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Systems/5-3 Defense/Sam Blitz
BlitzBest for: Passing down12U+ · Advanced

Sam Blitz

Sends the strong-side backer off the edge outside the end.

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

Age version
ETNTEBMBCSC
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

0-technique occupying the center in the middle.

DT (strong)

Hold the strong B-gap.

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

Hold the weak B-gap.

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 edge lane outside.

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

Set the weak C-gap edge 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 that 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 and be the contain man.

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 out of the backfield.

CB (strong)

Cover your receiver man since Sam is blitzing the edge.

Coach it with
Edge Rush & Bend the Corner Blitz Timing & Path RB Blitz Pickup
CB (weak)

Cover your receiver or play your deep third.

FS

Single-high over the top.

How to teach it

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

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Sam rushing too far upfield and losing contain to a bootleg; fix with a squeeze-and-contain rush path.
  • !End and Sam both taking the C-gap; fix by drilling the gap exchange.
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