Description

Eric Kasperowicz, Mars HS (PA), Head Coach

Pre/Post-Snap Movement in the 4-3 Dynamic Defense System

DEFENSIVE LINE MOVEMENT STRATEGIES

This coaching presentation covers pre-snap and post-snap defensive line movement techniques designed to create confusion and gain advantages against offensive lines.

PRE-SNAP MOVEMENT ("STEM")

The coach explains why they incorporate pre-snap movement (called "stem") into their defensive scheme:

• Built into front calls so it can be signaled from the sideline
• Presents different looks to confuse offensive blocking schemes
• Forces offenses to adjust to unfamiliar alignments (moving from three/shade/five techniques to zero/four-eye techniques)
• Practiced using "silent library" - hand signals only, no talking

BEST SITUATIONS FOR STEMMING

• Third and short situations (minimal risk if offsides, high reward if offense jumps)
• Near the goal line
• Creates opportunities for offensive penalties

TIMING IS CRITICAL

• Study opponent's snap count and cadence carefully
• Coordinate stem call with quarterback's cadence (e.g., on "set" in "down, set, hut")
• Middle linebacker (mic) typically makes the stem call
• If officials object to the mic calling it, use the three technique instead
• Movement should occur at the last possible moment

BENEFITS OF STEMMING

• Makes offensive linemen think quickly and change calls
• Creates missed assignments and poor blocking angles
• Forces offense to play on the run
• Can shift from odd to even fronts, over to under fronts
• Low investment, high reward technique

POST-SNAP MOVEMENT

The coach emphasizes post-snap movement as equally important:

• Harder to block a moving target
• Effective way to steal gaps from the offense
• Excellent for undersized defensive linemen who can use speed
• Good for handling tight end trades without resetting the entire front
• Allows defense to play gaps "two ways" - with your body or with his body

WIPE TECHNIQUE

Critical technique for post-snap movement when tackles are moving to gaps:

• Used when a defensive tackle moving to B gap receives a down block
• Tackle "wipes" over the down block and works back inside
• Prevents big creases in the defense
• If there's a kick-out block, the tackle must spill it outside to the defensive end
• Defenders must know their shoulder assignment (high shoulder or low shoulder)

WIPE VS. PASS SET

• Against down blocks: wipe around tight and work inside
• Against pass sets: continue rushing to assigned gap
• Tackles work back inside on pass sets
• Maintain gap integrity while pressuring the quarterback

The presentation emphasizes these techniques are simple, inexpensive to install, and highly effective at creating offensive confusion and missed assignments.

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