How to Block a 3-5 Defense

The 3-5 football defense is also known as the 3-5-3, 3-3-5 or odd stack. It requires an intelligent and athletic free safety, a stout middle linebacker and a tough-as-nails noseguard to run this defense. Without any clear idea of what the defenses intentions are, an offensive's line's best tactic is to zone block the 3-5 defense. The advantage to this defense is the ability to present different appearances to the offense and the variety of blitz packages. A powerful offense can defeat this defensive scheme by working together and dominating the front line.

Instructions

    • 1

      Identify that the offensive line is facing an odd front defense. Three defensive linemen or five defensive linemen will be positioned over the offensive line. The defensive linemen will either be positioned directly over the offensive linemen, or in the gaps to either side.

    • 2

      Recognize zone blocking assignments by assigning a number to opposing players lined up in a certain area. For example: 0,1,2,3. Each offensive lineman will know which zone is his responsibility to block. Starting with the center, the numbered zones exist to the left and right side of the ball. The center is responsible for 0 since he is directly over the ball. The guards are responsible for 1's, the tackles for 2's and tight end's, receivers, or running backs for 3's.

    • 3

      Read possible blitz packages. Assign a running back to pick up an opposing defensive player coming on a blitz. This is helpful during a pass play. On a run play, the blitzing player will be picked up by one, or two, of the lineman assigned to whatever zone the player is blitzing from.