A defensive formation in football that uses six defensive backs instead of the typical four. The formation sacrifices run defense for improved pass coverage by adding extra cornerbacks or safeties.
Named after the ten-cent coin, representing the six defensive backs (adding two to the standard four, like adding two nickels to make a dime). The term emerged in the 1970s as passing games became more sophisticated.
The dime defense represents football's evolution from a ground-based to an aerial game, showing how strategy adapts to offensive trends. Modern offenses use so many receivers that dime defense has become almost standard on passing downs, completely changing the athletic requirements for defensive players.
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