Zone Blitz Concepts in the 3-4 Defense

Drew Brown, Defensive Coordinator, Modesto Junior College

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Do written tests
Teach tackling everyday
o Mon. = tackling circuit, KO coverage
o Tue. = Indy, punt cover, live inside run
o Wed. = ST circuit, inside the 25 live
o Thur. = Turnover circuit/Tackle, Punt Cover, Kick cover
Create a checklist for each position
o What do they need to be successful?
Have an answer for empty sets.
o Keep it simple
Be multiple, but have a great base
o Fronts, stems, zone/man, blitz
Know your opponent
o Personnel groups
o Formations
o Protections
o Tendencies
o Best plays
o Best player
o Worst OL
Defensive stops
o Everything but a TD
o Punt, TO, 4th down stop, FG, Run out clock
Red Zone & Sudden Changes Stops
o It sends important message
Why Zone Blitz?
o You can take away or disrupt a specific play or scheme from the offense
o Multiple ways to attack the pass pro.
o Variations make it hard on offense
Inside pressure
Edge pressure
Overload pressure
o Players can attack their run gaps now
o Allows the D to play fast and react on the run
o Most pressures are easy to disguise
o Pass rush matchups can favor the defense
o The pressure or illusion of helps your secondary
o Can still use matchups in secondary
o Can predetermine pressure direction
o Can bring it in any front
o Players like it. Its fun.

Zoom: Primarily a run blitz call (Tank Backfire 3)

o Good 1st down call
o Good on 3rd & Med.
o To playside = blue (match-up)
o To backside = black (3-deep)
Blade
o Attacks pass pro weakside
o Force the back to protect rush ILB or OLB
o Bring it from the boundary, easier to disguise