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Smash-Mouth 3-3-5 Defense:Smash-Mouth 3-3-5 Defense:Implementing Seven Winning Blitz StrategiesImplementing Seven Winning Blitz Strategies
By: Joe ArpasiBy: Joe Arpasi
Defensive CoordinatorDefensive Coordinator
Westfield High SchoolWestfield High School
Westfield, IndianaWestfield, IndianaPhone: (317) 435-9380Phone: (317) 435-9380
Email: [email protected]: [email protected]
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Implementing Seven Winning Blitz StrategiesIm
plementing Seven Winning Blitz Strategies
Single Zone BlitzesSingle Zone Blitzes
Traditional Zone BlitzesTraditional Zone Blitzes
Traditional Man BlitzesTraditional Man Blitzes
Overload BlitzesOverload Blitzes
Fire Zone BlitzesFire Zone Blitzes
Illusion BlitzesIllusion Blitzes
Secondary BlitzesSecondary Blitzes
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Why Understand Blitz Strategies?Wh
y Understand Blitz Strategies?
In the 3-3-5 defense there are tons of blitz possibilities to choose from.In the 3-3-5 defense there are tons of blitz possibilities to choose from.
In order to ensure your players can play without thinking too much, a coachIn order to ensure your players can play without thinking too much, a coach
must be selective in what blitzes are put into the blitz package.must be selective in what blitzes are put into the blitz package.
The types of blitzes selected must match-up to the forms of offense that youThe types of blitzes selected must match-up to the forms of offense that you
face each year.face each year.
Understanding the concepts of blitzing will allow blitzes to be specificallyUnderstanding the concepts of blitzing will allow blitzes to be specifically
designed to stop those offensive systems.designed to stop those offensive systems.
Understanding what each blitz strategy is best for will help in understandingUnderstanding what each blitz strategy is best for will help in understanding
what blitzes should be used in specific situations.what blitzes should be used in specific situations.
Sending pressure for the sake of sending pressure is not as effective asSending pressure for the sake of sending pressure is not as effective assending selective & specific pressure to match your opponent and the situationsending selective & specific pressure to match your opponent and the situation
at hand.at hand.
You will be able to design blitzes with a greater understanding of how theyYou will be able to design blitzes with a greater understanding of how they
work.work.
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Single Zone BlitzesSi
ngle Zone Blitzes
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Single Zone BlitzesSin
gle Zone Blitzes
Single zone blitzes are a way to get into other defensive schemes from a 30Single zone blitzes are a way to get into other defensive schemes from a 30front look.front look.
The 3 down linemen allow for different combinations of stunts and LBThe 3 down linemen allow for different combinations of stunts and LB
pressure to gain the ability of other defensive schemes.pressure to gain the ability of other defensive schemes.
Zone coverages are played in their normal structure.Zone coverages are played in their normal structure.
Flat zone defenders are left in coverage, allowing the players inside to blitz.Flat zone defenders are left in coverage, allowing the players inside to blitz.
The different deep safety alignments dictate what coverages are available.The different deep safety alignments dictate what coverages are available.
1 Safety Look Coverages:1 Safety Look Coverages:
3 Deep3 Deep
2 Safety Look Coverages:2 Safety Look Coverages:
2 Deep2 Deep
4 Deep4 Deep
, , , ,
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E EN
B
C C
Single Zone Blitzes 3 DeepSin
gle Zone Blitzes 3 Deep
$
F
S M W
One Inside LB can blitz, with the otherLBs taking the Hook-to-Curl Zones.
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E EN
B
C C
Single Zone Blitzes 3 DeepSingle Zone Blitzes 3 Deep
S M W
HOOK-TO-CURLHOOK-TO-CURL
$
F
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E EN
B
C C
Single Zone Blitzes 3 DeepSingle Zone Blitzes 3 Deep
S M W
HOOK-TO-CURLHOOK-TO-CURL
$
F
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E EN
B
$
C
F
C
S M W
Single Zone Blitzes 2 DeepSingle Zone Blitzes 2 Deep
One of the LBs can blitz and the other 3 LBs canhandle the remaining under zones.
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E EN
B
C C
S M W
Single Zone Blitzes 2 DeepSingle Zone Blitzes 2 Deep
CURLCURL
HOLE $F
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E EN
B
C C
S M W
Single Zone Blitzes 2 DeepSingle Zone Blitzes 2 Deep
CURLCURL
HOLE $F
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E EN
B
C C
S M W
Single Zone Blitzes 4 DeepSingle Zone Blitzes 4 Deep
One Inside LB can blitz, with the otherLB play the Hole Zone.
$F
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E EN
B
C C
S M W
Single Zone Blitzes 4 DeepSingle Zone Blitzes 4 Deep
HOLE $F
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E EN
B
C C
S M W
Single Zone Blitzes , , Single Zone Blitzes , ,
One Inside LB can blitz, with the other LBsplaying the Hole and Curl Zone
$F
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E EN
B
C C
S M W
Single Zone Blitzes , , Single Zone Blitzes , ,
HOLE
CURL
$F
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E EN
B
C C
S M W
Single Zone Blitzes , , Single Zone Blitzes , ,
HOLE
CURL
$F
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Single Zone BlitzesSingle Zone Blitzes
Advantages:Advantages:Can generate point specific pressure with safe zone coverage behindCan generate point specific pressure with safe zone coverage behind
Flexible pressure combinations are available out of multiple coveragesFlexible pressure combinations are available out of multiple coverages
Can be used to generate non-30 front base defensesCan be used to generate non-30 front base defenses
Disadvantages:Disadvantages:
Picking where and how pressure is applied becomes a guessing game inPicking where and how pressure is applied becomes a guessing game in
hitting the offensive point of attackhitting the offensive point of attack
Must teach positions multiple pass drops for the same coverageMust teach positions multiple pass drops for the same coverage
Must teach LBs different gap fit responsibilitiesMust teach LBs different gap fit responsibilitiesBest Situations For Use:Best Situations For Use:
11stst DownsDowns
Long yardage situations where coverage is the main focusLong yardage situations where coverage is the main focus
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Traditional Zone BlitzesTraditional Zone Blitzes
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Traditional Zone BlitzesTraditional Zone Blitzes
Allows 2 or more LBs to blitz instead of the 1 LB used in single zone blitzes.Allows 2 or more LBs to blitz instead of the 1 LB used in single zone blitzes.Linemen are used in pass coverage to replace the blitzing LBs.Linemen are used in pass coverage to replace the blitzing LBs.
Coverage is still run with the normal amount of zones defended.Coverage is still run with the normal amount of zones defended.
QB may see the blitzing LBs and dump the pass off to the area the linemen isQB may see the blitzing LBs and dump the pass off to the area the linemen is
dropping to, allowing the QBs reads to deceive him.dropping to, allowing the QBs reads to deceive him.
Since most passes get dumped in the underneath coverage, it is important toSince most passes get dumped in the underneath coverage, it is important to
use a coverage that has 4 or more under zones.use a coverage that has 4 or more under zones.
The more under zones that are in a coverage creates a minefield for the QBThe more under zones that are in a coverage creates a minefield for the QB
to throw into, and provides the linemen with more help in covering the routes.to throw into, and provides the linemen with more help in covering the routes.
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E EN
B
C C
Traditional Zone Blitzes 3 DeepTraditional Zone Blitzes 3 Deep
$
F
S M W
DL ZONE BLITZ
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E EN
B
C C
Traditional Zone Blitzes 3 DeepTraditional Zone Blitzes 3 Deep
S M W
DL ZONE BLITZ
$
F
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E EN
B
$
C
F
C
S M W
Traditional Zone Blitzes , , Traditional Zone Blitzes , ,
DL ZONE BLITZ DL ZONE BLITZ
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E EN
B
$
C
F
C
S M W
Traditional Zone Blitzes 2 DeepTraditional Zone Blitzes 2 Deep
DL ZONE BLITZ DL ZONE BLITZ
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E EN
B
$
C
F
C
S M W
Traditional Zone Blitzes 2 DeepTraditional Zone Blitzes 2 Deep
DL ZONE BLITZ DL ZONE BLITZ DL ZONE BLITZ
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Traditional Zone BlitzesTraditional Zone Blitzes
Advantages:Advantages:When applied with other blitz strategies, the defense can generateWhen applied with other blitz strategies, the defense can generate
mismatches with the offense.mismatches with the offense.
