You are on page 1of 19

DEFENSIVE TERMINOLOGY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

POSITION TERMINOLOGY--------------------

PERSONNEL TERMINOLOGY----------------

GENERAL DEFENSIVE TERMINOLOGY-

FRONT TERMINOLOGY------------------------

RUSH STUNTS--------------------------------------

RUN SUPPORT TERMINOLOGY-------------

ZONE COVERAGE TERMINOLOGY--------

MAN COVERAGE TERMINOLOGY---------

ZONES OF FIELD----------------------------------

10-11

DOUBLE DIGIT COVERAGE SYSTEM------

12-13

BOOTLEG / WAGGLE RULES----------------

14-18

DEFENSIVE POSITION TERMINOLOGY


F
Z

S E
FC

T W

BC

FS

SAM

The outside linebacker to the HUSKY call.

END

The outside defensive lineman to the HUSKY call .

NOSE

The inside defensive lineman to the HUSKY call .

TACKLE

The outside defensive lineman away from the HUSKY call .

WILL

The outside linebacker away from the HUSKY call .

ZIP

The inside linebacker away from the HUSKY call .

MIKE

The inside linebacker to the HUSKY call .

HUSKY

The deep inside defender to the HUSKY call .

FREE
SAFETY

The deep inside defender away from the HUSKY call.

FIELD
CORNER

The deep outside defender to the HUSKY call.

BOUNDARY
CORNER
The deep outside defender away from the HUSKY call .
NICKEL

The fifth defensive Back in any Sub defense.

ADJUSTER The sixth defensive back in any Sub defense.

PERSONNEL TERMINOLOGY
OFFENSIVE PERSONNEL IDENTIFICATION
21 = 2BACKS
22 = 2 BACKS
20 = 2 BACKS
12 = 1 BACK
11 = 1 BACK
10 = 1 BACK
31 = 3 BACKS
32 = 3 BACKS
23 = 2 BACKS
00 = 0 BACKS
01 = 0 BACKS
02 = 0 BACKS

1 TE
2 TES
0 TE
2 TES
1 TE
0 TE
1 TE
2 TES
3 TES
0 TE
1 TE
2 TE

2 WRS
1WR
3 WRS
2 WRS
3 WRS
4 WRS
1 WR
0 WR
0 WR
5 WRS
4 WRS
3 WRS

DEFENSIVE PERSONNEL
BASE = 3 Linemen, 4 Linebackers and 4 Defensive Backs
GOAL LINE = 4 Linemen, 4 Linebackers and 3 Defensive Backs
NICKEL = 2 Linemen, 3 Linebackers and 6 Defensive Backs
DIME = 3 Linemen, 2 Linebackers and 6 Defensive Backs
PENNY = 2 Linemen, 4 Linebackers and 5 Defensive Backs
HEAVY = 4 Linemen, 3 Linebackers and 4 Defensive Backs
3

GENERAL DEFENSIVE TERMINOLOGY


BLACK ZONE

Area of the Field from the Goal Line to the -10 yard line.
(Coming Out)

CLOSED SIDE

Side of the formation with the TE next to the OT or 2 receiver side in


20 personnel.

CP

Coaching Point

HUSKY CALL

Call made by the HUSKY safety declaring his alignment to the wide
side of the field.

EMOL

End Man On the LOS

GOAL LINE

Area of the Field from the +4 to the Goal Line.

LOS

Line Of Scrimmage

OPEN SIDE

Side of the formation with a WR split out from the OT

PASS ACTION

3 Step = Quick Game


5 Step = Drop Back

RED ZONE

Area of the Field from the +25 to the +6 yard line.

SHORT SIDE

Term referring to the side of the field away from the HUSKY Call.

SOLO

Remaining Back aligned behind the center.

SPLIT

Term referring to the Open Side of the formation.

STRONG SIDE

Side of the formation with two (2) receivers and the declared pass
strength

TIGHT

Term referring to the Closed side of the formation.

TRADE

Term referring to the TE shifting from one side of the formation and
resetting on the opposite side.

WEAK SIDE

Side of the formation with one (1) receiver which is away from pass
strength

WIDE SIDE

Term referring to the side of the field to the HUSKY Call.

FRONT TERMINOLOGY
CAGE

Pass Rush lanes in relation to the QB. Two Outside and two Inside.

