Building a Youth Defense

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by allowing less points

By Clark Wilkins

5/4/12

There are many popular youth defenses out there to choose from and pretty much all of them work. A lot of those popular youth defenses are designed to make up for a lack of talent. This begs the question of what constitutes talent on defense?
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And the answer is always the same:

1)

SPEED TACKLING

1)

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Can you imagine trying to put together a defense from a group of kids with no SPEED and no TACKLING ability? What are the chances of your winning?
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So the first thing we want is a bunch of kids that can run FAST and TACKLE. If we have that, we can run ANY defense we want and have a good foundation. Theres nothing like great players to make us look 5/4/12 like great coaches.

And theres nothing like bad players to make us look like bad coaches.

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The quality of your players, good or bad, will reflect on you. You may be a good coach but, if your players dont reflect that, no one will ever know it.
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If you dont have good players then you must be able to create good players. That means coaching them up (Thats why youre called coach.). I have two rules of thought on coaching a player up. They are:
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1)

It is easier to make a poor player 50% better than it is to make a great player 10% better. Therefore, your time is better spent with your poorer athletes than your best. I find the one thing a poor player can do well and then have him do it all the time. That way, hell look good all the time.

1)

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Never position a player where you know he can fail. Because, when he fails, he looks bad and you look bad. And when you look bad, youre losing. Funny how that works.
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So lets start by looking at the players we are dealt. We have already identified what constitutes a good defensive player. The decisive characteristics:

SPEED and TACKLING

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SPEED decides the amount of Area you can defend. The more speed you have, the more area you can defend. Conversely, the less speed you have, the less area you, as a player, can defend. The next slide shows a GAM defense. The defenders in red have more area they must defend and so the more speed they have to have. Conversely, the defenders in black have less area to defend and so the less speed they have to have.

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Defenders in green have average speed.

LT LG C RG RT Y QB FB TB

Notice those in black have very little area to 5/4/12

The lesson to be learned here is that very slow defenders are apt to be assigned to defending a single gap (area). Notice how the speed requirements change when the defense changes to a 5-2. The Down Linemen are now two gap defenders: 5/4/12

Notice, there are no slow (black) players:

LT

LG C RG RT QB FB TB

Y Z

A two gap defender must defend twice the 5/4/12 area of a single gap defender. So he cant be

Therefore, down linemen who play head up (even techs) and defend both gaps on each side of themselves need more speed than defenders who line up in gaps (odd techs).
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Notice, a 6-1 requires less speed than a 5-2:

LT LG C RG RT QB FB TB

Y Z

The previous 5-2 required six players in red (fast), whereas a 6-1 uses only five. The 5/4/12 difference is it uses one less linebacker.

The more fast players you have, the more linebackers you can play (5-2). The fewer fast players you have, the fewer linebackers you can play (6-1).
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So fast players go to the linebacker, corner, and safety positions, average players line up in even techs and two gap, and slow players play one gap (often in odd techs). Using this general rule, if you can identify the speed of your players, you can design a defense to fit that speed.
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Lets say we have two SLOW

They can fill both the A gaps:

LT

LG C RG RT QB FB TB

Y Z

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They can fill the B gaps:

LT

LG C RG RT QB FB TB

Y Z

Gapped defenders often bear 5/4/12 crawl.

Or you can line them up as 2 techs and slant them to their assigned A or B gap.
X LT LG C RG RT QB FB TB Y Z

Here, the defense slants 5/4/12 strong.

The direction you slant your front depends upon your opponents tendencies. 80% of all youth coaches power RIGHT and counter LEFT. Against this type of coach, slant to his right until the ball is placed on a hash mark. Then slant towards the wide side of the field. 5/4/12

The remaining 20% of all youth coaches tend to run the ball towards their own sideline in order to be able to see whats happening. Against this coach, slant towards his sideline until he reaches his own hash mark and then slant the other way.
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If you have three slow players, you can gap all three of them:
X LT LG C RG RT QB FB TB Y Z

Here, one of the defenders is played like a shaded Nose Guard.

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Different gaps but same theory:

X LT LG C RG RT QB FB TB Y Z

All three defenders are gapped. 5/4/12

Here is a slanting three man TNT front:

X LT LG C RG RT QB FB TB Y Z

It uses the same slanting direction rules as the other slanting fronts. Slanting fronts use even techs but are still one 5/4/12

Here we have FOUR SLOW defenders:

X LT LG C RG RT QB FB TB Y Z

All playing gaps. 5/4/12

Again, four SLOW SLANTING defenders but working now from stacks:

LT LG C RG RT QB FB TB

Y Z

Stacks are also gap defenses that line up 5/4/12 in even techs.

