4-3 Defensive Line Play

Defense starts upfront at Western Michigan
by: Tim Daoust
Defensive Backs Coach, (formally D-Line Coach), Western Michigan University
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What You Practice Must Mirror Who You Are

We are a true Attack 4-3 front with an aggressive Cover 4 scheme behind it as our primary coverage (See Diagram 1). As a base rule we spill all blocks in an attempt to make the ball go east and west before it can hit us north and south. While priding ourselves in being assignment sound, we play fast– but smart– at all times. The drills and techniques we use as position coaches must mirror who we are as far as scheme, personnel, and goals are concerned. The 4-3 scheme fits our personnel as we move big linebackers to defensive line, physical safeties to outside linebacker and aggressive corners to safety, ultimately maximizing the number of athletes we have on the field. Our primary goal is to stop the run first; therefore, all 4-3 schemes and personnel associated with it are ce....The full article can only be seen by subscribers.
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4-3 Defensive Line Play