DEFENSE AT _______________

3-3 STACK
DEFENSIVE PHILOSOPHY
PRINCIPLES OF THE 3-3 STACK DEFENSE
1. SWARM-This is the first and foremost principle of the defense. Great swarm prevents scores. In the final
analysis, the effectiveness of a defensive team is measured by number of points scored against it. This is also the
best way to "intimidate" an offense.
2. "OUT PHYSICAL" THE OPPONENT -Every Week our opponents must fear the idea of playing against a
tough, physical defense. There is a direct correlation between this and swarming ability. This also pertains to
being a great tackling team. We must tackle in a hard, aggressive, wrapping fashion. Mistackles will not be
tolerated. Mistackles is the disease that can completely cripple a defense.
3. ASSIGNMENT EXECUTION-Each man must know his individual assignment responsibility on every defense
and execute, to the best of his ability, each play. Any gambling or hunch defense by an individual can only lead to
a breakdown of our team effort and cause a long run or pass.
5. CONFIDENCE-When we break the huddle, we are confident in what we are doing. Confidence is contagious.
Cockiness is stupidity. We have a confident, fearless attitude about playing this game. We will be a great defense.
6. GAP CONTROL-Each man must defend his gap. We will have a shoulder pad in every gap.

RULES FOR
_____________ DEFENSIVE
FOOTBALL

RULE #1

G A T A
E F H U
T T E T
E I T
R R S
 RULE #2

HAVE FUN

GOOD DEFENSE STARTS WITH A GOOD HUDDLE

C S WP
KE N EG
F M
OUR SIDELINE
ENDS: Head up with eyes focused on .linebackers
BEARS: KODIAK and GRIZZLEY Take position next to ends- head up with eyes focused on LBs
NOSE: Set huddle 1 yard from the ball. Head up with eyes focused on LBs
MIKE: Take a position in front of the nose- will have the responsibility of calling:
1. get signal from sideline
2. call signal
3. break huddle after call (ready,…HIT) everyone clap on break
STUD: Take a position behind and between the End and Nose.
WIL: Take a position behind and between the End and Nose.
CORNERS: PANTHER and COUGAR Take positions in the rear of the huddle and listen to Mike’s call then Fox’s
FOX: Take a position in front of the End- will have the responsibility of calling:
1. down & distance
2. calling field position (wide side left or right)
3. PASS COVERAGE from D-back coach on sideline. Make call after Mike makes the front call.

GENERAL PROCEDURES:
1. Front line- Stand straight up with hands on hips, eyes focused on linebackers. Keep hands on thigh pads.
2. No unnecessary talking in huddle. Do not lean on teammates.
3. 1f you do not hear the signal, say: "check". Mike will repeat the call.

NEVER LEAVE THE HUDDLE WITHOUT KNOWING THE DEFENSE.

BE AWARE of the no huddle offense!!!!!
4. There may be a time when we want the entire defense to huddle on the sideline during a
time out.

2
 CALLING THE DEFENSE
The defense is called in the following manner
1. Line movement
2. The front
3. The stunt/blitz, if one is being employed
4. The coverage
Example:
PINCH STACK RED-Ends Pinch to inside gap, Stack alignment with secondary employing cover 3
NOTES:
-STUD- OLB that will always go to the TE; if 2 TEs or no TEs, go to the call side.
-WIL- OLB that will always go away from STUD (usually SE side)

ALIGNMENT NUMBERING SYSTEM

GAPS
D C B A A B C D

8 96 7 5 4 4I 3 2 1 0 1 2 3 4I 4 5 769 8
TECHNIQUES

Even numbers are head up on the offensive lineman.

Odd numbers are a shade alignment on the offensive lineman.
Linebacker alignments will be designated by adding a 0.

TECHNIQUES:
0-align head on center- keep left or right arm free depending on call
1- align on inside shoulder of guard-keep inside arm free
2- align head on guard- keep inside arm free
3- align on outside shoulder of guard-keep outside arm free
4- align head on tackle- lineman keep inside or outside arm free depending on call. LBs keep outside arm free.
4i -align inside ear hole of tackle
5- align on outside shoulder of tackle- keep outside arm free
6- align head on TE- keep outside arm free
7- align on inside shoulder of TE- keep inside arm free
8- align head on wing or in 8 on/off position 1 ½ yds. outside TE keep outside arm free
9- align on outside shoulder of TE- keep outside arm free

3
 3-3 STACK DEFENSIVE PERSONNEL

E N E
G K
P W S
M
C

NOSE:
Quicker and more athletic than End. Will align in a 0, Shade, or a 1 technique. Must never be double-teamed or
reached.
ENDS:
Size and strength are the qualities needed at this position. Will align in a 3,4, or 5 technique.
KODIAK:
Strong side Bear. 3 yards deep and 3 yards outside the LMOL. Will align to the Tight End side or strong side of
the formation. Physical and disciplined run defender with ability to cover backs man-to-man. "great athlete"
GRIZZLEY:
Open side Bear. 3 yards deep and 3 yards outside the LMOL. Will align to the open side or weak side of the
formation. Physical and disciplined run defender with ability to cover backs man-to-man. "great athlete"
MIKE:
Middle linebacker. Will align in a 00 stack behind the Nose. RUN-STOPPER FIRST! Inside out to the ball
player. Must be most physical player yet possess the ability to run. Align with heels at 4 ½ yards.
STUD:
Strong side linebacker. Will normally align in a 40 stack technique behind the End to the strong side.(tight end)
Downhill, aggressive run-stopper. Versatility and discipline are a must for this position. Responsible for cutback
and counter on flow away. Align with heels at 4 yards.
WILL:
Open side linebacker. Will normally align in a 40 stack technique behind the End to the open or weak side.
Downhill, aggressive run-stopper. Versatility and discipline are a must for this position. Responsible for cutback
and counter on flow away. Align with heels at 4 yards.
COUGAR:
Strong Cornerback. Speed, athletic ability, and aggressive attitude are important assets for this position. Will
play to the passing strength (2 receiver) side
PANTHER:
Quick Cornerback. Speed, athletic ability, and aggressive attitude are important assets for this position. Will play
to the single receiver or short side of the field.
FOX:
Free Safety. Must be a great athlete. Run and pass player with the knowledge to recognize formations and
tendencies. Must be able to make formation and coverage calls.

4
 GAP RESPONSIBILITIES
All gap responsibilities will be based on the stunt gaps that follow.
This system will allow us to be extremely aggressive and execute multiple
stunts. Because we will be stunting on 90 % on our defensive plays, gap
responsibilities will change very often. The basic rule is that you must be
able to secure your gap responsibility based on the call. Take note that
the gap numbers change based on offensive strength. Our ENTIRE
defense is based on the following rules.

STUNT GAPS
QUICK SIDE=EVEN #‘S STRONG SIDE=ODD #‘S

8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7
RULES:

STRENGTH- MIKE LB will always call the strength with a ODD RIGHT
or ODD LEFT call. It is imperative that this be done quickly so that the blitzers
can establish their gaps. Strength rules are as follows:
1) Strength to single TE.
2) If two Tight Ends---Strength to the 2 receiver side
3) If 2 Tight Ends balanced---Strength to Field

LINEBACKERS- If your position letter is first in the call, then you go first in
the stunt. Example: “WhaM 24". The Wil goes first to the 2 gap, and the Mike goes
second to the 4 gap.

ENDS- If you hear your gap responsibility #, pinch to the inside gap.

NOSE- If you get a 1 call, go opposite. If you get a 1 and a 2 call, hit
the center then drop and find ball.

5
 POSITION AREAS
Defensive Ends
A. STANCE
We will use a 3 point Sprinter’s stance with the feet shoulder width apart and the inside hand down.
Always step with the gap side foot first. Use a Five Finger base with the down hand extended about
3 inches in front of the helmet. This puts the weight forward. The tail should be higher than the
shoulders. Keep your head up and neck butted. Your eyes should be forward grasping the entire area
around your key. The weight of your stance should be on the extended arm. Align as close to the
offensive Lineman as possible. Crowd the line of scrimmage.
B. ALIGNMENTS
STACK-4 Techs EAGLE-5 tech strong BEAR-3 techs LION-3 tech strong
-3 tech weak -5 tech weak

TIGER-4 Techs

C. TECHNIQUES:
Attack the near shoulder of the Offensive lineman toward which you are moving. Take one step toward your
gap and 2 steps of hard penetration then redirect and find the football. The End should be reading the
block of the offensive player toward whom he is moving. The End attacks the offensive lineman’s
shoulder and follows the shoulder. He should READ ON THE RUN and focus on the V of the Lineman's
neck. The End does not sit & wait to see the blocking scheme.

KEYS
A. KEY:
Your key will always be the gap shoulder of the man you are moving toward unless there is a stunt call.

D. BLOCKING SCHEMES:

1. DOWN BLOCK- END steps with his gap foot, then rips to the shoulder on his second step. If the shoulder
disappears, he squeezes down (inside) and finds the football.

