FRONTS

UNDER FRONT

Part of the 4-3 | 4-4 | 6-2 Defense

Defensive Tackles: 1 Technique & 3 Technique
Defensive Ends: 5 Technique

The 1-technique will be set to the tight end side. The 3 technique will be set on the opposite side of the center.

OVER FRONT

Part of the 4-3 | 4-4 | 6-2 Defense

Defensive Tackles: 1 Technique & 3 Technique
Defensive Ends: 5 Technique

The 3-technique will be set to the tight end side. The 1 technique will be set on the opposite side of the center.

BOUNDARY FRONT

Part of the 4-3 | 4-4 | 6-2 Defense

Defensive Tackles: 1 Technique & 3 Technique
Defensive Ends: 5 Technique

The boundary set is the same as the over/under front, except the 3 technique will go toward the “short” side of the field, otherwise known as the “boundary. The 1 technique will be set on the opposite side of the center.

FIELD FRONT

Part of the 4-3 | 4-4 | 6-2 Defense

Defensive Tackles: 1 Technique & 3 Technique
Defensive Ends: 5 Technique

The field set is the same as the over/under the front; only the defensive front is set to the field (the side of the field with more space). These fronts are used if there’s no tight end. The 3-technique will be set to the tight end side. The 1 technique will be set on the opposite side of the center.

BEAR FRONT

Part of the 5-2 / 5-3 Defense

Nose Guard: 0 Technique
Defensive Tackles: 3 Techniques
Defensive Ends: 5 Techniques

The bear front, made famous by the Chicago Bears, requires 3 defensive tackles to occupy the 3 interior offensive linemen ( Center & 2 guards).

OKIE FRONT

Part of the 3-4 Defense

Nose Tackle: 0 Technique
Defensive Ends: 4i Technique

The Okie front has three defensive linemen that are responsible for the B gaps. Due to their alignment and defensive philosophy, teams may use this defensive structure to spill everything. This allows the linebackers to scrape to the football and safeties to get involved with the run game.

STACK FRONT

Part of the 3-3 / 3-4 Defense

Nose Tackle: 0 Technique
Defensive Ends: 4/5 Technique

The stack front is similar to the Tite/Okie front. However, it has the defensive ends either head up or outside alignment of the tackle. This front is common against spread attacks, with teams who like to throw the football.