63 Defense: Back Five

Stance, Calls, Alignment, Technique

(SCAT)
Jack Gregory© 2013
All Rights Reserved

For more information see www.gregorydoublewing.com

Or email me at coachgregory@live.com
 The Back Five
• Your best coverage defenders play in the back five.
• They must be fast and they must rally to the ball and gang tackle.
• They allow you to bring pressure from the edge (DE’s) and other areas of
the field (MIKE).
• Must stop the BIG PLAY!
• Stop the vertical pass (Pass Triangle).
• Stop the perimeter threat. (sweep, option, quick passing game, screen
game, uncovered pass) (Sweep Triangle)
• Play sound but aggressive defense.
• Mike is your best sideline to sideline player. Excellent athlete. A knack of
finding the ball. Aggressive play maker. Good hands. Great tackler. The
more violent he is at making contact the better your defense will be.
• Defensive ends need to be disciplined to take the proper hunting track.
Good athlete. Good size to handle kick out/lead blocks. The DE’s make
this defense click not the MIKE.
 Back Five Responsibilities
Defend against the pass. Don’t allow the
vertical pass.
Defend against the ball going into the perimeter
and then going vertical.
Support the Front Six
Bring Additional Pressure
 Defensive Backs and Linebackers
• Must be consistent!
• Must finish every play!
• Know your job and do it!
• Play with great technique every play!
• These don’t require talent just hard work!
• Play up to your talent 100% of the time!
• Rally to the ball every play!
 Mike
• MIKE – best defender period; must be able to play from
sideline to sideline and aggressively attack the ball.
• He needs to be your leader on the field.
• This position is allowed to free lance more than any other
position on the field to better utilize their athletic ability
and aggressive nature but the more fundamentally and
technically sound they are the better your defense will be.
• Must be a vertical and horizontal coverage defender (deep
and short).
• Shoot and deep middle coverage defender.
• Find the ball and attack it!
 Cornerbacks
• Pass first with a “ball is mine” mentality.
• They don’t need to be tall or strong but they need to
be quick and have the ability to react to the ball.
• Fundamentally and technically sound defenders.
• Must be good at reading the passer and rotating to his
vision to make a play on the ball.
• The faster they are the more field they are able to
cover.
• Must be aggressive to the ball and hard hitting tacklers.
• The ability to play press man coverage and blitz makes
the defense more dangerous.
 Defensive Ends
• Disciplined, aggressive and the quicker and more
explosive they are the better your defense will be.
• They must be smart about taking aggressive angles into
the backfield.
• They need to be fundamentally and technically sound
in their play.
• They need to be good, hard hitting tacklers.
• They need to be able to drop into zone coverage in the
flats.
• The ability to play vertical zone coverage and press
man coverage makes the defense more versatile and
dangerous.
 Final Notes on Position Elements
• The above are “perfect player”.
• Common to have one or two elements missing
from a player.
• Need to develop them if you can.
• Rotating your Back Five so that your MIKES,
DEFENSIVE ENDS, and CORNERBACKS know each
position will allow you to move players around to
create favorable position and field match ups.
• If using RED more than STACK the OLB’s would be
in this mix as well.
 How the Hourglass Works
• The HOUR GLASS EFFECT is a term I use to
describe how we want to defend the field and
funnel players towards the boundary.
• There are two basic triangles that form an hour
glass. The PASS TRIANGLE which is the top part
of the hour glass and the PERIMETER TRIANGLE
which is the bottom part of the hour glass.
• Within those basic triangle are smaller group
triangles that blend the B5 and F6.
 The Weak Spot #1
• The Hourglass effect is simply a visual
representation of what we are trying to
accomplish with our defense. If we can stop
the offense from throwing the vertical pass
and trying to attack our perimeter it really
only leaves them with two options.
• Eliminate the big plays down the field and
outside!
 Weak Spot #2
1) Attack our interior or off tackle (edge) gaps.
2) Throw the ball into the FUNNEL. The hourglass really
defines where are weak spots are located so that we
can understand what will eventually happen as the
offense starts probing our defense. The funnel and
flat are the soft spots. Which is why we play over the
top to stop the vertical pass and rally to the ball
quickly in the funnel and flat.
3) Seams and deep middle of the field if MIKE is playing
aggressive.
DO YOUR JOB!
RALLY TO THE BALL AND GANG TACKLE!
 The Weak Spot #3
• The funnel area is basically the area under the corners, above the defensive ends
and outside of the mike backer. It is really the one area (two if you consider each
side) they can attack via the pass that we have left uncovered. Every defense has
weak spots so we define those areas and we prepare to defend them when the
defense attacks them.
• This limits what the offense can really do to us and where they can effectively
attack us. They should not be able to throw the vertical pass, they should not be
able to sweep on us, and they should not be able to attack us in the interior (A/B
gaps) .
• What they can do is get the ball into the funnel via the pass or screen and the off
tackle (based on DE and OLB).
• If you look at the way the defense is designed we have a check and balance to
allow us to account for this in our normal structure. First the defensive ends are
really executing a rush and read technique that allows them to drop into coverage
if they detect any sort of quick pass or screen to the perimeter. Secondly all three
defenders in the passing triangle are allowed to flow to the passers vision allowing
them to play the ball and the field and not a player. More importantly if you look
at the funnel once the ball is there we have defenders all around the ball creating
a ring of tacklers that allow us to close in and kill the ball where it lands.
Hourglass
 Pass Triangle
• The purpose of the PASS TRIANGLE is to stop the vertical pass and the
easy score over the top.
• The pass triangle is made up of the MIKE at 6 to 8 yards and aligned over
the snapper and the two CORNERS 8 to 10 yards deep and aligned
somewhere in the deep out on each side (depending on alignment of first
receiver and number of receivers on his side).
• It derives from the roots of the Tampa Cover 2 concept and uses Inverted
Cover 2 (CB’s in cover 2) with a hybrid mike/safety over the snapper in
conjunction with the Tampa 2 concept.
• The main reason we use an inverted coverage with our corners is the
traditional corners in the TAMPA 2 are the defensive ends in our defense.
Our corners sit right in the middle of the deep vertical out and the depth is
set to put the corners on their three step drop at a position to intercept
the ball and out position the receiver (defend the grass that is being
threatened and the ball when it goes in the air).
• Cornerbacks defend pass first. Defend the vertical pass first. Don’t let a
receiver get behind you ever.
 Perimeter Triangle
• The perimeter triangle is made up of the MIKE backer and both DEFENSIVE
ENDS. Their job is not to allow the offense to get into the alley on either
side unless they do it going away from the LOS and moving east-west. The
object is to turn them away from the alley but if the runner does get by
the end it must be on his outside shoulder as he gets more and more
depth away from the LOS.
• This allows our MIKE and BSDE along with the rest of the interior defense
to pursue and squeeze the runner towards the boundary forcing him to go
east-west while the passing triangle moves into run support to contain the
runner behind the LOS and bar him from going north-south.
• This method is really used on any sort of perimeter play whether it is a
sweep, a pass to the flat, or an option play. We do the same thing all the
time; we force the ball to go east-west and deny it the ability to go north-
south.
• “Shoot the Side Lines” concept forms the basis of how the perimeter
triangle and pass triangle support one another when defending perimeter
plays.
 Shoot the Side Line Concept
• Alley: This is the location from the offensive EMLOS and the near boundary. The defense, once they determine run to the alley
(outside), must squeeze the size of the alley down as much as possible from the inside out as they force the runner to run east-west.
• The Alley defender is the near OLB and his job is to maintain outside leverage as well as mirror and attack the ball aggressively when
READING. His job is to pin the ball behind the LOS and force it to run to the boundary or back inside to the shoot defenders and pursuit.
He is the first line of defense inside the alley when we call RED. Otherwise the OLB is attacking the A, B, or C gaps in STACK call.