Here is Jack Gregorys slanting 6-3 front:

X LT LG C RG RT QB FB TB Y Z

Again, it uses four SLOW 5/4/12 defenders.

As soon as we try and play more than four SLOW players in a defense, we begin to run into problems.

WHY?
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We use SLOW players to defend the A and B gaps. These are small areas to defend and have linebacker help right behind them. Since there are a maximum of four A and B gaps, we can only use a maximum of four SLOW players to fill them.
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Any extra SLOW players above

Thus, if we added a fifth SLOW defender, he would have to go here:

X LT LG C RG RT QB FB TB Y Z

This is fine versus a single TE (Y). 5/4/12

But it creates a problem when theres two TEs:

X LT LG C RG RT QB FB TB Z Y

The left C gap is undefended.

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Teams with five slow defenders often found they actually had to go to six:

LT LG C RG RT QB FB TB Z

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Here is a six man, SLOW defender defense:

LT LG C RG RT QB FB TB Z

Its known as a 3-3 5/4/12

Its weakness is that, with a six man rush, it leaves only five defenders left to cover six eligible receivers. If the coverage is man, there is always an uncovered receiver, usually the QB. Further, there is no one defending runs to the D gaps, which requires yet two more run defenders. The need for more run defenders and the 5/4/12 inability to cover in man forces the

Here is the Zone coverage the six SLOW man defense forces:
FS

B X LT LG C RG RT QB FB TB Z Y

Its known as Tampa Bay 5/4/12

Here is a mix of linemen speeds, two slow (black) and one average (green):
X LT LG QB TB FB RG RT Y Z

Notice how green is a two gap defender in an even tech alignment while black fills gaps. 5/4/12

A Gap defender shoots his gap. A Two Gap defender stands up his blocker, reads the runner, and then sheds the blocker to fill the play side gap. Obviously, a two gap defender is the better player. He is usually trained at both pursuit angle drills and Okie drills, which means 5/4/12 more coaching.

Thus, in selecting your defense, you always begin by counting up your SLOW defenders. You then pick a front that fits that number. Your number of SLOW defenders dictates your front. The slower your team is the more A and B gap players you must play. This not only reduces the amount of area they have to defend but brings them closer to the ball.
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Likewise, the faster your team, the more linebackers you can play. The obvious example being a 4-3:

LT

LG C RG RT QB FB

Y Z

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TB

Fast teams give you more coverage options. The more defensive backs (DBs) you have, the more likely you can play Man coverage. Teams with more DBs can also shift their coverage to the strong side. The best example of this is Monster coverage. Monster coverage is used from Cover 2.

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Here is a 3-3 Stack:

C FS C

B
X LT LG QB FB TB RG RT Y

B
Z

Notice, there are five offensive players to the right of center but only four defenders to the right of center. The 5/4/12 offense outnumbers the defense to this

In Monster Coverage, the two safeties wait over the offensive tackles and look for the side the offense is overloaded to: FS SS C

B
B X LT LG QB
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B
B RG RT Y Z TB

FB

The FS then moves over to the middle of the field while the SS moves up as an extra Linebacker to the overloaded side. This adds one more defender to the overloaded side to rid the offense of its numerical advantage.
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FS C B
B X LT LG QB FB TB RG RT Y Z

SS B

The defense now has five to the right of center, the same as the offense. 5/4/12

FS C B
B X LT LG QB FB TB RG RT Y Z

SS B

Notice, the defense has four defenders to the offenses left to the offenses three. The offense is outnumbered to 5/4/12 this side.

This allows the Monster front to slant strong:

FS C B B X T N B T Y Z SS B C

LT LG C RG RT QB FB TB

This not only maintains a defensive numerical advantage to each side of the formation but allows the defense to use 5/4/12 SLOW slanting gap defenders at the TNT

Notice, how I found the ONE THING a SLOW defender does well (Hit a gap) and then had him do it all the time. Here are some stunts for SLOW players.

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CENTER SMASH

LT LG QB TB FB

RG RT

Y Z

It will usually cause one fumble in a game and forces the guards to help the 5/4/12 center. Thus, two defenders

Grab the QBs Heels:

X LT LG QB TB FB RG RT Y Z

Dive through and reach out. If nothing else you have two bodies on the ground in the path of wedge and pulling linemen. 5/4/12

LOOP

LT LG QB TB FB

RG RT

Y Z

Who knows? Maybe somebody might get lucky. 5/4/12

DIVIDE
X LT LG QB TB FB RG RT

Y Z

If the offense sees two A gap defenders, theyll almost never call a play to A, leaving this stunt wide 5/4/12 open.

