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Getting Started Playbook Analysis FBS Teams FCS Teams Advanced Strategy
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PRIMA Offi cial Game Guide
There are fi ve different defensive
playbooks to choose from: The 3-3-5,
the 3-4, the 4-2-5, the 4-3, and the
Multiple D. All fi ve share a number of
common formation sets, which are
described in detail later.
3-3-5
The numbers represent three
defensive linemen, three linebackers,
and fi ve secondary players. The line-
backers have the fl exibility to line up
in various confi gurations behind the
linemen, while two of the secondary
players can line up close to the line
of scrimmage—essentially repre-
senting an eight-man front. The fi ve
secondary players provide healthy
zone coverage when needed.
The 3-3-5 is a rather fl exible forma-
tion, but it relies on talented line-
backers: If you aren’t strong at that
position, you may be vulnerable to
inside run plays. This playbook also
has access to some 3-4 plays to mix
up the look of your defense.
3-4
The numbers represent three line-
men and four linebackers; teams
with exceptional talent/size on the
defensive line can handle this de-
fensive scheme. With only three
linemen, this formation is suscep-
tible to the inside run—especially
against formations that feature two
tight ends. On the plus side, the four
linebackers are better equipped to
handle short pass routes and runs to
the sidelines such as sweeps. In ad-
dition, this playbook provides access
to the 4-4 defensive play list, which
provides a more aggressive look
against the run.
4-2-5
The numbers represent four
linemen, two linebackers, and fi ve
secondary players. This is essentially
a compromise between the 4-3 and
the 3-3-5—you get the coverage
fl exibility from the fi ve in the second-
ary while adding strength against the
run/pass rush with four down line-
men. As with the 3-3-5, it’s essential
that linebackers play with talent and
discipline to avoid getting caught out
of position. This playbook also has
access to the 4-4 defensive play list,
which provides a more aggressive
look against the run.
4-3
The 4-3 (representing four linemen
and three linebackers) has historical-
ly been the standard defense for the
majority of teams in college football.
This formation arguably provides
the best balance between defending
the inside run (with success relying
on the talent of the defensive line-
men), the outside run, and the pass
(with success of the latter two rely-
ing on the speed of the linebackers).
In recent years, more teams have
been using the spread offense—
which uses extra receivers to force
linebackers to line up outside the
box—and the 4-3 can sometimes be
vulnerable to such schemes.
The 4-3 playbook includes the 46-
Bear, which is derived from pro foot-
ball and allows defenses to pressure
the passer by making the corners
more aggressive through bump-and-
run and blitzing tactics.
However, because of the aggres-
siveness of the 46 Bear, it relies on
superior talent across the entire
defense. It is also vulnerable to short
passing routes.
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