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By: Craig Berman

Published: 26 November, 2022

On The Line

Role of the linebackers, in the secondary, stunts and blitzes, against the pass, how to run a football defense: 5-3.

In any defensive playbook, the basic 5-3 defense features five defensive linemen and three linebackers, with the remaining three players lining up as defensive backs.

Traditionally, the 5-3 defense was used in the NFL and college ranks when offensive formations and play calls were far less sophisticated; however, as the passing game has improved dramatically at these levels, football coaches more often turn to zone coverages and different forms of pass coverages to limit opposing football teams.

With that being said, the 5-3 defense still remains a great high school and youth football defense because most offensive schemes revolve around running the ball within the line of scrimmage at those ages.

With five down defensive linemen, the 5-3 defense is extremely effective against various blocking schemes in the offense’s run-game because there are defensive linemen lining up over several different gaps in the offensive line.

• The nose guard, or nose tackle, lines up against the opposing center, and attacks the A-Gap on either side of the center
• The defensive tackles line up on either side of the nose guard against the offensive guards, and their job is to attack and fill the B-Gap
• The two defensive ends spread out wide along the defensive line, usually just outside of the offensive tackles or tight ends, and attack and fill the C-Gap

A key benefit of the extra lineman in the 5-3 defense is that it limits any obvious vulnerabilities in the running game. The two tackles guard against inside handoffs or off-tackle plays, while the ends protect against a sweep, and the nose tackle clogs the middle.

The three linebackers set up in a traditional format, with the middle linebacker behind the nose guard and the other two behind the defensive ends. As in other formations, the linebackers' main task against the run is to shoot the gap and make the tackle.

The 5-3, however, is designed to make that easier because each offensive lineman is being engaged by someone on the defensive line, with no blockers free to focus on the linebackers.

Ideally, a 5-3 linebacker should have a clear view and a straight path to the ball carrier, with only a fullback to worry about.

The two cornerbacks in a 5-3 are among the most critical players on the field. Because there's no strong side help behind them on the outside, they have to be excellent in man-to-man coverage and solid tacklers as well.

The single free safety generally lines up behind the middle linebacker and is focused on preventing big plays, which means there's little chance of avoiding disaster by the sidelines if a corner gets beat or whiffs on a hit.

At higher levels of football where passing games become more dependable, a 5-3 defense might ask its corners to play a few yards off the receivers, sacrificing short gains rather than playing bump-and-run and risking bigger plays.

The 5-3 defense allows coaches to get creative in attacking the backfield. Traditionally, this attacking flexibility comes from the linebackers and ends, with the tackles and nose guard focusing on keeping the middle of the field secure.

One approach is to line up both ends a yard outside the last offensive lineman and have both blitz on the snap, with the inside and outside linebackers shifting to guard the line against a sweep. Another is to have all five defensive lineman engage their offensive counterpart and push straight ahead, while all three linebackers immediately shoot the gap rather than waiting to read the play.

The basic 5-3 defense is vulnerable against a strong passing attack. When the quarterback drops back to pass, the linebackers have to have their head up, recognize it quickly, and drop into coverage, as the lack of a second safety means a pass in the flat can turn into a big gain if they guess wrong.

The inside and outside linebackers also can split out quickly to guard the wideouts against short passes. In the latter scenario, the cornerbacks drop back, and the safety guards against the deep ball. When facing a spread offense, the defensive ends can drop into coverage, effectively shifting the formation to a 3-3-5.

• Youth Football Strategies: The Base 5-3 Defense and Run Responsibilities for Youth Football
• Youth Football Online: Defense
• Falcon Football: 5-3 Defense

Coaching Youth Football Tips, Talk, Plays

How to Attack the 5-3 Defense

I personally love running the off-tackle play against the 5-3 defense from an I formation leading with the FB on the OLB and TB trailing cutting off the block.  My play side TE or Slot blocks EMOL and everyone else block GOD.  This play works really good when you Nasty split the TE and widen the OTs splits too.

