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Systems/3-4 Defense/Prevent
SpecialBest for: Prevent / vs pass12U+ · Advanced

Prevent

Drops extra defenders deep to prevent a big play at the end of a half.

Concept: Rush three, drop everyone into deep zones, and keep all receivers in front of the deepest defender.

Age version
ENEBBBBCSSC
RushBlitzDrop to coverage
14U — Attack blocks: Add get-off and block destruction so the front controls the line of scrimmage. 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. 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

Rush the passer under control as one of only three rushers.

Coach it with
Two-Hand Punch & Extend
DE (strong)

Contain the strong edge, keep the QB in front.

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

Contain the weak edge, keep the QB in front.

Coach it with
Edge Rush & Bend the Corner
Sam

Drop deep into a zone, keep receivers in front.

Coach it with
Zone Drop & Pattern Read LB Coverage Drop DB Zone Coverage and Break
Will

Drop deep into a zone, keep receivers in front.

Coach it with
Zone Drop & Pattern Read LB Coverage Drop DB Zone Coverage and Break
Mike

Drop deep into a zone, keep receivers in front.

Coach it with
Zone Drop & Pattern Read LB Coverage Drop DB Zone Coverage and Break
ILB

Drop deep into a zone, keep receivers in front.

Coach it with
Zone Drop & Pattern Read Reach Block Zone Step QB Stance and Footwork
SS

Drop to a deep zone, keep all receivers in front.

Coach it with
Zone Drop & Pattern Read Reach Block Zone Step QB Stance and Footwork
FS

Be the deepest defender, no one behind you.

CB (strong)

Drop deep, keep everything in front and inside.

Coach it with
Zone Drop & Pattern Read QB Stance and Footwork
CB (weak)

Drop deep, keep everything in front and inside.

Coach it with
Zone Drop & Pattern Read QB Stance and Footwork

How to teach it

  • 1Rush only three, drop everyone else deep, and keep all receivers in front of the deepest defender.
  • 2Never let a receiver behind you at the end of a half.
  • 3Tackle in bounds and keep the clock running.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !A receiver getting behind a defender; fix by keeping everyone in front and playing top-down.
  • !Rushers losing contain on a scramble; fix by rushing under control and keeping the QB in front.
← Back to 3-4 Defense playbook

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

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