Chapter 1

3-5-3 Basics
The 3-5-3 is characterized by 3 defensive lineman, 5 linebackers, 1 safety, and 2 defensive
backs. The base front alignment has 2 outside and 3 inside backers, 1 safety, and 2 Corner
backs. The base coverage is a 3 deep zone. The basis of the 3-5-3 defensive philosophy is an
attacking 8 man front with the availability of a 3 defensive back scheme.
This 3-5-3 scheme is a Stand-Up Defense. This manual presents a comprehensive overview of
the key factors involved in this innovative and unique defensive scheme one that is often
referred to as like having eleven linebackers on the field at the same time. In this defensive
scheme, the defensive linemen are standing up and are aligned two yards off the line of
scrimmage in order to give them a quick read. This positioning is designed to help these
defenders beat the offensive linemen to the point of attack.
Position Terminology
Bandit - who aligns outside and to the strength. Declares strength. 4X4 alignment.
Rover - who aligns opposite SS, 4X4 alignment.
Cornerbacks - One of 2 mirrored positions who plays 2x7 in Cover 3, primarily responsible for
deep outside 1/3 coverage.
RE - Defensive end who aligns in a 6 shade, 2 yards off the ball and plays on the right and is
responsible for C or B Gap.
LE - Defensive end who aligns in a 6 shade, 2 yards off the ball and plays on the left and is
responsible for C or B Gap.
Free Safety - is a secondary player, who has multiple responsibilities, plays deep middle 1/3 and
in man will cover for the OLB who blitzes off the edge.
Mike - This linebacker aligns in stack position behind nose and is responsible for A Gap. His
number is 3 in our blitzing scheme.
Sam - This linebacker aligns in stack position to strong side behind End and is responsible for B
or C Gap. His number is 2 in our blitzing scheme.
Will - This linebacker aligns to weakside in stack position behind End and is responsible for B or
C Gap. His number is 4 in our blitzing scheme.
Nose - Aligns head up over center in a 0 shade, 2 yards off the ball and is responsible for A Gap.
Personnel
If Speed WINS then we need to design our defense for Speed =
--Speed/Best Cover Guys = Corners
Aggressive Corners = Bandit, Rover types
Stiff Safeties/Undersized LB = LBs
Oversized LBs = Ends and Nose (Biggest, most aggressive LB Type)
Keys to our success in our 3-5-3 defense:
PressureThe use of many different pressures and alignment is the biggest key in this defense.
You want to keep offenses off-balance and wondering what the defense will do next. Sending
pressure from different positions and from different areas of the field will allow the defense to
stay one step ahead of the offense. You cannot stay in the base defense without sending
someone and expect to be successful in this defense. Everything is predicated on causing the
disruption of offensive schemes through pressure and movement.
SurgeThe defense will need a surge up the field by the defensive linemen while linebackers
create a new line of scrimmage one yard up the field.
Game plansTake away what they do best. You want to dictate what the offense runs, not let
them dictate what you can and cannot do.
Offensive coachesMake them waste valuable time in practice covering many blitzes and
stunts. Also how to block us.
DivideKeep receivers out of the middle of the field with the inside linebackers. And by
pressure applied to QB.
CreativityBe willing to think outside the box. Do not be bound by what you have learned to
be sound football practices.
The quarterbackForce him to throw off-balance and in a hurry. Keep him guessing about
where pressure will be coming. Force the quarterback to lose confidence in his offensive
linemen.
Running backsPursue relentlessly and wear them down by gang tackling. Make the running
back not want to carry the ball.
ReceiversNever let a receiver cross a defenders face without being hit. Pretty soon, they will
be more worried about getting hit than catching the ball.
Offensive linemenKeep them in a state of confusion. They never know where a stunt or blitz
will be coming from or wear you as a defensive lineman are going. Make all five offensive
linemen have to account for your three defensive linemen.
The success of our 3-5-3 defensive scheme is largely predicated on the use of speed and
pressure to disrupt blocking schemes and keep the offense in a state of confusion. Pressure can
be achieved by either line slants or by one-, two-, three-, four-, or five-man blitzes.
