33 Defense - Understanding the Basics - John Rice

Coach John Rice
jrice@rusd.k12.ca.usjrice@rusd.k12.ca.us
3-3 Defense:3-3 Defense:
Understanding the BasicsUnderstanding the Basics
JOHN RICEJOHN RICE
HEAD COACHHEAD COACH
JW. NORTH HIGH SCHOOLJW. NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
RIVERSIDE, CARIVERSIDE, CA
(951) 537-7697(951) 537-7697

Coach John Rice
““Six of one, half dozen of the other”Six of one, half dozen of the other”
3-3 Defense3-3 Defense
3-5 Defense3-5 Defense
30 Stack30 Stack
3-3 Stack3-3 Stack
Odd StackOdd Stack

By John Rice zacoach102@aol.com
“There’s more that one way to skin a Cat”
• Purpose- To inform clinic attendees of the following:
• Characteristics of a Sound Defense
• A Philosophical Framework for the running the 3-3
• Personnel designations
• Gap assignments, key reads, & techniques (drills as well)
• Run fits (Inside and Outside)
• Calling the defense
• Cover 3 drops
• Installation, Practice Organization, Game Calls
Combination of philosophy & execution from a partial list of the following sources:
West Virginia, Tulsa, BYU, New Mexico, South Carolina, Air Force, Wake Forest

Coach John Rice
Our DefensiveOur Defensive “Mode”“Mode”
• We are not a traditional gap control, read defenseWe are not a traditional gap control, read defense
(although it can be played in that mode if desired).(although it can be played in that mode if desired).
• We are a stunting, blitzing, attacking defense, takingWe are a stunting, blitzing, attacking defense, taking
advantage of our speed and giving our undersizedadvantage of our speed and giving our undersized
defense a chance to be successfuldefense a chance to be successful
• We will begin our installation/teaching process withWe will begin our installation/teaching process with
the base defense, a 3-3 Stack playing cover 3the base defense, a 3-3 Stack playing cover 3
• We feel it is necessary to teach this base before weWe feel it is necessary to teach this base before we
progress to slants, stunts, and blitzesprogress to slants, stunts, and blitzes

Coach John Rice
We are playing the 3-3 with theWe are playing the 3-3 with the
following defensive philosophy:following defensive philosophy:
• 1.1. TAKE AWAY WHAT THETAKE AWAY WHAT THE
OFFENSE DOES BEST; MAKE THEMOFFENSE DOES BEST; MAKE THEM
BEAT YOU WITH SOMETHINGBEAT YOU WITH SOMETHING
ELSE. (More than 1 adjustment for aELSE. (More than 1 adjustment for a
particular offensive formation)particular offensive formation)
Examples:Examples:
Defending an Offense using spread formations to run the ball more effectivelyDefending an Offense using spread formations to run the ball more effectively
Defending an Offense using spread formations to pass the ball more effectivelyDefending an Offense using spread formations to pass the ball more effectively

Ex: Defending an Offense using spread formations to pass the ball more effectivelyEx: Defending an Offense using spread formations to pass the ball more effectively
TAKE AWAY WHAT THETAKE AWAY WHAT THE
OFFENSE DOES BESTOFFENSE DOES BEST
Free SafetyFree Safety
man onman on
BackBack
BackBack
One strategy vs. spread offense that sends back into pass routes often,One strategy vs. spread offense that sends back into pass routes often,
protecting with 5: Pressure with cover zero.protecting with 5: Pressure with cover zero.

Defending an Offense using spread formations to run the ball more effectively
TAKE AWAY WHAT THETAKE AWAY WHAT THE
OFFENSE DOES BESTOFFENSE DOES BEST
One strategy vs. spread offense that gets into a trips formation to run the
ball more effectively: Keep 6 in the box and align the Free Safety over inside
receiver. With Spur within 5 yards, it’s an 7 man box.
7 man box vs. 6 blockers7 man box vs. 6 blockers

We are playing the 3-3 with the followingWe are playing the 3-3 with the following
defensive philosophy:defensive philosophy:
2.2. Whatever scheme you use, NEVER let the offense gainWhatever scheme you use, NEVER let the offense gain
an advantage by formation, shifts, or motion.an advantage by formation, shifts, or motion.
ALWAYS have base defensive checks built into theALWAYS have base defensive checks built into the
scheme to handle these things.scheme to handle these things.
Example- Formation Check:Example- Formation Check: “Pull” Call“Pull” Call

3.Characteristics of a sound
defense:
DD CC CCBBAA AABB
A.A. Every gap is accounted for by a particular playerEvery gap is accounted for by a particular player
there is a primary run force player and a secondary force player (outside-in
defenders),
a defender responsible for halfback pass, cutback defenders (inside out defenders),
a

