Seven Point LeadSeven Point Lead
Systems/3-4 Defense/Cross Dog
BlitzBest for: Passing down12U+ · Advanced

Cross Dog

Crosses the two inside backers through opposite A-gaps to confuse interior blockers.

Concept: Mike and Will crisscross so each attacks the far A-gap behind the other's fake.

Age version
ENEBBBBCSSC
RushBlitzDrop to coverage
14U — Attack blocks: Add get-off and block destruction so the front controls the line of scrimmage. Layer in the called blitz — one timed gap-shooter on the snap. Teach the coverage drops behind the front and read run vs. pass. Combine front, pressure, and coverage — and disguise it pre-snap.
Play movement — schematic, not to scale

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.

  1. 12UIntroduce: Line up right and own your gap — win with alignment, pad level, and pursuit to the ball.
  2. 14UAttack blocks: Add get-off and block destruction so the front controls the line of scrimmage. Layer in the called blitz — one timed gap-shooter on the snap. Teach the coverage drops behind the front and read run vs. pass. Combine front, pressure, and coverage — and disguise it pre-snap.

Every position's job

NG

Occupy the center so the crossing backers beat man protection.

Coach it with
RB Blitz Pickup
DE (strong)

5-technique, contain the strong edge.

Coach it with
Edge Rush & Bend the Corner
DE (weak)

5-technique, contain the weak edge.

Coach it with
Edge Rush & Bend the Corner
Sam

Set the strong edge, contain.

Coach it with
Edge Rush & Bend the Corner
Will (OLB)

Set the weak edge, contain backside.

Coach it with
Edge Rush & Bend the Corner Scoop / Cutoff Block
Mike

Cross through the far A-gap behind the other backer's fake.

Coach it with
DL Shed and Block Destruction LB Read Keys and Shuffle LB Downhill Fill
ILB

Cross through the opposite far A-gap behind Mike's fake.

Coach it with
DL Stance and Get-Off DL Shed and Block Destruction DL Gap Control and Two-Gap Read
SS

Rotate to the middle to cover vacated hooks.

FS

Deep-middle center field or single-high.

CB (strong)

Cover strong receiver in man.

CB (weak)

Cover weak receiver in man.

How to teach it

  • 1The two inside backers crisscross so each attacks the far A-gap behind the other's fake.
  • 2One goes first as the pick, the other times tight behind so blockers collide.
  • 3Attack tight A-gap to A-gap so the cross is quick, not wide.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Backers running into each other; fix by staggering who goes first.
  • !Crossing too wide and getting picked up; fix by attacking tight through the A-gaps.
← Back to 3-4 Defense playbook

Build this into your call sheet.

Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.

Get StartedBook a Demo