Defending the Dart Trap

Assignments for stopping the Dart Trap:

NT: fill backside A-gap, jam QG at snap to keep from trapping

SE: jam SG to stop his cross-block, watch playside B-gap

WE: go straight upfield and play assignment, force Give read and tackle QB

SC: press cover #1

WC:press cover #1

SAM: jam ST to stop his cross-block, responsible for C-gap, play outside-in

MIKE: blitz playside A-gap at snap, play assignment and tackle the TB

WILL: fight off block of QT, responsible for backside B-gap, back-up WE on tackle

HERO: cover #2

BANDIT: cover #2

ROVER: runs the alley, read Give or Take, then cleans up for WE or Mike

Defending the Dart Option (Zone Read)

Assignments for stopping the Dart Option (Zone Read):

NT: control strongside A-gap; fight through center's block and keep SG from moving to the second level

SE: jam TE, plug C-gap, keep TE from moving to second level

WE: jam QG at the snap, plug B-gap

SC: press #1

WC: press #1

SAM: responsible for D-gap, flow behind Hero to support

MIKE: responsible for weakside A-gap, work inside-out

WILL: responsible for weakside A-gap, tackle TB

HERO: flow upfield and force Give read for QB, play assignment football and tackle QB

BANDIT: cover #2

ROVER: runs the alley, read Give or Take, then back-up Hero or Will

Defending the Wing-T Buck Sweep

Color coding:

Green represents the ballcarrier's path.

Blue represents the path of the primary tackler on the play.

Red represents the assignments/paths of the other defenders.

Black represents the paths/assignments of other offensive players.

Defensive assignments to stop the Wing-T Buck Sweep:

NT: control strongside A-gap; pursue inside-out

SE: jam ST, close B-gap. gain penetration, stuff play or knock QG off his track

WE:destroy QT's block, then check QB for bootleg

HERO: attacks TE, close C-gap. will ignore WB, gain penetration, wrong arm the SG, and spill play outside

SC: will move into backfield and contain play

SAM: read keys, scrape tight to the Hero, attack WB with inside forearm, maintain outside leverage, tackle the TB in the backfield as he bounces play outside

MIKE: will work downhill and plug B-gap, attacking ST's block with an inside forearm rip; responsible for cutback, so will maintain inside-outside relationship with ballcarrier

WILL: immediately attack the LOS of tackle the FB

BANDIT: first check QB for bootleg, then WB for counter, then pursue to the ball

WC: press cover #1, the SE

ROVER: check WB for counter or pass, when certain it is a buck sweep, will fill the alley

30 Odd Front template

I've created a template for use in discussions here on my blog.

I have the base alignment of the 30 Odd Front against a wing-T offense.
I hope it is easily understood.

NT: Nose Tackle
SE: Strongside Defensive End
WE: Weakside Defensive End
S: Sam, Strongside Linebacker
M: Mike, Middle Linebacker
W: Will, Weakside Linebacker
H: Hero
B: Bandit
SC: Strongside Cornerback
WC: Weakside Cornerback
R: Rover

Welcome to Xs and Os of a 30 Odd Front

Welcome to my blog.

I hope you don't mind the construction going on while we move things around and get set up in here.

I've created this blog basically to detail my theories on playing defense with the 30 Odd Front (or 3-5-3, or 33 Stack, or Triple Level Defense, et al).

Hopefully, the one or two readers who may look in here will learn a few things about football, and even glean a little knowledge about my favorite football defense.

Enjoy your stay here, and don't be afraid to leave comments.