Know your 4-3 D's

[Edisto_Tiger]

I've been watching football since I was a kid and understand the basics just fine. It's the specifics that leave me scratching my head from time to time. For example, I know the I-formation when I see it, the triple option, or 3-4 or 4-3 D. I know what a wheel route is and the difference between zone and man to man, but where I get lost is when the talk turns to the A gap or C gap or the 3 technique or the Tampa 2, etc. Anyway, if there was anyone else that wanted to learn a little something about the 4-3 Defense here's a great article to get you started. And if you have a link to others where I can learn more about the technicalities, it would be appreciated.

Miami/UNC: The 4-3 OVER/Slide front - Shakin The Southland

 

[TexasMan]

I had trouble understanding gap controls as well.

 

[Ballboy534]

Gap controls are essential for any defense; in the 3-4 especially, it takes a ton of discipline by the offensive linemen to make sure they know which guy(s) are their responsibility. With 4 down linemen, it's a little easier for the interior linemen to know who and for where they are responsible, but there's a reason why offensive linemen are typically the smartest guys on the offense.