1. Scheming in Football
There are three types of defensive schemes in football and many variations of these schemes. The first is a defense designed to stop the running game of the opposing offense. These schemes are conservative in nature and people refer to them as a "bend but don't break defense." Second, you have a pass coverage scheme in which the primary goal of the defense is stopping the passing game of another team. Finally is the attacking scheme on defense. These schemes focus on attacking the quarterback and getting into the offensive backfield in general. These schemes are risky because they can give up a big play to the opposing team.
2. Formulating a Plan
Each team has favorite formations, or base defenses. There are many types of each formations but one is generally the root of the defense. The two typical base defenses in football are the four-three and the three-four defenses. The four-three gets its name because the alignment features four defensive linemen and three linebackers. The three-four has three linemen and four linebackers. In both of these formations, there are four defensive backs.
3. Big Uglies
Bug uglies is the nickname for defensive linemen in football because they are generally the largest and strongest players on the defense. Their job is either to neutralize the offensive linemen on plays to allow other players to make tackles, or to shed a block and tackle the quarterback or the running back. In some zone-blitzing play calls, their responsibility is to prevent a certain player from catching a pass. Players on the outside of the defensive line are defensive ends, and the middle linemen are defensive tackles.
4. Roaming the Middle
In the middle of the field are the linebackers. Their job is to play defense against both the run and the pass. So on a running play they will quickly and adeptly weave towards the line seeking to hit the running back. On passing plays, the linebacker will try to tackle the quarterback or drop back and cover a receiver. A linebacker must be both quick and strong. There are two main types of linebackers in football, middle and outside. Outside linebackers are usually smaller and faster.
5. Last Line of Defense
These players that are generally furthest away from the line of scrimmage are the defensive backs. If an offensive player gets by them, then more often than not those players score. Their main responsibility is to cover most of the receivers on the football field. There are two main types of defensive backs, the cornerback and the safety. The corners are usually smaller and faster than the safeties.
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