Prince George Royals

Defensive Playbook
Table of Contents
1. Fronts from 3-5-3 Defense
2. Defensive Line Play in 3-5-3 Defense
3. Inside Linebacker Play in 3-5-3 Defense
4. Outside Linebacker Play in 3-5-3
Defense
5. Secondary Play in 3-5-3 Defense
FS
C
C
M R
W S
L
N RE LE
Position Alignment Reads and Keys Run To resp. Run Away resp.
Left End 4i-Tech attack TE C gap squeeze
Right End 4i-Tech outside loop C gap chase
Nose 0-Tech attack weak side guard weak A gap Chase
Lion 40-tech left triangle: ball-back-guard B gap A gap (if Im Here)
Ram 40-tech right triangle: ball-back-guard B gap A gap (if Im Here)
Monster 00-tech triangle: ball-back-guard strong A gap scrape to open door
Sam 3x2 off DE End man to near back force-contain Im Here
Will 3x2 off DE End man to near back force-contain Im Here
Field Corner 7 yds, inside #2 to #1 Receiver contain pursuit
Boundary corner 7 yds, inside #2 to #1 Receiver contain pursuit
Free Safety Shade 2 rec. side QB alley player alley player
Base 3-5-3 Defense Jacks
C
C
M R
W S
L
N RE LE
Shift to 40-Solid
Strong End: Shift to 7-Tech
Nose: Shift to Strong 3-Tech
Weak End: Shift to Weak 1-Tech
Ram: Shift to head-up on Guard
Lion: Shift to head-up on Guard
Monster: Shift to Ghost 9-Tech
Will: Roll back to 7 yds
C
C
M
R
W
S
L
N RE LE
Solid
Position Alignment Reads and Keys Run To resp. Run Away resp.
Strong Side End strong 7-tech Squeeze TE C gap Squeeze
Weak Side End stem to weak 1-tech Squeeze Guard weak A gap Squeeze
Nose stem to strong 3-tech Squeeze Guard strong B gap Squeeze
Lion 40-tech left triangle: ball-back-guard uncovered A/B gap A gap (if Im Here)
Monster Weak ghost 9-tech 2-Gap on Tackle C gap C.R.B.
Ram 40-tech right triangle: ball-back-guard uncovered A/B gap A gap (if Im Here)
FS
FS
C
C
M R
W S
L
N RE LE
Shift to 52-Tuff
Strong End: Strong 4i-tech
Weak End: Weak 4i-Tech
Nose: 0-Tech
Sam: Walk up to 9-Tech
Ram: Shift to Right 20-Tech
Lion: Shift to left 20-tech
Monster: Walk up to Ghost 9-Tech
FS
C
C
R
M
W
S
L
N RE LE
Tuff Weak
Position Alignment Reads and Keys Run To resp. Run Away resp.
Strong End strong 5-Tech attack TE C gap squeeze
Weak End weak 4i-Tech outside loop C gap squeeze
Nose strong shade attack weak side guard weak A gap squeeze
Lion 20-tech left triangle: ball-guard-back uncovered A/B gap A gap (if Im Here)
Monster ghost 9-tech squeeze tackle force-contain Im Here
Ram 20-tech right triangle: ball-guard-back uncovered A/B gap A gap (if Im Here)
Sam strong 9-tech End man to near back force-contain Im Here
Will 8 yds, over tackle End man to QB alley player pursuit
Free Safety strong B gap QB alley player pursuit
FS
C
C
M
R
W S
L
N RE LE
4-6 Bear
Position Alignment Reads and Keys Run To resp. Run Away resp.
Strong End strong 3-Tech Attack Guard B gap squeeze
Weak End weak 3-Tech Attack Guard B gap squeeze
Nose 0 Tech Crush technique Both A gaps squeeze
Lion 40-tech left triangle: ball-guard-back Flow/scrape Flow/scrape
Ram 40-tech right triangle: ball-guard-back Flow/scrape Flow/scrape
Monster 7-tech on TE Read TE C Gap pursuit
Sam strong 9-tech End man to near back force-contain Im Here
Will Weak 5-tech End man to near back Force-contain Im Here
Free Safety strong B gap QB alley player pursuit
Defensive Line

