306 , st#nt or first $ac( o#t his si%e
A. W3LL , st#nt or first $ac( o#t his si%e
@. +A"D3T , one receiver si%eH st#nt or first $ac( o#t his si%e9 tBo receiver si%eH V4 receiver

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'over /
Cover 8 is an-to-an press coverage. The coverage Bill typically $e #se% in co$ination Bith tBo $lit?ing line$ac(ers
5-$lit?/ coverage7. +ase responsi$ilitiesH
.. 1re% , Tight 6n% 5%isg#ise as Cover .7
4. Corner$ac(s - V. receiver. !o Bith any otion. 3f V. is a T69 cover V4 to the tBo or three receiver si%e
3. SA< , St#nt or V4 receiver 5#s#ally near $ac(7
4. <306 , St#nt or V3 receiver 5first $ac( o#t his si%e7
A. W3LL , St#nt or V4 receiver 5first $ac( o#t his si%e7
@. +A"D3T , St#nt or V4 receiver 5first $ac( o#t his si%e7

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Stack 4-4 Defense

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Stack 4-4 Defense
%oer
Attac( coverage that can $e r#n to any 4:. foration , chec( to cover 3 if there is a one $ac( $ac(fiel%. The safety Bill
(ey the V4 receiver to the tBo receiver si%e an% 2#p the receiver r#nning the insi%e ro#te. 3f the safety rea%s r#n9 he
Bor(s thro#gh V4 receiver to the alley to a(e s#re it is not a play action pass.
A%vantagesH
.. A$le to get 1S to $oth si%es of the $all for r#n s#pport , gets #s E g#ys on r#n s#pport an% still $e a$le to
contain the pass
4. A$le to get control of V4 %eep on any vertical ro#tes.
3. Lets insi%e L+ play r#n $eca#se V4 is alBays controlle% vertically to T6 si%e.
4. 'verloa% coverage to 4 receiver si%e
A. Alignents $len% in Bith playing o#r other three coverages 5Cover 39 Cov. 8 - $lit?9 an% Cov. . - %og7.
Lia$ilitiesH
.. 3 step si%eline c#t
4. V3 vertical 5$ac(s o#t of $ac(fiel%7
3. Can #se only verse 4 $ac( or f#ll ho#se schees. Chec( to cover 3 vs. AC6 forations
Position Alignment .eys 1esponsibility Technique
Fi+e S!lit or stac+ Near ,ac+ through /
and 9enter
RunG Same as stac+/s!lit"
PassG >oo+ and vertical
route ,y near ,ac+
E$ near ,ac+ e?!ands loo+ u!
A' receiver6 i$ near ,ac+
,loc+s* .or+ to hoo+ 0one6 i$
,ac+ goes vertical* cover man
to man
%ill S!lit or stac+ Near ,ac+ through /
and 9enter
RunG Same as stac+/s!lit"
PassG >oo+/9url and
vertical route ,y near ,ac+
E$ near ,ac+ e?!ands loo+ u!
A' receiver6 i$ near ,ac+
,loc+s* .or+ to hoo+ 0one6 i$
,ac+ goes vertical* cover man
to man
SAF S!lit or stac+ TE* near ,ac+ RunG same as stac+/s!lit"
PassG -lats and any out
and u! ,y $lat receiver
(.heel)
Same as stac+/s!lit
+ T T
"
W *
S
C
C
,S
T
,lat ,lat Wea) 5oo)(Curl
Curl
5oo)
&(> &(>
Stack 4-4 Defense
Position Alignment .eys 1esponsibility Technique
3andit S!lit or stac+ Near ,ac+ through T RunG same as stac+/s!lit"
PassG -lats and any out
and u! ,y $lat receiver
(.heel)
Same as stac+/s!lit
9orner C yards dee! one
yard inside A'6
H? i$ A' is the TE
or a strong .ing6
ta+e normal
alignment (8?' on
a .ide A') to the
receiver side"
'" Ne
arest uncovered
lineman
" 3ac
+$ield $lo.
