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Systems/3-5-3 (Odd Stack)/Prevent Three-Deep
SpecialBest for: Prevent / vs pass12U+ · Advanced

Prevent Three-Deep

Rushes three and drops eight into deep zones at the end of a half.

Concept: Three deep defenders and the backers keep all routes in front and tackle in bounds.

Age version
ENEBBBBBCSC
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 A-gap as one of only three rushers.

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

Rush and contain the strong edge, keep the QB in the pocket.

Coach it with
Edge Rush & Bend the Corner Progression Read (1-2-3)
DE (weak)

Rush and contain the weak edge, keep the QB contained.

Coach it with
Edge Rush & Bend the Corner
Mike

Drop to a deep intermediate middle zone, keep everything in front.

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

Drop to a strong intermediate zone and keep routes in front.

Coach it with
Team Skelly Pass Period Zone Drop & Pattern Read TE Option & Settle vs Zone
Will

Drop to a weak intermediate zone and keep routes in front.

Coach it with
Team Skelly Pass Period Zone Drop & Pattern Read TE Option & Settle vs Zone
Star

Drop to a strong underneath/intermediate zone.

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

Drop to a weak underneath/intermediate zone.

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

Drop to the strong deep third and keep everything underneath.

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

Drop to the weak deep third and keep everything underneath.

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

Take the deepest middle zone as the last line of defense.

Coach it with
Reach Block Zone Step LB Coverage Drop DB Zone Coverage and Break

How to teach it

  • 1Rush three and drop eight into deep zones at the end of a half.
  • 2Three deep defenders and the backers keep all routes in front and tackle in bounds.
  • 3Stay deeper than the deepest receiver and don't give up the sideline shot.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Letting a receiver behind the deep zones for the score; fix by staying on top of everything.
  • !Not tackling in bounds and stopping the clock; fix by teaching in-bounds gang tackling.
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