Defensive Fronts
The five fronts in cover0, how to spot each one from the dots, where they came from and the coaches who made them famous.
How Fronts Are Named
A front is named by who is on the field: how many defensive linemen, linebackers and defensive backs. More defensive backs means more speed against the pass; more linemen and linebackers means more size against the run. Offenses choose their personnel first, and defenses answer with theirs.
Share of plays in 2025
4-3 DefenseThe 4-3 puts four linemen up front, three linebackers behind them and four defensive backs, and it is the classic early-down base defense.11.2%3-4 DefenseThe 3-4 uses three linemen, four linebackers and four defensive backs, with the outside linebackers often standing on the edges to rush.12.2%Nickel DefenseNickel puts five defensive backs on the field, usually with four linemen and two linebackers, and it is now the most common defense in football.65.8%Dime DefenseDime puts six defensive backs on the field, usually with four linemen and one linebacker, to defend obvious passing downs.10.3%Goal Line DefenseGoal Line packs eight or more defenders into the box with three or fewer defensive backs, for plays at the goal line or a yard or two to go.0.6%