Defensive Line Techniques
also: defensive line alignments · DL techniques · technique numbers · alignment numbers · 2i · 4i · shade
Where a defensive lineman lines up relative to an offensive lineman. Coaches usually name the individual alignment: a 3-tech, a 5-tech or a 4i.
Coaches count these alignments outward from the center. A 0-technique is head up on the center, a 2-technique is head up on the guard, a 4-technique is head up on the tackle and a 6-technique is head up on the tight end. Odd numbers mark outside shoulders: a 1-technique shades the center, a 3-technique shades the guard, a 5-technique shades the tackle and a 9-technique lines up wide of the tight end. The i means inside, so a 2i is on the guard's inside shoulder and a 4i is on the tackle's inside shoulder. Seven marks the tight end's inside shoulder, and eight is not commonly used.
The number describes a defender's alignment relative to an offensive lineman. Coaches on both sides use it when identifying the front and setting assignments. A gap letter names the space between linemen, which is why a 3-technique and the B gap point to nearly the same ground without meaning the same thing.
defensive line alignments, DL techniques, technique numbersgap letters, hole numbers, receiver numbersReference
The number tells you which offensive lineman a defender is aligned on and whether he is head up or shaded to a shoulder. Even numbers are head up, odd numbers mark an outside shoulder, and an i marks an inside shoulder.
| Number | Measured on | Alignment | Gap it declares | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | center | head up | none before the snap | The head-up nose alignment. |
| 1 | center | outside shoulder | A | A shade. Said alone, 'a shade' usually means this. |
| 2i | guard | inside shoulder | A | |
| 2 | guard | head up | none before the snap | |
| 3 | guard | outside shoulder | B | The attacking interior spot, and a body type as much as an alignment. |
| 4i | tackle | inside shoulder | B | |
| 4 | tackle | head up | none before the snap | |
| 5 | tackle | outside shoulder | C | |
| 7 | tight end | inside shoulder | C | Shares the C gap with a 5, on the other side of it. |
| 6 | tight end | head up | none before the snap | |
| 9 | tight end | outside | D | Wider than a 6. There is no 8 in common use, which is the scale's one real irregularity. |
A note on how the term is used
The scale was worked out by Bum Phillips and became standard nomenclature after he joined Bear Bryant's staff at Texas A&M. Bryant is often credited with inventing it, but credited Phillips himself.
The numbering has also drifted. In Phillips' version a three technique sat in the middle of the B gap; the common modern teaching places him on the guard's outside shoulder. Receiver numbers use the same small integers for an unrelated job: counting eligible receivers outward from the ball.
Where you will hear it
- offensive and defensive line rooms
- front identification and run-game planning