sniper Defense

8/10/2019 sniper Defense

1/97

Sniper Defense

The Sniper Defense is a 4-3 basedesigned for flexibility in defending

and attacking the offense.

(This is essentially a 4-3

Rover/Monster type defense)


2/97

Sniper Defense

The Sniper Defense is a 4-3 base designed for flexibility in

defending and attacking the offense.

It is a blend of discipline and chaos.

We must take away opponents run game, and if executed

correctly, our front 7 should spill runs out of A-B-C gaps and

to our outside alley and force players.

We can activate a wide array of blitzes designed to disrupt

both the running and passing games of the offense.

In order to accomplish this we must be effective in man

coverage, as well as zone.

We expect to keep our opponent out of the end zone and

create turnovers but can only succeed with unselfish and

confident athletes.

Our essentials are ranked in order of priority below:

EFFORT

FUNDAMENTALS

SCHEME


3/97

Summary of Defensive Calls

sitions Category Coaching Points Positions Category Coaching Points

gnment LB's and Safeties

e Alignment Wiper Blitz Sniper, Will

ong Alignment Sluggo Blitz Sniper and Sam

x Alignment Nitro Blitz Triple Strong Sniper/Sam/M

fensive Line Safeties & Corners

cho Stunt Slant Strong 11 (Orange) Coverage

nado Stunt Whip 13 (Black) Coverage

hoon Stunt Tackle 14 (Husky) Coverage

cko Stunt Slant weak 22 (White) Coverage Default for LB blitzes

Bungy Blitz Deep FS/Sniper

Falcon Blitz Free

& LB's Slam Blitz Strong Corner

vil Combo NT, Mike zone Sniper Blitz Sniper

gg Combo DEs drop Wham Blitz Weak Corner

s Only

e Blitz Max All LB's Items in RED are to be ready for scrimmage

ul Blitz Mike-Will

g Blitz Mike

w Blitz Sam-Will

e Blitz Sam-Mike

ash Blitz Sam

x Blitz Will


4/97

Notes and Rules

DT Technique Align on the OL. Eyes of the DT are splitting the edge of the shoulder pads

1-Technique: Over the shoulder of the C

3-Technique: Over the outside edge of the OG

2i-technique (Boomer): Over the inside edge of the OG

Strike through the OL, disrupt their block

If the OL pulls, in either direction, DL will follow to disrupt

Fight pressureIf PG tries to block down (he has the angle) then fight the pressure and do not give up the spot

Stay low and drive

4-pt stance may be a consideration if the player will not stay low

If pass (watch the helmet of the OL), then do not play with the OLGet off the OL and attack the QB

Remain in the rush lanes to ensure contain

DE Technique Align on the outside shoulder of the EMLOS

2-pt stance, low, hands up for strike

If the EMLOS is the TE then attack, attack, attack! Do not let the TE get off the LOS free. Ever.

Attack outside the EMLOS to the QB in as direct a line as possible

If the EMLOS attempts to hook/reach for sweep then maintain outside contain

Ride the player to the sideline but do not give up outside contain

Block Down? Step Down! (BDSD)

If the EMLOS blocks down to the inside then the DE will step down

Silver Surferlook for kick-out/pull from inside, create pile

Do not go upfield if the play seems to go away, no deeper than the deepest player

If pass then attack the QB, maintain outside contain, attack back-side shoulder

BoomerAlignment for no TE, single back, likely gun with Doubles or Trips DTs go to 2i (inside shade of OG) Mike and Sam go to 30 techniques (B-gap, outside shade of OG)

They have the hook-seam area to their side

Will and Sniper take inside WRs

Problem: #2 WR goes vertical Solution: Sniper or OLB goes with him

If Trips and the #2 goes vertical, the Sniper will take him and the ILB will take the flat

The ILB must be aware of #2 as well. #3 is not as dangerous to us as #2

Motion When WR motions he will be handed off from LB to LB as he crosses the formation

LBs exchange location and responsibility when the motion crosses the LB-LB boundary, match motion across the formation

This will change the coverage

Jet motion will be quicker and may be handled differently

Priority TacklingWhen in doubt, do a tackling drill

PursuitWhen in doubt after tackling, do a pursuit drill

Alignment and assignments

Depth Chart


5/97

Defensive Ends

Responsibility

Control the ELOS/perimeter

Play football

See ball, attack ball Defeat your opponent each time

General Concepts

Stance

2-pt stance

Inside leg splits the EMLOS in half

Keep head and back vertical

Arms in front, ready to attack and control

First Move

Drive your inside leg and arm into the EMLOS

Stop his momentum

Control your position

Retain outside control

Use your arms to keep the EMLOS away from you and in control

Blocking Schemes Coming After You:

Down BlockIf the EMLOS is blocking down either the play is going away, or it is coming

right at you (lead, kick-out)

Push the EMLOS down into the pile

Condense the LOS

Contact is closer to center than they want

Disrupt their TE passing game

Look to the inside for a OL trapping youSilver Surfer position

Look to the FB for a kick-out

Drive BlockPlay is going inside you so the EMLOS is trying to move you out of the hole

Hold your ground

Keep your outside arm and leg free

Hook BlockThe play is going outside of you (sweep)

Keep EMLOS to inside

Keep your outside arm and leg free

Drive up-field to alter BC path

Pass Block

Attack the QB

A sack must be earned, all the way to the QB

If you are getting through, they are letting you through. Look for the screen


6/97

DEWing-T Adjustments

Offensive Summary

The wing-t will normally have a single wide receiver, two backs offset to the short

side, and wing. The wing will usually be outside the TE, but they will move him

around and put him in motion. Some teams will also move the FB around just a bit.This is a deception offensebacks crossing, QB rolling - where you will not see the

handoff and will not know who has the ball. Follow the Gs to the play. They will

throw on the run, with little drop-back passing. Lots of fast hitting, pulling,

trapping, deception type plays.

