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The Complete 30 StackDefensive Playbook

A Complete Guide to Designing and Installing anAttacking, Pressure Defense from Stacked Linebackers

Jerry CampbellLyle Lansdell


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Second Edition, January 2006

ISBN: 1-59205-090-5

Copyright 2006 by Jerry Campbell Sports

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by anymeans, electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including

photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission

in writing from Jerry Campbell Sports.

Jerry Campbell Sports books are available at special discounts for bulk purchase, including

educational uses for faculty, staffs and schools. Special editions or book excerpts can also be

created to meet specific needs. For details, contact Jerry Campbell Sports.

Printed in the United States of America

Jerry Campbell SportsWebsites

Jerry Campbell Football, its URL is http://www.jcfb.comFootball For Kids, its URL is http://www.footballforkids.com

Sports Media Technologies, its URL is http://www.sportsmediatechnologies.com

ContactJerry Campbell Sports

309 Northampton Circle

Victoria, TX 79904P 361.572.0151

E [email protected]

Author

The authors, Jerry Campbell and Lyle Lansdell, graciously accept your questions and

comments about The Complete 30 Stack Defensive Playbook. They are available forconsultation and clinics with coaches and players. You can contact them through Jerry

Campbell Sports or directly at: [email protected]

DistributionJerry Campbell Sports

23232 Peralta, Dr., Suite 210

Laguna Hills, CA 92653P 949.597.1022

E [email protected]

Products

Books, Manuals, Videos, Multi-media Presentations, Online Education, Discussion

Boards, Camps and Clinics

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I have worked on the offensive side of the ball for most of my career. I prepared

myself each year by researching, reading and listening to every defensive concept,

scheme and technique being taught. In this quest for defensive knowledge I havecome across three coaches that have had a profound impact on my defensive

philosophy: Coach Paul Golla, Coach Dick Freeman and Coach Jerry Campbell.

I had the privilege of working with Coach Golla in the production of his Defensive

Line Play Video series. His enthusiasm and high energy, combined with his

defensive knowledge made him my first call when it came time to designing a

defense. He has always been available, and given me tremendous help. He has

had a significant hand in designing our defense.

Coach Dick Freeman was my head coach for many years when I was an offensive

coordinator at Corona del Mar High School (Southern California). Every off-

season, and each week during the season was spent in discussing offensive

concepts, and how he would defend them. The information and approaches that he

communicated made me a better offensive coach, but more importantly gave me

insight to defensive approaches.

Finally, my partner and co-author of this book, Coach CAmpbell is one of the

finest football coaches in America. I have watched him not only work with

players, but teach coaches in all aspects of the game. I have benefited from thethousands of hours that we have spent together, either listening to or discussing

football. His ask me a football question is always an invitation to gain some

additional knowledge. His patience and guidance with me is seen throughout this

book, as Coach CAmpbells Multiple 40 Defense book included the 30 Stack.

He has allowed me to use his concepts and teaching, while giving me the flexibility

to develop my own defensive personality.

Thank you guys.

Coach Lyle

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When installing any defense, build it around

putting pressure on your opponent. Coach Campbell

Run to the ball with violence on the mind; bend

at the knees, and club-up, seeing what you hit! Coach Lyle

Though one may be overpowered, two can

defend themselves. A cord of three strands isnot quickly broken.

- ECCLESIASTES 4:12

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FOREWORD

If there is one thing that I have learned about the 30 Stack Defense as I have

traveled around the country, is that nobody likes to give out any information on it.

It is the best kept secret in football until now. Coach Campbell and CoachLansdell have created a book that goes over every detail of the 30 Stack Schemes.

They hold nothing back, covering the many different fronts and blitzes used versus

a variety of formations and offenses. They have done their homework. You will

obtain more information from this book than if you traveled to ten different

schools.

This past year in running the 3-3-5, our kids at Silverado High School (California)

broke every defensive record in school history. They had fun with this defense,

and loved playing in it, while our opponents feared it.

If you are interested in learning about this defense, whether to completely install it

or fine tune some of the things youre currently doing, then this book will help you.

I highly recommend this book to any program that wants to implement the most

secretive, yet most talked about defense in football.

Paul Golla

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CONTENTS

Acknowledgements iii

Foreword .. v

Introduction .. ix

CHAPTER I DEFENSIVE STRATEGY 13

Philosophy 13

Scheme . 15

Plan .. 16

Player Recognition 18Strategy . 20

CHAPTER II DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENTS .. 25

Defensive Basics .. 25

System .. 30

Huddle .................................................................................. 32

Defensive Calls 34

Alignments 41

Personnel . 56

CHAPTER III DEFENSIVE TECHNIQUES .. 63

Stimulus Response 63

Defending the Run 74

Keys to Success 82

CHAPTER IV PRESSURE PACKAGES 87

Dogs . 92Blitzes .. 109

Stunts 111

Games .. 124

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CHAPTER V DEFENDING THE PASS 131

Techniques 132

Coverages 140

CHAPTER VI INSTALLATION AND DRILLS 159

Installation 159

Drills 162

APPENDIX

Glossary of Terms 187

Installation Checklist 193

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INTRODUCTION

Want to stay young at heart? Then be a football coach. First and foremost, it

requires the coach to be a teacher. The sport is in a constant state of change. You

must not only work at staying abreast of new ideas and concepts, but it allows forindividual creativity. It demands vision, and the 30 Stack Defense is a perfect

example of this.

The original defensive schemes, 7-1 evolved into the wide tackle six, which

evolved into the 4-3, then the 4-4 and now the 4-2-5. The old Okie was part of

this evolutionary process itself. The 5-2 gave way to the double eagle, then the

bear. As offenses have evolved, defenses have changed to defend them. These

defensive concepts have given way to the multiple schemes. Coach Campbells

book, The Multiple 40 Defense was at the forefront of these schemes. Histerminology, techniques and schemes can give an offense over 100 different looks,not to mention the various stunt packages. The two examples below show how the

multiple 40 and 50 fronts can evolve into the 30 Stack.

40 Scheme: 31 Front 40 Scheme: 30 Stack

ETE

R

T

WS

CC

F

M

ETE

RT W

SCC

F

M

50 Scheme 50 Scheme: 30 Stack

TNT

R MK

WS

CC

F

MC

TNT

R

MK W

SC

C

F

MC

This book, The Complete 30 Stack Defensive Playbook is different from many of

our previous manuals. This book is designed as a playbook, and as such contains a

number of X & O diagrams.

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The first chapter, Defensive Strategy will be thought provoking as coaches think

about and answer a series of questions. The answers will help each coach develop

his own defensive philosophy, plan and strategy. The chapter includes our

perspective of how the 30 Stack fits into each of these areas.

Once the strategy has been developed, the defensive schemes can be designed.

Chapter II will include the base 30 Stack scheme, and five variations off of the 30

Stack. The chapter includes a discussion of the personnel, alignments and huddle

techniques, specifically the defensive call sequence.

As mentioned previously, this book was written in a playbook style. As such it

does not include many technique topics. However, we have included a brief

chapter (Chapter III) to discuss the stimulus responses for all of the position

players. The stimulus response is used through Coach Campbells defensive

books, and in Coach Gollas Defensive Line Play Video Series. The stimulusresponse is a defensive players reaction (response) to every potential movement

that the opponent may make.

The heart of the 30 Stack is the pressure packages. These pressure packages,

whether dogs, stunts, blitzes or games, will give the defensive coordinator a lot of

flexibility in creating a defensive personality that will fit his personnel. We have

included over 100 stunts in the book. These can be run at strength, openside

(opposite strength), the field or the boundary, which allows this defense to meet all

offensive tendencies.

The 30 Stack has the reputation of having limited secondary packages. We hope

that we can dispel this myth. We have included a variety of coverage packages

that can be mixed with and/or matched with the pressure packages.

The task of installing the 30 Stack can appear over whelming. However, Chapter

VII provides an overview to installing the defense. The chapter touches on the

spring through fall approaches, both for the coaches and players. The chapter

includes a few of the every day drills used by our position coaches to reinforce the

techniques and skills necessary for a player to be successful, as well.

Finally, Coach Campbell and I have collaborated on this book. I am very grateful

for the opportunity to work on our third book together. As Coach Campbell says,

develop as base, and adjust from there. This playbook is exactly that. The 30

Stack is our base defense, and we adjust from there. As such, the readers of

Coach Campbells defensive books (Multiple 40 Defense, Multiple 50

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Defense and the Multiple 3-4 Defense) will find an occasional difference in

terminology. The overall philosophy and approach of multiplicity remains the

same, but Coach Campbell has been gracious enough to allow me to use our

terminology throughout the book.

