4-3 Defense

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4-3 "Over" Defense

The 4-3 Defense is a personnel selection of the Defense in American Football and Canadian Football . It is characterized by the use of four defensive linemen and three linebackers . Alongside 3-4 Defense, it is one of the most frequent personnel selections.

Tactical

General

In 4-3 Defense, the pass rush is built up without lightning only by the four linemen. This means that the defense with seven players has to cover a maximum of five opposing pass recipients. Four players on the line are more effective against the run, which is why the 4-3 defense was considered the gold standard in times of heavy running . With the increasing popularity of the passing game, however, the 3-4 Defense became increasingly popular because it is much more flexible than the 4-3 Defense. The defensive ends have the task of preventing outward runs against the barrel. The middle linebacker, also known as Mike, has the task of stopping runs and short passes over the middle. The outer linebackers are divided into Weakside, also called Will, and Strongside Linebacker, also called Sam. The Weakside Linebacker plays on one side without a tight end , the Strongside Linebacker on one side with a tight end. Both outside linebackers should drive the running backs inwards or stop them when running over the outside. The strongside linebacker is often responsible for covering the tight end, the weakside linebacker is usually responsible for covering a wide receiver .

variants

The 4-3 Defense variants mainly relate to the formation of the defensive tackle. In the classic 4-3 defense, both defensive tackles are opposed to the offensive guards (2-Technique). This shape was invented by Tom Landry during his time with the New York Giants in the 1950s and was a further development of his 6-1-4 " Umbrella Defense ". In 4-3 "Over" the strongside defensive tackle is set up between offensive guard and offensive tackle (3-Technique) and the defensive tackle on the Weakside between center and offensive guard (1-Technique), which turns it into a nose tackle. In 4-3 "Under" the defensive tackle on the weak side is set up between offensive guard and offensive tackle and the nose tackle on the strongside between offensive guard and center. "Under" and "Over" were developed in the 1960s by Hank Stram for the Kansas City Chiefs of the American Football League . By shifting the defensive tackles in the 4-3 “over” towards the tight end, the asymmetrical strengthening of the offensive line is compensated and thus blocking for the run is made more difficult, as the defensive tackles could no longer be pushed away so easily. Since the 4-3 "Over" is primarily concerned with balance, it is considered the less aggressive variant. The 4-3 "Under", however, is more aggressive because it shifts its strength to the weaker side of the offensive line and thus builds up more pressure. In order to compensate for the associated weakening on the strongside, an outside linebacker is usually brought up to the line of scrimmage to help out the defensive line.

Personnel selection

The defense of the Central Michigan Chippewas (white) in a 4-3 defense in a game against the Michigan Wolverines (yellow-blue).

For the 4-3 Defense, the Defensive Ends (DE) are of considerable importance. Therefore, a defensive end in 4-3 defense has to be a good pass rusher as well as being able to defend well against the run. As a rule, they should be over 1.90 m tall and weigh between 118 and 127 kg. In 4-3 "Under" the defensive end on the side of the nose tackle is usually stronger and larger than the defensive end on the side of the defensive tackle. Defensive tackles should be agile and fast, win one-on-one blocks and be able to stop the opponent in your own backfield. The nose tackle should be larger and more powerful than the defensive tackle, which should be smaller and more athletic. The Weakside Linebacker should be as agile and fast as possible and be able to cover well. Middle linebackers should be strong, tall, physical and clever, while strongside linebackers should be good tacklers .

See also

  • 46 Defense , a formation played from the 4-3 Defense

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ a b The path of greatest resistance. Spox, p. 1 , accessed April 20, 2018 .
  2. ↑ a b The path of greatest resistance. Spox, p. 3 , accessed April 20, 2018 .
  3. ↑ a b c Summer School: Understanding the 4-3 defense. May 31, 2016, accessed April 20, 2018 .
  4. ↑ a b 3-4 Vs. 4-3 Defense: Which Suits the Redskins Better? May 26, 2013, accessed April 20, 2018 .
  5. ↑ Could the Texans move to a base 4-3 defense? Accessed April 20, 2018 .
  6. ↑ Football 101: Linebacker Assignments and Alignment. Bleacher Report, accessed April 20, 2018 .