The GRIDIRON Coach Defensive Package: "It's Not Whether

The GRIDIRON Coach Defensive Package 2003 Gridiron Publications Company
The GRIDIRON Coach Defensive Package
Its not whether

you get knocked down.
Its whether you get up.
-Vince Lombardi
Contents
HE FOLLOWING IS A COLLECTION containing twenty one of our readers all-time

favorite defensive articles reprinted from various archived issues of GRIDIRON
Coach Magazine. The articles and the accompanying diagrams have been recreated from the original publishing format for easier reading and referencing. Whether you
are a longtime reader of GRIDIRON Coach or new to the magazine, we hope that you
will find the assembled information in this collection helpful. As always, thanks for your
continued support of GRIDIRON Coach.
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Clipping The Wings Of The Wing-T (1.1.3) ........................................... 2

Putting Pressure On The QB (1.2.1) ..................................................... 6
Honing Your Players Tackling Fundamentals (1.3.2) ............................ 9
Stance And Movement Drills For The LB (1.3.3) ..................................11
El Caminos Wildcat Defensive Package (1.4.1) .................................14
In Pursuit Of Excellence (2.4.1) ........................................................19
Maximum Pursuit - Bulldog Style (4.1.4) ...........................................22
Defending The Wing-T (4.1.5) ..........................................................24
Secondary Adjustments In The Eight Man
Front Scheme (7.2.2) .......................................................................27
My Grandmother Tackles Better Than Us! (8.5.5) ............................29
Dont Get Beat By One Receiver! (8.6.1) ............................................34
Building A Great Defense (6.3.2) ......................................................36
An Attacking Cover 2 (8.5.3) ............................................................40
Defensive Game Preparation At Canisius College (8.7.5) ....................41
Defending The Two Tight End Set (6.3.5) ...........................................43
The Wide Tackle Six: The No-Nonsense Defense (7.5.3) ....................45
Limit Florida States Offense (4.3.4) ..................................................47
From Reading To Attacking:
Merging The 4-4 And The Bear 4-6 (7.1.2) ........................................52
Adapting The Master Defense To An Even Alignment (9.2.1) ...............54
A Secondary Blueprint For Success: How We Adapted
Three Coaching Philosophies Into A Successful
Defensive Scheme (8.7.3) ................................................................57
The String Drill (9.4) ........................................................................60
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Contributed articles represent the views of the authors and not necessarily those of the Publisher.
GRIDIRON Coach Magazine is published six times a year by Gridiron Publications Company, 7
Hansbrinker Court, Liberty Township, OH 45044; telephone (866) 326-2327,
www.gridironpublications.com Email: Editor@Gridironpublications.com. ISSN 1071-1902. GRIDIRON Coach 2003 Gridiron Publications Company.
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Coach
Clipping The Wings

Of The Wing-T
...The most
effective component of
the wing-t is its built in
play-action passing
threat sometimes
referred to as the wings
of the wing-t..
HEN EXECUTED PROPERLY,
the
wing-t can be one of most
difficult offenses to defend
against because it poses multiple
threats. Its misdirection backfield
actions, down-down-kickout blocking
schemes, and its deceptive quarterback
ball handling are all of immediate
concern to a coach preparing his defense to take on the wing-t.
But while its ground game may provide the foundation, the most effective component of the wing-t is its built in play-action
passing threat sometimes referred to as the wings of the
wing-t.
To clip those wings and slow down this high powered
pass offense, four areas are critical:
Making good reads
Recognizing keys
Maintaining good defensive technique
Development of appropriate coverage schemes
Educating Your Players on the Wing-T

When preparing to face wing-t offenses, the initial step is to
familiarize your players with what is coming. The wing-t
passing attack can be broken down into four categories:
boot passes, option passes, sprintout passes and drop back
passes. In this article, we will concentrate specifically on
defending the traditional wing-t boot passes (play action
pass where the QB brings the ball opposite the backfield
flow and attacks the flank). The two types of boot passes
employed by the wing-t are the waggle (boot) pass and the
counter (boot) pass.
By Stephen Spagnuolo
Defensive Coordinator
The University of Connecticut
ment of the QB. All waggle boot pass patterns generally

attack the following five coverage areas:
Front side flat
Deep outside flat
Deep middle or middle hook (depending on coverage)
Deep throwback
Backside flat (throwback)
Stress to your coverage personnel that some receiver will
attack each of these five areas on the waggle boot, regardless
of the offensive formation. Examples of typical patterns are
illustrated in diagram one.
Counter Boot Pass

The counter boot pass is run off of the counter trap action.
The QB again attacks the flank with a run/pass option.
However, he loses one of his pass receivers who becomes
part of the pass protection (diagram two).
Pass Coverage vs. Wing-T

Because of the complexities in educating your defense on
the wing-t, its important to stay basic in your game plan
and coverages. At UCONN, we stay with two basic coverages a basic cover three scheme (three-deep) and a two-deep
look that we call cover five inside (diagram three).
A very important concept that we stress to all pass defenders is that versus any boot pass both of these coverages
become match up zone coverages (very similar to basketball match-up zones). In other words, we instruct our coverage personnel to play man-to-man versus the receiver
threat in each area. We instruct our players to hug up the
receiver in each area and deny the ball. This is a very aggressive style of man within a zone principle.
Cover Three Reads

The Waggle Boot Pass
The waggle pass comes off the buck sweep action. As with
all of the wing-t play action passes, the QB is told to attack
the flank and look to run first and pass second. Therefore,
the first priority of the upfront defensive people is contain-
GRIDIRON
2
Keys by position vs. Boot

Inside linebackers (H and B) versus the wing-t, your inside
linebackers should read the offensive guards for direction.
Instruct your inside linebackers that if they see the QB and
guard pulling in the same direction to think boot and drive
for depth.
Coach
Diagram One - A
Diagram Three - A
Contain
Contain
Throwback
(Flat)
Flat
S/S
Flat
Flat
F/S
C
Deep Flat
Read Route
Deep Throwback
Diagram One - B
1/3
COVER 3
1/3
1/3
Diagram Three - B
Contain
Contain
Throwback
(Flat)
D
S/S
E
B
Flat
Flat
F/S
C
Deep Flat
Read Route
Deep Throwback
1/2
1/2
Cover 5 Inside
Diagram Four - A
Diagram Two
Throwback
(Flat)
Flat
Deep Flat
Read Route
The playside linebacker should drive for the frontside curl

area positioning himself over the top of the flat threat (fullback). The backside linebacker must read boot direction
and drive for a position directly over the ball. He must
wheel back and find his pass threat (the read route) coming
from the backside. He should position himself at a depth
dependent upon the depth of the read route and hug up
to that receiver (match up). Versus a three-deep coverage,
with a free saftey in the deep middle, the read route will
convert to a hook. We do not give the linebackers a designated depth in terms of yards. Their depth is determined by
the receivers route (diagram four).
Frontside flat defender (S/S or D) have varying basic responsibilities depending on the offensive formation.
Against the TE/Wing Formation
The flat defender reads through the TE/wing for his run/
pass read. If wing pick-up motion occurs, then read TE to
FB. If FB at you, assume waggle boot and drive for depth,
eyeing the TE for deep outside route. Work to a point under the route and over the top of the FB flat route. We incorporate a push call between the deep outside 1/3 defender and the flat defender. When the third defender has
the deep route covered he gives a push call to the flat
defender releasing him up to the FB route (diagram five).
Communication is very important in defending any pass
scheme.
GRIDIRON
Coach
Against the Slot formation

The S/S must read through the slot and see the offensive
tackle for run/pass read. If slot pick-up motion occurs, he
must focus on the offensive tackle for pass set and locate
the FB coming at him. Shuffle for depth. Width is important versus a split reciever to get underneath the deep outside route. Drive for depth and width. Get under deep outcut and stay over the top of the FB flat route. Listen for
push call. Drive to FB on push call (diagram six).
Middle 1/3 Defender (free safety) versus all traditional

wing-t formations: instruct your free safety to read the FB
first and pick up the guard to the FB direction (i.e. If FB
goes right, then read right guard). If the guard is pulling
with the FB, the free Saftey should think waggle boot pass.
If the guard pulls opposite the FB direction, then the free
saftey thinks buck sweep.
Diagram Four - B
Diagram Five
Versus a waggle boot read, the free safety is coached to

mirror shuffle with the guard and then drive for depth,
looking backside for the middle 1/3 pass threat. The read
route will generally hook up if he sees a middle defender.
The free saftey should continue for depth adjusting with
QB action and always staying deeper than the deepest receiver. The only threat possible is a backside post-seam
route by the deep throwback threat (see diagram seven).
Playside Deep 1/3 Defender (corner): Both corners in
cover 3 must be disciplined and always play pass first and
run second. Like the strong saftey position, the corners
basic responsibilities vary depending on the offensive formation.
Against the TE/Wing Formation
The corner must read through the TE/Wing for his run/
pass read. When wing pick-up motion occurs, his focus
should turn to the tight end and fullback. Versus boot read,
the TE will Inside release and run a flag route. Instruct your
corner to marry the tight end meaning that he should
play behind the TE in a very aggressive way. When the TE
is covered, the corner must give a push call to the flat
defender (diagram five).
The corner must think depth only versus the TE flag

route. He must let the TE drift to him. Working for immediate width will create a pass lane for QB to the TE.
Against the Slot Formation
The corner reads through the slot and offensive tackle.
When pick-up motion occurs the focus should go to offensive tackle for pass set. Corner see FB at him. With this
GRIDIRON
4
D
C
"Push"
Diagram Six
C
S/S
"Push"
read, the corner should immediately focus on split receiver,

expecting the out-cut. He plays the wide receiver through
the outside shoulder to protect against the out and up pattern. The corner should hug up to the out-cut, be aggressive and communicate the push call (diagram six).
Backside Flat Defender (strong saftey or drop end): Anytime the waggle boot pass goes away from a flat defender he
is instructed to first wall off a possible throwback lane and
Coach
once this is eliminated he should settle up and look to shallow throwback threat to the backside halfback in the flat
area (see diagram eight).
Diagram Seven
Backside Deep 1/3 Defender (Corner): Anytime waggle

goes away from the corner, he focuses on the backside #1
receiver only. Match-up zone principle is employed. The
corner is instructed not to overplay the post throwback due
to the threat of post flag cut but he must be aggressive (diagram eight).
F/S
Conclusion
The most important ingredient needed in defending the
wing-t pass is educating your players as to what they will
see. Breaking the scheme down into its basic parts and presenting it to the coverage personnel will help you tremendously. In addition, selling the match-up zone concept is
vital. Completely clipping the wings of the versatile wing-t
is difficult but by employing some of the techniques mentioned in this article you can ruffle its feathers some. n
Diagram Eight
S/S
Throwback
GRIDIRON
Coach
Putting Pressure
On The Quarterback
Encourage your
players to find tip-offs.
They like looking for the
edge and can sometimes see or hear
UCCESSFUL PASS DEFENSE STARTS
with an aggressive and persistent pass rush. At Georgia Tech,

we achieve quarterback pressure by
varying our fronts and by using linebacker and secondary pressure.
things from close range
These tactics require opposing linemen to make quick changes in blockthat the coach cant.
ing responsibilities and helps to keep
them off-balance. But even after a
sound defensive strategy has been devised, it wont mean
much if the individual rusher doesnt have the ability and
knowledge to defeat his blocker.
The one-on-one or individual pass rush can be broken
down into five fundamental areas of concentration:
1. Pre-read
2. Acceleration
3. Block Control
4. Quarterback Control
5. Pursuit
Each of these areas can be emphasized and evaluated
separately during practice using drills that focus on each
aspect. The overall rush, combining all five aspects, can
then be developed through one-on-one rush drills and
scrimmages.
The Pre-Read
Before the ball is ever snapped, there are a number of things
a pass rusher can exploit that will greatly enhance his
chances of pursuing the quarterback.
The first is to be aware of the down and distancean
obvious point but one that is sometimes overlooked by
players even at the college level. Players need to practice
checking the down and distance during practice. Utilize the
chains and down marker in practice whenever possible.
By film analysis, try to identify tip-offs in your
opponents stance and alignments of blockers (including
backs) that alert you to the likelihood of a pass play. EnGRIDIRON
6
By George OLeary
Georgia Tech University
courage your players to find tip-offs. They like looking for

the edge and can sometimes see or hear things from close
range that the coach cant. When keys indicate a pass play is
likely, let the rusher narrow his stance and increase his stagger. The player must have a technique in mind before the
snap on passing downs to allow a quicker transition into his
rush technique. In passing situations, he should try to see
the ball rather than just the hand or head of the offensive
lineman for his movement key. If the blocker is a little slow
setting up and your rusher can surge more quickly by seeing
ball movementhe can make the offense pay with a sack.
Film analysis allows you to know how they will block on
their favorite pass plays. The rusher will react with more
confidence (and therefore be quicker) if he sees a familiar
blocking scheme that tips off a draw or bootleg play. Finally, make sure the rusher is absolutely sure of his proper
pass rush lane versus each type of blocking scheme.
Acceleration
The biggest advantage the rusher has over the blocker in a
passing situation is that the rusher is surging forward while
the blocker is moving backwards. There is not a big difference in speed at these close quarters, but the rusher can
maximize this difference by getting great explosion at the
first movement of the ball.
The first step should be longer (12" - 16" rather than
the 3" step you encourage in normal reading of defenses).
Instruct your pass rusher to get into the blocker before he is
ready to block. Tell him to look through the blocker and
focus on the quarterback. Remind him that he is rushing
the passer and not the blocker. Repetitions in practice will
allow the rusher to feel the blocker while watching the
quarterback for roll outs, draws and scrambles.
Block Control
Successful rushing techniques are performed on the move
with the rusher constantly pushing up field into the
blocker. The blocker regains any advantage lost to the quick
start and surge of the pass rusher if he stops moving up
field to look for the quarterback or to put on a move.
Coach
Once he has exploded off the ball, the pass rusher needs
to use a rushing technique to defeat the blocker. There are a
number of good techniques. So many in fact, that I recommend having each individual rusher perfect only the two or
three moves which they perform most effectively. To simplify teaching, group your techniques into two systems
the drive system and the grab-and-jerk system.
The drive system is two types of rushes: The power rush
and the race. All rushers learn the power rush first as it is
the foundation for all other rushes. Emphasize leading with
the shoulder pads and not the hands into the chest of the
blocker. The rusher should strike the blocker with an upward blow (hit on the rise) and then drive his hands upward into his chest. He should then grab the blockers chest
plate on his shoulder pads with his thumbs up; fingers out.
The second biggest advantage your pass rushers have
over the blocker is that they can legally hold him. They
must exploit this advantage. The blocker will try to hold
the rusher as well, but risks a penalty if his hands are outside of the rushers. Instruct the rusher to roll his hips under
him and press the blocker up and out while driving hard
with his legs. He should drive the blocker straight back to
the quarterback, and remember to be inside his hands.
To those rushers involved in cage responsibility, teach
the race technique. Unlike the power rush, where the rusher
tries to get inside the blocker before he sets, the race technique emphasizes getting the rushers hips past the blocker
before he sets. To employ this technique, the rusher starts
with a three-point stance and aligns himself slightly wider
from the blocker than normal.
He should aim for a spot seven yards up field straight in
front of him. The rusher must explode off the ball, lower
his inside shoulder and rip the inside arm under and
through the blocker as he surges upfield. By the third step,
the rusher will know whether or not he has beaten the
blocker. If his hips get past the blocker, the rusher should
then push inside to squeeze the cage on the quarterback. If
the blocker sets up quickly and gets his outside shoulder
and leg back to defeat the race, teach your rushers to redirect into himwork their hands inside hisand change to
a power rush. Remember, the more an offensive lineman
overplays the power rush, the more susceptible he is to
inside moves.
The grab-and-jerk system is also two moves: the graband-swim and the grab-and-rip. Both moves work best
when the blocker braces to defeat the power rush, so use

the power rush to set these moves up. In the grab-andswim, the rusher again leads with his shoulder into the
blockers chest. As the offensive lineman braces, the rusher
pulls his near shoulder down and across his body as far as
possible. He then quickly swims over the blockers shoulder
with a high, swimming motion, stepping through deeply
with the inside leg. Getting his hip past the blockers hip is
the key, so emphasize it during drill work. The pull is easiest when the blocker is overextended so drill this move until
the rusher can feel the blocker shift his weight forward.
Blockers who carry their hands or elbows low when they
block are susceptible to the swim technique so look for this
characteristic during film analysis. Dont restrict this move
only to taller pass rushers. Height helps, but blocker overextension, timing, a strong pull and quick feet make the move
work.
The grab-and-rip is the move of choice against blockers
who set deep and like to bring their hands high into the
rushers upper chest or throat area to neutralize his charge.
Again, the keys for the rusher are to lead with his shoulders,
and get into the blockers chest before he is ready to strike
and grab cloth. The rusher must twist the blocker, pushing
and lifting his near shoulder while pulling the far one toward you. Then the rusher can rip his shoulder and arm
under and across his body. If done correctly, the rushers
near shoulder will be lifting high under the blockers armpit.
Both moves in the grab-and-jerk system emphasize:
Grabbing cloth and pulling hard
Getting your hips past the blockers
Accelerating past the blocker as you perform the move.
Quarterback Control
The rusher can control the quarterback in three ways. First,
he must maintain the correct rush lane. This prevents
scrambling and draw lanes from opening up as well as obstructing the field of vision of the quarterback. Through
repetition versus the various blocking schemes the rusher
will learn to take the proper lane rather than the path of
least resistance. Second, he should not raise his hands until
he sees the ball go up and the face of the quarterback. He
should keep his hands on the blocker or down as long as
possible to allow better acceleration to the quarterback. The
rusher shouldnt bother to raise his arms at all if the quarterback is facing the other wayjust accelerate through
him until the ball is away. Finally, the rusher should tackle
from the top down to pin the quarterbacks arms. The
GRIDIRON
Coach
rusher should also work on a clubbing or downward rip to

try and cause a fumble when the quarterback holds the ball
in a vulnerable position.
Pursuit
The final aspect of successful pass rush is pursuit to the ball
and if the quarterback manages to get rid of it before you
get to him. This requires great second effort but is a common characteristic of a great pass rush. A pursuing defender
can make four things happen on a down field pass.
1. He can possibly make the tackle, especially if the
receiver dodges one or two defenders.
2. He can strip the ball from the receiver as he approaches
a pile.
3. He can recover a loose ball if it is knocked loose by a
great hit.
4. And he can be a blocker on an interception return.
When the ball leaves the quarterback you dont know
what will happen so always instruct your rushers to turn
and sprint to the ball. He should make sharp, quick turns
(not wide 747 turns) and put his head to the ground as
he accelerates down field.
There are a number of ways to pursue the screen pass.
Our base method is for the outside rushers to continue to
the quarterback and force him to throw higher and quicker
Diagram One:
The Power Rush
than he wants to throw. Our inside rushers break off and

sprint along the line of scrimmage to the screen. Help will
be out there (hopefully) forcing the receiver back to the
inside. The rusher will be in a good position to meet him
when this happens.
Alert your rushers to be wary of the draw. When the
draw is being run, the blocker will usually exaggerate his
blocking to give the defensive lineman a rush lane. The
rusher should look for the offensive lineman to turn his tail
and shoulder perpendicular to the line of scrimmage. Show
your player the differences in technique and schemes between pass and draw on film. When the rusher reads draw,
he should retrace his steps straight back to the line of scrimmage and look for the runner when he makes his cuts to
elude tacklers.
While there are a number of ways to scheme a pass
rusher past a blocker, the players success generally depends
on his ability to perform the five aspects of individual pass
rush. By dividing the overall rush into the five components
I have outlined: The Pre-read, Acceleration, Block Control,
Quarterback Control, and Pursuit, and then drilling the
player on each aspect while emphasizing the reasons why
each aspect is important, the coach will find the complex
art of rushing the passer can be made manageable and
teachable at any level of football. n
Diagram One:
The Power Rush
QB
Using the power rush, the rusher takes a route straight towards the
quarterback and drives the blocker straight back to the quarterback
GRIDIRON
8
To employ the race technique, the rusher lines up slightly wider from the
blocker than normal. He then aims for a spot seven yards upfield and on
the snap of the ball, attempts to explode by the blocker.
Coach
Honing Your Players