• Bounce: This is the backside OLB (in RED) once he determines there is no threat of BCR (BOOTLEG COUNTER REVERSE) he must
relocate to the play side edge (C gap) at an intermediate depth angle to further drive the runner to the boundary and not allow him to
cut back as MIKE and alley OLB flow with the ball. He must cross-key and check for Bootleg/Counter/Reverse prior to bouncing. The
bounce is the second line of defense inside the alley and we expect his delay as he reads and that allows him to come into the play side
C gap and kill the cutback as he does. If the ball is deep behind the LOS and not moving vertical he can find an open window and attack
the ball through the window using inside leverage.
• Cap: The backside corner takes his three step pass drop and once he determines there is not threat of BCR he must relocate to the
play side at a deep angle of about 30 yards (end zone line in near the end zone) to ensure that the runner has no chance to score. He
must check for Bootleg/Counter/Reverse prior to capping and he should slow play the cap as first to verify BCR and no throw back. This
defender must cap the top of the alley to reduce the chance of an easy score. He is the final line of defense on top of the alley or
essentially the safety.
• Contain: Play side/near side corner after he takes his three step pass drop and confirms a run to the near perimeter he immediately
closes on the line of scrimmage staying on the outside edge of the runner and attempts to contain the runner behind the LOS and
towards the boundary. His job is to contain the ball behind or as near to the line of scrimmage as possible. The job of the contain
defender to is to squeeze the alley from the outside to the boundary and further reduce the space the ball can operate in.
• Force: This is the defensive ends on both sides of the ball. Their job is to force the ball to immediately turn inside or go deep around
the force towards the boundary so the ball can be killed in the backfield. The force defender aligns on the inside of the alley and his job
is to attempt to not allow the ball into the alley or for it to have to go away from the LOS to get to the alley. Force the ball to react
immediately to pressure and not allow easy access to the alley at all. This is our Hunting technique.
• Trails: Once the ball moves to one side the away side defensive end becomes the trail end. He will level out at the depth of the
deepest back and check for BCR as he pursues the ball. Any threat of BCR he gets in front of it and stops it.
• Shoot: This is the MIKE linebacker and his job, once he determines the perimeter play, is to attack the ball from inside out down hill
and kill the ball as fast as possible and hopefully behind the line of scrimmage as it runs east-west. His job is to shoot into the alley and
kill the play. Mike must stay on track to the inside hip of the runner and maintain inside leverage and not allow the ball to cut across his
face back inside.
 Containing the Alley
• Notice as the ball goes towards the alley and the contain man (bandit) reads run he commits to the alley (run) and maintains outside
leverage as he collapses to the line of scrimmage. By doing so he shrinks or squeezes the alley shut from the outside in and thus
reducing the lateral space at the LOS that the ball can actually attack horizontally.
• If the ball attempts to go past the contain man he must do so by going away from the LOS (deeper behind it) and thus taking away the
NORTH-SOUTH vertical threat. Remember that the boundary is a defender so if we run the ball out of bounds it is just the same as a
tackle to us.
Capping
the alley.

PASS/BCR!
PASS!
Contain:

Shrinking
the alley.

B B
O O
U U
N ALLEY ALLEY N
D D
A A
R R
Y Y
 Squeezing the Alley
• Once the defense determines the ball is shooting to the sideline we must now squeeze the alley and attack the ball as quickly as
possible. Bear in mind that the contain man might not be shrinking the alley if he feels the threat of pass is still possible. His rule is
always to play pass first and foremost prior to collapsing into the alley to contain. So the OLB, MIKE, and DE all must quickly work to
squeeze the alley and force the runner to either stop and go vertical/cut back
• If an offense has good blocking on the perimeter don’t use STACKS go to RED as you will need the additional ALLEY and BOUNCE
support.
• If an offense is relying solely on their athletic ability to get outside use STACK and collapse the LOS and BACKFIELD and place all the
pressure on the RB to make a play.

Shooting
the Alley

Filling the
Alley

B
O B
U O
N U
D N
A ALLEY ALLEY D
R A
Y R
Forcing the ball
away from the alley
Y
 Ball Carrier Response: Squeeze Alley
Defensive End – closing out the alley to the runner (squeezing and forcing the spill):

B
O B
U O
N U
D N
A ALLEY ALLEY
D
R A
Y R
Y
 Ball Carrier Response: Spill into Alley
Defensive End – forcing the runner to spill and go away from the LOS :

B
O
U B
N O
D U
A N
R D
ALLEY ALLEY A
Y
R
Y
 Mike Stance

Mike Stance

Mike, Rover, OLB uses this stance when

off the LOS and inside of the DE.

The farther away from the LOS they

higher up they can be in the stance.
 Cornerback Stances
Angled Stance is the cornerback’s base
stance.

OLB and MIKE use this stance whenever

they align outside of the DE.

Press stance
Angled/tilted stance facing the backfield Used by any defender in
press coverage call.
Defensive End Stance
Defensive end base stance
Aggressive 2point line stance

Any OLB, MIKE, or CB aligning

on the LOS and inside of the DE
will also use this stance.
 Mike Alignment
• 6 to 8 yards depth
• Base depth on MIKE’s speed downhill and ability to pursue
laterally. The faster he is the more depth he can have .
• Align over the blocker snapping the ball; often the center.

C C C

Balanced Unbalanced 4:2 Unbalanced 6:0

 Defensive End Alignment
• 2 to 3 yards outside of the last interior offensive player (WB/TE/OT).
• Tilt inside with feet and facemask aiming at deep back.
• Inside foot is up and hands are cocked and ready.
• Nasty split - align as normal. (AUTO-SPREAD)
• Any overload alignment (TIGHT QUADS) – align as normal.
• In the case of a Twins or more alignment the DE can bump out a tad more to enhance
the QUICK PASS KEY.

Align to WB Align to Nasty TE Align to TIGHT QUAD

 Cornerback Alignment
• 8 to 10 yards depth.
• Tilted/angled stance facing the backfield.
• Tight end only (closed side) – 4 yards outside of the DE.
• Open end (single receiver) – split the distance between the DE and the
WR.
• Twins or more – split the distance between the 1st outside and the 2nd
outside receiver.
• Key passer for the direction key and then break on the release key.

TE (Closed) WR (Open)
Cornerback Alignment #2

TE/Flanker

Twins
Cornerback Alignment #3

Tight Trips

Trips
Cornerback Alignment #4

Bunch

Quads
 Reasoning behind the CB Alignment & Technique
• Below the age of 10: Allows the CB to drop and read the passer’s key .
• Has a leverage advantage on inside breaking balls (higher percentage throws).
• Have inside leverage on vertically thrown balls (often under thrown at the youth level).
• By rule will never cover a pipe dream receiver (WR aligning as far as possible).
• 10 and above: Allows the CB to key the passer through the #2 receiver (TE/SLOT/WB) as he drop to
determine passer’s intent and easily break on inside breaking routes and seam routes (common).
• Initially the CB must be taught to drop and start rotating off of passer’s front shoulder/eyes (direction
key)and to always play over the top of the deepest receiver. Break when the passer drops his off hand off
the ball (release key).
 Reasoning behind the CB Alignment & Technique