5" 3all
level
<" 23
8" A'
receiver
PassG Dee! =
-lo. to 1 secondary
contain close !lay outside
in
-lo. a.ay 1 ta+e !ursuit
angle to cut o$ !lay in case
in it ,rea+s"
)!tion # !itch
Ierse A' %ideG
'" Slo. ,ac+
!edal $or de!th (.al+)*
+ee!ing shoulders square to
the ()S and maintaining
inside leverage on A'"
" Slo.
retreat $rom your original
alignment .hile you are
reading ,all level" This is
designed to hel! l you react
to the 5 # Ste! !assing
game" Drive u! on 5 ste!
routes
5" (andmar+
on dro! is ' yard outside
hash"
<" Ierse
ta+e#o$$ utili0e 0one turn
Is" A' TE
'" Sit and
,ounce $or recognition o$
lane o$ ,all and ,loc+/
release o$ TE
" S+ate to a
landmar+ l to yards outside
hash
5" Ierse TE
inside release* antici!ate
corner route
<" Kee!
threat inside and in $ront
-red Normal alignment
C yards dee!"
9heat to head u!
Tac+le to
receiver side late
'" Ne
arest uncovered
lineman
" 3ac
+$ield $lo.
5" 3all
level
<" Rel
ease o$ A receiver to
the receiver side
PassG 9url
Run toG Alley
Run a.ayG 9ut,ac+
)!tionG 23 to !itch
'" PassG +ey
release o$ A to the
receiver side and 7ro,J the
inside route loo+ing $or a ,ig
hit or interce!tion"
" E$ A goes
to $lat loo+ $or A' to run
inside route6 i$ A goes
vertical* loc+ on A6 i$ A
crosses o!!osite* .or+ over
the to! and loo+ $or A'
o!!osite"
5" Run toG
.or+ through A to the alley
to ma+e sure it is not a !lay
action !ass"
<" E$ TE
,loc+s do.n* $ill outside6 i$
TE reaches inside* loo+ to A
/a!6 i$ TE +ic+s out on end1
loo+ $or counter then !lay
a.ay
Stack 4-4 Defense
(nvert 'over ) 9 :(N;-%T<
*#n s#pport an% 1re% Dog coverage.
Sae as *o$$er e:cept of 1re% Bho lines #p hea% #p center @-C yar%s %eep. 'n f#ll floB9 1re% 2#ps the
alley on r#n s#pport. 1re% Bor(s thro#gh V4 receiver 5insi%e receiver7 to a(e s#re it is not a play action pass. 'n
split floB or %rop $ac(9 1re% has %eep hole if the rea% is pass.
Call against any tBo $ac( set. Chec( Cover 3 if Ace or 6pty
Corners align D yar%s hea% #p V.. Drop to halves coverage loo(ing for play action or plays that $rea(.
Line$ac(ers play sae as Cover 3L*o$$er
W+ T T
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W *
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C
C
,S
S+
&(>?s
&(>?s
Strong
5oo)(Curl
Wea)
5oo)(Curl
,lat
Deep 5ole
-n!ert Co!er >
S!lit -lo.
-ull -lo.
,lat
Stack 4-4 Defense
Co!er > ,ormation Ad7ustments
W+ T T
"
W *
S+
C C
,S
S
W+ T T
"
W *
C C
,S
S S+
W+ T T
"
W *
S+
C C
,S
S
Stack 4-4 Defense
W+ T T "
W *
S+
C C
,S
S
W+ T T "
W *
S+
C
C
,S
S
W+ T T
"
W *
S+
C
C
,S
S
Stack 4-4 Defense
Pursuit Angles
Stack 4-4 Defense
+
T T
"
W *
S
C
C
,S
+
+
T T
"
W *
S
C
C
,S
+
"ase Co!er % Pursuit Angles
Strong Side S@eep
"ase Co!er % Pursuit Angles
Wea) side S@eep
Stack 4-4 Defense
Stack 4-4 Defense
Stunt Pac)ages
Line stunts
The folloBing line st#nts are #se% Bith o#r $ase ?one coverage 5Cover 37. "one of the st#nts affect any of the line$ac(er
%rops or coverages. At the snap of the $all9 the interior linean Bill #se a rip techni&#e to penetrate their gap
responsi$ility. The rip techni&#e is an aggressive penetrating charge into the gap. 3n a rip techni&#e9 the first step is alBays
to the gap $eing protecte%. The gap si%e ar9 leg9 an% hip #st $e (ept free. *ip the forear aBay fro the gap thro#gh
the o#tsi%e e%ge of the chest plate to #n%er the arpit of the offensive linean. AlBays stay s&#are to the line of
scriage an% %o not penetrate $eyon% the heels of the offensive linean #ntil the $all is locate%. The insi%e line$ac(ers
have the gap not covere% $y the st#nting linean
%trong %lant , calle% to strong si%e

'ea/ %lant C calle% to Bea( si%e
%lant to C calle% to 4 receiver si%e +ield %lant C calle% to Bi%e si%e of fiel%
T&A C alBays r#n to the open si%e. 6n%
goes first
PI*.