Ends and Nose Guard
The job of our defensive linemen is to
disrupt the offensive line and free up
linebackers to make tackles.
We must be physical and attack the
offensive linemen.
Work the line of scrimmage to close down
gaps and bounce inside runs outside.
Force the offense to go where they do not
want to go!
Working the Line of Scrimmage
Defensive Linemen must up and down the
Line of Scrimmage.
DL cannot over-penetrate, creating open
running lanes underneath them.
DL cannot chase backs in the backfield.
DL must pursue down the line of
scrimmage or deeper in order to meet the
ball carrier as soon as possible.
Defensive Line Technique
Since our lineman will usually be aligned head up and
slanting either direction, we should be in a balanced
stance with either hand down.
Align 1 yards from the helmet of the defensive lineman
do not crowd the ball!
Be able to see the ball and move on the snap.
First step lateral step in direction of slant, similar to a
pull step. Work to the opposite knee of the next lineman.
We want to touch his knee! Disrupt the linemen and
keep them off linebackers.
Only after we touch the knee, read the block of the
linemen and begin to work upfield and find the ball
carrier.

Solid Front Technique
In SOLID, defensive linemen will squeeze the
nearest lineman and get big in their gap.
Step to the near number of the lineman and
deliver initial blow with inside
shoulder/forearm.
Drive the off-hand underneath the shoulder
pads of the OL and squeeze the gap
Always keep shoulders square to LOS and
do not look for the football until you control
the OL!
N RE LE
Jacks
Nose: Slant Weak
Ends: Outside Slant
N RE LE
Pinch
Nose: Slant Strong
Ends: Inside Slant
N RE LE
Strong
Nose and Defensive Ends: Slant Strong
N RE LE
Weak
Nose and Defensive Ends: Slant Weak
Outside Slant:
Slant away from football
1. Step with near foot toward aiming point: opposite knee of next lineman
2. Follow with back foot and rip near arm underneath head-up lineman
3. Collision next lineman, then read his block.
4. It is critical that you keep the lineman off your linebackers!!
Inside Slant:
Slant toward football
1. Step with near foot toward aiming point: opposite knee of next lineman
2. Follow with back foot and rip near arm underneath head-up lineman
3. Collision next lineman, then read his block.
4. It is critical that you keep the lineman off your linebackers!!
Down Block:
Work through shoulder of blocker
Pursue down L.O.S.
Double Team Block:
Attack down blocker and fight
to his opposite shoulder
OR
Work low to split the blockers.
DO NOT GIVE GROUND!
Drop outside hip to ground and crawl!
Reach Block:
You must not allow the blocker to cross your face.
Fight across his face, square your shoulders,
Work down the L.O.S. to football.

x
No Block:
If you are unblocked on your stunt,
LOOK I NSI DE! Someone will block you.
Expect a trap block, Attack it down the L.O.S.
Do not over-penetrate!!!
**If OLB has given IM HERE call, wrong-arm
the trap. I f no call, you must squeeze and contain!
Pull by covered lineman:
Get in hip pocket and follow
Down the L.O.S.
Pull by Lineman to Stunt:
Fight across back block,
Get in pulling linemans hip pocket
Follow pulling lineman down L.O.S.
Inside Linebackers
Inside Linebacker Alignment &
Assignments
Lion, Monster and Ram will align 4-5 yards
off the LOS, stacked behind DL.
Stance on toes, butt down with chest up,
head up and hands free
LBs will be in motion prowling and working
to time the snap count.
M R L
N RE LE
Triangle Read
1. Linebackers: See the ball out of the corner of your eye
2. On snap of the ball, read through the nearest uncovered lineman
3. To the near back in the backfield
4. React to run to, run away, or pass read
Scrape Technique
On flow away from Inside LB, scrape
technique may be used.
Shuffle down LOS, attacking at 45 degree
angle with head on a swivel, looking for an
Open Door
Keep hands up, eyes up, butt down and
feel past Closed doors until finding an
opening in LOS.
When you find an Open Door, shoot
through and find the ball carrier.
Prowling
For our defense to be successful, we must make
it hard for the offense to find us.
Prowling is Linebackers moving in and out of
gaps, decoying and disguising stunts.
DO NOT move past the next gap
DO NOT move past the heels of the DL
Our linebackers should be in constant motion
during pre-snap cadence.
No matter where you are on the snap, LBs must
play their original responsibility when the play
starts.
Down block,
Flow To
1. Read Step on snap