• When the #1 receiver breaks inside and the #2 breaks outside determine rotation by
direction key of the passer.
• Once he sees the release key from the passer he breaks hard on the pass.
• Always get a pre-snap key on the #1 receiver’s alignment and eyes. Post snap key the passer
through the #2 receiver as you drop. Get a DIRECTION KEY for rotation and BREAK on the
ball hard on the RELEASE KEY.
 Corner Back Zone Rules
• Take 3 step drop using bail technique/shuffle.
• Always stay over the top of the deepest receiver on your side.
• Read the up field shoulder/face mask of the passer as you take your three
step drop and rotate with the direction key.
• The corner on the facing side will continues to drop and cover the
deepest man. The far side corner will slowly rotate over to the middle of
the field once he confirms no threat on his side by reading PASS then
BCR(bootleg, counter reverse) and looking for any throw back receiver.
Once he confirms nothing is coming he can fully rotate to the middle of
the field.
• Once the ball is in the air both corners attack the ball and attempt to get
it. They never ever let a receiver get by them.
• They always play the deepest man period so that they will not give up the
deep ball. WHEN IN DOUBT KEEP DROPPING AND ROTATING TOWARDS
THE PASSER’S UP FIELD SHOULDER. Break on Release Key!
 Corner Back Priorities
• Near side vertical PASS
• Near side short PASS
• Rotate to midfield-far side for PASS
• CONTAIN (squeeze the alley)
• CAP (cap the top of the far alley)
• Always check for BCR (bootleg, counter,
reverse) and throwback before you rotate to
far side (PASS or CAP)
 Bail Technique Video Clip
• Video Clip of Bail Technique
• Pulled from Youtube
 Breaking Outside
• Plant up field foot.
• Turn on near foot
• Drive up field knee towards sideline
• Accelerate arms
• Break on ball!
 Breaking Inside
• Drive your chest inside
• Plant up field foot
• Drive near knee inside
• Accelerate arms
• Break on ball.
 Breaking to LOS
• Drive chest forward
• Plant off of up field foot.
• Drive near knee towards LOS
• Accelerate arms
• Break on ball!
 Breaking Vertically
• Drive chest vertically.
• Plant off of near foot
• Drive up field foot vertically towards receiver.
• Accelerate arms
• Break on ball!
• Always rotate towards the receiver. (No lost steps!)
Cornerback Video Clips
 Mike Zone Rules
• Read Keys
• Read Step: Below age 10: Take two steps down hill at direction of ball
flow. READ FLOW!
• Read Step: 10 and above: RUN KEY take two steps down hill at direction
of ball flow.
• Read Step: 10 and above: PASS KEY face direction of passer’s up field
shoulder/facemask and drop vertically and rotate to passer’s face mask.
• PASS KEY: PASSER to #2 RECEIVER on wide/call side.
• AT SNAP READ PASSER (EYES/SHOULDER) THEN READ #2 RECEIVER
(TE/SLOT). If he takes a vertical release and the passer drops with ball on
ear drop vertically and rotate to passer’s face mask; gain depth quickly.
• AT SNAP READ PASSER (EYES/SHOULDER) THEN READ #2 RECEIVER
(TE/SLOT). If he takes an outside or inside break and the passer drops
with ball on ear facing #2 step down hill and rotate to #2. Expect a
receiver to come towards you on any inside/outside break by #2.
• This position has more flexibility to play the ball than corner back.
 Mike Pass Read Note
• Mike is not making the common linebacker zone drop but a defensive back drop
(TAMPA 2 DROP) when #2 takes a vertical release.
• Typically in a zone scheme; linebackers stop dropping when the passer stops and
sets to throw the ball and they flow to the direction of his up field shoulder/face
mask. Our Mike keys Passer and WIDE/CALL side #2 receiver. Uses a DIRECTION
KEY/RELEASE KEY.
• Defensive backs, especially safeties, when they make zone drops they keep
dropping until the ball is thrown. This ensures that they never allow a receiver to
get by them and decreases the likelihood of a big play occurring from the pass.
• DB drop = vertical drop
• LB drop = lateral drop – stop dropping when passer stops dropping. As play
extends the linebackers should gain depth (drift) only in set circumstances.
• MIKE: #2 vertical release = vertical drop, rotate on direction key, break on release
key to ball.
• MIKE: #2 horizontal release (inside/outside) = lateral rotate on direction key and
break on release key to ball.
 Reasoning behind the Mike Alignment & Technique
• Play action – sees #2 release and a run key – must play run key initially
then drop and read pass once he places ball to ear.
• Rotate off of direction key.
• Break on release key.
 Reasoning behind the Mike Alignment & Technique #2
• Drop back – a lot easier for MIKE. Sees #2 release and the
passer drop and place ball on ear. He drops vertically and
rotates off of direction key.
• Break on release key
 Reasoning behind the Mike Alignment & Technique #3
• Drop back with #2 outside breaking route: Mike sees #2 break outside
and passer drop back. He steps initially downhill and then rotates to
passer direction key and then break on release key.
• Perimeter play – SHOOT THE SIDELINE CONCEPT
 Reasoning behind the Mike Alignment & Technique #3
• Drop back with #2 outside breaking route with #1 breaking inside:
Mike sees #2 break outside and passer drop back. He steps initially
downhill and then as he sees #1 working inside and the passer
showing his direction key he flows and then breaks on release key
and attacks the ball through the receiver.
• Big hit/bit chance for turnover on these plays!
 Reasoning behind the Mike Alignment & Technique #4
• Drop back with #2 outside breaking route with #1 breaking inside under
the LOS: Mike sees #2 break outside and passer drop back. He steps
initially downhill and then as he sees #1 working inside and the passer
showing his direction key he flows and the gets downhill at an aggressive
angle through first open window once he sees release key.
• Big hit/bit chance for turnover on these plays!
 Passer Key: Drop back
• As soon as the passer takes his off hand off the CB must break on the direction of the ball.
• Note how the up field shoulder/foot and facemask confirm DIRECTION of the throw. DIRECTION
KEY.
• Note how when the up field hand comes off the ball the passer intends to release the ball.
• RELEASE KEY. You BREAK ON THE RELEASE KEY IN THE DIRECTION OF THE DIRECTION KEY.
• Backside CB always checks BCR and then rotates to the DIRECTION KEY. (CHECK BCR FIRST!)

Direction Key Release Key Attack the ball.

Drop and Rotate Break on the ball now!
 Passer Key: Roll/Boot Pass
• As long as the ball stays between the tackle we take normal drops and rotate on
Direction key.
• If the ball goes outside of the tackle box assume it is a perimeter play. Passer is
bootleg/roll/sprint then rotate but maintain even spacing as rotation occurs.
• Backside rotation is always slower as they check and confirm no threat of BCR.

Direction Key Release Key Attack the ball.

Drop and Rotate Break on the ball now!
 Defensive End Zone Rules
DE QUICK PASS KEY
• He will use his peripheral vision to check if the passer is attempting a quick pass to
his side as he gets off the ball and hunts the deep/near back.
• If he sees that passer bring the ball to his ear and point his offhand shoulder/foot
towards his perimeter he will immediately drop and rotate towards the passers
line of sight on the passer’s direction key.
• As soon as he see the passer’s release key he breaks on the ball.
• If the end sees pass key on the backside he will divert his path and go after the
passer immediately.
• If anyone attempts to block him he will rip under the outside arm of the blocker
and go after the passer.
• As a base we align our ends on the LOS but if the threat of pass to the perimeter is
common with a particular offense you can have the end back off the line of
scrimmage two yards so that has he moves forward to he can still have time to get
into the vertical passing lane to cover the perimeter. This is enough space to allow
him to cover the space and still give him more than enough time to force the ball
deep and away from the LOS if it attempts to go into the alley.
 DE Quick Pass Key
• Away side – pass key – go to the passer now!
• Near side – pass key – drop and rob – key and flow to
eyes/foot/shoulder.
• When the hand comes off the ball break on it now!

