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nine technique

2 meanings

also: 9 technique · 9-tech · wide nine

The widest alignment on the line, outside the tight end or outside the last man. The speed rusher's spot.

2 meanings, all below. Jump to the one you heard.

Defense

nine technique, the alignment

A defensive end aligned outside the tight end, or wide outside the tackle when there is no tight end, further from the ball than any other lineman. The width buys a better angle to the quarterback and makes him the contain player, at the cost of being the furthest man from an inside run and the easiest to reach on a play run away from him.

Also called9 technique, wide nine
Not to be confused withseven technique, six technique, five technique
Defense

nine technique, the player

A player archetype, in the same way as three technique. A nine technique end is a speed rusher, and the phrase describes what a coach is looking for rather than only where he will stand.

Also called9-tech, speed rusher
Not to be confused withstrongside end, five technique end

Where you will hear it

  • wide-nine fronts
  • pressure-oriented four-man fronts

By level

The trade is sharper the lower the level, because the run game is a larger share of the offense and a defensive end who is wide is a defensive end who is not helping inside.

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