Joe Daniel LB / OL, Asst. Head Coach Prince George High School Football-Defense.com

 Zone blitzes bring 5 man pressure, but with the safety of Zone Coverage.  Zone coverages for 5 man pressure are the 3 under, 3 deep (3) or 4 under, 2 deep (2)  Blitzes use Defensive Line, Linebackers and Safeties  Any player can also be asked to drop into coverage in a Zone Blitz

 Chance of a big reward with blitzing, with less risk than man coverage  Zone blitzes are exciting for the players to mix it up  Cause confusion for the Offensive Line by using line movement coupled with blitzes  Cause confusion for the Quarterback because he doesn’t know who will cover what area

 Linebackers will make “SMOKE” call after they get strength alignment to alert DBs they are coming.  The Safety who is dropping will make a “CRASH” call. The Safety on the side of the blitz buzzes the flats. Strong Safety usually comes down if Mike is going.  The Safety who will be responsible for Deep 1/3 responds to the “CRASH” Call with a “YOU YOU YOU!” Call.

 Gap-Out Step: Penetrate the Gap ◦ Lateral step with foot closest to gap responsibility ◦ Rip with inside arm, clear hip and penetrate to heel line in the gap.  Cut step: Cross One Face ◦ Lateral step with foot in direction of stunt ◦ Second step 45 ⁰ as you rip with off-arm ◦ Third step square up in the Gap, penetrate to heel line

 Long-Cut Step: Cross Two Faces ◦ Lateral step with foot in direction of stunt ◦ Second step crossover in front with back foot, third step bring first foot back to balance ◦ Attack at 45 ⁰ angle, reading the hip of the 2 nd DL. If he comes to you, cross face. If he goes down, squeeze to replace his hip.  Slam Technique: If a DT has contain on Pass Rush because the End is dropping, he cut steps and crashes into the hip of the OT, works lateral to ensure contain. Do not get upfield!

 Defensive line must communicate calls when they are dropping to pass coverage  Enchilada: End Dropper, usually the DE opposite the “SMOKE” and “CRASH” Calls.  Nacho: Nose Dropper, mostly on Double Edge blitzes.  Taco: Tackle Dropper, nothing in our package uses a Tackle Dropper at this time.  DT must hear the “Enchilada” call, DT will be executing SLAM Technique

 Mike Backer ◦ MIKE ◦ MAX (Partner w/ Strong Tackle)  Sam Backer ◦ SAM ◦ SAX (Partner w/ Strong End)  Will Backer ◦ WILL ◦ WAX (Partner w/ Weak End)  All of these blitzes are available, every game.

 Force the Quarterback to move out of the pocket  Blitz into the face of a throw  Effective against Zone Read  Weak Side ◦ WAM (America’s Fire Zone) – Will and Mike ◦ FAMOUS – Free Safety and Mike  Strong Side ◦ SMACK – Sam and Mike ◦ SMOTHER – Strong Safety and Mike

 Contain a Quarterback who wants to break the pocket  Attack edge runs like Jet Sweep and Outside Zone  SAW Blitz ◦ Strong side and Weak side outside player. ◦ Can be the Defensive End, Outside Linebacker or Safety to either side.

 Force a Pocket Passer to move or unload early  Movement to confuse Inside Zone scheme  Strong Side ◦ MASH ◦ MACHETE  Weak Side ◦ MAWL

 Paid Memberships receive access to over 200+ articles and videos on coaching defensive football, future Webinars, Interviews and more…  Silver Membership 30 Days, $9.97  Gold Membership 90 Days, $24.97  Platinum Membership 365 Days, $89.97  Zone Blitz cut-ups available for a limited time

Contact Information: Joe Daniel Prince George High School Shameless Plugs: