AMD AVA Oia Greeti: Hee tsreienl Defense SECOND corrigrn. oP = él Nis ay i 2 ae pal ] a)COACHING TEAM DEFENSE Second Edition Fritz ShurmurCopyright © 1994 by Fritz Sturmur Copyright © 1989 by MacGregor Sports Education All rights reserved. This book may not be reproduced in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the publisher, except that permission is hereby given for reproduetion ‘of the scouting forms in Chaper I Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Shurnur, Fe tte Coaching tean defanse / Fritz Shuenur. -- 2nd ed. Be cn 1sah'0-0524779-6-6 1, Footbal!--Oafense. 2, Football~-Coaching, 1. TItle. ovgst.8.s4@ 1994 798, 332°07°7-—de20 9422800 cI ISBN 0-9624779-b-b Printed in the United States of America HARDING PRESS P.O. Bax Hl Haworth, NJ 07641 Books by and for the coaching professionDedication “To Pogay Jane, whose patience, understanding, and support through all the good and especially the nol-so-good times make her an incredibly special coach's \wife and mother. To our kids —Sally Ann the writer, Scott the doctor, and Susie the teacher—who have been and always will be great sources of pride to us, ‘To my mother and father, Len and Katie Shucmur, who worked and sacrificed all their lives to give me opportunities they never had. I will always be ‘grateful ‘To the many coaches and players I have been privileged to work with aver the years. They are the reason going to work every slay has been so enjoyable,About the Author For many years Fritz Shurmar has been regarded as one of the top defensive coaches in the country. The defensive units he has coached, college and professional, have been characterized by their tenaciousness, as well as by their physical ancl intelligent play. They have been described as intense, the major ‘characteristic used to describe the coach, both on and off the field. Coach Shutmur, entering his 20th year in the NEL, isa firm believer in the potential for greatness that is possible when people work hard together, His ‘coaching philosophy is bull on a song commitmeat to the team, its goals and ‘objectives. He believes that, without exception, the most suecessful teams have been those with a strong emphasis on “the team.” In the spring of 1994, Coach Shurmur was named the defensive coordina- tor of the Green Ray Packers, following three suece:sful and innovative seasone as defensive coordinator for the Phoenix Cardinals. Shurmur also served on the coaching staffs of the L.A. Rems (nine scasons), Nesv England (four cam- paigns), and Detroit (three years). In its first season under Shurmur, the Cardinals’ defensive unit featured a new look and seven new starters. The improvement was obvious. Compared to the previous season, the Phoenix defenders allowed 52 fewer points, 164 fewer total yards, 182 fewer yards rushing, and only 18 more yards passing despite dofensing 45 more enemy aerial attempls. The umit yielded two touchdowns or Jess nine times and scored three touchdawns on turnovers. Cardinal opponents completed only 16 passes of 25 yards or more (none in six contests, including the last (vo outings), with the longest completion 43 yrds, ‘The Cardinals shared the league low with Buffalo, Denver, and New Orleans by allowing only 12 touchdown passes, a tote that matehed the 1971 club for third alltime in team annals, but the fewest in a 16-game season. Phoenix ‘opponents averaged fourth in the NFC and tenth in the league. Shurmur’s “Il men to the football” zone concept also produced 37 ‘opponent fumbles, the third highest total in franchise history, while the Cardinals’ 21 fumble recoveries ranked second in the NFC and third in the league. In his second Cardinals’ season, Coach Shurmar’s innovation again paid dividends for Phoenix with a “Big Nickel” scheme that featured four down linemen, two linebackers, and five defensive backs. The alignment fueled @ dofensive resurgence that limited foes to 67.5 yards rushing per game over thew ‘ABOUT THE AUTHOR final six outings andthe fifth-rated rush defense inthe conference. The unit also posted the club's fewest points allowed, 332, sinc: 1978 (296) and cut the ‘opponents rushing, touchdown total in haf from the year before (fom 27 to 13) Ic allowed only 101 first downs cushing and 281 overall-—the former the best effort in club history over a 16-game schedule and lovest total since 1977 (96 in 14 games), and the later the best mark over a 16-game season and lowest total since 1977 (258 in 14 games. Jn 1993, Sharmur’ third season with the Cardinals, his defensive unit gave up only 269 points, seventh best in the NFL and fevvest in club history in a 16-game season. For the second year in a row, they allowed only 