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Systems/5-3 Defense/Split 5-3
FrontBest for: Base down6U+ · Basic

Split 5-3

Widens the ends to force everything back inside to the linebackers.

Concept: Ends align outside the offensive tackles to squeeze the C-gap and turn runs inside.

Age version
ETNTEBMBCSC
RushBlitzDrop to coverage
14U — Full call: 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. 6UIntroduce: Line up right and own your gap — win with alignment, pad level, and pursuit to the ball.
  2. 8UAttack blocks: Add get-off and block destruction so the front controls the line of scrimmage.
  3. 10UAdd movement: Add the line stunt/twist to beat the offense's blocking rules.
  4. 12UAdd coverage: Teach the coverage drops behind the front and read run vs. pass.
  5. 14UFull call: Combine front, pressure, and coverage — and disguise it pre-snap.

Every position's job

NG

Head up 0-technique on the center, two-gap and hold both A-gaps so the tackles can play B-gaps clean.

Coach it with
Team Inside Run Period DL Stance and Get-Off DL Shed and Block Destruction
DT (strong)

3-technique on the strong guard, penetrate and own 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)

3-technique on the weak guard, penetrate and own 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)

Align outside the strong offensive tackle to squeeze the C-gap and force the run back inside.

Coach it with
Team Inside Run Period DL Stance and Get-Off DL Shed and Block Destruction
DE (weak)

Align outside the weak offensive tackle, squeeze the C-gap and turn everything in to the backers.

Coach it with
Team Inside Run Period DL Stance and Get-Off DL Shed and Block Destruction
Mike

Stack over the nose, scrape to the ball and fill any interior gap the run cuts back into.

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

Fill the strong C/D-gap once the end squeezes; be ready for the bounce that the ends force inside.

Coach it with
LB Read Keys and Shuffle LB Downhill Fill Scrape & Fill Over the Top
Will

Fill the weak C/D-gap; the split ends turn runs in, so trigger fast to the inside seam.

Coach it with
LB Downhill Fill Scrape & Fill Over the Top Team Inside Run Period
CB (strong)

Cover the strong flat/deep third and support outside runs since the ends squeeze inside.

CB (weak)

Cover the weak flat/deep third and provide edge support on plays forced back to your side.

Coach it with
Edge Rush & Bend the Corner
FS

Deep middle over the top, read run/pass and fill downhill once the ball declares.

Coach it with
QB Read and Keys RB Vision and Cut DL Gap Control and Two-Gap Read

How to teach it

  • 1Widened ends align a helmet outside the tackle and squeeze down hard to close the C-gap.
  • 2Linebackers must trigger fast because the ends funnel the ball back to them quickly.
  • 3Preach 'squeeze and spill' to the ends so nothing gets outside their outside shoulder.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Ends aligning too wide and opening the C-gap for a dive; fix by having them squeeze back to the tackle after the snap.
  • !Backers hesitating on the inside cut; fix with downhill-fill reps reading the guards.
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