All the books say Gut plays also work well against the 5-3 defense because the middle of the defense is weak between the guards.  A FB inside trap play might work well or just a tough up the gut FB run.  You can also run an ISO on the MLB.

As far as the passing game.  The flats are weak.  Quick Slants and TE quick passes will work well.

If the DE an OLB crash and bite on inside dives then run sweeps.  If the DE is boxing wide, then run an ISO on the OLB.

Like I have written earlier.  Every defense has a weakness.  They key to good defensive play is to mix it up so the offense can’t figure your defense out.

Play for Fun and Winning is Funner.

Thanks, Coach Parker Ft Worth, Texas

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We ran a no blitz 5-3 all last year and I noticed a few things. The off tackle play will kill you with out a good tackle, end and LB on that side. The key to running a 5-3 is 4 positions. You have to have a super fast safety just in case, you need a stud bull NT that can take on and beat triple teams consistently, and you need 2 fast, athletic DEs that understand containment. If you have that and a passable linebacker corps, you will be in good shape with a 5-3. But you HAVE to watch and train for that off tackle, it’s a killer.

hello im also from the great city of fort worth .. ive lost only 4 games in two years but three to the same team. i was running the pistol with 7&8 u and this team puts 5 some time 6 in the box .. and they also have alot of speed,coming up the middle and outside .. so where going into the play offs and i have put in the power i do you think thats a good plan are what would you do if you was coaching?

Without seeing their defense I can’t really give a good answer to the change. You do want to attack the defenses weaknesses, so find those and put in plays that attack the weaknesses. The power i offense is good if you are big and can power the ball. Offense really comes down to blocking. Make sure you have a hat on their best defenders.

Also beating a better team is usually a defensive plan. Stop their 3 to 5 best offensive plays and make them go deep in their play book to beat you. If they don’t score you will usually win.

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5-3 Defense in American Football

What is 5-3 defense.

A 5-3 defense is a defensive formation used in American football. In this formation, there are five defensive linemen (often referred to as the defensive line or D-line) and three linebackers. The primary objective of this defense is to stop the opposing team’s running game by having a strong presence along the line of scrimmage.

Here’s a breakdown of the key positions and their roles in a 5-3 defense:

Defensive Linemen (5):

• Defensive Ends (DE): These players line up on the outside of the defensive line and are responsible for containing the outside run, putting pressure on the quarterback during passing plays, and disrupting plays in the backfield.
• Defensive Tackles (DT): The defensive tackles line up on the inside of the defensive line and aim to plug gaps in the offensive line, clog running lanes, and put pressure on the quarterback when possible.

Linebackers (3):

• Middle Linebacker (MLB): The middle linebacker is often considered the quarterback of the defense. They are responsible for making defensive calls, reading the offense, and reacting to the play. They also play a crucial role in stopping the run and covering short-to-intermediate passing routes.
• Outside Linebackers (OLB): The outside linebackers are positioned on the edges of the defensive line. They have responsibilities like setting the edge to prevent outside runs, rushing the passer, and dropping into coverage when necessary.

The 5-3 defense is particularly effective against teams that primarily run the ball, as it provides a strong front against the run. However, it may be vulnerable to passing plays, especially if the linebackers are not skilled in pass coverage or if the offense spreads the field with multiple receivers. Discover about What is a PBU in Football

Coaches may make adjustments and variations to the 5-3 defense based on the strengths and weaknesses of their team and the opponent they are facing. Additionally, they might shift players and use different formations to adapt to specific game situations.

Understanding the Basics

The formation – breaking it down.

The 5-3 defense, as the name suggests, is a defensive formation comprising five defensive linemen and three linebackers. This setup is often used to counter strong running games and offers robust protection against short passes.