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CHAPTER IDEFENSIVE STRATEGY

Our program philosophy is based upon controlling the football and controlling

field position. As such, we must play GREAT DEFENSE. We can do this

when we stop the run and pressure the quarterback. Regardless of your system,

you must believe in it and develop an attitude of always giving a great effort,

regardless of the opponent, score or time on the clock.

PHILOSOPHYThe primary objective of the Defensive team is to score points, but at a minimum

set up a score. It is not enough to stop or hold opponents; pressure them mentally

and physically with speed and relentless play. This will lead to a physical

dominance that will lead to take-aways. It is then that a defense begins to rally and

score. As such, defensive football is all about discipline, both in physical and

mental preparation.

What are you going to force the offense to do run or pass?Are you going to stop the run? Most defenses are designed to stop the run, always

with a gap-controlled approach; i.e., at least one defender assigned to each of the

seven run gaps. The alignment of the defensive personnel will provide additional

definition to this gap-control, either in the form of pressure or bend but dont

break. This later approach is designed to stop the long run or pass first. Thisdecision becomes the cornerstone of your defensive philosophy.

What is your risk factor?There are some inherent risks in defensive football because the defense is forced to

cover down all potential receivers, while maintaining a sound front (scheme) to

control the run gaps as well as cover the nine pass zones. As a coach, you must

decide how to deploy your personnel. There are three constants though:

1. Defense is a team effort each member must do his job because if one

member goes off on his own, the entire defense fails.

2. Defense is pursuit execute the primary assignment, pursuit and play

football.

3. Defense is hitting emphasize daily; gain a reputation for physical play.


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30 STACK PHILOSOPHY

This defense is designed to attack the offense and make things happen on their side

of the line. The offense will NOT RUN the football and will be forced into pass

situations. While there are some schemes that create a six-man box from tackle to

tight end, this defense puts six defenders in the tackle-to-tackle box. The scheme

will prevent the long run or pass with team play and great pursuit. This attacking

approach will allow players to read their keys, execute techniques and run to the

ball with violence on the mind. This relentless play will frustrate opponents and

lead to turnovers, either fumbles or interceptions. When his happens, the defense

will rally to the ball and score.

The critical components to success include:

Discipline perform as coached

Alignment key to success Stance the ability to perform assignments begins with the stance

Key gives you the quickest read to perform your assignment

Tackle most important, overemphasize the club-up and wrap

Discipline means that athletes will do it the way they have been coached. They

must be prepared both physically and mentally because this will give a team the

strength to overcome adversity. Physical preparation for a season requires an

incredible amount of discipline because the athletes are training nine months to

play three. This takes a special person to understand the short-term efforts havelong-term benefits. Also, a well-conditioned athlete is less likely to make mental

mistakes. You cannot have mental mistakes. One mental mistake by one player

can mean a touchdown or as in most cases, keep a drive going that results in a

touchdown.

Alignment means that the players know how to align and adjust, if necessary, to

the offensive formations. This will help them eliminate all wasted movement,

allowing them to play with speed. The 30 Stack is designed to defend virtually any

offensive formation with a minimum of movement or adjustments. This will allow

for a better recognition of offensive schemes, provide a maximum of repetitions so

that assignments and techniques will be automatic.

Stance each player must know their stance for their position. These must be

drilled daily because the stance is the foundation for performance. The stance


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must be perfected in order for the player to execute great technique. The players

must be able to defeat-the-block.

Keys players must know their keys on every play and concentrate on them. This

is the only way that they will be able to read their keys, understand the type of play

that is developing. When players understand their keys, they make plays or get

into pursuit. Always talk quickness to the football, because quickness is of utmost

importance.

Tackling regardless of scheme, if you do not tackle, defense is pointless. When

players are prepared, and conditioned to perform, they can execute their assignments,

run to the ball and tackle. Proper tackling technique, as well as players arriving after

the first hit, will create turnovers. When turnovers occur, the players must rally to

score, because all eleven players should be in the proximity of the ball carrier.

SCHEMEA defense must be designed to control the seven (7) run gaps and cover the nine

(9) pass zones, (see chart below). The scheme design must build off of a simple

communication process to get your players properly aligned. Your players must

know where to align and what technique(s) to use.

The 30 Stack is designed to stop the run. The scheme is built off of the 30 Front,

which includes two ends and a nose. It is an 8-man front, in its base form, and

includes a 6-man tackle-to-tackle box. This is an excellent scheme versus two-back

offenses, and very simple to adjust to multi-formation offenses. This front will take

B A2 A

CC BD

Flat Curl Hook Hook Curl Flat

Outside 1/3 Middle 1/3 Outside 1/3


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away the cutback and forces the ball to the perimeter, which allows the edge

defenders to run to the ball. The scheme has unlimited approaches to pressure the

quarterback and stop underneath throws on early downs. It has simple cover down

responsibilities against a variety of formations. The coverage package is built off

of 3-deep or man-free, but is easily adaptable to robber, rolls and 2-deep packages.

This scheme accommodates stemming and / or disguises to the base. The base

defense is very adaptable to a quick stem to a different look as the quarterback begins

his cadence. Also, movements by the linebackers (second level defenders) and

defensive backs (secondary) up and back, or side to side will create some questions

in the offenses mind as to where the defenders will be at the snap of the ball.

PLANIt is not enough to have a great philosophy and scheme. The key to a winning

program is executing the plan. Execution requires organization, mastering the basics

and work ethic. Organization will help prepare your team. The off-season is a

terrific time to prepare because you can go through all of the components, in the

smallest of detail to assure that you will not miss anything. These details include

teaching progressions and techniques. If you feel inadequate in certain areas, you

can find the resources to strengthen your knowledge and teaching abilities. The game

is still based upon blocking and tackling. You must teach these skills and all of their

nuances everyday, with variety and enthusiasm. Finally, do not let your opponent

out work you or your players. If you set the example, your players will follow.

Show them your passion for the game!

Does you philosophy and scheme work in the worst-case scenario?

You must ask yourself, can I out coach or maneuver my opponent every week to

guarantee success? That is an awful lot of pressure! Technology has allowed

coaches to gather, categorize and analyze defensive tendencies. Therefore, as you

develop your plan, make sure that your scheme will work in the worst-case

scenario. Does your base defense stop your opponents five favorite runs and

passes? How does your goal line defense match-up with your opponents favorite

goal line or two-point plays? Can you adjust to changing game situations with

stunts or blitzes?


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Do you have a systematic way to communicate your philosophy, teach your

scheme and install the plan?

Strategies and tactics may change from game-to-game, and certainly season-to-

season, however the ability to teach is the most important characteristic a coach

can have. Your scheme will come crashing down if your second and third team

players cannot execute the proper fundamental techniques. Therefore, only add

when your players have demonstrated an ability to execute what is in. The speed

at which your players will comprehend and execute is directly related to your

organization. Make sure that you have developed a systematic way to develop

your players. The approach should include teaching in the classroom, coaching on

the field and correcting with film.

THE 30 STACK PLAN

Develop your players, both physically and mentally. Defensive players must bewarriors; reacting, running and hitting. They can do this with confidence when

your approach is to teach in the classroom, coach on the field and let them play

Friday night.

Defenses must be good on first down and great on third down. Therefore, the first

objective is to control the opponents running game. When successful, this forces

them into long-yardage situations. A high risk, low percentage situation is a

defensive advantage down, which puts the defense in control, and can lead to a

take-away. The 30 Stack scheme allows the defense to determine where they

want to align, not the offense dictating. This keeps the defense in advantageous

match-ups.

Regardless of the scheme, you must be able to tackle. As such, the plan is:

Pursuit

Tackle

Take-aways

PursuitTeam pursuit is a burning desire to have all eleven players to the football. You can

evaluate team pursuit by freezing a video frame and counting the number of

players around the football on any given play. You cannot be a turnover-

producing defense without great team pursuit. Also, pursuit will force the

opponent to go the distance in order to score. Develop a reputation of punishing

gang tackling from the front and backside by demanding team pursuit. The point is


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four 160 pound players hitting a running back is the equivalent of a 640 pound

collision.