DELAY

5 TECH makes inside move on 2ND or 3rd up field Step.

DIRECTIONAL

Step used by a Defensive lineman to Step to the hip of the next adjacent
offensive lineman.

EDGE

Coverage technique where the END will have coverage responsibility vs.
Pass.

ENTER

3 TECH stunts across the guards face to charge the A Gap using a Flat Step.

FAST

Call by an Inside Linebacker that tells the 5 TECH to play a JET Technique.

FLAT

Step used by a Defensive lineman to cross the face to the adjacent Gap of the
offensive lineman he is aligned on.

JAM

1 TECH hits his target and plays the A Gap vs. any inside run; wraps for
contain vs. pass.

JET

Charge by the 5 TECH to penetrate the C Gap.

LONG STICK

5 TECH stunts to the A Gap using Flat Step and Cross over step. Reading the
Guard.

LOOP

1 TECH stunts across the guards face to charge the B Gap using a Flat Step.

MID POINT

Pass Rush lane in a 5 Man Pressure directly in front of the QB.

NAIL

1 TECH stunts across the centers face to the opposite A Gap using a Flat
Step.

RIP

Charge by the 3 TECH to penetrate the B Gap.

SPY

Coverage technique where the NOSE will have coverage responsibility vs.
Pass.

STEM

The Defensive Line aligns in one front and moves to another before the
snap.

TAG

5 TECH stunts across the tackles face to charge the B Gap using a Flat Step.

TAP

Coverage technique where the TACKLE will have coverage responsibility


vs. Pass.

RUSH STUNTS
STUNTS USED IN OFFSET OR OVER FRONTS
EARS

Two man stunt between a 3 TECH and a 1 TECH. The 3 TECH charges the A Gap. The
1 TECH Jams the Center then Wraps for opposite Inside cage vs. pass.

EXIT

Two man stunt between a 3 TECH and a 5 TECH. The 3 TECH Rips the B Gap. The 5
TECH executes Delay charge to Inside Cage.

MIX

Combination of a TON stunt and an EXIT stunt.

STIR

Double TON stunts.

TON

Two man stunt between a 5 TECH and a 1 TECH. The 5 TECH charges the B Gap. The
1 TECH Jams the A Gap then Wraps for contain vs. pass.

WIN

Three man stunt between a 3 TECH, 5 TECH and a 1 TECH. The 3 TECH charges the
A Gap. The 5 TECH charges the B Gap. The 1 TECH Jams the A Gap then Wraps for
opposite Outside Cage vs. pass.

STUNTS USED IN BEAR OR ANCHOR FRONTS


EASY

Three man stunt between the END, NOSE and TACKLE. The END charges the
strong side A Gap. The NOSE charges the weak side A Gap. The TACKLE Loops
for opposite B Gap.

EGO

Two man stunt between the END and the NOSE. The END charges the A Gap. The
NOSE Jams the Center then Wraps for opposite Inside cage vs. pass.

PINCH

Two Man Stunt with BOTH 3 TECHNIQUES running an ENTER to the A Gaps.

TAN

Two man stunt between the TACKLE and the NOSE. The TACKLE charges the A
Gap. The NOSE Jams the Center then Wraps for opposite Inside cage vs. pass.

TEXAS

Three man stunt between the END, NOSE and TACKLE. The TACKLE charges the
weak side A Gap. The NOSE charges the strong side A Gap. The END Loops for
opposite B Gap.

RUN SUPPORT TERMINOLOGY


ALLEY

Deep defender attacking the ball carrier inside out responsible for defending the Seam (#2 receiver).

BACKER

Outside Run support where the Outside Linebacker is the Primary Force Man. The Corner is
Secondary.

BOLT

Outside Run support where the Sam Linebacker is the Primary Force Man. The HUSKY Safety Drops
inside to the Hook. The Field Corner is Secondary.

BUZZ

Outside Run support where the Will Linebacker is the Primary Force Man. The Free Safety Drops
inside to the Hook. The Boundary Corner is Secondary.

CLOUD

Outside Run support where the Corner is the Primary Force Man. The Safety is Secondary.

CLUB

Outside Run support where the Corner is the Primary Force Man. The Outside Linebacker is playing
Seam / Curl off #2. The Safety is Secondary.

COMBO

Outside Run support where the Rolled Down Safety is the Primary Force Man.

