The Situation

You’re on defense and have been effective with your 3-3-5 for most of the game. Your opponent’s high-powered offense has been held in check. They’re now at your 45-yard line and face a third and six at the right hash. The score is tied, 14-14, and it’s midway fourth quarter. For most of the game they\'ve been using a no back set; on this play they line up with trips to the left and a single receiver to the right. How do you stop this potential pass play and force them to punt? John Wren, Head Coach, South Bakersfield High School, Bakersfield, CA. AFM subscriber since 2002. Given these circumstances, there is one key decision to make: Do you want to pressure an early throw or do you want to play with a four-man pressure and create an advantage in coverage? In our version of the 3-3-5, the answer always leans toward pressure, especially when the offense is relying on a single back