Here is a four SLOW player Zone Defense:

C FS B B X LT LG C RG RT QB FB TB Y Z B B C

Its Tampa Bay 5/4/12

Because the SLOW players are constantly slanting, the two inside Linebackers must blitz any unfilled gaps:
C FS B B X LT LG C RG RT QB FB TB Y Z B B C

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Allowing short Slant passes to be thrown behind them:

C FS B B X LT LG C RG RT QB FB TB Y Z B B C

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The defense guesses when the slant pass is coming, stops blitzing, and hopes to intercept:
C FS B B X LT LG C RG RT QB FB TB Y Z B B C

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The outside Linebackers have a similar problem. They are responsible for defending sweep:
C FS B B X LT LG C RG RT QB FB TB Y Z B B C

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Which allows passes to be thrown behind them too:

C FS B B X LT LG C RG RT QB FB
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B B Y Z

TB

So they too must guess on pass, stop playing sweep, drop back, and intercept:
C FS B B X LT LG C RG RT QB FB TB Y Z B B C

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Until the Interception happens, the Cover 3 must limit the passing gains on blitz:
C FS B B X LT LG C RG RT QB FB TB Y Z B B C

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There are other coverages but this is the most common when the front is a SLOW six man slant:
C FS C

B X LT LG C RG RT QB FB TB Y

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Where the front is a six man gap, the coverage is usually Man:
FS B C X LT LG C RG RT QB FB TB B Y Z

But a 6 man rush cant cover 5/4/12

Here is a seven slow player defense:

FS C B C

LT

LG C RG RT QB FB TB

Y Z

It is also a zone because the corners cannot cover both a TE (Y) and Flanker/WB both (Z). However, usually the C gap defenders discourage the TEs 5/4/12

These are the usual youth defenses when you have to deal with SLOW players.

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Although weve discussed many ways on how to use SLOW players effectively, your coverage opportunities increase when you have team SPEED. Because, if you have SPEED, you don t need any of this. So lets talk about coaching TEAM SPEED.
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Player SPEED is a Function of Three Things:

1) 2) 3)

Quickness Form Conditioning

You can coach all three.

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QUICKNES S: Quickness simply refers to reaction time. To coach faster reflexes, simply have a player come forward out of a three point stance to catch a ball dropped in front of him (See Tennis Ball Drill on my website.).

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FORM: Form refers to proper running mechanics such as pumping arms, forward lean, and proper stride. At the end of this slide presentation Ill show one of my DVDs for training form.
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On it, I worked with an average middle of the pack player along with about ten other players (age 7) for about 45 minutes. I then matched him in a race with the second fastest player in the entire league and the fastest player on his team. That race is on the film.
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CONDITIONING: Faster SPEED can be achieved by strengthening the muscle groups used in running. I refer to these as my Speed Drills and they are a regular part of my DC46 defense.

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There are two types of conditioning exercise workouts:

1) 2)

Aerobic Anaerobic

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Aerobic: Aerobic exercises involve light weights and high repetition. Examples include womens dance classes. Aerobics usually develop Endurance. Soccer players need a lot of endurance as do any distance runners.
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Anaerobic: This is a high weight, low repetition exercise such as mens weight lifting. It usually develops Power. Football players need more power than endurance. Most players only run 10 yards on any given play and might run 40 yards once in a game.
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Your conditioning program for Speed should include short periods of high exertion followed by a minimum of 20 seconds rest. The activity should tax the players strength. Probably the simplest example is to carry another player on your back for 10 yards. Ill give my Speed Drills if time allows but anyone can create their own using Anaerobic leg exercises as their 5/4/12 guide.

My Anaerobic program lasts 20 minutes and is done at the end of practice and not at the beginning. It takes about 8 weeks for everyone to get faster but a player determined to get faster can do it in 2 weeks. My form training is reserved for those who need it and will produce much faster results. I can usually speed up at least one player by a full second in 5/4/12 30 yard run time in the first night. his

Creating faster players is the easiest way to create a better defense.

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TACKLIN G
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There are basically three types of Tackling taught:

1)

Lift and Carry Chest Plate Screws to the Ball

1)

1)

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Lift and Carry is 1960s high school football. You arm wrapped around the runners upper thighs, locked you hands together, lifted the runner off the ground, and then dumped him on his side. It had two advantages. The runners feet lost contact with the ground causing him to lose the ability to go 5/4/12

