Transitioning In-Game from 4-2-5 to 3-4: Proven Strategies for Adding Slants, Twists, Outside Blitzes & Coverages

with Jason Denton,
St. James Academy (KS) Defensive Coordinator;
2020 & 2021 Kansas 4A State High School Football Champions

When St. James Academy head coach, Tom Radke and defensive coordinator, Jason Denton evaluated a variety of defensive systems that would best fit their program’s philosophy of playing ‘Physical, Fast, Fearless Football,’ they decided on using a 4-2-5 Defense as it offers both in-game scheme flexibility, while being a great fit for the overall type of athletes that make up the Thunder football program.

Coach Denton, however, also felt that to truly take that next jump to becoming a championship level defense, his team needed a go-to alternative weapon that perfectly complimented his base 4-man front defense, while providing different looks and fresh tactics to bring heavy pressure on opposing offenses.

After analyzing the options, Denton opted to select and install a 3-4 package as another weapon in his defensive arsenal. Using an odd front, 3-man defensive line look as another means of applying heavy pressure opens new doors and unleashes an array of creative opportunities on opponents.

In this highly valuable instructional coaching video, Coach Denton provides a proven plan for installing and using a 3-4 defense to keep opposing offenses on their heels and guessing. In addition, you’ll also receive tips and game-tested strategies for switching back and forth between a 4-3 and 3-4 package.

3-4 Defense: Slant Coverages & Fresh Pressure Tactics
Using game film clips as examples that reinforce his reasoning, Coach Denton highlights the benefits and versatility derived from seamlessly switching from a 4-2-5 Defense to a 3-4 Defense.

Denton explains the different looks and challenges that an unexpected switch to an odd-front defense like the 3-4 can pose for opposing offenses.

With a sudden switch to a 3-man front, you suddenly possess four athletic linebackers on the field – bringing a new dimension that will confuse offenses. Denton explains the key role that LBs play in a 3-4 Defense, and how the switch from two to four LBs offer new coverage and pressure opportunities.

Coach Denton highlights the benefits of using slant coverages as a fresh concept to throw at opposing offenses. Slant coverages offer different gap responsibilities, which can disrupt an offense that is primarily concerned with keeping the base 4-man pressures, normally seen in a 4-2-5 Defense, at bay.

Interior and Perimeter LB Pressure Packages
The 3-man front also poses new problems for offenses when you begin to get creative with the four linebackers as a means of applying pressure. Coach Denton outlines how a 3-4 Defense becomes especially problematic when you call for inside twists and line games between the Inside LBs and interior defensive linemen.

On the outside, Coach Denton unveils how LB twists on the perimeter suddenly brings pressure from the outside, providing intense pass rush or run-stuffing tactics from a more athletic, faster linebacker defender. For an offense, the pressure coming from LBs poses a whole new set of protection rules that opposing teams must account for.

In addition to interior pressure and perimeter stunts/blitzes coming from LBs, Coach Denton also provides keen insight and valuable tips on the problems you can cause with 3-High Safeties.

Best of all, Coach Denton explains how you can install the alternative 3-4 Defense package in a simple and time-saving way that won’t negatively impact your practices.

This is a must-watch defensive video for coaches at all levels. Coach Denton provides an airtight case on why and how you can energize and empower your base 4-2-5 Defense with an occasional, unexpected switch to a 3-4 Defense!

58 minutes. 2025.