Coverage remains in a basic structure that is safe to handle the pass onCoverage remains in a basic structure that is safe to handle the pass on
33rdrd down situations.down situations.
Disadvantages:Disadvantages:
Coaches must teach the punch & read technique to defensive linemenCoaches must teach the punch & read technique to defensive linemen
to ensure they can read the difference between run and pass accurately.to ensure they can read the difference between run and pass accurately.
Requires linemen to play pass coverage instead of rush the passer.Requires linemen to play pass coverage instead of rush the passer.
Best Situations For Use:Best Situations For Use:
Passing DownsPassing Downs
11stst / 2/ 2ndnd Down Run SituationsDown Run Situations
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Traditional Man BlitzesTraditional Man Blitzes
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Traditional Man BlitzesTraditional Man Blitzes
Defense will always have 5 players committed to covering the 5 eligibleDefense will always have 5 players committed to covering the 5 eligiblereceivers of the offense.receivers of the offense.
Deep help for the 5 players committed to man coverage can range from noDeep help for the 5 players committed to man coverage can range from no
help, 1 safety deep, and 2 safeties deep.help, 1 safety deep, and 2 safeties deep.
The players that are not committed to man coverage or deep help are freed toThe players that are not committed to man coverage or deep help are freed to
blitz.blitz.
LBs that are assigned to cover RBs are freed to follow the flow of runningLBs that are assigned to cover RBs are freed to follow the flow of running
plays and clean up what comes through the blitz.plays and clean up what comes through the blitz.
Discussed Coverages:Discussed Coverages:
ManManMan FreeMan Free
2 Man2 Man
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E EN
B
C C
Traditional Man Blitzes ManTraditional Man Blitzes Man
$S M W
F
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E EN
B
C C
Traditional Man Blitzes ManTraditional Man Blitzes Man
S M W$
F
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E EN
B
C C
Traditional Man Blitzes ManTraditional Man Blitzes Man
S M W$
F
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E EN
B
C C
Traditional Man Blitzes Man FreeTraditional Man Blitzes Man Free
$
F
S M W
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E EN
B
C C
Traditional Man Blitzes Man FreeTraditional Man Blitzes Man Free
S M W$
F
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E EN
B
$
C
F
C
S M W
Traditional Man Blitzes 2 ManTraditional Man Blitzes 2 Man
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Traditional Man BlitzesTraditional Man Blitzes
Advantages:Advantages:Good for playing the run since the LBs in coverage can flow behind theGood for playing the run since the LBs in coverage can flow behind the
blitz and adjust to how the play develops.blitz and adjust to how the play develops.
Tight man coverage can disrupt the timing of routes and force the QB toTight man coverage can disrupt the timing of routes and force the QB to
hold the ball longer, leading to a high success rate of the rush getting tohold the ball longer, leading to a high success rate of the rush getting to
the QB before the ball is thrown.the QB before the ball is thrown.Disadvantages:Disadvantages:
Blitzers can over penetrate into the backfield and allows cracks in the gapBlitzers can over penetrate into the backfield and allows cracks in the gap
assignments of the blitz.assignments of the blitz.
Players with man coverage responsibilities can be placed in mismatchPlayers with man coverage responsibilities can be placed in mismatch
situations when the offense matches a better athlete on a poorer athlete.situations when the offense matches a better athlete on a poorer athlete.
Best Situations For Use:Best Situations For Use:
Short Yardage Run DownsShort Yardage Run Downs
Goal Line / RedzoneGoal Line / Redzone
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Overload BlitzesOverload Blitzes
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Overload BlitzesOverload Blitzes
Overloads are created by outnumbering the offensive players in a specificOverloads are created by outnumbering the offensive players in a specificarea of the formation.area of the formation.