Defensive Summary

Assign a Dog to the Wing. LBs and DBs turn and run to the QB rollout. DL slant to

the wing side. Not greatly concerned about vertical or combo route passing game.

Defensive LineSlant to the wing side. DEs split the EMLOS. If the wing goes in

motion the call will change so be prepared.

LinebackersWont have lead/ISO type plays coming at you. Step up, read, and fill.

CornersWing side wont have anyone wide so play closer to the box. We will

assign a Dog back to cover the wing 1-1. Outside C is 1-1 with the wide receiver.

Safetys Play over/just outside of the TE and outside the short side EMLOS. Look to

support run first.

On TE Side Continue to split the EMLOS

Step down 1 yard deep into the backfield through the EMLOS

Look to the inside for pulling guards

The Wing may try to block down on you

Control the TE to keep him from the LBs and getting into the pass route clean -

Make him earn getting past you

Away from TE Continue to split the EMLOS

Look for the QB bootleg coming to your side

Look for the T and G fold blocking on you

T will close down on our DT

The G will pull to drive you out

Objective is to clear a hole to your inside for the FB to run to


7/97

Defensive Line

Position Coaching Points

ur intent is to attack and disrupt the offensive linemen so our second level players can

ake tackles. You must play with an irritating energy that never stops. In order to achieve

is you must quickly read and react and be physical at the point of attack. You must be

sciplined in your protection of A-B gaps.

WhipWeak-side

efensive end

Same as the Sword, but will not normally be on the TE, will generally

be on the OT which is a different body style and approach. May be

down in a 3-point stance (may also angle, depending on the player) i

not playing against a TE. Will not be concerned about disrupting the

OT release except for the step-down. Do not spend time playing with

the EMLOS, get to the QB while maintaining outside contain. Cannot

get hooked. Will flip-flop with Sword depending on the strength call.

T Normally a gap player, will be in the A- or B-gap depending on the

strength call. Will be in a very low, weight on the hand, rear in the air

stance. First thought is to get off the ball quick enough to get through

the gap untouched. Will follow the OG, if he pulls then follow and

disrupt. If no contact then turn to the inside and look for the trap

block. Attack the QB and the football. Attack at full speed but under

control to read the play, dont want to run past a ball carrier.

wordStrong-

de defensive

nd

Align outside shade of the strong-side EMLOS in a low 2-point stance

hands up, eyes on the target. Control and disrupt the TE release.

Attack the QB through the shoulder-neck area. Watch for the reach-

block by the EMLOS, must maintain outside leverage. If the EMLOS

steps down to the inside, close down hard, shove the player into the

inside, and as Silver Surfer, attack the pull- or kick-out block, create

pile. Will flip-flop with Whip depending on the strength call.


8/97

Linebackers

Position Coaching Points

Mike: You will quickly fill empty gaps with exceptional leverage and strength. You must pla

st, downhill and punish ball carriers with sure tackling. You can effectively cover RB, TE

nd zones in the passing game. You are call makers both in the huddle and pre snap.

am, Will: You must be comfortable playing in space against skill players or rushing the

asser. As a Force/Contain player you are willing to take on Offensive Linemen and hold

our ground at the point of attack. You must be disciplined when the ball goes away

atching for Counter/Reverse or Bootleg. You are an essential communicator both pre sna

nd during the play.

l LBs First thought is to stop the inside run. Low, 2-point stance eyes up,

ready to attack. First step is with the inside foot make the run/passread, then attack the assignment.

WillWeak-side

utside

nebacker

Will call the down and distance, before/in huddle and before play.

Walk-off like Sniper if doubles formation. Control the weak-side B-ga

and look for the off-tackle run play 1st. Maintain outside contain. Ma

have flat away from Sniper, or hook-seam if to the Sniper.

Mike Will make the defensive call in the huddle.

Step-up, read the OG-C-RB triangle and make the run/pass read. Ifpass then cover the hook-seam away from the Sniper call.

amStrong-side

utside

nebacker

Will make the strength call.

Control the strong-side B-gap. Look for the off-tackle play 1st, disrupt

the TE release. Take flat if away from Sniper, or hook-seam if to the

Sniper. If trips then align inside 1-2 yards inside the #3 receiver (unle

TE) at normal LB depth.


