The Slant Stunt in the 4-4 Defense

The slant stunt is a very effective change-up for teams that implement the 4-4 defense. It is designed to defend teams that have a tight end running attack. It is also very effective against offenses that run the option. Another good reason for using the slant stunt is if you have a quicker and faster defense than the offense you are facing.

The slant stunt involves 7 out of the 8 men in the box. The strategy of the slant stunt defense has the defensive line moving on the snap of the ball and the linebackers reading the course of the ball. The slant needs to be introduced as a gap philosophy defense vs. power run teams and a man responsibility defense vs. teams who run the option. The base alignments of the defense can be seen in Diagram 1. When playing against a non-option team, we will letter the gaps as seen in Diagram 2.

Diagram 1: Base Alignment

Diagram 2: Lettering the Gaps vs. Non-option Teams

When playing option or non-option teams, the defensive line will execute their stunts on the snap of the ball. This is always the same. The stunt is called to the tight end side (no tight end = no stunt) and the defensive line will execute the stunt as shown in Diagram 3.

The linebackers read the course of the ball. If the ball goes toward the tight end, the linebackers will scrape and fill as shown in Diagram 4.

If the course of the ball is away from the tight end, the linebackers will scrape and fill as shown in Diagram 5.

Diagram 3: Stunt to the Tight End Side

Diagram 4: Linebackers Scrape and Fill

Diagram 5: Play Away from the Tight End

Each player in the eight man front has a gap responsibility. If going against the inside run, you can change the scrapes of the linebackers to fit your individual scheme or philosophy. Don’t sit there and get moved off the ball. Make the offense come and find you. Use your athleticism.

When playing an option team, you have to teach option responsibilities to your players. One thing that the slant stunt forces offenses to do is make quick decisions in their option package. Bring the option to them. Remember that on movement, the defensive line is executing their same moves but now they have an option assignment. The linebackers are reading the course of the ball and they have an option assignment as well. Coverage wise, you play zone behind the slant stunt or man-to-man and invert the free safety. On an option toward the tight end the assignments are shown in Diagram 6.

On an option away from the tight end the assignments are shown in Diagram 7.

Diagram 6: Option toward the Tight End

Diagram 7: Option Away from the Tight End

This is an excellent stunt for run downs. It should be noted that each of the stacks in the 4-4 defense works together. This gives coaches the ability to add or subtract stunts based on your personnel. So add this little change to your arsenal and you may just get the offense to put the ball on the ground.