4-3-1 DEFENSE

The 4-3-1 is a variation of the 4-2-2. I like it because of the safety in the backfield. This is a defense that works great if you have a stud for middle linebacker.

                   O
                   O
                   O
             O  O  X  O  O
            E    T   T    E
           OL      M      OL

                   F

DE-1)Line up to the outside shoulder of the offensive end.

   2)His inside is forward and will take a small step toward the offensive
     end at the snap to jam the end. This will keep the offensive end off
     your linebacker and helps the strong and weak linebackers determine if
     the play is run or pass before deciding what they have to do.

   3)The defensive ends have contain and are responsible for turning everything
     back to the inside to the linebackers. They will rush from the outside in.

   4)They are responsible for the QB on the option.

DT-1)The defensive tackles are responsible for shooting the gaps and creating
     confusion and disrupt the timing in the opponents backfield.

   2)They line up anywhere between the center and the end. They will shoot gaps
     either right or left depending on the signal from the sideline.

   3)Their key is to get to the ball.

ML-1)Is responsible forthe backs.

   2)Must read offensive gaurds.

   3)Lines up 3.5 to 4 yards heads up on the center.

OL-1)The outside linebackers are responsible for the end reciver on their 
     side.

   2)They must play pass first then run.

   3)They are responsible for the pitch man on the option.

   4)Line up in fron of the offensive end from 4-10 yards.

Safety-1)lines up in fron of the center about 5 yards deep in two back
         situations. In one back situations lines up 10 yards deep in fron
         of the strong side offensive gaurd.

       2)Will take two steps back and read pass or run and react accordingly.
       
       3)In two back situations keys backs. In one back situation keys tight
         end.

              O
             
              O           O
  O        O  X  O  O
          E  T    T  E
  OL          M           OL

                 $ 
              

-The outside linebackers take end recivers
-The safety takes tight end
-The middle linebacker takes lone back.

            O
            O
            O
   O     O  X  O  O
        E  T    E  E
  OL        M    OL

            $

-The outside linebackers takes the wide reciver and tight end
-The middle linebacker takes backs
-The safety reads and reacts 

              O

     O        O
  O        O  X  O  O
          E  T    T  E
 OL  $        M    OL

-The outside line backers take wide reciver and tight end
-The middle linebacker takes lone back
-Safety takes slot reciver.

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I would like to thank Coach Al Allen for his help on the 4-3-1 page.

© 1997 jcarbon@pty.com

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