1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

3-4

Discussion in 'Other NFL' started by anlgp, Sep 26, 2008.

  1. anlgp

    anlgp ↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A

    As we all know (or should know if we don't) the 3-4 defense means three down lineman and 4 linebackers. The men up front are ends and a nose tackle with the nose tackle being arguably the most important person on the front line because he's responsible for two gaps (one on either side of the center). The ends are speedy enough to get around the outside to stuff the run or rush the passer.

    The linebackers are usually more agile then in the 4-3 because there's 4 of them instead of three. They do everything on the field from run blocking, pass blocking, zone coverage and man.

    I am a defensive minded guy. I love my football teams to be aggressive and full of energy and surprise on defense. I think there are things you can do with the 3-4 that you just can't do with the 4-3; namely the element of surprise. In the 4-3 you pretty much know who's going to blitz. In the 3-4 you have to account for that fourth Linebacker.

    Is he coming up to stop the run? Is he blitzing? Is he dropping back into coverage? Who's doing it?

    You just don't know. I also agree with pasqualoni (the dolphins defensive coach, spelling on his name) when he says in the 3-4 it's easier to train a man to come up and aide on the defensive line than it is to teach a natural 4-3 player to come back from the line into coverage.

    Feel free to add on to this post. I love discussing defense and in particular the 3-4. I figured I'd start this thread and find other 3-4 lovers.

    I've got a coaching book waiting in the wings after I get done this Phil Simms book. I peeked ahead and sure enough there's a section on the 3-4. When I read that I'll post it here.

    Help us all understand the 3-4 and the players responsibility in it to make it effective :yes:
     
  2. Yarg

    Yarg New Member

    146
    52
    0
    Jan 3, 2008
    Fort Myers, FL
    Pasqualoni was talking about it's easier to bring a safety up into the box from a 7 Man Even Front Base Defense, then it is to drop to a safety back from an 8 Man Odd Frontage.

    Also the personel on the field (3-4, 4-3, 46) doesn't make as much of a difference as the General Defensive Assignments and Coverages.

    The Jets, Dolphins, and Chargers all run the 3-4 but each defense plays different coverages, gap assignments, allows different players, and parts of the field open.

    Teams dont always run the same coverages and plays all the time but if you watch the film you can see what they like to use as their base defense.
     
    anlgp likes this.
  3. anlgp

    anlgp ↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A

    That's exactly the kind of stuff I was talking about! Thanks!
     
  4. anlgp

    anlgp ↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A

    -A formation of the 3-4 from "The Football Coaching Bible". It describes each players role.
     

Share This Page