Origin and Evolution

The 5-3 defense has its roots in traditional 5-2 formations but has evolved to cater to the ever-changing strategies in football. It became more prominent as teams sought ways to combat powerful running backs and maintain pressure on the quarterback.

Advantages of the 5-3 Defense

Stopping the run.

One of the primary advantages of the 5-3 defense is its effectiveness in stopping the run. With five linemen clogging up the offensive line, running backs find it challenging to find gaps and gain yardage.

Quarterback Pressure

T he three linebackers in this formation are strategically positioned to create pressure on the quarterback. This can disrupt passing plays and force the quarterback into making hurried decisions.

Versatility

The 5-3 defense is incredibly versatile. It can adapt to various offensive formations, making it a valuable asset for any team. It can switch between pass and run defense seamlessly.

Implementing the 5-3 Defense

Defensive line responsibilities.

Each lineman has a specific role, such as maintaining gap integrity, shedding blocks, and pursuing the ball carrier. This coordinated effort is crucial to the formation’s success.

Linebacker Assignments

Linebackers are the heart of the 5-3 defense. They must read the offense, fill gaps, and provide crucial run support while also being prepared to drop into pass coverage.

Defensive Backs

Though fewer in number, defensive backs play a vital role in providing coverage in the secondary. Their ability to lock down receivers is essential to the formation’s success.

The Impact on Modern Football

Adaptation and innovation.

The 5-3 defense has forced offensive coordinators to innovate their play-calling. It has led to the development of hybrid players who can counter the formation effectively.

Game-Changing Moments

Over the years, the 5-3 defense has been responsible for numerous game-changing moments, altering the course of matches and seasons.

In the fast-paced world of American football , strategies evolve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape. The 5-3 defense has emerged as a powerful tool, offering teams the ability to stop the run, pressure the quarterback, and remain adaptable to offensive changes. As the game continues to progress, the 5-3 defense will undoubtedly remain a defensive gem in the playbook of many successful teams.

Q. Is the 5-3 defense suitable for all situations?

A. The 5-3 defense is versatile but may not be the best choice in all situations. It excels against teams with strong running games but may struggle against pass-heavy offenses.

Q. How do you counter the 5-3 defense?

A. To counter the 5-3 defense, offenses often employ quick passes, misdirection plays, and spread formations to create mismatches.

Q. Can the 5-3 defense be used in youth football?

A. Yes, the 5-3 defense can be adapted for use in youth football. However, it requires simplified assignments and a focus on fundamental skills for young players.

Q. Are there variations of the 5-3 defense?

A. Yes, there are variations of the 5-3 defense, such as the 5-3-3 and 5-3-2 formations, which adjust the number of linebackers and defensive backs to suit specific situations.

Q. How do you teach the 5-3 defense effectively?

A. Effective teaching of the 5-3 defense involves breaking down each player’s role, emphasizing teamwork, and conducting regular drills to reinforce the formation’s principles.

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Understanding The 5-3 Defense In Football

Defenses across the leagues, from youth to NFL, utilize different schemes. Some schemes are best suited for youth football, while others work best for professionals. One such defense is the 5-3 defense.

The 5-3 defense in football is a simple defense scheme that doesn’t give players a lot of responsibilities. The defense stacks players at the scrimmage line to prevent attacks.

Looking to learn more about the 5-3 defense in football? Keep reading below.

What is 5-3 Defense in Football

A 5-3 defense is a common football defense in youth and high school games. It’s a simple defense formation where defenders are not assigned specific roles. The defense comprises eight defenders that fight against runs. There are 5 defensive linemen and three linebackers.

In complete, the formation also features three defensive backs and tackles and two defensive ends lining against the offensive tackles.

It is a basic formation defense where players are not assigned specific responsibilities. The defense provides flexibility and can even be used by adults.

The major focus for this defense formation is stacking at the line of scrimmage. It exchanges a defender in the secondary with another defender up front.

Teams also use this type of defense to apply pressure on the quarterbacks and to cover zones in the field.

