In football, a blitz is when an extra defender rushes the quarterback by coming straight up the middle or from one of the edges. This action aims to disrupt the offensive team, allowing for a turnover. Blocking schemes against a blitz will vary depending on the type used. Knowing what Is a Blitz in Football and what kind of blitz is coming can help the offence prepare and ensure proper protection.
Basic Concepts of a Blitz
At its core, a blitz is any situation where one extra defender rushes the quarterback on a play. You can usually identify this extra defender by their alignment and positioning on the field. They line up closer to the line of scrimmage than most other defenders.
The goal of this rush is to pressure the quarterback. Direct pressure involves the defender getting to the quarterback. At the same time, indirect pressure forces the quarterback to throw before they want to or makes them have to move around in the pocket. It can lead to turnovers and mistakes from the offence.
Types of Blitzes
There are several different types of blitzes that defensive coordinators can use on any given play. These include:
Fire Zone Blitz
A Fire Zone Blitz is a type of blitz that involves three or four players. The design aims to confuse the offence and put extra pressure on the quarterback. The defence will bring all three or four players, with two rushing up the middle and two coming from outside.
Linebacker Blitz
The Linebacker Blitz is when a linebacker rushes the quarterback. Coaches can use this blitz to disrupt the offence’s timing and force them into an early decision. Linebackers have good speed. They can often get to the quarterback while still having enough strength to take him down.
Corner Blitz
The Corner Blitz is when a defensive back or cornerback rushes the quarterback. The defence designs this blitz to confuse the offence and force them to make a quick decision. Cornerbacks are fast. They can get to the quarterback while still having enough strength to take him down.
Safety Blitz
The Safety Blitz is when a safety rushes the quarterback. The defensive team designs this blitz to confuse the offence and compel them to make a quick decision. Safeties are fast, so they can get to the quarterback while still having enough strength to take him down.
Man-to-Man Blitz
The Man-to-Man Blitz is when each defensive player rushes the quarterback. This blitz type is designed to pressure the quarterback and confuse the offence. Each player will have a specific assignment, and they must execute it well for the blitz to be successful.
Communication and Execution
When it comes to executing a blitz, communication, and execution are key. Each player needs to know what Is a Blitz in Football and all about their assignment and be able to execute it. The defence will need to communicate with each other to make sure everyone is on the same page. This way, they can adjust if the offence changes during the play. With proper communication and execution, a blitz can be a very effective way to disrupt the offence.
It is important to note that while a blitz can pressure the offence, it can be easily exploited if not executed. The defence must ensure they communicate and execute their assignments for the blitz to succeed. If not, the offence can exploit the defence’s mistakes and make a big play.
Counteracting Blitzes
Offences have several different ways to counteract a blitz. The most common way is to use blocking schemes that can help protect the quarterback. It includes using extra receivers or running backs as blockers and having linemen double-team certain defenders.
Another way to combat a blitz is for the quarterback to throw the ball before the defence has time to pressure them. A quick release can be enough to beat a blitz and give the offence an advantage.
Finally, playing-action passes can help slow down a blitz and throw off the defence’s timing. Play-action passes, faking a run before throwing the ball. It can cause confusion among the defensive players and give the offence time to get rid of the ball.
Risks and Rewards of Blitzes
When using blitzes, there is always a risk and reward. On the one hand, they can pressure the offence and make them make mistakes. But, if not executed properly, the offence can exploit them. It is up to the defensive coordinator to decide when it is worth taking the risk and when it is better to play it safe.
FAQs
Q: What is a blitz?
Q: How do you counteract a blitz?
Q: What is the risk of using a blitz?
Q: What types of blitzes are there?
Q: What are some tips for executing a blitz?
Conclusion
Blitzing can be a very effective way for defences to pressure the offence. Knowing when, how, and what Is a Blitz in Football is essential to a successful defence. Each player should know their communication with each other to execute it. While risk is always associated with blitz, knowing when and how to use one can benefit any defence. With proper execution and communication, blitzes can pressure the offence and make them make mistakes.