Pressure is the great equalizer in terms of personnel mismatches in speed, size, or a
combination of both. To achieve success with this defense, the concept of pressure needs to be
understood and mastered.

Chapter 2
Defensive Philosophy
1.) Disrupt and defeat the run. Load the box with 8 players.
2.) Be sound and be sure. Simple = Success
3.) Create movement and uncertainty.
4.) Take away opponent's identity.
5.) Create turnovers through efficient practice.
6.) Win critical downs through game planning.
7.) Play fast.
A total commitment to our philosophy is absolutely imperative. You must believe in it and
execute it. When an opponent runs a play that should be dead, we need to destroy it. When the
intimidating opportunity arises we need to jump on it. When the opportunity for the big play by
their offense arises, our great pursuit and intensity will eliminate it.
Great Defense
We feel there are four (4) keys to playing great defense:
1) Play disciplined Fundamental Technique football! Each individual must take pride in the
precise execution of his own techniques and responsibility. Do your job! Do the little things
necessary to make the perfect play. Consistent Disciplined Technique will eliminate the big play.
2) Play with Great Effort! You must be willing to give it all up on every play. Any team can have
great pursuit on one given play, or a given series or even through a complete game. A great
defensive team will consistently and relentlessly fly to the ball, play after play, series after
series, game after game. Great effort means great pursuit, great pursuit will eliminate the big
play!
3) Intimidate your opponent! We will gain an edge on any opponent by physically, intimidating
them. We will never pass up an opportunity to legally hit anybody. Constant intensity. Constant
hitting. Don't be a gangster, but react like a mob.
4) Team unity. The strongest aspect of our defensive team must be our togetherness. Each
player must give of himself to earn the respect of his teammates. If we believe in each other we
can gain the faith and confidence we need to stop any offense at any time. We must always
hang together and never give up.
We cannot play as individuals; individuals lose their poise, individuals cause penalties, make
mental errors, and the team always suffers. We must be smart team players. Protect the team
always.
Enthusiasm and encouragement are critical ingredients of strong team unity. We should rally
around our teammates both when it's time to celebrate and time to encourage.
HANG TOGETHER AND NEVER LET UP!!!!!
What Kind of Defense Will We Have?
In order to have great defense you know we must have great pursuit and gang tackling. What
will we need to do in practice in order to have great pursuit and gang tackling?
1.) We must be in top condition. This will mean a lot of running.
A) We will run a lot of sprints - speed, speed, speed
B) You will get mad, but you must force yourself.
C) You may hate us for making you run, but you will still run, run, run
D) Every time you run a sprint you are either sprinting for a better or poorer team.
2.) We must pursue and form up in practice.
A) Everyone is required to break the huddle sharp.
B) Everyone is required to be within 5 yards of the ball carrier in a hitting position when the
whistle blows
C) You play the way you practice.
3.) We must practice tackling, particularly open field, every day
4.) We must play the ball on pass defense
5.) We must have great pride and confidence in each other and in our defense
Defensive Principles
1) Aggressiveness must be developed and maintained
2) Each individual must believe in our defense. Each individual must have confidence in himself.
3) Do not give up the big play! A) No Long Runs, B) No Long Passes.
4) Our 3 Basic Objectives of defense are: A) Prevent a score, B) Gain possession of the ball in
good field position, C) Score or set up a score.
5) Defense is a team effort. On every play, eleven defensive men have an assignment to carry
out. A mistake is not a mistake until the play is over.
6) Proper pursuit courses and gang tackling are very important to our team defense.
7) Tackling ability, quickness, and strength must receive top priority.
8) We must be prepared to stop the 3rd down play.
9) Mentally and physically we will be our toughest inside both the 10 yard lines. Be a great goal
line team.
10) Each Defense has its strengths and weaknesses -- Know Them.
11) When any special defense situation occurs - sudden change, hurry - hurry - We must
mentally arise to the occasion.