CRACK
REPLACE

Support adjustment by the Secondary Support defender to replace the Primary Force defender if he
gets blocked and loses leverage.

CRC

Counter, Reverse, Cutback.

FILL

Seam (LB) Defender responsible for making the ball bounce deep and to the outside vs. outside run.

FLIP

Outside Run support where the Outside Linebacker is the Primary Force Man.

INVERT

Outside Run support where the Outside Linebacker is the Primary Force Man. The Corner is
Secondary.

PRIMARY
FORCE

Defender responsible to contain the outside run and limit the cut back; forcing it inside to the Pursuit.
CP: Keep Outside arm free.

PURSUIT

Gap defenders attacking the Ball Carrier after securing their Gap responsibility. CP: Always pursue
Inside-out, aiming for the near shoulder of the ball carrier.

READ

Outside Run support where the Primary Force Man (OLB or DB) is determined by the release of the
TE.

ROBBER

Outside Run support where the Primary Force Man (HUSKY or FS) is determined by the release of the
TE.

SAVE

Defensive Back away from outside run action who plays reverse, throwback and keeps everyone in
front of him (21 man rule).

SECONDARY
FORCE

Deep Defender responsible for pass first eliminating the #1 receiver in the outside 1/3 before
uncovering for run (Crack Replace)

SKY

Outside Run support where the HUSKY Safety is the Primary Force Man. The Field Corner is
Secondary.

SLICE

Outside Run support where the Rolled Down Safety is the Primary Force Man.

SPILL

Technique used to force the ball carrier deep and to the outside of the running lane.

STAR

Outside Run support where the Free Safety is the Primary Force Man. The Boundary Corner is
Secondary.

TRAP

Outside Run support where the Corner is the Primary Force Man. The Safety is Secondary.

ZONE COVERAGE TERMINOLOGY


BRONCO

Coverage adjustment vs. 3x1 that makes the backside linebacker responsible for the back (#2 weak) in a
push coverage. The Backside Safety pushes to #3. The Corner plays M/M on #1.

BUNCH

A Call alerting that three receivers are aligned close to each other creating a Pick situation.

CHARGER

Adjustment in Quarters coverage vs. 3x1 that makes the Boundary Corner responsible for the back (#2
weak). The Backside Safety plays #1.

COLT

Adjustment in Quarters coverage vs. 3x1 that makes the backside linebacker responsible for the back
(#2 weak). The Backside Safety plays #3 vertical. The Corner plays M/M on #1.
Colt relieves the Mike of #3 vertical responsibility.

CONE

3 Deep coverage adjustment vs. Wing or Bunch making the Corner the curl/flat player and the safety the
outside 1/3 player.

CLUSTER

2 Deep coverage adjustment vs. a Bunch formation indicating the corner will play the 1 st outside
route ,the ILB plays the first inside route ,the OLB plays the vertical Seam and the Safety plays Field.

FINAL #3

A 3 under 3 deep zone coverage technique. Defender plays Middle Hook inside the #3 receiver after all
exchanges. Landmark is Goal Post.

GUT

Call made in 3 under 3 deep zone coverage telling the SCF player to play Final #3.

QUADS

Quarters coverage (ZONE) played vs. 2x2 formations.

LOCK

Call putting the corner and safety in man coverage on #1 and #2. The linebackers play same as FLIP.

LUCKY

Call designating Pass Strength to the Defensive Left.

MIDDLE
READ

A Quarters coverage technique. Defender plays Middle Hook inside the #3 receiver after all exchanges.
Reading #3 to #2 to #1.

POST
READ

A 2 Deep coverage technique. Defender plays the Post to the #3 receiver after all exchanges. Reading #3
to #2.

ROCK-IT

A coverage adjustment exchanging responsibilities between the safeties.

RINGO

Call designating Pass Strength to the Defensive Right.

SCF

Seam, Curl, Flat Defender in 3 Deep Coverage.

SEAM
CURL

A 2 Deep coverage technique. Defender Re Routes the Vertical of #2 and plays the Curl. V-Cut #3 to the
Flat.

SPY

Coverage technique where a defensive lineman will have coverage responsibility vs. Pass.

STALLION

Coverage adjustment vs. 3x1 that makes the backside safety responsible for the back (#2 weak) in a
push coverage. The Backside Linebacker pushes to #3. The Corner plays M/M on #1.

