How to Anticipate a Blitz Like an NFL Player

To succeed as an offensive player, you have to develop a talent for anticipating and reacting correctly to a blitz by the defense.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Learn to read the defensive formation. Most NFL defenses operate from a 4-3 front (four linemen and three linebackers), but there are numerous variations you must be aware of (see Tip 1).

2. Be alert for changes in the front that affect your blocking assignment. For instance, a Sam linebacker can line up in any number of places or positions, each of which are important if blocking him is your responsibility.

3. Watch the Sam covertly to see if he's doing anything that would signal a blitz. By studying film, you can learn his idiosyncrasies (see Tip 2).

4. Watch the defensive backs for tips as well. Sometimes a cornerback will blitz, and it might be your responsibility to pick him up. Defensive backs who blitz typically give off more signals than linebackers (see Tip 3).

5. Don't hesitate. On a typical pass play, you'll have two responsibilities as a running back: picking up a blitz and running a passing route. Once you determine there won't be a blitz, get into your route as quickly as possible (see Tip 4).

Tips & Warnings

• Normal 4-3 alignment puts a defensive tackle across from each of the offensive guards, a defensive end on the outside shoulder of the offensive tackles, a strong side linebacker (Sam) over the outside shoulder of the tight end, a weak side linebacker (Will) lined up outside the weak side end and a middle linebacker (Mike) five yards deep across from the center.
• Some linebackers in the NFL never blitz when they're up at the line bluffing and showing blitz; they only come after appearing nonchalant. Also, some players always make eye contact with you when you're their coverage responsibility, but never make eye contact with you when they're blitzing. Learn and exploit these tendencies.
• Watching the first two steps that the linebacker takes should be enough. If he takes two steps forward at the snap, figure he's coming and stay in to block him. If he takes two steps backward at the snap, figure he's dropping into coverage and take off on your route.
• Probably 90 percent of the snaps in the NFL occur on "one." As a result, even offensive players will jump off-sides before "two." If the play is on "two," make sure to take a peek at your blocking assignment - he might give you an important clue about what he's going to do.
• Recognizing a blitz can be tough. Defensive players are masters at disguising what they're doing.

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on 11/22/2005 Look around, and if the player is restless and twitching, it might signal a blitz. Always look around, because there's always someone to block, and if there isn't anyone (which rarely happens), run a route and give your quarterback another target. You may be wide open if you do run a route, because the defense may leave you uncovered if they think you have a blocking assignment.