Sudden Change
A) Sudden Change is the real test of a great defensive team. The score is 7-7 in the fourth
quarter and you have just stopped our opponents on our own 28 yard line. You have just sat
down on the bench, you feel good and relieved. You have just stopped them after a long drive.
You can sure use the rest. As the offensive team starts to drive the ball out from the 28 yard
line, a fumble on the first play and your opponent has the ball on your 24 yard line! Hurry -- get
back in the game quickly! This is a sudden change situation.
What are the feelings of the two teams at this time:
Your opponents:
1) What a great break
2) We have them on the ropes now
3) Their defense will be tired
4) Let's hit them quick
5) Our defense did a great job getting the ball
Your Thoughts:
1) What a lousy break
2) They have us in the big hole
3) I am tired; I don't know whether I can hold out again
4) Boy, I hope someone comes up with a big play.
5) Our offense sure put us in a hole. How could they do it?
6) It isn't fair
I think you can see why it takes a great defense to overcome a sudden change situation. Your
opponents will be mentally up and unless you prepare yourself. You will not.
B) What you must do!
1) Gain control of your thoughts and get yourself ready to play defense again.
2) Realize that you must get yourself and your team up mentally.
3) Go all out to make the big play yourself.
4) Now is the test of your defense. Accept the challenge.
5) When you stop them now you will have an even greater psychological advantage.
Tackling
Tackling is the most essential thing aspect of defensive football. Our chief objective is to put the
ball carrier on the ground. The most important ingredient of tackling is to have a burning desire
to punish the man with the ball. In tackling there are several techniques that separate the
hitters from the average ones.
1) Don't reach for the ball carrier. Defender should never stop before he gets to the ball carrier.
Don't attempt to reach out and grab him.
2) Keep your face and head up. Chances are if your head is down you will go down. Bull your
neck when ready to unload. Keep your eyes open and don't turn your head.
3) Run through ball carrier. Get as much contact as possible.
4) Rip your arms up and around the ball carrier in a fashion that will help roll your hips. Grab
cloth.
5) Keep your legs churning and toes digging into the turf. Accelerate your feet. Be the aggressor
and intimidator from contact until you hit the ground.
Remember:
A) Keep your head up, see what you hit
B) Run through the ball carrier
C) Rip arms/roll hips
D) Grab cloth high on back
E) Accelerate feet
Angle Tackling:
Our open field tackling will improve if we take the proper pursuit angle to the ball carrier. We
must always strive to take away one cut from the ball carrier by our angle and believe a
teammate or "Mr. Sideline" will take away the other cut. Never let the ball carrier get you head
up.
Always work to press the ball carrier by gaining ground up field on him to reduce his cutback
angle. By working hard on this we will be great open field tacklers.
Gang Tackling:
As a result of proper pursuit angles, gang tackling will occur. It is important that, when you
come into a gang tackling situation, you should not strike with your helmet, but use your
shoulder so that there will be no chance of a spearing penalty.

Chapter 3
Defensive Huddle
BALL

S - M
E - N - E - W
FC - R - FS - B - BC
Huddle Responsibilities
Mike - *Looks to get signal for next play immediately after play is whistled dead
*Walks away from huddle to get clear view of signal caller
*Alerts front that call is to be made by saying "Defense"
*Calls defensive front alignment and stunts
*Alerts Free Safety that secondary call is to be made by saying "Cover"
*Breaks huddle with "Ready Swarm"
Sam - *Sets huddle
*Looks to get down and distance of next play immediately after huddle is set
*Steps to front to announce down and distance to huddle
*Alerts defense to possession down
ENDS - *Stand tall and watch offensive huddle scramble call
NOSE -*Rest with hands on knees
FS - *Steps out to receive secondary call as huddle is formed
*Steps in huddle to give secondary call and secondary stunts
*Calls secondary call and secondary stunts when Sam says "Cover"
*Relays coverage to CB's with hand signal after huddle is broken
CB - *Stay alert for wide receivers breaking away from the offensive huddle while noting
their location to help identify formation or sets.