O"T
6 S T T 6 6 S T T 6
6 S T T 6
Wi%e si%e +o#n%ary si%e
6 S T T 6
. receiver si%e 4 receiver si%e
6 S T T 6 6 S T T 6
6 S T T 6
Stack 4-4 Defense
Stack 4-4 Defense
Dogs
-Dogs/ are five an pass r#shes 5one line$ac(er an% fo#r %efensive lineen7 #se% in con2#nction Bith Cover .. 3nsi%e
line$ac(ers Bill give a *6D call 5-*e%9 *e%9 *e%OOO/7 to chec( o#t of any st#nt %epen%ing on gae plan an% sco#ting
report
SP/-T "AND-T " D03
Position AlignentLTechni&#e *#n !ap Pass Coverage
6"D +ase D *#sh N+ o#tsi%e in
SA< +ase C <an V4
Tac(le +ase + 3nsi%e r#sh N+ near n#$er
Tac(le Wha - *ip Bea( A gap Wea( A 3nsi%e r#sh N+ near n#$er
+"D Wha - +ase Wea( CLD *#sh N+ o#tsi%e in
<306 +ase A <an V3 5first $ac( o#t his si%e7 or
W3LL +ase Wea( D <an V4 5first $ac( o#t his si%e7
+A"D3T Cheat to E8 alignent an%
$lit? Bea( + gap
Wea( + 3nsi%e r#sh N+
Corner +ase Secon%ary contain <an V.
1re% +ase Alley s#pport insi%e
o#t
1ree.
-*6D/ call if offense is in a trips foration 53:.7
3f +A"D3T is a%2#sting to the V4 receiver to the Bea( si%e 5e.g.9 tBins or slot79 he gives a hot call to
W3LL co#nicating that W3LL is the Bea( si%e $lit?er.
Can $e r#n Bith 13*6 coverage Bith the three non $lit?ing line$ac(ers %ropping strong9 i%%le9 an%
Bea( #n%erneath ?ones 5see ?one $lit? section7.
& % T T &
( ' )
* *
+
V.
V4
V.
V3 V4
Stack 4-4 Defense
SP/-T "AND-T C D03
SA< +ase C <an V4
Tac(le SLA< - *ip Bea( A gap Wea( A 3nsi%e r#sh N+ near n#$er
6"D SLA< , *ip Bea( + gap Wea( + 3nsi%e r#sh N+
<306 +ase A <an V3 5first $ac( o#t his si%e7
$lit? Bea( C gap. Aiing
point is near $ac(s o#tsi%e
sho#l%er
Wea( C *#sh N+ o#tsi%e in
o#t
1ree.
& % T T &
( ' )
* *
+
V.
V4
V.
V3 V4
Stack 4-4 Defense
SP/-T W-// " D03
SA< +ase C <an V4
Tac(le *ip Bea( A gap Wea( A 3nsi%e r#sh N+ near n#$er
6"D +ase Wea( C *#sh N+ o#tsi%e in
W3LL +lit? Bea( + gap Wea( + 3nsi%e r#sh
+A"D3T +ase Wea( D <an V4 5first $ac( o#t his si%e7
o#t
1ree.
& % T T &
( ' )
* *
+
V.
V4
V.
V3 V4
Stack 4-4 Defense
SP/-T W-// A D03
SA< +ase C <an V4
Tac(le *ip Bea( + gap Wea( + 3nsi%e r#sh N+ near n#$er
W3LL +lit? Bea( A gap Wea( A 3nsi%e r#sh
o#t
1ree.
& % T T &
( ' )
* *
+
V.
V4
V.