3.Characteristics of a sound defense:
B. There is aB. There is a primaryprimary run force player andrun force player and
aa secondarysecondary force player (outside-in defenders)force player (outside-in defenders)
B
NE
C
L
E
C
M
S R
PRIMARY FORCE
SECONDARY FORCE/HALFBACK PASS

3.Characteristics of a sound defense:
C. Cutback defenders (inside outC. Cutback defenders (inside out
defenders), and a defender responsible fordefenders), and a defender responsible for
B
NE
C
L
E
C
M
S R
Boot/Reverse
INSIDE OUT DEFENDERSINSIDE OUT DEFENDERS

• 5.5. Offenses operate on rhythm, that rhythmOffenses operate on rhythm, that rhythm
MUST be disrupted. Effective ways to disruptMUST be disrupted. Effective ways to disrupt
offensive rhythm are: stemming fronts, lineoffensive rhythm are: stemming fronts, line
stunts, blitzes, and disguising pass coverage.stunts, blitzes, and disguising pass coverage.
• 6.6. Make the QB read the pass coverage POSTMake the QB read the pass coverage POST
SNAP; donSNAP; don’t let him settle in before the snap’t let him settle in before the snap
and know where his primary read is.and know where his primary read is.
• 7.7. Multiple fronts and/or coverages MAYMultiple fronts and/or coverages MAY
better serve to defend particular offensivebetter serve to defend particular offensive
schemes.schemes.

• 8.8. Pursuit drill must be run every dayPursuit drill must be run every day
• 9.9. Tackling drills must be run every day.Tackling drills must be run every day.
• 10.10. Whatever defenses you run, the kids MUSTWhatever defenses you run, the kids MUST
BELIEVE in it. They must understand what itsBELIEVE in it. They must understand what its
strengths and weaknesses are, and what youstrengths and weaknesses are, and what you
are trying to accomplish with a particularare trying to accomplish with a particular
front, blitz, or coverage.front, blitz, or coverage.

By John Rice zacoach102@aol.com• 11. Option assignments must be built in11. Option assignments must be built in
Option Responsibilities
E EN
L RM
C C
F
BS
Option to left: Option to right:
Dive DiveDive
QBQB
Pitch Pitch
Pitch-Pass Pitch-Pass
QB to pitch

WHY THE 3-3-5 DEFENSE?WHY THE 3-3-5 DEFENSE?
• Easy to overload perimeter of offensive formationsEasy to overload perimeter of offensive formations
•It is an 8 man front vs an I pro setIt is an 8 man front vs an I pro set
• Ability to get into multiple looks easilyAbility to get into multiple looks easily
• Easy to align to spread formationsEasy to align to spread formations
• Physical, aggressive, attacking style of playPhysical, aggressive, attacking style of play
creates negative yardage plays and turnoverscreates negative yardage plays and turnovers
• Allows smaller, faster athletes to beAllows smaller, faster athletes to be successfulsuccessful
• Fun for the players!Fun for the players!
• Easy to attack the pass protection weaknessesEasy to attack the pass protection weaknesses
•Teams have less time to prepare forTeams have less time to prepare for “non-“non-
conventional” defensive alignmentconventional” defensive alignment
•It is consideredIt is considered “unorthodox” by offensive coaches“unorthodox” by offensive coaches

30 Stack Personnel30 Stack Personnel

• Defensive LinemenDefensive Linemen
• The line will consist of two five techniqueThe line will consist of two five technique
Ends and a zero technique Nose.Ends and a zero technique Nose.
• The Ends play left and right. If desired theyThe Ends play left and right. If desired they
can flip strong and weak.can flip strong and weak.
• The Nose plays a zero shade (head up on theThe Nose plays a zero shade (head up on the
center).center).

General Coaching Points forGeneral Coaching Points for
Defensive LinemenDefensive Linemen
• Crowd the Ball; Play fast; get into theCrowd the Ball; Play fast; get into the
backfield and wreak havoc with blockingbackfield and wreak havoc with blocking
schemesschemes
• Read on the runRead on the run
• DonDon’t stay tied up with O-Linemen’t stay tied up with O-Linemen
• Find the ball after initial technique isFind the ball after initial technique is
executed and redirect to the footballexecuted and redirect to the football
• ““Beat half a man” (slant technique)Beat half a man” (slant technique)

• Inside LinebackersInside Linebackers
• At the heart of the 3-3 stack defense areAt the heart of the 3-3 stack defense are
three inside linebackers.three inside linebackers.
• Against a 2 x 2 set:Against a 2 x 2 set:
• The Lion linebacker will align in a stackThe Lion linebacker will align in a stack
position behind the left End.position behind the left End.
• The Mike linebacker will align stackedThe Mike linebacker will align stacked
position over the nose, playing a zeroposition over the nose, playing a zero
techniquetechnique
• The Ram linebacker will align in a stackThe Ram linebacker will align in a stack
position behind the right End.position behind the right End.

