Coach -

Because of recent success at higher levels, the  3-3 Stack defense is trending again, and you are likely to face it at least once this season. 

Known for its versatility and athleticism, this defensive scheme presents unique challenges that require a thoughtful and strategic approach.

We'll break down the general rules for effectively attacking the 3-3 Stack as outlined by David Norris, who is an offensive coordinator in Charlotte, NC, to help you maximize your offensive output when you face the stack.

Understanding the 3-3 Stack Defense

Advantages of the 3-3 Stack

The 3-3 Stack is a popular choice for teams looking to leverage speed and athleticism on defense. This setup allows for quick adjustments and the ability to cover a lot of ground, making it difficult for offenses to exploit gaps.

Why Teams Choose the 3-3 Stack

Teams opt for the 3-3 Stack because it can mask defensive weaknesses and confuse offenses with various blitz packages and coverage schemes. It's particularly effective against teams that rely heavily on passing, as the extra linebacker provides more flexibility in coverage.

Struggles with the 3-3 Stack

Coach Norris admitted that he struggled to move the ball against the offense until he started viewing it as an eight man front.  From then on, things changed.

General Principles for Attacking the 3-3 Stack

Here are Coach Norris’s recommendations for attacking the 3-3 Stack…

Start with Outside Runs

When facing a 3-3 Stack, it's crucial to start your offensive attack by targeting the edges of the defense.

Jet sweeps and toss plays are excellent ways to test the defense’s speed and discipline on the edges. You can create space for your playmakers to operate by stretching the field horizontally.

Emphasize Explosive Plays

Big plays can turn the tide of a game, especially against a defense like the 3-3 Stack.

To maximize the impact of your explosive plays, it’s important to set them up carefully. Using your opening script, establish a rhythm with your bread-and-butter plays before dialing up something big.

Stress the Outside Linebackers

The outside linebackers in a 3-3 Stack have a lot on their plate. By stressing these players, you can create mismatches and exploit weaknesses in their assignments.

Play-action and counter plays are effective tools to keep the outside linebackers guessing. These plays force them to honor multiple responsibilities, which can lead to breakdowns in coverage or run fits.

Break Your Own Tendencies

One of the keys to successfully attacking the 3-3 Stack is to break your own offensive tendencies.

If you typically run the ball on third and short, consider throwing a quick pass or using a play-action. The element of surprise can catch the defense off guard and lead to big gains.

Ideas to Enhance the Run Game

Coach Norris shares strategies for enhancing the run game against the 3-3 Stack in this video.

Video: Ideas to Enhance the Run Game

Shallow Cross: The Go-To Play on Third and Long

When it comes to third and long situations, the shallow cross is a play you can rely on time and time again.

The shallow cross is effective against multiple coverages and is often a favorite among quarterbacks. Its simplicity allows for quick execution, making it a go-to option when the offense needs to convert.

Coach Norris mentioned it’s not just his go-to Third and Long Play, it’s the only Third and Long play he has on his call sheet!

A 3-3 Stack defense requires a blend of strategy, execution, and creativity. By following these general rules, you can put your offense in a position to succeed and consistently move the ball against this challenging defensive scheme.

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski