DEFENSIVE TERMINOLOGY

AT HOME: Remaining back aligned behind the Center

BLITZ: Any combination of a 6 man rush with Man Coverage

CLOSED SIDE: The side of the formation the Tight End remains on next to
his Tackle or the side of the two quick receivers in 20
personnel. NOTE: Not a Strength call

CP: Coaching Point

DIME: Extra Defensive Back or LB’er in Sub DefenSe

DROPBACK ACTION: 3 step: QB sets at 5 yds. To throw quick

routes.(Slant/Hitches)

5 step: QB sets at 7 yds. To throw 10-12 yd routes.(Firm/Timing)

7 step: QB sets at 10 yds. To throw 15-18 yd routes.(Deep

routes)

FAR BACK: The Back who lines up away from the Tight End.

DOG: Any combination of 5 man rush with a DL/OLB dropping into

coverage.

GOAL LINE: Area of the field from the +3 to the goal line based on 22 or
23 personnel

LOS: Line of scrimmage

MAC ILB: Inside Linebacker on 3-4 defense

ROVER ILB: Inside Linebacker on a 3-4 defense

NEAR BACK: The Back who lines up to the tight end

NICKEL: 5th Defensive Back in a Sub Defense

OPEN SIDE: The side of the formation with a receiver split out from the
Tackle

POA: Point of attack

PRO SET: Regular formation with Z and Y on the same side with X
aligned opposite

RED AREA: From the +25 to +4 yard line

REMAINING BACK: Single Back aligned in a one back set

FIELD OLB: Outside Linebacker in a 3-4 defense

SHORT SIDE: Term referring to the short side of the field when the ball
is on the hashmark
 DEFENSIVE TERMINOLOGY
SLOT SET: Any 21 formation with both receivers aligned on the same
side.

BENCH OLB: Outside Linebacker in a 3-4 defense.