TANDEM

A Call alerting that two receivers are aligned close to each other creating a Pick situation.

TREY

3 Deep Rotation (ZONE ) to pass strength.

VERTICAL
SEAM

A 2 Deep coverage technique. Defender Carries the Vertical of #2. If no Vertical - play the Curl.

ZONE
RULES

Adjuster and Nickel align opposite each other. The Nickel is aligned to the Husky Call and the Adjuster
is aligned away from the Husky Call.

MAN COVERAGE TERMINOLOGY


BANG

A man coverage technique between any three DBs playing In & Out on the #1 and #3 receivers
and pressing #2 (Wipe) in a Bunch situation.

BANJO

A man coverage technique between an ILB and an OLB playing In & Out on two receivers in a
Pick situation.

BRACKET

A Double coverage technique with the outside defender playing all outside routes and the inside
defender playing all inside routes.

DOUBLE

A man coverage technique between two DBs playing In & Out on one receiver.

HUG

A man to man coverage technique played by Linebackers and Safeties vs. running backs.
CP: Aggressively rush your man when he blocks.

LURK

A call in man coverage telling a defender to play the Low Hole.

MAN RULES

Adjuster aligns to #2 Weak or #3 Strong. Nickel aligns to #2 Strong or #3 Weak .

MUG

A man coverage technique between two DBs playing In & Out on two receivers in a Pick
situation.

PICK

A man coverage technique between a DB and an LB playing In & Out on two receivers in a Pick
situation.

PEEL

A technique played by a defender with contain rush responsibility who plays man coverage any Back
Flare that crosses his face.

SOLO

A call in Smoke Coverage telling the LBs to cover the TE and the remaining Back vs. 1-Back sets.

SWAP

A coverage adjustment exchanging responsibilities between two LBs in man coverage on a TE.

TRAIL
TECHNIQUE

A man coverage technique with the defender aggressively playing inside and underneath leverage on
all routes.

WE

A man coverage technique between any two inside defenders playing In & Out on two receivers in
a Pick situation.

ZONES OF THE FIELD


LOOP

Area from ball to sideline behind the LOS.

FLAT

Area from TE to sideline to a depth of 7 yards.

HOOK

Area over a TE to a depth 12 yards.

CURL

Area directly inside any Wide Receivers alignment extending to 2 yards outside a
TE.

SEAM

Area between two designated zones in a coverage.

OUT

Area directly outside any Wide Receivers alignment

HOLE

Area between the offensive tackles to a depth of 12 yards.

OUTSIDE
1/3

Area from Boundary to 2 yards outside the Hash from 15 yards to the goal line
Midpoint of Zone is the top of the numbers.

MIDDLE
1/3

Area from 2 yards outside Left Hash to 2 yards outside Right Hash from 15 yards
to the goal line. Midpoint of Zone is the goal post.

DEEP

Area of Field from Boundary to Goal Post. Midpoint of Zone is 2 yards outside the
Hash.