Tackling Fundamentals
I believe that
tackling is more than
just desire, but even if
desire accounts for
99% of success in
tackling, we as coaches
must work the other
one percent to the
HE GREAT VINCE LOMBARDI once

said that football is simply
blocking and tackling. Obviously he was making a general comment about the game. But there is
much validity in his statement. With
regard to defense, there is very little
value in sophisticated defensive game
plans and strategies if your players
cant tackle.
It has been my experience that we,

as coaches, spend very little time on
tackling fundamentals. And yet I
would be hard pressed to find any coaches who do not
agree that it is vitally important. Tackling usually gets lip
service from most of us. I have found myself in this category many times and have had to face this fact after watching a poor tackling performance.
fullest.
Houston Oiler coach Bum Phillips said the reason for

missed tackles is that players either try too hard or they are
afraid, and the Oilers have no cowards. Phillips sentiments
had an effect on me and made me believe less in the old
axiom that tackling is all desire. I believe that tackling is
more than just desire, but even if desire accounts for 99%
of success in tackling, we as coaches must work the other
one percent to the fullest.
In my first players meeting of the season, I start out
talking about tackling. It is important that you impress
upon your players that the number one objective for a defensive player is to become a great tackler. In the meeting I
stress two things:
1. The importance of tackling
2. Proper technique of the hit
Proper technique encompasses our most effective methods and more importantly demonstrates safety features that
the players must constantly be made aware of. Coaching
points on safety and proper placement of the head gear is
By Bobby April
Assistant Coach
The Atlanta Falcons
the most important thing you can ever tell a young man
playing football.
I use several drills that I have found to be effective in
teaching tackling. Before getting into the specific drills, Id
like to make a point with regard to coaching philosophy.
This is a technique I learned as a player at Nicholls State
University under coach Bill Clements. Coach Clements
would always without fail, tell us the importance and purpose of each drill. As a player, it allowed me to focus on
improving that part of my game. I never felt that anything
we did on the field was a void filler. This is due to the competence of Bill Clements as a coach. I suggest that you use
this method. I know that it gets results.
Elements of Tackling
There are four elements that are essential to all types of
tackles. They re consistent in every situation. Mastering
these elements will improve the tackling of your players
immensely.
1. Eyes. A tacklers eyes should concentrate on the number
area of the ball carrier. A tacklers body control is
greatly affected by what the eyes see. Concentration on
the belt buckle has tendency to cause overextension.
2. Contact surface. This is the part of the tacklers body
that makes initial contact with the ball carrier. The
tacklers shoulders should end up parallel with hips and
perpendicular to his toes. All movement and punch is
through the ball carriers center of gravity. The tackler
should lead with is chest.
3. Standing broad jump. Attackers arms and his hips
should be in the leverage and explosive mode of a
standing broad jump. His chest should be extended
with the head up.
4. Feet. A tacklers feet are essential in driving the ball
carrier backwards following initial contact. The ability
to move his feet through the ball carrier is fundamental.
GRIDIRON
Coach
Drills
With these four elements of tackling in mind, the following
are some of the more effective drills that I have used
throughout my coaching career.
Punch and Drive

Equipment required: Rogers sled
Procedure:
Player stands two yards from sled in a breakdown position.
On hit commands, he attacks sled and executes a form
tackle. He then will execute the elements previously described. The coach should insure that there is an acceleration of the feet before blowing the whistle to stop his effort.
In the purpose section of the drill that follows, other coaching points will be mentioned.
Purpose of Drill:
To make a face up tackle
To get as much body contact on runner as possible
Bend in the legs, not back
Balanced and controlled body position
Hip roll
Acceleration of feet on contact
Arm wrap
Diamond Tackling
Equipment Required: Four cones and three balls
Procedure:
Using a five yard by four yard diamond shaped area (see
diagram) a ball carrier will line up on point A with a defensive back on point B. On hit command, the ball carrier
will sprint to a point one yard outside of cone C or D. He
will try to stay on that angle through out contact from
defensive back. The defensive back will sprint and close on
ball carrier. He will execute a full speed tackle with the
exception of taking the ball carrier to the ground. Contact
must be in the number area of the jersey.
Diagram One
Purpose of Drill:
To execute an all out hit on a live ball carrier
To sprint and close as fast as possible on ball carrier
To run through the ball carrier on contact
To deny the ball carrier any upfield movement
Execute the ingredients previously mentioned that
make up great tackling
Capers Drill (named for Saints DB coach)

Equipment Required: Five cones, three balls
Procedure:
Players are 20 yards apart, using a 20 yard square. On hit
command the ball carrier will run at an 80% pace. The
defensive back will sprint to close the separation (see diagram). He should sprint five to six yards before widening
his feet and coming under control. At this point, the ball
carrier is one yard from cone E and should burst to cone C
or D. The defensive back will then close at proper angle to
make an open field angle tackle. He will execute all fundamentals essential to good tackling without full aggression.
This contact is of the Form-Up nature.
Purpose of Drill:
Teaching defensive back to accelerate and close a large
area between himself and the ball carrier.
To position body for a sure open field tackle
To have control of body to make a sure open field
tackle
To close at proper angle in the open field
To get proper contact with chest on ball carriers center
of gravity
I hope in some way this article can help you as coaches

to maximize your players performance and help them to be
successful. n
Diagram Two
Ball carrier
Ball carrier
A
A
B
E
20 yards
C
Defensive back
GRIDIRON
10
Distance between A and B is 5 yards

Distance between C and D is 4 yards
D
Defensive back
Coach
Stance and Movement

Drills for the Linebacker
All linebackers
heel
for football coaches, it is that we
can become overly concerned with
developing the perfect offensive or
defensive scheme at the expense of
perfecting our players fundamental
skills. The very skills that ultimately
win football games.
must be agile
as well as physical.
I make it a point to
spend time every day
on some type of
F THERE IS ONE GREAT ACHILLES
agility drill with our
An example of this at the linebacker

position is key reaction. You can give
your linebackers several excellent keys
to react to. But that knowledge will
help them very little if they cannot move in a position that
allows them to take on blocks and make tackles. In my
opinion, correct stance and movement are the foundations
for sound linebacker play. With that in mind, I will share
linebackers.
Diagram One
By Mark Harriman
Princeton University
with you some of the drills that I utilize to sharpen these

skills.
Linebacker Stance
Like all football positions, the linebacker must start with a
functional stance. A linebackers stance must allow him to
move in every direction as quickly as possible. Give your
linebackers certain checkpoints to follow so that they can
develop a good functional stance.
The width of the feet is the starting point. The feet
should be shoulder width apart and parallel. This enables
the linebacker to move with quickness and explosiveness.
Next, instruct your linebackers to roll up on the balls of
their feet. Being up on the balls of their feet will allow your
linebackers, who are run defenders first, to have body-lean
toward the ball carrier. Have your linebackers bend their
Diagram Two
X
25
30
Coach
Coach
Diagram Three
20
Diagram Four
20
25
30
25
30
X
Coach
X
Coach
GRIDIRON
Coach
11
Diagram Five
20
25
To set up this stance progression, position your linebackers on two yard lines across the field, as shown (see diagram
one). The yard line serves a dual purpose. By placing toes
on the line, it assures a parallel stance. The lines also serve
as a starting point to return to as you begin the movement
drill. After aligning on the yard line, instruct your players
to assume a stance and maintain it. You now have an opportunity to adjust an individual players stance if need be.
30
Diagram Six
Shuffle
Back Pedal
Once all corrections have been made, you can perform a

two step drill. On your command, instruct your players to
step forward with their foot, followed by a recovery step
(two steps). This drill ensures that an individuals stance is
functional and allows you to make immediate corrections if
necessary. The linebackers will always return to their starting point and stance before the next step. Each step, listed
below, is performed twice:
1. right foot forward
2. left foot forward
3. right foot to right side
4. left to left side
5. right foot back
6. left foot back
Sprint
knees and touch the outside of their knees with their

hands. This serves two purposes. First, it lowers their
shoulders to a good hitting position. We refer to this as
pad level. Secondly, it places the hands in position to
fend off low blocks.
Carioca
Diagram Seven
Shuffle
There are two types of movement for a linebacker: the

shuffle technique and the lateral run. The shuffle consists
of keeping the shoulders square, not crossing the feet and
moving forward at a 45 degree angle. I do not advise teaching a flat shuffle, because I want my linebackers to always
be pressing the line of scrimmage and attacking the football! The shuffle is used whenever the ball is from tackle to
tackle, i.e. there is a chance of cutback.
Any time the ball goes outside the tackle, instruct your
backers to lateral run. This technique is similar to the
shuffle, except that the player now may cross over with his
GRIDIRON
12
Pivot
Sprint
Sprint
Movement From Stance

Once a functional stance is developed you can progress to
movement out of the stance. A common error of linebackers is to raise up out of their stance (raise pad level) as they
move. Raising the pad level takes the linebacker out of a
good hitting position causing change of direction difficulties as well as being susceptible to various blocks. In all
these movement drills, emphasize movement with consistent pad level.
X X X X X X
X X X X X X
Pivot
Shuffle
Diagram Eight
#2
#1
#3
#4
X X X X X X
Coach
feet for additional speed to the ball. In order to drill

these techniques, use the yardlines as was explained for the
stance drills. On your command, the linebackers shuffle to
their right for five yards (see diagram two). Special attention should be given to knee bend and constant pad level.
Have your players return to their starting point and repeat
the shuffle. Then shuffle twice to the left.
Next, incorporate change of direction. Instruct your
linebackers to begin the drill by shuffling forward. Then
change their direction with a hand signal. The repetitions
are the same as we discussed in the first drill. This series of
drills is repeated utilizing the lateral run. After these drills
are initially introduced, they can be completed in about five
minutes. I believe the time is well spent.
Developing Agility
All linebackers must be agile as well as physical. I make
it a point to spend time every day on some type of agility
drill with our linebackers. Following are a few specific
drills which I have found to be especially effective.
The first is an extension of our movement drills. We
begin with the linebackers on the sideline in two groups ten
yards apart. On command, the linebackers shuffle forward
to a cone placed on the numbers. Upon reaching the cone,
they lateral run to the hash. This is repeated, working back
to the sideline (see diagram three). A variation of this drill
involves having your linebackers hit the ground when they
reach the cone and then sprinting through the hash.
The next drill involves two bags placed in each
linebackers path. The drill is similar to the first, except the
linebackers shuffle over the bags (see diagram four).
Diagram Nine
1. Stride Through
(one foot each hole)
x x x
2. High Step
(two feet each hole)
x x x
3. Shuffle (over bags)
x x x
4. Lateral Run
(shoulders square)
x x x
5. Weave (45 cuts)
Directions Players
Face
The final drill in this set has the linebackers shuffling to

the cone and then mirroring the left mans movement back
to the sideline. Everyone switches lines after their turn (see
diagram five).
The next set of drills is an adaptation of the square drill.
Four cones are placed in a square ten yards apart. In these
drills we emphasize full speed bursts to the cones and gathering themselves at the cones as they change direction. This
simulates full speed movement and proper body position in
order to change directions. We instruct the linebackers to
breakdown at each cone to emphasize sharp changes of
direction.
1. Sprint to the first cone. Shuffle to the next cone.
Back-pedal to the third cone and carioca (crossover)
through the final cone. The next man goes as the man
in front reaches the first cone (see diagram six).
2. Sprint to the first cone. Pivot inside and shuffle to the
next cone. Sprint to the third cone, pivot inside and
shuffle through the final cone (see diagram seven).
3. Sprint to first cone. Turn at a 45 degree angle and
sprint to the third cone. Sprint to the second cone.
Turn at a 45 degree angle and sprint through the
fourth cone. The next man in line goes as the man in
front reaches cone number two (see diagram eight).
The final set of drills are bag drills utilizing six bags (see
diagram nine).
Summary
In closing, I would like to emphasize that linebackers must
spend a great deal of time on block protection, tackling and
key reaction. However, in order to be truly successful, a
linebacker must be able to perform all of these tasks in a
good hitting position. The drills which I have outlined
have proven to be valuable in helping our linebackers to
maintain good position and to perform up to their potential. I hope they prove to be helpful to you. n
x x x
x x x
Sprint
Backpedal
Shuffle
6. In and Out
(up and back)
GRIDIRON
Coach
13
El Caminos
Wildcat Defensive Package
...To be a
consistent
winner, and win
championships,
you must
be strong
on defense.
WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS.
We believe that every coach, or
coaching staff, must have a
fundamental philosophy about how
they are going to approach the game.
Basically, it boils down to those who
are offensively oriented, believing that
they will win every game by out scoring their opponent; or those that
employ a defensive philosophy believing that if they cant score they cant
beat you.
EFENSE
Here at El Camino, we have always felt very strongly that

to be a consistent winner, and win championships, you
must be strong on defense. Thus, over the years the trademark of our football teams has always been one of an aggressive, hard hitting defensive team; characterized by quick
defenders with great pursuit and excellent tackling ability.
Our staff philosophy on defense includes the following.
We believe that defense is the most important phase of
the game
We believe in position, not possession
We believe strongly in the importance of the kicking
game
This philosophy dictates that our basic offense must be ball
control, in which we stress the running game. It also dictates that we put our best players on defense. Our defense
stresses the following:
a seven-man front,
assigned areas of responsibility,
controlling the LOS, and maintaining maximum
pursuit,
must be able to vary alignments;
easily convert to odd or even,
easily adjust to eight-man front
ability to vary charges
allow for maximum use of individual, group or team
stunts.
GRIDIRON
14
By Herb Meyer
Head Football Coach
El Camino High School
Oceanside, California
We believe in a four-deep secondary

want to be in man coverage, but with a free safety
able to use zone coverage; zone field, not formation
must be able to vary alignments
must be easily adjustable to meet close formation or
deployment
permit heavy rush or flood coverage for pass defense.
In the fifteen years that El Camino High School has
been in existence, we have usually had a lot of quickness
and not a great deal of size. As a result, quickness along
with toughness have become the keys to our Winning
Edge. In order to take advantage of our perceived edge,
we have evolved into the type of defensive strategy that we
believe gives us the best chance to be successful.
A Timeline of Change
When we first opened in 1976, our defensive coordinator,
Ed Downey, implemented a 5 - 2, three-deep monster plan,
which was primarily a zone concept. However, he began to
utilize more stunting because or our lack of size up front.
In 1980, our defensive back coach, Tom Haman, took
over the coordinators job and began to implement more
man coverage and, by 1982 we had evolved into a bump
and run secondary.
Then our current coordinator, Bill Kovacevich, who
took over in 1987 changed some of our front alignments
and developed a more coordinated stunting package between all the fronts. Today we are a full fledged pressure
defense, and we plan to attack the offense on virtually every
down. It is our intention to make something happen and
force the offense to react to us on every snap.
We are in some type of stunt about 90% of the time,
and as a result we obviously play man pass coverage about
85% of the time. About 75% of our man cover is Bump
and Run Man. We stunt, not only to pressure the quarterback on the pass, but also to stop the run. Like most modern defenses, our front is a gap control front, the difference
being that we hit the gaps on the move.
Coach
Diagram One: Basic 5-2
Diagram Two: Split 5
B
R
This is our basic alignment; 5-2, man free
This is our gap alignment; Split 5, 2-deep zone or man
Diagram One-A:
5-2, 1 Stunt
Diagram One-B:
5-2, Tackle Weak
N
B
Diagram Two-A:
Split 5, 1 Stunt
T
B
Diagram Two-B:
Split 5, Tackle Weak
N
B
T
B
Diag. 1A and 2A show 1 stunt which is nose guard right with ILB cross
Above: A tackle pinch with ILB cross can be called weak or strong
Diagram One-C:
5-2, Double Thunder
Diagram One-D:
5-2, Tiger Strong
N
B
Diagram Two-C:
Split 5, Banjo
Double thunder, a hard pinch

charge by both outside linebackers,
which automatically puts the two
ILB men on the running backs
T
B
The banjo stunt sends both ILB

and puts both OLB men on the
running backs
Since we put a premium on good pursuit, it is important

that our players are taught how to play under control.
When stunting, we do not want our players to go charging
off wildly into space and over- penetrate. They must attack
their assigned gap, square up and break down so that they
can read on the run analyzing the blocking patterns so
that they DO NOT penetrate more than one yard beyond
the LOS before flattening out and getting into pursuit.
We feel that in order to have a good team pattern of
defensive football at all times; we must teach a containing
type of defense and then expand into a go get em or
Diagram Two-D:
Split 5, Tiger Weak
N
B
T
B
T
B
Tiger Stunt: 1D is strong side and 2D is weak side. We use the tiger stunt
to combat strong off-tackle running and/or sprint out passing.
blitzing type of defense. This is necessary in order to insure

