Search results
Results From The WOW.Com Content Network
A 4–3 base defense. In American football, a 4–3 defense is a defensive alignment consisting of four down linemen and three linebackers. It is called a "base defense" because it is the default defensive alignment used on "base downs" (1st and 2nd downs). However, defenses will readily switch to other defensive alignments (such as a nickel ...
Stunt (gridiron football) A stunt in American football and Canadian football, sometimes called a twist, is a planned maneuver by a pair of players of the defensive team by which they exchange roles to better slip past blockers of the offensive team at the beginning of a play, in order to better rush the passer. [ 1]
Blitz (gridiron football) In gridiron football, blitzing is a tactic used by the defense to disrupt pass attempts by the offense. During a blitz, a higher than usual number of defensive players will rush the opposing quarterback, in an attempt either to tackle them or force them to hurry their pass attempt. [1]
One of the most effective methods of rushing the passer is by using a stunt or twist, which is when defensive players quickly change positions at the snap of the ball and engage a different blocker than the offense expected, [3] Defenses typically task three or four defensive lineman to rush the passer on most plays, but most will occasionally increase pressure by blitzing one or more non ...
Zone blitz. In American football, a zone blitz is a defensive tactic that sends additional players to rush the opposing team's quarterback, whilst also unexpectedly redirecting a supposed pass rushing player into pass coverage instead. [1] [2] This tactic also includes zone coverage (rather than man-to-man coverage ). [3] [4]
3–4 defense. In American football, the 3–4 defense is a common defensive alignment consisting of three down linemen and four linebackers. It is called a "base defense" because it will readily switch to other defensive alignments (such as a nickel defense or a dime defense) as circumstances change. Alternatively, some defenses use a 4–3 ...
46 defense. 46 Formation, original 4–3 base set. The 46 defense is an American football defensive formation, an eight men in the box defense, with six players along the line of scrimmage. [ 1] There are two players at linebacker depth playing linebacker technique, and then three defensive backs. The 46 defense was originally developed and ...
Since the creation of zone blitz defenses in the late 1990s, defensive ends have sometimes been used in pass coverage, dropping back to cover routes run close to the line of scrimmage. In the 3–4 defense , defensive ends are used primarily as run stoppers and are much larger than the normal size of a player at this position.