The Fire Man Blitz out of the 4-3 Defense is a simple blitz that we like against spread offenses. This blitz has the defensive linemen slant inside and the (M) blitz off of the edge. This is simple to execute but very difficult for the offense to pick up. This is a blitz that works very well on all age levels of youth football. This blitz is drawn up with man to man behind the blitz. However, you can easily play zone coverage behind this blitz.
Fire Man Blitz out of the 4-3 Defense
Related Content: 4-4 Defense Blitz Package for Youth Football
DT (blitz side): Slant A-gap.
DT: A-gap.
DE (blitz side): Dip and rip, slant B-gap.
DE: C-gap, contain (on a two-man surface).
S: B-gap.
M: Creep up once the QB begins cadence, then blitz off of the edge on ball movement. (M) must always maintain outside leverage.
W: Man on # 2 (Z).
CB: Man on (X).
CB: Man on (Y).
SS: Man on (H).
FS: Deep middle third.
Coaching Points
- You can have the (S) take the (T) out of the backfield on a pass out to the offense’s right. The blitzing (M) can play a peel technique. Peel technique is having the edge rusher/blitzer peel off and take a running back on a swing pass.
- You can easily play zone coverage behind this blitz as well.
- It’s important that the (M) doesn’t show blitz too early. We don’t want the offensive line to get any pre-snap reads. Make them have to react post-snap.
- If you are concerned about plays like QB Iso, you can roll the safety down in the box and play zero coverage (play at own risk!). With 6 defenders vs. 6 blockers the offense has the numbers advantage on the ISO play, so that is something that must be taken into account. You can base your decision to roll down the safety on the scouting report. If you know they have a mobile QB or they are a QB Iso team, you may want to bring the safety down so that you get another run defender.
- Slanting defensive linemen must dip and rip when they slant. You do not want they to slant themselves out of the play. Slanting defenders must maintain their gap responsibility. Do not get washed down.