5-3 blitz

Coach,

We do play an odd front. A 3-5-3 which, as Coach Easton accurately points out quite frequently is just a "new fangled" version of the 5-3. My only advice when devising your blitz schemes would be to develop them with the types of running attacks you'll likely face. The 5-3 is a terrific scheme against any kind of run, but if the teams you face run outside 80-90% of the time, don't send you kids inside and risk them getting caught inside or being forced into bad pursuit angles. If most teams are right handed (as many teams typically are) and run 80-90% to the tight side in your league, I'd consider something more like a 5-2 monster or 3-4 look, where you can load up on the tight side by walking your strong safety up. If you face wing-t or double wing schemes, I think the 5-3 is an excellent choice. Either way, just coach what you're more comfortable with yourself. At the youth level, scheme is even less important than it is at the High School level. Honestly coach, if you can get the right kids in most of the right spots defensively, teach them to tackle well and insist that your defense runs to the football - you will have a good or even great defense no matter what scheme you choose IMO!!!!

Good luck Coach!!!

Dave Hartman
CYFL Coach