Tackle

A tackle is a desired collision between the defensive man and the ball carrier. The

defensive man must win end up on top with the ball carrier, making him go

backwards! Tackling is 50% determination and 50% technique. It takes both

aggressiveness and good technique to be a great tackler. Also, all defensive

players must work for the assist (with pursuit) because it is just as important as the

tackle. The second, third and fourth players to the ball carrier can deliver

punishing blows, which can free the football. If the defensive players out-number

the offensive players you have a good chance of coming up with the football.

Again, four 160 pound players hitting a running back is the equivalent of a 640

pound collision.

Take-aways

Take-aways will allow your team to play for 48 minutes, because in a game of

momentum, like a pendulum, it will always come back and a take-away is a great

start. The defense must take the ball from your opponents offense. This has a

demoralizing effect on them, as well as giving the defense a chance to score, but at

a minimum providing the offense with field position.

Since the 30 Stack Defense is designed to stop the run, and force everything east

and west, the first tackler, and subsequent defenders running to the ball have the

opportunity to create a take-away, scoop and score. Also, opponents will be forced

into defensive advantage downs, which put them in throwing situations. This is

when the 30 Stack Defenses attack packages can pressure the quarterback causing

a fumble in the pocket, or hurrying a throw that creates an interception. Coverage

personnel must break on thrown balls at 100%. Finally, a stop on 4th down is a

take-away, because it creates field position and has a demoralizing effect on our

opponents.

PLAYER RECOGNITIONThe goals for our football program include: PLAY HARD PLAY SMART

BE A CHAMPION. The Play SMART is directly related to a players desire

due to motivation. As such, a system of rewards has been established to recognize

a players contribution and effort. We recognize two players each week, a Player

of the Week, and the Special Teams Player of the Game (Kamikaze Award).

The Player of the Week is awarded to a player that has given the greatest effort


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during the week to prepare, or help prepare the team for the current weeks game.

The Kamikaze Award is given to the special teams player that made the biggest

impact in special teams play during the game. It is the ONLY game award issued.

Production Points

Like most programs, the position coaches will grade each players game

performance. However, we do not use a plus or minus system. Instead, we grade

based upon a PRODUCTION POINT system. A player will earn Production

Points for Special Teams, Defense and Offense based upon specific criteria. The

Production Points will be posted in the Locker Room. The Defensive Production

Points are based upon the following criteria:

INDIVIDUAL DEFENSIVE PRODUCTION POINTS

Positive Production Points Negative Production Points

One Point Minus One Point Tackle or Assist

QB Pressure

Loaf

Mental Error

Missed Tackle

Two Points Minus Two Points

Tackle for Loss (TFL)

Extra Effort

Cause a Fumble

Recover a Fumble

Deflection

Ignorant Penalty

Avoid Collision

Three Points

Big Hit

Sack

Interception

In addition to earning Production Points individually, a defensive player can earn

them as part of a team effort. Team effort Production Points will be awarded to the

players either on the field or who played based upon the following criteria:


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DEFENSIVE TEAM PLAY PRODUCTION POINTS

Positive Production Points Negative Production Points

One Point Minus One Point

Three or more take-awaysSet up an Offensive Score

Opponent averages less than 3 yards on 1st

down

Total Offense of 250 yards

Two Points

Offensive Score after a take-away

No score after a Sudden Change (players on

field)

Keep opponent under 60% on 3rd down

conversions

No more than two Explosive Plays; 15+ yardson a run, or 20+ yards on a pass

Three Points

No more than three consecutive first downs

Shut-out (players who played Defense)

A Defensive Score (players on field)

Goal line Stand (players on field)

The players are given helmet decal awards based upon their Production Points.

They receive one helmet decal award for every ten production points. Finally, theyattain a special status (Golden Eagle) when they have earned fifty production

points. This elite status is recognized with a gold game belt (which they get to

keep) and patch for their lettermans jacket.

STRATEGYThe following is an outline of the 30 Stacks Defensive Strategy:

Score, but at a minimum set up a score

Create three or more take-awayso Fumbles pursuit, effort, hitting, awareness

o Interceptions pass rush, under cover, position, communication,

break, catch

o Ball on Downs stop the 4th down play or goal line stand

Pressure the offense into mistakes

Wear out ball carriers


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Demoralize the offense

Scoop and score

Control Field Position

Be good on 1

st

down; be great on 3rd

down Stop the offense inside their 40

Limit Explosive Play to 1 every 30 plays

o Runs over 15 yards

o Passes over 20 yards

NO more than 3 consecutive first downs

Team Effort

Each defender executes his assignments trust one another

Pursuit the ultimate team effort

Assist just as important as the first hit

Pressure stress the offense

Make the offense react to the defense

Mentally

o Stem & disguise Prowl

o Indecision slows down the offense

o Make the offense change or at least read at the LOS

Physically finish all tackleso Front will mirror step

o Linebackers will move forward

Blitz

o Run blitz with gap responsibilities

o Pass blitz, with all receivers covered down or zone drops

Physical Dominance

Out HIT our opponent consistent pounding

Attack the LOS Dont just survive the punishment deliver it!

o Off season preparation

o In season effort

Speed and strength

Utilize proper tackling technique


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o Club-up and grab cloth

o See what you hit

Speed

Pursuit all eleven players must get to the ball carrier

Swarm the offense with numbers

Productive speed

o Execute assignment with proper technique

o React to (read) keys

Be Relentless

Pursuit do not follow a teammate

First player secures the tackle

All additional players are stripping (pounding or pulling) the ball

Demoralize ball carriers by surrounding them with more defenders than

offensive players

The Basics

Discipline perform as coached

Alignment key to success

Stance the ability to perform assignments begins with the stance

Key gives you the quickest read to perform your assignment

Tackle most important, overemphasize the wrap

Defensive Packages sound schemes

Stop the run

Force the ball to the perimeter

Defend the cutback

Pressure the quarterback

Game Plan

Front

o Gap control with two-gap defenders in base

o Gap control with one-gap defenders when stunting

o Use proper technique stimulus response

Second Level

o Align and flow

Communicate


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Read keys

Run to the ball

HIT!

o Use proper technique stimulus response

Secondaryo Align and react to keys

Communicate

o Use proper technique

Zone

Man

Read

Win the Down & Distance Battles

Be good on 1st down stop the opponent under 2 yards (game average lessthan 3 yards)

Be great on 3rd down force the punt 60%

o Conquer long yardage situations

o Short yardage win the battle

Special Situations

Red Zone turn the offense away with no points

Goal line turn the offense away with no points

Two-minute preserving a victory Four-minute get the ball back


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CHAPTER II

DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENTS

The 30 Stack Defense is designed to attack the offense and make things happen on

the offenses side of the line. It is occasionally referred to as a 3-5-3 or a 3-3-5.

The 3-5-3 references an 8-man front, with three defensive linemen, five

linebackers and three secondary defenders, whereas the 3-3-5 has three linebackers

and five secondary defenders. The 3-3-5 will use nickel or dime package type

players.

The 30 Stack Defensive scheme is built off of the 30 Front, and includes a 6-man

tackle-to-tackle box. The stacked linebackers are the identifying trademark for this

defense, and what makes it so adaptable to different types of personnel. Smaller,

quicker type players will have equal success to bigger athletes. A critical componentto either type player is strength. The players, especially the defensive line must be

strong, with a minimum 250 pound bench press.

This is an excellent scheme versus two-back offenses, and very simple to adjust to

multi-formation offenses. It is fundamentally sound versus Wing-T, Option and

Spread type offenses. The stacked linebackers create problems for zone blocking

schemes, and the movement actions (prowling) confuse man blocking schemes.

This 8-man front will stop the run, take away the cutback and forces the ball to the

perimeter, which allows the edge defenders to run to the ball. However, one of the

most underrated aspects of the defense is the coverage packages. Since the scheme

builds in stems and / or disguises, the secondary contours can easily confuse

quarterback pre-snap reads. This forces the quarterbacks to read on the move after

the ball is snapped advantage defense.

