Defensive alignments on the line of scrimmage are often referred to as “techniques”. The term refers to where each player is in relation to the offensive line.

Odd and even fronts are talking about the number of defensive linemen on the field. Covered and uncovered alignments are designations used by the offensive line.

So we understand how to communicate where guys are lining up, but what’s the difference in the type of player at each position?

Under and over fronts are talking about the alignment of the defense and whether they’re aligned to the strength of the offense or not.

There are a bunch of different names for linebackers like Will, Mike, Sam, and Rover, so we’ll go over what each one is and what their role is in a defense.

There are two fundamental coverage schemes: man and zone.
In man defense, defenders are assigned to an offensive player and guard that player throughout the play. In zone, defenders are protecting an area, or zone, of the field and attaching to offensive players that enter that area.

Whether it’s in the pass or run game, formations play a big part in offensive gameplans and can stress defensive alignments and vulnerabilities.

With the continuing trend towards passing the ball more, teams are trying to exploit smaller players in the run game or bigger players in the pass game with their tight ends.

X, Z, H, and Sniffer for example are all names given to players that align in specific places within the offense. Giving them these names helps play callers and coordinators designate who is running what route, who is getting the ball, and where they’re aligning.

There are two general types of running schemes. Zone runs and gap runs. Zone runs attack areas of space and work to create flow from the defense. Gap plays run to a specific gap.

There are a bunch of different “types” of offenses and each has its own flavor and philosophy. Let’s go into a quick diagnostic of what each system wants to accomplish and what their identity is.

Applying all the things we've learned to actual plays.

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