Other than 5-3, there are more defense strategies that we’ve tackled including 3-4 defense , cover 3 defense , and 3-3-5 defense .

Positions Needed In 5-3 Defense

Positions in the 5 3 defense are many, with players providing coverage to prevent running and passing players. Below are the positions in a 5-3 defense.

• A nose guard
• Two defensive ends
• Two defensive tackles
• A middle linebacker
• Weak side linebacker
• Strong side linebacker
• Two corners

It’s a strong defense with eight players in the box to play against the run of play. The formation gives teams three layers of defense. This makes it easier to pursue all ball carriers.

Who Should Use The 5-3 Defense

The 5-3 defense is widely used in college and youth leagues where teams lack powerful passing games. It is a simple defense formation; therefore, it works well for youth games.

Young players easily understand the formation since there are no specific responsibilities.

The defense helps younger players learn gap coverage, containment, and major duties in the field. But, it’s not just for the young. Big and experienced league teams can use it when necessary.

It’s a defense that provides teams with flexibility. Teams can easily adapt and provide coverage when under pressure. It works by stacking players at the scrimmage line. A defender in the secondary is exchanged with another defender up front.

The formation is ideal for stopping running plays. It becomes difficult for the offense to stop all defenders. In the passing game, the formation can also provide zone coverage. Teams can also use it to apply pressure on the quarterback.

Strengths Of The 5-3 Defense

So, what are some of the strengths of the 5-3 defense? It’s a formation that stands out in numerous areas.

First, it’s quite effective against running plays . When used effectively, a 5-3 defense is capable of stopping the running plays of the opposition.

Even with the offensive line doing a good job, the 5-3 formation makes it possible for the running backs to run with the ball.

The defense stacks the line of scrimmage with defenders reducing the vision of the offensive line . It’s a great advantage that makes it hard for your opponents to plan ahead.

This also ensures players exert pressure at the attacking point . Defenders will clog the line of scrimmage and apply pressure on a snap. It is a great way for teams to apply pressure when running a blitz. Linebackers usually remain hidden as the defensive linemen go in front.

Additionally, the defense formation works well against passing plays. Teams can effectively stop passing plays using the 5-3 defense. This is possible since linebackers provide needed coverage against wide receivers.

You’ll also find a defensive lineman drop in coverage. The formation features glut linemen.

Overall, this is an excellent formation that reduces the reaction time of teams. Having so many defenders close to the line of scrimmage helps teams react fast.

Weakness Of The 5-3 Defense

What about weaknesses? Yes, the defense does have a few weaknesses. 

First, it is very susceptible to short passes . Most offenses facing a 5-3 defense will always try short route passes. With more defenders on the line of scrimmage, there are fewer secondary defenders.

As a result, there is a lot of space outside the hash marks for receivers to run . At a snap of the ball, speedy wide receivers can take advantage of those hash marks.

It is also quite difficult to run the defense when you have undersized players . This formation requires players with big bodies. Small-bodied defenders get pushed around with ease. 

The 5-3 defense does require players with big bodies to play at the line of scrimmage. Additionally, the defense makes things quite easy and obvious for the offense.

For example, it is very hard to run blitzes using this formation as defenders can easily notice it. Once the offense realizes you’re playing a 5-3 formation, they can easily take advantage. This is done with runs that follow simple routes.

Lastly, the formation does require secondaries with the highest discipline. This is crucial, especially with one defender less on every level on the field. Secondaries need to understand their responsibilities and take them seriously.

How To Run The 5-3 Defense

If you’re looking to run the 5-3 defense, then follow the stages below.

Stage 1: Create a Defensive Line

The formation sees you stack a defensive line up front. Here, you’ll need big-bodied nose tackles, two-defensive ends, and two defensive tackles. You can have the nose tackle take three possible positions up front.

One position is directly overhead with the main responsibility of clogging up or taking the A gap. You can also have the other two nose tackles lining on the outside shoulder of the offensive guard or over them.