DEFENSIVE BASICSThe defense must defend the whole field; width (fifty-three and one-third [53 1/3]

yards sideline to sideline) and depth (line of scrimmage [LOS] to goal line) to

the extent that the offense threatens it. The defensive side of the football includes:

nine (9) pass zones (six [6] underneath and three (3) deep) and seven (7) or eight

(8) (in a double tight end set), run gaps (spaces between offensive lineman). A

sound defense must defend (assign a player to) every gap and be able to cover all

the pass zones. Therefore, a defense must defend sixteen (16) areas with eleven

(11) players. It is the use of these eleven (11) defenders that define a defense; i.e.,

the use of defensive lineman (primarily run-gap responsible), linebackers (run and


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ENE

RM WB

CC

F

S

LEVEL ONE

LEVEL TWO

LEVEL THREE

AA BBC CD

Contain Contain

ForceForce

pass responsible), and defensive backs (typically pass responsible). The number of

defensive linemen is a common reference for a defense; i.e., four (4) defensive

linemen is referred to as a 40 or three (3) defensive linemen a 30.

DEFENSIVE TERMINOLOGY

The deployment of defenders to stop

the run is referred to as the Front.

The Front has primary run

responsibility and can be 7-man, 8-

man or 9-man. It is typically the

down defensive linemen or ends

(Level One), and includes

linebackers (Level Two) or

defensive backs (Level Three). The Undercover refers to those defenders in

the Front that also have pass responsibilities Level Two defenders. These aretypically linebackers, but with a zone blitz can be down defensive lineman, or even

defensive backs in some coverage packages. The Secondary defenders have

primary pass responsibilities and are referred to as defensive backs or Level Three

defenders. However, they can line-up in the front and have primary run

responsibility, or even be part of the Undercover.

Gaps

Every space between offensive players on the LOS is a gap. A solid defense must

have a defender assigned to every gap on the offensive line. The assigned gap

responsibility can be to any defensive player, typically either a lineman or

linebacker controls them. A defensive lineman is responsible for the run because

they are the closest defenders to the gaps, however with the growing use of the

zone blitz they (defensive linemen) could have an occasional pass responsibility.

They are most effective when lined-up directly in front of an offensive lineman

(head-up) because they can be assigned to the gap on either side of the offensive

lineman. When a defender is lined-up in the gap, the defender is typically

responsible for that gap, though a stunt (a move right or left) can change a

defenders gap responsibility. A

linebacker (occasionally a defensiveback who is blitzing) also has gap

responsibilities but is lined-up off

the ball because they must also

defend against the pass. The Gap

spaces are lettered A through D on both the right and left side of the offensive line:


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A is the center/guard gap, B is the guard/tackle gap, C is the tackle/end gap,

and D is outside the tight end (TE).

Force and Contain

The outside gaps, whether it is a C or D is controlled with either a Force or

Contain technique. When a defender is assigned to Force, they must make the ball

carrier commit wide or inside as soon as possible. The defender will attack the ball

on an angle using his inside shoulder. The ball carrier may escape outside as long

as they are forced to commit before crossing the C gap. The exception to this

is that a defense will attempt to keep a Quarterback (QB) inside; i.e., if the ball

carrier is the QB, the QB is not allowed outside the Force. A Contain approach is

when the defender does not allow the ball to escape outside (leverage the ball).

The defense will attempt to turn the ball carrier inside as soon as possible, except

in the ball carrier is the QB, then they may attempt to string-out (slow play) the

QB.

PERSONNEL CALLS

Personnel match-ups have a significant impact on games. In addition, offensive

personnel when combined with formation recognition can give the defense an

indication of they type of play that may be run. The approach is to first account for

the number of running backs in the game (zero, one, two or three); then account for

the number of tight ends (one or two). These two pieces of information, along with

formation recognition will allow the defense to match-up its personnel with the

offensive personnel. The following is a brief recap of the groupings:

31 Dogs is 3 backs, 1 tight end, 1 receiver

21 Pro is 2 backs, 1 tight end, 2 receivers

20 Twins is 2 backs, 0 tight end, 3 receivers

12 Ace is 1 back, 2 tight ends, 2 receivers

11 King is 1 back, 1 tight end, 3 receivers

10 Deuce is 1 back, 0 tight end, 4 receivers

1 Spread is 0 backs, 1 tight end, 4 receivers

5 Empty is 0 backs, 0 tight ends, 5 receivers (exception to numberingrule)

The Personnel Calls X & O diagrams follow:


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Field - RipStrength - Vegas Field - RipStrength - Vegas

I

"Rip - Vegas - 21 [Pro]" "Rip - Vegas - 20 [Twins]"


King

"Rip - Vegas - 11 [King]"

Gun Queen E

"Rip - Vegas - 11 [Gun King]"


Trip

"Rip - Vegas - 11 [King]"

Gun Q Trips O

"Rip - Reno - 10 [Gun Deuce]"


Deuce

"Rip - Reno - 10 [Deuce]" "Rip - Reno - 12 [Ace]"

Ace


Gun Flush Spread

"Rip - Vegas - 5 [Gun Empty Flush]" "Rip - Reno - 14 [Empty Spread]"

Q Twins


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ALIGNMENT TERMINOLOGY

The following information will provide you with alignment and responsibilities for

defensive fronts. A number designates Level One defensive personnel alignments;

any HEAD-UP alignment is assigned an EVEN number and all SHADED

alignments with ODD numbers. The same numbers are used for Level Two,

except a zero is added; i.e., linebacker aligned in a 70, or 40.

2i

2

3

4

4i

6

579

0

2i

2

3

4

4i

6

5 7 91 1

8 8

TECHNIQUE DESCRIPTION

0 Head-up alignment on the center in a balanced stance. Both A-gaps; i.e., 2 gap defender.

1Shaded defender splitting the crouch of the center with his inside

foot. Aligned as a shaded nose on the center. A-gap.

2Head-up alignment on the offensive guard in a balanced stance. A

& B gaps, i.e., 2-gap defender.

2iShaded defender aligned on the inside eye of the offensive guard.

The defender will align his outside foot to the inside foot. A-gap.

3

Shaded defender aligned on the outside eye of an offensive guard,

aligned with his inside foot to the outside foot of the guard. B-

gap.

4iInside shade alignments on an offensive tackle. Defender aligns

his outside foot to the inside foot of the tackle. B-gap.

4Head-up alignment on the tackle in a balanced stance. B & C

gaps, i.e., 2-gap defender.

5Outside shade alignment on an offensive tackles. Defender will

align his inside foot (up) to the outside foot of the tackle. C-gap.

6Head-up alignment on the tight end balanced stance. C & D-

gaps; i.e., 2-gap defender.

7 Inside shade alignment on the tight end. Defender will align hisoutside foot to the inside foot of the tight end. C-gap.

9Outside shade alignment on the tight end. Defender will align his

inside foot to the outside foot of the tight end. D-gap, or outside.

8

Outside alignment to the tight end or unbalanced side. Defender

will align one yard off and one yard outside (1x1) with the inside

foot up.


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SYSTEMThe 30 Stack Defensive scheme is a multiple, disguised, pressure package,

designed to put eight or nine in the box by moving the front and creating

mismatches with varying alignments that can disrupt blocking assignments causing

a negative play for the offense. The system is modular, creating multiple lookswhile simple to learn. This allows the players more time to focus on formations

and plays that come off of them, using base or hit technique, pursuit and tackling

skills.

MULTIPLE

The defense can present the offense with many different fronts and pressure

packages, with different coverages behind them. This will force opponents to

spend additional preparation time since they cannot predict what front, pressure

package or coverage will be used versus their formations. The approach should

keep the offense guessing, or in a state of confusion.

DISGUISE

The 30 Stack should force the opponents to deal with pre-snap reads as well as

reading on the move (ROM). The defense will provide one look, and be in

another at the snap of the ball. Stem and shift movements while a quarterback is in

his cadence can be disruptive to an offense. These movements will keep and

offense guessing.

Also, since it is relatively new, in the current version, blocking schemes are stillevolving. The reason is that the triple stack results in one of the stacked

linebackers unblocked. As such, it is extremely difficult to game plan against.

PRESSURE

There are many ways to pressure an offense, but the result is that they all disrupt

the rhythm. The basic pressure package starts with a game plan designed to take

away the opponents best player and best plays. This will force them to do

something that they are not accustomed to. The next component is to take the ball

away strip, rip, knock it loose or intercept and then take it to the house. The

pressure packages are a significant contributor to take-aways. The reason is that

every offense player can be stressed:

Offensive Line stunt them out of their aggression by complicating and

confusing their blocking schemes.


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Receivers stem and disguised of coverages will put defenders in a position

to disrupt timing creating collisions and punishing them when they catch the

ball.

