Defense

DE          DT     DT          DE

LB               LB                     LB               LB

C                                                                                          C

S

The primary objective of the defensive unit is

to prevent the opponent from scoring. 

The secondary objective is to prevent the opponent

from gaining 10 yards and another “first down”. 

When the defensive unit successfully stops the opponent

after only three offensive plays and causes them to punt the ball,

it is called “3 and out”. 

When the defensive unit stops the opponent

after an unsuccessful fourth down attempt by the offense,

it is referred to as taking over on a “loss of downs”. 

Defensive units may also “recover a fumble” or “intercept a pass”

to gain possession of the football.

Defensive units have common formations

based on the number of defensive linemen and linebackers. 

For example, a 4-4 defense has 4 defensive linemen and 4 linebackers. 

 The most common defenses used by high schools are the

4-3, 4-4, 5-2, 5-3, and 6-2. 

Defensive linemen are normally designated as

Defensive Tackles (DT) and Defensive Ends (DE). 

When a defensive lineman is positioned over the offensive center,

he is referred to as a Nose Guard (NG). 

Linebackers (LB) are designated as

Inside Linebackers (ILB) and Outside Linebackers (OLB). 

They are further defined as

strongside or “SAM”, middle or “MIKE”, and weakside or “WILL”. 

Some schools refer to the additional linebacker as

the “Monster” backer,

or by their school mascot such as the “RAM” backer.

The remaining players are called the “secondary”. 

Their primary purposes are to tackle anyone

who has run past the “defensive front”

and to prevent the offense from completing a passing attempt. 

The defensive “secondary” is comprised of

Cornerbacks (C) and the Safety (S). 

They disrupt offensive passing plays by covering the receivers

using “man-to-man” or “zone” defenses. 

Man-to-man responsibilities are assigned by

numbering the offensive receivers. 

Zone defensive responsibilities are assigned by areas on the field. 

For example, a “3-deep zone” divides the field into thirds

with cornerbacks and the safety responsible for their designated areas. 

 Linebackers also have designated areas of responsibility. 

Normally those are referred to as

the “Flat”, “Hook”, and “Curl” areas

and correspond to offensive pass patterns.

Defensive lineman can alter their assignments to confuse offensive units

 by using techniques called “stunts”. 

Linebackers normally “read the play” to determine

whether it will be a running or passing play,

then go to their area of responsibility. 

They also alter their assignments through “stunts” or “blitzing”. 

 Occasionally, a cornerback or safety will also “blitz” to attack the offense.

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Last modified: 07/27/11