Football Over Under 4-3 Defense

The 4-3 defense is a popular scheme in all levels of football. There are multiple variations of the 4-3, most notably the 4-3 over and 4-3 under sets. Read on to learn more about the two most popular variations of the 4-3 defense.

What is an Over-Under 4-3 Defense in Football?

The 4-3 defense in football is a specific defensive set in which there are four defensive lineman and three linebackers on the field. In the 4-3 defense, each defensive lineman is assigned a gap to defend based on whether they are running a 4-3 over or a 4-3 under. In a 4-3 over defensive set, the defensive tackle is lined up on the closed side across from the tight end while the nose tackle is lined up either across from the center or covering the gap between the center and his left guard.

4-3 Over

In a 4-3 over defensive set, the defensive tackle is lined up on the closed side across from the tight end while the nose tackle is lined up either across from the center or covering the gap between the center and his left guard. The defensive ends line up on the ends across from the right and left tackle as usual.

4-3 Under

In a 4-3 under defensive set, the defensive tackle is lined up on the open side across from the left guard while the nose tackle is lined up on the closed side opposite the tight end. The defensive ends line up as usual across from the right and left tackles at the end of the formation. The strong-side linebacker is also placed on the line of scrimmage on the outside of the left end.

When is an Over-Under 4-3 Defense Used in Football?

A 4-3 defense is used in order to utilize blitzing as well as pass coverage schemes. Some problems that can occur while using this defense are when running backs can be successful surging through the A gap it creates or if the quarterback is able to identify the scheme based on the spacing of the defensive tackles.