How to Run a Football Defense: 5-3

This is a great defense. Similar to the 5-2, it differs in bringing the strong safety forward as a third linebacker, which provides an excellent running defense with few holes.

Things You'll Need

• Football Cleats
• Football Girdles
• Football Helmets
• Football Pants
• Football Shoulder Pads
• Footballs

Instructions

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

2. Leave the opposing guards unmanned to either side of the nose guard.

3. Set a tackle head-up against opposing tackles beyond these spaces, on either side.

4. Position an end to the outside of either tackle. Facing a typical split-back offense, one end should face the tight end, while the other may be left unmanned.

5. Set two corners in the secondary, 7 yards off the line of scrimmage and opposite any receivers, usually the split end and flanker.

6. Place three linebackers 3 to 4 yards off the line of scrimmage: one directly behind the nose guard, and a second and third behind each end.

7. Leave a free safety as the last defender, 9 to 12 yards behind the line of scrimmage and to the outside shoulder of the middle linebacker.

Tips & Warnings

• This is an excellent formation to defend the off-tackle offense.

• Though good for stopping running backs, this formation has fewer pass defenders. Watch that the offense doesn't double or triple receivers to the outside.

• 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.