AWAY SIDE KEY – TRAIL/PASS RUSH NEAR SIDE KEY – DROP & ROB FLAT
 Reasoning behind the Defensive End Alignment &
Technique #1
• Drop back with #2 outside breaking route: Defensive end sees passer face
his perimeter. He gets off the ball to hunt sees pass key and drops and
rotates to passer direction key and then break on release key.
• Perimeter play – SHOOT THE SIDELINE CONCEPT
 Reasoning behind the Defensive Ends Alignment &
Technique #2
• Drop back with #2 outside breaking route with #1 breaking
inside: Defensive end sees passer key facing inside. He gets
off the ball sees the pass key and redirects to the passer.
Arms up in the passing lane if he doesn’t get to the passer.
• Big hit/bit chance for turnover on these plays!
Reasoning behind the Defense Alignment & Technique #3
• Drop back with #2 outside breaking route with #1
breaking inside under the LOS: DE gets off the ball
sees passer face his sideline (pass key) and he breaks to
passer’s direction key.
• Big hit/bit chance for turnover on these plays!
 Defensive End Peel Technique
• DE must follow the rule that he never lets a
back go by him.
• This means if a back goes wide (swing for
example) as he attacks the near hip of the
deep back he would peel off and cover him.
 Defensive End Peel Technique
• Drop back with RB running swing outside. The DE comes up field hunting
his near hip and as he goes wide he denies the RB free access outside as
he peels off with the back.
• Perimeter play – In RED the OLB reads OUTSIDE as he sees the QB drops
and he zone drops and rotates outside. If possible he redirects the TE’s
path.
Against the Run
 Mike Read
• MIKE RUN READ (INSIDE –AT – AWAY): Take a read step towards the LOS & FLOW as he reads
the DIRECTION OF FLOW (locate the ball and flow to it!. Once he does locate the ball he
shoots towards the inside hip of the ball carrier and finds the first open window in the line
and attempts to kill the ball as quickly as possible with the most aggressive angle he can use.
His ability to squeeze the ball from the inside quickly using inside leverage help us to force
the ball to run east-west and keep the runner from turning up towards LOS and running
north-south. Any blocker he meets he must rip through the arm pit that is nearest to the ball
so that he maintains inside leverage (rip/club or shiver). He is the SHOOT defender and his
job is to SHOOT to the ball and drop it where it is from inside out. A good rule is if the
runner’s butt is facing MIKE to attack the outside arm pit of any blocker. If the runner is
square attack inside arm pit so you have the chance to attack the cut inside.

• He must not over run the ball and he must attack from inside out and let the perimeter
players (FORCE and CONTAIN) do their job.

• CHECK FOR DRAW/SCREEN before you convert to PASS. If a eligible player is near the QB
continue to flow down hill and confirm there is no threat of DRAW or SCREEN

• If you commit to run and you sniff pass and you are to far forward continue with pressure to
the passer from inside out.
 MIKE KEY
• FIND THE BALL READ FLOW.
– This is initially taught; find the ball and flow. Simple.
• Once this concept is taught (OG/CENTER/OG).
– Against a well coached line: HIGH HAT/BACKWARDS = PASS, LOW
HAT/FORWARD = RUN.
– BUTTS TO FLOW.
– If you see two linemen’s butts facing each other and flow going that
way that is the hole!
– If you see all butts pointing to one direction and flow going that way
that is the where the ball is going!
– No butts and line is going backwards that is pass!
– No butts and line is coming at you that is wedge!
– Pull with FLOW ball is going that way
– Pull against FLOW go with FLOW!
 Mike Run Read (INSIDE, AT & AWAY)
• INSIDE: He reads flow coming at him via the A gaps and attacks the open window to the runner with
inside leverage. If he meets a lead blocker he must meet him in or behind the hole and drive the blocker
back with inside leverage forcing the runner to spill into the OLB (ALLEY) and CB (CONTAIN). It should be
noted that more often than not the runner will bounce the ball out to the C gap (because the D gap is
closed by the DE) due to our four interior linemen attacking the A and B gaps. NOTE: WEDGE – attack the
center and stop his momentum by driving through his arm pits and getting his shoulders pin back and his
chest up. You must stun him and slow the charge of the CENTER-GUARD mesh.
• AT: He reads flow at the B and C gap and attacks the open window to the runner with inside leverage.
Same technique as the AT call.
• AWAY: He reads flow and attacks the open window downhill to the runner. Any blocker he must rip
through the near arm pit to the ball and continue downhill to the ball with inside leverage driving the ball
to the boundary or towards the DE (FORCE) and CB (CONTAIN).

INSIDE READ AT READ

Mike Run Read (INSIDE, AT & AWAY) #2
• AWAY: He reads flow and attacks the open window downhill to the runner. Any blocker he must rip
through the near arm pit to the ball and continue downhill to the ball with inside leverage driving the ball
to the boundary or towards the DE (FORCE) and CB (CONTAIN).
• NOTE: WEDGE – attack the center and stop his momentum by driving through his arm pits and getting his
shoulders pin back and his chest up. You must stun him and slow the charge of the CENTER-GUARD mesh.

