Blitz Strategies.ppt

Smash-Mouth 3-3-5 Defense:Smash-Mouth 3-3-5 Defense:Implementing Seven Winning Blitz StrategiesImplementing Seven Winning Blitz Strategies

By: Joe ArpasiBy: Joe ArpasiDefensive CoordinatorDefensive CoordinatorWestfield High SchoolWestfield High School

Westfield, IndianaWestfield, IndianaPhone: (317) 435-9380Phone: (317) 435-9380

Email: [email protected]: [email protected]

Implementing Seven Winning Blitz StrategiesImplementing Seven Winning Blitz Strategies

• Single Zone Blitzes Single Zone Blitzes • Traditional Zone BlitzesTraditional Zone Blitzes• Traditional Man BlitzesTraditional Man Blitzes• Overload BlitzesOverload Blitzes• Fire Zone BlitzesFire Zone Blitzes• Illusion BlitzesIllusion Blitzes• Secondary BlitzesSecondary Blitzes

Why Understand Blitz Strategies?Why Understand Blitz Strategies?In the 3-3-5 defense there are tons of blitz possibilities to choose from.In the 3-3-5 defense there are tons of blitz possibilities to choose from.

In order to ensure your players can play without thinking too much, a coach In order to ensure your players can play without thinking too much, a coach must be selective in what blitzes are put into the blitz package.must be selective in what blitzes are put into the blitz package.

The types of blitzes selected must match-up to the forms of offense that you The types of blitzes selected must match-up to the forms of offense that you face each year.face each year.

Understanding the concepts of blitzing will allow blitzes to be specifically Understanding the concepts of blitzing will allow blitzes to be specifically designed to stop those offensive systems.designed to stop those offensive systems.

Understanding what each blitz strategy is best for will help in understanding Understanding what each blitz strategy is best for will help in understanding what blitzes should be used in specific situations.what blitzes should be used in specific situations.

Sending pressure for the sake of sending pressure is not as effective as Sending pressure for the sake of sending pressure is not as effective as sending selective & specific pressure to match your opponent and the situation sending selective & specific pressure to match your opponent and the situation at hand.at hand.

You will be able to design blitzes with a greater understanding of how they You will be able to design blitzes with a greater understanding of how they work.work.

Single Zone BlitzesSingle Zone Blitzes

Single Zone BlitzesSingle Zone BlitzesSingle zone blitzes are a way to get into other defensive schemes from a 30 Single zone blitzes are a way to get into other defensive schemes from a 30 front look. front look.

The 3 down linemen allow for different combinations of stunts and LB The 3 down linemen allow for different combinations of stunts and LB pressure to gain the ability of other defensive schemes.pressure to gain the ability of other defensive schemes.

Zone coverages are played in their normal structure.Zone coverages are played in their normal structure.

Flat zone defenders are left in coverage, allowing the players inside to blitz.Flat zone defenders are left in coverage, allowing the players inside to blitz.

The different deep safety alignments dictate what coverages are available.The different deep safety alignments dictate what coverages are available.

1 Safety Look Coverages:1 Safety Look Coverages:

3 Deep3 Deep

2 Safety Look Coverages:2 Safety Look Coverages:

2 Deep2 Deep

4 Deep4 Deep

¼, ¼, ½ ¼, ¼, ½

E EN

B

C C

Single Zone Blitzes – 3 DeepSingle Zone Blitzes – 3 Deep

$

F

S M WOne Inside LB can blitz, with the other LBs taking the Hook-to-Curl Zones.

E EN

B

C C


S M W

HOOK-TO-CURLHOOK-TO-CURL

$

F

E EN

B

$

C

F

C

S M W


One of the LBs can blitz and the other 3 LBs can handle the remaining under zones.

E EN

B

C C

S M W


CURLCURL

HOLE $F

E EN

B

C C

S M W


One Inside LB can blitz, with the other LB play the Hole Zone.