General Coaching Points forGeneral Coaching Points for
LinebackersLinebackers
• ““Read Slow, React Fast”Read Slow, React Fast”
• Primary Keys are guards; theyPrimary Keys are guards; they
will take you to the ballwill take you to the ball
• ““It’s not a crime to get blocked,It’s not a crime to get blocked,
it’s a crime to stay blocked.”it’s a crime to stay blocked.”
(Don’t walk away from a block)(Don’t walk away from a block)
• Play fast -sideline to sidelinePlay fast -sideline to sideline

• Outside Linebacker-Strong Safety HybridsOutside Linebacker-Strong Safety Hybrids
• The Spur will align to the formation strengthThe Spur will align to the formation strength
(to a TE in a pro set). When the offense(to a TE in a pro set). When the offense
employers a spread 2x2 set, the Spur alignsemployers a spread 2x2 set, the Spur aligns
over the #2. Exact depth and leverage willover the #2. Exact depth and leverage will
depend on down, distance, coverage call, anddepend on down, distance, coverage call, and
game plan.game plan.
• The Bandit will align to the open side of anThe Bandit will align to the open side of an
offensive formation (away from a TE in a prooffensive formation (away from a TE in a pro
set). When the offense employers a spread 2x2set). When the offense employers a spread 2x2
set, the Bandit aligns over the #2 opposite theset, the Bandit aligns over the #2 opposite the
Spur. Exact depth and leverage will depend onSpur. Exact depth and leverage will depend on
down, distance, coverage call, and game plan.down, distance, coverage call, and game plan.

General Coaching PointsGeneral Coaching Points
for Spur & Banditfor Spur & Bandit
• In Cover 3, execute your run forceIn Cover 3, execute your run force
responsibilities with aggressive confidence-NOresponsibilities with aggressive confidence-NO
ONE GETS OUTSIDE!ONE GETS OUTSIDE!
• Maintain outside leverage vs. runMaintain outside leverage vs. run
• YourYour “kingdom” is the flats-control what“kingdom” is the flats-control what
happens therehappens there
• In blitzing situations, attack with a frenzyIn blitzing situations, attack with a frenzy

• SecondarySecondary
• Left Corner will align over #1 wide receiver toLeft Corner will align over #1 wide receiver to
defensive left. Standard cover three alignment willdefensive left. Standard cover three alignment will
be seven yards deep and one yard inside. Play bybe seven yards deep and one yard inside. Play by
play alignment may vary greatly, depending onplay alignment may vary greatly, depending on
• Right Corner will align over #1 wide receiver toRight Corner will align over #1 wide receiver to
defensive right. Standard cover three alignmentdefensive right. Standard cover three alignment
will be seven yards deep and one yard inside. Playwill be seven yards deep and one yard inside. Play
by play alignment may vary greatly, depending onby play alignment may vary greatly, depending on

General CoachingGeneral Coaching
Points for CornersPoints for Corners
• In Cover 3, smash, curl-wheel, & allIn Cover 3, smash, curl-wheel, & all
verticals are first in your thought processverticals are first in your thought process
on a pass readon a pass read
• As long as #2 to your side is vertical, youAs long as #2 to your side is vertical, you
stay vertical; we play the hitch/stop late.stay vertical; we play the hitch/stop late.

• Free SafetyFree Safety
• Free Safety will align midpoint betweenFree Safety will align midpoint between
wide receivers. Standard cover threewide receivers. Standard cover three
alignment will be 12 yards deep and onealignment will be 12 yards deep and one
yard inside. Play by play alignment mayyard inside. Play by play alignment may
vary greatly, depending on down,vary greatly, depending on down,
distance, coverage call, and game plan.distance, coverage call, and game plan.

