Playing defense in football is about strategy as much as athletic ability. A defensive coach who can put his players in the proper positions has a chance to build an effective defense, even if the players are not as athletically gifted as their opponents. Effective deployment of defense players can lead to big plays that turn a game around.
4-3 Defense
The 4-3 setup is a basic defensive format. In this formation, the defense uses four defensive linemen, three linebackers and four defensive backs. This is an excellent defense to use when playing a balanced offense that is equally dependent on the run and the pass. Many teams will use the 4-3 defense on so-called running downs, such as 1st-and-10, 2nd-and-6 or less. The four defensive linemen include two defensive ends and two defensive tackles. The linemen are largely responsible for stopping the run, with the linebackers providing the support to ensure that the running backs do not break loose for long gains. The defensive backs have the primary responsibility of preventing decisive pass plays. The 4-3 defense is best employed against a team that runs the ball on 45 percent or more of its snaps.
3-4 Defense
The 3-4 defense is gaining in popularity at both the college and professional levels. With more offensive teams going to a passing-dominated offense, a 3-4 defense offers more defensive players aligned as pass defenders. In a 3-4 setup, the defensive linemen are largely responsible for plugging the holes in the line and stopping the run. One of the outside linebackers may assist by ensuring that the defense can stop the outside run and also provide a pass rusher. The outside linebackers in the 3-4 defense are often the best athletes on the field. Combining speed, strength and toughness, they are involved in a large number of tackles, forced fumbles and sacks. The 3-4 defense is often best when facing a team that passes the ball on 60 percent or more of its snaps.
Nickel Defense
A nickel defense is designed to stop an opposing team that is passing on most of its snaps. This can be an opponent that has fallen behind by 10 points or more or a team that simply throws the ball as its primary way of attacking. In a nickel defense, a team will use four defensive linemen, two linebackers and five defensive backs. The extra defensive back is often disguised and will try to read the quarterback's eyes or body language, so that he can break up or intercept passes. A team may also use one linebacker and six defensive backs; this is called a dime defense.
2-5 Defense
This is more of a gimmick defense that is designed to fool the quarterback. It is often employed by a team with a great pass rush that wants to change its look. A team that normally plays a 4-3 defense and has been putting heavy pressure on the quarterback may realize that the offense will change its game plan to take pressure off the quarterback. For example, if that defense has been hitting the quarterback or knocking down his passes at the line of scrimmage, that team's offensive coordinator may try to take the pressure off of the quarterback by having him throw the ball quickly to defeat the pressure. The defense counters by rushing with just two linemen and then dropping five linebackers into coverage, along with the four defensive backs. The quarterback may throw the ball directly into coverage, and an interception often results.
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