*We are usually a no-huddle defense, but if you are in need of a huddle this is what we teach at
the beginning of the year.

Chapter 4

Chapter 5
Blitz Scheme
Blitzing defenses are a sore spot for most offensive schemes. The biggest advantage blitzing
gives, is the threat of blitzing. We need to be multiple enough to take advantage of an
opponents weakness, but simple enough that the terminology and actions are repetitious. This
fits our philosophy of multiplicity but simplicity.
Coverage:
USC (0) is our term for man coverage. This is the coverage we use when blitzing. We use the
terms banjo, press and bump following 0 to tell us the technique our corners will use when
playing man coverage. The basic count system is as follows, we count from outside in 1, 2, 3.
Only the strong side can have a #3. Corners have #1 WR to their side. If there is no WR then
they will flip over and count the next available WR (counting outside in). The strong and weak
safeties have #2 respectively to their sides. The linebackers have #3 strong, #2 weak, if #2 is in
the backfield. The Free safety is free at this point with no one blitzing. Alignment for the
linebackers is determined by the front call. The safeties follow their zone alignment rules. The
hardest point for the safeties to learn is that the free safety may not be reading to the passing
strength. He is reading to the blitz side in most cases.
Terms Used In Blitz Package:
Cross LBs cross on blitz. Outside LB goes first, Inside LB second.
Trade LBs trade gap responsibilities
Rat Rush end (Weak side end) Go A Gap.
Stab Stud end (strong side end) Go A Gap.
Near/Far - Nose Strong side B Gap (Near), Nose Weak side B Gap (Far).
Right/Left Line Slant Right or Left.
Pinch Line pinch inside gaps.
*When slanting we will call (Red) Right End Pass responsibility, (Blue) Left End pass
responsibility.
Chapter 6
Defending the Pass
Our defense has four base cover packages. Additional looks can be created with "Tags".
There are two man to man packages, and one zone package. However, the ability to stem and
disguise coverage behind our front is overly discounted. We have included two additional
combination packages (Man/Zone) that will create an advantageous match up for the defense,
without compromising the fundamentals of our defense.
Techniques
Stance and Alignment:
The stance of the defensive back will vary depending on the coverage call (man or zone) and
the type of assignment. In general, the defensive back stands in a two point ready position at a
point of alignment defined by the type of coverage called. The stance should be with his knees
dropped, knees slightly flexed and weight over the forward foot or thighs. The feet should be
narrower than the width of the shoulders approximately 12 inches. Weight should be placed on
the balls of the feet, never on the heels. The feet should be positioned to a toe instep stagger
with the inside foot back, when in a base alignment. This allows the defensive back to get the
total picture, the QB, receiver and backfield without losing a squared position on the receiver.
The hands, arms, and shoulders should be relaxed and hanging free in a natural position.
Bend slightly at the waist with the head relaxed and focused on the QB, with the receiver in the
peripheral vision. Don't force the body to coil down into an unnaturally low stance, unless
aligned in a bump and run Tech.
Finally, an incorrect initial stance will lead to inefficient technique. Since, fractions of time
mean so much in coverage, getting into and out of a stance cannot be practiced enough.
Outside Alignment:
This outside leverage position is generally used in zone coverage, or man with an inside
bracket, or help over top. The alignment point is determined by ability and assignment.
However, the base is an alignment at 7.5 yards off the receiver, with the Corners inside foot
aligned to the receivers outside foot. Again the depth may depend on the coverage and ability
of the defensive back. For example, a cover 2 alignment may be at 2, 4, 5, or 7 yards off of the
receiver or even on the LOS in a press look. In man, a corner will align at a depth he feels
comfortable with.
A defensive back should always disguise his coverage by alignment or stem to his alignment,
timing his movement with the QB cadence. A DB may show press and then bail to his coverage.
The strategy of the game becomes a part of the alignment bluff. Therefore, keep this in mind
when determining your drills.

Inside Alignment:
The inside leverage position is generally used in man, whether off (soft) or up (bump and
run). The alignment point is determined by the ability and assignment. However, there a couple
of reasons to establish inside leverage; (1) used in man coverage with no help over the top, or
(2) into a boundary with restricted horizontal yardage.
