DEFENSIVE SCHEME

The defensive approach that we designed was based on the fact that we were rarely (if ever) bigger than our opponents.  So we used movement to offset our size disadvantage.  We tried to keep it simple so that the players could use their athletic ability and not be slowed by having to think about a lot of defensive variables.  The potential for getting over-complicated always had to be monitored.

Our base defense was a 4-4 alignment with man cover in the defensive backfield.  The DT’s aligned on the outside eye of the guards.  The DE’s aligned on the outside eye of the tackles.  The 2 inside LBers took the inside eye of the guards.  The 2 outside LBers were positioned head-up on the tackles.  Each CB had the widest eligible receiver to his side.  The safety was assigned either a TE or a back that went in motion.  Since we scouted every team and, in some cases, had several years of tendencies, we could pretty much be specific in assignments to each week’s opponent based on what we already knew of them.

We would stack LBers probably 60% of the plays.  We would put the DT’s head-up on each guard and the DE’s would go head-up on each tackle.  The inside LBers stacked directly behind each DT and the outside LBers stacked directly behind each DE.  We called it the “Monster Blitz” and we could call it “IN” or “OUT”. 

The In or Out call was talking to the linemen.  So, on “Monster Out”, the DT’s made their charge through the outside eye of the guard while the 2 Inside LBers each took a side of the center.  The DE’s went through the outside eye of the tackle while the Outside LBers each took the inside of their respective tackles. 

The “Monster In” call was the opposite.  The DT’s went in while the Inside LBers went out and the DE’s went in while the Outside LBers went out.  On either call, all gaps were filled.   

The only other stunts used were 2 inside LBers shoot or Corner Go where one or both corners shot.  Again, we were mindful of keeping it simple. 

There were specific techniques taught for every stunt.  In other words, the player did not “just go” but were taught specifically what their targets were on each stunt.

Our pass coverage was pretty simple, especially early-on as the younger age groups did not have much of an accomplished passing attack.  We used a man-to-man base coverage or a “Cover 5” zone coverage depending on the opponents, situation, etc.  In certain instances, our defense automatically adjusted from one to the other.  It all depended on our scouting report for that specific opponent.

In the man coverage, the 2 corners each took the widest receiver to their respective side.  To maintain simplicity, they stayed with their assignment even if motion took them to the other side of the defense.  As we got older, we adjusted slightly to motion but, for the most part, kept it relatively simple.

Our safety was assigned the next best receiver based upon our scouting report.  So he might end up covering a back out of the backfield or a back going in motion.  We eventually adjusted to wingback formations by bringing our safety right up on the LOS to offset any outnumbering schemes.  That left our middle vulnerable but not many teams were resourceful enough to take advantage of what we gave them in those situations.

For teams that tried to spread us out with split receivers, we went to what we called a “cover 5” zone.  The “5” referred to the 2 OLBers and the 3 defensive backs.  The 2 OLBers had their respective flat zones and the 3 DB’s each had their respective 1/3 deep zones. 

We used our Inside LBers to cover the short middle zone in combinations.  One ILBer could cover the short middle while the other blitzed or was assigned a specific receiver to cover man-to-man.  In scouting opponents, we knew which receiver needed to be “taken away” with what essentially was a double-team anywhere that good receiver went.

It’s important to mention that we practiced both man-to-man techniques as well as zone techniques.  In man cover, the defensive man keyed his assigned receiver whereas in zone coverage each player keyed  the quarterback along with receivers that might attack them.  It takes awhile to learn where you must place your eyes (i.e. your key) in each of the different coverages.  Again, back to the “skills and drills” part of practice planning.  

We also taught players how to read keys (as was mentioned above).  I feel this one detail was hugely responsible for the great success we experienced as a team.  A defensive player that gets hung up on looking to “follow the ball” is vulnerable to fakes and misdirection.  Consequently, that player will likely be out of position more often than not.

However, reading keys from the offense will put a defensive player in a certain gap.  The only place the ball can move in any offensive system is in the gaps.  If each gap is accounted for, it makes sense that there is no place left to run the ball.  You don’t have to guess as a defensive player—just read your keys and be responsible for your gap.

One example I can give you is that our LBers (both Inside and Outside) lived by one simple key:  If the back closest to you comes at you, step up and take him on.  If the back closest to you goes away, immediately check the other back.

If your LBers will live and die by this one simple read, you will rarely fall for the counter or reverse.  Again, read your key and the ball will come to you.  I am simplifying this concept here but no matter how the other offense lined up or whatever their objective was, this key was extremely effective.

Another example of reading keys was the DB’s in man-to-man coverage.  This one is going to sound pretty ridiculous until you actually see your DB’s using it.  It is:  If your receiver blocks, it’s a run and you fill your assigned gap.  If your receiver releases downfield, it’s a pass and you get to your cover position as taught.