9/97


10/97

Calling the Offensive Strength

In the Sniper defense we will flip-flop the Sword,

Sam, Whip, and Willit is critical that we properly

identify which side of the offensive formation weconsider the strong side

Normally this will be to the tight end (TE) side of the

offensive formation

This may change based on the formations, offensive scheme,and the opponent

If there is no TE, then strength is to the 2 receivers

side

If balanced (Doubles, Flexbone), then strength is to

the wide side of the field

If in middle, to our sideline

Call is Strong Left or Strong Right, made by Sam Repeat the call to both sides of the defense Call is repeated by the other LBs


11/97

Making the Sniper Call

Sniper identifies the 2-receiver side

Aligns as walk-off LB on the slot receiver

Makes the Sniper call based on where he

lines up

LeftLima

RomeoRight

Must be a loud call so all of the LBs and DBs

are aware of his location


12/97

FRONT-7ALIGNMENTS AND

ASSIGNMENTS

Where the front-7 will align and what they will do


13/97

Base Defensive Alignments

S

SW T WH

M W

T

Area Defensive alignments

Call Base

Description Base defensive alignments for a Pro formation

Pos Align Assignment Pos Align Assignment

Sword - SH 7 Strong D, Contain CBOutside force, pos

contain

T 3 Strong B-gap Sniper

$ Alley Alley

T 1 Weak A-gap FalconFS Alley Alley

WhipWH 5 Weak C, Contain CBOutside force, pos

contain

SamS 50 Strong C-gap

MikeM 10 Strong A-gap

WillW 30 Weak B-gap

$

FS

CC


14/97

Under

S SW T WH

M W

T


Call Under

Description Alignment for 2-back, TE, Wing formationPro I Left Tight


Sword - SH 5Strong C, Contain, outside

shade of OTCB

Outside force, pos

contain

T 2i

Strong A-gap, outside shade

of C Sniper

$

Inside #2

WR Wing, align as OLB

T 2iWeak B-gap, outside shade

of OGFalconFS Alley Alley

WhipWH 5Weak C, Contain, outside

shade of OTCB

Outside force, pos

contain

SamS 30Control TE, outside shade of

TE

MikeM 30 Strong B-gap

WillW Weak A-gap

$

FS

C

C


15/97

Under

S

SW T WH

M W

T


Call Under

Description Alignment for 2-back, TE, Wing formationPro I Left Tight


Sword - SH 5Strong C, Contain, outside

shade of OTCB

Outside force, pos

contain

T 2i

Strong A-gap, outside shade

of C Sniper

$

Inside #2

WR Wing, align as OLB

T 2iWeak B-gap, outside shade

of OGFalconFS Alley Alley

WhipWH 5Weak C, Contain, outside

shade of OTCB

Outside force, pos

contain

SamS 30Control TE, outside shade of

TE


WillW Weak A-gap

$

FS

C

C


16/97

Boomer

S

SW T WH

M W

T


Call Boomer

Description Alignment for interior DT and OLB vs. 1-back, no TE formations


Sword - SH 5 Strong C, Contain CBOutside force, pos

contain

T 2i Strong A-gap Sniper

$

Inside #2

WR Walk-off

T 2i Weak A-gap FalconFS Alley Alley

WhipWH 5 Weak C, Contain CBOutside force, pos

contain

SamS 30 Strong B-gap

MikeM 30 Weak B-gap

WillW Walk-off on #2 receiver

$

FS

CC


17/97

Ale (Max)

S SH T WH

M

WT


Call Max

Description Short yardage for a Pro formation


Sword - SH 4 Pinch strong CBOutside force, post,

contain, man-to-ma

T 1 Strong A-gap Sniper$ Stack SDEStrong C-gap, TE ma

to-man

T 1 Weak A-gap FalconFS Stack WDEWeak C-gap, TE man

to-man

WhipWH5

WideWeak C, Contain CB

Outside force, post,

contain, man-to-ma

SamS 7 Strong D-gap, contain

MikeM 00 Flow, fill, RB smash route

WillW 7 Weak D-gap, contain, RB

$ FS CC


18/97

Strong

S SH T WH

M W

T


Call Strong

Description Strong alignments for a Pro formation


Sword - SH 5 Strong C-gap CBOutside force, pos

contain

T 1 Strong A-gap Sniper

$ Alley Alley

T 3 Weak B-gap FalconFS Alley Alley

WhipWH5

WideWeak C, Contain CB

Outside force, pos

contain

SamS 7 Strong D-gap, contain


WillW 10 Weak A-gap

CC

$

FS


19/97

SHORT YARDAGE


20/97

Combinations and Blitz SummaryCall Description Assignment

ho Slant Strong

ado WhipWDE lateral step into G outside shoulder, 1 tech engage C w/ inside arm then tigh

loop into C gap NT contain on rush

oon Tackle 1 tech attack opposite shoulder of C work into B gap, 3 tech tight loop into weak

ko Slant weak


21/97

PsychoSlant Strong

S

DE T WH

M W

T

Area Stunts and blitzes

Call Psycho

Description DL slant to strong-side gap

Pos Align Assignment

DE 7 Slant to strong gap

T 3 Slant to strong gap


WhipWH 5 Slant to strong gap



WillW 30 Weak C-gap

CC

$

FS


22/97

DEFENSIVE LINE STUNTS


23/97

Combinations and Blitz SummaryCall Description Assignment

ho Slant Strong

ado WhipWDE lateral step into G outside shoulder, 1 tech engage C w/ inside arm then tigh

loop into C gap NT contain on rush

oon Tackle 1 tech attack opposite shoulder of C work into B gap, 3 tech tight loop into weak