Running backs relentless, swarming tacklers can punish ball carriers. The

front always has one unblocked defender, typically in the cutback lane. Thiswill frustrate running backs as the game wears on.

Quarterbacks are taught to make plays calls and throwing decisions based

up pre-snap reads. The movements and pressure packages will not only

disrupt the pre-snap read process, but put physical pressure on the

quarterback sacks, hurries, knock downs, etc.

The pressure packages are extremely flexible and personnel friendly. They can be

implemented without disrupting the overall defensive scheme. The 8-man front is

difficult to run against, yet stunt packages remain sound versus the option. While

strong versus the run, the pressure packages allow for easy disguise of coverages.Since there are typically four or five defensive backs on the field, multiple

coverage packages behind the pressure keeps the defense away from being

predicable.

POSITIONS

Do you remember the Okie or 52 defense? Well today, its called the 34.

Similarly, the 5-3 defense which was a popular defense in the 30s, has

transformed itself into the 30 Stack. The modern version is dynamically flexible to

the modern offensive sets. The following is a brief outline of the 30 Stacksdefensives positions.

Defense Line Depending upon the athletes in your program, you can either

play with one or three defensive linemen. The nose may be your only true

defensive linemen, with the ends as hybrid type players; i.e., closer to

linebacker type players.

Inside Linebackers Depending upon the athletes in your program, you can

play with three to five linebackers. The defining characteristic of the

defense is the three inside linebackers are typically stacked behind the

defensive linemen. The Mike linebacker behind the nose, and the Sam &

Will behind the ends. The Sam & Will are referred to as Stud backers.

Outside Inverts Again, depending upon the athletes in your program, the

outside inverts (Bandit & Rover, or Eagles) can be hybrid athletes;

linebackers or strong safety type players.


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Secondary The 30 Stack, in its base form has three defenders in the

secondary. However, depending upon athletes in your program, there are

surprisingly many coverage packages that can be used. It is the flexibility of

these coverage packages that are contributing to the defenses popularity, as

teams become down & distance oriented, the defense morphs from an 8-manfront to a nickel package (5 defensive backs).

The following is a diagram of the 30 Stack:

ENE

R

M WB

CC

F

S

HUDDLE

The huddle establishes team discipline. It takes all eleven players acting as onewhen it comes to setting the huddle. Huddle discipline starts from when the

defense takes the field. The attitude is the first message you sent to the offense.

Don't allow the offense the opportunity to sense fatigue or confusion when lining

up.

When the defense takes the field or at the completion of a play, the Nose (N)

will set the huddle. The N will position himself approximately three yards from the

anticipated spot of the ball with both hands raised yelling "huddle" "huddle", this

alerts the rest of the defense to rally back towards him so that the next play can get

called. It is important to get in and out of the huddle as quickly as possible. Thedefense must have their huddle calls completed and be in their post huddle

alignment before the offense breaks theirs.

The huddle has two captains one being the "MIKE" linebacker (M) who is

responsible for getting the call from the sideline and the "SAM" linebacker (S)

who makes sure that the huddle is tight and everyone is in their proper huddle


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position. In addition, SAM will be responsible for providing situational

communication. This is done prior to the MIKE giving the Defensive Sequence

call.

SAM will be responsible for communication specific situational information,

including field situation and opponent situation. The first communication, part of

field situation, is to identify the wide side of the field (field); rip is to the right,

and liz is to the left. Additional communication is shown in the table below:

SAM Huddle Communication

Field Situation

Field Call (Rip or Liz)

Down and Distance

Red Zone

Opponent Situation

Alerts and Tendencies

Pass or Run DownScreen and Draw

3rd Down Yardage Needed

MIKE is responsible for getting the sideline call as such, always aligns to the

bench, and SAM must align opposite him. The front row will have their hands on

their knees and eyes looking straight ahead. Don't allow the offense to think you

might be tired; this gives them a psychological advantage. The back row will

position themselves between the players in the front row with their hands on their

hips, backs erect and the eyes focused on MIKE for the call.

The following is an example on how the huddle should look:

T N T

S

B

DC

M

WC CF R

"Nose" sets huddle3 yards from ball.

"Mike" aligns to bench;gets call from the sideline.

"Sam" aligns away from bench'makes situational calls.

NO HUDDLEThere will be situations, or even seasons when the defense will not huddle. A

couple of reasons for a no huddle defense include:

Avoid being caught off guard versus no huddle or quick tempo offenses


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Helps keep the defensive players fresh, a significant benefit when there are

two-way players

More repetitions in practice

Easier checks from the sidelines

SAM will still make Field Situations and Opponent Situations calls after each play.

All of the players will run to their preliminary alignments and turn to the sidelines

for the defensive call sequence. Once the players have gotten the signal, and when

the offense breaks the huddle, MIKE will make the Strength Call and Personnel

call. All of the other player communication should be made as the offense

approaches the line of scrimmage.

DEFENSIVE CALLS

As soon as the previous play is blown dead, MIKE should look to the signal calleron the sideline as soon as possible to get his next defensive call. If MIKE fails to

get his call from the sideline, he can tap his hand on the top of his helmet to alert

for the call to be repeated. MIKE must keep his composure at all times. Note:

when utilizing the no huddle defense, all eleven players will turn to the sidelines

to get the signals. The linebackers and secondary will make their appropriate calls

as the offense breaks the huddle and approaches the line of scrimmage.

Once the call from the sideline has been received MIKE will step into the huddle

and give an "EYES" call. When the defensive huddle hears the "EYES" call, all

eyes and attention should be focused on the signal caller. Under no circumstanceswill there be any talking beyond this point. MIKE must have complete

concentration and cooperation from everyone. Talking in the huddle will not be

tolerated. If anyone in the huddle doesn't get the call, they can yell "CHECK" and

the call will be repeated.

After making the huddle call, MIKE will give a verbal command of "READY."

Once the defense hears the "READY" command they in turn will yell, "HIT", with

a single clap. Upon breaking from the huddle the defense should get into their post

huddle alignment and keep their eyes on the offense. The secondary personnelshould be looking for the receivers leaving the huddle and the linebackers looking

for the tight end. The first call that should be alerted is the Strength call, then a

Personnel call to identify the offensive personnel in the game.

As indicated above, there will be times when the defense functions without

huddling. In those situations, all of the players will turn to the sidelines for the


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Defensive Call Sequence signals. However, SAM will still make Field Situations

and Opponent Situations calls. MIKE will still make a Strength call, echoed by the

SAM & WILL (referred to as the STUDs), and then make a Personnel call to

identify the offensive personnel.

STRENGTH CALL

The defensive scheme is based upon a balance look. However, certain

movements and stunts will be based upon the strength call (Callside). As the

offense breaks the huddle the MIKE will make a directional call "Reno" (to the

right) or "Vegas" (to the left), depending upon the alignment of the tight end. The

other inside linebackers (SAM & WILL) will echo the call. The "Reno" and

"Vegas" call indicates the direction of the tight end. This call must be made as

quickly as possible because it will set certain movements and stunts for the

defense.

There are certain defensive calls that are dependent upon the declaration of the

offenses strength to the tight end. The direction call made by the MIKE will be

given twice; it should be loud, clear, and concise. If there is no tight end, then

MIKE will make his call to the two-receiver side. If the offense comes out with a

balanced formation, his call then will be to the field, unless in the middle in which

case the call is Vegas.

In the huddle or after the ball is set ready for play, SAM will make a field call

RIP (to the right) or LIZ (to the left). This sets the alignment of WILL, ROVERand FIELD CORNER (if you elect to set your Corners Field or Boundary) because

they set to the field. SAM, BANDIT and BOUNDARY CORNER will set to the

boundary, or opposite of the field call. Also, stunts, blitzes, dogs or games can be

run based upon the field (wide) or the boundary (short), so as SAM & WILL

(the STUDS) echo the strength call, they will add a field call. This is

accomplished by indicating the wide side of the field with a Rip (right) or Liz

(left) call. An example would be: RENO, LIZ, which would put the strength of

the formation to the right, into the boundary; i.e., the field is to the left. The

boundary (short side) is opposite the Rip or Liz call.

Again, the strength and field calls are important because they not only set the

alignments of the defensive players, but also key the pressure packages. These

calls allow the defense to bring pressure based upon formation or field. The

following is a chart for the strength and field calls.