$F

E EN

B

C C

S M W


HOLE $F

E EN

B

C C

S M W

Single Zone Blitzes – ¼, ¼, ½ Single Zone Blitzes – ¼, ¼, ½

One Inside LB can blitz, with the other LBs playing the Hole and Curl Zone

$F

E EN

B

C C

S M W

Single Zone Blitzes – ¼, ¼, ½ Single Zone Blitzes – ¼, ¼, ½

HOLE

CURL

$F

Single Zone BlitzesSingle Zone BlitzesAdvantages:Advantages:

Can generate point specific pressure with safe zone coverage behindCan generate point specific pressure with safe zone coverage behind

Flexible pressure combinations are available out of multiple coveragesFlexible pressure combinations are available out of multiple coverages

Can be used to generate non-30 front base defensesCan be used to generate non-30 front base defenses

Disadvantages:Disadvantages:

Picking where and how pressure is applied becomes a guessing game in Picking where and how pressure is applied becomes a guessing game in hitting the offensive point of attackhitting the offensive point of attack

Must teach positions multiple pass drops for the same coverageMust teach positions multiple pass drops for the same coverage

Must teach LBs different gap fit responsibilitiesMust teach LBs different gap fit responsibilities

Best Situations For Use:Best Situations For Use:

11stst Downs Downs

Long yardage situations where coverage is the main focusLong yardage situations where coverage is the main focus

Traditional Zone BlitzesTraditional Zone Blitzes

Traditional Zone BlitzesTraditional Zone BlitzesAllows 2 or more LBs to blitz instead of the 1 LB used in single zone blitzes.Allows 2 or more LBs to blitz instead of the 1 LB used in single zone blitzes.

Linemen are used in pass coverage to replace the blitzing LBs.Linemen are used in pass coverage to replace the blitzing LBs.

Coverage is still run with the normal amount of zones defended.Coverage is still run with the normal amount of zones defended.

QB may see the blitzing LBs and dump the pass off to the area the linemen is QB may see the blitzing LBs and dump the pass off to the area the linemen is dropping to, allowing the QB’s reads to deceive him.dropping to, allowing the QB’s reads to deceive him.

Since most passes get dumped in the underneath coverage, it is important to Since most passes get dumped in the underneath coverage, it is important to use a coverage that has 4 or more under zones. use a coverage that has 4 or more under zones.

The more under zones that are in a coverage creates a “minefield” for the QB The more under zones that are in a coverage creates a “minefield” for the QB to throw into, and provides the linemen with more help in covering the routes.to throw into, and provides the linemen with more help in covering the routes.

E EN

B

C C

Traditional Zone Blitzes – 3 DeepTraditional Zone Blitzes – 3 Deep

$

F

S M W

DL ZONE BLITZ

E EN

B

C C


S M W

DL ZONE BLITZ

$

F

E EN

B

$

C

F

C

S M W

Traditional Zone Blitzes – ¼, ¼, ½ Traditional Zone Blitzes – ¼, ¼, ½

DL ZONE BLITZ DL ZONE BLITZ

E EN

B

$

C

F

C

S M W


DL ZONE BLITZ DL ZONE BLITZ

E EN

B

$

C

F

C

S M W


DL ZONE BLITZ DL ZONE BLITZ DL ZONE BLITZ

Traditional Zone BlitzesTraditional Zone BlitzesAdvantages:Advantages:

When applied with other blitz strategies, the defense can generate When applied with other blitz strategies, the defense can generate mismatches with the offense.mismatches with the offense.

Coverage remains in a basic structure that is safe to handle the pass on Coverage remains in a basic structure that is safe to handle the pass on 33rdrd down situations. down situations.


Coaches must teach the “punch & read” technique to defensive linemen Coaches must teach the “punch & read” technique to defensive linemen to ensure they can read the difference between run and pass accurately.to ensure they can read the difference between run and pass accurately.

Requires linemen to play pass coverage instead of rush the passer.Requires linemen to play pass coverage instead of rush the passer.