A corner should key a receivers split. If a receiver is aligned 6 yards or closer to the boundary,
always align to the inside. Also, if a receiver aligns wide anticipate, then inside release because
he is making room for his route. Finally if a receiver aligns tight then look for the outside
release.
Zone Techniques:
When playing zone coverage your players must know their coverage responsibility and where
their help is coming from, if any. The secondary defenders must recognize the field position,
specifically receivers alignments because pass zones are stretch and contracted based upon
whether the cover is to the boundary or field. This recognition is assisted by the field call. The
formation, combined with field alignments can give the corner a pre snap read to the types of
routes to anticipate.
Pass drops should always be controlled by the secondary personnel, so that they can pattern
read. This allows them to be ready to break and drive on the ball. Secondly, when the QB sets
up and is ready to throw, the secondary player should be in a position to react. The secondary
player must always be under control, so that he can break on the ball when it is thrown.
Defenders should try and work to keep their shoulders square when reading the QB's eyes,
shoulders and arm motion. In general, if you see the front elbow, the QB is throwing a longer
pass, whereas if you only see the shoulder it is a short pass.
Reaction to the ball is the ability to move at the proper angle in order to break up the pass.
Don't round corners and angles. Secondary drills must emphasize the ability to go to the ball
and intercept it. Make the interception at the balls highest point. After making the interception
return the ball to the nearest sideline and if in traffic cover up the football. If a teammate
intercepts the football, block the intended receiver, if you are close enough.
If the secondary player has underneath zone coverage, then they must get a piece of the
receiver as he travels through his zone. While redirecting the receiver, if the defender gets
turned around he must be quick to get his eye's back on the QB and squared up to play the
football. Keep shoulders square to the line of scrimmage. Here is a list of some additional points
and considerations in zone coverage:
1) On the snap of the ball key QB, receiver and backfield action.
2) Never allow a receiver to get behind a defender when he has a deep zone coverage.
3) A defender in zone coverage should go only as wide and as deep as he has to in order to
cover his responsibility.
4) See the ball - the defenders attention should be directed towards the passer and he should
see the receivers. Keep head on a swivel and be able to shift your eyes.
5) "Ball" - "Score" are calls used in the passing game. The sideline should be active yelling ball
when the QB throws the football, and the defender intercepting, as well as the sideline should
be yelling "bingo" to indicate an interception has been made.
6) Most interceptions are made as the defender moves forward for the ball.
7) A tipped ball should be an interception if defender is hustling (50% of all tipped balls are
intercepted).
8) Intercept all passes at their highest point. Do not wait for the ball to come down. Go get it!
9) Ball reaction is paramount to successful zone pass defense.
10) Instill the importance of communication. Talk to your teammates; help each other. Calls
such as "in-in-in-in", "out-out-out-out", "cross-cross-cross-cross", "delay-delay-delay-delay",
and "crack-crack" are very helpful to the team defensive approach.
11) When responsible for a short zone, gamble for the interception.
12) When responsible for deep zone, defender should never go in front of the intended receiver
unless he can get both hands on the ball.
13) Be aware of the red zone (20 yards and in), as the short defenders should be no closer than
6 yards to the sideline until the ball is thrown in that area.
14) Interference results when a defender plays the receiver rather than the ball
15) The safety in cover 3 and both safeties in cover 2 should keep all receivers in front of them.
16) Corners responsible for the outside 1/3 should never take an inside fake, because you will
always have help on the post route from the deep 1/3 safety.
17) Always remember when working drills that break on the ball to drive on a straight line not a
circular one.
Man Techniques:
There are two man coverage techniques, one used when the defender is aligned off in a safe
cushion with the receiver and the other when aligned close ("Bump and Run") using aggressive,
hardnosed play. In either case, when playing man coverage the defender must play the ball
aggressively.