Different players from the defensive tackle will fill gap B and even support stunting gap C. for the base, and ends are responsible for outside containment and gap C. On the other hand, you’ll have tackles taking gap B.

Depending on how the coach sets up the team, the ends might also run a stunt curling around the defensive tackles and attacking gap B.

Stage 2: Setting Up Linebackers

With the defensive line set, you need to set up three linebackers. Here, we have the three traditional linebackers as follows:

• Sam, the strong side linebacker
• Will the weak-side linebacker
• Mike, the middle linebacker

In pre-snap, their positions are the same as with most defensive formations and take the same responsibilities.

Just behind the nose tackle is where Mike lines but can shade on either side of the shoulder. However, the specific role varies depending on the type of play. For example, during a running play, they can fill the gap A. But they drop to cover in passing plays.

Sam and Will line up on the opposite ends of the field and take their respective responsibilities. Linebackers fill the position between the tackles and the defensive ends.

In each play, the responsibilities of linebackers vary depending on where the defensive ends take positions.

Stage 3: The Secondary

In a 5-3 defense, a team will have only three players at the backline. Here, like most defenses, there are two cornerbacks, a free and strong safety. Here, both players provide superior coverage.

What is a 5-3 Defense Called?

A 5-3 defense is called so because it comprises five defensive linemen and three linebackers.

Who Invented 5-3 Defense?

Steve Owen is credited with inventing the 5-3 formation while coaching the New York Giants. He invented the formation to surprise their rivals, the BEARS, in 1933.

How Do You Beat a 5-3 Defense

You can beat a 5-3 defense by running short route passes. Short passing can beat the defense due to fewer defenders in the secondary.

There you go! Now you know what a 5-3 defense is and how to run it. A 5-3 defense is one of the simplest defenses for youths and college leagues to teach the basics of defense. It features five defensive linemen and three linebackers.

Unlike most defensive formations, the formation is easy to teach and does not involve players taking specific responsibilities. However, it does have its strengths and weaknesses.

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Home / Coaching Offense / Option Football / 5-3 Defense Blitz “Pinch”

5-3 Defense Blitz “Pinch”

This pinch blitz out of the 5-3 defense will have the defensive line pinch inside, while the outside linebackers loop outside and have containment responsibility.  Basically, on this blitz the defensive end and the outside linebackers are just switching assignments.  On this play diagram it show both sides doing the pinch blitz. We do have a “RIP Pinch” & “LEO Pinch” call. Our “RIP Pinch” call will only have the right side defensive end and outside backer execute the pinch blitz. Our “LEO Pinch” call will have only the left side defensive end and outside linebacker execute the pinch blitz.

Nose Guard (N): We want him to penetrate strong side A-gap.

Right Tackle (T): Slant, penetrate B-gap.

Left Tackle (T): Slant, penetrate B-gap.

Right Defensive End (E): Slant, penetrate C-gap.

Left Defensive End (E): Slant, penetrate C-gap.

Right Outside Linebacker (LB): Loop around defensive end, become contain player.

Middle Linebacker (LB):   Read and react.  Depending on our opponent’s tendencies, personnel, or formations we can have the middle linebacker do a number of different things. You can also have him blitz . You can have him key the roll out of the QB. Or you can just have him read and react.  What we like to do is to have him go through his normal run & zone pass responsibilities/reads.

Left Outside Linebacker (LB): Loop around defensive end, become contain player.

Cornerbacks (CB): We will usually play a cover 3 behind this blitz because it is a little safer. Play-action passing plays can really beat this blitz if the offense is able to pick it up. So playing 3 deep behind is a safer coverage. Any time you blitz you do open yourselves up for big plays if the defense doesn’t get the job done.

Safety (S): Deep middle 3 rd .  Middle of the field 12 yards deep.