2. REACH BLOCK- END steps with his gap foot, then rips to the shoulder on his second step. If the shoulder comes
to him, he fights through it and finds the football.

6
3. CUTOFF BLOCK- END steps with his gap foot, then rips to the shoulder on his second step. If the shoulder
disappears inside, he chases it and finds the football.

E
4. FOLD BLOCK- END steps with his gap foot, then rips to the shoulder on his second step. If the shoulder
disappears outside, he chases it, and finds the football.

E
5. GUARD PULLS BEHIND THE CENTER- END steps with his gap foot, then rips to the shoulder on his
second step. If the shoulder disappears inside, he chases it, takes on any blocks, and finds the football.

E
6. GUARD INSIDE-TRAP- END steps with his gap foot, then rips to the shoulder on his second step. If the
shoulder disappears inside, he chases it, blows up the trap block with his outside shoulder, and finds the football.

E
7. DROP BACK PASS- END is responsible for the rush lane toward the gap to which he is moving.

E
7
 8. SPRINT OUT PASS- END works one lane wider in the direction of quarterback sprint.

E
NOSEGUARD

A. ALIGNMENT:
Head up (0 tech) on the offensive center.
B. KEY:
Read the helmet of the center. Feel for the guard's block
C. RESPONSIBILITY:
1 Gap (Strong A) unless a stunt sends you elsewhere.
D. BLOCKING SCHEMES:

Because you will always be moving, your rules are simple.

1. Step with the foot toward your gap.
2. Dip and Rip to the shoulder of the man toward which you are moving
3. Chase or redirect to any pulling guard
4. Fight any pressure
5. MAKE THEM DOUBLE TEAM YOU!!
6. Find the Football and make the play

8
 BEARS
KODIAK AND GRIZZLEY

A. STANCE
Balanced Linebacker stance.
B. ALIGNMENTS
Kodiak goes to the Tight End or strength call side.
Grizzley goes to the Open or away from strength side.
3 yards deep and 3 yards outside the last man on the line.
With 2 receivers out, split the difference between #2 and the LMOL
C. KEYS
KODIAK
Read the triangle created by the near back, the LMOL ,and the QB.
GRIZZLEY
Read the triangle created by the near back, the LMOL ,and the QB..
D. RESPONSIBLITY
Force or immediate support players (7 and 8 Gaps)

LINEBACKERS
(Mike-Stud-Will)

A. STANCE
Assume a two point stance in a good hitting position, with the feet parallel and shoulders width apart. Flex
the ankles, knees, and hip joints to produce powers angles. The shoulders, knees, and toes should be on the same
vertical plane. The toes should be pointed straight ahead. The bend at the waist will allow the arms and hands to hang
relaxed over your knees. Hide the numbers. The back should remain almost perpendicular to the ground and should
lean slightly forward with the weight on the balls of your feet. The head stays up with the eyes open, trained on the
primary key.
MIKE keeps his feet parallel while STUD & WILL drop the outside foot slightly back.

C. KEYS
1. MIKE (4 ½ yards deep,Inside out flow)
a) Read the path of the FB or shallow back.
b) Mirror his path.
c) Check near Guard for run/pass/pull
d) On run, meet FB at the point of engagement.
e) Keep outside arm and leg free.
f) YOUR BLITZ GAP IS THE 2 GAP

2. STUD and WIL (4 yards deep)

a) Read the path of the TB or deep back.
b) Take first window to intercept path.
c) Check near Guard for run/pass/pull
d) On run, meet TB at the point of engagement.
e) Keep outside arm and leg free.
f) YOUR BLITZ GAP IS, STUD---3 GAP, WIL---4 GAP

9
 M S/W M S/W

M S/W
M S/W

E N E
E N E G K
G K W M S
W M S

10
 COVERAGES

Due to the nature of our blitzing defense, coverages must have the ability to
account for all of the different blitz combination available to us. These 6
coverages will be called by color and will give rules for each position.

Red Blue White Yellow

(3-deep) (man) (3-deep roll) (2-deep man)

Wide-Deep outside third.(Sky)

Cougar: Deep Outside 1/3 #1 Man Tight to Call-Curl Flat(Cloud)
Tight Away from call-Deep Middle
#1 Man

Wide-Deep outside third.(Sky)

Panther: Deep Outside 1/3 #1 Man Tight to Call-Curl Flat(Cloud)
Tight Away from call-Deep Middle
#1 Man

Becomes
#2 Man. "ME" call to LB Wide Out your side-Deep Middle
Grizzly: Curl to Flat
if #2 is in backfield No Wide out your side-Deep Outside
Nickelback Deep
1/2 Weak.

#2 Man. "ME" call to LB Wide Out your side-Deep Middle #2 Strong. #3 in

Kodiak: Curl to Flat
if #2 is in backfield No Wide out your side-Deep Outside Trips

#2 to Blitz or Strong.
Make a "ME" call. If #2 is
Deep middle 1/3
Fox: favor wide # 2 side
covered by Bear or in
backfield, play free. #3 vs
Sky or Cloud to side of Blitz Deep 1/2 Strong

Trips

Hook to Curl or
Stud: Hole
#2 Man. #3 w/ "ME" call . Flat away from call 30 Tech. 1st Back

Hook to Curl or
Wil: Hole
#2 Man. #3 w/ "ME" call . Flat away from call #2

Hook to Curl or FBO blitz side or Hole.

Mike: Hole FBO vs Trips
Hook/Curl to Call 30 Tech. 1st Back

11
 SUMMARY OF FUNDAMENTALS

PROPER POSITION ON A RECEIVER IS OF PRIME IMPORTANCE. TO MAINTAIN PROPER POSITION

ON A RECEIVER, YOU MUST NOT LET THE RECEIVER GET YOU TURNED UNTIL HIS FINAL DRIVE OR
MOVE. KEEP YOUR BACKPEDAL UNTIL YOUR CUSHION IS BROKEN. STAY ON THE INSIDE OR
OUTSIDE SHOULDER . DON'T LOOSE THE SHOULDER, DEVELOP YOUR BACKPEDAL AT TOP SPEED.
THIS CAN ONLY BE DONE BY CONTINUAL PRACTICE.

TOOLS TO DEVELOP FOR A TOP PASS DEFENDER:

1. Aggressiveness
2. Quick reactions- develop your feet
3. Mental alertness- Learn what you need to know about all coverages.
4. Position on a receiver- look through the receiver's top shoulder to the passer for the ball.
5. Be at top speed when the ball is in the air. Develop a burst of speed for five yards.

BASIC COVERAGE RULES

“Me” and “YOU” Calls
1. ALWAYS make a “ME” call when man covering #2 receiver.
“ME” call tells the next inside defender to take the #3 Man.
2. If you are the next defender inside of a “ME” call and you are Blitzing,
make a “YOU” call to the next defender inside of you.
3. If Fox gets a “ME” call from one of the Bears, Fox will take #3 Man. If #3
Man is in the Backfield, Fox will play free.

COVERAGE TECHNIQUES
I. RED(COVER 3)

A. Stance- normal
B. Alignment
1. Corners-
TIGHT FORMATION (on a normal TE)
7 to 9 yds deep 3 yds outside shoulder of TE
WIDE FORMATION (on a wide receiver)
7 to 9 yds deep and up to 1 yard outside dependent upon position of number 1 receiver & ball.
2. Free Safety-
Will align 10- 13 yards deep, splitting the distance between the corners. The depth of the safety will
depend on the width of the wide outs. (be deep enough to play the post to either side) AND by where the ball is
on the field (hash mark, etc.) and where the strength of the formation is.
NOTE: Our alignment will be dependent upon the receivers split for the most part. A normal split is 17 yds. from
the ball. It is approximately 17 yds. from the hash marks and the sideline, approximately 17 yds from the middle
of the field to halfway between the hash marks and boundary. Once splits go past normal, we will begin to move
inside the receiver. Corners will never align outside the midpoint in their zone unless the ball is on the hash and
the receiver is outside the numbers to the boundary. Never align closer than 7 yards from the boundary.
C. Keys

12
 1. Corners- QB using peripheral vision on receivers
2. Safety- QB using peripheral vision on receivers.

D. Pass reaction
1. Corners- deep outside 1/3 to your side
2. Safety- deep middle 1/3

E. Run reaction
1. Corners- always fill outside in to football
2. Safety- always fill inside out to football

F. Techniques

1. Corners-Begin back peddling on the snap of the ball making your 1st steps short & fast. Later steps
may be longer as you are reading pass or run. Always know where the midpoint of your zone
is. Be able to weave in your back peddle to it, if receivers force you to. Your cushion should
reduce to 3-5 yards as you reach the critical area (12-15 yds). YOU CAN NEVER LET A
RECEIVER GET BEHIND YOU. Always be aware of receiver in your zone or coming into
it. You must be aware, if you are on the 2 receiver side , of staying more in the middle of your
zone, if both receivers are coming into it. We cannot get sucked in by combination routes.
Stay square to the LOS and do not cross over until the ball is thrown. (don't suck in on the
post or out, weave staying square) Never step forward until you are sure it is a run. Attack run
with proper angle for your run support. Be aware of halfback passes. On run away from you,
take proper pursuit angle so that you can make play if the ball cuts back.