ko Slant weak


24/97

PsychoSlant Strong

S

DE T WH

M W

T


Call Psycho

Description DL slant to strong-side gap


DE 7 Slant to strong gap



WhipWH 5 Slant to strong gap



WillW 30 Weak C-gap

CC

$

FS


25/97

WackoSlant Weak

S

DE T WH

M W

T


Call Wacko

Description DL slant to weak-side gap


DE 7 Slant to weak gap

T 3 Slant to weak gap

T 1 Slant to weak gap

WhipWH 5 Slant to weak gap



WillW 30 Weak C-gap

CC

$

FS


26/97

TornadoDT Stunt

S

DE T WH

M W

T


Call Tornado

DescriptionWhip lateral step into G outside shoulder, 1 tech engage C w/ inside arm then tight

loop into C gap T contain on rush


DE 7 Strong D, Contain

T 3 Strong B-gap

T 1 Engage outside shoulder of C then loop into C-gap

WhipWH 5 Lateral step into outside shoulder of OG



WillW 30 Weak C-gap

CC

$

FS


27/97

TyphoonDT Stunt

S

DE T WH

M W

T


Call Typhoon

Description 1 tech attack opposite shoulder of C work into B gap, 3 tech tight loop into weak A



T 3 Tight loop into weak A-gap

T 1 Attack opposite shoulder of C, work to strong B-gap

WhipWH 5 Lateral step into outside shoulder of OG



WillW 30 Weak C-gap

CC

$

FS


28/97

DEFENSIVE LINE ANDLINEBACKER

COMBINATIONS


29/97

Defensive Line and Linebacker Combinations

Call Description Assignment

l DEs drop DEs drop to flatafter hard outside rush step, Sam and Will blitz C-gap

g NT, Mike zone


30/97

DevilDEs to flat

S

DE T WH

M W

T


Call Devil

Description DEs drop to flatafter hard 1ststep, Sam, Will blitz C-gap


DE 7 Hard 1ststep, then drop to flat coverage

T 3 Strong B-gap

T 1 Weak A-gap

WhipWH 5 Hard 1ststep, then drop to flat coverage

SamS 50 Blitz strong C-gap


WillW 30 Blitz weak C-gap

CC

$

FS


31/97

DoggT Blitz, Mike zone

S

DE T WH

M W

T


Call Dogg

Description Mike blitzes, DT engages and then drops to zone



T 3 Strong B-gap

T 1 Engage the C and then drop into the Mike coverage area

WhipWH 5 Weak C, Contain



WillW 30 Weak B-gap

CC

$

FS


32/97

LINEBACKER BLITZES


33/97

FireAll LBs Blitz

S

DE T WH

M W

T


Call Fire

Description All LBsblitz



T 3 Strong B-gap

T 1 Weak A-gap



MikeM 10 Blitz strong A-gap

WillW 30 Blitz weak B-gap

CC

$

FS


34/97

MaulMike & Will Blitz

S

DE T WH

M W

T


Call Maul

Description Mike and Will blitz



T 3 Strong B-gap

T 1 Weak A-gap





CC

$

FS


35/97

MugMike Blitz

S

DE T WH

M W

T


Call Mug

Description Mike blitz



T 3 Strong B-gap

T 1 Weak A-gap




WillW 30 Weak B-gap

CC

$

FS


36/97

SawSam & Will Blitz

S

DE T WH

M W

T


Call Saw

Description Sam and Will blitz



T 3 Strong B-gap

T 1 Weak A-gap





CC

$

FS


37/97


38/97

SmashSam Blitz

S

DE T WH

M W

T


Call Smash

Description Sam blitz



T 3 Strong B-gap

T 1 Weak A-gap




WillW 30 Weak B-gap

CC

$

FS


39/97

WaxWill Blitz

S

DE T WH

M W

T


Call Wax

Description Will blitz



T 3 Strong B-gap

T 1 Weak A-gap





CC

$

FS


40/97

LINEBACKER ANDDEFENSIVE BACK

COMBINATIONS


41/97

NitroSniper, Sam, Mike Blitz

S

DE T WH

M W

T


Call Nitro

Description Sniper, Sam, Mike blitz



T 3 Strong B-gap

T 1 Weak A-gap




WillW 30 Weak B-gap

CC

$

FS


42/97


43/97


44/97

DEFENSIVE BACK BLITZES


45/97

BungySniper & Falcon Blitz

S

DE T WH

M W

T


Call Bungy

Description Sniper and Falcon blitz



T 3 Strong B-gap

T 1 Weak A-gap





CC

$

FS


46/97

FalconFalcon Blitz

S

DE T WH

M W

T


Call Falcon

Description Falcon blitz



T 3 Strong B-gap

T 1 Weak A-gap




WillW 30 Weak B-gap

CC

$

FS


47/97

SlamStrong CB Blitz

S

DE T WH

M W

T


Call Slam

Description Strong cornerback blitz



T 3 Strong B-gap

T 1 Weak A-gap




WillW 30 Weak B-gap

CC

$

FS


48/97

SniperSniper Blitz

S

DE T WH

M W

T


Call Sniper

Description Sniper blitzes, Sam drops to zone



T 3 Strong B-gap

T 1 Weak A-gap


SamS 50 Drop to zone


WillW 30 Weak B-gap

CC

$

FS


49/97

WhamWeak CB Blitz

S

DE T WH

M W

T


Call Wham

Description Weak cornerback blitz



T 3 Strong B-gap

T 1 Weak A-gap




WillW 30 Weak B-gap

CC

$

FS


50/97

PASS DEFENSE

Where the LBs and DBs will play to defend the

passing game


51/97

Base Cover Rules

Cover 3 is our base defensive coverage

FS has middle 1/3

Each CB has outside 1/3

Sniper will align the to 2-receiver side and

has the flats to his side

OLB to the Sniper has the hook-seam to that

side

Mike has the hook-seam away from theSniper

OLB away from the Sniper has the flat


52/97

Coverage vs. Pro

Coverage Cover 3 (13, Black)