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MS W

MW S

MS W

MW S

Strength - VegasOpen

Field - RipShort

Strength - VegasField - Liz

Open / Short

Strength - RenoField - Rip

Open / Short

Open ShortField - Liz Strength - Reno

DEFENSIVE CALL SEQUENCE

The basic defensive calls / signals will consist of two to five parts:

1. Movements: These are stems and disguises.

2. Front: Identifies the alignment of the Ends.

3. Variation: Modifies the base fronts.

4. Attack: These are the pressure packages.

5. Coverage: Secondary coverage.

The call from the sideline should be made in this order:

Defensive Call Sequence Examples

Movement TiltFront 44 45

Variation Base Push

Attack Strong Full Eagle

Coverage 35 10

.


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The following is a brief summary of the Defensive Call Sequence components.

Movements These are alerts to help the defenders coordinate their prowl. If

there is no movement identified in the huddle, then the defenders will align in

Base and execute their assignments from this position. The calls can be:

Cheat Technique used to disguise coverage base upon initial alignments.

Crash Technique used to create an illusion that the defense is sending

everybody, but becomes a 5-man package.

Party Technique used to create an illusion that the defense is sending

everybody, which it does.

Prowl Pre-snap movements designed to confuse the offense, blocking

schemes and/or the quarterback.

Show This is the opposite of cheat. The defenders will align or show

their intentions.

Sugar The defenders will show in an attempt to bait the offense, and

move or bail to their proper alignment.

See Chapter IV,Pressure Packages and Chapter V,Defending the Pass for a moredetailed description of these movements and the techniques used in executing

them.

Front Identified by two numbers alerting the defensive Ends where to align. The

first number aligns the End to the callside, and the second number aligns the

openside End. This allows the defense to get into just about any front, however the

base front in the 30 Stack is a 44 with both Ends aligned in 4-techniques.

Here are a few examples:


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STRENGTH CALL: VEGAS

ENE

M 4040

Front: "44"

ENE

M 4040

Front: "33"

ENE

M 4070

Front: "45 - Ghost"

ENE

M 4070

Front: "55 - Ghost"

STRENGTH CALL: RENO

E N E

M40 70

Front: "45 - Ghost"

E N E

M40 40

Front: "55"

Variations These are adjustments to the base alignments. The calls can set the

defensive linemen and linebackers, or be used in conjunction with a front call. The

variation calls, tilt and flex are used to set the noses techniques, while the

stack and ghost calls set the linebacker techniques.

Tilt The nose will align at a 45angle to the center. This alignment is used

to facilitate the nose either shooting the A-gap to the tilt, or the opposite A-

gap with a cross face technique. The tilt changes the nose from a two-gap

player to a single gap defender.

Flex This call moves the nose to 1 yards off the center in a two-point

stance. The nose will flow to the ball.

Stack This is an alignment that stacks the inside linebackers behind one

another prior to the snap. The linebackers will execute their assignments

from this look on ball movement.


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Ghost This tag aligns the callside linebacker in a 70 technique. Full

Ghost will align both linebackers in 70 techniques. If there is no tight

end, then they will ghost where the tight end would have aligned.

The base alignment will stack the linebackers directly behind 4-technique Ends andgives the Ends a two-gap responsibility. The Ends will employ hit technique,

using a mirror step to play both gaps.

The following variations are additional variations, and are diagramed with a

strength call of Vegas, and a field call of Rip.

Variation Description Example

Tight

This moves both outside inverts

Bandit & Rover (collectively

referred to as Eagles) to 9-techniques, 1x1 off of the EMOL.

Load moves one of the outside

inverts (Eagle) to a 9-

technique, 1x1 off of the EMOL

based upon callside (Load),openside (Open Load),

boundary (Short Load) or field

(Wide Load). Always Load a

tight end when there is noreceiver aligned outside (referred

to as nub).

ENE R

M W

B

S

Variation: "54 Tight"

ENE

R

M W

B

S

Variation: "44 Ghost Load"

Tuff

The inside linebackers will slide,

giving the 30 Stack an ArizonaFlex type look. The callside

linebacker will move to a 7-

technique, Mike in the callside A-

gap, and openside linebacker will

flex at 1 yards in a 20

technique.

ENE

R

MW

B

S

Variation: "44 Tuff"

2 x 5 off EMOLvs TE 3 x 6 off EMOL

to Open


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Variation Description Example

Bear

Double eagle front with the

callside invert and linebacker

bracketing the tight end with a 9

and 7-technique. The callside

inside linebackers will align in a

40 technique and the openside

linebacker with align in the B-

gap. This is typically used in

conjunction with a 33 front.

ENE R

M W

B S

Variation: "33 Bear"

Pull

This pulls the linebackers to the

callside into a 34 look, aligneddirectly in over the guards in20-

techniques. The inside linebacker

(Stud - to the callside) aligns in a9-technique. The secondary may

employ a Level look by

bouncing one of the Eagles deepto align at the Free Safety level.

ENE

R

M WB

S

Variation: "55 Pull"

2 x 5 off EMOLvs TE 3 x 6 offEMOL

to Open

Push

Pushes the defensive linemen tothe callside, and the linebackers

to the weakside creating a 40

look, using a 31 scheme. The

inside linebacker (to the

openside) pushes to a 5-technique, and the defensivelinemen push to the callside

aligning in 7, 3 and 1-techniques.

ENE

RM

W

B S2 x 5 off EMOLvs TE 3 x 6 off EMOL

to Open

Variation: "31 Push"

Attack These are coordinated packages that create 4-man (single defenders), 5-

man (two defenders), or 6-man (three defenders) pressure. There are illusion

packages that give the offense the impression that 7-, 8- or 9-man pressure is

coming. All of these pressure packages are based upon strength (callside), but

can be changed to the weakside, also known as the openside (Open), or the wide

side of the field (Wide) or into the boundary (Short). These pressure packagesinclude Dogs, Stunts, Blitzes or Games, or commonly referred to as attack or

stunts.

1. Dogs These are coordinated run through action by the inside linebackers.

2. Stunts These are coordinated movements by defensive linemen and

linebackers;


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3. Blitzes These are coordinated run through action by the secondary or

outside inverts; and

4. Games These are coordinated movements by the defensive line. They are

typically a full man slant, using a hit technique on the offensive linemen one

man over from their original alignments. However these also include twist

between defensive linemen.

See Chapter IV,Pressure Packages for a more detailed description of these stunts.

Coverage The pass coverage calls are based upon identifying how many

defenders are in the 3-deep zones and the 6-underneath zones. The base coverage

is cover 34, which is a 3-deep zone with four in the underneath zones. The

pressure package calls (5- and 6-man) will require zero or man-free behind the

fronts action. The 30 Stack is surprisingly flexible in the coverage packages,

including zone and man combinations, as well as different contour looks; i.e.,diamond (single safety look), umbrella (two safety look) and a Level four across

look. The Defending the Pass section (Chapter V) includes a more detailed look at

the coverage packages.

ALIGNMENTSThe defensive players must get off blocks, run to the ball and make the tackle.

This can only occur when they play with confidence in alignment and technique.

The 30 Stack Defense is designed to bring pressure from virtually every position.

The alignment and technique used to execute assigned responsibilities are criticalto success. Therefore, the scheme is simple enough to allow the players to focus

on recognition of formations and plays that come off of them because the

alignments do not have to change versus most formations that offenses typically

use.

The base alignment stacks the linebackers behind the 4-technique ends, and the 0-

technique nose, called 44 Base. The defense is designed to stop the run with

eight defenders in the front and a 6-man tackle-to-tackle box. The defensive

linemen use a two-gap approach with a read technique or mirror step, referred to as

hit technique. It is this hit technique, using a mirror step that allows the Ends

and Nose to play both gaps.

The 44 Base alignment, depending upon personnel, can be susceptible to the

veer option. As such, versus a tight end, the linebackers can be moved to a 70

alignment with a ghost call. Another choice in defending the veer option is to


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move the Ends to 5-techniques, and leave the Stud linebackers in 40-techniques.

A 5-technique End, with a 40 aligned linebacker can have trouble with a tight

end crack block. In this situation, Load the tight end with an Eagle in an 8- or

9-technique. If the offense has 21 Personnel, the openside Eagle can move to

create a Level look in the secondary. This will put the Free Safety closer to the

alley to the strong side.