2. Safety- You will mirror the QB and step with him. If ball on line, you will slide with QB until he is
one step past the dive back then attack inside out on the football. If Playaction or pull up pass,
take mirror step with QB & weave toward midpoint of your zone. Be able to work to where
QB is looking. If sprint out pass, you will begin to work towards the side the QB is sprinting
once he passes the tackle box, but maintain an inside out position on QB. You will follow the
same procedure for keeping cushion on receivers as corners. You must keep everything in
front of you and be aware what both wideouts are doing. Always be deep enough to be on a
collision course with any post route.

NOTE: We will never come forward until we are sure it is a run. Once we come forward, we will not give ground for the
ball carrier. Keep your proper angle on the ball and do not get blocked.

COVER 3 ALIGNMENTS

E N E
G K
W M S
P C

F
STACK RED

13
 FLAT HO LE FLAT
C RO SS

10 YA R D S 1 0 YA R D S

CU R L H O OK HO O K CU RL

15 YA R D S 15YARDS

O U T S ID E T H IR D M ID D L E T H I R D O U T S I D E T H IR D

COVER 3 ZONES

II. BLUE (Man-to-man) *see rules on page 11

A. Stance- normal
B. Alignment-
1. Panther and Cougar
# 1 Receiver 6 yards deep, inside shade man-to-man.
2. Safety
#2 Receiver to the Blitz side. If Blitz is coming from both sides, take #2 to the two receiver side.
Make a “ME” call to the LB. If #2 is in Backfield, Play Free.
3. Kodiak and Grizzly
# 2 Man. “ME” call to LB if #2 is in Backfield.
4. Stud and Wil
#2 Man. #3 Man with a “ME” call
5. Mike
First Back out to Blitz side. First Back Out vs Trips.

14
 STACK KEG BLUE

G E N E
K
W M S
#3 WITH C
P “ME”
CALL
F
“ME”
CALL TO STUD

III. WHITE (3-DEEP ROLL) *see rules on page 11

A. Stance- normal
B. Alignment/Responsibility
Align same as RED.
1. Panther and Cougar
Wide: Deep outside third (Sky)
Tight to call: Curl/Flat (Cloud)
Tight away from call: Deep Middle
2. Safety
Sky or Cloud to side of Blitz
3. Kodiak and Grizzly
Wide out to your side: Deep Middle.
No wide out your side: Deep Outside.
4. Stud and Wil
Flat away from call
5. Mike
Hook/Curl to call

STACK GLOW WHITE

E N E
K
G W S
M
P C

15
IV. YELLOW (2-DEEP MAN UNDER) *see rules on pages 11 & 12

A. Stance- normal
B. Alignment/Responsibility

1. Panther and Cougar

#1 MAN
2. Fox
DEEP ½ TO 2 RECEIVER SIDE
3. Kodiak and Grizzly
KODIAK: #2 MAN STRONG. #3 vs TRIPS
GRIZZLY: DEEP ½ AWAY FROM FOX.
4. Stud and Wil
STUD: 30 TECHNIQUE. IST BACK.
WIL: #2 MAN.
5. Mike
30 TECHNIQUE. IST BACK.

STACK YELLOW

E N E
K
W M S C
P

F G

16
 STACK

E N E
G K
W M S
P C
F
POSITION ALIGN. KEY GAP OPTION PASS
NOSE 0 CENTER 1 GAP DIVE LANE RUSH
STRONG A

ENDS 4 GUARD 5/6 GAP QB LANE RUSH

C GAPS

40 DEEPEST 3 GAP COVERAGE

STUD DIVE
STACK BACK B GAP STUNT

2 GAP
00 FB COVERAGE
MIKE FREE INSIDE OUT
STACK GUARD STUNT
STRONG

40 DEEPEST 4 GAP COVERAGE

WIL DIVE
STACK BACK B GAP STUNT
LMOL TO
7 GAP COVERAGE
KODIAK 3x3 DEEPEST PITCH
D GAP STUNT
BACK
LMOL TO
8 GAP COVERAGE
GRIZZLY 3x3 DEEPEST PITCH
D GAP STUNT
BACK
COUGAR QB OUTSIDE IN PITCH COVERAGE
PANTHER QB OUTSIDE IN PITCH COVERAGE

