Podcast Article #17 - Basic 3-4 Defense

Origins of the 3-4 Defense

The 3-4 Defense uses 3 defensive linemen and 4 linebackers. It is a variation of the 5-2 Defense, which uses 5 defensive linemen and 2 linebackers. The 3-4 Defense also includes two deep safeties and two cornerbacks. Cover 2 and Cover 4 Coverage, along with Cover 3 and Man defenses are common to the 3-4 Defense.

Alignment of the 3-4 Defense

Nose Guard - Head up over the Center (0-Technique)
Ends - Head up on the Offensive Tackles (4-Technique)
Mike Linebacker - Head up over strong-side Offensive Guard, 5 yards off the ball
Backer (Jack Linebacker) - Head up over weak-side Offensive Guard, 5 yards off the ball
Sam Linebacker - Outside shoulder of Tight End (9-technique), but alignment can vary greatly
Will Linebacker - Outside of weak-side Offensive Tackle, 3 yards off and 3 yards outside of the Defensive End is a common alignment for him, but the Will linebacker will be moving around quite a bit.

Variations of the 3-4 Defense

The 3-4 Defense played in the NFL usually involves 2-gapping the defensive linemen. The 2-Gap technique means that these defensive linemen are not sure what gap they are going to be responsible for until the play begins. After reading the offensive line, they will be responsible for the gap to the left or the right of their original alignment (for example, the Nose Guard can take either A-Gap when the play starts).

Many High School and College teams that have used the 3-4 Defense play a Slant/Angle style of defense. They will line-up the same, but have a call to determine their movement and gap responsibilities. This style of defense has been effective for many years, but Zone Offenses are making it less effective.

3-4 Slant/Angle Defense

Adapting the 3-4 Defense

One advantage of the 3-4 Defense is how adaptable it is to today's modern offenses. Because it is a variation of the 5-2 Defense, it converts easily to power-style offenses like the Wing-T or the Pro-I. At the same time, the base defense employs just 3 defensive linemen and therefore adapts easily to today's Spread Attacks.

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