ENE

R

M WB

CC

F

S4 Stack 4 Stack

7-O; inside footto outside foot

2 x 5 off EMOLvs TE 3 x 6 offEMOL

to Open

9 to 12A-gap vs 21

7 1/2-O; insidefoot to outsidefoot

"44 Base" - "Hit Technique"

4 Stack

Boundary = ShortCallside = Strength

Field = WideAway from Call = Open

ENE

B

M SR

CC

F

W4 Stack 4 Stack


Field = WideCallside = Strength


to Open

Boundary - ShortAway from Call - Open

9 to 12A-gap vs 21


4 Stack

The outside inverts Bandit and Rover (referred to as Eagles) will align:

2 x 5 versus a tight end, with their inside foot up;

3 x 6 versus the openside of the formation;

7i versus a slot receiver;


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o This alignment is when the Eagles outside foot is back, aligned to the

slot receivers inside foot, seven yards off the slot; not from the line of

scrimmage.

1 x 1 off the end man on the line of scrimmage (EMOL) when Tight,

Load or Open Load is called; and Level with the Free Safety, aligned on the hash at 9 yards when Level or

Umbrella is added to a coverage call.

The Corners can be aligned based upon boundary and field. They will align with a

7-O technique, which places the Corners inside foot (back) to the receivers

outside foot. However, if a receivers split below the numbers, (or more than half

between the hash and sideline), the corner will align between the hash and

sidelines. The Corner to a nub into the boundary will align inside the Eagle or

outside the Eagle when the nub is to the field.

The Free Safety (Free) will align nine to twelve yards off of the line of

scrimmage. The alignment will vary by down and distance, and formation. The

Free will shade to the callside A-gap versus 21 personnel, and split the number

ones versus all other sets.

ENE

R

M WB

CC

F

S


4 - Stack 4 - 40

2 x 5 offEMOLvs TE


Field = WideAway from Call = Open


"45 Ghost"

4 - 70

7i; outisde footto inside foot

9 to 12

Split #1's

As indicated above, there are additional variations. The responsibility charts are

on the next pages, with X & O diagrams of the alignment versus formations

following each of the charts.


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Call: 44 BASE

ENE

R

M WB

CC

F

S4 Stack 4 Stack



to Open

9 to 12A-gap vs 21


4 Stack


Field = WideAway from Call - Open

Strategy Coaching Points

6-man box; stop the run and

force it to perimeter; DL 2-

gap defenders using a hitlockout technique

Adjust LB based upon man (3 yards) or zone (4) blocking

schemes; When outsized, move DL off the ball and use more

games; treat unbalanced as a double tight end; a nub tightend alignment (no outside receiver) check Load

Rules

E4-technique; balanced 3-point stance with 2-gap responsibility; will use a mirror step to

maintain original technique; pass rush outside shoulder of the quarterback

N0-technique; balanced 3-point stance with 2-gap responsibility; will use a mirror step to

maintain original technique; pass rush straight to the quarterback

E 4-technique; balanced 3-point stance with 2-gap responsibility; will use a mirror step tomaintain original technique; pass rush outside shoulder of the quarterback

MStack directly behind nose 4 yards; balanced 2-point stance reading fullback through

the guard; shuffle to feet of defensive line

SStack directly behind boundary End, 4 yards; balanced 2-point stance reading guard to

tailback; shuffle to feet of defensive line

WStack directly behind field End, 4 yards; balanced 2-point stance reading guard to

tailback; shuffle to feet of defensive line

BAlign to the boundary at 2x5 (TE), 3x6 (OT), 7i (slot); balanced 2-point stance reading

the EMOL; step with inside foot and react to EMOL

R

Align to the field at 2x5 (TE), 3x6 (OT), 7i (slot); balanced 2-point stance reading the

EMOL; step with inside foot and react to EMOL

CAlign to #1 receiver at 7 yards with inside foot (back) to outside foot; backpedal reading

QB for on or off LOS; adjust alignment versus wide splits or nub

FAlign 9 to 12 yards; split #1s except shade A-gap to callside versus 21 personnel; bouncesteps reading QB for on or off LOS; fill alley from inside out position

CAlign to #1 receiver at 7 yards with inside foot (back) to outside foot; backpedal reading



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Call: 44 Tight

ENE R

M W

B

CC

F

S4 Stack 4 Stack

1 x 1EMOL

1 x 1EMOL


9 to 12A-gap vs 21


4 - Stack

"Tight" is an alert tag to the Eagles to align 1x1; i.e., load both edges.


6-man box; stop the run and

force it to perimeter; DL 2-gap defenders using a hit

lockout technique

Adjustment to Offense using TE to block linebacker; Move

OLB up if they are late to force; Load is an alert for one ofthe OLB to align tight to Callside unless Open, Wide or

Short added to call

Rules

E4-technique; balanced 3-point stance with 2-gap responsibility; will use a mirror step tomaintain original technique; pass rush outside shoulder of the quarterback



E4-technique; balanced 3-point stance with 2-gap responsibility; will use a mirror step to


MStack directly behind nose 4 yards; balanced 2-point stance reading fullback through


SStack directly behind boundary End or 70 versus TE at 4 yards; balanced 2-point

stance reading guard to tailback; shuffle to feet of defensive line

WStack directly behind field End or 70 versus TE at 4 yards; balanced 2-point stance

reading guard to tailback; shuffle to feet of defensive line

BAlign in 9-technique 1x1 on EMOL; balanced 2-point stance reading the EMOL; step

with inside foot and react to EMOL; 7i versus slot receiver

RAlign in 9-technique 1x1 on EMOL; balanced 2-point stance reading the EMOL; step

with inside foot and react to EMOL; 7i versus slot receiver

C Align to the boundary at 7 yards with inside foot to outside foot; backpedal reading QBfor on or off LOS; adjust alignment versus wide splits or nub

FAlign 9 to 12 yards; split #1s except shade A-gap to the callside versus 21 personnel;

bounce steps reading QB for on or off LOS; fill alley from inside out position

CAlign to the field at 7 yards with inside foot to outside foot; backpedal reading QB for

on or off LOS; adjust alignment versus wide splits or nub


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Call: 44 Tuff Consider a 35 Front with this Call

TNT

RM

W

B

CC

F

S

Flex, 17-tech



3 x 6 off EMOLto Open

9 to 12A-gap vs 21

2 x 5 offEMOLvs TE

4 - 20

Note: "Tuff" is an alert tag for the"STUDS" to align in 7-technique to thecallside, and flexed at 1 in a 2-technique

to the openside.


Stop the run; perimeter; flex

& slide Studs 1-man to theCallside

Adjust LB based upon man (3 yards) or zone (4) blocking

schemes; Tuff is an adjustment to control the running gameto the tight end, while keeping excellent backside positioning.

Rules

E 4-technique; balanced 3-point stance with 2-gap responsibility; will use a mirror step tomaintain original technique; pass rush outside shoulder of the quarterback

N 0-technique off LOS at 2 yards; balanced 2-point stance with 2-gap responsibility; willuse a mirror step to maintain original technique; pass rush straight to the quarterback

E 4-technique; balanced 3-point stance with 2-gap responsibility; will use a mirror step to

maintain original technique; pass rush outside shoulder of the quarterbackM Slide one man to callside over guard, 4; balanced 2-point stance reading fullback

through the guard; shuffle to feet of defensive line

S Callside: 7-tech; balanced 2-point stance reading guard to tailback; Openside: Slide one

man to callside over guard, flexed at 1; balanced 2-point stance reading fullback throughthe guard; shuffle to feet of defensive line

W Callside: 7-tech; balanced 2-point stance reading guard to tailback; Openside: Slide oneman to callside over guard, flexed at 1; balanced 2-point stance reading fullback through


B Align to the boundary at 2x5 (TE), 3x6 (OT), 7i (slot); balanced 2-point stance reading

the EMOL; step with inside foot and react to EMOL

R Align to the field at 2x5 (TE), 3x6 (OT), 7i (slot); balanced 2-point stance reading theEMOL; step with inside foot and react to EMOL

C Align to the boundary at 7 yards with inside foot to outside foot; backpedal reading QBfor on or off LOS; adjust alignment versus wide splits or nub

F Align 9 to 12 yards; split #1s except shade A-gap to the callside versus 21 personnel;bounce steps reading QB for on or off LOS; fill alley from inside out position


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C Align to the field at 7 yards with inside foot to outside foot; backpedal reading QB for



