The 3 Technique is the defensive pre-snap positioning where the defensive linemen position themselves on the outside shoulder of the offensive guard. They will be shaded toward the offensive tackle on that side of the field. Back in the day, the 3 Technique was used almost exclusively in a base 4-3 defense.

The 3 technique is a specific alignment and assignment for a defensive lineman, typically a defensive tackle. It refers to the positioning of the defensive lineman with respect to the offensive line.

The 3 Technique alignment is used to confuse the offensive line, pressure the quarterback, or sabotage running plays. The defensive lineman may disrupt plays in the backfield by positioning himself slightly to the outside of the guard and penetrating the offensive line with his agility and leverage.

A player on the outside shoulder of the guard is a 3-technique. 3-techniques are a little more slender than 1-techs or nose tackles. A 3-tech is a twitchier interior defender. He’s the guy that will get you pressure on the inside. By alignment, a 3-tech is much more difficult to double team because they are isolated on a guard.