How to Read Defensive Line Techniques

Over the years, coaches have been inventing and developing various systems on the proper alignment of the defensive linemen. One popular system is the numbering system which is commonly referred to as the Defensive Line Technique. This system basically assigns a position for the defensive lineman in relation to the opposing offensive lineman.

0 0 0 C 0 0 0

8 9-6-75-4 3-21-0-12-3 4-57-69 8

Above is the numbering system for the defensive line technique. This system instructs the defensive lineman and the linebackers where they should line up in relation to the opposing team's offensive lineman. This is just the basic system presented here. Teams can add their own variations and revisions.

The zero technique is one of the many techniques derived from this numbering system. In this technique, the defensive tackle is lined up over the center. In a 1-technique, he is lined up over the right or the left shoulder of the center. If the defensive tackle is in a 2-technique, he is lined up over the guard's left shoulder, covering the A-gap.

The numbering system tells you if the defensive lineman is lined up over the left shoulder or the right shoulder or directly in front of the offensive linemen. It also tells what his reads are and the gap he's covering.

So if the defensive end is playing a 7-technique on the weak side of the line, he is lined up on the outside of his left shoulder.

The easiest way to understand this system is to remember that if the number of the defensive lineman is to the right of the offensive lineman, your read must be switched to the opposite side. So you could say that the defensive lineman is lined up to the offensive lineman's left shoulder, and covering the "C" gap.

Another thing we need to remember is that the numbering system tells how far off the defensive end and the outside linebacker is to the line of scrimmage. For example, if the defensive end is in an 8-technique, then he is playing outside of the offensive tackle or tight end.

The numbering system we have just discussed is not used all the time. There are other techniques although this is the most common. Just remember the basic thing about this technique: the alignment of the defensive lineman is determined by the location of the number in relation to the offensive lineman.

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