Passing DownsPassing Downs

11stst / 2 / 2ndnd Down Run Situations Down Run Situations

Traditional Man BlitzesTraditional Man Blitzes

Traditional Man BlitzesTraditional Man BlitzesDefense will always have 5 players committed to covering the 5 eligible Defense will always have 5 players committed to covering the 5 eligible receivers of the offense.receivers of the offense.

Deep help for the 5 players committed to man coverage can range from no Deep help for the 5 players committed to man coverage can range from no help, 1 safety deep, and 2 safeties deep.help, 1 safety deep, and 2 safeties deep.

The players that are not committed to man coverage or deep help are freed to The players that are not committed to man coverage or deep help are freed to blitz.blitz.

LBs that are assigned to cover RBs are freed to follow the flow of running LBs that are assigned to cover RBs are freed to follow the flow of running plays and “clean up” what comes through the blitz.plays and “clean up” what comes through the blitz.

Discussed Coverages:Discussed Coverages:

ManMan

Man FreeMan Free

2 Man2 Man

E EN

B

C C

Traditional Man Blitzes – ManTraditional Man Blitzes – Man

$S M W

F

E EN

B

C C

Traditional Man Blitzes – ManTraditional Man Blitzes – Man

S M W$

F

E EN

B

C C

Traditional Man Blitzes – Man FreeTraditional Man Blitzes – Man Free

$

F

S M W

E EN

B

C C

Traditional Man Blitzes – Man FreeTraditional Man Blitzes – Man Free

S M W$

F

E EN

B

$

C

F

C

S M W

Traditional Man Blitzes – 2 ManTraditional Man Blitzes – 2 Man

Traditional Man BlitzesTraditional Man BlitzesAdvantages:Advantages:

Good for playing the run since the LBs in coverage can flow behind the Good for playing the run since the LBs in coverage can flow behind the blitz and adjust to how the play develops.blitz and adjust to how the play develops.

Tight man coverage can disrupt the timing of routes and force the QB to Tight man coverage can disrupt the timing of routes and force the QB to hold the ball longer, leading to a high success rate of the rush getting to hold the ball longer, leading to a high success rate of the rush getting to the QB before the ball is thrown. the QB before the ball is thrown.


Blitzers can over penetrate into the backfield and allows cracks in the gap Blitzers can over penetrate into the backfield and allows cracks in the gap assignments of the blitz.assignments of the blitz.

Players with man coverage responsibilities can be placed in mismatch Players with man coverage responsibilities can be placed in mismatch situations when the offense matches a better athlete on a poorer athlete. situations when the offense matches a better athlete on a poorer athlete.


Short Yardage Run DownsShort Yardage Run Downs

Goal Line / RedzoneGoal Line / Redzone

Overload BlitzesOverload Blitzes

Overload BlitzesOverload BlitzesOverloads are created by outnumbering the offensive players in a specific Overloads are created by outnumbering the offensive players in a specific area of the formation. area of the formation.

They are always used with at least one other blitz strategy. They are always used with at least one other blitz strategy.

Most commonly used as a pass blitz.Most commonly used as a pass blitz.

Different pass protections require different types of overloads to effectively Different pass protections require different types of overloads to effectively beat the pass protection.beat the pass protection.

Gap / Slide Based Pass Protection:Gap / Slide Based Pass Protection:

Two In A GapTwo In A Gap

Two Off the EdgeTwo Off the Edge

Man Based Pass Protection:Man Based Pass Protection:

Overload the GuardOverload the Guard

E EN

B

Overload Blitzes – Two In A GapOverload Blitzes – Two In A Gap

$S M W

Identify the RB Edge Side

E EN

B


$S M W

Provide A Rush Threat for RB To Block

E EN

B


$

S M W

Send the Nose To Occupy The Guard Inside

E EN

B


$

S M W

Send the End To Occupy The Tackle & Drive Him Back

E EN

B


$

S M WThe Overload Occurs When A LB Is Sent

Into The Opening Between the Nose & End

Two In A Gap – Traditional Man BlitzTwo In A Gap – Traditional Man Blitz

E EN

B

C C

Overload Blitzes – ManOverload Blitzes – Man

$S M W

F

OVERLOAD

Two In A Gap – Traditional Man BlitzTwo In A Gap – Traditional Man Blitz

E EN

B

C C

Overload Blitzes – Man FreeOverload Blitzes – Man Free

$

F

S M W

OVERLOAD

E EN

B

Overload Blitzes – Two Off the EdgeOverload Blitzes – Two Off the Edge

$S M W

Will Attack The RB In Edge Protection

E N

B


$S M W

ESend the End To Occupy The

Tackle & Drive Him Inside

E N

B


$S M W

E

The Overload Occurs When Two LBs Are Sent To Attack The Isolated RB

Two Off the Edge – Traditional Man BlitzTwo Off the Edge – Traditional Man Blitz

E EN

B

C C

Overload Blitzes – ManOverload Blitzes – Man

$S M W

F

OVERLOAD

Two Off the Edge – Traditional Zone BlitzTwo Off the Edge – Traditional Zone Blitz

E EN

B

$

C

F

C

S M W

Overload Blitzes – 3 DeepOverload Blitzes – 3 Deep

DL ZONE BLITZ

OVERLOAD

E EN

B

Overload Blitzes – Overload the GuardOverload Blitzes – Overload the Guard

$S M W

Center and the Tackles will block the Nose and Ends in Man Protection

E EN

B


$S M W

Guards will look to pick-up possible blitzers Inside-Out

E EN

B


$S M W

When LB comes in an inside blitz the Guard will pick up

blitz in man protection

E EN

B


S

RB will pick up the outside Blitzer

M

$W

E EN

B


S

M

$W

Or QB will have to throw Hot Read if RB is set to the other side,

creating the Overload

E EN

B


$S M W

When outside blitz is shown the Guard will kick out to pick-up in a man protection

E EN

B


$

S M W

Or Guard will make a fan call with the Tackle and they will zone protect the C & B Gaps

E EN

B


$S

M W

Now the Overload is created when a delayed blitz is used in the A Gaps

E EN

B


$S M W

Sending two LBs at the Guard will also create an Overload

Overload BlitzesOverload BlitzesAdvantages:Advantages:

Can effectively beat an offense’s pass protectionCan effectively beat an offense’s pass protection

The different blitz combinations available make offenses have to create The different blitz combinations available make offenses have to create new rules to try and block the blitz package.new rules to try and block the blitz package.


Must be able to breakdown and identify what type of pass protection your Must be able to breakdown and identify what type of pass protection your opponent has run on film.opponent has run on film.

An overload blitz can provide an open gap, making some calls susceptible An overload blitz can provide an open gap, making some calls susceptible to runs.to runs.


Long Yardage Passing SituationsLong Yardage Passing Situations

Fire Zone BlitzesFire Zone Blitzes

Fire Zone BlitzesFire Zone BlitzesFive man pressure package.Five man pressure package.

Can run multiple blitz strategies from a Fire Zone Blitz framework.Can run multiple blitz strategies from a Fire Zone Blitz framework.

Pressure package uses a 3 deep, 3 under zone coverage.Pressure package uses a 3 deep, 3 under zone coverage.

Allows the defense an alternative to providing effective pressure with man Allows the defense an alternative to providing effective pressure with man coverage behind.coverage behind.

The under zone defenders play a match-up zone style of under coverage.The under zone defenders play a match-up zone style of under coverage.

The coverage puts lots of pressure on the Safety to defend routes up the The coverage puts lots of pressure on the Safety to defend routes up the hashes.hashes.

The zone coverage allows for all defenders to react to run faster than blitzing The zone coverage allows for all defenders to react to run faster than blitzing in man coverage. in man coverage.

The Fire Zone Blitz strategy provides the most flexible format for blitzing in The Fire Zone Blitz strategy provides the most flexible format for blitzing in multiple play situations.multiple play situations.