Here is a brief recap of some of the advantages to man coverage:
1) Possible to get more men rushing the QB
2) Get the most advantageous match ups
3) Assignments are clear and specific
4) Keeps the defenders from being fooled by play action
5) Don't have defenders guarding grass
6) You can bracket or get help in covering a specific receiver
7) Permits aggressive play on the goal line
8) Easy stem to disguise
The defender must watch the receiver until he is sure that the receiver is on his last cut - then
"snug up" and watch the QB. The defender will still use his 3 slide steps reading the key, and
then get into the action. Never jump an initial outside fake, always take the initial inside fake.
This can be accomplished when the defender maintains a separation, or is on top of the
receiver. When the receiver straightens up, he is getting ready to fake, when the arms go up
break on the ball.
Here is a list of some additional points and considerations in man coverage:
1) Total concentration must be on the receiver
2) Always keep the receiver in front
3) Never align or be driven to a head up position
4) Route recognition - a receiver who is going to run an outside route will generally reduce his
split. A receiver who is going to run a route inside will widen his split.
5) When working drills that talk about stance, always mention butt up and chin in line with the
toes. The best possible situation is for the defender to stay in his back pedal as long as possible
or until the receiver breaks the cushion which puts him within 3 yards of the defender, when
this happens turn and run with receiver.
6) A receiver who is bent over and running with his head down cannot make a sharp cut, until
he raises his shoulders and gathers himself under control. Therefore the defender should focus
his attention on the receivers belt buckle and his shoulders.
7) Playing bump and run - never allow an inside release by the receiver, make the QB make the
long throw. Don't get your feet crossed over.
8) If a pass is thrown to your receiver in front of you make all drills attack up field shoulder.
Never go in front of a receiver unless you think you can get both hands on the ball.
9) If the defender gets beat deep, tell him to put his head down and sprint to catch the receiver.
Do not look back at the QB until you have caught the receiver.
10) As long as the ball is behind the line of scrimmage and receivers are downfield, always
maintain tight coverage.
Attacking the Catch Hand:
The "Catch Hand" is the hand that will stop the ball with the only exception being the curl
route. The catch hand will always be the hand that will stop the ball's momentum to catch the
football. If the receiver is going to catch the ball and the defender cannot intercept or knock the
ball down, then attack the catch hand with a closed fist and punch the ball to the ground. When
a receiver is running away from the QB always attack the catch hand and punch the ball out.
When a receiver is moving back to the ball, towards the QB, then attack the side the receiver is
going to catch the ball on. Attack the side by punching through the area between the elbow and
his body or by punching from top down. Finally, the defensive back should always, while
punching the ball, lock one arm around the receivers shoulder to maintain contact and so you
will have the ability to tackle the receiver if you do not knock the ball loose.
The Boundary Concept:
In order to assist the coverage for all zones, the defender must attempt to squeeze his zones so
that they overlap. The most practical areas to eliminate are those close to the boundary where
time is on the defenses side. In order for the ball to enter these areas, the football must be in
the air for a long period of time. This time should enable the defender to react to the ball and
get to it. Therefore, a defender should never enter the boundary area until the ball is thrown
into that area.
If a defender is covering a deep zone, they should not be closer than 9 yards from the sideline
unless the ball is thrown in that area. If they are covering an underneath zone, they should not
be closer than 6 yards to the boundary unless the ball is thrown there.


Chapter 7
Final Thoughts
I am not here to convince you to play our defense, but more importantly to share information
that we believe works for our athletes. Hopefully, our information can assist you as a coach.
I believe that coaches must understand the players and the personnel you have, then use your
philosophy to fit the mold of your players. "It's not always the X's and the O's, it's the Billy's and
the Joe's... It's a true statement!
Success is when preparation meets opportunity
Prepare your players so that they understand the coaches thinking process vs. the opponent
Organize practice plans that create game like situations throughout the week. This will assist
your players to be successful with any defense you decide is best.
Developing your Game Plan
Game plan must fit the players. The scope of our game plan is player friendly so our kids think
less and play fast. This enables our players to get more reps and execute our plan better. You
must have and practice a contingency plan!