(See Also): 53 “Swarm” Defensive Playbook

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Football Defensive Formations

Defensive alignments are the formations in which the defensive players organize themselves for particular plays throughout the game.  The main roles of defenders are to stop the players from moving the ball down the field. The formations can vary depending on the play and the game situation. Defensive alignments are typically chosen by the defensive coordinator and the leading defensive lineman.

Table of Contents

List of defensive formations in football, 4-3 formation, 3-4 formation, 4-4 formation, 6-1 formation, 6-2 formation, 5-2 formation, 5-3 formation, dime formation, nickel formation.

Here are some of the most common defensive alignments and formations:

• 2-5 Formation

The 4-3 defensive defense is composed of four defensive backs , three linebackers and four defensive linemen. This is an effective formation against offensive teams that utilize a lot of passing. The defense is spread entirely across the field and can step in to open gaps if extra coverage is needed.

The 3-4 defensive defense consists of four defensive backs, four linebackers and three defensive linemen.  It is very similar to the 4-3 and many of the benefits are the same. Coaches who choose this formation should opt for their largest front seven players because in this particular formation, speed is preferred over size.

The 4-4 defense is preferred and typically used among high school teams. This formation may be a challenge if the cornerback’s opponents are stronger athletes and faster runners, because they could easily outrun the opponents. It consists of three defensive backs, four linebackers and four defensive linemen .

The 6-1 defense consists of four defensive backs and is often nicknamed the “umbrella formation.”  This is because of the curved shape of the four backs. Evolving from the 4-3 defense, this formation was curated to counter teams that are highly likely to pass.

The 6-2 defense is composed of six defensive linemen and two linebackers.  During the early 1930s, this was the most common defensive formation that was seen at various age and league levels because it emphasized a passing defense. Soon enough, the 2-5 and 5-3 started to replace the 6-2.

The 5-2 defense is a defensive formation that features five linemen, two linebackers, and four defensive backs.  This formation is typically only used when the defense needs a stop at the line of scrimmage, like on fourth and short plays.

The 5-3 defense is composed of three defensive backs, three linebackers and five defensive linemen.  This formation started emerging when teams started utilizing the T formation more frequently. By the mid 50’s, many teams had adopted this as their primary defensive formation.

In any formation that has six defensive backs, the sixth defensive back is considered the dimeback. The dimeback formation is used to combat an opposing team’s passing play and provide extra coverage in the defensive backfield.

The nickel formation has five defensive backs with two linebackers. This formation was named by Philadelphia Eagles coach Jerry Williams, who crafted it to defeat an opposing team’s tight end. The nickel formation provides the team with an extra cornerback, which the team would call the nickelback.

What is a defensive formation in football?

In football, a defensive formation is the alignment in which defensive players stand to begin a play.  Defensive formations position different numbers of position players in various locations, depending on the desired effect, such as stopping runs, preventing passes, and closing defensive gaps.

What is the most popular defensive line alignment?

The most popular defensive alignment is the 4-3 formation, especially in the NFL. The 3-4 formation is also popular, as are nickel and dime defenses and various coverage packages.

Pages Related to Football Defensive Formations

• Football 6-3 Defense
• Football Full House Backfield
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• Football Coverage Types
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• 5-2 Defense (Coaching Guide With Images)

By Coach Martin | Football Defense

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• Football Defense

In obvious running situations for the offense - when the down and distance is third-and-one let’s say - defenses often adjust by going to what’s called a “big” or “stack” formation.

This brings extra bodies near the line of scrimmage to stop the run.

One of the most popular defensive formations to do this out of is the 5-2.

In its base form, it deploys five down defensive linemen and only two linebackers.

But smart coaches nowadays are adding a few wrinkles and using the 5-2 defense on more plays than previous coaches ever did.

It’s not that they feel there are more plays today that require a bigger presence up front…

But rather the 5-2 can be deployed in so many different forms that it can create plenty of confusion and pressure up front without sacrificing too much at the second level of defense.