General Coaching PointsGeneral Coaching Points
• You are the playmaker of our secondary;You are the playmaker of our secondary;
Make Plays!Make Plays!
• Vs. Cover 3, receivers must pay a priceVs. Cover 3, receivers must pay a price
for running routes over the deep middlefor running routes over the deep middle
• We will trade a headache for a first downWe will trade a headache for a first down
on occasionon occasion
• Vs. Run attack with reckless abandonVs. Run attack with reckless abandon

BASE TECHNIQUE/KEYS AND READSBASE TECHNIQUE/KEYS AND READS

DEFENSIVE LINE & LINEBACKERS
“3 JACKS”
POS ALIGN KEY RUN TO-AWAY PASS RESP.
LEFT END 5 TECH BALL TO OT C GAP – TRAIL/REVERSE OUTSIDE RUSH
LANE
NOSE 0 JACK BALL C-G -F
TRIANGLE
A GAP – BACKSIDE A INSIDE RUSH
LANE
RIGHT END 5 TECH BALL TO OT C GAP – TRAIL/REVERSE OUTSIDE RUSH
LANE
LION STACK OG TO NEAR
RB
SECURE B GAP-FIT HASH DROP
MIKE STACK FB-OG SECURE A GAP OPPOSITE
NG- FIT
HOLE DROP
RAM STACK OG TO NEAR SECURE B GAP-FIT HASH DROP
MM
NN
RRLL
EEEE

NOSEGUARD PLAYNOSEGUARD PLAY
BASEBASE “JACKS” TECHNIQUE“JACKS” TECHNIQUE
• Alignment:Alignment: “0” technique, nose-to-nose on Center. Play“0” technique, nose-to-nose on Center. Play
as tight as possible and still be able to key and react.as tight as possible and still be able to key and react.
• KEY:KEY: Crosshairs on front tip of the ball.Crosshairs on front tip of the ball.
• Responsibility:Responsibility: Attack center with butt of palms insideAttack center with butt of palms inside
the frame drive him into backfield, redirect to football.the frame drive him into backfield, redirect to football.
• Coaching Points:Coaching Points:
Hold ground or turn and drop on butt vs.double team.Hold ground or turn and drop on butt vs.double team.
If reached, play cutback.If reached, play cutback.
Rush passer in proper lane.Rush passer in proper lane.
On pass rush, bull rush and look for draw or QB to stepOn pass rush, bull rush and look for draw or QB to step
up.up.

NOSEGUARD KEY READSNOSEGUARD KEY READS
Vs. BASE BLOCKVs. BASE BLOCK
STUFF CENTER. Attack Center, maintain inside hand position on CSTUFF CENTER. Attack Center, maintain inside hand position on C’s frame.’s frame.
Keep feet moving and stay square. DO NOT PICK A SIDE UNTIL YOU LOCATE THEKeep feet moving and stay square. DO NOT PICK A SIDE UNTIL YOU LOCATE THE
BALL; DISENGAGE AND PURSUE!BALL; DISENGAGE AND PURSUE!
NN
Progression:
1. With Center only (Mirror Step Drill)
2. With Center & Guards, add back
3. Inside Drill
4. Team
Drill Modes:
1. Walk-through (teaching)
2. Half-Speed (independent practice)
3. Full-Speed (testing for understanding)
COACH
Other schemes to be drilled:
Trap
Double Team
Reach
C

NOSE GUARD SLANTNOSE GUARD SLANT
TECHNIQUETECHNIQUE
• Alignment:Alignment: “0” technique, nose-on-nose on Center.“0” technique, nose-on-nose on Center.
• KEY:KEY: BALL.BALL.
•Focal point during move: V of the neck of guard callsideFocal point during move: V of the neck of guard callside
• Responsibility:Responsibility: A Gap TO CALL SIDEA Gap TO CALL SIDE
Back off the ball slightly.Back off the ball slightly.
Step with foot to call side, ripping with uppercut using opposite armStep with foot to call side, ripping with uppercut using opposite arm
Square up on second step, staying low!Square up on second step, staying low!
Redirect to the ballRedirect to the ball

DEFENSIVE END 5 TECHNIQUEDEFENSIVE END 5 TECHNIQUE
• Alignment:Alignment: “5” Technique (Nose on outside eye of OT). Align tight to the L.O.S.“5” Technique (Nose on outside eye of OT). Align tight to the L.O.S.
• KEY:KEY: Ball to OTBall to OT
•Responsibility:Responsibility: C Gap. Contain pass rush and trail on play away.C Gap. Contain pass rush and trail on play away.
Step flat with outside foot.Step flat with outside foot.
Keep shoulders square.Keep shoulders square.
Attack outside number of OT.Attack outside number of OT.
Punch with hands and react to OTPunch with hands and react to OT’s first step.’s first step.