FOX QB INSIDE OUT QB TO PITCH COVERAGE

EAGLE
17
 8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7

G E N E K
W M S
P C

POSITION ALIGN. KEY GAP OPTION PASS

NOSE
SHADE
CENTER 1 GAP DIVE LANE RUSH
STRONG STRONG A

STRONG 4 STRONG 5 STRONG QB

ENDS WEAK 3 GUARD WEAK 4 WEAK DIVE LANE RUSH

40 DEEPEST 3 GAP COVERAGE

STUD DIVE
STACK BACK B GAP STUNT

2 GAP
FB INSIDE COVERAGE
MIKE 00 STACK FREE
GUARD OUT STUNT
STRONG

DEEPEST 8 GAP COVERAGE

WIL 40 PITCH
BACK D GAP STUNT
LMOL TO
7 GAP COVERAGE
KODIAK 9 DEEPEST PITCH
D GAP STUNT
BACK
LMOL TO
6 GAP COVERAGE
GRIZZLY 5 DEEPEST QB
C GAP STUNT
BACK
COUGAR QB OUTSIDE IN PITCH COVERAGE
PANTHER QB OUTSIDE IN PITCH COVERAGE

FOX QB INSIDE OUT QB TO PITCH COVERAGE

BEAR
18
 8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7

G E N E K
W S
M
P C
F
POSITION ALIGN. KEY GAP OPTION PASS
NOSE 0 CENTER 1 GAP DIVE LANE RUSH
STRONG A

ENDS 3 GUARD 3/4 GAP DIVE LANE RUSH

B GAPS

70 DEEPEST 7 GAP COVERAGE

STUD PITCH
STACK BACK D GAP STUNT

2 GAP
00 FB COVERAGE
MIKE FREE INSIDE OUT
STACK GUARD STUNT
STRONG

DEEPEST 8 GAP COVERAGE

WIL 40 PITCH
BACK D GAP STUNT

KODIAK 7 TACKLE 5GAP QB FORCE

C GAP

LMOL TO
GRIZZLY 5 DEEPEST 6 GAP QB FORCE
C GAP
BACK
COUGAR QB OUTSIDE IN PITCH COVERAGE
PANTHER QB OUTSIDE IN PITCH COVERAGE

FOX QB INSIDE OUT QB TO PITCH COVERAGE

LION
19
 8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7

E N E K
W M S
G C
P
F
POSITION ALIGN. KEY GAP OPTION PASS
SHADE 2 GAP
NOSE CENTER DIVE LANE RUSH
WEAK WEAK A

WEAK 5 TACKLE WEAK QB

ENDS STRONG 3 6/3 GAP STRONG DIVE LANE RUSH
GUARD
DEEPEST 7 GAP COVERAGE
STUD 50 PITCH
BACK D GAP STUNT

FB 1 GAP COVERAGE
MIKE 0 INSIDE OUT
GUARD 4 GAP STUNT

DEEPEST 8 GAP COVERAGE

WIL 50 PITCH
BACK D GAP STUNT

KODIAK 7 TACKLE 5 GAP QB FORCE

C GAP

LMOL TO
8 GAP COVERAGE
GRIZZLY 3x3 DEEPEST PITCH
DGAP STUNT
BACK
COUGAR QB OUTSIDE IN PITCH COVERAGE

PANTHER QB OUTSIDE IN PITCH COVERAGE

FOX QB INSIDE OUT QB TO PITCH COVERAGE

TIGER
20
 8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7
E N E
W M S
P C
F
POSITION ALIGN. KEY GAP OPTION PASS
NOSE 0 CENTER 1 GAP DIVE LANE RUSH
STRONG A

TACKLE
ENDS 4 3/4 GAP DIVE LANE RUSH
GUARD
40 DEEPEST 7 GAP COVERAGE
STUD PITCH
STACK BACK D GAP STUNT

00 FB 2 GAP WEAK COVERAGE

MIKE FREE STRONG INSIDE OUT
STACK GUARD STUNT

40 DEEPEST 8 GAP COVERAGE

WIL PITCH
STACK BACK D GAP STUNT

KODIAK TILT 9 TE 5 GAP QB FORCE

C GAP

GRIZZLY TILT 9 TE 6 GAP QB FORCE

C GAP

COUGAR QB OUTSIDE IN PITCH COVERAGE

PANTHER QB OUTSIDE IN PITCH COVERAGE

FOX QB INSIDE OUT QB TO PITCH COVERAGE

DEFENSIVE BLITZ PACKAGE

21
 The first call in the defensive stunt packages will be 1 of 3 different defensive
line stunts. If no call is added before the front call, Defensive linemen will run their
base line movement.

