Systems/3-4 Defense/Mike Blitz
BlitzBest for: Passing down10U+ · Core

Mike Blitz

Sends an inside backer straight through the strong A-gap.

Concept: Mike times the snap and shoots the strong A-gap while the other inside backer covers the middle.

Age version
ENEBBBBCSSC
RushBlitzDrop to coverage
14UAdd pressure: 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. 10UIntroduce: Line up right and own your gap — win with alignment, pad level, and pursuit to the ball.
  2. 12UAttack blocks: Add get-off and block destruction so the front controls the line of scrimmage.
  3. 14UAdd pressure: 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

0-technique, occupy the center so Mike stays free.

DE (strong)

5-technique, contain the strong edge.

DE (weak)

5-technique, contain the weak edge.

Sam

Set the strong edge, contain.

Will

Set the weak edge, contain backside.

Mike

Time the snap and shoot the strong A-gap downhill at the QB.

ILB

Cover the middle since Mike is blitzing.

SS

Support the run or cover the tight end.

FS

Deep-middle center field over the top.

CB (strong)

Cover strong receiver.

CB (weak)

Cover weak receiver.

How to teach it

  • 1Mike times the snap and shoots the strong A-gap; the nose occupies the center to keep him free.
  • 2The other inside backer covers the middle since Mike is gone.
  • 3Time the blitz with the snap, not the cadence.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Mike tipping the blitz by creeping early; fix by timing his forward lean with the snap.
  • !The other inside backer not covering the middle; fix by rotating to the vacated hook immediately.

Build this into your call sheet.

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