Drill: Key Read for 5 TechniqueDrill: Key Read for 5 Technique
Step with gapside foot, striking OTStep with gapside foot, striking OT’s outside number with your inside hand . Use’s outside number with your inside hand . Use
leverage technique (push and pull) to maintain outside leverage, keeping outsideleverage technique (push and pull) to maintain outside leverage, keeping outside
arm and leg free. Keep T off LB’s until you disengage to make a tackle. Vs.arm and leg free. Keep T off LB’s until you disengage to make a tackle. Vs.
double team on TE, step down into (squeeze) hole &Keep your shoulders square.double team on TE, step down into (squeeze) hole &Keep your shoulders square.
Run to: disengage and redirect to the ball. Ball Away: Check Boot/Reverse.Run to: disengage and redirect to the ball. Ball Away: Check Boot/Reverse.
GG
EE
Coach stands behind Line
And signals blocking scheme
for guards.
Progression:
1. With Tackle only (Mirror Step Drill)
2. With Tackle & Guard, add back
3. Inside Drill
4. Team
Drill Modes:
We will adapt this drill to any blocking scheme we will see that week. We
will duplicate this drill vs. a slant technique as well.
CC

Line Directional CallsLine Directional Calls
Lion becomes C gap
Player and contain on
QB rollout his side.
Ram becomes C gap
Player and contain on
QB rollout his side.

DEFENSIVE ENDDEFENSIVE END
SLANT TECHNIQUESLANT TECHNIQUE
• Alignment:Alignment: 5 Technique Strongside5 Technique Strongside
• KEY:KEY: Ball to TEBall to TE
• Responsibility:Responsibility: Attack and control the C Gap. You are looping from aAttack and control the C Gap. You are looping from a “5” to“5” to
a “7” Technique.a “7” Technique.
• Execution:Execution: When the TE takes his first step, you step with callside foot , using a ripWhen the TE takes his first step, you step with callside foot , using a rip
technique if needed vs. a base or reach block. Vs. a down block, square up, looktechnique if needed vs. a base or reach block. Vs. a down block, square up, look
immediately inside to G-R-G triangle for kick-out blocks. Do not wrong-arm. Keepingimmediately inside to G-R-G triangle for kick-out blocks. Do not wrong-arm. Keeping
inside shoulder perpendicular to LOS, sink to a hitting position and attack the kick-outinside shoulder perpendicular to LOS, sink to a hitting position and attack the kick-out
blocker at his upfield number, bracing yourself with your gapside leg extended. Vs.blocker at his upfield number, bracing yourself with your gapside leg extended. Vs.
Reach scheme, use rip tech. to get into backfield. vs. Flow away, stop, stay low, checkReach scheme, use rip tech. to get into backfield. vs. Flow away, stop, stay low, check
for counter, bootleg, and reverse. Vs. read option, keep shoulders square and respectfor counter, bootleg, and reverse. Vs. read option, keep shoulders square and respect
quarterbackquarterback’s keep option.’s keep option.
Key the TE to get a good readKey the TE to get a good read
All other 5 Tech Coaching Points (except keeping OT off LB)All other 5 Tech Coaching Points (except keeping OT off LB)

RAM/LION LINEBACKERRAM/LION LINEBACKER
KEY READSKEY READS
“Key Guard to Near Back”“Key Guard to Near Back”
KEY READ RESPONSE
DOWN BLOCK EYES UP (to near back) “He come, I come”
OUT BLOCK (Pull To) SCRAPE TIGHT
PULL (Pull Away) SHUFFLE, SHUFFLE, FIT
SCOOP SHUFFLE, SHUFFLE, FIT
REACH B GAP (if contact, keep outside shoulder free)
HIGH HAT HASH DROP
ALIGNMENT DEPTH: 4-5 yardsALIGNMENT DEPTH: 4-5 yards

KEY DRILL FOR RAM/LION
COACH
C
RL Progression:
1. With guards/without back
2. With guards and back
3. Inside Drill
4. Team
Coach stands behind backers
for guards.
Progression:
3. Inside Drill
4. Team
Drill Modes:
We will adapt this drill
to any blocking scheme
we will see that week
Bag

KEY DRILL FOR RAM/LION
COACH
C
RL
for guards.
Progression:
3. Inside Drill
4. Team
Drill Modes:
Bag
Other schemes to be drilled:
Trap
Double Team
Reach

MIKE LB TECHNIQUEMIKE LB TECHNIQUE
• Depth – 5 yardsDepth – 5 yards
• Alignment – Stack Behind Center in 2 by 2 SetAlignment – Stack Behind Center in 2 by 2 Set
• Key – Center Guard Fullback triangleKey – Center Guard Fullback triangle
• Coaching Point – Stay FLAT,Coaching Point – Stay FLAT, (over the top player)(over the top player)

Drill: MIKE LINEBACKERDrill: MIKE LINEBACKER
KEY READ – TRAP TRACKKEY READ – TRAP TRACK
MCoach stands behind backers
for guards.
Progression:
3. Inside Drill
4. Team
Drill Modes:
Bag

Drill: MIKE LB KEY READDrill: MIKE LB KEY READ
VS. ISO SCHEMEVS. ISO SCHEME
for guards.
Progression:
3. Inside Drill
4. Team
Drill Modes:
Bag
Bag

Drill: MIKE LB KEY READ VS.Drill: MIKE LB KEY READ VS.
POWER SCHEMEPOWER SCHEME
M
C TTE
R
for guards.
Progression:
1. W/All Linemen
3. Inside Drill
4. Team
Drill Modes:
Bag
Bag Bag

Drill: MIKE LB VS.Drill: MIKE LB VS.
COUNTER SCHEMECOUNTER SCHEME
for guards.
Progression:
3. Inside Drill
4. Team
Drill Modes:
Bag

SPUR/BANDIT ALIGMENTSSPUR/BANDIT ALIGMENTS
E EE E
S BS B
33
33
44
44
S BS B
22
22
11
44

SPUR & BANDIT KEY READSSPUR & BANDIT KEY READS
KEY READ RESPONSE
Inside Run to Maintain outside leverage on
ballcarrier (Bonus Player in the box)
Inside Run Away – Fold/Cutback
Outside Run to Force
Outside Run Away Fold, Cutback
Pass Top of Numbers Drop (flat)
Key: End man on the line of scrimmage toKey: End man on the line of scrimmage to
near back, then Ball on/off the LOSnear back, then Ball on/off the LOS
*Backpedal/shuffle at snap to get read*Backpedal/shuffle at snap to get read

Ex of SpurEx of Spur
Read Drill:Read Drill:
S Progression:
1. W/TE & T; no back
2. Add the back & onside Guard
3. Inside Drill
4. Team
Some Drill Schemes:
1. TE & Tackle Down, Guard Pull to
2. Reach scheme for Stretch
3. Base/Flow away
BProgression:
1. W/Guard & T; no back
2. Add the back & offside Guard
3. Inside Drill
4. Team
Ex ofEx of
Bandit ReadBandit Read
Drill:Drill:Some Drill Schemes:
1. G & T down, Guard pull to (Counter)
2. Reach scheme for Stretch
3. Base/Flow away “I’m here” call to Ram
Bag
Bag

Calling the DefenseCalling the Defense
• ““Coverage-Tag”Coverage-Tag”
• Examples:Examples:
– ““3 Jacks” (base 3-3 stack with cover 3)3 Jacks” (base 3-3 stack with cover 3)
– ““3 Right” (line slants right)3 Right” (line slants right)
– ““3 Left” (line slants left)3 Left” (line slants left)
– ““3 Field” (line slants field)3 Field” (line slants field)
– ““3 Strong” (line slants to formation strength)3 Strong” (line slants to formation strength)

INSIDE RUN FITSINSIDE RUN FITS
B
NE
C
L
E
C
M
S
FS
R
FOLD/CUTBACK
“fit”

OUTSIDE RUN FITSOUTSIDE RUN FITS
B
NE
C
L
E
C
M
S
FS
R
FORCE
FOLD/CUTBACK
“fit”

Cover 3 DropsCover 3 Drops
Corner
Corner
Free
Safety
Spur
Bandit
Mike
Ram
Lion
5 under
3 Deep Zone
Cover 3 DropsCover 3 Drops
Spur and Bandit buzz to the flats NOW, playing stop, hitch, & the out cut by #1, and
the arrow and bubble by #2. Lion & Ram (as soon as they make a pass read) must get
to the hashes to play vertical routes by #2s.

Vs. Doubles
Corner
Corner
Free
Safety
Spur
Bandit
Mike
Ram
Lion
Cover 3Cover 3 “Jam” Pass Drops“Jam” Pass Drops
Spur and Bandit jam
& reroute #2s, then
buzz the flat. On other
than a vertical release
By #2, they take their
normal drops to the
top of the number
once they make their
pass read

BASE ALIGNMENT VS. PROBASE ALIGNMENT VS. PRO
Vs. All 2 by 1 sets, linebackers align HALF a man over towards 2 cut side

ALIGNMENT VS. TWINSALIGNMENT VS. TWINS
Vs. All 2 by 1 sets, linebackers align HALF a man over towards 2 cut side

Vs. Doubles
Corner
Corner
Free
Safety
Spur
Bandit
Mike
Ram
Lion
Alignment vs. DoublesAlignment vs. Doubles

