4-3 Defense Blitz Package With Man Free Coverage
The 4-3 Defense allows you to be multiple and it also allows you to implement several different kinds of blitzes. There are several different types of coverages that can be implemented as well. Below is our 4-3 Defense Blitz Package with man free coverage. These blitzes all start with the letter S. This tells our defenders that the (SS) Strong Safety and (S) Sam linebacker are coming on a blitz. These 2 blitzes are all 6 man pressure concepts. This is just how we call our blitzes, you can change the names to fit you team’s language and scheme. These are excellent blitzes against spread formations.
4-3 Defense Blitz Packages
Storm
Storm is a blitz that attacks the off-tackle of the defense. It’s very similar to an overload blitz because this blitz is sending defenders through each blitz-side gap. When the DE slants out, it should create a free lane for the (SS).
DT: Dip and rip, slant back-side A-gap, cross the face of the center.
DT (backside): Slant B-gap.
DE: Contain. The defensive end must keep his outside shoulder free.
DE (backside): Backside contain, must keep his outside shoulder free.
S: Man to man coverage on the #2 (H). The (S) must maintain inside leverage. You can have him play press or you can have him play off man.
M: Blitzes play-side A-gap. The Mike should start creeping up once the offense begins the cadence. On ball movement, the M blitz the A-gap. Make sure he doesn’t give away which gap he is blitzing too early.
W: Man coverage on the #2 receiver. The (W) must maintain inside leverage. You can have him player press or off man coverage.
CB: Man to man coverage on the #1 receiver. You can either play press man or off man coverage. Must always maintain inside leverage.
CB: Man to man coverage on the #1 receiver. You can play press or off coverage. CB must have inside leverage.
FS: Show two deep shell, then roll to the middle of the field as the QB begins his cadence. He has deep middle 3rd coverage.
Coaching Points
- Run this blitz from the wide side of the field.
- Make sure the defensive end maintains outside leverage. If you are concerned about a swing pass to the RB you can have the DE play a peel technique. Meaning if the TB to his side runs on a swing, the DE takes him.
- Make sure your defensive linemen dip and rip.
Related Content: 4-3 Defense System for Youth Football
Snake
The Snake blitzes is very similar to the Storm blitz, but the only difference is the (SS) is rolling down and manning up on the #2 receiver, the (S) is blitzing off of the edge and the DE is slanting to B-gap. This is a better option than the Storm if you don’t want you DE to have to contain. I’m sure your (S) will be a better athlete than your DE, so it makes sense to have your (S) as the contain/force player, rather than you slower DE.
DT: Slant backside A-gap, dip and rip across center’s face.
DT (backside): Slant B-gap.
DE: Slant B-gap. It’s important that the DE dip and rips so that he doesn’t slant himself out of the play.
DE (backside): Contain.
S: Blitz off of the edge. Pre-snap show man to man coverage, once the QB begins his cadence he comes down and blitzes on ball movement.
M: Blitzes play-side A-gap. The Mike should start creeping up once the offense begins the cadence. On ball movement, the M blitzes the A-gap. Make sure he doesn’t give away which gap he is blitzing too early.
W: Man coverage on the #2 receiver. You can have him play press or off man coverage.
CB: Man to man coverage on #1.
CB: Man to man coverage on #1.
FS: Roll to the middle of the field when the QB begins his cadence. Has deep middle third.
SS: Roll down and cover the #2 receiver man to man.
Coaching Points
- All players must attack on ball movement, do not try and time the cadence.
- Defenders must to or adjust as soon as the QB begins his cadence.