V3 V4
Stack 4-4 Defense
SP/-T SA* D03
SA< +lit? thro#gh hip of Tac(le C *#sh N+ o#tsi%e in
Tac(le +ase Wea( + 3nsi%e r#sh N+ near n#$er
W3LL +ase Wea( A 3nsi%e r#sh
o#t
<an V4 to strong si%e 5#s#ally the T67
& % T T &
( ' )
* *
+
V.
V4
V.
V3 V4
Stack 4-4 Defense
,lit=es
-+lit?es/ are si: an pas r#shes 5tBo line$ac(er an% fo#r %efensive lineen7 #se% in con2#nction Bith Cover 8 5an to
an7. 3nsi%e line$ac(ers Bill give a *6D call 5-*e%9 *e%9 *e%OOO/7 to chec( o#t of any st#nt.
SP/-T A 3AP "/-TA
SA< +ase C <an V3 5first $ac( o#t his si%e7
Tac(le *ip + gap + 3nsi%e r#sh N+ near n#$er
Tac(le *ip Bea( + gap Wea( + 3nsi%e r#sh N+ near n#$er
<306 +lit? strong A gap A 3nsi%e r#sh
W3LL +lit? Bea( A gap Wea( A 3nsi%e r#sh
o#t
<an V4 5T67
3f g#ar%s ta(e a Bi%er split than 4I9 Bal( #p to the line $efore the snap an% 2#p the gap.
& % T T &
( ' )
* *
+
V.
V4
V.
V3 V4
Stack 4-4 Defense
SP/-T " 3AP "/-TA
Tac(le *ip A gap. A 3nsi%e r#sh N+ near n#$er
<306 +lit? strong + gap + 3nsi%e r#sh
o#t
<an V4 5T67
Tac(le an% "ose loo( for N+ snea(9 1+ %ive9 an% i%line trap. Cannot $e trappe%.
<306 an% W3LL #st rea% Tac(les $loc(. 3f he is $loc(ing %oBn9 %o not get hoo(e% or seale% insi%e
, a%2#st ro#te thro#gh o#tsi%e sho#l%erLhip off offensive Tac(le
& % T T &
( ' )
* *
+
V.
V4
V.
V3 V4
Stack 4-4 Defense
SP/-T T-TAN "/-TA
'#tsi%e line$ac(ers $lit?ing strong D an% Bea( C gaps.
6"D +lit? C !ap 5SA< goes
first7
C *#sh N+ o#tsi%e in
SA< *ip D !ap D *#sh N+ o#tsi%e in
6"D *ip Bea( + gap Wea( + 3nsi%e r#sh
<306 +ase + <an V3 5first $ac( o#t his si%e7
+A"D3T +lit? Bea( C gap Wea( C *#sh N+ o#tsi%e in
o#t
<an V4 5T67
6"DIs aiing point is o#tsi%e sho#l%er of near $ac(
Can $e r#n as T3TA" D'! Bhich is 2#st the strong si%e r#nning the st#nt
& % T T &
( ' )
* *
+
V.
V4
V.
V3 V4
Stack 4-4 Defense
ST10N3 S/ANT "AC.+1S ,-1+
Tac(le *ip + gap + 3nsi%e r#sh N+ near n#$er
<306 +lit? strong A gap A 3nsi%e r#sh
o#t
<an V4 5T67
Can $e r#n Bith Wea( Slant <oBer
& % T T &
( ' )
* *
+
V.
V4
V.
V3 V4
Stack 4-4 Defense
7one ,lit=es
3n the ?one $lit? schee 5-13*6/79 1re% is (ept in the i%%le of fiel% free9 the corners are an coverage on V. receivers9
an% three %efen%ers fro the tac(le $o: are %roppe% to #n%erneath ?ones 5strong9 i%%le9 an% Bea(7. The %efen%ers
%ropping to the #n%erneath ?one co$ine coverage responsi$ility to cover the tight en% an% the tBo r#nning $ac(s.
A%vantages of the ?one $lit? scheeH
.. Pass protection #st acco#nt for all eight %efen%ers in the $o: ca#sing the to $e ore conservative an%
(eeping ore receivers in to $loc(.
