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Systems/3-5-3 (Odd Stack)/Fire Zone Strong
BlitzBest for: Passing down12U+ · Advanced

Fire Zone Strong

Blitzes five to the strong side while dropping an end into coverage.

Concept: Two backers and the strong end rush while the weak end drops to the strong hook zone behind a three-deep three-under.

Age version
ENEBBBBBCSC
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

Rush and two-gap the center as part of the five-man pressure.

Coach it with
Blitz Timing & Path DL Stance and Get-Off DL Shed and Block Destruction
DE (strong)

Rush the strong B/C-gap as part of the strong-side pressure.

Coach it with
Blitz Timing & Path DL Stance and Get-Off DL Shed and Block Destruction
DE (weak)

Drop off the line into the strong hook zone behind the pressure.

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

Rush the strong A/B-gap as one of the two blitzing backers.

Coach it with
Blitz Timing & Path DL Shed and Block Destruction LB Read Keys and Shuffle
Sam

Rush the strong edge as the second blitzing backer.

Coach it with
Edge Rush & Bend the Corner Blitz Timing & Path RB Blitz Pickup
Will

Drop to a hook/curl under zone as part of the three-under.

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

Drop to the strong curl/flat under zone.

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

Drop to the weak curl/flat under zone.

Coach it with
Zone Drop & Pattern Read Reach Block Zone Step QB Stance and Footwork
CB (strong)

Take a deep third.

CB (weak)

Take a deep third.

FS

Take the deep middle third over the top.

How to teach it

  • 1Two backers and the strong end rush while the weak end drops to the strong hook zone.
  • 2It's a three-deep, three-under fire zone — five rush, six cover.
  • 3The dropping weak end must get depth to his hook zone, not chase the rush.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !The weak end rushing out of habit instead of dropping; fix by drilling his coverage drop.
  • !Under-zone defenders leaving the hook holes open; fix with proper zone-drop landmarks.
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