They are always used with at least one other blitz strategy.They are always used with at least one other blitz strategy.
Most commonly used as a pass blitz.Most commonly used as a pass blitz.
Different pass protections require different types of overloads to effectivelyDifferent pass protections require different types of overloads to effectively
beat the pass protection.beat the pass protection.
Gap / Slide Based Pass Protection:Gap / Slide Based Pass Protection:
Two In A GapTwo In A Gap
Two Off the EdgeTwo Off the Edge
Man Based Pass Protection:Man Based Pass Protection:
Overload the GuardOverload the Guard
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E EN
B
Overload Blitzes Two In A GapOverload Blitzes Two In A Gap
$S M W
Identify the RB
Edge Side
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E EN
B
Overload Blitzes Two In A GapOverload Blitzes Two In A Gap
$S M W
Provide A Rush Threat
for RB To Block
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E EN
B
Overload Blitzes Two In A GapOverload Blitzes Two In A Gap
$
S M W
Send the Nose To Occupy
The Guard Inside
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E EN
B
Overload Blitzes Two In A GapOverload Blitzes Two In A Gap
$
S M W
Send the End To Occupy The
Tackle & Drive Him Back
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E EN
B
Overload Blitzes Two In A GapOverload Blitzes Two In A Gap
$
S M WThe Overload Occurs When A LB Is Sent
Into The Opening Between the Nose & End
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Two In A Gap Traditional Man BlitzTwo In A Gap Traditional Man Blitz
E EN
B
C C
Overload Blitzes ManOverload Blitzes Man
$S M W
F
OVERLOAD
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Two In A Gap Traditional Man BlitzTwo In A Gap Traditional Man Blitz
E EN
B
C C
Overload Blitzes Man FreeOverload Blitzes Man Free
$
F
S M W
OVERLOAD
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E EN
B
Overload Blitzes Two Off the EdgeOverload Blitzes Two Off the Edge
$S M W
Will Attack The RB In
Edge Protection
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E N
B
Overload Blitzes Two Off the EdgeOverload Blitzes Two Off the Edge
$S M W
ESend the End To Occupy The
Tackle & Drive Him Inside
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E N
B
Overload Blitzes Two Off the EdgeOverload Blitzes Two Off the Edge
$S M W
E
The Overload Occurs When Two LBs Are
Sent To Attack The Isolated RB
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Two Off the Edge Traditional Man BlitzTwo Off the Edge Traditional Man Blitz
E EN
B
C C
Overload Blitzes ManOverload Blitzes Man
$S M W
F
OVERLOAD
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Two Off the Edge Traditional Zone BlitzTwo Off the Edge Traditional Zone Blitz
E EN
B
$
C
F
C
S M W
Overload Blitzes 3 DeepOverload Blitzes 3 Deep
DL ZONE BLITZ
OVERLOAD
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E EN
B
Overload Blitzes Overload the GuardOverload Blitzes Overload the Guard
$S M W
Center and the Tackles will block the Nose and Ends in Man Protection
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E EN
B
Overload Blitzes Overload the GuardOverload Blitzes Overload the Guard
$S M W
Guards will look to pick-up possible blitzers Inside-Out
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E EN
B
Overload Blitzes Overload the GuardOverload Blitzes Overload the Guard
$S M W
When LB comes in an inside
blitz the Guard will pick up
blitz in man protection
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E EN
B
Overload Blitzes Overload the GuardOverload Blitzes Overload the Guard
S
RB will pick up the outside Blitzer
M
$W
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E EN
B
Overload Blitzes Overload the GuardOverload Blitzes Overload the Guard
S
M
$W
Or QB will have to throw Hot Read
if RB is set to the other side,
creating the Overload
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E EN
B
Overload Blitzes Overload the GuardOverload Blitzes Overload the Guard
$S M W
When outside blitz is shown the Guard will
kick out to pick-up in a man protection
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E EN
B
Overload Blitzes Overload the GuardOverload Blitzes Overload the Guard
$
S M W
Or Guard will make a fan call with the Tackle
and they will zone protect the C & B Gaps
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E EN
B
Overload Blitzes Overload the GuardOverload Blitzes Overload the Guard
$S
M W
Now the Overload is created when a delayed
blitz is used in the A Gaps
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E EN
B
Overload Blitzes Overload the GuardOverload Blitzes Overload the Guard
$S M W
Sending two LBs at the Guard will also create an Overload
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Overload BlitzesOverload Blitzes
Advantages:Advantages:
Can effectively beat an offenses pass protectionCan effectively beat an offenses pass protection
The different blitz combinations available make offenses have to createThe different blitz combinations available make offenses have to create
new rules to try and block the blitz package.new rules to try and block the blitz package.