The drawback to Lift and Carry was that it required a big, strong player to really put a runner down hard with it. You had to be strong enough to pick the runner up. Defensive backs had trouble with this. It was a defensive back (an NFL corner) who invented Chest Plate tackling.
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When a runner got loose down the sideline, this corner, instead of hitting him low, would hit him high around the shoulder pads from the side and drive the runner out of bounds. This gave defensive coaches the idea to try the same tackle from head on. Instead of getting low, the tackler went chest to chest with the runner, usually using his hands to jack the ball carriers armpits. This could create a
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The advantage to this tackle was that the defenders helmet was never part of the tackle. This removed the possibility of a neck injury. However, defenders using chest plate tackling were now at risk of their helmets hitting the offensive players helmet. Many defenders deliberately contacted the runners/receivers helmet to separate him from the ball.
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In our state, in October of 2,000 U of W safety, Curtis Williams , was paralyzed and later died from helmet to helmet contact on a tackle. In September, 2004, SeattleTacoma running back DeShawn Smith, age 15, died of a helmet to helmet contact.
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Thus, Chest Plate Tackling was not as safe as previously believed. Further, it wasnt intended for meeting a runner head on but from the side. This left smaller defenders unable to use the technique. If you watch You Tube clips of Chest Plate Tackling, you will see the runner and the defender are always matched up size wise in the drill. Failure to do this can result in a

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Most coaches who teach Chest Plate tackling must teach a different technique to their smaller Defensive Backs (DBs) when confronted by a runner head on.

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Screws to the ball has the tackler aim the top screws of his facemask to the football held by the runner. He keeps his head up and eyes on the ball all the way to contact. Like, chest plate tackling, this removes the tacklers helmet from the contact while using it to create a fumble. It can be used from both head on or from the side. It can be used by both big players and small.
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However, if improperly coached, the

I cannot comment on which is safest . Personally, I coach Screws to the ball because I believe it can be safely taught, it creates fumbles, and one tackle technique fits all. But I check out every players tackling technique personally to make sure hes safe to go out on the field and play. Once you select a tackling technique, you must drill it from different angles and under safe conditions. Always use 5/4/12 progressive tackling techniques. Begin

The player should have a clear understanding that his helmet will not protect his brain from concussion nor protect his neck from breaking. It is not a weapon and should not make contact with the defenders helmet or torso. From the Fit Position work backwards to the starting position. Keep the tackling distance down on all your drills.
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CREATING AGGESSIVE TACKLING A coach can coach FEAR into his tacklers or he can coach AGGRESSION into his tacklers. If you want your defenders to learn to fear tackling, all you have to do is make it HURT. If it hurts, theyll learn to fear it. To eliminate pain, reduce your 5/4/12 tackling distances and match up your

Big tackles big and small tackles small. If you have two wimps, they play patty cake with each other. Avoid physical mismatches. A physical mismatch creates fear which creates hesitation which creates a miss. Every player should experience SUCCESS at your tackling drill. In drills, do not make your slow tacklers defend an area bigger than they can cover (or would do in a game.). Slow 5/4/12 players defend gaps and not the field.

TACKLING DRILLS

Tackling Dummy: A tackler must tackle a tackling dummy without hitting it with his helmet. I make each player prove they can do this before 5/4/12 allowed to tackle another player.

Head to Head

Two players lie on their backs, helmet to helmet. One has a football (red). On command they both get up and ball carrier tries to get past the defender. The defenders helmet is not to contact 5/4/12

CROSS THE BOW

From two lines 5 yards apart, defenders practice tackling a ball carrier from the side. Emphasis is in getting the tacklers helmet across 5/4/12 the stomach of the ball carrier (red).

Pursuit Tackling

Defender gives runner a one yard head start and then meets him in the lanes between the tackling dummies. 5/4/12

The Okie Drill

Block er

Coa ch

Coa ch

This drill teaches the two gap defender to shed his blocker and make the tackle. There are two coaches, one for the blocker and one for the defender. 5/4/12

Meet me in the Alley

Two lines of Four players two yards apart face in opposite directions. On command, they run to opposite ends of the tunnel, meet, and the player in black tackles the ball carrier in 5/4/12 red.

The purpose behind Meet me in the Alley is that, with the lines facing opposite directions, neither player knows who he is up against. Also, as both players turn into the tunnel, there is a point where each has zero forward speed. They will then meet in a distance of about three yards, too short a distance for injury but its happening too fast for the defender to THINK about who he has. This promotes a 5/4/12 REFLEX tackling response.

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I use Meet me in the Alley to introduce players to the realities of physical mismatches, but without them having the opportunity to THINK and HESITATE. The 3 yard distance does not introduce the PAIN which introduces FEAR. This is the only time I allow physical mismatches to occur. I do it under controlled conditions, only let them do it a few times, and no more than once a week. I will still screen for a severe

ZONE TACKLING

X QB

Two TEs run 5-7 yard hooks. Two zone defenders will tackle them from behind as the ball hits their hands, timing up the hit to the ball. If the receiver is tall and the ball thrown high, the zone defender will hit him at the 5/4/12

COVERAGES I have already introduced the Poor Mans Zone (slow defenders). I will be introducing more coverages in my next presentation after this. But for now, its time to field questions and answers. Thanks for watching.
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