Football: Running A Full Blitz In Nickel Defense

Passing the football creates a lot of scoring opportunities, which is good if you are on the offensive side. But if you are playing defense and the other team loves to pass the ball, you need to counter it. And the best formation to use against a passing team is the nickel defense. The nickel defense is the basic and the most common defensive formation that is specifically designed to stop the pass. With five defensive backs, two line backs and four down linesmen, all players from the offensive side is checked including the all-important wide receivers. However, playing aggressively by running a full blitz creates an opportunity to stop the passing game even before the quarterback releases the ball. To do this, set the down linesmen on the edge of the offensive line. This will give enough room for the blitzers to rush to the quarterback. Remember that it takes time for the defensive backs to reach the quarterback so it is vital to move quickly at the snap of the ball. As the down linesmen take care of the offensive blockers, rush the defensive backs from the outside of the field, going around and reaching the quarterback. One or two defensive backs can squeeze through a space middle of the field since it is closer to the quarterback. Ideally, the offensive blockers who are occupied with the down linesmen cannot prevent the incoming blitzers from the middle of the field. For the down linesmen, it is important to design the attack in a way that will create a space for the blitzers to run through. Attacking in this manner, the defense has all the options to block the quarterback - coming from all three directions (left, right and middle). The intimidating nature of this play may be enough to make the quarterback miss its intended receiver. The rushing blitzers also keep the pressure on the quarterback to make a play immediately. Be careful though, a miss-played blitz can have a severe result. If the blitzers fail to reach the quarterback on time, the wide receivers from the offensive side are left with all the room to run down the field without defenders. Nonetheless, a properly executed full blitz in nickel defense can put a lid on the offensive team. As they say, the key to winning a football game is running a good defense.
Related Articles:

• Football Scoring System
• Football: Shooting A Penalty Kick
• Football: Soccer Positions
• Football/Soccer: Yellow And Red Cards
• Football: Special Team
• Football Turnovers
• Football: Understanding Soccer Free Kicks
• Football: What Is The Line Of Scrimmage?