2. Uncovered lineman
Blocks down, step outside

3. Read near back flow to,
Scrape to open door
Block away,
Flow To
1. Read Step on snap

2. Uncovered lineman
Blocks out, step inside of
His block.

3. Read near back flow to,
Attack to gap responsibility.
Block to,
Flow away
1. Read Step on snap

2. Uncovered lineman
Blocks out, step inside of
His block.

3. Read near back flow away,
Attack to backside gap
responsibility.
1. Read Step on snap

2. Uncovered lineman blocks
to, step inside of his block,
being mindful of gap resp.

3. Read flow to and attack
immediately.
Block to,
Flow to.
Pull outside,
Flow to.
1. Read Step on snap

2. Uncovered lineman pulls
outside, Flow will go in
direction of pull.

3. Make sure ball clears play
side gap and attack to
pulling lineman (point of
attack).
Pull inside,
Flow away
1. Read Step on snap

2. Uncovered lineman pulls inside,
Flow will go away.

3. Chase pulling lineman to
backside gap responsibility.
Reading Guards
1. Read the helmet of the Guard for keys.
2. If the helmet goes down, it is a run block.
Read near back and attack.
3. If you see ear hole, it is a trap block.
4. If the helmet comes at you, attack
immediately. Do not hesitate!
5. If the helmet pops up, it is pass block.
Check for draw and then zone drop,
reading #3 to #2 receiver.
Outside Linebackers
Outside Linebacker Alignment &
Assignment
OLB will be aligned 2x3 off DE when he does
not have a slot receiver.
OLB will be aligned 4x2 inside of #2 slot
receiver.
Read End Man on Line of Scrimmage to Near
Back on every snap
EMOLS blocks down: Squeeze to his hip
EMOLS blocks out: Attack and Squeeze
EMOLS pass blocks: Drop to pass, crossing #2
face and listening for CB call

Force-Contain Player
The Sam/Will is the Force-Contain Player
on runs to his side.
Sam/Will must maintain outside leverage
on all run plays to his side, keeping
outside arm and leg free.
Sam/Will must force the ball carrier to
either cut back inside, or string the play
out to the sideline.
Sam/Will cannot chase a play in the
backfield, making lanes for the back to cut.
Im Here Call
When flow goes away from Sam or Will, he is
responsible for Counter/ Reverse/ Bootleg if he
does not have pass coverage
If Sam or Will reads flow away and has no pass
coverage, he should call IM HERE loudly to
Lion / Ram
This alerts Lion / Ram that Sam or Will has
C.R.B covered, and Lion/Ram can begin
scrape/pursuit.
If Lion/Ram does not here IM HERE or hears
YOU YOU YOU!, he must assume C.R.B.
responsibility.
Reads:
1. End Man on Line of Scrimmage

2. Near Back
End Man blocks down,
Flow toward
1. Take read step on snap

2. End man blocks down, attack to LOS
And call DOWN DOWN to Lion/Ram

3. Read flow to, keep shoulders square and
Prepare to take on a block at LOS. Squeeze
The block down and either force the play inside
Or force ball carrier to bounce.
End Man blocks out,
Flow toward
1. Take read step on snap

2. End man blocks out, maintain outside
leverage and read to near back.

3. Read flow to, be sure to force play inside,
Then attempt to help on inside run.
Secondary
Corners Alignment & Assignment
In Cover 3, we will align 8 yards off, one
yard inside of #1 Receiver, with outside
foot up.
On the snap, bail and read #2 receiver for
run/pass read
See the QB out of the corner of your eye
and look for his release.
Always turn with hips facing the QB and
maintain inside position.

