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Systems/3-4 Defense/Sam Will Cross
BlitzBest for: Passing down12U+ · Advanced

Sam Will Cross

Brings both outside backers on a crossing double-edge pressure.

Concept: Outside backers rush contain from each edge while inside backers replace them in coverage.

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

0-technique, two-gap the center.

Coach it with
DL Stance and Get-Off DL Shed and Block Destruction DL Gap Control and Two-Gap Read
DE (strong)

5-technique, contain or squeeze inside as Sam takes the edge.

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

5-technique, contain or squeeze inside as Will takes the edge.

Coach it with
Edge Rush & Bend the Corner
Sam

Rush contain off the strong edge, crossing as part of the double-edge pressure.

Coach it with
Edge Rush & Bend the Corner Blitz Timing & Path Press Jam & Bail
Will

Rush contain off the weak edge, crossing as part of the double-edge pressure.

Coach it with
Edge Rush & Bend the Corner Blitz Timing & Path Press Jam & Bail
Mike

Replace an outside backer in coverage, take a hook/curl or the tight end.

Coach it with
LB Coverage Drop DB Zone Coverage and Break Team Skelly Pass Period
ILB

Replace an outside backer in coverage, take a hook/curl or a back.

Coach it with
LB Coverage Drop DB Backpedal Technique DB Man Coverage Mirror
SS

Support the run or cover a receiver.

FS

Deep-middle center field.

CB (strong)

Cover strong receiver in man.

CB (weak)

Cover weak receiver in man.

How to teach it

  • 1Both outside backers rush contain from each edge while the inside backers replace them in coverage.
  • 2The double-edge pressure squeezes the pocket from both sides.
  • 3Inside backers must drop to cover the flats/hooks the outside backers vacate.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Outside backers losing contain and letting the QB escape; fix by keeping outside leverage on each edge.
  • !Inside backers slow to replace in coverage; fix by dropping to the vacated zones at the snap.
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