best defense to run with lesser athletes

5-3 SLANT/PINCH

DE – 9 Technique. Take 1 step across & come inside to force. Pitch on option. Contain pass rush (take B across your face on screen/flare/etc.).


DT – 4 Technique. Slant OR Pinch with “Rip” technique:

A) “Slant” call TO your side = Rip across OT’s face with backside forearm & put your outside shoulder to TE’s inside hip. QB on option.
B) “Pinch” call, or, “Slant” call AWAY from your side = Rip across OT’s face with backside forearm & put your inside shoulder to OG’s outside hip. Dive on option.


NOSE – 0 Technique. Slant with same technique as DT’s. On “Slant” call you usually will slant to the OG on the call side (usually TE side). On “Pinch” call – the MLB will give you the direction. Dive on option.


MLB = Stack behind the Nose. Key Fullback in I (or single back in 1 Back set). Take A Gap responsibility opposite Nose’s slant. Dive on option.


OLB’s = Align in C gap. Take a read step with inside foot & read Tailback (or back away if not an I).

A) “Slant” away from you, & “Pinch” – basic C gap responsibility. QB to Pitch on option.
B) “Slant” to you – B gap responsibility. Dive on option.


SECONDARY = Cover 3 or Cover 1.


NOTE: May Eagle SE side or stay regular.