Defensive line techniques (0 through 9)

What it is

Numbered alignments relative to offensive linemen: 0 head-up centre, 1 shade, 2 head-up guard, 3 outside guard, 4i inside tackle, 4 head-up tackle, 5 outside tackle, 6 head-up tight end, 7 inside tight end, 9 outside tight end.

Why it matters

The universal shorthand for where a lineman lines up. Odd numbers are generally outside shades, even numbers head-up, and 'i' denotes an inside shade. Technique dictates gap responsibility and the blocks a defender should expect.

Also called

Programs call this 3 technique, 5 technique, shade or nose. The Coach answers to any of them.

On film

One rep of this in public all-22, each reviewed by a coach before it was labelled. The link opens at the play.

• Done right2:23–2:30

  Freeze pre-snap: name each defensive lineman's technique number off his alignment relative to the OL.

  Watch the rep →

  Labelled by coach-review@eliteedge (model-assisted: qwen2.5vl-cdx:7b@dgx-spark).