The document describes the key aspects of a 3-4 defensive alignment including having defensive linemen and linebackers focus on stopping the run while defensive backs defend against the pass, as well as discussing benefits like being balanced and fluid, coverages like Cover 2 and Cover 3, and ways to bring pressure like blitzing from the inside linebackers or defensive backs. The 3-4 defense maximizes athleticism, covers more of the field, and can disguise coverages and blitzes to pressure the offense from multiple positions.

1. 3-4 Defense
Alignment, Benefits, Philosophy Integration
Josh Abbott
EDU 209
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2. Benefits
 Balanced.
 Fluid rotations.
 Multiple ways to pressure the offense.
 Lets Athletes make plays in space.
 Speed and athleticism are maximized.
 More of the field is covered.

3. Philosophy
 Defensive Linemen and Linebackers support the run
first.
 Defensive Backs defend against the pass first.
 Pressure by the Linemen and Linebackers creates
coverage.

4. Alignment
fromtherumbleseat.com
 - Defensive Ends (DE) and Nose Tackle (NT) line up in a three or four point stance.
 - Linebackers (OLB/ILB) are four and a half yards off the ball with their feet about shoulder width apart.
 - Cornerbacks (CB) are lined up across from the Wide Receivers, ready to backpedal.
 - Safeties (SS/FS) are 10-12 yards off the ball, ready to backpedal.

5. Schemes
• Adjust to opposing offenses effectively
• Disguise coverages
• Hide blitz
• Multiple players can “spy”
cm-life.com

6. Schemes
DE DT DT DE DE DT DE
CB CB
CB CB
OLB OLB OLB OLB
MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB
4-4 3-5-3
FS SS
FS
DE DT DT DT DE DE DT DT DE
CB CB
MLB MLB CB OLB MLB OLB CB
SS
FS
SS
4-3
5-2 FS
 Defense easily translates to a 4-3, 3-5-3, 4-4 or 5-2

7. Pursuit Angles
Ball Flow
Go towards where the ball will be, not where it is.

8. Cover 2


Protect flats.
Deep halves.
Coverages
C DE NT DE C
OLB OLB
ILB ILB
SS
FS

9.  Cover 3
 Protect flats and
 the middle of the field.
Coverages
 Deep thirds.
C DE NT DE C
OLB OLB
ILB ILB
SS
FS

10.  Man
 Short yardage coverage. Coverages
 Physical.
C DE NT DE C
OLB OLB
ILB ILB
SS
FS

11. Bringing Pressure:
Defensive Line
Slant DE NT DE
DE NT DE
Angle
Pinch
Opposite
DE NT DE
DE NT DE
Contain
DE NT DE

12. Bringing Pressure:
Inside Linebackers
• Backside A-Gap • Playside B-Gap
• Playside C-Gap
DE NT DE
OLB OLB
ILB ILB
• Playside A-Gap

13. Bringing Pressure:
Outside Linebackers
 A-Gap
 B-Gap
 C-Gap
DE NT DE
OLB OLB
ILB ILB

14. Bringing Pressure:
Defensive Backs
• Corner Blitz
C DE NT DE C
OLB OLB
ILB ILB
SS • Free Safety Blitz
FS
• Strong Safety Blitz

15. Bringing Pressure:
Combo Blitz
Inside
Outside
Overload
C DE NT DE C
OLB OLB
ILB ILB
SS
FS

16. Review
 Maximizes athlete skill.
 Balanced
 Fast to the ball.
 Easy to shift formations.
 Disguise coverages.
 Brings pressure from all over the field.

17. C DE NT DE C
OLB OLB
ILB ILB
SS
FS