Formation Pro1 TE, 2-backs

Strength Right

Sniper Romeo

oaching Points

C

F

C

MM

$WMS

M

M

M

M


53/97

Coverage vs. Twins

Coverage Cover 3

Formation Twins Left1 TE, 2-backs, 2 WR

Strength Right

Sniper Lima

oaching Points

C

F

C

MM

$

WMS

M

M

M

M


54/97


55/97

Coverage vs. Flexbone

Coverage Cover 3

Formation Flexbone/Spread Option

Strength Left

Sniper Romeo

oaching Points Sniper aligns outside the wing at LB depth, becomes the 4 thLB

C

F

C

MM

$ SMW

M

M

M

M


56/97

Coverage vs. Doubles

Coverage Cover 3

Formation Doubles

Strength Left

Sniper Lima

oaching Points

C

F

C

MM

W $

SM

M

M

M

M


57/97

Coverage vs. Trips

Coverage Cover 3

Formation Trips

Strength Left

Sniper Lima

oaching Points Vs. Trips the $ will move out to take his regular alignment on the #2, the Sam will thenalign on the #3. First look is for the inside route, the slant or curl. The F will move over

to head up on the strong-side EMLOS

C

F

C

MM

W

$

SM

M

M

M

M


58/97

Coverage Rules for Base Blitzes

If we call a base LB blitz then that will take us into an

automatic cover 2 arrangement

The alignments are the same as in the base defense, nosubstantive realignments to indicate cover 2 or blitzing

The concept is that we are rushing 5 and will pressure

the QB into throwing the ball early

The away CB and Sniper will take the flats, the to CB

and FS will split the field in half, and the non-blitzing

LBs will take the remaining hook-seam areas

Smash, Mug, Wax

Sam takes the hook-seam to his side, except if he is

blitzing

Mike takes the hook-seam to the side of the blitzing LB(Sam or Will)

Will takes the hook-seam to his side, except if he is

blitzing

Sniper takes the flat to his side

CB to Sniper takes the deep to his side

FS takes the deep away from Sniper

CB away from Sniper takes the flat to his side


59/97

Coverage: Smash vs. Pro

C

F

C

MM

$

WMS

M

M

M

M

Coverage Smash

Formation Pro

Strength Right

Sniper Lima

oaching Points


60/97

Coverage: Mug vs. Pro

C

F

C

MM

$

WMS

M

M

M

M

Coverage Mike

Formation Pro

Strength Right

Sniper Lima

oaching Points


61/97

Coverage: Wax vs. Pro

C

F

C

MM

$

WMS

M

M

M

M

Coverage Wax

Formation Pro

Strength Right

Sniper Lima

oaching Points


62/97

Coverage: Smash vs. Trips

Coverage Smash

Formation Trips

Strength Left

Sniper Lima

oaching Points

C

F

C

MM

W

$

SM

M

M

M

M


63/97

Coverage: Mug vs. Trips

Coverage Mike

Formation Trips

Strength Left

Sniper Lima

oaching Points

C

F

C

MM

W

$

SM

M

M

M

M


64/97

Coverage: Wax vs. Trips

Coverage Wax

Formation Trips

Strength Left

Sniper Lima

oaching Points

C

F

C

MM

W

$

SM

M

M

M

M


65/97

It is time for you to leave.

Thus spake the master Coach:


66/97

PARKING LOT


67/97

Defensive CommentsWhat

To Do:


68/97

Against an Option Team

Hit the QB every play, force them to use both pitches.

Make the d-line pinch inside for collapsing inside and

protect the Mike if the play goes further because the

d-linemen can't make the play. Shoot the outside

linebackers on the edge to contain the play while the

DE are the option guy.

Make them get it to their least productive player

Make them pitch.

Mix the reads

Take away FB & QB

Take away the stud


69/97

Against a Balanced Team

30 Front. Mix up man under and Zone

Make Them Pass

Play To Your Strength

Stick To Your System And Philosophy Against Any Team

Or Situation.

Make Them Throw Anyhow, Every Pass Is A 50-50 InMy Book #1.- Responsibility #2.- Attack! #3,#4, And

#5- Disciplined Aggression #6.- Keep Them Inside #7.-

Stretch Them Out #8.- Have Fun/No Pressure #9.-

Thrash Them Quickly! #10.- Patience

Stop The Best Plays

Stop The Run, Make Them Pass

Take Away Run

Zero In On Tendencies


70/97

Against a Faster Team

30 Front, Cover 2 Or 4

Attack Them... You Only Get One Shot... Remove The

Space.

