Video:What Is the Dime Defense in Football?

Transcript:What Is the Dime Defense in Football?

If you are not a football fan or have just never really paid attention, it may seem like all the players do is try to tackle the guy with the ball. But believe it or not, there actually is more to it. Today we’ll start by introducing you to the dime defense.

How to Set Up the Dime Defense in Football

The goal of the dime defense is to stop the ball from being effectively passed by the offense. The pattern can be set up one of two ways, either with four down lineman, one linebacker, and six defensive backs or with three down lineman, two linebackers, and six defensive backs.

This works well when the offense is unlikely to run due to the distance needed to get a first down or because they do not have enough time, or both.

The dime is essentially a variation on the nickel defense, the difference being that the dime adds a sixth defensive back -- known as the dime back -- to the secondary line, as opposed to the nickel's five defensive backs. The defense strategy got its name from the fact that a dime is worth two nickels. Plus, it sounds cool.

Four-Lineman Scenario for the Dime Defense in Football

In the 4-lineman scenario, the four linemen are set on the line of scrimmage -- the imaginary line that separates the offense from the defense. There are two defensive ends on each end of the line with two defensive tackles in between. Behind the defensive line is a linebacker. Then, there are two cornerbacks, one nickel back, and one dime back that combine with the two safeties to cover the defensive backfield.

In passing situations that seem obvious such as a third and long, the offensive running back is often put into motion or may serve as an extra wide receiver. This generally creates a mismatch with a basic defense, which is where the dime pays off. With six defensive backs on the field, there is a better chance of shutting down the offensive pass play.

How to Beat a Dime Defense in Football

The best bet for an offense to overcome this defense by opting for a running play, which is many times called on the fly once the quarterback reads the dime defense. But a good defensive line will also shift to cover the newly formed running play, which in theory puts the offense back to a proverbial square one in terms of being able to effectively advance the ball the required distance.

So really, all that's needed now is a lightning fast, nimble receiver and a quarterback that can hit him in the numbers with a no-look rocket. But yeah, easier said than done from the comfort of your own sofa.

I'm Jonathon Stewart, with About.com.