Seven Point LeadSeven Point Lead
Systems/3-5-3 (Odd Stack)/Sam Edge
BlitzBest for: Passing down12U+ · Advanced

Sam Edge

Sends the strong outside stacked backer off the edge.

Concept: Sam rushes the strong C-gap contain while the end pinches inside him.

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. Add the line stunt/twist to beat the offense's blocking rules. 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. Add the line stunt/twist to beat the offense's blocking rules. 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

Two-gap the center and occupy the middle.

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

Pinch inside to the B-gap so Sam has a clean strong edge lane.

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

Hold the weak B/C-gap as backside contain.

Coach it with
DL Stance and Get-Off DL Shed and Block Destruction DL Gap Control and Two-Gap Read
Mike

Fill the middle run gap and cover the strong hook Sam vacated.

Coach it with
LB Downhill Fill Scrape & Fill Over the Top Team Inside Run Period
Sam

Rush the strong C-gap off the edge outside the pinching end for contain.

Coach it with
DL Shed and Block Destruction LB Read Keys and Shuffle LB Downhill Fill
Will

Cover the weak hook/curl and the back.

Star

Drop to the strong flat since Sam is blitzing the edge.

Coach it with
QB Stance and Footwork Edge Rush & Bend the Corner Zone Drop & Pattern Read
Spur

Set the weak edge or cover the weak flat.

Coach it with
Edge Rush & Bend the Corner
CB (strong)

Cover the strong receiver man.

CB (weak)

Cover the weak receiver man or deep third.

FS

Single-high deep middle over the top.

How to teach it

  • 1Sam rushes the strong C-gap for contain while the strong end pinches inside him.
  • 2End and Sam exchange gaps — end takes B, Sam takes C off the edge.
  • 3Sam keeps outside leverage so nothing escapes the edge.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Sam over-rushing upfield and losing contain to a bootleg; fix with a contain-rush path.
  • !The strong hook left open; fix by having Mike or Star replace it.
← Back to 3-5-3 (Odd Stack) playbook

Build this into your call sheet.

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

Get StartedBook a Demo