that we properly teach the fundamental techniques at each
position.
Don't allow your players to think that stunts and blitzes
will take the place of being fundamentally sound. Likewise,
it is extremely important to spend a great deal of time
working on recognition; and making adjustments on the
move to offensive shifts and/or motion. There are situations which will force us into a 4-man with no free safety,
but we will do everything we can to avoid this. This means
that our outside linebackers must be able to cover inside
GRIDIRON
Coach
15
Diagram Three: Strong Side
Diagram Four: Weak Side
This is an even alignment; Strong side
Diagram Three-A:
Strong Side, 1 Stunt
T
B
T
B
T
B
B
B
This is a line cross - tackle is called

so that he will go first, and the NG
crosses behind
GRIDIRON
T
B
Diagram Four-C:
Weak Side, Blow
Diagram Four-B:
Weak Side, Nose Out
receivers man to man. For this reason, our outside backers must be excellent athletes they must be able to execute the blitz and still be able to cover a man. In each of
the last two years, one of our outside backers has been the
defensive player of the year in our league and named to the
all-state squad.
Diagram Three-C:
Strong Side, Tackle Cross
16
Diagram Three-B:
Strong Side, Nose Out
N
B
Even; Weak side
Diagram Four-A:
Weak Side, 1 Stunt
T
B
N
B
Before going into some specifics about our defensive

structure, lets try to establish a little credibility for what we
are doing. In the fifteen year history of our school, we have
been in the playoffs thirteen times - twice to the semifinals
and six times to the championship finals, winning five California Interscholastic Federation Championships. During
that fifteen year period we have played 178 games and allowed an average of 86.9 yards per game rushing. At the
same time, we have allowed our opponents a pass completion percentage of just 34.5%. Given our situation, and
the types of players that we have to work with we know
that what we are doing works. It goes without saying that
you must have good athletes, who can RUN at corners
for us, these are 4.7 types.
We will sacrifice speed at the safety positions for hitting
ability since these people are important to our run support.
As I mentioned above, our linebackers must be able to run,
and we will sacrifice size for quickness and speed at all four
spots. They are either going to be stunting, or covering
man to man 80 to 90% of the time; NOT just taking
people on.
T
B
The weak OLB is coming inside

with the nose and tackle slanting
out in a blow stunt
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, we believe

strongly in putting our best people of defense. At the end
or our two-a-days, we rank all of our players by their athletic ability as evaluated by all members of the coaching
staff and then hold a draft prior to our inter-school
scrimmage. To this point, ALL of our players have been
practicing at both an offensive and a defensive position.
Coach
Diagram Five: Option Responsibilities
T
C
B
QB
pitch
dive dive
dive dive
Diagram Six: Man Free
B
QB
T
C
C
#1
B
#3
#2
#2
pitch
#3
B
#2
C
#1
R
free
Basic option responsibilities from the 5-2 with a two-deep zone
Basic man free alignment with the coverage responsibilities: corners

always have #1; monster (SS) has #2 to the two receiver side; OLB or
ILB (depending on the stunt called) has #2 to the one receiver side;
and OLB or ILB has #3 to the two receiver side.
Diagram Seven: Strong Zone
Diagram Eight: Man, Rover Fire
Flat
Flat
#1
1/3
1/3
#3
#2
#2
#1
1/3
This illustrates our three-deep strong zone coverage
A rover (FS) fire from our man free coverage; obviously, we have just
given up our free safety
Diagram Nine: Five Under Zone
Diagram Ten: Five Under Man
C
#1
B
#2
#3
#2
B
C
#1
1/2 R
M 1/2
1/2
1/2
This illustrates our two-deep, five under zone
A two-deep, five under man
Diagram Eleven: Weak Corner Fire
Diagram Twelve: Monster Fire
C
#1
B
#3
M
#2
B
#2
R
#1
C
#1
B
#3
B
#2
C
#1
R
#2
Two more secondary stunts are shown in diagrams 11 and 12 - weak

corner fire and monster fire; again in both cases we lose our free safety
since he must adjust to pick up the firing DBs man
GRIDIRON
Coach
17
In the draft, the head coach selects a Center, Quarterback, Tailback and Wide Receiver; Then the defensive staff
takes whoever they want to man the defensive platoon.
After the defense is finished, the offensive coaches then
complete the offensive platoon from the players who are
not on defense. During our three pre-season games, we
then play two platoon as we continually evaluate personnel.
When our league play begins, if we feel that some players
#1
#3
B
#3
NB
#2
M
#2
R
Nickel coverage against a spread alignment - we replace an ILB with
our Nickel back
GRIDIRON
18
The accompanying diagrams illustrate our four basic

front alignments, and how we try to keep stunt calls similar,
from different front alignments.
It is difficult to show out entire defensive scheme in the
context of this brief article, especially all of the adjustments
to various sets and motion. However I hope that I have
been able to give you a basic overview of what we are attempting to do within our philosophy of pressure defense.
We have been fortunate to have enjoyed success with this
style of play and our players thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to attack the offense.
Diagram Thirteen: Nickel
must go both ways in order for us to be successful, then

they will - but by now we have established some depth for
substitutions.
We face pro sets, run and shoot, wishbone, wing-t,

double slot, I-formations and full house formations during
the course of a season and attack them all, obviously with
some modifications for each, but we refuse to back off until
the offense can force us to do so. n
Coach
In Pursuit of Excellence
By Mark Harriman
Princeton University
Simply stated,
we want all eleven
defenders to execute
their technique,
defeat any blocking
threat and run
to the ball!.
T PRINCETON UNIVERSITY we
spend a great deal of time
teaching fundamentals. Positionally we stress learning proper techniques and then integrating this into
our defensive unit as a whole. One
portion of these unit fundamentals is
proper pursuit to the ball regardless
of play run. We expect each defender
to take pride in getting to the ball
on every play.
Two keys to great defensive pursuit are

the proper body position and the ability to know where
your fellow defenders are. We explain these concepts to our
players in the following manner.
Whenever the ball is in front of our primary run defenders (front eight) they move laterally with their shoulders
square to the line of scrimmage in the bent knee position.
By shutting off the point of attack and moving in this fashion, we effectively limit the options available to the ball
carrier. The ball carrier is forced to either bounce the ball
outside or cut back into the squared shoulders of his pursuers. Only when the ball is past a defender will he turn his
shoulders to the line of scrimmage.
Drills: The First Series

When teaching proper and aggressive pursuit of the ball, we
utilize a variety of drills. The first series deal with run plays
versus a particular front and coverage. For simplicity sake,
all of these drills will involve a base eight man front and a
three-deep coverage. When introducing these drills, we will
walk through, and talk through all eleven defenders responsibilities including the force angles for the primary force
defender as well as pursuit angles for the rest of the defense.
Diagram one illustrates our strongside responsibilities
and pursuit angles. We do not assign our defenders specific
intervals down the field (i.e. cones placed on the sidelines)
because of the variables involved. The speed of the ball
carrier compared to the defenders speed and the possibility

of someone being hung up on a block and not getting to
their assigned area are two factors that can come into play.
Once the ball turns the corner, our players will not run
behind the same colored jersey. If this occurs, they must
adjust downfield. This gives us good distribution down the
field.
After we have walked through this drill, we will run it
versus various plays. These drills require a spacing tape, a
backfield, and two shields.
1. Toss/Sweep
In diagram two, the QB (coach) turns and tosses the ball to
a back who turns the corner and runs 35 yards downfield.
The force man will attack the shield while the remaining
defenders run to the sideline. We will then progress to a
cutback.
2. Option
The QB (coach) will run an option in either direction. He
will either give, keep or pitch. The ball carrier will continue
downfield as shown in diagram three.
Dive: 10 yards
Keep: 20 yards
Pitch: 35 yards
3. Reverse
Next we will incorporate a reverse off either the sweep or
the option (see diagram four).
Variation
A variation of this drill is what we call find a way to the
ball. This drill emphasizes full speed pursuit along with a
bit of competition. Ten bags, two footballs, and a receiver
(on the sideline) are needed for this drill.
One bag is placed five yards by five yards from the tight
ends position in the offensive backfield. The remaining
bags are placed on the sideline at five yard intervals. On the
snap, the coach will lateral wave the defense in three direc
GRIDIRON
Coach
19
Diagram One
Diagram Two
shield
SS
primary
force
cutback
C
5 yards
5 yards
OLB
reverse
SS
FS
C save a
OLB
FS
Diagram Three
Diagram Four
C
E
QB
dive
C
T
pitch
E
SS
OLB
dive
touchdown
alley
SS
5 yards
5 yards
shield
E
OLB
FS
FS
alley
Diagram Five: Find A Way To The Ball
Diagram Six
5 yards
5 yds.
5 yards
E
SS
C
FS
E
OLB
C
SS
coach
OLB
coach
FS
coach
tions left, right, left. All eleven defenders will then hit
the ground. As they recover, the coach will throw the ball to
the receiver. The force defender will attack the bag stationed in the offensive backfield. The remaining defenders
will run to the bags on the sideline and tackle them. Obviously, the last man there does not have a bag to tackle. He
performs 15 push ups for being last. Proper pursuit angle
must be taken by all defenders or the drill is repeated (see
diagram five).
GRIDIRON
20
Drills: The Second Series

This series of drills emphasizes the pass game. The defense
aligns as in the run drills.
1. Pass
On the snap, the QB (coach) drops back and the front four
will rush the passer. The linebackers and secondary will
drop to their respective zones. The QB (coach) will throw
the ball to the receiver (coach) positioned in various zones.
Everyone must sprint and break down around the coach
Coach
Diagram Seven
Diagram Eight
C
E
SS
T
B
C
T
B
E
SS
OLB
E
OLB
inside
cage
FS
who catches the ball. A simple variation of this drill is to

throw the ball to a defender and concentrate on the interception returns (see diagram six).
We then add a draw play along with the pass (see diagram seven). This is a good way to develop proper reaction
from the coverage personnel as well as the pass rushers. We
would like to squeeze the ball outside in at the point of
attack forcing the ball to the sideline.
Pursuit from pass rushers is extremely important. When
they recognize draw, they must replace themselves through
their rush lanes. This along with the converging coverage
personnel will effectively cage the ball carrier.
FS
outside
cage
Next we progress to the addition of a screen play. With

this addition, we want to teach recognition of a screen as
well as pursuit after the ball is thrown. We stress taking on
two blockers at the point of attack and making sure we
have an inside and outside cage man to contain the ball
(diagram eight). As with any play we want to force the ball
back into our pursuit.
Summary
Great defensive pursuit and swarming defense are integral
factors in the success of a defense. By developing the aforementioned techniques through these simple drills, we feel
that our players are able to move to the ball with speed as
well as the correct position to make the play when they get
there. n
GRIDIRON
Coach
21
Maximum Pursuit: Bulldog Style

11 To The Ball - In A Bad Mood
All successful
football programs are
based upon sound
starts
with a solid idea and thorough
planning. This is true in all aspects of life, including football.
VERY SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME
philosophies... Its the
All successful football programs are

based upon sound philosophies. There
the Xs and Os.
are countless offensive and defensive
strategies that have proven to be successful, but when one explores the
reasons for success, much of it can be attributed to the
winning philosophy and attitude implemented by the
coaching staff. Its the philosophy that drives the Xs and Os.
philosophy that drives
In the off season while thinking of drills, techniques, and

tactical changes that would improve our defense, I came up
with a few useful ideas, but no major changes that would be
worth implementing. After all, we were coming off of a
very successful season and still had the nucleus of that team
returning. If its not broken, dont fix it. Right? I guess, like
most coaches, I still wasnt satisfied. How could we transform a good defense into an exceptional defense? After
tinkering with all of our schemes for the remainder of the
off season, I finally figured out that what we needed wasnt
a new drill, scheme or strategy. Our defensive schemes were
sound and we were solid fundamentally. What we needed
was a new philosophy.
In studying films from the previous season, I felt that the
one area we needed to stress to improve defensively, was
pursuit. We constantly stressed technique and fundamentals
but we lacked the swarming pursuitcharacteristic of a
Miami or Alabama defense. Pursuit would be the difference
between being good and outstanding.
Once we as a staff zeroed in on pursuit as our new focus,
we went about trying to figure out a way to sell it to our
team. Just telling the players to swarm to the ball would not
be good enough. To make the players believers, we pinned a
name on our philosophy and our defense took on a new
identity. 11 to the ballin a bad mood!
GRIDIRON
22
By Jeff Tomlin
Alliance High School
Alliance, Nebraska
What is 11 to the ballin a bad mood? More than an

eye-catching phrase, its an attitude of total hustle. We set a
goal to achieve maximum pursuit on every single play (11
to the ball), while reemphasizing our tradition of being
great hitters (in a bad mood). This new attitude caught on
with the team and turned out to be the edge we needed.
How did we implement our plan and measure its success?
1. We sold our team on the fact that we would cause
more turnovers and give up fewer scores and big plays.
2. We emphasized the fact that it (11 to the ball) was a

team goal and each individual had to do his part. The
number of times we achieved our goal, of 11 to the
ball, soon became our most important statistic.
3. In practice, we demanded that all 11 defenders be
around the ball when the whistle blows. Of course, the
first area stressed is that each player carry out his responsibility in our scheme, and then swarm to the ball.
Our players adapted quickly and enthusiastically. This
philosophy has also created more competition and
intensity in practice because everyone knows were
looking for hustlers and scrappers on defense.
4. We as coaches reinforced our philosophy by wearing Tshirts that had 11 to the ballin a bad mood printed
on them. The enthusiasm shown by the coaching staff
was key to helping the philosophy catch on. It wasnt
unusual to see coaches swarming the ball right along
with the players.
5. We determine the number of times we achieve 11 to
the ball, by analyzing game film. We want 11 defenders
in the video frame, at the end of the play, as many
times as possible. This statistic is very important because it determines our overall success defensively. (We
recognize that there are situations in which it is impossible for all 11 defenders, especially defensive backs, to
swarm to the ball. Our opponents offensive philosophy
will dictate how quickly our secondary can pursue.) We
set a team record of 28 times 11 to the ball.
Coach
What has this philosophy done for our team?

1. Our work ethic, discipline, and attention to detail has
improved. We out hustle our opponents.
2. Our conditioning has improved because of the extra

effort and the extra running we do in practice.
3. By swarming to the ball, weve forced more turnovers.
Our defense forced 30 turnovers in ten games last year.
Every loose ball is ours and our players believe it.
4. The coordinated aggression that this philosophy has
created tends to wear down and frustrate opponents.
Bulldog Pursuit Drill

As a way to condition our players while drilling proper
pursuit angles, we end every defensive practice with our
pursuit drill. Every defender carries out his assignment, in
our base defense, and then sprints at a great pursuit angle
and tags the running back or receiver. After tagging the ball
carrier, each defender drops and does 11 push-ups and then
sprints to the coach standing in the middle of the field.
We end the drill with all 11 defenders sprinting to the

coach, to reinforce our 11 to the ball philosophy. The
offensive players in the drill can run toss, option and reverse
to either side or the quarterback can throw to any of the
four receivers. n
5. Since 11 to the ball is a team goal, our players have

become more focused on team rather than individual
achievement. Our defense tries to set a new record
every week.
6. Our defense finished the season rated as the fifth best
team defensively in Nebraska Class A football.
7. This philosophy has given our defense an identity and
has started a tradition of excellence at Alliance High
School.
Bulldog Pursuit Drill: Example of a Toss

RB
QB
REC
E
LB
LB
LB
E
LB
Formulating a philosophy that one can build a program

around is a crucial element in success. 11 To The BallIn A
Bad Mood: A simple concept that has taken our defense to
another level.
REC
REC
REC
GRIDIRON
Coach
23
Defending The Wing-T:

A Response to You Call The Play
The following article was originally submitted as a response to the popular GRIDIRON Coach feature entitled You
Call The Play. In this section, coaches were asked to re-
By Brad Livingston
Head Football Coach
Central York High School
York, Pennsylvania
T CENTRAL YORK HIGH SCHOOL, we play a base 4-4,

three-deep alignment. During the league season, we
have to defend at least three pure wing-t offenses.
Our starting point is as follows.
spond to game situations with a play of their own.
To The Wing
It is the final game of the season. You are playing
the top offensive team in the region which is averaging 35 points a game. They have a big 6' 1, 220
pound fullback and a fast scatback type tailback
who are tough runners. The quarterback is a good
high school player who can press the corner well on
the rollout plays. He is an equally effective passer
and runner with 600+ rushing yards and 1000+
passing yards afer nine games. They operate their
offensive attack from the Wing-T set. You must beat
this team to win the district championship!
Bill Renner, GC Volume 3 Issue 4
You Call The Play
Situation Three
Defend the basic buck sweep series of the Wing-T.
Align your defense and detail the responsiblities of
each defender. Who defends (1) the fullback trap,
who defends (2) the buck sweep and who defends
(3) the quarterback rollout or waggle play. How do
you defend the buck sweep play? Do you bounce it
to the corner or do you try to keep it inside the
offtackle area? Why?
1. DT will align outside shoulder on SG.

He is a B gap player who must control the OT on
any down blocks.
DT will rip across the face of the down block in
order to go down the LOS to ball.
2. DE will align nose up on TE and be aware of wing.
Since the backs are set away his C gap
responsibility is not immediately threatened.
DE must secure C gap upfield cut lane while
most likely fighting a down block by the wing. He
rips any down block and controls C gap leverage
while going down LOS to ball.
Before securing C gap he must prevent the TE
from releasing inside off the snap to block our
inside LB.
3. OLB will align on the LOS on the outside shoulder of
the wing.
Key wing and control any inside release.
Close the D gap and stuff any perimeter blocker
with your inside arm/flipper.
Base 44 - Three Deep
Situation Three
YOU CALL THE PLAY!
1
T
B
B
S
E
B
C
GRIDIRON
24
Coach
Do not penetrate past heels of the offensive line.