Disadvantages:Disadvantages:
Must be able to breakdown and identify what type of pass protection yourMust be able to breakdown and identify what type of pass protection your
opponent has run on film.opponent has run on film.
An overload blitz can provide an open gap, making some calls susceptibleAn overload blitz can provide an open gap, making some calls susceptible
to runs.to runs.
Best Situations For Use:Best Situations For Use:
Long Yardage Passing SituationsLong Yardage Passing Situations
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Fire Zone BlitzesFire Zone Blitzes
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Fire Zone BlitzesFire Zone Blitzes
Five man pressure package.Five man pressure package.
Can run multiple blitz strategies from a Fire Zone Blitz framework.Can run multiple blitz strategies from a Fire Zone Blitz framework.
Pressure package uses a 3 deep, 3 under zone coverage.Pressure package uses a 3 deep, 3 under zone coverage.
Allows the defense an alternative to providing effective pressure with manAllows the defense an alternative to providing effective pressure with man
coverage behind.coverage behind.
The under zone defenders play a match-up zone style of under coverage.The under zone defenders play a match-up zone style of under coverage.
The coverage puts lots of pressure on the Safety to defend routes up theThe coverage puts lots of pressure on the Safety to defend routes up the
hashes.hashes.
The zone coverage allows for all defenders to react to run faster than blitzingThe zone coverage allows for all defenders to react to run faster than blitzing
in man coverage.in man coverage.The Fire Zone Blitz strategy provides the most flexible format for blitzing inThe Fire Zone Blitz strategy provides the most flexible format for blitzing in
multiple play situations.multiple play situations.
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E EN
B
C C
Fire Zone Blitzes 3 Deep, 3 UnderFire Zone Blitzes 3 Deep, 3 Under
$
F
S M W
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Overload Blitz Overload the GuardOverload Blitz Overload the Guard
E EN
B
C C
Fire Zone Blitzes 3 Deep, 3 UnderFire Zone Blitzes 3 Deep, 3 Under
S M W
OVERLOAD
$
F
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Overload Blitz Overload the GuardOverload Blitz Overload the Guard
E EN
B
C C
Fire Zone Blitzes 3 Deep, 3 UnderFire Zone Blitzes 3 Deep, 3 Under
S M W
OVERLOAD
$
F
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Overload Blitz Two Off the EdgeOverload Blitz Two Off the Edge
E EN
B
C C
Fire Zone Blitzes 3 Deep, 3 UnderFire Zone Blitzes 3 Deep, 3 Under
S M W
OVERLOAD
$
F
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Overload Blitz Overload the Guard & Traditional Zone BlitzOverload Blitz Overload the Guard & Traditional Zone Blitz
E EN
B
C C
Fire Zone Blitzes 3 Deep, 3 UnderFire Zone Blitzes 3 Deep, 3 Under
S M W
OVERLOAD
DL ZONE BLITZ
$
F
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Overload Blitz Overload the Guard & Traditional Zone BlitzOverload Blitz Overload the Guard & Traditional Zone Blitz
E EN
B
C C
Fire Zone Blitzes 3 Deep, 3 UnderFire Zone Blitzes 3 Deep, 3 Under
S M W
OVERLOAD
DL ZONE BLITZ
$
F
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Fire Zone BlitzesFire Zone Blitzes
Advantages:Advantages:
An effective blitz strategy for run and pass situations.An effective blitz strategy for run and pass situations.
