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

Will Blitz

Sends the weak-side backer off the backside edge.

Concept: Will attacks the weak C-gap as backside contain while the safety rotates over the top.

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.

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)

Set the strong C-gap edge as contain.

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

Pinch inside to the B-gap so Will has a clean backside edge lane.

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 weak hook Will vacated.

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

Cover the strong hook/curl and the back.

Will

Rush the weak C-gap off the backside edge and be the backside contain man.

Coach it with
DL Shed and Block Destruction LB Read Keys and Shuffle LB Downhill Fill
CB (strong)

Cover your receiver or play your deep third.

CB (weak)

Cover your receiver man since Will is blitzing.

Coach it with
Blitz Timing & Path RB Blitz Pickup
FS

Rotate over the top to give deep help toward the blitz side.

Coach it with
Blitz Timing & Path RB Blitz Pickup

How to teach it

  • 1Will attacks the weak C-gap as backside contain while the safety rotates over the top.
  • 2The weak end pinches inside to open Will's edge lane.
  • 3Will must keep contain against reverses and bootlegs coming back weak.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Will crashing inside and losing backside contain; fix by teaching him to stay on the edge.
  • !Safety not rotating to cover the vacated deep area; fix by pairing the blitz with a coverage roll.
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