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Brian Belles, Head Coach, Cactus HS, AZ

Full video available on Glazier Drive: Alignments & Adjustments in a 4-3 Defense

DEFENSIVE FORMATION ALIGNMENT AND STRATEGY OVERVIEW

This coaching video focuses on a flexible defensive system that adapts to different offensive formations through strategic alignment adjustments and coverage variations.

CORE DEFENSIVE PHILOSOPHY

The defense operates as a "check defense" that provides weekly formation-specific game plans to players. Each formation breakdown includes the opponent's top run and pass plays with frequency data, allowing defenders to anticipate and react accordingly.

SLOT QUEENS FORMATION DEFENSE

Against pistol formations with the quarterback under center, the defense employs "dodge" coverage - combining man coverage on one side with cover-two on the opposite side. The key tactical element involves positioning the three-technique defensive tackle away from the tight end to free up the will linebacker (nickel space backer) from gap responsibilities. This allows the will backer to serve as an extra hitter against split zone runs or rush the quarterback on play-action passes.

STRENGTH CALL SYSTEM AND PERSONNEL DESIGNATIONS

The defensive front uses specific terminology to avoid confusion: three-technique (tackle), nose (one-technique), blood (weak side end), and anchor (strong side end). Strength calls direct the front seven alignment, while linebackers (Sam, Will, Mike) must read formations independently. The Mike linebacker becomes a versatile two-gap player, handling strong side A-gap or weak side B-gap depending on play direction.

COVERAGE VARIATIONS

The defense utilizes multiple coverage schemes including:

• Dodge (man/cover-two combination)
• Hummer (cover-four)
• Mercedes (cover-three)

Coverage selection prioritizes zone concepts due to personnel limitations at defensive back positions.

SPREAD FORMATION ADJUSTMENTS

Against spread formations, strength calls target the B-back position to defend power-G concepts. The three-technique positioning prevents offensive tackles from easily reaching the Mike linebacker. The Will linebacker keys the B-back from a 3x3 alignment, prepared to spill power blocks and make plays on bounced runs.

BASE 4-3 "TEXAS" DEFENSE

The foundational defense positions the Mike linebacker in a "double zero" technique against two-back formations. Strength calls to tight ends shift the entire front, creating three defensive bubbles: weak side B-gap, strong side A-gap, and strong side C-gap. The system maintains seven defenders near the box against two-back sets.

TEXAS STUD ADJUSTMENT

This tight end adjustment eliminates one defensive bubble by bumping the anchor defender down and walking up the Sam linebacker outside the tight end, providing better gap integrity while maintaining coverage flexibility behind the defense.

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