Make the ball carrier bounce.
To the SE or Backs with SE Side:

1. DT will vary his align by D/D, however, for generic
purposes we will put him in a nose up alignment that is
ever so slightly outside eye. We want to create scheme
indecisions - can the OT make his down block?
Key is OG a.) pull across ball should be hippocketed or ripped with down LOS pursuit, b.) Pull
outside - check OT down block = bootleg or if no
down block, look inside and play trap. We say trap
the trapper.
Gap responsibility is basically B gap, but you
must squeeze A gap on trap and on waggle get an
up field charge through the OTs down block.
2. DE will squeeze the stance of the OTs outside shoulder. Invite the OT or HB to reach you, but keep leverage on C gap.
Key OT to HB/inside a.) when OT down blocks
look for the SE side OG to either log you or cross
block you and kickout, b.) Rip upfield through the
log block and contain the QBs bootleg. Force him
to set up! If kickout scheme develops, squeeze the
B gap area and stuff the OG in the hole. Squeeze
any inside/out scheme with your inside arm/flipper
etc. OK to bounce it. Should the HB attack you,
play him on your inside and bounce the ball deeper.
3. OLB will align normally in our hideaway alignment.
This alignment is 2 x 2 from our defensive end. However, we can do many things with his alignment that
neutralize both waggle, wing sweep, and belly. He is
very conscious of the SE in crack position and the FB
on waggle.
Key is the near backNB goes away we play waggle,
reverse, counters, etc. Find the FB as you drop
under the skinny post, then pick up the FB as he
comes to you. Near back comes towe think belly,
LB To Wing
Sweep Key: Get over
LB To Wing
Trap Key: Get over top OC
top DT and flow to ball
and get leverage on Backside A
T
B
T
B
keeper, option, wing sweep, etc. In our league, this

is the easiest, simplest key on the defense year after
year.
OLB responsibility is basically FB on waggle and
squeeze D gap versus run. If HB goes away, pass
first, run second.
Inside Linebackers
We have used pure guard keys, cross keys, etc. However, I
have come to believe that a split key works best in our
league.
ILB alignment = 3 yards to 4 1/2 yards deep on the
inside eye of the offensive guard.
Keys and responsibility
LB to wingwe concern ourselves with 3 basic keys.
1. Style. The frontside (wing) LB is allowed to run
through in order to make the play as long as he is outside the B gap when he does so. He may go over or
under the OT/TE depending on their course. If he
runs through he must make the play or running
through is incorrect.
2. We know that we will probably lose him in pass coverage unless we slow key him or play D/D. We feel this
is ok. We want to stop the run first.
3. His fourth possible situation is a straight A gap plug
if the SGs head doesnt disappear on the snap.
LB to SE/backfield side: we concern ourselves with three

basic keys.
1. Style. The backside (SE/Backs) LB is primarily concerned with A gap control and belly in this set. He
must help the DTs and split side end control frontside
B to split side B.
2. On an option or split side sweep key he may run
through, but over the top is much safer in the event of
option.
3. His base keys are very functional versus the passing
game when D/D and tendencies are involved. If we
lose him on coverage due to play action, well live with
that. However, we usually can get
him involved:
LB To Wing
Sweep Key = collision FB
C Gap Key: Must get
or lock on FB man/man
leverage on OT
(frees OLB to pick up TE
on diagonal).
Option/SE Sweep Key =
could be keep pass. Lock
on FB man to man or
T
drop to curl area as OLB
B
covers HB/Flat.
Belly Key = collision HB
period the end!
GRIDIRON
Coach
25
LB To SE - Backfield
Sweep Key: Get into Frontside
A by going through /over the
OC. If OG goes HB, think waggle
Option/Sweep to SE
Key: Get over top DT and
flow to ball
Belly Key: If HB dives inside,

plug the course of the HB as
in ISO
HB Trap
opposite direction
means pass
4. A fourth possible situation is HB trap (see diagram 4).

We hope that his plug key (OG head doesnt disappear)
will generate an A gap plug that will effectively control this play.
Secondary Play - Three-Deep Alignments

We have a very flexible secondary system and can game
plan a lot of things.
Within our 3 deep we can roll strong or weak to take
away vertical stretch.
GRIDIRON
26
We could show cover 3 and go 2 deep man under with

S either locked on TE or playing a robber in a certain
route.
We sometimes incorporate man and man - FS in order
to pressure certain situations.
The bottom line is that our coverages should be strictly
D/D and tendency oriented. The safety can check us
out of poor formation match-ups. n
Coach
Secondary Adjustments In
The Eight Man Front Scheme
To be successful
-MAN FRONT DEFENSIVE SCHEMES

have always included a locked
in 3-deep coverage with four
the football, the system
underneath as the primary coverage.
must be simple and
This coverage was sound, simple, and
effective. In recent years at the high
sound allowing players
school level, there has been an exploto fully maximize their
sion of the passing game in both the
one-back and two-back set. It has
talents while staying
become apparent to the 8-man front
within the system.
defensive coaches that we needed to
answer the advancement of the passing game. In this article, I will focus on defending the twoback offense. Within this system, there are two situations to
consider. The first is field location (hash mark or middle)
and secondly, the formation.
on the defensive side of
The Hashmark Situation

Since the football is snapped from the hashmark approximately 78% of the time, we will teach ball position first. A
hashmark situation for us in anytime the ball is on or
within four yards of the hash. Once the ball has been determined to be a hashmark call, we then adjust our coverage
according to the formation. From the sidelines, a coach will
signal the frontal adjustments along with a zone or man
call. While the focus of this article is on the zone call, I
will cover man coverage briefly.
In a zone call, the number of receivers to the field will
determine whether we play a cover 3 (3-deep) or a cover 4
(quarter/quarter/half ). If two receivers are to the field, we
will play a cover-4 by rotating the secondary to the field
(diagram one). The boundary corner will play 8-10 yards
deep with an inside shade of the TE, with deep half responsibilities. The boundary OLB will play flats in a 3 x 3 alignment on the TE. The field corner will play a 2 x 8 on number one. His responsibility is outside quarter. The field
OLB will align in the triangle with the TE and number one
(or with number 2 and the split tackle as shown in diagram
two). He will work to the flats, gaining depth if nothing
shows in his zone. The free safety plays middle of the field,
always aligning inside of the number two receiver. If two
receivers align into the boundary, the zone call becomes a
cover-3 (3-deep). The alignment is shown in diagram three.
By Joe Hamstra
Offensive Coordinator
Lake Highland Prep School
Orlando, Florida
Boundary Corner. Five yards from sideline, 8-10 yards

deep. Responsible for deep third.
Free Safety. Aligns two yards inside hashmark 10-12 yards
deep. Responsible for deep middle third. He is secondary
support on run either way.
Field Corner. Aligns 8-10 yards deep, keeping outside leverage on number one unless he splits three or more yards
outside the hash.
Boundary OLB. Aligns in a 3 x 3 outside the TE. Responsible for flat. Gain depth if nothing shows.
Diagram One
Cover-4
FS
C
B
W
3
2
Diagram Two
FS
5
C
8
Diagram Three
FS
C
C
B
S
E
3
2
GRIDIRON
Coach
27
Diagram Five
Diagram Four
FS
B
1
Field OLB. As long as the DE is in a 5 technique, with

outside leverage on the split tackle, the OLB will get in an
alignment that will take away the slant and the hitch by
alignment.
This versatility in the zone call allows us the flexibility to
still defend the field while being sound with the alignments
in respect to the formation. This coverage is an excellent
alternative to the locked 3-deep package. It provides help to
the field and allows the sidelines to be a benefit to the defense.
W
E
B
E
4. Squeeze. Is an adjustment that was developed to take

away the TE game and/or allow the OLB to come off
the edge and create havoc.
5. Regular. If nothing is called, the OLB aligns in a 3 x 3
and plays football from there.
OLB Play
We do not alter our alignment because we think the

opponent can throw a certain route. So many times I think
we give other teams/coaches too much credit. We get all
worked up over something the offense might do. Make
them run it effectively before you defend it. That is not to
say that you dont prepare for it during the week.
The OLB position is the most important position on the

field because of its versatility. The better the athlete, the
more things you can do to frustrate the offense. The OLB
provides the defense with a multiple of alignments to best
accomplish this purpose. We basically play the OLB in five
positions described as follows.
We like to start in hip. If the offense can throw the

slant, fade, or hitch, then they will throw it early. If they do
not throw it early, then they do not feel like they can be
successful in that area. Therefore, we will exploit them with
the pressure of the OLB coming off the edge.
1. Hip. This places the OLB to the TE side, aligns with

his inside foot stacked behind the DEs outside foot.
This allows him to help on the off-tackle play. He is in
good position to play the counter, and this is his
alignment on the twist stunt. It is also wide enough to
maintain outside leverage on perimeter plays.
2. Triangle. This allows the OLB to help the cornerback
by getting under all slants, posts, and curl route from
number one quickly. Triangle is automatic versus a
twins look.
3. Press. We use press for one reason: to disrupt timing
routes and get physical with their receivers. The OLB
knows he has help over the top from the cornerback so
he can afford to be aggressive without worrying about
getting beat deep.
GRIDIRON
28
Change-Ups
We run man coverage as a change-up to the zone call. The
key to man coverage (diagram five) is that it is the same
alignment as a zone coverage. As the QB gets under the
center, the OLB will creep to the LOS and run some short
of stunt off the edge. The cornerback will move into an
inside leverage alignment on number one. The free safety
will get over number two 7-8 yards off the LOS. The
beauty of the coverage is that it looks identical to the cover4. This makes both coverages all the more effective when
the pre-snap read is the same.
Summary
I hope this article provided some insight that may be included within your defensive scheme. To be successful on
the defensive side of the football, the system must be simple
and sound. Allowing players to fully maximize their talents
while staying within the system. This package is developed
with that thought in mind. n
Coach
My Grandmother Tackles
Better Than Us!
I remember uttering
these words during one
of my first years as a
head coach which I am
sure many coaches can
relate to. As coaches,
we have all come out of
film sessions asking
ourselves, How can we
become better
tacklers? We are all
looking for the most
efficient way to teach
tackling at full speed
and without getting our
players injured at
practice. I believe the
way we approach
tackling at Racine
Horlick High School
addresses both
these concerns.
e have improved our tackling

and have become a more consistent and fundamentally sound
defensive football team since implementing our tackling circuit. We have
also significantly reduced the number of
times the opposing teams band plays
their fight song. We initially sought out
some of the most outstanding defensive
coaches in the game to find out how
they were teaching the skill of tackling.
Our Six Station Tackling Circuit is the
direct result of our research.
For the past twelve years, we have

utilized a tackling circuit that consists of
six skill stations. We perform the tackling circuit every day at the start of the
season, then reduce this to three times a
week at mid-season and then to two
days a week toward the end of the season. The entire tackling circuit normally
takes between 12 to 15 minutes to complete. For reasons of organization and
instruction, the tackling circuit will
require more time to complete earlier in
the season. However, it can be easily
made to fit into any practice structure
depending on your individual objectives.
The six skill stations that comprise our tackling circuit are:
1) The Form Tackling Station, 2) The Angle Tackling Station
(shields optional), 3) The Open Field Tackling Station, 4) The
Sideline Tackling Station (with crash pad), 5) The Tackle-Back
Tackling Station, and 6) The Eye Opener Tackling Station
(with hand shields).
It is important to note here that with the exception of the
form tackling station, all the tackling drills are done at fullspeed. However, the term full-speed contact, to us, is not the
same as live contact. We have shown our athletes that we are
able to control impact, and thus, reduce the risk of injury by
1) compressing the size of the skill area (the longest full-speed
George A. Machado
Head Football Coach,
Racine Horlick High School,
North Chelmsford, MA
approach is 3 yards), 2) not taking athletes to the ground,

3) incorporating hand shields and crash pads to absorb impact,
4) utilizing a quick whistle, and 5) close supervision and
instruction by the coaching staff. The great thing here is, that
in our attempt to control impact and reduce the injury factor,
we have not taken away our players aggressiveness. In fact, we
have found just the opposite to be true. Our defensive people
have become very aggressive and much more willing to attack
the ball carrier. In addition, the tackling circuit is a very positive and safe learning environment in which to introduce hitting to the neophyte player. As coaches, we have all seen
athletes shy away from the game because of their baptism into
contact football. The tackling circuit allows you to reduce the
fear of hitting resulting from a bad initial experience.
Organization and Teaching

In organizing our practice plans, it was decided to place our
tackling circuit period at the front end of practice right after
our agility and quick cal periods. To sell our players on the
importance of tackling, we decided to place it high up on our
daily list of things to accomplish. We follow the adage If you
believe it, teach it. If you believe it vital, teach it early and
often.
Once we decided what to teach, when to teach it, the duration of each station, and how often we would perform the circuit each week, we then set out to assign individual coaching
responsibilities. We found that by keeping a coach at a specific
station or stations for the entire year, he became very efficient,
knowledgeable, able to notice and correct mistakes, and found
the little ways to do the job better. I tell my coaches that
I want them to be the best teachers of tackling in the country.
Thats our goal!
The next organizational task needed to perform is the
grouping of your athletes into their respective skill groups.
Things to consider in grouping your players should be 1) similar size, 2) similar skill level, 3) experience, and 4) strength. We
attempt to avoid any obvious mismatch. We would further recommend the designation of a group leader and co-leader to act
in the capacity of an additional coach on the field. This has
really helped in the areas of organization, motivation and leadership.
GRIDIRON
Coach
29
As far as the actual skill areas themselves, cones and field

marking paint should be utilized to designate the specific locations and dimensions of the tackling drill stations. Players need
to know the full-speed contact zone at each station.
Following our agility period, our coaches immediately report
to their tackling stations. Players then go to their designated
station coach to begin the tackling circuit. A manager or assistant coach utilizes an air horn to indicate rotation times. We
have found that a great deal of skill repetition takes place in a
3 to 4 minute period. Also, the greater the organization and
familiarity with the drills, the greater the repetitions. As
coaches, we all realize that repetition is the mother of learning.
This being the case, the tackling circuit is one of learnings
favorite sons!
The Rebel Six Station Tackling Circuit

In describing the six stations of the tackling circuit, each skill
period will be broken down into 4 specific categories: 1) the
objective of the station, 2) the skill area, 3) players organization and the position of the coach, and 4) coaching points.
Diagram One
Form Tackle Station
C
5 yards
15 yards
Station I: Form Tackling

A. Objective of Station: To physically place the athlete
into the proper step-by-step hitting position, controlled approach, point of contact position, execution
of tackle, and follow through.
B. Skill Area: Utilize 4 cones to block off an area 5 yards

wide by 15 yards in length. Your field yard lines can be
used to designate 5 yard dimension.
C. Player Organization Position of Coach: Players should
pair up with one group placing their toes on the line
and his partner 3 yards away facing him. There should
be at least 2 to 3 yards between each pair of athletes.
The coach is positioned at one end of the paired athletes for the most beneficial observation and instruction location. (Diagram 1)
D. Coaching Points: The coach will indicate the start of the
skill station with the verbal command breakdown.
The athlete being tackled will brace himself and tuck
his chin, placing the bottom of his face mask on his
breast plate. This is done to protect the athletes chin.
The tackler will, at the same time, assume his power
base hitting position. On the next command of
approach, the tackler will take a step-by-step robotic
approach into his partner until he reaches the point of
contact. Next, the coach will instruct the athlete to
tackle. At this point, the tackler will punch his arms
and clinched fists through his partners arms, attacking
an imaginary football. He will grab cloth, roll hips,
and bring his partner into a controlled grasp. We like
to pop the athlete being tackled slightly off the ground
to insure the proper roll of the hips, hitting on the rise
and the desired explosive contact. A quick whistle will
end the repetition and corrections will be made by
the coach. The skill is repeated in the same direction
3 times and then roles are reversed and three more repetitions are performed. This continues until the air
horn sounds for rotation to the next skill station.
Diagram Two
Angle Tackle Station
C
5 yards
Symbol Key:
Defense
Crash pad
Offense
Screen door
Cone
C
Coach
Direction of
movement
Flat bottom
dummies
GRIDIRON
30
Width
5 yards
Length
Yard line
Station II: Angle Tackling

A. Objective of Station: To teach the athlete to 1) drive his
head across the front torso of the ball carrier, 2) to
Coach
wrap arms following punch technique, roll hips,

grab cloth, and place the ball carrier in a controlled
grasp, and 3) to work the tacklers hips upfield.
B. Skill Area: Utilize 4 cones to create a box 5 yards wide
by 5 yards in length.
C. Player Organization Position of Coach: Players to be
tackled will line up behind top left cone of 5 yard box
with either a hand shield or football (early in the season we utilize hand shields on days we want to
emphasize stripping the ball and later in the season we
will utilize a football). The tacklers will line up behind
the bottom left cone of the 5 yard box. (Diagram 2)
D. Coaching Points: On the coachs verbal command of
breakdown, the tackler will assume the proper power
base hitting position and the runner will ready hand
shield and focus on running a path to the lower right
cone of box. On the set command, both athletes will
perform a foot fire technique (rapid in-place running
motion). On the command of go, the runner will
begin his path to the designated cone. The tackler will
contact the runner at the mid-point of the tackling box
and will perform the proper angle tackling techniques.
At the angle tackling station, we really want to emphasize keeping the tacklers head up, his eyes focused
on the shield or ball, attacking under control, and the
working of his hips back up the field. We again utilize
a quick whistle, but will require the athlete to redirect his hips upfield before we end the drill. After
several repetitions from the left side of the box, both
lines move to the right side of the box and perform
angle tackling in this direction.
Station III: Tackle Back Sled
A. Objective of Station: To teach the athlete to 1) attack
the sled at full speed, emphasizing vicious contact,
2) to maintain proper hitting base while driving feet,
3) using proper roll of hips and striking pad on upward
angle, and 4) using proper head and neck squeeze to
control pad and drive sled into the tackled position on
ground.
B. Skill Area: The tackle back sled station requires a larger
area than any of the other drills. We have found that
approximately 20 yards by 50 yards is more than adequate. We specifically utilize the tackle back sled from
World Sporting Goods because of its pop-back-up feature. This saves a great deal of time and allows for
more repetitions. However, any one-man tackling sled
can be utilized.
C. Player Organization Position of Coach: Because the
tackle back is driven in an assortment of directions and
distances, we simply tell our athletes to keep the line
moving in conjunction with the direction of the sled.
D. Coaching Points: We begin this station with the verbal
command breakdown. On this command, the athlete

will assume the proper hitting position 3 yards from
the sled with his shoulders square to the tackling pad.
On the next command of set, the athlete begins his
quick foot fire technique. On hearing the go command, the athlete fires into the pad and performs the
tackle. Once the sled is taken down and returns to the
upright position, the next tackler positions himself in
readiness for the next breakdown command.
At this station, we want to emphasize explosive and
vicious contact with the contact again being performed
in an upward direction (hit on the rise). This is
where we want our kids to really let it all hang out!
Diagram Three
Open Field Tackling Station
10 yards
C
10 yards
Station IV: Open Field Tackling

A. Objective of Station: To teach the athlete to 1) stay
square with the ball carrier, 2) maintain good power
base with quick foot movement, 3) focus in on ball
carriers belt buckle, 4) avoid lunging and becoming
overextended, and 5) let ball carrier commit before
attacking.
B. Skill Area: Utilize 4 cones to establish a 10 yard by 10
yard box.
C. Player Organization Position of Coach: The ball carrier
lines up between the top two cones, with those waiting
to go in a single file line behind. The tackler lines up
between the two bottom cones with those waiting to
go in a single file line behind him. The coach positions
himself behind the tackler holding on to the players
belt. This is done to make sure the tackler does not
leave too soon. (Diagram 3)
D. Coaching Points: On the breakdown command, the
tackler assumes the proper hitting position while the
ball carrier properly positions the ball and decides what
type of move he will make on the tackler. We allow the
ball carrier one move before he commits to one direcGRIDIRON
Coach
31
tion or the other. On the set command, both athletes

begin their foot fire technique. On the go command,
the ball carrier runs forward and attempts to feint the
tackler. The tackler, once released, stays square, keeps
his feet moving, and attacks the ball carrier who has
committed to his path of direction.
Sometimes we have placed a 5th cone in the exact
middle of the box (resembling the five on a die) to
indicate the point we want our running back to make
his cut off of.
Diagram Four
Sideline Tackling Station
his path down the running chute and the tackler performs the proper sideline tackling technique and drives
the ball carrier into the crash pad.
By eliminating the athletes contact with the ground,
we have found that the tackling impact is very explosive as a rule. Our players also have a lot of fun taking
each other into the pad. Its a lot like rough housing
with your brothers on mom and dads king-size bed.
The crash pad has supplied us with both safety and
motivation.
NOTE: Having the coach control the tacklers
release point guarantees that the tackle is made at the
mid-point of the pad.
10 yards
2 feet
Diagram Five
Eye Opener Tackling Station
3 yards
3 yards
Station V: Sideline Tackling with Crash Pad

A. Objective of Station: To teach the athlete to 1) drive
his helmet across the front torso of the ball carrier,
2) maintain control of the runner with a backside
arm wrap, 3) utilize sideline as an additional defender,
4) utilize momentum to drive ball carrier into the crash
pad, and 5) keep head up while avoiding any lunge or
over extension.
B. Skill Area: Utilize 2 cones and painted sideline to create
a 3 yard wide by 10 yard long running lane. We then
place a crash pad (from track or physical education) at
the mid-point of the running chute, 2 feet outside of
the sideline. (Diagram 4)
C. Player Organization - Position of Coach: The ball carriers are lined up at one end of the running chute ready
to sprint toward the opposite end parallel to the sideline and crash pad. The tacklers are positioned 3/4 of
the way down the running chute approximately 3 yards
from the sideline facing the crash pad. The coach is
positioned behind the tackler making sure he does not
leave until the proper moment.
D. Coaching Points: On the verbal command of breakdown, the tackler assumes the proper hitting position
while the ball carrier readies the ball in his outside arm.
On the set command, both players perform foot fire
technique. On the go command, the runner begins
GRIDIRON
32
Station VI: Eye Opener Station

A. Objective of Station: To teach the athlete the proper
technique of 1) maintaining square shoulders to the
line of scrimmage, 2) maintaining consistent hitting
position while shuffling into proper attack point,
3) keeping the proper leverage on the ball carrier to
avoid over-running the ball, and 4) making the quick
reaction necessary to tackle the ball carrier once he has
chosen his running hole.
B. Skill Area: Utilize 2 cones to mark starting spots for
ball carrier and tackler. Place 3 or 4 flat bottom dummies 1 yard apart to create the desired number of running lanes. It is recommended that only 2 running
lanes (3 flat bottom dummies) be incorporated during
the early part of the season. The cones should be
located 1 yard outside and 1 yard deep from the first
flat bottom dummy. (Diagram 5)
C. Player Organization Position of Coach: The ball carrier
and tackler should face each other just inside his designated cone, approximately 3 yards apart. The coach
positions himself at the opposite end of the flat bottom
dummies to insure best location for observation and
instruction.
D. Coaching Points: On the coachs command of breakdown, the tackler assumes the proper hitting position
and the ball carrier readies his hand shield in front of
his upper torso and mentally determines which hole he
Coach
will attack. On the set command, both players perform their foot fire technique. On the go signal, the
running back runs to the chosen hole while the tackler
scallops parallel to the flat bottom dummies maintaining a slight backside leverage position on the football.
Once the ball carrier commits to his running path, the
tackler performs his tackle by attacking the hand
shield. The tackler and ball carrier then switch lines.
We again utilize a quick whistle to protect our players
and insure a maximum number of repetitions.
Conclusion
The tackling circuit is an excellent tool to utilize in teaching
the skills and techniques of tackling. It incorporates the full
speed contact, player aggressiveness, skill variety, repetition,
and competition necessary to bring about player improvement.
Additional factors such as safety precautions, consistent vocabulary, precision, familiarity and a willingness to emphasize the
importance of this drill period has been essential in improving
our defense.
The tackling circuit is also a teaching environment that
allows for ingenuity as well as creativity. On many of the drills,
footballs can replace shields or air on days we want to stress
stripping or recovery techniques.
plemental drills would be the Screen Door tackling station.

This is where we utilize a 4 foot by 8 foot blind to disguise the
running backs intent until the last second. This requires our
tackler to maintain focus, concentration and proper peripheral
vision. (Diagram 6)
Over the years, we have found the Rebel Six Station
Tackling Circuit to be the most efficient way in which to teach
the desired skills and techniques of tackling. Players become
motivated as they see themselves become better tacklers and
more aggressive defensive players. Since its implementation, my
grandmother has been sent to the showers and our players have
stepped up to become better tacklers! n
Diagram Six
Screen Door
Tackling Station
We also have some additional tackling drills in reserve that

we can incorporate into our circuit for a change of pace or to
emphasize a specific technique. An example of one of our sup-
GRIDIRON
Coach
33
Dont Get Beat By One Receiver!
t the high school level, nothing is

more frustrating than losing to a
across a team that has
lesser team because of their quara good quarterback and
terback and receiver combination. At
one good receiver.
Dansville High School we came across
Certain quarterback and
two such combinations this past season,
and we had fairly good success against
receiver combinations
them. We limited one receiver to one
are famous due to their
catch on a busted play when the quartersuccess: Montana to
back scrambled and the receiver came
Rice, Bradshaw to
back for the ball. We limited the other
receiver to three catches, two on screen
Swan, Starr to Dollar,
passes and the other when the defensive
Namath to Berry, and
back fell down. This paper will cover our
the list goes on and on.
base defense, the adjustments that we
make when opposing a good receiver,
what the adjustments work well against, possible problems with
these adjustments, and coaching points.
Every coach has come
The base defense we play at Dansville High School is an

over front with a two deep secondary (Diagram 1). We will
play man-to-man and cover two from this look. Often we like
to line the cornerbacks up in bump and run and play two deep,
or vice versa. Because we see two tight ends or a pro formations
95% of the time, we do not play cover three very often.
By Jerome Learman
Defensive Coordinator,
Dansville High School,
Dansville, MI
receiver is only good, then the corners

will stay on their normal side and the
man coverage will usually be enough to
throw the receiver off. This is generally
determined by scouting, but an adjustment can be made during the game.
Because one person is manned up, the
zones must be adjusted slightly (Diagram 2). Because the corner usually has
flats, the outside linebacker to that side
becomes a hook to flat player. That is, he goes as wide as the
widest guy, not counting the receiver that is manned up. The
middle linebacker also must adjust from a middle of the field
drop to one that is over the tackle to the side of the receiver.
We will let all coverage people know which side the receiver is
on by calling Ralph (right) or Louie (left). The alternate wording prevents confusion with the strength call which is strong
right or strong left.
Diagram Two
SS
FS
CB
M
RE
RT
S
LT
LE
CB
Diagram One
SS
FS
CB
M
RE
RT
S
LT
LE
CB
Against a good receiver, our primary adjustment is to man

him up with our cornerback and play cover two everywhere
else. If the receiver is great, we will take our best corner and
have him follow the receiver the whole game and have the
other corner switch sides accordingly. If we feel that the
GRIDIRON
34
These adjustments with this combination of man and zone

coverage have been very good for us against teams that only
throw in third and long and in other passing situations. It has
been effective against both short passes in the flat and deep
passes. Often, quarterbacks are not accustom to throwing to
other receivers and the receivers are not used to catching the
ball in game situations. This will lead to dropped or tipped
passes. In cases where the manned up receiver goes deep he will
be double teamed by the cornerback that is covering him and
the safety playing the deep zone. When a quarterback forces a
pass to the receiver in this situation, it often leads to an interception.
Coach
Two situations occur where this coverage has problems. One

is when the better receiver is a flanker and the opposing team
runs a flood pattern to that side, leaving us under manned
(Diagram 3). What we will do to counter act this is play man
to man underneath and two deep with the safeties in passing
situations (Diagram 4). The man to man underneath scheme
has the cornerbacks take the first receiver to their side, the outside linebacker takes the second receiver, and the middle linebacker takes the third receiver if one exists. The other is when
teams run toss or option to the manned up receivers side
(Diagram 5). Against teams that do this, we will have the safety
on that side of the field fill hard on any kind of run action to
that side (Diagram 6). We have not faced any teams that do a
play action pass from a toss or option look.
There are some key coaching points that
one should consider when implementing
this into your defense.
1. Other than the cornerback that is
manned-up, the key to running
this coverage is the outside backers.
They must be able to cover the flat
area when they are needed.
Otherwise, if a flanker goes deep
and the tight end releases to the
flat, the tight end will be wide
open.
2. Try to deterDiagram Five
mine in
what situations that
FS
the oppoCB
W
nent likes to
RE
pass and
run. There
is no reason
to have a
cornerback
chasing a
receiver all
W RE
CB = #1
OLB = #2
MLB = #3
SS
S
RT
LT
M
RE
RT
S
LT
LE
CB
M
W RE
FS
SS
FS
W
CB
CB
SS
FS
Diagram Four
Diagram Six
CB
Diagram Three
LE
RT
S
LT
LE
CB
over the field on

a run play. Play
the percentages.
3. Make sure that
the player
SS
responsible for
M
S
containment on
RT
LT
LE
CB
the side of the
receiver that is
manned up
knows that no
one is there to
bail him out
and he must protect containment at
all times.
4. Make sure that your cornerback can
play man to man, whether you want
him to play bump and run or just run
with the guy. If he can not play man to
man, do something else like drop an
CB
additional defender, such as the defensive end, to the side that the great
receiver is on.
5. If you feel the only way your opponent
will beat you is with this receiver, then
you can use this coverage all game
long. If there are other concerns, use
your scouting and call it when the situation dictates it.
6. Do not abandon this coverage too soon just because
the opponent busted one big play. But at the same
time, if your cornerback simply is getting outplayed be
prepared to do something else.
I hope this article has been helpful for all of you coaches out
there. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free
to contact me. Good luck this season.
Jerome Learman is the Defensive Coordinator at Dansville High School,
in Dansville, Michigan. He can be reached at 952 Trafalger St., East
Lansing, MI 48823. n
GRIDIRON
Coach
35
Building a Great Defense
By Sal Cintorino
Head Football Coach
Central Connecticut State University
All great defenses
O BUILD A SOLID FOUNDATION
you will need to have a teaching

philosophy that is universal to
your staff and players. Regardless of
the age of your athletes, you must
utilize terminology and a teaching
progression that makes it easy for
everyone to learn.
begin by building a
solid foundation.
Regardless of the
scheme that you
plan to utilize, the
foundation that you
Terminology for alignments and gap

responsibility is the first area that
should be covered when you are
teaching a scheme. All eleven players
need to be specifically aligned with a
gap assignment, by a descriptive term,
in order to teach and learn effectively.
build your defense on

will be the cornerstone
of your success.
In both diagram A and B, all gaps have been identified

with a letter. Each player is responsible for securing at least
one of these gaps on every play. Demand that your players
secure these gaps so that you can build a defensive wall without any holes. When a player vacates his gap before securing
it, your defense begins to break down.
In order for your players to successfully secure their gaps,
first properly align them in a specific location that is complemented and not occupied by another defensive player.
The alignments for the down linemen are identified by
single digit numbers. The alignments for the linebackers are
identified by double digit numbers. All of the even numbers
identify a head up location (one that does not favor either
side of the offensive player). All of the odd numbers and
letters represent shades (an alignment that favors the inside or
outside shoulder of an offensive player).
Diagram A
9 7
5
6
4i
3 1
1 3
4i 5
9
6
Gap responsibilities
for down lineman
The (A) gap is the area between the

Center and Guard
(A)
(A)
Alignments for
down lineman
The (B) gap is the area between the Guard

and Tackle
(B)
The (C) gap is the area between the

Tackles and End
Diagram B
(C)
90 70 50 40i
60
40
3 010 SS
20
S0
SS
10 30
40i 50
70 90
20
40
60
36
(C)
Gap responsibilities
for Backers
Alignments for
Linebackers
The (D) gap is the area outside the

Tight End
(D)
GRIDIRON
(B)
(D)
Coach
Diagram C: even alignments

6
Base 500
4
6
E
SS
Diagram D: odd alignments

9 7
5 4i 3 1
1 3 4i 5
N
LB
NE
LB
7 9
500 Loop
Even Alignments
Alignments are also referred to as techniques. The even
techniques that we have illustrated in diagram C are as
follows:
Otechnique is head up on the Center
2 technique is head up on the Guard
4 technique is head up on the Tackle
6 technique is head up on the Tight End
E
LB
LB
500 Slant
E
N
LB
LB
Odd Alignments
The odd techniques that are illustrated in diagram D are as
follows:
S is a shade on the shoulder of the Center
1 technique is a shade on the inside shoulder
of the Guard
3 technique is a shade on the outside shoulder
of the Guard
4iis a shade on the inside shoulder of the Tackle
of the Tackle
7 technique is a shade on the inside shoulder
of the Tight End
of the Tight End
By identifying gaps and alignments with descriptive
terms, you enable your staff and players to clearly learn
multiple fronts and schemes. The associated diagrams are
basic illustrations of two different schemes with various gap
responsibilities and alignments for lineman and inside linebackers.
Base 500
In a Base 500 we align all the down linemen in head up
(even techniques). The nose is in a 0 technique working
dual A gaps, the tackles are in 4 techniques working C
gaps and the ends are in a 6 technique working D gaps.
Odd 400
E
SS
T
LB
T
LB
(DE)
The DE is the drop end, if there was only one TE he would

be in a walk away which would align him the same as the
strong safety (SS), three yards wide and three yards deep off
the ghost TE (ghost where the tight end would have been
lined up if he were there). The linebackers are both in a
30 technique working B gaps. This defensive front has a
number of favorable variables. The purpose for using head
up alignments is for creating multiple gap responsibilities
based on stunts. In contrast to Base 500, 500 Loop looks
the same but now the linebackers loop to the C gaps and
the tackles step inside and secure the B gaps. Versus 500
Slant, both the tackles and ends work inside to the B and C
gaps respectively, and the linebacker scrapes to the D gap.
GRIDIRON
Coach
37
This one simple alignment creates three different looks for the
offense to block. These three defenses are all gap controlled.
You should place your best defensive lineman at the nose
position because he is the only two gap player (dual A). All of
these defensive fronts can be combined with a number of
coverages.
Odd 400 Lightning
The DE is blitzing from the perimeter
When you change your front from a Base 500 to a shade

package, you clearly identify to the offense what gap a player
is responsible for prior to the snap of the ball. We all know
that twisting stunts are still capable from these shade alignments but unless you have exceptional athletes, most players
never complete the stunt because they are at least two alignments removed. If your linebackers are disciplined and you
dont have a great nose guard, you may prefer a shaded defense
because your down linemen are aligned directly in their gap of
responsibility. The diagram illustrated to the left will be referred to as an Odd 400 defense.
The left end is in a 9 technique securing a D gap, the left
tackle is in a 3 technique securing the B gap, the nose is in a
1 technique securing the A gap, the right tackle is in a 5
technique securing the C gap. The stand up players include
the two inside linebackers, strong safety and drop end who
would be in a 9 technique verses double tight. The left linebacker is in a 50 technique securing the C gap, the right
linebacker is in a 20 technique. He has a two gap responsibility: flow to him he has a front side B gap; flow away from
him he scrapes to the back side A gap. Because the nose is in
a 1 technique, the center should not be able to cut the right
linebacker off when he scrapes to the backside A gap on flow
away from him.
SS
LB
T
DE
LB
Odd 400 Smash
The SS is blitzing from the perimeter
E
SS
LB
T
DE
LB
Odd 400 Lightning Smash
E
SS
LB
T
DE
LB
Diagram E - 500
RAM
EE
ET
SS
N
SLB
AT
WLB
DEVIL
OR
RAM
The Odd 400 utilizes stunts that likely originate on the

perimeter, usually with your DE and your SS. Three examples
would include the Odd 400 Lightning, Odd 400 Smash and a
combination of Odd 400 Lightning Smash.
I have illustrated seven different frontage schemes without
even incorporating the various coverages such as cover 2,
cover 3, and man coverage. At the youth level, you can build
your entire defense from these two simple fronts but you need
a teaching system to make the whole package work. Once the
players understand alignments and gap responsibility, you
have to get them to also line up on the appropriate side of the
ball contingent on the formation. If you just have them play a
right side or a left side, they have to learn a great deal more
than learning a set position that flips sides dependent on the
formation. I have found great success from the following
teaching system. I give each of the down linemen a specific
name and each of the stand up players receive a name and
number.
GRIDIRON
38
ET
AT
Diagram F
AT
LION
N
6
ET
5
9
3
Coach
The ET, EE 9, SS 3 and SLB 5 will always line up

together on either the right or left side. The AT, WLB 6
and devil 8 will also always line up together on the right
or left side. This will be organized by the devil. He will
make a ram (right) or lion (left) call on every play as the
offense breaks the huddle. For the two defenses I have illustrated, the call (ram, lion) is identified as a split call. A split
call means that the devil wants his group to line up on the
split end side. If the split end is on his right, he calls ram .
His even family (AT, 6, and 8) will go to the right. The odd
family (3, 5, 9 and ET) will go opposite the call in this
case verses a ram, call the odd family goes left as illustrated
in (diagram E).
539
Ram Call
9
ET
C(1)
C(4)
FS(2)
536 Loop
Ram Call
9
ET
AT
In diagram F the split end is on the left so the devil

makes a lion call. Verse lion, the even family is on the left
side and the odd family is opposite on the right side. By
alternating sides based on ram and lion calls, you cut the
amount of alignments that your linemen and backers need
to learn in half.
AT
C(1)
C(4)
FS(2)
439
Ram Call
The final segment in teaching these fundamental

schemes entails utilizing cognitive signals. Signals that can
easily be interpreted and performed will make your defense
a great success. This final segment is what makes the entire
package materialize. I use a digit system to call all of our
plays. The first digit is the front, the second digit is the
coverage and the digits that follow [the second digit] are all
additional rushers to your initial down lineman. This digit
system is the reason that we number all of the stand up
people. Without getting into the details of our coverage in
this article you need to understand that our 3-deep coverage is referred to as 30, 2-deep 20 and man coverage is
10. An example of some base defensive calls would be
539, 536 LOOP, 439, and 423.
Lets first look at the first two. In 539, we have a 500
front, 30 coverage (3-deep) and EE 9 is rushing. Verses
536 LOOP, we are still in a 500 front we are still in cover
3 but now 6 is rushing on a loop stunt with the AT. The AT
knows that he is looping because he is in the even call side
family and 6 had his number called. The EE 9 did not
have his number called so he will become a drop end. Remember that all of the stand up players can have their number signaled and they become a rusher. Any player who has
been designated with a number will play the coverage called
unless his number is called
ET
AT
8
4
2
423
Lion Call
AT
4
ET
6
2
9
5
ing. Since 3 was the last digit called, 9 will drop into coverage with all of the other stand up players.
The combination of calls that can be developed by using
this system is simple yet numerous. I know that the athletes
that I have worked with quickly respond to this teaching
approach. I believe that the most important aspect of
coaching begins with the foundation that you set to build
your program. You must be able to translate your ideas into
a scheme that is simple and understandable to your athletes. n
Now lets look at 439 and 423. In 439 we are in a 400

front with 3-deep coverage and 9 is rushing. In 423 we are
still in a 400 front but with 2-deep coverage and 3 is rush-
GRIDIRON
Coach
39
An Attacking Cover 2
e have discovered that by rolling

toward the quarterbacks roll we
can have the best of both worlds.
We bring great pressure off the edge and
have ample coverage to cover the routes.
A rolling quarterback
can be a real frustrating thing to defend.
If the quarterback has a
chance to roll beyond
We are a 44 base, but actually we

are in a 42 (Diagram One) because we
place our outside linebackers so far out.
As you can see, it becomes very difficult
to get outside on us. Our base coverage
is Cover 3 (3 deep with 4 under). When
we come up against an offense that has a
roll-out scheme we call Base 3 Cloud
to Q. Which means we are going to run
our base 44 Cover 3 if the QB drops
straight back (Diagram Two.) But if he
rolls-out in either direction we are going
to attack his roll with our Cloud (corner) to the QBs roll (Diagram Three.)
the tackles he can put

most defenses in an
awkward position. Many
times it means the
quarterback has rolled
beyond any pressure
sent by the defensive
line or blitzing
linebackers. It also
means he is a viable
threat to run which
By Jerry Vallotton
Assistant Coach, Foothill
High School, Redding, CA
weak outside linebacker (Rover) will float the back side flat.
The two inside linebackers (Mike and Whip) cover the inside
hook-curl zones.
Instead of sitting back and giving the QB time to pick us
apart we felt we could go right at him, disrupt his timing and
roll-up to the crossing routes that follow his roll. We create sacks
by having the QB pull-up which buys time for our inside rushers to get to him. Even if he does get the pass off he often has
to throw off balance. This helps to create turnovers (interceptions) or at least incomplete passes. This coverage allows us to
play aggressively, but also to continue to have sound coverage.
Jerry Vallotton has had fourteen years of coaching experience as a head
coach, an offensive and a defensive coordinator. Coach Vallotton is also the
author of The Toss a book about the double wing offense (carried in our
bookstore as GCB 152, $29.95) For more information call Coach Vallotton
at 530/246-1700. n
Diagram Two
Cover 3
means you either play
The strong outside linebacker (Sam

in this case) will attack outside-in. His
goal is to disrupt the roll. We want to
the perimeter and give
make the QB pull up short or at least
up some flat coverage.
hurry his pass. The strong corner (CB)
Neither of these are
will come up quickly looking to jump
the flat. He is usually looking for #1 or
sound options.
#2 running an outside route. The strong
safety (S) will drive to the near has marks and look to jump the
deep clearing route. The halfback (HB) will drive to the other
has and look to cover the deep half (usually a post route). The
soft and mirror him or
you send pressure off
Flat
M
Hook/curl
E
W
Flat
Hook/curl
1/3
1/3
1/3
Diagram Three
2 Cloud to QB
Diagram One
4-4 Base
L
N
M
GRIDIRON
40
E
W
Hook/curl
Flat
H
E
W
R
1/2
N
M
Hook/curl
Flat
1/2
Coach
Defensive Game Preparation

at Canisius College
At Canisius College we
have many of the same
challenges that other
small college programs
and some high school
programs share
with regard to the
preparation that goes
into defensive game
planning. With a staff
that has part time
personnel mixed with
full-time assistant
coaches, time
efensive game preparation begins

on Sunday. The players are given
the day off. The head coach schedules a general staff meeting which usually
last one hour or less and then the offensive
and defensive coaches proceed to separate
to begin the weeks work. Each defensive
assistant evaluates Saturdays game on
their own. Videotape dubbing equipment
can be shared with other programs that
are not currently in season (ex: basketball
and football might share two video decks)
so as to allow coaches to copy tapes to be
viewed as homework Sunday night so each
position coach can provide players with
a written evaluation during Mondays
unit meetings.
management is a vital
The defensive
part of our program.
coaches proceed
to finalize the breakdown of the previous
days game for the upcoming opponent.
Our conference has a video exchange
protocol. Video scouting allows for a
more complete evaluation of your
opponents tendencies and any idiosyncrasies. Once we complete the current
film we should have at least four films
on our opponent including our game
with them from the previous season.
During film review each coach is
cognizant of their preassigned area of
emphasis. Each coach must be able to
summarize for the entire staff what
they have observed with regard to the
philosophy of the upcoming opponent
and how we plan to attack them. Areas
of emphasis include:
A. Defensive Coord./Secondary
Coach (Def. Asst. shares duties)
1. Goaline / 2 pt Defense
2. Coming Out Defense
Coach and
Position
By H. Glen Graham
Canisius College,
Buffalo, NY
3. Red Zone Defense

4. Pressures/Blitz Coverage
5. Personnel Packages
6. Pass Defense
7. 2 Minute Drill/Victory Defense
8. Special Plays
B. Defensive Line Coach
1. Inside Run/Off-tackle Run
2. Draw
3. Pass Protection/Rush vs. Protection Schemes
4. Short Yardage
C. Linebacker Coach
1. Outside Run
2. Run Support
3. Under Coverage(s)
4. Screens/Draws
Glen:
Defensive
Coordinator
Jason:
Defensive
Line
Mark:
Linebackers
Art:
Defensive
Assistant
Game
Analysis
All situations
down/dist
pass/run
fronts
pressures
pressures
LB alignment
and run fits
formations
bench control
substitution
special teams
Scouting
Report
game plan outline

formation
tendencies
best passes
best runs
pass pro schemes
handout prep
assist Jason
w/handout
LB run fits
quality control
special plays
2 point offense
quote for handout
Practice
Prep
scripts:
Team
7 on 7
Group
Pass play
cards
scripts:
Interior
Run play cards
assist with
interior script
signal fronts
during team
run scout offense

organize play
cards
Game
Duties
play calling
call sheets
POA hit chart

pass hit chart
signal defenses
Halftime
Duties
coordinate 2nd
1/2 adjustments
address unit
address secondary
defensive call
tendencies
front adjustments
meet w/DL
D/D and P/R

ratios
suggest LB
adjustments
meet w/LBs
suggest
adjustments
meet where
needed
Supplemental
Duties
equipment
concerns (road)
equipment
concerns
equipment
concerns
equipment
concerns
road Chaplain
GRIDIRON
Coach
41
Any video broken down prior to receiving the opponents

most recent game must be completed by Friday morning to
allow for analysis on Sunday. The Friday morning deadline also
allows the staff to travel and prepare for the upcoming game
without distraction.
The areas of emphasis for analysis of an opponent with
regard to tendencies is an integral part of game plan development. Defensively it is imperative that you are aware of any
and all tendencies with regard to the following areas:
1. Down and Distance
5. Pass Concepts
2. Vertical Field Position
6. Goaline
3. Formation/Shifts/Motion
7. Short Yardage
4. Run Concepts
8. Special Plays
Our typical Sunday schedule encompasses the aforementioned points of emphasis and should follow this schedule:
Sunday Schedule
1. Finalize Film Breakdown
2. Finalize 2 Deep Chart
3. Prep Goaline
4. Prep Short Yardage
5. Prep +20 Defense
6. Prep Pressures
7. Prep 2 Minute Defense
8. Prep 2 Point Defense
Create Fronts for Situations
1. 1-10 drive start
7.
2. 1-10
3. 1-11 plus
8.
4. 2-1-2
9.
5. 2-3-6
10.
6. 2-7-10
2-10 and 2-10 after an

incompletion on first down
2-10+
3-7-10
3-3-6
The rest of the weeks preparation is nearly complete by

Monday night. Our Monday practice which includes team and
unit meetings, special teams walk through and defensive walk
through. After this practice the scouting report is completed
and play cards and scripts are constructed for Tuesdays practice. The Game Plan is finalized by Wednesday after practice.
Thursdays practice is for review and special situations. The
assigned weekly duties of each coach are highlighted by
Diagram 1 which also includes game day responsibilities. At
Canisius College we believe that proper organization and time
management allows for each defensive football player to be well
prepared and properly motivated for the upcoming opponent.
Coach Graham is currently the Defensive Coordinator at Canisius College.
Additionally, he serves as the secondary coach. He coached high school football
for 10 years before joining the Canisius staff. He can be reached at (716)
888-2966. n
GRIDIRON
42
Coach
www.GridironPublications
Defending the Two-Tight End Set
Coaches are
VERY SEASON ONE SIDE of the ball

seems to exploit some new concept that sends opposing coordinators back to the drawing board to
figure out how to defend or attack this
new scheme.
constantly looking for

ways to gain the upper
hand for their teams.
Football is a game of
adjustment and read-
One of the concepts that has been

gaining popularity is the use of twotight ends. As defensive coordinators
search for successful ways to defend
the two-tight end formation, it is first
necessary to determine the philosophy
of the offense when using this set.
justment of advantage
and the scramble to
negate that advantage.
Offensive Philosophy
of the Two-Tight End Set
My coaching staff and I have determined four philosophies
that we have encountered as reasons coaches use the two
tight end set.
1. The offense creates more gaps at the line of scrimmage (LOS). This technique is particularly effective in
the running game.
2. The two-tight end set places more blockers in the

core of the formation.
3. The threat of another receiver aligned on the LOS
(as opposed to a back out of the backfield).
4. It forces the defense to balance its front instead of
determining strength to one tight end.
By Jon Schultheis
Head Football Coach
Keansburg High School
Keansburg, New Jersey
Although there are endless possibilities for this formation, these are the four primary reasons for using the twotight end set we have encountered. The five formations
presented are variations of two-tight end sets. Each of these
fits into one or more offensive philosophies.
Defensive Strategies
Versus the Two-Tight End Set
There are two possibilities in defending the two-tight end
set:
1. Assign certain players a two-gap assignment. This
strategy is possible versus all formations.
2. Place more defenders at the LOS so as to maintain
single-gap responsibility. This responsibility is not
always an option depending on the formation, front
and coverage.
There are certain teams whose defensive philosophies
have been imitated by defenses around the country on all
levels. These include the University of Miami, Michigan
State, the University of Washington and the Minnesota
Vikings. We have had the opportunity to hear their
thoughts on defending the two-tight end set. All of them
incorporate the previously mentioned strategy of using twogap players or putting more defenders at the LOS. Here are
some of their thoughts on defending two-tight ends.
The Hurricanes have been one of the most consistent
defensive teams in recent time. They are blessed with outstanding athletes and make very few adjustments. From
their basic canes set they will adjust the weak side of the
defensive front out to the second tight end. Thus, their
linebackers become two-gap players.
George Perles, coordinator of the famed Steel Curtain
defense in Pittsburgh during the 70s, made the titled nose
one of the most striking features of defensive football. He
and his staff have several answers to the set in question.
Most simply, they will run the up defense to place more
men at the LOS than the TE on either side.
GRIDIRON
Coach
43
Another option is to play their base defense and run a

blitz. This strategy forces one of the running backs to block
the blitzing player neutralizing the offenses numbers advantage and protecting the middle linebacker from the lead
play.
The Vikings had one of the best rushing defenses in

NFL history. Out of their base under defense they like to
switch to gap responsibilities to confuse the offenses
blocking schemes.
I hope some of these philosophies will assist you in
your thinking and enable you to defend your opponents
more effectively. Our players did a great job this year defensively, giving up 51 points in 11 games and winning
the state sectional championship. Dialogue is the best way
to learn and share ideas. I would appreciate other ideas
and/or questions on this matter. n
If the offense is only using one running back, the blitz is

not necessary because there is no lead blocker in the
backfield.
The Huskies attacking defense, in effect, brought the 44 back into big time college football. The eight-man front
needed no adjustment to two tight ends. The inside linebackers are two gap players.
Diagram One: 2 TEs, 2 RBs, 1 WR
Diagram Five: Spread - 2 TEs, 3 WRs
Diagram Nine
Diagram Two: Ace - 2 TEs, 1 RB, 2 WRs
Two-Gap Assignment
SS
Diagram Ten
B
SS
Diagram Three: Fullhouse - 2 TEs, 3 BRs
Diagram Seven
Diagram Eleven
B
Diagram Twelve
Diagram Four: Tight - 3 TEs, 2 RBs
Diagram Eight
SS
E
B
Diagram Thirteen
Stack
T
B
T
B
E
B
Lion
E
T
B
T
B
All backers have two-gap responsibilities
GRIDIRON
44
E
B
Coach
The Wide Tackle Six:

A No-Nonsense Defense
Combining an
attack-style six man
front with a dynamic
and versatile stunt and
coverage package, the
wide tackle six defense
will give you the tools
to control the line of
scrimmage and slow
down even the most
IGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL HAS
changed over the years, but

one dynamic has remained constant. That is that the team that can
control the line of scrimmage has a decided advantage over its opponent. An
offensive team that can run the ball
effectively throughout a football game is
nearly unstoppable. Conversely, a defensive squad that can consistently stuff its
opponents running plays has almost
assured its team of a victory.
high powered offenses.
In many of your games, your defense

lines up against offenses that have a
feature tailback. That running back will probably carry the ball
twenty to thirty times during the game. It makes sense for you
to help your defense improve its odds of success. The wide
tackle six allows you to match man-power up front as well as
keep tabs on the pass.
Base Alignment
The base alignment of the wide tackle six is shown in diagram
one. The entire wide tackle defensive scheme hinges around six
down lineman and a middle linebacker. Defensive alignments
are set according to the strength of the offense with the linebacker making a strong right or left call. The nose tackles are
always in an inside eye alignment over the guards (a one technique). With a strong left call, the strong tackle is aligned head
up on the offensive tackle. The quick (or backside) tackle is
aligned on the inside eye of the tackle to the backside. The
strong end lines up on the outside eye of the tight end. The
quick end is uncovered allowing some freedom in assigning his
responsibilities. The middle linebacker is head up on the center
about seven yards deep. This depth allows for maximum scrape
angles and ease in getting into pass drops.
By Kelly Richardson
Assistant Football Coach
Stone Mountain High School
Stone Mountain, Georgia
port to stop the play. The secondary is a vital part of the runstopping personnel in the wide tackle six.
Stunt package
With a six man front, offensive opponents must be very careful
when they prepare a pass blocking scheme. The wide tackle six
allows the defensive personnel to run a variety of simple twists
and stunts and put a great amount of pressure on the quarterback. You can run twists that change the gap responsibility of
the linemen. You also have the option of stunting the linebacker through any gap without compromising an uncovered
area. Often times, you can turn your ends loose to rush from
the outside. Since they are still responsible for contain, ends are
taught to rush to the outside shoulder of the last man in the
backfield to keep from getting pinned under.
Add all this to an occasional comer or safety blitz, and you
have an impressive package of quarterback pressure.
Coverages
Cover three is the base coverage with the wide tackle six defense. However, cover two, man, and man-free are all possibilities. In certain situations, it is possible to have your strong end
drop with a tight end release so that you can achieve a five underneath look. There are numerous possibilities when changing
and/or disguising coverages. Base coverages are illustrated in
diagrams three, four, and five.
DIAGRAMS CONTINUED ON PAGE
46
If you would like further information regarding this article, you may write to
Coach Richardson at 5225 North Peachtree Rd., Dunwoody, GA 30338. n
Diagram One: Base Alignment

FS
C
B
E
SS
N
C
E
This is a gap control defense, and each member of the front

seven has a gap responsibility. Diagram two shows gap assignments. Linemen should be taught to penetrate no more than
one yard into the backfield in base play. The object of the wide
tackle six defense is to plug up the gaps, take away the inside
game, and allow the middle linebacker and secondary run supGRIDIRON
Coach
45
THE WIDE TACKLE SIX: A NO-NONSENSE DEFENSE
Diagram Two: Base Defense

FS
C
SS
B
E
C
N
Diagram Three: Base 60 - Cover 3
FS
SS
C
B
E
C
N
Diagram Four: Base 60 - Cover 2
FS
C
SS
B
C
N
Diagram Five: Base 60 - Man

FS
C
GRIDIRON
46
SS
B
E
C
N
Coach
Situation Four
In most championship game circumstances there is a dominant offensive player
on the team you must beat to win. To stop
him you must do a great job of adjusting
your defensive scheme to take somethings
away from him but allow him to do a few
other things because you cannot stop him
altogether.
Limiting
Florida
States
Offense
This year in college football, Charlie

Ward was the man to stop on the Florida
State Seminoles football teamhe was
probably the best college football player in
1993. He can run, pass, and create a great
deal of havoc on the field. How would you
defend FSU and Charlie Ward? The following are some things to be considered.
A You Call The Play

Special Submission:
Situation Four
Do you stunt your defensive

lineman or play a contain/read
front?
What kind of blitz pressure will you
use: DBs, LBs, or a combo of both?
How will you cover the four wide
setsman or zone?
Who will play the QB running
attackdraw, sprint series, ect.
How will you defend the one
running backis he dynamite too?
Will you replace LBs for DBs?
Do you cover the short routes and
defend the big play or vice versa?
What do you do best on defense
and how will you make that work
against this football team and great
offensive player?
By John Lilly
Assistant Coach,
Northwest Guilford HS
Greensboro, North Carolina
Situation Four Formations to Defend

Trips
WR
WR
WR
X
TB
QB
Spread
WR
X
FB
QB
TB
QB
TB
Doubles
WR
X
WR
WR
Only one team was capable of solving this problem will enough to win,
Notre Dame. Heres your
chance to use your skill
like some of the best college coaches did during
the 1993 season. Remember, who ever has the
chalk last winsyou cannot loose.
Bill Renner
GC Vol. 4/Issue 1
You Call The Play
HAVE DECIDED TO APPROACH this situation with the attitude of limiting the
offense of the Florida State Seminoles
rather than trying to shut it down. In
1993, the Seminoles were a great offensive
football team led by the nations top football player, and since the fewest points
they scored in any one game last season
was 18, it is pointless to talk about completely shutting them down.
I am a Florida State fan living in what is

known as ACC Country. Im familiar
with FSUs offense and with what their
opponents must hope to do in order to
limit them. The following are some keys
to devising a game plan against FSUs
offensethings we must do as a team.
Keep their offense off of the field by
controlling the ballno three
downs and out; Charlie Ward cant
hurt us if hes not on the field.
Win the field position battle; even if
we dont score when we have the ball
we must make a couple of first
downs and punt the ball well to
insure that they will have to go long
distances in order to score on us.
Obviously, this also takes into
account that we cannot turn the ball
over.
If at all possible we must get the
lead and force them to play catchup. Hopefully, if we can maintain
the lead they will completely
abandon the running game and
reduce the number of things we
must think about and defend.
We must make sure tackles and not
allow yards after the catch by the
talented Seminole wide receivers
and backs. Ward completed 70% of
his passes, a total which indicates
that many of them were short
throws, but his receivers have the
potential to take any short throw all
the way with the help of just one
missed tackle. We must punish
them after each catch and when
Ward decides to run upfield we
GRIDIRON
Coach
47
must be very physical. Nothing dirtyeverything between

the whistles, but very physical. North Carolina utilized this
style in the first half of its game with FSU and created
three turnovers.
Next, there are a couple of
things which the Seminoles
do which will actually help
us defensively:
They do not really use
very much motion, so
for the most part what
you see when they
break the huddle is
what youre going to
get. When they do go
motion it will be with
their backs and not
with their receivers.
This fact should limit
the adjustments we
will have to make
while Ward calls the
cadence.
Trips
S
S
Spread
B
C
Pressure on the Quarterback
Several of the questions you mentioned pointed toward how to

get pressure on Charlie
Ward. First of all, we will
play a contain/read front
Diagram One
with each defensive lineman in our basic 4-3 set
responsible basically for a
small area around the line
of scrimmage. What we
would really like to do
E
T
T
E
with our defensive ends is
B
B
C
to charge hard up the field
to contain Ward from getS
ting outside, then come
back underneath the of1
2
fensive tackles to get to
Ward. FSU does not leave
backs in to protect against
the rush of the defensive
line so they depend solely
on their linemen for that.
Also, if we can get some
E
T
T
E
good pressure out of our
B
B
C
line we may be able to go
to only a three man front
S
S
and drop eight into coverage. Notre Dame did this
1
1
some and was still able to
3
3
get to Ward with just the
front three.
We are going to sit in

some fronts and
coverages that we hope
1
will take away the
3
pass, but they will still
try to pass the ball
against them. Why?
Doubles
Because they have the
We will on occasion
premier player in the
substitute linebackers for
college game at
ends (more quickness and
quarterback and they
perhaps better pressure)
E
T
T
E
C
want the ball in his
and defensive backs for
B
B
C
B
hands. He threw for
linebackers (better pass
S
S
27 touchdowns with
coverage against the inonly 4 interceptions
side receivers and backs
and was sacked only
out of the backfield; lim1
1
2
2
10 times in 12 regular
its mismatches). We will
season games. With
sit predominantly in zone
that type of success
coverages with some difeven when other teams
ferent variations. We will
were trying to take away the pass you know that they are
blitz some and play some man-to-man, but only in select situagoing to stay with it, especially when youve got the most
tions. Florida, if I remember correctly, often tried man coverages
supremely confident and most unflappable quarterback in
early and got whipped pretty badly. Youve got to remember that
the game pulling the trigger.
the Florida State receivers go up against some of the premier
defensive backs in the nation every day in practice, so they have
With those things said, I will concentrate on the questions
honed their skills against top man defenders. We do not want to
brought up in Situation Four and at my specific game plan for
limiting the Florida State offense.
GRIDIRON
48
Coach
give up the big play (either on a short

throw and missed tackle or on a deep ball)
and this could very easily happen in man.
Additionally, the Seminole receivers
have built in adjustments if Ward begins
to scramble and if you are in a man and
you get caught looking at Ward and wondering if you should go help make a tackle
on him, he will throw it over your head to
your man, much like he did to Matt Frier
in the Miami game. Therefore, our philosophy will be primarily to sit in the zone,
give up the short throws, make sure and
hard tackles, put pressure on Ward with
our linemen, and force FSU to use a lot of
plays in moving the ball down the field.
The more plays they must run, the greater
the chance that they will make a mistake
we can take advantage of. Remember, they
are a highly penalized team. I will get more
into the specific coverages and the blitzes
we will use in a moment.
Finally, how can we cover the running
game? Remember, as I said earlier, FSU
really doesnt want to run because it takes
the ball out of the hands of their most
dangerous offensive weapon. In their loss
to Notre Dame the Seminoles ran only 27
times for 96 yards and they threw 50
times. Against Nebraska in another close
game they rushed 24 times for 47 yards
and Ward put the ball in the air 43 times.
With our basic alignment and our linebackers at different times faking or showing blitz and dropping into coverage we
will be able to neutralize any rushing attack they show us. Their basic running
plays (the fullback dive, the lead, the sweep,
and even the direct snap from the center to
the lone back) will not hurt us as long as
the game is tight and they dont have us off
balance.
We can now look a little more closely at
the various schemes we will use against
their basic formations in order to limit the
Seminoles offensively.
Diagram Two
E
C
E
C
S
1
S
1
Trips
Trips. Basically against this formation we
are looking at having four defenders underneath and three deep with the three
deep players responsible for quarter/quarter/half coverage. Our best coverage backer
will be responsible for the strong side flat
while the weak corner must funnel the
backside receiver (to help the safety) and
then play the flats. He may have an opportunity to help deep since from this formation FSU shows no threat of the back
leaking out to his side for a pass. The other
two backers must be very alert for two
types of routes - the hook/curl at about 10
yards and the crossing route. Communication is vital if we are going to play a lot of
zone coverages and these players especially
must constantly have their heads on a
swivel while taking their drops. This is not
a big rushing formation for FSU so we will
probably not respect the run very much,
but we must be aware of it, particularly at
the linebacker positions.
If they show us this formation a lot we
may go to our three man front more often.
With this look we could basically play
five underneath and three deep, which
could really cause FSU some problems
because of their affection for the short
throw. Again, a lot of this hinges on being
able to get at least a little bit of pressure out
of the front three. We may also go to some
man coverage here and utilize a blitz such

as this.
Spread
Spread. Here we are looking at a threedeep secondary with the strong side safety
jumping up into the hook/curl area where
FSU so often likes to go. With this type of
action we may be able to confuse Ward
momentarily and force some bad throws.
Obviously we will not be in this cover
exclusively. We will at times rotate our
secondary to the strength so that the corner becomes the flat defender and the
strong side safety plays the deep third. As
much as Ward likes to throw the quick five
yard out we would like to have the corner
in somewhat of a position to pick this off
or make a good solid tackle on the man
making the reception. We may play some
man underneath here because we would
still have two deep safeties to help out.
That would not be the case if we blitzed,
which we may do occasionally but the
backers on the outside, if they were going,
would have to be very aware of where the
running backs are. If the backs run the
flare routes FSU likes, then out backers
would be forced to break off their rush and
pick up the backs.
This formation scares me the most as
for the Seminole rushing attack is concerned because theyve got two running
backs in there plus Ward. They like to
GRIDIRON
Coach
49
establish the lead across the formation

(with the weak side runner leading the
strong side back through the guard/tackle
gap) and then fake this and roll Ward out.
That thought in itself is almost enough
to keep me in my base alignment and just
let my players react, but I dont want to
limit their aggressiveness by never blitzing
or taking some intelligent chances.
Doubles
Doubles. Florida State has not shown the
propensity for sending all four receivers
vertical, so we feel pretty comfortable going two-deep in the secondary. We want
our backers, particularly the weak backer
to at least show blitz on just about every
play just so the FSU linemen will have to
look at him, the receivers may make some
type of hot adjustment, and Ward may
be fooled into a mistake. It may also limit
the activity of the back in the passing
game. If we come it will be with the weak
backer or perhaps even with the weak side
corner. Either way it will be from Wards
backside and away from the lone running
back who is probably checking only his
side for pass blocking responsibilities.
With the weak backer inside showing
blitz quite often it also gives us the look of
having six men in the box so FSU will
have only five to block us with and therefore may shy away from the running game.
We would like to use this basic approach
versus any formation they give us. Diagrams x, x, and x illustrate a couple of blitz
looks, although I am not too excited about
going after them with no safety free to
help out in any trouble spots.
That concludes for the most part my
brief analysis of how to limit FSUs offensive unit in 1993. I would like to comment, though, on one area you neglected
to mention in the situation which I feel is
a real key to having a chance against FSU
goal-line defense. The Seminoles are going to move the football no matter what
kind of scheme you have, but if you can
GRIDIRON
50
Coach
limit them to field goal attempts rather than touchdowns (like

Nebraska did) then you can stay within striking distance.
Once they cross the 20 yard line and enter the red zone I
would stay with my basic defenses until they moved inside the 10.
If they were inside the 10 but outside the 5, I would go to more of
a gambling, blitzing package to force Ward to hurry or to hang up
the fade or corner to Kevin Knox or Kez McCorvey. Let your best
man defenders do their thing and coach them to use the sideline
Diagram Three
E
C
S
(FREE)
Diagram Four
T
B
B
C
E
B
C
S
S
as their teammate. Remember,

a pass caught out of bounds is
as good as an incompletion.
FSU will help us do this because, despite their love of the
quick short pass, they do not
run the traditional slant route
often and that is without a
doubt the most difficult pattern to defend in man coverage and particularly on the goal
line. If they do move inside the
5 yard line they will probably
tighten the formation and we
will do the same. Fullback
William Floyd made a living
off of short touchdown runs
on the dive play. From the I
formation, they may go to the
sweep and let Floyd do what
he is better at than any fullback in the country atthrowing the crushing lead block.
With a player like Ward at
quarterback, the option would
be a difficult play to defend on
the goal line or anywhere else
on the field for that matter,
but FSU wouldnt dare run it
and risk an injury to its top
player.
about at the beginning and by

playing a lot of soft zone coverages and mixing in some effective blitz packages and thus
forcing FSU to work very hard
for all of its points I think we
could limit them to the point
where we could be in it at the
end and probably win it with a
field goal at the final gun.
John Lilly, a true fan of the FSU
Seminoles, is the Assistant Coach at
Northwest Guillford H.S. in
Greensboro, North Carolina. If you
have any questions regarding this
article, Coach Lilly can be reached by
calling (919) 668-2124. n
(FREE)
If we can stop them or hold

them to only a field goal, it
would be obviously a tremendous boost for our team.
Diagram Five
E
C
T
B
E
B
S
(FREE)
Diagram Six
E
C
T
B
E
B
S
S
(FREE)
In my brief coaching career

I have been involved in only
one championship game. We
allowed only 159 total yards,
but we turned the ball over
and lost the field position battle
with our special teams and
wound up getting beat 28-19.
If my mythical team which I
have created here was to do
battle with Florida State we
would not expect to shut them
down entirely or shut them
out. That, I believe, is impossible. However, by keeping in
mind the simple keys I wrote
GRIDIRON
Coach
51
From Reading to Attacking:

Merging The 4-4 and The Bear 4-6
We emphasize
speed in our off-season
program and will
sacrifice size for speed
in the placement of our
personnel. Remember
though, that speed is
relative. We need to be
as fast or faster than
the people we play.
VER THE COURSE OF MY coaching

career, I have been associated
with some form of an odd reading front. About five years ago, I was
confronted with three problems defensively.
Number one: Given the wide open

offense that we were running the old
bend but dont break philosophy
was not getting the job done. We were
not getting the big plays to stop
drives. Thus, our high powered offense was spending too much time on
the sidelines.
Number two: Working in a small program, we have to rely

on a significant number of young players and JC transfers.
With the multiple formations we were facing, we were
spending more and more of our time teaching alignments
and adjustments than techniques and tendencies.
Number three: With all the adjusting we were doing, our
players were suffering from paralysis by analysis. The
bottom line was that our players were performing like robots rather than turning it lose like the athletes we had
recruitedthey were not having fun! Each week we ran a
pass under pressure blitz period versus our own offense. I
became convinced that a change was in order when I noticed the tremendous increase in our players enthusiasm
during this blitz period. They were having fun: youve got
him, youve got him and the rest of us are turning it loose!
In looking for a change, we focused on a defensive scheme
that would:
Attack and disrupt the flow of an offense
Create the big plays and turnovers allowing our offense
more possessions
Create confusion and on-the-field decision making by
the offense and thus impact offensive execution
Cause preparation problems by utilizing a scheme that
was unique for our opponents to prepare for
GRIDIRON
52
By Ron Flowers
Head Football Coach
Southwest State University
Marshall, Minnesota
Keep adjustments and assignments simple to allow our

players to turn it loose and use their athletic abilities
Bring back the aggressive, emotional, and fun part of
playing defense.
What we settled on was a merger between the 4-4 and the
Bear 4-6. These two fronts and our ability to alternate from
one to the other have proven to be very effective. There are
several key factors in the successful execution of an attacking defense.
Our defensive lineman crowd the ball.
Their primary responsibility is to re-establish the line of
scrimmage in the backfield. We do not read and react, we
attack and act. While they are responsible for the gap they
are aligned on, they are not responsible for protecting linebackers.
Flexibility in alignment.
Both schemes give us the ability to place eight players in
what we call the attack zone. Our linebackers play at the
heels of the defensive line and always present the offense
with the heat of a LB run through. With the addition of a
up call, we can align ten and sometimes eleven players on
the LOS.
Easy to disguise.
Our coverage package is simple and built around the base
coverages that resemble one another. This makes it easy for
us to disguise our intentions. Our coverages consist of a
robber scheme, 3-deep zone, man free, and a 0 or blitz
coverage.
We emphasize stemming and moving.
By stemming we are referring to the individual movements
of all 11 players. Because the scheme is simple, after our
players understand their basic responsibilities they are encouraged to move around on their own. For example, while
our LBs have split gap responsibilities based on backfield
flow, they do not have a fixed alignment. They are taught
their basic responsibilities and then given the latitude to
vary their alignment. Because the defensive concepts are
Coach
Diagram One: Base Front
E
R
Diagram Two: Up Base
N
M
E
W
Diagram Three: Move Bear Away from Whip
W E
FS
T
R
Move Base To Whip
Up Bear
FS
Bear Front
N
M
FS
E
M
E M W
C
C
FS
simple, we are able to focus on the offense while much of

our stemming and alignment variation is determined by the
offenses formation or tendencies, etc.
Emphasize pursuit and speed.

To play this package, you must be able
to play man coverage. Without the
ability to play man you cannot utilize
a blitz/pressure system. We emphasize
speed in our off-season program and
will sacrifice size for speed in the
placement of our personnel. Remember though, that speed is relative. We
need to be as fast or faster than the
people we play. While NFL speed
would be nice, it is not necessary.
W
M
FS
FS
By moving we are referring to a coordinated movement of the entire defense

from one package to the other. The
combination of stemming and moving
make audibles difficult and creates
offensive confusion that leads to misexecution.
size some aspect of running to the football. Our players are

preached to that if on the last snap of practice if they are
not spent they have not run to the football the way they
mustit is game day everyday when it comes to pursuit!
The following diagrams illustrate our
Base Front and Bear Front.
Diagram Four: Pressure Schemes

Crash
E
R
N
M
N
M
FS
Dog
E
R
I can honestly say that, if for no

other reason than our kids have fun
playing defense, I am glad we no
longer read and now attack. The
results speak for themselves.
FS
Mike
E
C
S
R
Our move is always determined by

the location of our weak OLB or
Whip. We either slide to or away
from the Whip. With a move call in
the huddle we will line up in the opposite defense and move to the defense called. The diagram below illustrates how we do this.
FS
Sam
While all defenses talk about purE

suit, we must bleed it. A big play
T
S
R
C
defense can just as fast become a big
FS
play for the offense if pursuit is not
emphasized. We talk it, we walk it and
we drill pursuit like nobodys business.
What might be unusual is that we do not do a lot of extra
conditioning after practice. However, in every phase of
practice, from individual, group and team work, we empha-
Since adopting this concept, we

have finished no lower than second in
our conference in all defensive categories. In addition, we have led the
W
conference in minus yardage and
N E
M
C
sacks. We now average eighteen tackles for a loss per game (not including
sacks, which we average 3.5 per game)
and have had as many as twenty-five
tackles for a loss in one game. Can you imagine one third
or more of your opponents plays resulting in negative yardage! So much for the bend but dont break philosophy. n
For a complete listing of GRIDIRON Coach archived articles, call (320) 734-4940.
GRIDIRON
Coach
53
Adapting the Master Defense

to an Even Alignment
n the 60s Bob Troppman, published, FOOTBALLS
MASTER DEFENSE GUIDE. At the time it was one
of the most useful publications around dealing with defensive alignments and adjustments. A revised edition, THE
NEW MASTER DEFENSE GUIDE 2, published in the 80s,
added additional ideas relating to pass coverages and the defense of the option. The theme of both books was to develop
a system of calls to enable a coach to adjust to any offensive
set he may face. The calls were based on a numbering system
established by the techniques or alignments of the defensive
tackles and the nose. The numbering system was organized
by using even numbers for head up alignments and odd
numbers for shaded alignments. (See Diagrams One and
Two.)
Shoreham Wading River
High School,
Long Island, NY
Over, etc. These words determined the technique of the Nose

in relation to the strength of the formation, or to the tight end
to the left side of the defense. (See Diagram Three ae.) To
establish such techniques to the opposite or quick side, away
from a right tight end the words were preceded by the word,
Under. Example: Under Shade, Under Slide, etc. Backside end
responsibilities, also described by words, Away, Out, Eagle, etc.
are the last part of the defense called and are included in Chart I
and several diagrams.
Diagram Three
Alignment of the Nose
a. 0Stay Technique
N
b. 0Shade Technique
Diagram One
Even Numbers
8
By Donald J. Nimphius
c. 1Slide Technique
d. 2Technique
(over-under technique)
Diagram Two
Odd Numbers
e. 3Slam Technique
9
75
57
Chart I
*0 Head up on the center.
*2 Head up on the guard.
*4 Head up on the tackle.
*6 Head up on the end.
*8 Two yds. Outside the end.
*8 Contain: 2 to 3 feet outside
*8 the tackle to the S.E. side.
*8 Designed to defend the option.
*8 Away A walk off position.
*8 Out Head up on the S.E.
*8 Stack Stacked behind the
*8 tackle to the S.E. side.
*1 Inside shade of the guard.

