5-3 Defense
5-3 Defensive Alignment - The graphic below demonstrates a typical 5-3 alignment.
The 5-3 consists of five defensive linemen, three linebackers, two corner backs and a
safety. The 5-3 works well against the run and is adequate against the pass.
The 5-3 consists of five defensive linemen, three linebackers, two corner backs and a
safety. The 5-3 works well against the run and is adequate against the pass.
Gap Responsibilities - The graphic below details the 5-3 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 – Weak side Defensive Tackle
Weak side A Gap – WILL Linebacker
Strong side A Gap – Nose Guard
Strong side B Gap – Strong side Defensive Tackle
Strong side C Gap – SAM Linebacker
Strong side D Gap – Strong side Defensive End
*Notice that you have 8 players to cover 7 gaps, the extra player can be used to
stunt, blitz etc.
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 SAM linebacker in the above graphic is
aligned on the strong side B 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 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 – Weak side Defensive Tackle
Weak side A Gap – WILL Linebacker
Strong side A Gap – Nose Guard
Strong side B Gap – Strong side Defensive Tackle
Strong side C Gap – SAM Linebacker
Strong side D Gap – Strong side Defensive End
*Notice that you have 8 players to cover 7 gaps, the extra player can be used to
stunt, blitz etc.
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 SAM linebacker in the above graphic is
aligned on the strong side B 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 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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