Can employ multiple blitz strategies with the Fire Zone Blitz format.Can employ multiple blitz strategies with the Fire Zone Blitz format.
Disadvantages:Disadvantages:
Under zone coverage areas area stretched verse the Spread Offense.Under zone coverage areas area stretched verse the Spread Offense.2x2 formations put a lot of pressure on the Safety to defend the deep2x2 formations put a lot of pressure on the Safety to defend the deep
hashes.hashes.
Best Situations For Use:Best Situations For Use:
22ndnd & Long Situations& Long Situations
33rdrd & Medium / Long Passing Situations& Medium / Long Passing Situations
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Illusion BlitzesIllusion Blitzes
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Illusion BlitzesIllusion Blitzes
Illusion blitzes are variations of Traditional Man Blitzes.Illusion blitzes are variations of Traditional Man Blitzes.
All eligible receivers around the LOS are accounted for in man coverage.All eligible receivers around the LOS are accounted for in man coverage.
All of the RBs or one of the RBs will be covered by a Spy Rush player.All of the RBs or one of the RBs will be covered by a Spy Rush player.
The Spy Rush player can be a DL, LB, or DB.The Spy Rush player can be a DL, LB, or DB.
The positions used for the Spy Rush player can be different on each side ofThe positions used for the Spy Rush player can be different on each side ofthe blitz.the blitz.
The Spy Rush player will give the illusion of rushing/blitzing, while running aThe Spy Rush player will give the illusion of rushing/blitzing, while running a
spy/mirror coverage on the assigned RB.spy/mirror coverage on the assigned RB.
This allows for maximum number of defenders to rush the offense.This allows for maximum number of defenders to rush the offense.
Most commonly used as passing down blitzes.Most commonly used as passing down blitzes.
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Overload Blitz Overload the Guard & Two Off the EdgeOverload Blitz Overload the Guard & Two Off the Edge
E EN
B
C C
Illusion Blitzes ManIllusion Blitzes Man
$
F
S M W
OVERLOAD
SPY RUSH SPY RUSH
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Overload Blitz Overload the GuardOverload Blitz Overload the Guard
E EN
B
C C
Illusion Blitzes ManIllusion Blitzes Man
$
F
S M W
SPY RUSH SPY RUSH
OVERLOAD
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Overload Blitz Overload the GuardOverload Blitz Overload the Guard
E EN
B
C C
Illusion Blitzes ManIllusion Blitzes Man
$
F
S M W
SPY RUSH SPY RUSH
OVERLOAD
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Overload Blitz Two In a GapOverload Blitz Two In a Gap
E EN
B
C C
Illusion Blitzes ManIllusion Blitzes Man
$S M W
F
SPY RUSH SPY RUSH
OVERLOAD
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Overload Blitz Two Off the EdgeOverload Blitz Two Off the Edge
E EN
B
C C
Illusion Blitzes Man FreeIllusion Blitzes Man Free
$
F
S M W
SPY RUSH
OVERLOAD
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Illusion BlitzesIllusion Blitzes
Advantages:Advantages:
Provide maximum amount of pass rushers to overload the passProvide maximum amount of pass rushers to overload the pass
protection.protection.
Good at defending RB slip screens when C Gap rushers play the SpyGood at defending RB slip screens when C Gap rushers play the Spy
Rush.Rush.
Disadvantages:Disadvantages:
By not having LBs assigned to cover the RBs like Traditional Man Blitzes,By not having LBs assigned to cover the RBs like Traditional Man Blitzes,
there is no one left to flow behind the rush. This puts Illusion Blitzes in athere is no one left to flow behind the rush. This puts Illusion Blitzes in a
bad match-up to defend the run.bad match-up to defend the run.
