The '5' Front Formula

Chapter 1: Stance and Alignment

Key Points:

• Having two types of stances is crucial once your IQ for the game evolves. Through film study and weekly preparation, you can read offensive line (OL) stances, down and distance (D&D), personnel groupings, backfield set, and offensive formations.

• The Triple A’s: Alignment, Assignment, Attack Plan. What ALIGNMENT is going to aid me in completing my ASSIGNMENT, and how am I going to PLAN my ATTACK?

  
  

3 Questions to Ask Pre-Snap:

1. Is it a Run or Passing Down?

2. Is it a 1 or 2 Back Set? Is it empty?

3. How is the OL set pre-snap?

Insights:

Run Stance

Prioritizes power and leverage to control your gap and anchor against the run. Typically more balanced, with weight evenly distributed for lateral movement and strength at the point of attack. Ideal for early downs or short-yardage situations where run plays are likely.

Pass Stance

Emphasize explosiveness and gaining ground for a fast get-off. Weight shifts slightly forward, best suited for obvious passing downs.

Film Study and Weekly Prep

Film study is not just about watching plays but decoding offensive tendencies. Weekly preparation focuses on the finer details that can give you the edge.

Offensive Line (OL) Stances:

• Weight distribution on the hands or heels often indicates run (forward weight) vs. pass (backward weight).

• Subtle variations in their hand or foot placement can signal specific blocking schemes or play types.

Down and Distance (D&D):

• Key situational awareness: Is it 3rd and short, where the run is probable, or 3rd and long, indicating a pass?

• Tailoring your pre-snap stance and mindset accordingly increases efficiency.

Personnel Groupings:

• Identify tendencies based on who is on the field (e.g., heavier sets may indicate run).

• Recognize players’ strengths—does their TE/FB favor blocking or is he more involved in receiving/running the ball?

Backfield Set and Offensive Formations:

• Empty backfields almost guarantee passing plays, giving you the green light to attack. The only exception there is QB designed runs or receivers flying across the formation.

  
  

The Triple A’s: Alignment, Assignment, Attack Plan

ALIGNMENT: Where you line up directly impacts your ability to execute your role. Example: A wide 3-technique alignment is perfect for influencing the OL to chase the us as DLinemen in a passing situation, while a tight 3-tech alignment will invite a short or deeper vertical set.

ASSIGNMENT: What is your job for the play, is it to penetrate B-gap? Outside contain rush after threatening the B-gap?. Knowing your assignment keeps you disciplined and focused, preventing an ‘Oh Shit’ moment.

ATTACK PLAN: Based on the alignment and assignment, how will you engage the offensive lineman? Example: D & D show 3rd & 12, as the boundary side defensive end, lined up in a wide 7 in a 4-point or 3-point track stance ready to jump the count and speed rush right around the corner.

Pre-Snap Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Run or Passing Down? Use D&D clues and offensive tendencies from film study to anticipate the play.

• 1 or 2 Back Set? Is It Empty? A single-back set offers flexibility; be prepared for zone runs, play-action passes, or screens. Two-back sets often emphasize power or protection-heavy schemes. Empty backfields remove the run threat but increase quick-passing opportunities.

• How Is the OL Set Pre-Snap? Wide splits: Look for zone schemes or pass-heavy plays. Tight splits: Often indicate power runs or quick passes. Tackles’ depth: If deeper in their stance, they’re bracing for pass protection.

Takeaway: Asking these questions pre-snap sharpens your focus and positions you for success, enabling you to act rather than react.

Chapter 2: Hand Placement and Combat

Key Point(s):

• Effective hand usage is vital for shedding blocks and controlling offensive linemen. Hand combat techniques can disrupt an opponent’s balance and leverage.

Insights:

Effective Hand Usage:

• Precision Over Power: Success isn’t just about strength; it’s about accuracy. Target specific areas along the chest plate and/or in between their shoulders to gain control immediately.

• Timing: A quick and intentional strike at the right moment can dictate the outcome of the play.

