4-4 question......?

Question

alright, so I play defensive tackle for my HS football team and this year we're changing from a 5-3 to a 4-4. I'm not very familiar with the 4-4 so if anyone else is,do you have any tips for me??
thanks

Answer 1

In a 4-4 defense, the defensive tackles are usually aligned head up on the guards (2 techniques) with the inside LB's stacked over the top. Most defensive coordinators will have various fronts for their defenses. You may base out of the 4-4 but be in multiple looks. The strongside tackle is usually responsible for A gap with the Sam LB responsible for B while the weakside tackle is responsible for the weak B gap and the Mike LB for the A gap. However, this may vary depending on the coordinator.

Hope this helps,

Coach T

Answer 2

The truth about the 4-4 as I have played against it back in the day and saw it coached at the school I was trainer at last year.

Tackles on outside eye of guards (B gap)
ILBs on inside shoulders (A gap)
Ends on outside shoulders of offensive tackles (C gap)
OBs on outside shoulders of tight ends (D gap)
DB's will be in Cover 0 (press), 1 (man), or 4 ( 3-deep no rotation)

Your team must have an number of athletic kids to go to a 4-4 or you will be playing a lot of running teams to make the switch. This Defense strong against running teams as gap control is key. Susceptible to quick passing game due to easy to pass block scheme against.
Good Luck.

Answer 3

a 4-4 defense basically takes a defensive end and moves him back into a linebacker position. as a defensive tackle you will move slightly towards the end of the line of scrimmage. in other words, 4 men down and 4 linebackers instead of 5 men down and 3 linebackers. you will have to cover more ground up front since there will be only 4 down lineman.

Answer 4

not much really changes for the tackles in a 4-4, you line up on the guards, and are usually forced to stay home and allowing the DE's to pass rush.