Outside Spy Rush players will have a hard time covering the sneak route,Outside Spy Rush players will have a hard time covering the sneak route,
and inside Spy Rush players will have a hard time covering the swing routeand inside Spy Rush players will have a hard time covering the swing routewhen combo/swap rules are not applied.when combo/swap rules are not applied.
Best Situations For Use:Best Situations For Use:
22ndnd/3/3rdrd & Long& Long
33rdrd & Medium When Pass Is Expected& Medium When Pass Is Expected
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Secondary BlitzesSecondary Blitzes
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Secondary BlitzesSecondary Blitzes
Secondary blitzes are a high risk, high reward blitz strategy.Secondary blitzes are a high risk, high reward blitz strategy.
Most commonly used against the pass, but secondary blitzes can be usefulMost commonly used against the pass, but secondary blitzes can be useful
against the run in specific situations.against the run in specific situations.
Most pass protections dont assign players to account for defensive backs.Most pass protections dont assign players to account for defensive backs.
When the blitz is timed up late the pass protection doesnt have time to adjust,When the blitz is timed up late the pass protection doesnt have time to adjust,
and the only option is to throw a hot route.and the only option is to throw a hot route.
If coverages are effectively disguised in combination with a secondary blitz,If coverages are effectively disguised in combination with a secondary blitz,
the QB will be forced to hold the ball longer and allow the blitz to get there.the QB will be forced to hold the ball longer and allow the blitz to get there.
The biggest concern when blitzing a defensive back is the crease that isThe biggest concern when blitzing a defensive back is the crease that is
created in the zone coverage.created in the zone coverage.
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E EN
B
$
C
F
C
S M W
Secondary Blitzes 2 DeepSecondary Blitzes 2 Deep
DB BLITZ
Single Zone BlitzSingle Zone Blitz
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E EN
B
$
C
F
C
S M W
Secondary Blitzes 3 DeepSecondary Blitzes 3 Deep
DB BLITZ
Single Zone BlitzSingle Zone Blitz
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Fire Zone Blitz & Overload Blitz Two Off the EdgeFire Zone Blitz & Overload Blitz Two Off the Edge
E EN
B
$
C
F
C
S M W
Secondary Blitzes 3 Deep, 3 UnderSecondary Blitzes 3 Deep, 3 Under
DB BLITZOVERLOAD
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Illusion Blitz & Overload Blitz Overload the Guard & Two Off the EdgeIllusion Blitz & Overload Blitz Overload the Guard & Two Off the Edge
E EN
B
C C
Secondary Blitzes ManSecondary Blitzes Man
$
F
S M W
DB BLITZ
SPY RUSH
OVERLOAD
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Secondary BlitzesSecondary Blitzes
Advantages:Advantages:
Offensive pass protections cant effectively account for defensive backsOffensive pass protections cant effectively account for defensive backs
in the rush.in the rush.
When secondary disguise calls are also used in the defense, it adds to theWhen secondary disguise calls are also used in the defense, it adds to the
confusion level of the QB in reading the defense.confusion level of the QB in reading the defense.
Disadvantages:Disadvantages:
When zone coverage is used there will be creases in the coverage that aWhen zone coverage is used there will be creases in the coverage that a
good QB can exploit.good QB can exploit.
It is hard to practice effective timing of the blitz in a game speed climateIt is hard to practice effective timing of the blitz in a game speed climate
where the blitz is not shown too soon.where the blitz is not shown too soon.
Best Situations For Use:Best Situations For Use:
Long Yardage Passing DownsLong Yardage Passing Downs
Opponent Specific High Passing Down TendencyOpponent Specific High Passing Down Tendency
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By: Joe ArpasiBy: Joe Arpasi
Defensive CoordinatorDefensive Coordinator
Westfield High SchoolWestfield High School
Westfield, IndianaWestfield, Indiana
Phone: (317) 435-9380Phone: (317) 435-9380
Smash-Mouth 3-3-5 Defense:Smash-Mouth 3-3-5 Defense:
Implementing Seven Winning Blitz StrategiesImplementing Seven Winning Blitz Strategies
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