AWAY READ INSIDE WEDGE READ

 DE Technique (Hunters)
• Align at least two yards away from the WB, TE, or OT (whichever
comes first). If the end feels they can still be reached or the most
dangerous threat to the perimeter can still get to the alley then he
should widen out enough to cover that threat from the outside in.
• If the end has a slot receiver or any sort of trips he should split the
difference between the last offensive player inside and the slot (this
will allow them to cover the quick pass much better if he reads it).
• The defensive end will tilt inside and his feet and belt buckle will
point at the deep/near back. At the snap of the ball/first
movement from the offense he will come across the LOS staying on
track at the near hip of the deep/near back. He is literally hunting
the near hip and his aiming point should be the butt cheek so that
his path runs him into the near hip.
 DE HUNTING AGAINST THE NEAR SIDE
RUN
• If the end reads run on his near side he must keep his track to the near/outside hip
of the runner. He must rip under the outside arm of any lead blocker and
maintain outside leverage on the ball and force it to move away from the LOS to
get into alley.
• Even if the ball does get in the alley as long as the end eats up as much space as he
can as he attempts to cross the face of the runner or any lead blocker it will force
the runner to move away from the LOS and get depth to get around the end and
into the alley.
• This will allow the mike backer that is shooting from the inside, backside defensive
end who is pursuing and any other defenders from the interior the time to
squeeze the runner towards the boundary.
• If a blocker (nasty tight end or slot receiver) tries to mirror the defensive end then
the end must rip through the outside arm pit of the blocker, get by him, and get on
his track to the near hip of the ball carrier.
• Remember we tilt our DE’s so they should not be able to be cracked as the blocker
is and the DE are not in the FREE BLOCKING ZONE. It is very hard for the blocker to
get his head across the front of the DE when he is tilted inside. Cornerback must
call out INSIDE to alert the DE and the MIKE that the receiver is releasing inside.
This alerts the DE and MIKE of a possible crack block.
 DE HUNTING AGAINST THE FAR SIDE
RUN
• Once the end on the backside determines it is flow away he pursues
at the depth of the deepest back looking for any counters coming
from the opposite side. He must quickly eat up space from the
backside on the ball and force the ball to accelerate towards the
boundary.
• Any ball carrier moving towards him and acting as if he has the ball
should be destroyed in the backfield. This will reinforce the fact
that we don’t allow teams to run counters and reverses and if you
do or try to fake that action we will make you suffer. As the game
goes on this will allow our defense to easily tell if a counter/reverse
is legit because the faker will telegraph he doesn’t have the ball
because he doesn’t want to get nailed.
• Always check BCR (Bootleg/Counter/Reverse) as you pursue!
 Shoot the Side Lines: Sweep
CAP

CONTAIN
SHOOT
BOUNCE ALLEY

FORCE
B
O B
U O
N U
D N
A ALLEY ALLEY D
R A
Y R
Y
 Shoot the Side Lines: Bubble
CAP

CONTAIN
SHOOT
BOUNCE ALLEY

FORCE
B
O B
U O
N U
D N
A ALLEY ALLEY D
R A
Y R
Y
 Shoot the Side Lines: Option
CAP

CONTAIN
SHOOT
BOUNCE ALLEY

FORCE
B
O B
U O
N U
D N
A ALLEY ALLEY D
R A
Y R
Y
 Playing the Tunnel
• When the offense kicks out a defender and runs the ball into the hole between the kick out and the
interior blockers a tunnel is created. Understanding how to defeat a play being run into the tunnel and
what the difference between a run in the tunnel and a run towards the alley will further enhance the play
of your defense.
• When the offense fan blocks (blocks out with either a wing back or tight end), kicks out with a full back,
near back, play side lineman, backside linemen they close the alley out and are now trying to isolate the
perimeter defenders away from the play and run inside of them. Because of the play of our defensive end
it allows us to put immediate pressure on the backfield and allows us to squeeze the tunnel from the
outside and force the runner to hit a smaller crease or spill outside. It is imperative that the DE get in the
backfield under the OT so it allows us to squeeze the ball into a small space. He must maintain outside
leverage as he squeezes the play. If he can squeeze the play deep in the backfield and behind the line
often the ball carrier will attempt to spill the play outside where he has no blocking support.
• The MIKE backer must immediately find an open window in the line of scrimmage and attack the runner
from the inside as fast as possible. If he has a lead blocker he must rip/shiver through the inside arm pit of
the blocker and get to the inside hip of the runner.
• The cornerback as he makes his three step drop and confirms run will immediately close down the LOS and
maintain outside leverage on the runner. He must attack the ball through the outside hip of the runner.
This means as the ball goes into the tunnel he will close down the tunnel from the outside as the MIKE
closes down the tunnel from the inside.
• The defensive ends job is to first close the tunnel in the backfield and secondly make the tunnel as small as
possible. If the runner does spill out he must make sure he does so going away from the line of scrimmage
so that both the MIKE and CORNERBACK have less ground to cover as they attack the ball carrier.
 Playing the Tunnel: DE Squeeze the
Ball

B
O B
U O
N U
D N
A D
R A
Y R
Y

ALLEY

Tunnel DE didn’t get under

the OT but closed
out the ALLEY
 Playing the Tunnel: DE Spills the Ball

B
O B
U O
Tunnel
N U
D N
A D
R A
Y R
Y

ALLEY

DE gets
behind the OT
and the ball
spills deep.
 Alignment Calls
• Mug: Mike aligns between the DE and the first
receiver outside of the DE at normal depth.
Often used in TRIPS/QUADS to wide side of the
field. Outside of the DE he tilts inside.
• Spread: OLB aligns between the DE and the 2nd
receiver from the outside at normal depth.
Outside of the DE he tilts inside.
• Slide: OLB splits distance between the DE and
the first offensive player on the LOS (OT). Used
when facing a WB or multiple back bunch
(BEAST/CRUNCH)
 Auto Calls
• These calls can be set up as auto calls with older
teams (above 9).
• Auto Gap – GAP call against and open end.
(see GAP notes)
• Auto Spread – TWINS or more on your side.
• Auto Slide – WB or BEAST/CRUNCH on your side
• Auto Mug – TRIPS or more on wide side
• With younger teams I prefer to make the call
since passing is not as accurate or efficient.
Alignment Calls