Contain - Bottle Them Up

Dont Let Them Have The Ball

Keep The Ball On Offense And Keep Them In Front Of

You

Make Them Nickel And Dime Us.

Play Zone In Coverage And Try To Vary The Look To

Make Them Think And This Will Take Away Their

Athletic Advantage.

Try To Keep Them Between The Tackles & Cov 2


71/97

Against an Inferior Team

Base Offense, Base Defense, Sub A Lot.

Beatem As Simply As You Can. Dont Put A Lot Of

Stuff On Tape

Close The Door In The First Half, JV'S Get The Second

Dont Give Them Hope

Get Serious... The Biggest Threat Is The Team With

Nothing To Lose.

Get Up On Them Early.

Keep It Simple, Get A Lead And Play Nice

Play Great Fundamentals And Work In Backups

Sub After A 21 Point Lead.


72/97

Against a Passing Team

30 Front. Bring 1-2 Extra

A) Confuse The QB By Disguising Coverage. B) Send

Some Zone Blitz. C) Play Man Weakside, Zone

Strongside. D) Show A Tuff Look With Backers And

Drop Them Into Coverage.

Cant CoveremRushem, Cant Rushem, Coverem,Cant Cover Or Rush, Dont Let Them Have The Ball

Confuse The QB

Keep Them In Front Of You And Pressure The Qb

Make Them Drive The Ball

Pressure The QB. Disrupt The WR'S Routes.

Zone It.....Make Them Make Perfect Throws The

Length Of The Field.


73/97

Against a Passing Team That Goes Deep

30 Front Cover 4, Blitz 1-2 Extra

Bring Pressure Up The Middle

Double The Receiver They Like To Go Deep With. If

They Send A Lot Of 4 Verticals, Cover

Man, Cover 2 Deep

Man Under / Zone Over

Press And Cover Deep.

Same As #3 But A lot Of Cover 2




74/97

Against a Passing Team that Likes To Dink And Dunk

C II Man Under 30 Front

Cover 2 Read...

M Press And Make Them Drive The Distance

Press The Receivers And Bring Heat

Take Away Dunk.




75/97

Against a Power Team

8-9 In The Box

Blow Up Blockers

Collapse / Compress The Middle.

Give Them No Choice But To Pass.

Make Them Run Over Me!

Move Around (Dont Be Sitting Ducks)

Pack The Box With A 5-3 Defense. Give Them No

Choice But To Pass.

Stack The Box And Make Them Pass


76/97

Against a Simply Superior Team

Attack Them

Beat Them At Their 3 Best Plays With

Automatics...Force Them Out Of Their Comfort Zone


Have Fun...

Over Prepare And Keep It Simple.

Over Prepare To Get The Job Done With A W!

Run The Ball, Keep Clock Moving

Sh*T And Go Blind.....Pray That You Can out Coach

Them For A Game

Stay Basic, "Do What You Do"


77/97

Against a Stronger Team

30 Front Cover 1 Or 3

Attack Them.....Dont Let Them Man handle You

Create Defensive Space... To Not Get Dominated.

Cut Them


Out Quick Them

Play Keep Away

Play With The Mentality Of Having More Time Of

Possession.


78/97

Things to Think About

Various topics for defensiveconsideration. Some are good, someare ideas, mainly just some food forthought regarding how these items

might pertain to our defensiveoperations.


79/97

Things to Think About1

Determine what defensive scheme is best for our athletes based

on

Simplicity In

Alignment

Assignment

Responsibility

Option

Pass Coverage

Pass Rush

Blitzes

Want to bring pressure from multiple positions from multiple areas

Adjustments based on what/whom we are trying to stop

Learn the new system

DC knows all positions, keys, techniques, responsibilities, key teaching

points, etc.

Each position coach knows his position keys, techniques,

responsibilities, key teaching points

Everyone learns in game adjustments that can be made so we can helpone another adjust. Maybe you see something different than the other

guy does.

Learn adjustments that can or need to be made against certain

plays and yet remain sound in scheme overall.

Know them, be able to adjust on the fly in a game IMMEDIATELY.

Learn how to communicate these effectively and quickly to ourathletes

Work on adjustments in practice

If they are hurting us with this play here is something we can do to adjust to

it.


80/97


Pick the right leader in the huddleCoach on the

field

Not liked RESPECTED is the key

Stay positive at all times

Chew butt when appropriate

Knows the calls and signals

Knows the adjustments to various formations

Can communicate to DC what is happening on the fieldso we can adjust

Must earn our trust that he knows what he is seeing on

the field

Set 8-10 Game Goals that will determine the

success of our defense.

Set expectations very high. No one has ever risen to

low expectations.

Board up in locker room with these goals so we can see

what we accomplish or fail to accomplish

Helmet stickers?


81/97


Become more physical. Teams are intimidated by our speed

already, but they are not intimidated of our physicality.

We need to become HITTERS Stop catching blows and start handing out blows.

Drill physical play at least 1 time a week

Will create competition between teammates

Will show us who can and who cant be physical

Determine some common down and distance/situationaladjustments. Work on them every day.

3rd and long

4th and short

End of half

Need a turnover time

Protecting a lead

Determine how we can disguise our intentions/coverages.

