4-3 Defense
The 4-3 defense is a very utilitarian defense equally effective against the run and
pass. One drawback to the 4-3 is that it tends to be a little bit more vulnerable to the
run in youth football when compared to a 5-2 or a 5-3. There are a couple of simple
wrinkles that can be utilized such as a 4-3 over and a 4-3 under which are discussed
below. There are a couple basic pass coverage concepts such as a Cover 2 and the
Tampa 2 (See Below). This formation also allows basic blitzes and stunts (See
Below).
pass. One drawback to the 4-3 is that it tends to be a little bit more vulnerable to the
run in youth football when compared to a 5-2 or a 5-3. There are a couple of simple
wrinkles that can be utilized such as a 4-3 over and a 4-3 under which are discussed
below. There are a couple basic pass coverage concepts such as a Cover 2 and the
Tampa 2 (See Below). This formation also allows basic blitzes and stunts (See
Below).
4-3 Defensive Alignment - The graphic below demonstrates a typical 4-3 alignment.
The 4-3 consists of four defensive linemen, three linebackers, two corner backs, a
strong safety and a free safety.
The 4-3 consists of four defensive linemen, three linebackers, two corner backs, a
strong safety and a free safety.
Gap Responsibilities - The graphic below details the 4-3 gap responsibilities of the
defensive linemen and the linebackers.
defensive linemen and the linebackers.
Weak side C Gap – Weak side Defensive End
Weak side B Gap – WILL Linebacker
Weak side A Gap – Weak side Defensive Tackle
Strong side A Gap – MIKE Linebacker
Strong side B Gap – Strong side Defensive Tackle
Strong side C Gap – SAM Linebacker
Strong side D Gap – Strong side Defensive End
Gap Alignment vs. Assignment – Linebackers have gap alignments as described
above, however linebackers do not maintain the exact same gap discipline that a
defensive lineman does. For instance, the MIKE linebacker in the above graphic is
aligned on the strong side A Gap, although this gap is his primary responsibility
and he must be there to make the play, he must also develop the ability and the
discipline to read what the offense is trying to do and be prepared to attack any gap
where a window appears. The MIKE, WILL and the SAM are all looking for “The
Window,” the same window the running back is looking for, that the offensive line is
trying to open. A linebacker cannot simply run to the same gap at the snap every
time and expect to be successful with any regularity. A disciplined linebacker reads
the offense first, finds the window and then attacks. If a savvy offensive coach were
to see a linebacker firing to the same gap every time he would simply lay a trap for
him and run the ball right past him. This is where the gap discipline differs from
lineman to linebacker. The offensive lineman has his gap responsibility and his
discipline to maintain control of that specific gap whereas the linebacker has to be
disciplined to not only cover his gap but also decipher the play and be ready to
attack anywhere.
Weak side B Gap – WILL Linebacker
Weak side A Gap – Weak side Defensive Tackle
Strong side A Gap – MIKE Linebacker
Strong side B Gap – Strong side Defensive Tackle
Strong side C Gap – SAM Linebacker
Strong side D Gap – Strong side Defensive End
Gap Alignment vs. Assignment – Linebackers have gap alignments as described
above, however linebackers do not maintain the exact same gap discipline that a
defensive lineman does. For instance, the MIKE linebacker in the above graphic is
aligned on the strong side A Gap, although this gap is his primary responsibility
and he must be there to make the play, he must also develop the ability and the
discipline to read what the offense is trying to do and be prepared to attack any gap
where a window appears. The MIKE, WILL and the SAM are all looking for “The
Window,” the same window the running back is looking for, that the offensive line is
trying to open. A linebacker cannot simply run to the same gap at the snap every
time and expect to be successful with any regularity. A disciplined linebacker reads
the offense first, finds the window and then attacks. If a savvy offensive coach were
to see a linebacker firing to the same gap every time he would simply lay a trap for
him and run the ball right past him. This is where the gap discipline differs from
lineman to linebacker. The offensive lineman has his gap responsibility and his
discipline to maintain control of that specific gap whereas the linebacker has to be
disciplined to not only cover his gap but also decipher the play and be ready to
attack anywhere.
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