TE/Flanker

Twins – SPREAD CALL

Alignment Calls

TE/WB – SLIDE CALL

Trips – SPREAD/MUG CALL

 Communication
• Mike – Pre-snap strength and shift calls
• Corner – Pre-snap MOTION call to alert DE, OLB, MIKE of
receiver motioning inside (crack block/inside route)
• Corner – Post-snap CRACK call to alert DE, OLB, and MIKE of
receiver coming inside (crack block/inside route)
• Defensive end – Post-snap RUN call to alert defense that
ball is coming towards him (sweep/option/off tackle)
• Defensive end/Corner back – Post-snap PASS call to alert
defense they see the QB with ball and in passing action.
• OSKIE – interception, everyone else turn and block first
opponent to cross your face that is facing you. Go vertical
to end zone.
 FIELD CALL
• This is a call that is made immediately by the mike
backer to indicate which side is the field side (wide
side of the field or the most vulnerable).
• If the offense is in the middle of the field then the
FIELD side is the side opposite the team’s sideline as
we want our boundary players on our near sideline.
• MIKE has to make this call immediately
• If we are using Field and Boundary side players this
also alerts those players to rotate and get to their
proper sides.
 SHIFT CALL
• Our basic alignment has the interior defenders align
against a 3:3 alignment, meaning there are at least 3
linemen on each side of the snapper.
• By calling SHIFT (RIGHT or LEFT) it tells the stacks to shift
one man over to the side called (for a 4:2 alignment,
wing on, backfield overload, or nasty alignment).
• If the MIKE calls DOUBLE SHIFT or even TRIPLE SHIFT he
is saying to shift over twice or even three times (5:1 or a
6:0 alignment).
• We also teach our OLB’s to count their side as well; if
they have four blockers from center they will call SHIFT as
well.
 Mike Calls
• Mickey: Inside blitz either A gap using a creep to get into position.
Typically attack through the center’s snapping arm.
• Mouse: Align inside of the DE in a two point blitz stance (like the
OLB in GAP). Attack the near hip of the QB. (Twist)
• Mongo: Align outside of the DE in a two point blitz stance and he
now becomes the DE. (Twist)
• Mug: (old Rover call), align at normal depth between the DE and
the 1st eligible receiver. If inside of the DE use your normal stance.
If outside of the DE use a tilted stance to face the backfield.
• Missle: add the jersey # of the player you want the MIKE to play
press coverage on. This allows you to take the MIKE and put him
press coverage on their best receiver with zone coverage over the
top. Used in RED (variations) and STACK.
• “TWIST” tells the DE and MIKE to swap with inside man twisting
behind the outside man.
Mike Calls

Mickey call

Mouse call
Mike Calls

Mongo – MIKE now uses a HUNTER

tech. DE hunts the near hip of the
QB.

Trips – SPREAD/MUG CALL

 Corner Back Calls
• Bail (old Sky) – tells the CB to cut his alignment depth from 8 to 10
yards to 4 to 5 yards. Allows for better run support in the alley
(contain) and to initially cover the perimeter throws (bubble/slant).
• Cougar – tells the CB to align inside of the DE and hunt the near hip
of the QB. (Twist)
• Congo – tells the CB to align on the outside of the DE and become
the DE. The DE now hunts the near hip of the QB. (Twist)
• Claw – tells the CB to align on the outside shoulder of the TE and
the DT to align on the inside shoulder. They will stone the TE into
the backfield and then locate the ball.
• “TWIST” tells the DE and MIKE to swap with inside man twisting
behind the outside man.
 Defensive End Calls
• Dagger – tells DE to go into press coverage on
the #2 receiver from outside. He goes with
him pre and post snap.
• Mutant – tells the DE to go into press coverage
on the #1 receiver from the outside.
• Dagger-Bail/Squat
• Mutant-Bail/Squat
RED
 OLB Stance

OLB Stance

Mike, Rover, OLB uses this stance when

off the LOS and inside of the DE.

The farther away from the LOS they

higher up they can be in the stance.
Defensive End Stance
Defensive end base stance
Aggressive 2point line stance

Any OLB, MIKE, or CB aligning

on the LOS and inside of the DE
will also use this stance.
 OLB Alignment
• 3 to 4 yards depth (in SPREAD variations we go 3 to 5 yards)
• Base depth on speed of backfield and type of offense.
• Align over the DT or outside shade of the DT (inside heel to
outside heel).

