Description

Jared Sloan, Defensive Coordinator, Magnolia West HS, TX

View the full video on Glazier Drive: Being Multiple in the 3-4 to Defend Multiple Offenses

OVERVIEW

This coaching video covers a multiple 3-4 defense that uses alignment rules and pattern reading as its foundation. The defense operates from a base weak eagle formation but can adjust to look like a 4-3 depending on offensive alignment and field position.

ADJUSTMENT CALLS AND COMMUNICATION

The defense uses several key adjustment calls:

• Rain Call: Made by the rush linebacker when walking off the line
• G Call: Made by the SAM linebacker when facing no tight end or multiple receivers, moving the end from a 5-technique to 7-technique
• Bump Call: Made by the Will linebacker when removing from the box, becoming a 2-to-1 "waller" and allowing safeties to stay high
• Roll Call: Affects how the rush linebacker aligns based on formation strength

COVERAGE PHILOSOPHY - PATTERN READING

The defense emphasizes pattern reading over traditional coverage assignments. Coverage is dictated by offensive routes rather than pre-snap calls, allowing the defense to change the post-snap picture while maintaining consistency. This approach is particularly effective at the high school level for disguising defensive intentions from quarterbacks.

BLACK COVERAGE CONCEPT

Black coverage represents the team's man-to-man concept:

• Corners play 7-by-1 technique with inside leverage on #1 receivers
• Free safety and strong safety align 8-by-2 off the line of scrimmage in the box
• Front seven aligns with SAM in 9-technique, end in 5-technique, nose in heavy shade, tackles in 3-technique, rush in 5-technique
• Mike and Will linebackers position in B-gaps as "30 backers"

STRONG SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

The strong safety must count receivers to determine alignment. If there are three or more receivers to his side (including a fullback on or near the midline), he rolls down. If fewer than three, he maintains his box position. This counting system helps determine whether to rotate coverage or maintain base alignment.

FILM BREAKDOWN EXAMPLES

The coach provides two game film examples:

1. A boundary run play showing proper edge setting and gap responsibility
2. The season opener against twins formation showing how alignment rules create different looks (weak eagle vs. 4-3 appearance)

DEFENSIVE OVERLAP PRINCIPLE

The system uses an overlap concept where each level of the defense supports the next: defensive line overlaps with linebackers, linebackers with safeties, and safeties with corners. This creates multiple layers of support and reduces individual tackle responsibilities for defensive backs, allowing them to focus on their primary coverage duties.

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