4. Since Be ay %rop %efensive en%s into coverage9 this ay ca#se soe lineen to $loc( air.
3. !ives a %efense ore fle:i$ility in $lit?ing line$ac(ers to get a five an r#sh
=one $lit? coverage can $e #tili?e% Bith any %og 5five an pass r#sh7 not involving <i(e or any o#tsi%e $lit? st#nt 5$lit?es
not involving <306 an% W3LL7.
Pattern 1eads
S$r%n& '%ne
The %efen%er %ropping strong ?one sho#l% %rop to a position that Bill alloB hi to aintain o#tsi%e leverage on the V4
receiver 5#s#ally the T67. He (eys the V4 receiver to the V3 receiver 5#s#ally a $ac(7. 3f V4 r#ns a ro#te to the flat9 he
sho#l% 2#p hi ie%iately an% cover hi an-to-an. 3f the V4 receiver r#ns a vertical ro#te an% V3 r#ns a ro#te to the
flats9 the %efen%er sho#l% gain %epth an% s&#ee?e V4 insi%e. He sho#l% Bait #ntil the V3 receiver crosses his face $efore he
Bi%ens to the flat. 3f V4 r#ns a vertical ro#te an% V3 $loc(s or r#ns an insi%e ro#te9 the %efen%er sho#l% loc( on V4 an%
e:pect help fro the safety. 3f V 4 r#ns a crossing pattern9 he sho#l% alert the insi%e line$ac(ers Bith a -<i%%le-<i%%le/
call an% contin#e his %rop foc#sing on $ac(s releasing his si%e.
Middle '%ne
The %efen%er %ropping i%%le ?one sho#l% %rop to a position that Bill alloB hi to aintain insi%e leverage on the V4
receiver 5#s#ally the T67. He also (eys the V4 receiver to the V3 receiver 5#s#ally a $ac(7. 3f V4 r#ns a vertical ro#te9 he
sho#l% gain %epth aintaining insi%e leverage an% loo( #p V3. 3f V3 $loc(s or r#ns a ro#te to the flat9 he loc(s on V4. 3f V3
r#ns a crossing pattern 5crosses his face7 he sho#l% release V4 an% cover V3. 3f V4 r#ns a crossing ro#te9 he sho#l% 2a hi
S
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Stack 4-4 Defense
an% a(e hi %eepen his ro#te an% give an -3"-3"/ call. He sho#l% loc( on V4 #nless the Bea( ?one %efen%er echoes the
-3"-3"/ call an% the Bea( si%e V4 5#s#ally a $ac(7 crosses his face. 3f the V4 receivers r#n crossing patterns the i%%le
?one %efen%er an% the Bea( ?one %efen%er sBitch coverages.
Weak '%ne
The %efen%er responsi$le for the Bea( ?one sho#l% open #p an% %rop to a position that Bill alloB hi to cover the V4
receiver to the Bea( si%e 5#s#ally a $ac(7 fro an insi%e o#t position. 3f the V4 receiver r#ns a crossing ro#te 9 the %efen%er
sho#l% 2a hi an% loc( on #nless he his given a -3"-3"/ call fro the i%%le ?one %efen%er. 3f this occ#rs9 the %efen%ers
sho#l% sBitch coverages. He sho#l% cover the Bea( si%e V4 receiver on all other patterns.
The %iagras $eloB %eonstrate the application of this concept
Stack 4-4 Defense
Titan ,ire
This is the sae st#nt as the Titan $lit? e:cept for 6"D Bho is %ropping into coverage.
6"D +ase D Drop strong ?one
SA< *ip C !ap C *#sh N+ o#tsi%e in
<306 +ase + Drop i%%le ?one
W3LL +ase Wea( D Drop Bea( ?one
+A"D3T +lit? + gap Wea( + 3nsi%e r#sh
o#t
1ree
+A"D3T is the a%2#ster to all -AC6/ forations. 3f +A"D3T is a%2#sting to an AC6 foration9 he
gives a sBitch call to W3LL co#nicating that W3LL #st $e the Bea( si%e $lit?er
SA<Is aiing point is o#tsi%e sho#l%er of near $ac(
& % T T &
( ' )
* *
+
V.
V4
V.