E EN

B

C C

Fire Zone Blitzes – 3 Deep, 3 UnderFire Zone Blitzes – 3 Deep, 3 Under

$

F

S M W

Overload Blitz – Overload the GuardOverload Blitz – Overload the Guard

E EN

B

C C


S M W

OVERLOAD

$

F

Overload Blitz – Two Off the EdgeOverload Blitz – Two Off the Edge

E EN

B

C C


S M W

OVERLOAD

$

F

Overload Blitz – Overload the Guard & Traditional Zone BlitzOverload Blitz – Overload the Guard & Traditional Zone Blitz

E EN

B

C C


S M W

OVERLOAD

DL ZONE BLITZ

$

F

Fire Zone BlitzesFire Zone BlitzesAdvantages:Advantages:

An effective blitz strategy for run and pass situations.An effective blitz strategy for run and pass situations.

Can employ multiple blitz strategies with the Fire Zone Blitz format.Can employ multiple blitz strategies with the Fire Zone Blitz format.


Under zone coverage areas area stretched verse the Spread Offense. Under zone coverage areas area stretched verse the Spread Offense.

2x2 formations put a lot of pressure on the Safety to defend the deep 2x2 formations put a lot of pressure on the Safety to defend the deep hashes.hashes.


22ndnd & Long Situations & Long Situations

33rdrd & Medium / Long Passing Situations & Medium / Long Passing Situations

Illusion BlitzesIllusion Blitzes

Illusion BlitzesIllusion BlitzesIllusion blitzes are variations of Traditional Man Blitzes.Illusion blitzes are variations of Traditional Man Blitzes.

All eligible receivers around the LOS are accounted for in man coverage.All eligible receivers around the LOS are accounted for in man coverage.

All of the RBs or one of the RBs will be covered by a Spy Rush player.All of the RBs or one of the RBs will be covered by a Spy Rush player.

The Spy Rush player can be a DL, LB, or DB. The Spy Rush player can be a DL, LB, or DB.

The positions used for the Spy Rush player can be different on each side of The positions used for the Spy Rush player can be different on each side of the blitz.the blitz.

The Spy Rush player will give the illusion of rushing/blitzing, while running a The Spy Rush player will give the illusion of rushing/blitzing, while running a spy/mirror coverage on the assigned RB.spy/mirror coverage on the assigned RB.

This allows for maximum number of defenders to rush the offense.This allows for maximum number of defenders to rush the offense.

Most commonly used as passing down blitzes.Most commonly used as passing down blitzes.

Overload Blitz – Overload the Guard & Two Off the EdgeOverload Blitz – Overload the Guard & Two Off the Edge

E EN

B

C C

Illusion Blitzes – ManIllusion Blitzes – Man

$

F

S M W

OVERLOAD

SPY RUSH SPY RUSH

Overload Blitz – Overload the GuardOverload Blitz – Overload the Guard

E EN

B

C C


$

F

S M W

SPY RUSH SPY RUSH

OVERLOAD

Overload Blitz – Two In a GapOverload Blitz – Two In a Gap

E EN

B

C C


$S M W

F

SPY RUSH SPY RUSH

OVERLOAD

Overload Blitz – Two Off the EdgeOverload Blitz – Two Off the Edge

E EN

B

C C

Illusion Blitzes – Man FreeIllusion Blitzes – Man Free

$

F

S M W

SPY RUSH

OVERLOAD

Illusion BlitzesIllusion BlitzesAdvantages:Advantages:

Provide maximum amount of pass rushers to overload the pass Provide maximum amount of pass rushers to overload the pass protection.protection.

Good at defending RB slip screens when C Gap rushers play the Spy Good at defending RB slip screens when C Gap rushers play the Spy Rush.Rush.


By not having LBs assigned to cover the RBs like Traditional Man Blitzes, By not having LBs assigned to cover the RBs like Traditional Man Blitzes, there is no one left to flow behind the rush. This puts Illusion Blitzes in a there is no one left to flow behind the rush. This puts Illusion Blitzes in a bad match-up to defend the run.bad match-up to defend the run.