10

ZONES OF THE FIELD


THREE DEEP ZONES
LOOP

LOOP

Q
X

Y
FLAT
OUT

FLAT

CURL

HOOK

HOLE

HOOK

S
E
A
M

OUTSIDE 1/3

S
E
A
M
MIDDLE 1/3

CURL

OUT

OUTSIDE 1/3

TWO DEEP ZONES


LOOP

LOOP

Q
X

Y
FLAT
OUT

FLAT

CURL

HOOK

HOLE

HOOK

CURL

OUT

SEAM
DEEP 1/2

DEEP 1/2

11

12

13

BOOT / WAGGLE RULES


3 DEEP, 4 UNDER RULES
(COVER 3)
T

2nd CONTAIN

X
Y

FC

BUTT
TO BOUNDARY

CROSSER

BC

THROWBACK

HS

FS

1/3

1/3

1/3

FLAT PLAYERS BOOT TO = BUTT TO BOUNDARY


BOOT AWAY = THROWBACK
HOOK / CURL PLAYERS BOOT TO = 1ST CROSSER
BOOT AWAY = 2ND CONTAIN
DEEP 1/3 PLAYERS PLAY DEEP 1/3
T

2nd CONTAIN

Z
Y

S
FC
THROWBACK

W
M

BC
BUTT
TO BOUNDARY

CROSSER

1/3

HS

FS
1/3
1/3

14

BOOT / WAGGLE RULES


2 DEEP, 5 UNDER RULES
(ZORRO)
T

LATE 2nd CONTAIN

2nd TIER FLAT

FC

S
CROSSER

CROSSER

BC

THROWBACK

HS

FS

1/3

1/3

1/3

CORNERS BOOT TO = 2ND TIER FLAT


BOOT AWAY = OUTSIDE 1/3
CURL PLAYERS BOOT TO = ENSURE THE CROSSER, THEN 2nd CONTAIN LATE
BOOT AWAY = THROWBACK
#3 POST PLAYER - CROSSER
SAFETIES BOOT TO = OUTSIDE 1/3
BOOT AWAY = MIDDLE 1/3
T

LATE 2nd CONTAIN


Z
Y

2nd TIER FLAT

BC

M
FC

THROWBACK
CROSSER

HS

CROSSER

FS

1/3

1/3
1/3

15

BOOT / WAGGLE RULES


QUARTERS COVERAGE (FLIP/READ)
(COWBOY/QUADS)
T

LATE 2nd CONTAIN

S
X

FC

BC

BUTT
TO BOUNDARY

CROSSER

CROSSER

THROWBACK

FS

HS

1/3

1/3

1/3

CORNERS BOOT TO (FLIP/READ/COLT) =OUTSIDE 1/3


BOOT TO(CLOUD) =2nd TIER FLAT
BOOT AWAY (FLIP/READ/COLT/CLOUD) = OUTSIDE 1/3
OLB TO FLIP CALL BOOT TO = ENSURE THE CROSSER, THEN 2nd CONTAIN LATE
BOOT AWAY = THROWBACK
OLB TO READ CALL BOOT TO = 2nd CONTAIN
BOOT AWAY = THROWBACK
#3 HOOK PLAYER - CROSSER
SAFETIES BOOT TO (FLIP/READ) = BUTT TO BOUNDARY
BOOT TO(CLOUD) =OUTSIDE 1/3
BOOT AWAY = MIDDLE 1/3
T

2nd CONTAIN
Z

S
Y

M
FC

BUTT
TO BOUNDARY

S
THROWBACK
CROSSER

BC

CROSSER

FS

HS
1/3

1/3

1/3

16

BOOT / WAGGLE RULES


QUARTERS COVERAGE (FLIP/READ)
(COVER 4)
T

LATE2nd CONTAIN

S
Y

FC

S
BUTT
TO BOUNDARY

CROSSER
CROSSER

THROWBACK

FS

HS

BC

1/3

1/3

1/3
CORNERS BOOT TO (FLIP/READ/COLT) =OUTSIDE 1/3
BOOT TO(CLOUD) =2nd TIER FLAT
BOOT AWAY (FLIP/READ/COLT/CLOUD) = OUTSIDE 1/3
OLB/ILB TO FLIP CALL BOOT TO = ENSURE THE CROSSER, THEN 2nd CONTAIN LATE
BOOT AWAY = THROWBACK
OLB/ILB TO READ CALL BOOT TO = 2nd CONTAIN
BOOT AWAY = THROWBACK
#3 HOOK PLAYER BOOT TO = CROSSER
SAFETIES BOOT TO (FLIP/READ) = BUTT TO BOUNDARY
BOOT TO(CLOUD) =OUTSIDE 1/3
BOOT AWAY = MIDDLE 1/3
T

2nd CONTAIN

S
X

S
FC

BUTT
TO BOUNDARY

BC

THROWBACK
CROSSER

FS

HS
1/3

1/3

1/3

17

BOOT / WAGGLE RULES


3 UNDER, 3 DEEP RULES
(ZONE BLITZ)
T

Z
Y

FC

BUTT
TO BOUNDARY

CROSSER

BC

THROWBACK

HS

FS

1/3

1/3

1/3

SCF PLAYERS BOOT TO = BUTT TO BOUNDARY


BOOT AWAY = THROWBACK
FINAL #3 PLAYER CROSSER
DEEP 1/3 PLAYERS PLA Y DEEP 1/3

Z
Y

S
FC
THROWBACK

W
M

BC
BUTT
TO BOUNDARY

CROSSER

1/3

HS

FS
1/3
1/3

18

NOTES:

19

You might also like