DEFENSIVE LINE
BASE

E N E
6 GAP 1 GAP 5 GAP

STRONG

E N E
4 GAP 1 GAP 5 GAP

22
 WEAK

E N E
6 GAP 2 GAP 3 GAP
PINCH

E N E
4 GAP 1/2 GAP 3 GAP
Example calls:
Strong Stack, Weak Eagle, Pinch Tiger
Important note on stunting:
If you hear any call with numbers after the front call, follow
your stunt rule: Ex; “STACK WHAM 24 Red”
ENDS- If you hear any number to the inside of your gap responsibility, play
base. If you hear your gap responsibility #, pinch to the inside gap.
NOSE- If you get a 1 or a 2 call, go opposite. If you get a 1 and a 2 call, stand up
the center then drop and find ball.

***If a line stunt is called and a LB stunt is added, follow your rule based on your GAP
RESPONSIBILITY OF YOUR STUNT.

LINEBACKERS
23
 4-MAN RUSHES
*NUMBER TELLS THE CALLED POSITION
WHICH GAP TO FILL.
*IF NO NUMBER IS CALLED, CALLED
POSITION WILL FILL THEIR NORMAL
GAP RESPONSIBILITY
1. KODIAK
2. STUD
3. MIKE
4. WIL
5. GRIZZLEY
6. PANTHER
7. COUGAR
8. FOX
EX: “STACK STUD RED”

E N E
K G
S W
M
STACK STUD RED

24
 5-MAN RUSHES
*NUMBER TELLS THE CALLED POSITIONS
WHICH GAP TO FILL. FIRST CALLED
POSITION GOES FIRST TO THE FIRST NUMBER

1. MasS-Mike & Stud StorM-Stud & Mike

2. SaW-Stud & Wil
3. SicK-Stud & Kodiak KisS-Kodiak & Stud
4. MoW-Mike & Wil WhaM-Wil & Mike
5. WaG-Wil & Grizzly GloW-Grizzly & Wil
6. KeG-Kodiak & Grizzly
7. MiG-Mike & Grizzly
8. MaKo-Mike & Kodiak

EX: “STACK STORM 51 BLUE”

N O SE h e a rs h is g a p s o h e E N D h e a rs h is g a p s o h e
fo llo w s h is r u le a n d g o e s f o llo w s h is r u le a n d g o e s
o p p o s i te IN S ID E .

8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7

E N E
G K
W M S
STA C K STO R M 51 B L U E

25
3-3-5 STUNTS
MIKE GOES FIRST TO 3 GAP NOSE hears his gap so he
5-MAN RUSH
NOSE hears his gap so he END hears his gap so he
BECAUSE HIS LETTER follows his rule and goes follows his rule and goes follows his rule and goes
COMES FIRST opposite opposite INSIDE.

7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7
E N E E N E
K G G K
S W W S
M M
STACK MasS 31 STACK STORM 51
END hears his gap so he
ENDS hear their gaps so they follows his rule and goes inside gap.
follow their rules and go inside gap.

7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7
E N E E N E
K G G K
S W W S
M M
STACK SaW 56 STACK SicK 57 BLUE
KODIAK GOES FIRST TO 5 GAP
BECAUSE HIS LETTER COMES
FIRST.

7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7

E N E E N E
END hears his gap so he
K follows his rule and goes inside gap. G G K
S W W S
M M
STACK KisS 57 BLUE STACK MoW BLUE
WIL GOES FIRST TO 2 GAP
BECAUSE HIS LETTER COMES
FIRST.

7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7

E N E E N E
K G G K
S W W S
M M
STACK WhaM 24 BLUE STACK WaG BLUE
GRIZZLY GOES FIRST TO 4
GAP BECAUSE HIS LETTER
COMES FIRST.

7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7

E N E E N E
K G G K
S W W S
M M
STACK GloW 48 BLUE STACK KeG BLUE

26
3-3-5 STUNTS 5-MAN RUSH
NOSE hears his gap so he END hears his gap so he
follows his rule and goes follows his rule and goes
opposite INSIDE.

7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7
E N E E N E
K G G K
S W W S
M M
STACK MiG 48 STACK MaKo 15

7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7
E N E E N E
K G G K
S W W S
M M

7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7

E N E E N E
K G G K
S W W S
M M

7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7

E N E E N E
K G K
G
S W W M S
M

7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7

E N E E N E
K G K
G
S W W M S
M

27
 6-MAN RUSHES

1. THUNDER-DL Slant Weak, LB’s First Gap Strong

2. LIGHTNING-DL Slant Strong, LB’s First Gap Weak
3. EVEN-LB’s & Grizzly Blitz Gap responsibility Weak
4. ODD-LB’s & Kodiak Blitz Gap Responsibility Strong
5. MaGiK-Mike, Grizzly, Kodiak blitz called numbers.