Outside Spy Rush players will have a hard time covering the sneak route, Outside Spy Rush players will have a hard time covering the sneak route, and inside Spy Rush players will have a hard time covering the swing route and inside Spy Rush players will have a hard time covering the swing route when combo/swap rules are not applied.when combo/swap rules are not applied.


22ndnd/3/3rdrd & Long & Long

33rdrd & Medium When Pass Is Expected & Medium When Pass Is Expected

Secondary BlitzesSecondary Blitzes

Secondary BlitzesSecondary BlitzesSecondary blitzes are a high risk, high reward blitz strategy.Secondary blitzes are a high risk, high reward blitz strategy.

Most commonly used against the pass, but secondary blitzes can be useful Most commonly used against the pass, but secondary blitzes can be useful against the run in specific situations.against the run in specific situations.

Most pass protections don’t assign players to account for defensive backs.Most pass protections don’t assign players to account for defensive backs.

When the blitz is timed up late the pass protection doesn’t have time to adjust, When the blitz is timed up late the pass protection doesn’t have time to adjust, and the only option is to throw a hot route.and the only option is to throw a hot route.

If coverages are effectively disguised in combination with a secondary blitz, If coverages are effectively disguised in combination with a secondary blitz, the QB will be forced to hold the ball longer and allow the blitz to get there.the QB will be forced to hold the ball longer and allow the blitz to get there.

The biggest concern when blitzing a defensive back is the crease that is The biggest concern when blitzing a defensive back is the crease that is created in the zone coverage.created in the zone coverage.

E EN

B

$

C

F

C

S M W

Secondary Blitzes – 2 DeepSecondary Blitzes – 2 Deep

DB BLITZ

Single Zone BlitzSingle Zone Blitz

E EN

B

$

C

F

C

S M W

Secondary Blitzes – 3 DeepSecondary Blitzes – 3 Deep

DB BLITZ

Single Zone BlitzSingle Zone Blitz

Fire Zone Blitz & Overload Blitz – Two Off the EdgeFire Zone Blitz & Overload Blitz – Two Off the Edge

E EN

B

$

C

F

C

S M W

Secondary Blitzes – 3 Deep, 3 UnderSecondary Blitzes – 3 Deep, 3 Under

DB BLITZOVERLOAD

Illusion Blitz & Overload Blitz – Overload the Guard & Two Off the EdgeIllusion Blitz & Overload Blitz – Overload the Guard & Two Off the Edge

E EN

B

C C

Secondary Blitzes – ManSecondary Blitzes – Man

$

F

S M W

DB BLITZ

SPY RUSH

OVERLOAD

Secondary BlitzesSecondary BlitzesAdvantages:Advantages:

Offensive pass protections can’t effectively account for defensive backs Offensive pass protections can’t effectively account for defensive backs in the rush.in the rush.

When secondary disguise calls are also used in the defense, it adds to the When secondary disguise calls are also used in the defense, it adds to the confusion level of the QB in reading the defense.confusion level of the QB in reading the defense.


When zone coverage is used there will be creases in the coverage that a When zone coverage is used there will be creases in the coverage that a good QB can exploit.good QB can exploit.

It is hard to practice effective timing of the blitz in a game speed climate It is hard to practice effective timing of the blitz in a game speed climate where the blitz is not shown too soon.where the blitz is not shown too soon.


Long Yardage Passing DownsLong Yardage Passing Downs

Opponent Specific High Passing Down TendencyOpponent Specific High Passing Down Tendency

By: Joe ArpasiBy: Joe ArpasiDefensive CoordinatorDefensive CoordinatorWestfield High SchoolWestfield High School

Westfield, IndianaWestfield, IndianaPhone: (317) 435-9380Phone: (317) 435-9380

Email: [email protected]: [email protected]

Smash-Mouth 3-3-5 Defense:Smash-Mouth 3-3-5 Defense:Implementing Seven Winning Blitz StrategiesImplementing Seven Winning Blitz Strategies

Blitz Strategies.ppt

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