C
C
Outside shade
Normal
alignment
alignment
 Red Variations
• RED – call to tell OLB’s to go into READING MODE.
• SLIDE – RED but to slide out and split the difference between the DE and the DT.
Used against NASTY TE, WB, and bunch alignments that are tight to the OT.
• SPREAD – RED but aligned outside of the DE. Split the difference between 2nd
receiver from the outside and the next eligible receiver or DE (whoever comes
first)
• QUARTERS – tells the OLB that he will align as if SPREAD but use a BAIL drop
technique and not a normal LB drop. If #2 goes vertical he goes vertical with him.
• FOUR – tells the OLB that he will align as if SPREAD but at a depth of 8 to 10 yards.
True cover 4. MIKE is often going to be in a call and not taking a TAMPA 2 drop.
• STORM – tells the OLB to align in SPREAD but blitz the inside hip of the QB.
OLB/MIKE calls IN to the line on that side.
• SPOOK – tells the OLB to align in SPREAD but he becomes the DE and the DE will
attack the near hip of the QB.
• NOTICE how one “O” means inside of DE and two “OO’s” means they swap with
DE.
 Reading OLB (RED)
• This RED call is essentially the base 63 defense that I ran in the past prior to
implementing the stack concept into the defense.
• In all honesty you could run the 63 using only the RED concept and be successful
but I feel the combination of the STACK and RED concept make the defense very
tough to defend because the offense never knows if it will see an aggressive
attacking front with pressure ends or a reading front with pressure ends.
• It places a tremendous amount of pressure on an offense and their play calling
while allowing a defensive coordinator to be very creative in a very simplistic
manner.
• In the nutshell RED means OLB’s read the backfield. It is an audible or signal that
can be sent out to tell the OLB’s they are no longer stunting/blitzing in the stack
but now reading their key while their stack linemen execute whatever call they
make. This allows them to call their stacks but read so even though they are
reading the nature of the attacking front stays intact and it is simply missing one
defender who is now reading. This allows the OLB to call IN/OUT/SPLIT and even
GAP giving the appearance of stacking but really reading the backfield while his
defensive linemen slant into their various gaps.
 Reasons to Use RED Call
• League does not allow linebackers to stunt or blitz prior to snap of
ball
• Defensive ends need additional edge/perimeter support due to
good perimeter blocking
• Elite running back that can get outside (speed, athlete, size, elusive
runner)
• Passing game that likes to attack the perimeter and edge areas
• Bootlegs and Waggles are a big part of the offensive attack so we
increase the ALLEY/BCR support (add OLB)
• Need additional pass coverage support against a spread type
passing attack (under coverage).
• Forms the basis of the SPREAD, QUARTER, and ZULU concepts.
• Provides variation defensive tempo allowing us to change from a
reading front with edge pressure to a pressure front.
 OLB – RED TECHNIQUE
• OLB’s are in a normal balanced two point stance with their hands
and arms cocked at their hips and their heads up and the need to
be three to four yards back from the defensive line.
• They are reading the near or deep back through the near offensive
tackle.
• When the ball is snapped they will take one slide step to the
outside as they read flow in the backfield through the tackle.
• The purpose of the slide step outside is twofold:
– Maintain outside leverage on a ball carrier attacking the near side
EDGE/INTERIOR. In RED the OLB has outside leverage and the MIKE
has inside leverage. Slide step out puts him on the outside hip of the
ball.
– Maintain outside leverage on a ball carrier running counter/reverse
from the other side. It slows their movement to FLOW AWAY by
having them step away from the FLOW so you limit the “kitten chasing
the string” problem.
 OLB READS
• When RED is called the OLB is in a READ MODE;
he has three main responsibilities that he must
read in the below priority and two pass related
reads once he confirms no run.
– OUTSIDE = BALL IS GOING OUTSIDE OF YOU.
– AT = BALL COMING AT YOU.
– AWAY = BALL IS GOING AWAY FROM YOU (other side).
– DRAW = NEAR/DEEP BACK STAYS NEAR QB
– PASS = NEAR DEEP BACK STAYS IN TO BLOCK/RELEASES
INTO ROUTE & PASSER DROPS/ROLLS WITH BALL ON
EAR
 OLB READ: AT
• AT = fill the first open window with outside leverage. Once you see the ball coming don’t
wait react and fill quickly. The sooner you fill the more space you eat up and the more likely
you are to fill behind the hole and not allow the runner to gain a single yard and even lose
yardage.
• You want to meet a lead blocker behind the LOS as it reduces the space the runner can
operate in.
• Take the outside read step and attack down hill on the outside shoulder of the lead blocker or
runner.
 OLB READ: OUTSIDE
• OUTSIDE = flow laterally and maintain outside inside leverage and mirror the runner;
remember your first step every play is a slide step outside so you are already moving in that
direction for immediate alley support.
• Stay on the outside shoulder of the runner. Meaning your inside shoulder stays in front of the
runner’s outside shoulder or if the runner is perpendicular to the LOS your inside shoulder is
in front of his face mask.
• OLB is the ALLEY DEFENDER and must force the runner to run flat to the sideline or cut back
inside. If the runner goes vertical the OLB must attack him violently from the outside in as
soon as he sees the ball go vertical. Fill quickly when the runner starts to climb! You can eat
up the space between you and the runner as long as you maintain outside leverage.
 OLB READ: AWAY
• AWAY = If your back goes away cross read far back to check for BCR then no threat:
– If ball is behind the LOS and gaining depth away from LOS then attack through first open
window you come to and take a strong inside angle to the ball carrier. Drive him to the
sideline or make the tackle/turnover on the ball.
– If ball is crossing the LOS/going vertical then take an angle that will get you to the inside
of the FAR EDGE quickly so that the runner has to cross your path to get by you if he cuts
back inside of the MIKE (which he should not). Taking a good angle is key as well as not
over running the MIKE so he keeps inside leverage on the runner and you maintain
inside leverage on the MIKE to support him so if the runner cuts back inside to avoid the
FORCE and SHOOT he runs right into you. It is better to slow play and verify there is no
threat of BCR then to attack too quickly play side. Backside OLB’s must be patient first
and foremost which is why we have them slide step outside every time.
 OLB READ: PASS
• PASS = If the passer drops straight back and shows pass immediately then quickly
take a 45 degree zone drop outside after your outside read step.
– When the passer stops dropping you stop dropping.
– Eyes on the passer’s up field shoulder/face mask. As soon as you level off you start to rotate towards
shoulder/eyes.
– If backside check BCR and slow your rotation. Maintain spacing between the next zone defender.
– If the passer rolls or boots you drop as normal and the rotate with him mirror his depth. PSOLB
needs to rotate with the roll and his eye/shoulder. BSOLB needs to slow his rotation and if any
receiver from backside attempts to cross his face (drag) he needs to step in his path and wall him out
and deny him access across the LOS; get him off track.
• PLAY ACTION PASS = if the backfield fakes run you must play run first and then
drop. If a back goes into your alley you should rotate with him (alley leverage).
 OLB KEY
• READ THE NEAR BACK.
– This is initially taught; find the ball and flow. Simple.
• Once this concept is taught (read near EMLOS to OG).
– Against a well coached line: HIGH HAT/BACKWARDS =
PASS, LOW HAT/FORWARD = RUN.
– BUTTS TO FLOW.
– If you see two linemen’s butts facing each other and flow
going that way that is the hole!
– If you see all butts pointing to one direction and flow going
that way that is the where the ball is going!
– No butts and line is going backwards that is pass!
– No butts and line is coming at you that is wedge!
Questions/Comments?