• Grip and Repositioning: Once contact is made, maintaining an active grip allows you to manipulate the blocker. Strong hands, loose elbows, and firm shoulders let you transition between moves seamlessly.

Disrupt Your Opponent’s Balance and Leverage:

• Strike to Create Instability: A sharp, explosive punch to the chest can knock an offensive lineman off balance.

• Targeting Weak Points: Striking at elbows, wrists, or biceps disrupts the lineman’s ability to anchor effectively.

Counters and Ninja Smoke Moves:

Pass rushers must illustrate a story to the OL when it comes to counter moves. If you’re taking the inside gap, it’s imperative to sell your rush initially upfield to the outside. Ninja smoke moves are thrown at the end of your efforts.

Repetition in practicing moves like the double swipe or chop-club ensures readiness for live bullets.

Mental Aspects of Hand Combat:

• Anticipate the Counter: Offensive linemen adjust to your moves. Prepare counters like transitioning to a swipe or rip.

• Adapt to Their Stance: Study their hand positioning pre-snap. Are they leaning heavily forward? Expect a strong punch and counter with a deflection.

• Confidence Through Repetition: Drilling specific moves until they feel automatic allows you to react instinctively in high-pressure situations.

Chapter 3: Gap Control and Responsibilities

Key Points:

• Understanding gap assignments is fundamental to run defense. Maintaining gap integrity prevents offensive advancements.

Insights:

Defensive Linemen Must Recognize and React:

• Reading Splits: Offensive line splits can indicate the type of play about to unfold. Wider splits may suggest an outside run, while tighter splits hint at an inside run or trap play.

• Formational Awareness: Pay attention to offensive alignment and backfield set.

Shooting the Gap:

• Timing and Explosiveness: Success depends on reading the snap count, anticipating the blocker’s move, and using low pad level.

• High-Risk, High-Reward: Shooting the gap requires discipline to avoid leaving openings for cutbacks or misdirection plays.

Techniques for Effective Gap Control:

• Stack and Shed: Proper hand placement and leverage allow linemen to maintain control over their gap.

• Anchor and Redirect: Bend your knees, drop your hips, and drive through the blocker to maintain dominance of the LOS.

Mental Aspects of Gap Control:

• Patience and Discipline: Staying in your gap is critical. Over-pursuing leaves openings for counters.

• Communication: Defensive linemen must communicate pre-snap to adjust to shifting formations.

• Film Study: Recognizing patterns allows you to react faster.

Chapter 4: Pre-Snap Questions to Ask Yourself

Run or Passing Down?

• Use D&D clues and offensive tendencies from film study to anticipate the play.

• Example: On 3rd and short, expect run-heavy schemes; on 3rd and long, prepare for a pass.

1 or 2 Back Set? Is It Empty?

• A single-back set offers flexibility; be prepared for zone runs, play-action passes, or screens.

• Two-back sets often emphasize power or protection-heavy schemes.

• Empty backfields remove the run threat but increase quick-passing opportunities.

How Is the OL Set Pre-Snap?

• Wide splits: Look for zone schemes or pass-heavy plays.

• Tight splits: Often indicate power runs or quick passes.

• Tackles’ depth: If deeper in their stance, they’re bracing for pass protection.

Takeaway: Asking these questions pre-snap sharpens your focus and positions you for success, enabling you to act rather than react.

Chapter 5: Mental Preparation and Film Study

Key Points:

Mental toughness and preparation are as crucial as physical skills. Film study enables players to anticipate opponents’ strategies and tendencies.

Insights:

Regular Film Analysis:

• Seeing Patterns: Consistent study helps identify recurring offensive strategies.

• Studying Matchups: Note specific habits, such as an offensive tackle leaning forward before a run block.

• Understanding Timing: Film study highlights when offenses like to use specific plays.

Mental Resilience:

• Adapting Under Pressure: Setbacks require players to reset quickly.

• Overcoming Fatigue: Maintaining mental sharpness ensures effective execution.

• Blocking Out Noise: Mentally tough players remain unaffected by external pressures, staying focused on their assignment.