*3 Outside shade of the guard.
*5 Outside shade of the tackle.
*7 Inside shade of the end.
*9 Outside of the tight end.
#5 Eagle: An end technique,
#5 outside of the tackle as close
#5 close to the L.O.S. as possible.
A series of words were used to provide a variety of additional

adjustments. The most significant of these referred to the Nose
and Backside End. Words for the Nose were: Stay, Shade, Slide,
GRIDIRON
54
A. The linebackers align themselves accordingly.

1. If the down tackles align to the right, move right, the
backers move left.
2. If the tackles move left, the backers align right. (See
Diagram Five.)
Diagram Four
a.
60
40
20
20
40
60
b.
70 50 30
10
10
30 50 70
B. Secondary calls, in the Master Defense are determined by a

color call system (see Chart II).
Coach
a. A pro 4-3 or 6-1 traditional.

b. A 6-2, split 6 (4-4) traditional.
Chart II
1. RED CALL: Strong Safety support to the two receiver side.
2. WHITE CALL: A two deep alignment with five (5) underneath
the zone.
3. BLUE CALL: A four across secondary.
a. Blue Cloud: corners up.
b. Blue Sky: safeties up.
4. GREEN CALL: Man to Man with a free safety.
5. BLACK CALL: The same as White except Man coverage underneath.
6. ORANGE CALL: A check call against a slot formation.
Of course, any additional calls may be added as you see fit.

Ex. SILVER CALL: A traditional three (3) deep secondary.
C. To set the defense the basic principal is determined by calling;
1. The secondary by color: RED, WHITE, BLUE, etc.
2. The alignment of the tackles by numbers: 55, 35, 53,
etc.
3. The alignment of the Nose(s): by word: Stay, Shade,
Slide, etc.
4. And last the alignment of the backside end also by
word: Away, Out, Eagle, etc.
Thus an odd call, 5 2, with strong safety support, would be:
RED / 55 / STAY / AWAY (See Diagram Five)
SS
T
5
After the substituting an additional down lineman, Nose,

for whomever the word EVEN must be added to the call.
EVEN, meaning there are now two nose guards in the game
and that they are to align as determined by the call. Additionally, the word SLAM is added to the Nose techniques to enable
a simple call to align with an EVEN front. Since two Nose
Guards are now in the game it might be wise to proceed the
Nose alignment words with the word Double. Ex. Double
Slide, Double Over, etc. (See Diagrams Four, Five, Six, Seven,
Eight, and Nine.)
The Nose guard(s) techniques would then be:
Chart III
0 Stay
0 Shade/Under Shade
0 **3 Slam/Under Slam
1 Slide/Under Slide
2 Over/Under
0 ** A new alignment
The 3 Slam/Under Slam technique has already been

included in the tackle techniques. (See Diagrams One and Two,
and Chart I.)
All calls will still be determined by the system of:
1. Secondary Color:
2. Tackle technique:
3. Nose alignment:
4. Backside end position:
Diagram Five
Red / 55 / Stay / Away
E
9
Once these decisions have been made the following MUST be

done to adapt the MASTER DEFENSE to even configuration.
N
B
20
B
20
T
5
E (away)
C
The entire system was based on an odd front alignment.

Although comments were made about how to adapt even configurations they were not complete.
D. To adapt the MASTER DEFENSE to an Even alignment
demands that three (3) decisions be made.
1. Determine if one of the secondary people, backers or
defensive backs can effectively play someplace in the
front. Usually you can find a backer who can play as a
Nose, a Down Tackle or an End.
2. Determine if you have a substitute who can play down
better than any of the backers or defensive backs.
3. Are you willing to play with one (1) linebacker and/or a
three (3) deep secondary with run support via a rotation?
Examples of several defensive calls are as follows:

1. A pro 61 traditional, vs. a pro set, becomes a:
WHITE / 55 / EVEN / SLAM / UNDER SLAM
(Double Slam) / AWAY
Diagram Six
White/55/Even/Slam/Under Slam (Double Slam)/Away
9
C
S
L
A
M
U
N
D
E
R
SS
S
L
A
M
5
AWAY
C
FS
2. A pro 4-3 traditional, vs. a pro set, becomes a:

RED / 95 / EVEN / SLAM / UNDER SLAM (Double
Slam) / AWAY
Note: The aligned tackle, an end technique.
GRIDIRON
Coach
55
Diagram Seven
Red/95/Even/Slam/Under Slam (Double Slam)/Away
9
C
SS
S
L
A
M
U
N
D
E
R
9
AWAY
SS
C
S
L
A
M
C
FS
Diagram Eight
Silver/55/Even/Slide/Under Slide (Double Slide)/Away
9
5
B
S
L
I
D
E
U
N
D
E
R
5
AWAY
C
S
L
I
D
E
4. A traditional Split 6, becomes a:

**SILVER / 55 / EVEN / SLAM / UNDER SLAM
(Double Slam) / AWAY
Note: Double Slam in place of Slam/Under Slam
Note: No provision was ever made for a traditional
three (3) deep secondary. Add SILVER, as a three deep
zone, corners and the safety each cover 1/3.
Diagram Nine
Silver/55/Even/Slam/Under Slam (Double Slam)/Away
9
B
C
S
L
A
M
U
N
D
E
R
S
L
A B
M
3. A pro 62 traditional, becomes a:

**SILVER / 55 / EVEN / SLIDE / UNDER SLIDE
(Double Slide) / AWAY
Diagram Ten
Red/95/Even/Slam/Under Slam (Double Slam)/Away
AWAY
C
U
N
B D
E
R
AWAY
C
S
L
A
M
The MASTER DEFENSE has been very effectively used as

a system of calls and adjustments under game conditions. Thus,
it has simplified game plans. However, it is an excellent practice
tool. From summer camps to the preparations for championships it gives a coach the opportunity to inject complete flexibility into his defensive program. With the addition of the EVEN
adaptation there is no reason why it cannot succeed from youth
league, at least, through high school. Scout teams will be able
to easily align in an opponents defense and perform effectively,
thus helping the offense. Whatever defensive alignment you are
committed to it should be completely adaptable to this system
of calls. It is not necessary for you to change one bit of your
philosophy. It will also provide an increased confidence in the
performance of your players. They will have regularly practiced
every technique they will ever need, No surprises!
Footnotes
1. New Master Defense Guide page 25
2. New Master Defense Guide pages 2631
3. New Master Defense Guide pages 53 & 54
4. New Master Defense Guide pages 2027
Bibliography:
New Master Defense Guide. Bob Troppmann. Parker Publishing Company, Inc. 1983. West Nyack, N.Y.
Coach Nimphius has been coaching football since 1960, most of the time as
an assistant coach. He has also been a football official for 16 years. He retired
from teaching in 1987. He developed most of his concepts of line play from
practical applications. He would enjoy speaking to you on any defensive topic.
He can be reached at 10 Tree Road, Miller Place, NY 11764, or by telephone
at 516/473-0369. n
S
L
A
M
5. A traditional 44, would become a:

RED / 95 / EVEN / SLAM / UNDER SLAM (Double
Slam) / AWAY
Note: 9 aligned tackle, an end technique.
GRIDIRON
56
Coach
A Secondary Blueprint for Success:

How We Adapted Three Coaching Philosophies Into
A Successful Defensive Scheme
There are many keys

that work together for
the success of any
team. For a team to
succeed you have to
have the athletes,
coaches and the
support of your
administration and
families. We have
Our Secondary Philosophy

Because of the academic pressures of our
school and the general inexperience of
most of our athletes, we have unique
teaching needs and time limitations that
have to mold our coaching philosophy.
These two issues may philosophically set
us apart from other programs. In the last
couple of years, we have combined two
contrasting coaching approaches to
working with the secondary that have
paid big dividends.
certainly been blessed
Before joining Milton Academy as a

receiver and secondary coach, Coach
Gorman spent several years coaching in
the NFL and at the College level. He has always preferred a
four deep zone coverage for run and pass. After over 10 years
leading a very successful local parochial school program, Coach
Macdonald preferred the 3 deep monster coverage. The defensive coordinator for the last several years, Geordie Dunnington,
had always used a 4-4 front with a 3 deep zone.
in each of these areas!
There is only one constant in life and that is change!

Because of this, we as coaches need to be constantly adjusting
and blending our philosophies with those with whom we work.
In 1995 our school celebrated its first undefeated season in
exactly 50 years. The team also increased its 1995 interceptions
total from 3 to 12 over the previous year in a primarily run-oriented conference. In 1996 our interceptions rose from 12 to 20
and we were again undefeated and came out on top in the
Class C New England Title game,
beating a strong Thayer Academy
squad.
What we are about to say is dangerous because no one likes to be
categorized. We believe that most
coaches fall into two teaching categories. They are either strategists
or technicians. A strategist is an X
and Os type of coach, a person that
loves to argue what coverage or
By I.J. Gorman &

Kevin Macdonald
Receiver and Secondary
Coach and Head Coach,
Milton Academy,
Milton, Massachusetts
front to use in any particular situation. A technician is the person that stresses how to open your hips on your drop in man
coverage or how to use your hands when redirecting a receiver.
He is the one constantly thinking of drills that work on gamespecific player situations. In a perfect world we would say that
we need to be both types and that is certainly true! However,
we still believe we are either one or the other at heart.
We knew right away that we believed deeply in vastly different styles of front and secondary play, but because we are both
at heart technique coaches, we were less concerned with what
defensive fronts and coverages we were in. What we were
mainly concerned about was how our kids were going to make
reads and what techniques they were going to employ when
they reacted to each particular play.
We have always felt that the techniques and read-drills that
we have used and believed in for years were the most important
aspects in helping our athletes to be successful. The strategic
differences that we all shared were not something that we
were going to lose sleep over! In this article we will share the
twists that we have employed in adapting these three contrasting coverage philosophies and a few of our favorite practice
read-drills.
Practice Schedules
We have an unusually limited amount of time to work with our
athletes. We usually have only about one hour a day after
warm-ups and conditioning. Because of this we are usually able
to do each drill only once a week. While we share some zone
read-drills, we want to stress that even in zone coverage we
believe that tight zone ends up
being a form of man coverage.
This is without as much fear connected with starting out in man.
We also like to play in combo coverage whenever we can, i.e., we
play man coverage underneath and
have free-safety zone support on
top. So even though we really just
play zone, most of our work is
based on reading a specific man
and coverage techniques accordGRIDIRON
Coach
57
ingly. The athletes also find it easier to read their man and
enjoy playing in a tighter one-on-one situation in practice.
align at a depth of 8-yards off and one yard inside. The coach
stands facing the receivers but behind the cornerbacks. The
coach communicates the reads through predetermined hand
Multi-Level Key-Reading Program
signals to the
We have tried various keys to give out defensive backs effective
receivers.
run/pass keys. This is especially important in our defensive
Diagram One
scheme where cornerbacks often have contain responsibilities.
In the stalk
WR Stalk
squeeze
Others who need to learn these reads are our strong safeties in
block, see diaLOS
the 5-2 as well as our outside linebackers in the 4-4. This is so
gram 1, the
stalk block
they can fill quickly on run plays.
receiver will execute a vertical
Many secondary players initially key an uncovered lineman,
release and the
CB
reading pass if the lineman sets up and run if he fires out.
coach will yell
option
However, this key is misleading on play-action passes where the
option to simulinemen fire out before recoiling and setting up to pass protect.
late the safeties
Instead, we teach our cornerbacks to initially key on the numcall of the play. The corner will back pedal until recognition of
ber one or widest receiver. Our strong safeties key on the
the play and will then break upfield keeping his outside shoulnumber two receivers (counting from the outside in). The secder free thus maintaining his contain responsibility. He should
ondary should then refocus in the offensive backfield
breakdown one step over the
to get its confirming read. Our free safeties read,
line of scrimmage and squeeze
Diagram Two
however, is completely different. His only run
the play inside. (Another helpWR Crack
responsibility is delayed fill. Because he is our last
ful read to the stalk block is if
squeeze
LOS
line of defense he must momentarily delay any fill to
the WR is looking at the DB.
crack block
guard against the halfback pass and flea-flickers.
WRs usually dont look at the
DB if he is doing a pass
Both our corners and free safeties are taught to
route.)
back pedal as they read their keys. The first priority
CB
crack
is to never allow a receiver to get behind them. On
In the Crack back, see diathe other hand, our strong safeties are taught to hold
gram 2, the CV will backpedal
their ground until they determine their read, as their
until he reads the crack then
first responsibility is to fill on the run.
will break upfield maintaining his containment all the time
yelling crack to his teammates inside. Again, he will get to
Drills
one stop over the line of scrimmage squeezing the play inside.
We have found that a simple
drill practices 5 minutes a day,
In the pass pattern, see diagram 3, the
three times a week allows our
receiver usually avoids eye contract and tries to
Diagram Three
secondary, particularly our coreither get into his pattern as quickly as possible or
WR Pass
nerbacks, to read their keys
he tries to close down on the DBs cushion to
LOS
quickly and effectively and
break off into his predetermined or read pattern.
pass
deliver the minimum number of
Either way we are dropping to our zone and
release
reps for us to be successful. Their
yelling pass.
reads are learned by rote and
CB
thus become second nature.
Part 2 - We read Wing Backs (WB) and
pass
Tight Ends (TE)
The Cornerback (CB) drill is
In the second portion of the drill, the CB aligns 7twofold.
yards deep and 2-yards outside the TE or WB. We
tell our DBs that there are only three things that a playside TE/
Part 1 - We read Flankers (FL) and Wide Receivers (WR)
WB will do: (1) hook block, (2) down block, or (3) release for a
Against WR and FL we tell our CB that there are only three
pattern. ( You may want to add a base block as a fourth option.)
things a playside WR/FL will do: (1) run a pass route, (2) stalk
block, or (3) crack back. (You may want to add a fourth
In the hook block, see diagram 4, the CB should break from
option: the hitch pass.) We split our athletes into two groups.
his backpedal and yell sweep and break upfield to his normal
One plays the receiver and other plays the CB position. We
contain responsibility mentioned above.
GRIDIRON
58
Coach
Diagram Four
TE Sweep
Diagram Five
TE Down
squeeze
LOS
Diagram Six
TE Pass
squeeze
LOS
down block
hook block
CB
LOS
CB
sweep
In the down block, see diagram 5, the CB reaction would be

the same as the sweep except he would yell run instead of
sweep. We feel that if an athlete uses the right word on a consistent basis he and his teammates better understand the running attack that is coming at them.
In the pass pattern, see diagram 6, the CB should continue
his drop to his zone and yell pass.
Coverage Twists
The most important adaptation and compromise strategy-wise
on which we agree is putting in a fourth defensive back in obvious passing situations. However, we needed to not compromise
our philosophy of not getting beat by the run. To do this we
began using our four deep coverage if it was a drop-back pass,
but if the ball went to one side or the other we had our sec-
pass
release
CB
run
pass
ondary go into a wheel rotation toward where the ball was

coming. This was consistent with our contain principals, see
diagrams 7 and 8. We call this coverage and run support
Three Ball.
If you are not familiar with this coverage, you have the CB
nearest to the side where the ball is headed attack the play as a
running play, from the outside in. It is great for option, sprintout and quick hitch support also.
I.J. Gorman is a former NFL Strength and Conditioning Coach, and has
coached on the college and high school level. When Milton Academy won the
New England Class C title he was the Varsity Secondary Coach and now
serves as the Head Middle School Coach. He can be reached at (617) 8982247 or by e-mail at IJ_Gorman@Milton.Edu.
Kevin Macdonald is the Head Football Coach of Milton Academy and has
coached for 13 years at the high school level. He may be reached at 170
Centre Street, Milton, MA 02186. n
Diagram Seven
Diagram Eight
Ball
Ball
Left
Corner
Right
Corner
Left
Safety
Right
Safety
Left
Half
Right
Half
Free Safety
GRIDIRON
Coach
59
In this section, we run our favorite drills submitted

to us by coaches from all over the country. Send us
your favorite drill and if we publish it, we will
send you a great give-away for your time and effort. It may be a video, a book, a coffee mug, or
perhaps even a t-shirt!
Send all drills to: GRIDIRON Coach Drills,
7 Hansbrinker Court, Liberty Township OH 45044.
GR
I
ls
ri l
R ON D
I
D
The String Drill

Submitted by Jeff Wallace,
Head Coach, Kirksville High School,
Kirksville, MO
Introduction
butt down, weight on the balls of his feet). Five yards

directly behind the offensive blocker set up a lead blocker
and a ball carrier.
We got this drill from Butch Davis, Defensive Coordinator

of the Dallas Cowboys. They think it is the best defensive
football drill you can do.
On the whistle, the defender is instructed to play off the

reach block of the offensive blocker using his hands, then
play through lead blocker keeping his shoulders square, then
explode and make a good form tackle on the ball carrier
Purpose
To teach defenders to
maintain a good tackling position,
keep shoulders square to the LOS,
maintain balance when taking on a block,
keep the outside arm and leg free when taking on a block,
read the relationship between the lead blocker and the
ball carrier, and
proper takling technique.
Coaching Points
1) Make sure the defender understands there are times
when he doesnt hve to take on the lead blocker. He
can just rip through and make the tackle.
2) The defender must keep his shoulders square to the
LOS, keeping his outside arm and leg free.
3) When making the tackle the defender must get his
head across to the outside number of the ball carrier.
4) Have the defender drive the ball carrier back for 5yards while making the tackle.
Drill
Set up an offensive blocker in a 3-point stance. The
defender lines head up with the blocker in a good football
position (head up, back straight,
Diagram
BC
LB
OB
BC
= Ball Carrier
LB
= Lead Blocker
OB
D
GRIDIRON
60
= Offensive Blocker
Good Form
Tackle
Drive Back
5-yards
D
Coach
= Defender
Coach

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