There are several different formations that teams can use to play defense in organized football. Although teams vary their formations and the strategies they use to attack opposing offenses, a team will develop a comfort level when it develops a signature defensive alignment. When a team acquires personnel that best suits its alignment, that defense has a chance to shut down the opponent.
4-3 Defense
The 4-3 defense is one of the most common alignments at the high school, college and professional levels. The 4-3 defense consists of four defensive linemen, three linebackers and four defensive backs. If your team has strong and aggressive defensive linemen, particularly defensive ends who can turn the corner and pressure the quarterback, the 4-3 defense can pay huge dividends.
3-4 Defense
This is one of the more effective defensive sets for teams that are more dependent on speed, quickness and athleticism than size and power. The 3-4 defense uses three defensive linemen -- two ends and a tackle -- and four linebackers. It also uses four defensive backs. The aggressiveness, speed and intelligence of the linebackers are key to making the 3-4 defense effective. One of the linebackers is usually dedicated to rushing the passer while the other linebackers have to make tackles and cover receivers.
46 Defense
The 46 defense was first built by former Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan. The 46 defense is a super-aggressive defense that usually has one or more of the linebackers or defensive backs blitzing in every passing situation. Ryan's defense is named after former Bear defensive back Doug Plank, whom Ryan said personified the recklessness that the defense needed. Ryan's defense was used by the 1985 Chicago Bears as they rolled to a 15-1 record in the regular season before crushing the Giants, Rams and Patriots in the postseason. While opposing offenses figured out how to neutralize the 46 defense by the early 1990s, many of the attacking elements of the 46 defense are still used by defenses at all levels of the game.
Nickel Defense
The nickel defense is used by defensive coordinators who want to use an extra defensive back to stop or slow down the opposing passing game. Most defensive teams use two cornerbacks and two safeties. In the nickel defense, a fifth defensive back is used to cover a wide receiver. When a team sends four or more players on a pass pattern, coaches like to use an extra cornerback or an extra safety to limit the passing game. In some situations, teams will use six defensive backs. This is called the dime defense.
References
- "Play Football the NFL Way"; Tom Bass; 1991
- "The Rise And Self-Destruction Of The Greatest Football Team In History: The Chicago Bears And Super Bowl XX "; John Mullin; 2005
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