Too many times we show our hand and are easy to adjust to,

we need to become better at disguising our intentions on

each play. Make the opponent question what we are going to

do. Change it up in game situations, do not always have to blitz

we want to keep the opponents offense guessing if we are

coming, who is coming, and where is he coming from.


82/97


Preach pursuit with PASSION (11 hats to the ball on every play).

Teach our athletes to take better angles

Drill it daily- NEVER GIVE UP ON A PLAY!!

Takes NO ATHLETIC ABILITY to hustle.

Pursuit drills 2 times per week minimum

Play through the echo of the whistle.

I can live with a few penalties here and there for a late hit, if a ball carrier is

on his feet and in bounds LAY A LICK on him. This goes back to us becoming

a more physical team.

GET OFF BLOCKS Need to teach our athletes how to negate and or defeat blockers, we

allow ourselves to stay blocked way too much

Work on block destruction techniques

Rip

Small Swim

Push/Pull

Bull Work on 2 or 3 techniques and if one does not work on a play, try

another, DO NOT ALLOW YOURSELF TO STAY BLOCKED, EVER!

Be better tacklers. Eyes up, club arms, run feet, and be physical.

No more arm tackles

Shimmy, Shimmy, Shimmy

Profile vs. Face tackles Tackling Circuit and Turnover Circuit 2 times per week minimum


83/97


Create more turnovers. Vital for us to win the

turnover battle.

We have not been good in this area for 2 years.

Need to create short field situations for the offense

Score on defense.

TAKE AWAY THE BIG PLAYS.

Make our opponent drive the ball consistently againstus.

No passes of 15 yards or more

No runs of 15 yards or more

Average of 2.4 yards or less per run allowed

Average of 6.0 yards or less per pass attempt FORCE THEM TO DRIVE THE BALL

Allows them opportunities to make mistakes that stop

themselves or put themselves in bad situations

(penalties, bad play calls, etc)

Get tougher in the RED ZONE (inside the 20 yard line) Make them have to run another play

Allows them opportunities to make mistakes

ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE

They have to earn every inch they gain

Make them pay a price to gain each inch


84/97


Need more 3 and Outs or 7 play or less drives that result

in a turnover or punt.

Get the defense off the field/Get the offense on the field Demoralizing to our athletes if they move the ball consistently

Demoralizing to the opponent if we do not allow them to

move the ball consistently

Changes their gameplan

Changes their playcalling

Changes the tempo of the game

Creates situations where we force them to make mistakes

(creates a sense of panic)

Scout team needs to do a better job.

Keep score

Conditioning on the line (or some other type of

reward/reminder guidelines)

Focus on what opponent does best

Main 3 or 4 formations

Main 4 or 5 running plays

Main 3 or 4 passing plays

Take an offense out of their comfort zone and what do they

have?

If they are a team that likes to run the ball, force them to throw.

If they are a team who likes to pass the ball, force them to run the

ball.

If they are a team who likes to run to the flank, force them to run in

the middle and be physical.

If they are a team who likes to pound the ball in the middle, invite

them to the flank where we gain a speed advantage.

If they are a balanced offense take away what they do best.


85/97

Teaching Team Defense

How we call what we call, and why.


86/97

Defensive Skills and Drills


87/97

4-Station Tackling - Overview

Overview

The number one most important skill in football, no matterwhat the level, from Pee Wee to Pro, is tackling. If you can't

tackle, then you can't stop the offense. In just ten minutes of practice time per day, you can turn your

players into a group of tackling machines. If you want to getreally crazy, use three minutes at each station, with a thirtysecond rotation period. That's just fifteen minutes a day.

You don't need to be using a specific tackling system to makethis four-station drill work. Whether you prefer chest plate orwaist tackling is irrelevant. All you need are some tackling

dummies, five coaches, two gymnastics pads (or worn outmattresses), and ten minutes per practice.

Key points:

Locate the four tackling stations about ten to fifteen yardsapart

One coach takes a group of players to a station. When theplayers rotate to a new station, the coach remains

At each station players execute the specific tackling drill fortwo minutes. The have thirty seconds to rotate to a newstation

Other drills can be substituted as necessary, or to give achange of pace. Attempt to keep with the drill's purpose,however. (Such as substituting the "Bull in the Ring" for the 2X 2 square drill.)

Position players (DBs, LBs, DEs, DL) together to ensure close

physical match-ups The remedial tackling coach, located where he is in the center

of all the drill stations, is the ideal person to control the timer


88/97

4-Station Tackling - Layout


89/97

Station #1: Head-on mat tackle

Equipment:

1 gymnastics mat, old mattress, or other padded landing surface

1 tackling dummy

1 "impact shield

Execution:

Place the tackling dummy lengthwise across one end of the landingsurface as shown in the diagram

The ball carrier holds the impact shield to protect himself

At a coach's signal, the tackler attacks the ball carrier with a formtackle, lifting the ball carrier over the tackling dummy and onto thelanding surface

After the tackle, the ball carrier goes to the end of the line, and thetackler becomes the next ball carrier

Execution:

Incorrect form results in the tackler being sent to the remedial tacklingcoach for further reinforcement of the problem area (i.e. head down,no wrap, etc.)