The 5-2 defense in its base form is still very popular at the youth levels of football, where most offenses run the ball at a much higher frequency than they pass.

The 5-2 allows defenses to stack the line of scrimmage and protect against the run by putting another defender directly across from the offensive line.

But it’s also good against the pass and can be used in various forms to adjust based on the team’s skill level.

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Who Should Use the 5-2 Defense?

​ A 5-2 defense is a great formation to teach players who are new to the game of football because it is a simple defense to deploy.

It’s also tailored to stop the running game, which makes up the majority of offensive plays in youth football as compared to the pass.

This fact doesn’t make the 5-2 defense one that shouldn’t be run at other levels of football, though…

It can be used in different iterations and formats at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels as well.

Simply make a tweak here and there to personnel and how they line up before the snap of the ball, and you’ll have yourself a form of the 5-2 defense that will work for you.

It’s a great defense to use no matter whether your team is loaded with big guys up front or is smaller in size and therefore needs to have more bodies help clog up the offensive linemen.

​ Easy to Learn - The base 5-2 defense is one of the easiest defenses to learn. That’s because the five down defensive linemen are responsible for five of the six gaps along the line of scrimmage, leaving only one other gap to be filled by a linebacker. The other linebacker and secondary are free to roam the rest of the field.

Body on Body - The five defensive linemen will line up across from five of the six offensive linemen that are on the field for the majority of plays. That means just about every offensive linemen has a defender in his face at the snap of the ball, making it tougher for offensive linemen to pull or get to the second level for downfield blocks.

It’s Great Against the Run - Having so many players at the line of scrimmage makes it difficult for the offensive linemen to open up holes for running backs to carry the ball. This could force them to the outside, where free linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties will be waiting to make a tackle.

Also Good Against the Pass - The extra defensive linemen in a 5-2 alignment doesn’t sacrifice a player from the secondary. That means there are four good defenders on the field to protect against the pass, with two more linebackers still available to help out as well.

Plenty of Pressure - The extra push at the line of scrimmage makes it easy for defenses to bring pressure from just about anywhere on any play. Linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties can all blitz, and it’s hard for offensive linemen to pick up the blitz because they’re tied up with defensive linemen.

​ Susceptible Against the Spread - Offenses can counteract the extra pressure up front by spreading the field. Putting more wide receivers on the field and running out of a shotgun formation could create a lot of mismatches for speedy wide receivers and running backs.

Easy for Linemen to See Responsibilities - There isn’t a lot of guessing for an offensive linemen against a 5-2 defense. Their blocking responsibilities are most often lined up directly opposite them. So on plays in which the defense doesn’t blitz, a good offensive line might have no problem picking up their assignments.

Space in the Middle - The extra defensive linemen is added via sacrifice at linebacker, where only two players line up. That can create some extra space over the middle of the field for passing routes.

Reduces Speed - A 5-2 defense usually sacrifices speed for size, which could allow a speedier, quicker offense to take advantage and move the ball successfully down field.

How to Run a 5-2 Defense

​ stage 1: the defensive line.

The defensive line in a 5-2 employs two defensive tackles, two defensive ends, and a nose tackle spread out across the entire line of scrimmage.

Under this formation, each offensive lineman has a player lined up across from him, or at least right next to him, on every play.

The nose tackle’s job is to clog up the middle of the field, taking on A gap responsibilities on any given play.

Most times, the nose tackle will line up over the center shaded toward the strong side of the offense.

In these cases, the nose tackle will be responsible for attacking the A gap on that side of the field, and hopefully occupying not only the center but also the strong side guard.

With this extra defensive lineman in a 5-2, the defensive tackles and defensive ends are able to line up wider than they normally would.

If an offense has two tight ends on the field, which it often does against a 5-2, the defensive tackles will line up either heads up to the offensive tackles or on their outside shoulder.

The defensive tackles will have primary responsibility for the C gap in this case.