Cornerback Rules
CB reads #2 to #1 Receiver
CB must communicate the #2 Routes to the
OLB. This is crucial in our coverage. TALK
EVERY PLAY!
If #2 runs OUT: Check #1, OLB has man on
#2
If #2 runs IN: Check #1, OLB covers #2 until
he crosses into next zone
If #2 runs DEEP: Check #1 for deep route, get
depth and do not get beat deep!

OUT
OUT
DEEP
DEEP
IN
IN
FS
C C
M
R
W S
L
N RE LE
Cover 3 (Green)
Position Alignment Initial Read On Initial Pass Read Read Routes
Lion 40-tech left triangle: ball-back-guard Drop to Hook #2 to #3
Ram 40-tech right triangle: ball-back-guard Drop to Hook #2 to #3
Monster 10-tech triangle: ball-back-guard Stunt
Sam 3x2 outside DE EMOLS to near back Drop Curl to Flat #2 to #3
Will 3x2 outside DE EMOLS to near back Drop Curl to Flat #2 to #3
Corner 7x1 inside #1 #2 to QB Drop deep 1/3 #2 to #1
Free Safety Shade 2 rec. side EMOLS to QB Drop deep 1/3 #2 to #1
FS
C C
M
R
W
S
L
N RE LE
Cover 3 Cloud
Position Alignment Initial Read On Initial Pass Read Read Routes
Lion 40-tech left triangle: ball-back-guard Drop to Hook #2 to #3
Ram 40-tech right triangle: ball-back-guard Drop to Hook to Curl #2 to #3
Monster 10-tech triangle: ball-back-guard Stunt
Sam Split #2-#3, 3yds EMOLS to near back Drop Curl to Flat #2 to #3
Will 7x2 outside DE EMOLS to near back Drop deep 1/3 #2 to #1
Weak Corner 7x1 inside #1 #2 to QB Sit in flats #2 to #3
Strong Corner 7x1 inside #1 #2 to QB Drop deep 1/3 #2 to #1
Free Safety Shade 2 rec. side EMOLS to QB Drop deep 1/3 #2 to #1
FS
C C
M
R
W S
L
N RE LE
Cover 3 Fire Zone (Green Fire)
Position Alignment Initial Read On Initial Pass Read Read Routes
Lion 40-tech left triangle: ball-back-guard Stunt #2 to #3
Ram 40-tech right triangle: ball-back-guard Drop hook (2 rec. side) #2 to #3
Monster 10-tech triangle: ball-back-guard Stunt
Sam 3x2 outside DE EMOLS to near back Drop Curl to Flat #2 to #3
Will 3x2 outside DE EMOLS to near back Drop Curl to Flat #2 to #3
Corner 7x1 inside #1 #2 to QB Drop deep 1/3 #2 to #1
Free Safety Shade 2 rec. side EMOLS to QB Drop deep 1/3 #2 to #1
FS
C
C
M
R
W
S
L
N RE LE
Cover 2 (Blue)
Position Alignment Initial Read On Initial Pass Read Read Routes
Lion 40-tech left triangle: ball-back-guard Drop to Hook to Curl #2 to #3
Ram 40-tech right triangle: ball-back-guard Drop to Hook #2 to #3
Monster 10-tech triangle: ball-back-guard Stunt
Sam 3x2 outside DE EMOLS to near back Drop Curl #2 to #3
Will 7x1 inside #2 EMOLS to near back Deep 1/2 #2 to #1
Corner 1x1 outside #1 #2 to QB Jam #1 inside #2 to #3
Free Safety 9x1 inside #2 EMOLS to QB Deep #2 to #1
Will and Weak Corner
Swap Cover 2
Alignments and
Responsibilities
FS
C
C
M
R
W
S
L
N RE LE
Cover 2 Sky Weak