““Pull” ALIGNMENT VS. TRIPSPull” ALIGNMENT VS. TRIPS

““Stack” ALIGNMENT VS. (TE) TRIPSStack” ALIGNMENT VS. (TE) TRIPS

AppendixAppendix
• Weekly Practice OverviewWeekly Practice Overview
• Sample Defensive Practice PlanSample Defensive Practice Plan
• Sample Inside Drill Practice ScriptSample Inside Drill Practice Script
• Sample 7 on 7 Period Practice ScriptSample 7 on 7 Period Practice Script
• Sample Team PeriodSample Team Period
• Sample Defensive Game Call SheetSample Defensive Game Call Sheet
• Defensive Implementation ScheduleDefensive Implementation Schedule
• 3-3 Resources for Coaches3-3 Resources for Coaches

WEEKLY OVERVIEWWEEKLY OVERVIEW

Front/Coverage Lift
PERIOD: # Time
1 5
2 1 0
3 1 5
4 2 0
5 2 5
6 3 0
7 3 5
8 40
9 4 5
1 0 5 0
1 1 5 5
1 2 6 0
1 3 6 5
1 4 7 0
1 5 7 5
1 6 8 0
1 7 8 5
1 8 9 0
INSIDE RUN DRILL
(SEE SCRIPT)
Fundy
(15)
TEAM (SEE SCRIPT)
GROUP 3
(20)
1 ON 1 PASS
RUSH
7 ON 7 (SEE SCRIPT)
I LEFT
FORMATIONS
I LEFT
D Line
Linebackers
(Mike, Lion, Ram)
2 ON 2
(DEFENDING SMASH/ WHEEL CURL)
WATER BREAK
INDIVIDUAL FUNDAMENTALS (EVERY DAY DRILLS)
SLANT TECH RUN FITS/DROPS
DEFENDING THE
OUT OR STOP
Spur and Bandit
DEFENDING SMASH
& CURL/WHEEL
Formations
Plays and Format ions for
TodayCorners and Safety
"WINNING IS A HABIT…UNFORTUNATELY,
SO IS LOSING." -VINCE LOMBARDI
LEAD
RUNS
ISO
CONDITIONING
Passes
Conditioning
GROUP 2
(20)
TEAM
(20)
4 WIDE
AS NEEDED
GROUP 1
(10)
SMASH
(STOP CORNER)
COUGAR FOOTBALL Date: June 26, 2005
YESBASE/3 DEEP
Defensive
PRACTICE SCHEDULE
T H O U G H T O F T H E D A Y :
4 WIDE
CURL/ WHEEL
(MIRROR)
SAMPLE DEFENSIVE PRACTICE PLANSAMPLE DEFENSIVE PRACTICE PLAN

SAMPLE INSIDE DRILLSAMPLE INSIDE DRILL
PRACTICE SCRIPTPRACTICE SCRIPT
Play H COV
1 L 3
2 R 3
3 R 3
4 R 3
5 L 3
6 L 3
7 L 3
8 M 3
9 M 3
1 0 L 3
1 1 R 3
1 2 L 3
A
E
F
A
A
F
D
C
A
C
D
E
see card Criss Cross Base Left
see card FB Trap Base none
see card Toss Base Pinch
see card Dive Base right
see card Criss Cross Base none
see card GT counter Base left
see card Tackle Trap Base none
see card Criss Cross Base right
see card Dive Base none
see card GT counter Base pinch
see card Toss Base none
FORMATION PLAY FRONT STUNT
see card Criss Cross Base pinch
Emphasis: Tackle Trap, Toss, Counter
NOTES
COUGAR FOOTBALL
"BIG 8" DEFENSIVE PRACTICE SCRIPT
wed 9/28
Card

SAMPLE 7 ON 7SAMPLE 7 ON 7

SAMPLE TEAM PERIODSAMPLE TEAM PERIOD
Play H
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1 0
1 1
1 2
1 3
1 4
1 5 B 3left
A 3
D 3
pinch
see card FB Trap right
AA 3
B 3
rightTrap Pass
GT counter
Base
Base
C 3pinchsee card Base
BB 3see card X quick Base left
C 3rightsee card Tackle Trap Base
C 3pinchBasesee card Dive
Basesee card GT counter
see card Criss Cross
B 3left
3noneBase
3rightsee card Trap Pass Base
3nonesee card Tackle Trap Base
3GT counter Base pinch
3
Card COV
none
NOTES
Base
Base
Emphasis:Toss, Counter, Hitch, Boot, Fade
BaseCriss Crosssee card
FORMATION PLAY FRONT
see card
see card Criss Cross
left
Base
see card GT counter
wed 9/28
Tackle Trap
STUNT
"TEAM" DEFENSIVE PRACTICE SCRIPT
COUGAR FOOTBALL
see card
see card
A
B
C
AA
A