If there is only one tight end on the field, the defensive tackle on the weak side of the defense will line up on the outside shoulder of the guard and attack the B gap on that side of the field.

The defensive tackle on the strong side will stay in the previous alignment and have C gap responsibilities.

The defensive ends will line up on the outside shoulder of the last man on the line of scrimmage on his side of the field, no matter who that last player is, whether it’s a tight end or an offensive tackle.

The defensive ends’ responsibility is the same on every play:

Cause disruption in the backfield by bursting through the outside of the offensive line.

Stage 2: The Linebackers

The two linebackers in a 5-2 defense are both considered inside linebackers.

They will operate in tandem very similar to how the inside linebackers in 3-4 defense will operate.

One of these linebackers will be considered the Mike (the quarterback of the defense who calls out the plays) while the other could be considered a sort of hybrid between a Sam and a Will.

Both these linebackers will line up somewhere between the nose tackle and defensive tackle on his side of the field.

They will either have A gap or B gap responsibilities depending on which gap the nose tackle is responsible for on that play.

On running plays, both linebackers will attack the line of scrimmage head on to fill their gap, or slide outside to help with tackling if the play goes that way.

Against a passing play, both linebackers will matchup against either a tight end or running back in a man-to-man defense.

In a zone defense, the linebackers will be asked to cover a specific zone on the field, either close to where they line up in a Cover 2 or Cover 4, or directly behind them in a Cover 3.

Linebackers are often asked to blitz against the pass out of a 5-2 defense, though.

That’s because even with one of the linebackers blitzing, there are still five other defenders on the field to matchup against any player on offense who runs a passing route.

Stage 3: The Secondary

The secondary in a 5-3 defense has all its normal players on the field – two cornerbacks, a strong safety and a free safety.

Responsibilities for these players can be very simple in base man-to-man or zone defensive plays.

A defensive coach can decide to run any of the main zone coverages out of a 5-2 (Cover 2, Cover 3, Cover 4, etc.) because he will have these four players at his disposal.

In a man-to-man coverage, the cornerbacks will each cover a wide receiver.

The strong safety will have coverage responsibility for a tight end most of the times, while the free safety will either cover a tight end or running back coming out of the backfield.

Smart defensive coaches will also utilize both the safeties and cornerbacks in blitz packages out of a 5-2 defense as well.

If a cornerback blitzes, it’s easy for one of the safeties to come from over top and cover the man or zone that the cornerback vacated.

If a safety blitzes, a linebacker can often pick up on that player’s normal coverage responsibility. That’s what makes the 5-2 still effective against the pass.

Run responsibilities are much more straightforward…

Cornerbacks should funnel all ball carries to the middle of the field, while the safeties should approach the line of scrimmage and have final contain responsibilities, not allowing any ball carrier to get behind him.

​ The 5-2 defense is a great option for coaches at any level of football.

It’s not just for youth football teams anymore, as astute coaches have begun to work in new wrinkles.

Such as having the defensive ends operate as a standing outside linebacker or having the free safety or strong safety approach the line of scrimmage before the snap of the ball to create even more pressure and confusion.

The 5-2 defense also allows for a blitz to come from just about anywhere on the field, and it’s very challenging for offensive linemen and even running backs to pick up this extra pressure with five down defensive linemen.

Even if you don’t want to run intricate packages or blitz schemes out of the 5-2 defense, it’s still a great alignment to run.

It puts a “hat on a hat,” as they say, creating a lot of pressure at the point of attack and making it difficult for offensive linemen to break free and block at the second level of a defense.

And because no player in the secondary has been sacrificed for this extra defensive lineman, the 5-2 defense can still hold its own against the pass.

Related Posts:

What is a Defensive Tackle in Football? (DT Position Guide)

How to Do a Rip Move in Football (5-Step Guide)

How to Do a Swim Move in Football (5-Step Guide)

What is a Zero Blitz in Football? (Full Explanation)

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