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Call: 33 Bear

ENE

WM

RB

CC

F

S1 x 1 - EMOLto callside

2p, 7-tech 1 x 1 - EMOLto openside


9 to 12

A-gap vs 21


4 - 40 4 - gap


6-man box; stop the run;

force it to perimeter; Double

Eagle look

Pressure package, can be zone behind front, but typically man;

versus 1-back sets M stack behind N and both inside

linebackers will be up

Rules

E3-technique; balanced 3-point stance with B-gap responsibility; will use a mirror step tomaintain original technique; pass rush outside shoulder of the quarterback

N0-technique; balanced 3-point stance with 2-gap responsibility; will use a mirror step tomaintain original technique; pass rush straight to the quarterback

E

3-technique; balanced 3-point stance with B-gap responsibility; will use a mirror step to


MVersus 2-backs, 40-tech to callside, 4; or stacked behind N versus 1-back sets; 2-

point stance reading fullback through the guard; shuffle to feet of defensive line

SCallside: 7-tech, or Openside B-gap or 5-tech on LOS; balanced 2-point stance reading

guard to tailback; hit lock out and read feet

WCallside: 7-tech, or Openside B-gap or 5-tech on LOS; balanced 2-point stance reading

guard to tailback; hit lock out and read feet

BCallside align in 9-technique on LOS balanced 2-point stance reading the EMOL or

Openside: 5-tech; read guard to tailback, possibly adjust to 7i versus #2 receiver

RCallside align in 9-technique on LOS balanced 2-point stance reading the EMOL or

Openside: 5-tech; read guard to tailback, possibly adjust to 7i versus #2 receiver

CAlign to the boundary at 7 yards with inside foot to outside foot; backpedal reading QB

for on or off LOS; adjust alignment versus wide splits or nub



CAlign to the field at 7 yards with inside foot to outside foot; backpedal reading QB foron or off LOS; adjust alignment versus wide splits or nub


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Call: 55 Pull Consider a 35 Front with this Call

ENE

WMRB

CC

F

S



2p, 9-tech

2 x 5 off EMOLvs TE


9 to 12A-gap vs 21

4 -20 4 -20



force it to perimeter.

34 look with the inside Lbers aligned head-up on the guards,

with the Openside OLB dropped off. Consider Level from

this look.

Rules

E5-technique; C-gap; will use a Base, Inside or Outside slant technique; pass rush outside

shoulder of the quarterback



E5-technique; C-gap; will use a Base, Inside or Outside slant technique; pass rush outside

shoulder of the quarterbackM

Slide one man to callside over guard (20), at 4; balanced 2-point stance readingfullback through the guard; shuffle to feet of defensive line

SCallside: 7-tech; 2-point stance, inside foot up reading guard to tailback; Openside: Slideone man to callside over guard (20), at 4; balanced 2-point stance reading fullback


W

Callside: 7-tech; 2-point stance, inside foot up reading guard to tailback; Openside: Slide

one man to callside over guard (20), at 4; balanced 2-point stance reading fullback


BAlign to the boundary; align of EMOL at 2x5 vs TE, 6x3 vs End, 7-O vs Slot; balanced

2-point stance reading the EMOL; step with inside foot and react to EMOL

R Align to the field; align of EMOL at 2x5 vs TE, 6x3 vs End, 7-O vs Slot; balanced 2-point stance reading the EMOL; step with inside foot and react to EMOL

CAlign to the boundary at 7 yards with inside foot to outside foot; backpedal reading QB

for on or off LOS; adjust alignment versus wide splits or nub






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Call: 71 Push

ENE W

M

RB

CC

F

S4, B-gap4, A-gap

2p, 5-tech



2 x 5 off EMOLvs TE

9 to 12A-gap vs 21




force it to perimeter.

44 look by sliding the defensive line to the callside, and

pushing the Lbers to the Openside.

Rules

ECallside 7, Openside 1; Staggered 3-point stance, with gap responsibility; will use a

mirror step to maintain original technique; pass rush outside shoulder of the quarterback

N3-tech, staggered 3-point stance, using technique called with gap responsibility; will use

a mirror step to maintain original technique; pass rush straight to the quarterback

ECallside 7, Openside 1; Staggered 3-point stance, with gap responsibility; will use a

mirror step to maintain original technique; pass rush outside shoulder of the quarterbackM

Slide 1 techniques opposite callside, with B-gap responsibility, at 4; balanced 2-

point stance reading fullback through the guard; shuffle to feet of defensive line

S

Callside: Slide 1 techniques opposite callside, with A-gap responsibility reading guard

to tailback, shuffle to feet of defensive line; Openside: Move to 5-technique in a

balanced 2-point stance

W

Callside: Slide 1 techniques opposite callside, with A-gap responsibility reading guard

to tailback, shuffle to feet of defensive line; Openside: Move to 5-technique in abalanced 2-point stance

BAlign to the boundary; align of EMOL at 2x5 vs TE, 6x3 vs End, 7-O vs Slot; balanced2-point stance reading the EMOL; step with inside foot and react to EMOL

R Align to the field; align of EMOL at 2x5 vs TE, 6x3 vs End, 7-O vs Slot; balanced 2-point stance reading the EMOL; step with inside foot and react to EMOL

CAlign to the boundary at 7 yards with inside foot to outside foot; backpedal reading







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PERSONNELAs noted above, the 30 Stack is based upon a balanced look, with linebackers

(invert and inside) and corners based upon field (wide) and boundary (short).

In general, put your best eleven football players on defense, regardless of size

because it is not the scheme that will determine your success, but the players. Hereis a brief list of what defensive players must do to be successful:

Attitude be positive, with a relentless approach on every play, regardless

of the situation;

Alignments align correctly on every play and use the proper technique to

take care of their responsibility on every snap;

Pursuit 100% effort on every down, get to the ball;

Tackling outstanding form, club-up and see what you hit, no missed

tackles; and,

Take-aways make them happen!

The following is a brief outline of the defensive positions.

ENDS

The ends (E) will align in 4-techniques (Base) head-up on the offensive

tackles. The 3-point stance is balanced which allows the ends to mirror step and

execute the Hit technique. When the end aligns in a 5-technique, the stance

should have a slight stagger, with the inside foot up, aligned on the offensive

tackles outside foot when there is no Tight End; and splitting the crouch of theoffensive tackle when there is a potential Tight End combination block.

Left Ends Alignments

4-Technique, or Hit

The end should use a balanced

step when using Hit

technique. This requires aremirror step to allow the

defender to play two gaps.

5-Technique, No Threat

The end should use an inside

foot, to outside foot alignment

when there is no Tight End, orthreat of a combination block.

The inside foot is up, keeping the

outside leg and arm free.

5-Technique, Threat

The end should use an inside

foot to crouch alignment when

there is a threat of acombination block. The inside

foot is up, keeping the outside

leg and arm free.


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The base responsibilities include:

Run to: C-gap if blocked by the tackle

Run away: Squeeze B-gap and chase if EMOL. If Chase responsibility (lastdefender on the LOS) he will pursue the ball at ball depth until he reaches

the opposite B-gap, the get into pursuit.

Pass: Contain quarterback

When in Base or 4-technique, the stance should be balanced, placing them

approximately twelve inches off the ball. The Ends will use a hit technique (3-

point punch, see Defensive Techniques) that has their first step attacking the line

of scrimmage (LOS) mirroring their opponents step; i.e., maintaining their 4-

technique positioning after the first step.

When the Ends are in a shade, or playing a gap, they will react to the ball and

movements of the offensive tackle (OT). The End will key the OTs outside

shoulder. His first step is with his inside foot, attacking the OTs down hand.

When the tackle blocks inside, the ends will squeeze the OT and close the B-gap.

When the OT blocks the End, he must defeat the block and secure the C-gap. If

the OT attempts to reach or hook him, he must not get hooked and secure the C-

gap.

The ends must be strong physical athletes, who are capable of controlling theoffensive tackles, and have the ability to pressure and contain the quarterback.

Additional qualities include:

Good speed, quickness and strength (minimum 250+ bench press)

Excellent size

Ability to play one-on-one

Ability to rush the passer

Ability to contain and / or force

Ability to chase

Ability to come up with the big play

NOSE

The nose (N) will align head-up on the center in 0-technqiue. The 3-point stance

should be balanced, placing them approximately twelve inches off the ball. They

will use a hit technique that has their first step attacking the LOS mirroring their

opponents step; i.e., maintaining their 0-technique positioning after the first step.


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The Nose will control both A-gaps, unless they are slanting to a specific gap. The

nose can

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