As the season progresses, have the ball carrier charge forward at thetackler

Coaching Points:

Form tackle, good lift, drive hard

The tackle should be made at 1/2 speed, but while moving into and outof the drill, keep players moving at high speed, and try for a minimumof five reps per player

If a player has a problem with a certain area, such as forgetting to keephis head up, remind him with positive reinforcement before his rep

For example, say "Johnny, remember to keep your head up,"rather than, "Johnny, don't drop your head."


90/97

Station #2: To the hole tackle

Equipment:

At least four tackling dummies

Optional: Have ball carrier use an impact shield

Execution:

Place the tackling dummies in parallel about three feet apart

A coach stands behind the tackler and points to the hole hewants the ball carrier to attack

At the coach's signal both players shuffle sideways until the

ball carrier gets to the hole indicated, where he chargesforward

The tackler should meet him in the hole and drive himbackwards with a good form tackle

Coaching Points:


Although this tackling is "full speed" the short distancebetween the players will limit acceleration

Players should not be at greater than 3/4 speed at impact

While moving into and out of the drill, keep players moving athigh speed, and try for a minimum of five reps per player

If a player has a problem with a certain area, such asforgetting to keep his head up, remind him with positive

reinforcement before his rep


91/97

Station #3: 2 X 2 box

Equipment:

4 cones or other items for marking a two yard by two yard square onthe practice field

Optional: 1 football

Execution:

Arrange the players around the outside so that each player is facingacross from a player of roughly equal size

The coach will signal to a set of two players

At his gesture, the object is for one player to make it across the box,while the other player must tackle him to prevent this

Optional: "Thud" tackle, without taking the ball carrier to the ground

Optional 2: Coach throws a football to his selected ball carrier. Playerdirectly across from the ball carrier is the tackler

Coaching Points:

Concentrate on reinforcing secure tackles

This is an "open field" drill, so expect missed tackles

This drill will probably send more players to remedial tackling than anyother

Although this tackling is "full speed" the short distance between theplayers will limit acceleration

Players should not be at greater than 3/4 speed at impact

While moving into and out of the drill, keep players moving at highspeed, and try for a minimum of five reps per player

If a player has a problem with a certain area, such as forgetting to keep

his head up, remind him with positive reinforcement before his rep


92/97

Station #4: Angle tackle mat

Equipment:

1 gymnastics mat, old mattress, or other padded landingsurface

1 tackling dummy Optional: 1 "impact shield

Execution:

Similar to the head-on mat drill, one player is a tackler, andone is the ball carrier

The ball carrier jogs slowly (1/2 speed)

The tackler moves as fast as necessary to make the tackle Players must be coached to remain at a slow and controlled

speed, rather than trying for the "big hit"

As in the head-on drill, the tackler should lift the ball carrierup over the tackling dummy and onto the landing surface

Coaching Points:


The tackle should be made at 1/2 speed, but while movinginto and out of the drill, keep players moving at high speed,and try for a minimum of five reps per player

If a player has a problem with a certain area, such asforgetting to keep his head up, remind him with positivereinforcement before his rep

Use two lines, one for ball carriers and one for tacklers, ratherthan rotating the tackler and ball carrier (That takes too long.)

Vary the angle and shoulder at least every day, from 120degrees to the front, to around 30 degrees to the rear


93/97

Remedial Tackling

Equipment:

1 tackling dummy or "Popsicle stick" hitting sled

Execution:

Upon incorrect execution of a tackle, the player will be sent to

the remedial tackling coach with the phrase, "Billy, go over to

Coach Norm and work on keeping your head up while you

tackle."

The player then sprints to the remedial tackling coach and

informs him what portion of the tackle he needs to work on

(sometimes the remedial tackling coach will get too busy to

hear the original mistake.)

The player will then execute five correct tackles, (start to

finish) using the tackling dummy/"Popsicle" stick before

sprinting back to catch up with his drill mates, who may have

moved on in the interim

Coaching Points:

Players will feel that remedial tackling is a punishment. This is

not the case. Remedial tackling is a reinforcement of the

correct tackling procedure

Execute each of the points to a correct tackle as slowly as

necessary to perform each step perfectly

Incorrect iterations do not count


94/97

2-on-1 Tackling (Tee Time)

Equipment:

6 cones, football

Execution:

Ball-Carrier is on his back. Tacklers stand behind their cone.

On the signal, ball-carrier gets up and runs straight downfield.

Tacklers must round their cone and come back to make tackle.

Variations to this drill may allow Ball-Carrier to juke, spin, cut

or simply run straight ahead. Adjustments may include

moving the ball-carriers cone forward or back, or moving theTacklers cones forwards or back. Cones should be placed

between 10-15 yards downfield.

Coaching Points:

This is a drill that gets walked through until players are

comfortable with their responsibility. The Runners are notallowed to cut, juke or spin on their first few attempts. We

want contact and cut/juke/spin negates some of that.

After the players are comfortable with this drill, we allow the

cut/juke/spin.

Shorten the distances all around initially. Not sure how you

teach tackling but any technique should work here.


95/97

2-on-1 Tackling (Tee Time)


96/97

3-on-3 Blocking/Tackling Drill (Snake Pit)

Equipment:

Execution: Offensive and Defensive Linemen are in 3-point stance.

Ball-Carrier is deep set and Linebacker is in gap.

Variations include adjusting splits of Linemen, depth of Ball-

Carrier and/or Linebacker, or adding a Center.

Coaching Points:


97/97

Documents

sniper Defense