Heavy Front

Rotates a linebacker down to the line to create a five-man front against heavy sets.

Concept: The strong inside backer walks up into the strong B-gap to add a run defender to the box.

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. 6UIntroduce: Line up right and own your gap — win with alignment, pad level, and pursuit to the ball.
2. 8UAttack blocks: Add get-off and block destruction so the front controls the line of scrimmage.
3. 10UAdd pressure: Layer in the called blitz — one timed gap-shooter on the snap.
4. 12UAdd coverage: Teach the coverage drops behind the front and read run vs. pass.
5. 14UFull call: Combine front, pressure, and coverage — and disguise it pre-snap.

Every position's job

How to teach it

• 1The strong inside backer walks up into the strong B-gap to create a five-man front versus heavy sets.
• 2This adds an extra run defender to the box against power formations.
• 3The walked-up backer fires his gap low like a down lineman.

Common mistakes to fix

• !The walked-up backer tipping the run fit too early; fix by walking up under control and firing the gap on the snap.
• !The remaining inside backer overloaded on both A-gaps; fix by reading the guard and filling the most-threatened gap.