Base 3-4 Okie
Standard 3-4 alignment with a nose over center and two ends in 5-techniques plus four linebackers.
Concept: Nose two-gaps the A-gaps, ends control the B/C gaps, and inside backers fill the open A-gaps.
Grows with your players
Same play, more layers as they age up — teach it once and build on it every season for a consistent program.
- 6UIntroduce: Line up right and own your gap — win with alignment, pad level, and pursuit to the ball.
- 8UAttack blocks: Add get-off and block destruction so the front controls the line of scrimmage.
- 10UAdd coverage: Teach the coverage drops behind the front and read run vs. pass.
- 12UFull call: Combine front, pressure, and coverage — and disguise it pre-snap.
Every position's job
Head-up 0-technique, two-gap both A-gaps and hold the point.
5-technique on the strong tackle, two-gap the B and C gaps.
5-technique on the weak tackle, two-gap the B and C gaps.
Strong outside backer, set the strong edge and take the strong flat/curl.
Weak outside backer, set the weak edge and contain backside.
Strong inside backer, fill the open strong A-gap on flow.
Weak inside backer, fill the open weak A-gap on flow.
Support the strong run/pass, cover curl-flat or tight end.
Deep-middle center field over the top.
Cover the strong receiver, force runs inside.
How to teach it
- 1The nose two-gaps the center controlling both A-gaps; the ends two-gap the B/C gaps.
- 2Inside backers read the guards and fill the open A-gaps the nose frees up.
- 3Outside backers set the edges and are the contain/force players.
Common mistakes to fix
- !Nose getting washed out of an A-gap; fix by staying square with hands inside on the center.
- !Inside backers filling the wrong A-gap; fix by reading the guard and pressing the open gap downhill.
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.