V3 V4
Strong <i%%le Wea(
Stack 4-4 Defense
SP/-T 106+1 C ,-1+
This is the sae as +A"D3T C !ap Dog e:cept for #sing ?one coverage
SA< +ase C Drop strong ?one
6"D *ip Bea( + gap Wea( + 3nsi%e r#sh N+
<306 +ase A Drop i%%le ?one
W3LL +ase Wea( D Drop Bea( ?one
$lit? Bea( C gap. Aiing
point is near $ac(s o#tsi%e
sho#l%er
Wea( C *#sh N+ o#tsi%e in
o#t
1ree.
+A"D3T is the a%2#ster to all -AC6/ forations. 3f +A"D3T is a%2#sting to an AC6 foration9 he
gives a sBitch call to W3LL co#nicating that W3LL #st $e the Bea( si%e $lit?er
3f the offense is in a 4:4 foration of tBins9 +A"D3T Bill call -sBitch9 sBitch9 sBitch/ to alert
W3LL he is $lit?ing instea% of +A"D3T since +A"D3T is re&#ire% to $e involve% in pass coverage
& % T T &
( ' R
* *
+
V.
V4
V.
V3 V4
Strong <i%%le Wea(
Stack 4-4 Defense
BC 3oal /ine
Position Stance(Alignment
Technique
!s 1un !s Pass Coaching
Points
+nd !t "# inside $oot u!
>eavy & technique(outside eye
o$ end man on line o$
scrimmage)
-lo. to # D /a! contain* squee0e $ield*
ta+e on ,loc+ers .ith inside shoulder
-lo. a.ay 1 trail dee!est ,ac+ loo+ing $or
,ootleg and reverse
-lo. outside 1 $ight outside +ee!ing
shoulders square* maintain outside
leverage
)!tion # 23
Rush 234s outside
in 1 landmar+ is
234s near shoulder
De$eat TE"
can not get
hoo+ed or
+ic+ed out
Tac+le 5!t" stance outside $oot u!
inside hand do.n
8 tech" (outside eye o$ Tac+le)
Attac+ through outside shin o$
tac+le
-lo. to 1 9 /a!
-lo. a.ay 1 squee0e 3 ga!* !ursuit $lat
do.n ()S loo+ $or cut,ac+
-lo. outside 1 slant to.ards D ga! loo+
$or cut,ac+
Rush 234s outside
in 1 landmar+ is
234s near shoulder"
Rush through )T
outside shoulder
Stay lo.* do
not !enetrate
,eyond heels
o$ the )T until
you $ind the
,all" Do not
get tra!!ed
3uard 5!t" stance inside $oot u!
outside hand do.n
' tech" (inside eye o$ /uard)
Pinch to the hi! o$ the center
-lo. toG A ga!* 23 snea+
-lo. a.ayG squee0e A /a!* !ursuit $lat
do.n -lo. outsideG slant to.ards 3 ga!
loo+ $or cut,ac+
3ull rush 23 1
landmar+ is 234s
near side num,er
Stay lo.* do
not !enetrate
,eyond heels
o$ the guard
until you $ind
the ,all" Do
not get
tra!!ed
SA*/
%E((
!t stance
:; technique (inside eye o$ TE
s!litting the inside $oot o$ the
de$ensive end
Ta+e normal de!th e?ce!t
never align .ith $eet in the end
0one
Key near ,ac+
-lo. toG 9 /a! $orce
-lo. a.ayG Strong side 3 ga!* !ursuit
inside out closing any o!en .indo.s $or
cut,ac+
-lo. outsideG D /a! $orce
Dro! ,ac+G seam
Pass to.ardG $lat
Pass a.ayG .ea+
hoo+
Never align
$eet in the end
0one6 never
ta+e !ass dro!
,eyond $ive
yards in the
end 0one
*-.+ !t stance
;; technique (head u! center)
Key 23 and $lo.
3 $orce ga! to side o$ $lo." Dro! ,ac+G hole
-lo. !assG strong
hoo+
"AND-T(
Corner
!t stance
#5 yards outside last man*
de!th de!ends on situation
-lo. toG outside contain
-lo. a.ayG sin+ hi!s slo. !lay loo+ing $or
!lay coming ,ac+
Dro! ,ac+G $lats
Pass to.ardG out
Pass a.ayG slo. to
!ursuit* ta+e end
man to man
Play slo.
.atch $or
thro.,ac+s*
counters*
reverse*
,ootleg
& T 6 6 T &
' ( % * )
Stack 4-4 Defense
Tac)ling *ethod and Drills
%easons for 6etho!
&D Saest *ethod
>D .ids @onEt need to relearn later # no@ taught at most colleges and high schools
%D -tEs eecti!e because it @ill minimiFe many common problemsG
aD Ta)ing eyes o target
bD Arm tac)ling
cD /ea!ing eet
dD No loc) up
eD No oot mo!ement or dri!e
D Not staying bet@een ball and goal line
4D Principles # Deri!ed rom "ud Wil)inson
aD Coaches main 7ob is to remo!e ear
bD Teach tac)ling hal speed o!er and o!er until theyEre really good
cD 1arely ta)e ball carrier to ground
dD Do ull contact only @hen theyEre really good and conident

2orm Ta&#ling Te&hni4ue
&D 5it :brea)do@n positionH )nees bentI tail bac)I arch in bac)I nec) against helmetI eyes
up;
>D ,it :numbers on numbersI helmet to side o ball carrierI eyes to s)yI upper body bet@een
ball carrier and goal line;
%D /oc) :At instant o contactI @rap arms around ball carrierEs armsI lit his shoulder pads
o;
4D /it :or@ard thrust o hips dri!e your hips into his body this @ill create lit;
CD Dri!e :use legsI upper body holds tightI mo!e ball carrier bac) or to sideline;
Ta&#ling Drill Prin&iples
&D Do not ta)e ball carrier to groundH insteadI Dri!e or C
>D -nsist on successul reps to build conidence
%D *atch drill participants by siFe and ability
4D Start as many as possible @ith practice snaps alternating bet@een &st and >nd string
J"(center
,orm Tac)le Drills
&D No PadsH ,orm tac)le
aD 1unner # stand erectI hands together behind bac)I head up
bD Tac)ler
&D 5it position
>D & eet rom runner
%D /oc)I litI dri!e or C
4D Arch bac) and )eep eyes to s)y
>D No PadsH ,orm Tac)le @ith Shield
aD Wyatt suggests this on >nd @ee) o camp
bD 4 linesI @ith 4 runners holding shields
cD 1unner # begin standing holding shield 7ust belo@ chinH bac) peddle upon contact @ith
moderate resistance
dD Tac)ler
Stack 4-4 Defense
&D 5it position % yards rom runner
>D /oc)I litI numbers on shieldI eyes to s)y
%D Dri!e or C
%D ,orm Tac)le @ith Shield :this drill and all belo@ @ith pads;
aD 1unner # mo!e or@ard into contactH shield 7ust belo@ chinH pro!ide moderate
resistance
bD Tac)lerI same as Drill > abo!e
4. ,orm Tac)le rom bac) peddle @ith shield
aD Tac)ler # bac) peddle C yards @ith eyes on target
bD Tac)ler re!erse direction and runner and tac)ler run to@ard each other
cD ,orm tac)le @ith dri!e or C
CD ,orm Tac)le =p(Do@n @ith shield
aD Tac)ler # bac) peddle C yardsI drop to groundI pop upI then do Drill %
BD ,orm Tac)le Wa!e Drill @ith shield
aD 0n 30 rom coachI runner and tac)ler side step to let %-4 steps in it positionI on
second 30I they go to right or %-4 stepsI on 30 they go letI on 5-TI they eKecute orm
tac)le
LD Perect Tac)le Drill
aD Do this at least once e!ery day at practiceD % lines runners go to tac)ler line and !ice
!ersa
bD +!eryone get a partner
cD -nsist on sound technique # i not goodI go to bac) o line
dD 1unner # stand erectI hands behind bac)I gi!e a small 7ump up and allo@ yoursel to be
carried
eD Tac)ler
D Chop eet at start
gD 5it position
hD B eet rom runner
iD /oc)I litI dri!e or C
7D Coaching pointG arch bac) and eyes to s)y

2i33 ) Goa3 Line Tac+3ing

Tackler and runner must keep head up.
Coaches AND players must be confdent before doing this drill
Tackler
C 5eels on goal line
C Attac) on command
C Stay bet@een runner and goal line until @histle blo@s
Ball Carrier
Fit position one yard from tackler with arms ready to receie
hando!
