Systems/3-4 Defense/Over Front
FrontBest for: Base down6U+ · Basic

Over Front

Shifts the line strength toward the tight end to load the strong side gaps.

Concept: Strong end moves to a 3-technique B-gap while the nose shades away from strength.

Age version
ENEBBBBCSSC
RushBlitzDrop to coverage
12UFull call: 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. 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 coverage: Teach the coverage drops behind the front and read run vs. pass.
  4. 12UFull call: Combine front, pressure, and coverage — and disguise it pre-snap.

Every position's job

NG

Shade away from strength, control the weak A-gap.

DE (strong)

Move to a 3-technique in the strong B-gap, penetrate and control it.

DE (weak)

5-technique on the weak tackle, control the weak B/C gaps.

Sam

Set the strong edge outside the tight end.

Will

Set the weak edge and contain backside.

SS

Support the strong run/pass.

FS

Deep-middle center field.

CB (strong)

Cover the strong receiver, force runs inside.

CB (weak)

Cover the weak receiver, contain backside.

How to teach it

  • 1In Over the strength shifts to the tight end: the strong end plays a 3-technique in the strong B-gap.
  • 2The nose shades away from strength to balance the front to the weak A-gap.
  • 3The 3-technique end is now a one-gap penetrator on the strong B-gap.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Strong end getting reached in his 3-technique; fix by shooting the outside shoulder and staying square.
  • !Nose losing the weak A-gap; fix by punching the center and controlling his shade gap.

Build this into your call sheet.

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