How to Run a Football Defense: 5-2

This is the "odd man front" - one of the most basic defenses. It strives for balance between a strong line and a good backfield. Set the defense symmetrically from the center out.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Footballs
• Footballs

1. Assume your defense faces a typical split-back offense (see first step of "Run a Football Offense: Quick Pitch" under Related eHows).

2. Set the nose guard to block the center head-up.

3. To either side of the nose guard, leave the opposing guards unmanned, but position a linebacker in front of each, 3 to 4 yards back from the line of scrimmage.

4. Beyond these spaces, on either side, set a tackle head-up against opposing tackles.

5. Position an end to the outside of either tackle. One end should face the tight end, while the other may be left unmirrored.

6. In your defensive secondary, set two corners 7 yards off the line of scrimmage and opposite any receivers.

7. Position a strong safety 3 yards off the line of scrimmage and 3 yards on the outside shoulder of the left end.

8. As the last defender, leave a free safety 9 to 12 yards behind the line of scrimmage and to the outside shoulder of the left linebacker.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the linebackers trained on the running backs and aware of ball movement.
• Watch the strong side of the offensive line (tight end side) for most running plays, but don't get caught sleeping on the weak side.
• Football is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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on 9/25/2006 Down linemen should know there gap responsibility and slant assignments---very good defense for bringing 9 in the box.

on 8/8/2006 This defense is great against the option when playing Cover 2 with the ILB's & D Line taking dive, OLB's taking QB and the flat defenders taking pitch.

on 11/22/2005 Defensive ends should always hit with their inside shoulders so they can release to the outside and contain any sweeps.

on 11/22/2005 I played linebacker in a 5-2 system and realized that with so many down linemen, I was hardly ever blocked. Most guys up front drew the double teams while I would simply read the guards and make nice hits.

on 8/6/2007 Your linebackers are the key to your defense. I recommend that they read guards. If they pull, the linebackers pull; if they double on the nose, then shoot into the gap; if they come straight out on you, then take them on with your inside shoulders.