SAMPLE DEFENSIVE GAME CALLSAMPLE DEFENSIVE GAME CALL
SHEETSHEET

3-3 Coaching Resources
A partial list of coaches who either run the 3-3 now or have experience running it
•Joe Lee Dunn, Def. Coor. U of Memphis Contact: : 901-678-2341
•Charlie Strong, Asst Head Coach, Florida Contact: 352-375-4683 x4100
•Todd Graham, Head Coach, Rice University Contact: 713 348-6900
•Bronco Mendenhall, Head Coach, BYU Contact: 801-422-2916
•Dean Campbell, DB Coach, Air Force Contact: Dean.Campbell.ctr@usafa.af.mil
•Rocky Long, Head Coach, New Mexico Contact: 505-925-5700
•Vic Shealy, Defensive Coordinator, UNLV Contact: vic.shealy@unlv.edu
•Jeff Casteel, Defensive Coordinator, WVU Contact: (304) 293-5621
•Dave Doeren, Defensive Coordinator, Kansas Contact: ddoeren@ku.edu
•Taylor Burks, Def. Coor, Georgia Military Contact: (478) 445-2690
•Richard Bell, Def.Coor., Air Force Academy Contact: Richard.Bell.ctr@usafa.af.mil
•Brad Lambert, Linebacker Coach, Wake Forest Contact: lamberbl@wfu.edu
•Ron Roberts, Def. Coor., Delta State U (MS) Contact: rroberts@deltastate.edu
•Paul Golla, Head Coach, Bakersfield HS, Bakersfield, CA Contact (661) 324-9841
•John Rice, Def Coor.,Canyon Springs HS, Moreno Valley CA Contact: zacoach102@aol.com
•Jerry Campbell, HC, Victoria Memorial HS, Victoria, Texas jerry.campbell@visd.com.
•George Contreras, Def Coor, Rio Mesa HS, Oxnard, CA gcontre@ouhsd.k12.ca.us

3-3 Media Resources
Series of eight videos
By Georgia Military staff
http://www.championship
productions.com/
DVD by Jeff Casteel,
WVU
http://www.championshipp
roductions.com/
DVDs by Vic Shealy, formerly of Air
Force Academy
http://www.championshipproductions.com/
Video by Buck
Roggeman (Pacific
Grove High School
(CA)
coacheschoice.com
All seven John Rice 3-3 defense video
programs on one DVD. Includes 3-3 Defense:
Understanding the Basics, 3-3 Defense:
Applying Pressure, 3-3 Defense vs. The I
formation, 3-3 Defense vs. Spread
Formations, 3-3 Defense vs. Empty
Formation 3-3 Defense vs. Two-tight End
Formations, and 3-3 Defense vs. Defending
Special Formations and Plays.
Also available individually on VHS
www.coacheschoice.com
30-Stack videos by Todd
Graham, Head Coach,
Rice University (formerly
of Tulsa). Call (918) 595-
7945 ASK FOR PENNY
GRAHAM.

Websites books, & articles about or with content dealing with the 3-3 defense
Coaching Football’s 3-3-5 Defense
By Leo Hand and Rick Molina
101 3-5 Stunts
By Leo Hand
http://www.coacheschoice.com
Manual by Jerry
Campbell
http://www.jcfb.com/
Articles online:
Georgia Military College’s Devastating 3-5 Defense
By Bert Williams, Head Football Coach
http://www.americanfootballmonthly.com/Arena/NS_Magazine/Current/GMC.html
SHARKS IN THE WATER
COACHING LINEBACKERS TO ATTACK IN THE 3-3 DEFENSE
By Ron Roberts
http://americanfootballmonthly.com/Subaccess/Magazine/2005/mar/delta.html
Command of the Line
Georgia Military College’s Applications of the
3-5-3 Defense By Taylor Burks Defensive Coordinator, Georgia Military
College http://americanfootballmonthly.com
Coaching Nickel & Dime Defenses
Defending the Spread Offense
*Both have sections on the 3-3 defense
Books by John Rice
http://www.coacheschoice.com
30 Stack Forum (Coach Jerry Campbell Website)
www.jcfb.com
MULTIPLE 3-3-5 DEFENSE
...HARDING UNIVERSITY STYLE
By Ronnie Huckeba,
Defensive Coordinator/Defensive line, Harding University
http://americanfootballmonthly.com/Subacces
s/Magazine/2004/feb/multiple_335_defense.h
tml

VIDEO CUT-UPSVIDEO CUT-UPS

33 Defense - Understanding the Basics - John Rice

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