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John Bellace, Head Coach, Archmere Academy, DE

Full video on Glazier Drive:  Teaching the 3-3 Stack: Position Keys, Run Fits, Blitz's, and Practice Installation

LINE CALLS

The system uses four basic line calls that dictate gap responsibilities:\

Base - Defensive ends/tackles take C gaps, with linebackers covering B gaps. The nose guard and mike linebacker coordinate A gap coverage. When outside linebackers are in coverage and can't contain, the C gap player (defensive end/tackle) becomes the contain player.

Pinch - The opposite of base, where tackles move inside while linebackers take outside C gaps. Stack linebackers handle contain duties when needed.

Slant - Directional movement that requires linebackers to think critically about gap responsibilities. When the line slants one direction, linebackers must cover the opposite gaps.\

Solid - The only two-gap call for defensive linemen, used to settle down overly aggressive players or when straight-up play is more fundamentally sound against specific schemes. Blitzing players still maintain one-gap responsibility.

BLITZ PACKAGES

The system includes multiple blitz options that can be paired with any line call and coverage:

Axe - A gap blitz by the mike linebacker, with the nose guard going opposite. Works with any coverage since it only vacates the middle zone.

Strike - Sends one stack linebacker, with gap responsibility determined by the line call (B gap on base, C gap on pinch).

Double Strike - Both stack linebackers blitz, typically requiring cover one or four due to vacated zones.

Eagle - Outside linebacker blitz, usually paired with pinch or slant to prevent gap conflicts. Motion may cause coverage adjustments.

Double Eagle - Both outside linebackers blitz, always paired with pinch and cover one.

Smack - Both stack and mike linebackers attack the same side, effective for pressuring weak pass protection or heavy run tendencies.

Twist - A coordinated stunt where the mike linebacker shows early to draw blocking attention, then the nose guard scrapes behind him for a clean rush.

Hammer - Combines outside and inside pressure, typically paired with slant away from the blitz direction.

Full House - All three middle linebackers blitz, requiring man coverage and a free safety for protection.

Razor - Creative blitz where one linebacker cheats up pre-snap and attacks down the line while another maintains contain, effective against zone read schemes.

Cobra - Weak corner blitz with slant away, requiring safety coverage adjustments and careful personnel matchups.

The coach emphasizes the importance of gap integrity, coverage coordination, and having safety help on aggressive blitzes to prevent big plays.

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