"un through tackler# not side to side# head and eyes up
Coach
$ie ball to ball carrier to start drill
Blow whistle when momentum is stopped or a score

Stack 4-4 Defense
2i33 ) Open Fie36 Tac+3e 2i33
Ball carrier and tackler in hit position# each about %& yds from
blocking dummy that's set up perpendicular to line between players
(n ")AD*# both start chopping feet# on $( moe forward to + yds
and pause with feet chopping
Coach stands behind tackler and points left or right
Ball carrier goes that direction
Tackler begin sideline tackle
,tay slightly inside -behind. ball carrier
Take shortest route to T/bone collision
0elmet in front and run through ball carrier
1hile trying to lock up 234("TANT 55 Turn neck and look into
runners rib cage 55
,tay on feet and drie
Don't need to fnish him o! 6 stop momentum and help will
come

2i33 ) Fi33 2i33
,et up 7/+ blocking dummies about 8 yds apart
Ball carrier and blocker stand at end of frst dummy about 8/9 yds
behind it
Coach signal a lane for ball carrier to run through
Ball carrier
Both hands on ball
,tay relatiely upright with head up
"un sideways then run through :hole; as signaled by coach
Tackler
4reent cutback by staying slightly inside -behind. to set up T/
bone and close in to not gie room for cut back
,tay s<uare
Closest holes are more head on# further ones more sideline

Stack 4-4 Defense
Personnel
Position
Attri$#tes Can%i%ates
Tac(les +est $ig en
6ither physically strong or &#ic( eno#gh not to get
t#rne% or $ase $loc(e%
Strength9 &#ic(ness9 an% the a$ility to #se leverage
can copensate for lac( of si?e
Agile eno#gh to s&#ee?e the trap play an% ove
laterally %oBn the line of scriage
Larger players Bith &#ic(ness are a $on#s 5not to $e
conf#se% Bith spee% an% height7
Defensive
6n%s
Do not have to $e the ost physical players
<#st $e agile an% %iscipline%
N#ic( an% agile eno#gh to play line$ac(er9 $#t can
ta(e a (ic(-o#t $loc( fro the poBer play an% s&#ee?e
it %oBn
Spee% an% height are a $on#s , strong en%
Si?e ore iportant for Bea( en%
3nsi%e
Line$ac(ers
'l% school line$ac(ers , aggressive9 physically
strong9 -nose for the $all/ an% goo% foot$all sense
The a$ility to get off $loc(s an% a(e plays
Discipline% in or%er to a(e the cross (eyL$ac(si%e
rea%
-<306/H
!enerally stronger
Co#nicator
<#st $e Billing to st#%y an% learn the
%efense
N+ on %efense , vocal9 eotional9 an%
physical lea%er
+igger an% sloBer than W3LL.
SA<
Line$ac(er
+est %efen%er
Si?e is not a factor , #st $e sart an% (noB hoB to
#se leverage
+A"D3T 6ither the 4th line$ac(er or 4th %efensive $ac(
<ost athletic line$ac(er
Strong safety9 onster type of player , the a%2#ster
>ersatile eno#gh to play r#n s#pport an% pass
!oo% open fiel% tac(ler
Corner$ac(s 1ast eno#gh to play an-to-an coverage
Proficient tac(lers
<entally %iscipline%
!oo% tiing an% goo% han%s
Accoplishe% $as(et$all players
Safety Discipline%9 s#re tac(ler
Defensive $ac( Bho hits li(e a line$ac(er
1iel% position an% $all sense
Centerfiel%er
;nselfish an% can folloB %irections
Stack 4-4 Defense
3ntelligent9 e:troverte% co#nicator , a(es
coverage calls an% a(es change in coverage %ecisions
Stack 4-4 Defense
1esources
*oaching +ootballDs %plit #<# 3eEense by Pete oble
The *omplete 6uide to Installing ## %plit 3eEense by Foe Roman
*omplete 6uide To The %plit<Pro 3eEense by 6ailord )ellamy
191 %plit #<# %tunts by 4eo .and
Fa@s oE 3eath 3eEense by Fohn *arbon ,Eree on the internet-
The #<#<! %tac/0%plit *omple= +or Gouth +ootball by Ted %eay ,Eree on the internet-

4 4 1 Defense Worksheet

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Stack 4-4 Defense Manual

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