Football Glossary

The 3-4 Defense has stretched across pro and college football. Between two coaches running the 3-4, 9 College football national championships have been won using a version of this defense since 2005. In the NFL, 7 Super Bowls have been won in that time frame from the same coaching tree. That's 16 major championships from 3 coaches, all coming from the same 3-4 coaching tree. Belichick, Saban, and Smart all use a version of the 3-4 to do their business, and business has been good!  So what exactly is the 3-4 defense, and how does it work? Well, let's find out....

With the modern spread, RPOs and popularization of Air Raid concepts most think that the back end of defense has become more multiple to combat these popular concepts. And although that may be true with many defenses going to “match coverage” and more “middle of the field open” coverages, there is one consequence of this most people overlook, run fits.  With dozens of different approaches to fit all the different runs, its vital for coaches to be able to communicate to one another what they do to be successful. This is where “coach speak” is important and can lead to...

Midline Option is a concept that has been persistent in its relevance, even as the traditional option offenses continue to fade. Programs like Oregon and Coastal Carolina have used variations of this option concept in their respective systems. They’ve modernized it to fit the modern nuances that play-callers have introduced, but the principles remain the same. With all that being said, there is nothing like going against an under-center attack with a bruising Fullback and a dynamic Quarterback running through the heart of a defense. What is the Midline Option? Midline Option is an option play where the Quarterback reads...

Blunt force. Those two words epitomize the personality of the Iso play. For most I-formation and traditional pro-style offenses, Iso is one of the first plays installed. Think Earl Campbell, Christian Okoye, and Brandon Jacobs; the ultimate power back coming downhill right now, and the car crash is going to happen whether you like it or not. That’s Iso.  What is the Iso Play? Iso is a downhill running scheme that utilizes a Fullback as a lead blocker on a linebacker with multiple base blocks and double teams at the point of attack. It’s a concept designed to overpower a...

The best running football teams have the ability to get the ball in the hands of their best players between the tackles or outside. While some coaches prefer the outside zone play, many others love the angles and numbers that the Pin and Pull scheme gives you. Today we're going to cover this very popular run play. What is the Pin and Pull Play? Pin and Pull is a play that creates favorable down block angles, while also getting blockers out in space on the perimeter as lead blockers for an outside run. What are the Strengths of the Pin and...