Of all the 3-4 Over blitz schemes we show this week in the X’s O’s Filmroom, the Strong Pinch Zone is one we probably run the most. In this breakdown, we are going to show simple we like to set it up allows us to put pressure on the quarterback by sending the right inside linebacker up the gut.
Quick Set Up
1. Pinch the defensive line.
2. Hot route the ROLB into QB Spy.
3. Hold right trigger (R2) before the snap while in control of the ROLB.
4. Once the RILB gets past the line of scrimmage, drop the ROLB back in pass coverage.
Playbooks Found In
- 3-4
- 49ers
- Bills
- Cardinals
- Chargers
- Chiefs
- Cowboys
- Dolphins
- Packers
- Patriots
- Redskins
- Steelers
- Texans
The 3-4 Over – Strong Pinch Zone drops the right and left cornerbacks in 2 deep coverage. Three defenders play hook zones. While 6 defenders rush the QB. We don’t need 6 defenders to rush the QB to get this blitz to work. Instead of sending 6, we will send 5.
To set the defense up, we pinch the defensive line.
Next, we hot route the right outside linebacker into QB Spy.
We want to hold the right trigger (R2) before the snap while in control of the right outside linebacker. This forces the left guard to look to block our right outside linebacker.
Once the right inside linebacker gets past the line of scrimmage, we drop the right outside linebacker back into the flat to cover the fullback.
Video Breakdown
[pro-player width=’614′ height=’428′ type=’video’ image=’http://www.xsosfootball.com/~videos~/feb-2012/34-over-sting-pinch-zone.jpg’]http://www.xsosfootball.com/~videos~/feb-2012/34-over-sting-pinch-zone.flv[/pro-player]
Final Thoughts
Just like the 3-4 Over Cover 3 defenses we show this week, the Strong Pinch Zone leaves the flats area open. That’s why we drop the right outside linebacker into the left flat area. Another area than can be exploited is the deep middle of the field. Hopefully the right inside linebacker will get to the quarterback before has time to spot an open receiver over the deep middle.
great defense for 3rd and 10.