DOWNHILL TO DESTROY THE RUN GAME
As spring ball wraps up and high schools are preparing for summer camp, coaches are meeting across the country discussing the x’s and o’s of offense and defense. The 3-5 popularity continues to grow and there is a good reason why. It is a downhill defense. When I use the term downhill, it means that the players are attacking the line of scrimmage, or going “downhill” towards the ball. Below I will describe the three run fits of the 3-5 vs.:
Flood (both RBs are going to the strong side of the formation)
Flow (both RBs are going to the weak side of the formation)
Split (The RBs go in opposite directions)
The first example is a FLOOD Run (think power, outside zone)
Linemen- Attack gap and get penetration!
Linebackers- Make the proper read and attack the clear gap, always moving downhill.
As both backs head towards the strong side, the defense is moving downhill, with the linemen getting penetration and the LBs and S attacking. The key player in this is the free safety. 3-5 defenses rely heavily on the free safety to attack the LOS and play coverage. When the defensive line gets penetration, the RB is forced to make cuts, which takes time, and allows the free safety to clean the mess up.
The last part is the play of the backside. The Rover stays home, waiting for counter, boot pass, or reverse (C/B/R). He is responsible for shutting these three down if they come back his way.
FLOW Run (Think backside Iso/Power)
Linemen- Attack gap and get penetration!
Linebackers- Make the proper read and attack the clear gap, always moving downhill.
Notice the front 6’s responsibility does not change. They are still attacking downhill, making their proper reads, and getting after the ball carrier. The Lance and Rover change responsibilities, now the Rover is attacking and the Lance is on C/B/R. The FS is still there to clean up the mess.
SPLIT (Think Split Zone, Bucksweep)
When the RB’s split, the priority of the team is to shut down the first threat. If there is a playfake to the FB, the Mike and Sam must respect this, attacking the carrier. If the ball is given to the RB, they will be able to recoup and still attack the player. The key here is the FS.
The FS is taught a “Rock n Roll” technique. They are to rock to the FB and roll to the TB. If the FB does have the ball, he will have an opportunity to attack the FB downhill. If the RB is given the ball, the free safety can then roll to the RB, still making the tackle.
These are the three basic run fits for the 3-5. Next up…. Linebacker reads out of the 3-5