Ex: “STACK THUNDER BLUE”

7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8

E N E
K G
S W
M
STACK THUNDER BLUE

28
3-3-5 STUNTS 6-MAN RUSH
7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7
E N E E N E
K G G K
S W W S
M M
STACK THUNDER STACK LIGHTNING
NOSE goes away NOSE goes away
from call from call

7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8
8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7
E N E E N E
K G G K
S W W S
M M
STACK EVEN STACK ODD
END hears his gap NOSE hears his gap END hears his gap
so he follows his rule so he follows his rule so he follows his rule
and goes inside. and goes opposite. and goes inside.

7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7

E N E E N E
K G G K
S W W S
M M
STACK MaGiK 285 STACK MaGiK 145

7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7

E N E E N E
K G K
G
S W W M S
M

7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7

E N E E N E
K G K
G
S W W M S
M

29
 7-MAN RUSHES

1. DOUBLE-Front eight stunt Gap responsibility

EXCEPT for MIKE
2. DOG-DL slants strong, Weak side fills inside gaps,
Strong side fills normal gaps, Mike is free.
3. CAT-DL slants weak, Strong side fills inside gaps,
Weak side fills normal gaps, Mike is free.

EX: “STACK DOUBLE BLUE”

8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7

E N E
G K
W M S
STACK DOUBLE BLUE

30
3-3-5 STUNTS 7-MAN RUSH
7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7
E N E E N E
K G G K
S W W S
M M
STACK DOUBLE STACK DOUBLE

7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8
8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7
E N E E N E
K G G K
S W W S
M M
STACK DOG STACK CAT

7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7

E N E E N E
K G G K
S W W S
M M

7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7

E N E E N E
K G G K
S W W M S
M

7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7

E N E E N E
K G G K
S W W S
M M

31
GOAL LINE
PACKAGE

32
 BEAR RAM

7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8

K E N E G

S M W P
C
F
POSITION ALIGN. KEY GAP OPTION PASS
Attack and 2-gap 1&2
NOSE 0
the Center (Double A)
DIVE LANE RUSH

Penetrate through 3/4 GAP

ENDS 3
outside shoulder B GAPS
DIVE LANE RUSH

Head up on
Last man on line
STUD #2, 7-8 yds
or wing
7 QB to PITCH Blue
off ball

Seek
Near back to
MIKE 40 Strong
Crosser
and BALL Blue
Destroy

Seek
Near back to
WIL 40 Weak
Crosser
and QB to PITCH Blue
Destroy

Crash Technique 5GAP

KODIAK 9
to 5 gap C GAP
QB LANE RUSH

Crash Technique 6 GAP

GRIZZLY 5
to 6 gap C GAP
QB LANE RUSH

Inside shade Pass first

COUGAR #1 Man Support Run
Outside Support PITCH Blue

Inside shade Pass first

PANTHER #1 Man Support Run
Outside Support PITCH Blue

Head up on
Last man on line
FOX #2, 7-8 yds
or wing
8 QB TO PITCH Blue
off ball

BEAR RAM UP
33
 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8

S K E N E G W

P
C F M
POSITION ALIGN. KEY GAP OPTION PASS
Attack and 2-gap 1&2
NOSE 0
the Center (Double A)
DIVE LANE RUSH

Penetrate through 3/4 GAP

ENDS 3
outside shoulder B GAPS
DIVE LANE RUSH

Near back to 7
STUD Loose 9
Crosser D GAP
PITCH Blue

Seek
Near back to
MIKE 0
Crosser
and BALL Blue
Destroy

Near back to 8
WIL Loose 9
Crosser D GAP
PITCH Blue

Crash Technique 5GAP

KODIAK 9
to 5 gap C GAP
QB LANE RUSH

Crash Technique 6 GAP

GRIZZLY 9
to 6 gap C GAP
QB LANE RUSH

Inside shade Pass first

COUGAR #1 Man Support Run
Outside Support PITCH Blue

Inside shade Pass first

PANTHER #1 Man Support Run
Outside Support PITCH Blue

Head up on
Last man on line Inside Out
FOX #2, 4-5 yds
or wing Support
QB TO PITCH Blue
off ball

34