13 rushing touchdowns, and the Cardinals’ 27 total touchdowns vere the fewest in franchise history since the NFL merger, Six 1993 Phoenix opfonents tallied 10 points or less, a Cardinal first since 1936, Shurmur joined the Cardinals after nine seatons improvising with the Rams’ successfl defense, His first season with the Rams was as the defensive line coach for the strike-shortened 1982 season. He was named the team’s defensive coordinator the next season; in the same season, the Rams went from 2th to LSih in total defense, In 1984, the Rams climbed to 14th overatl and this ‘against the run, Tm 1985 L.A. led the NFL with 56 quarterback sacks and finished fifth in {otal defense in both 1985 and 1986, leading te squad to two playoff appearances. Following the strike of 1987, Shurmur’s 1988 Ram defenders ranked ninth overall and again recorded a league high 36 quarterback cacke. However, it was Coach Shormur’s injuy-deplted defensive unit of 1989 that turned heads. Forced o improvise, he utilized liebackers as down Linemen and compensated for the absence of two regular irside linebackers until the season's tenth gome. The unit allowed only three running backs to gain 100 yards, finished fifth in the NFC with 42 sacks, and ed the Rams to two post- season victories. L.A. reached post's tenure. Shurmur, a native of Wyandotte, Michigan, broke into the NFL withthe Lions in 1975. ifter tree seasons with the Lion, he served four campaigns with New England—the last two years as defensive coordinator. His 1979 Patriot defenders led the NEL with 57 sacks. Shurmur's coaching career began at his alma mater, Albion (Mich.) College, where he served as assistant football coach and swimming coach from 1954 through 1961. From 1962-1970, he was the cefensive Tine coach of the University of Wyoming Cowboys; he was named ead eosch in 1971. Under Shurmur’s defensive leadership, Wyoming led the nation twice in rushing defense and once in total defense and paced the Western Athletic conference six years in defense Shurmur is also the author of The Hagle Fixe-Linebacker Defense, published by Harding Press. The first edition of Shurmur’s Coaching Team Defense was published in 1989. -ason play six times during Shurmu’s nine-yearIntroduction Coaching Team Defense, Second Edition, is the result of my developing, in ‘greater detail, many of the areas covered inthe original book. Te original book was meant o be a stimulator of thought in coaches. Ic was written co introduce ideas, so that coaches could reflect on them and then come up with their own ‘thoughts. ‘This book was writen to add fuel tothe fire of thinking couches. ‘There are new areas covered inthe second edition, along with elaboration ‘on many of the subjects covered in the original book. Diagrams illustrating many of the technical areas discussed in the carlicr manual area big part of this book. They vividly describe and clarify many ofthe points made inthe original Coaching Team Defens. ‘ditionally, a new last chapter has been added to include forms 1 have found to be invaluable in scouting the opponent. These forms are presented i both “filled-in” and blank versions; the latter can be copied and enlarged for ‘This now edition continues my original focus on the important factors in keeping the other team out of the end zone—it is sbout coaching defense with Ae basi idea uf gettin uy as possible uf Ue IL players ut the Field (9 the ball. Ihave written this book for the football coach at any level of play and regardless of coaching experience or philosophy. ‘My primary motivation in writing the first edition and in adding to it with this second edition was to make available to coaches the type of information about defense that I wish had been available during my early coaching career. —Fritz ShurmurContents About the Author Introduction vii 1 GoaLs anp ojectives Prevent the Score * 1 Physically Dominate the Opponent * Prevent the Big Play * 3 ‘Three and Out +4 ‘Turnovers—Interceptions and Fumbles + 5 Scoring on Defense * $ 2 PERSONNEL: PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS 7 Movement + 7 Quickness or Agility + 8 Strength or Leverage + 8 How These Physical Quali Improve the Defensive Player * 9 3) PERSONNEL: MENTAL QUALIFICATIONS 10 Play Hard + 10 Play Efficiently * 11 Play Together + 11 Developing Coaching Standards + 12 4 DEFENDING THE RUN ¥ Pressure + 14 Game of Angles + 14 Aligoments + 15 Positive Gap Control + 16 5-On-5 Drill + 16 Coordinating the Run Force * 18CONTENTS Pursuit. + 21 Using the Hands * 27 ‘Tackling + 28 DEFENDING THE PASS 2 Team Aspect + 32 Pass Rush + 32 Striking a Blow—Power or Leverage Rush + 34 ‘The Rush Move * 34 ‘Outside or Gap Rushes + 36 Games and Stunts. * 37 PASS COVERAGE 38 Pre-snap Read * 39) Zone Pass Coverage * 39 Reading the Quarterback + 46 Horizontal Stretches and Vertical Levels + 47 Drops + 48 Bretking on the Ball + 48 Screens + 50 MAN COVERAGE si Matchups + St ‘The Man—The Issue * 53 NICKEL DEFENSES 37 Rush + 57 Utilization of Personnel * 58 Coverage Schemes + 61 PRACTICE ORGANIZATION 6s ‘The Practice Plan + 66 Specific Practice Game Situations * 73‘CONTENTS Py 10 scouring tHE oproNENT 4 1 ‘The Critical Factors «75 Special Situations» 79 Developing the Game Plan + 80 SCOUTING FORMS 84 Forms Provided: Formation Tendencics—Running Plays + 86187 Formation Tendencies—Passing Phys + 88/89 Opponent Runs + 90 Opponent Play Action Passos + 91 Opponent Passes (Dropback) * 92 Formation Tendencies—Inside + 20 + 93194 Short Yardage Formation & Down & Distance Summary * 95/96 Summary Sheet—Down and Distance + 97/981 Goals and Objectives PREVENT THE SCORE ‘There is no question that the numbercone objective ef a defensive football team is to Keep the opponent from scoring. 1 know this point would seem to be so ‘obvious that i nocd not bo mentioned. Howover, inthe past fowr years therc has been such a widespread emphasis on statistics, i appears at times that the ‘numberof yards gained rushing or passing, or the opponent’ first downs, sacks, or interceptions, ate more important than the number of points scored on a defense. ‘The total defensive unit—players and coaches—has to believe in this as the number-one goal ofthe defensive team. All it takes is one position coach who is trying to gain some notoriety for himself and his players (o get in the way of a total defensive team acceptance ofthis as their number-one gos ‘A defensive line coach obsessed with the number of sacks, a linebacker coach overly concerned with the number of tackles, or a secondary coach who sees only the number of interceptions as the major concern are all examples of ‘ways thatthe men responsible for reinforcing the major objective of a defensive team may, by intent or accident, create obstacles to the sucess of the group. ‘Whenever this occurs itis the responsibility ofthe coordinator or whoever is in charge to rediteet or refocus the individual or group that is involved. PHYSICALLY DOMINATE THE OPPONENT ‘The physical aspect of the game of football is the factor that makes it different from most other team sports. Too often football coaches get so caught2 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES up in alignments and schemes, trying to owt-finesse their opponent, that they neglect to coach the physical part of the game. “This happens in many cases because coaches feel that the only time they ‘ean emphasize this aspect of the game is when their team is serimmaging or involved in hitting drills. [have spent alot of time thinking about this issue, and Tam convinced that good coaches find ways to coach oughness and the physical aspect without having to constantly beat up their teams in practice. First of al, | think the importance ofthe physical aspect or hitting must be at the forefront of every discussion a coach has with his team. Ifa team is going to be a good hitting team, i€ will be one because itis an important issue with every player and coach on the team. The good cosch makes some phase of hitting, toughness, and physical dominance a part of every meeting he has with his team. The head coach has the right (o expect tha al assistant coaches will address ths subject with the same regularity in meetings with their groups. This type of constant reinforcement is necessary if a tear is going to establish for itself an identity of toughness ‘Another factor involved in hitting or the physical aspect is speed. Players hhave to be constantly reminded of the importance of playing the game fast. In addition, the scheme the team employs has to be one that is simple and does not require a fot of conscious thought by the players. [ really believe there is a wire that connects the players brain to his feet. The more the player has to think, the slower he reacts and as a result, the slower he plays the game. The ability of a player play the game with gecat speed enable hin (o be at explosive bitte ln {his area there are two important féctors: continual emphasis by the coaches on {the importance of playing fast and a simple scheme that allows the players to play fast with a minimum of thinking. ‘Another factor that is involved in the physical aspect is body position. In order fora player to hit with authority and make plays, he has to have his body in the proper positon to physically dominate a ball catrier of, in other words, to make a big hit onan opponent. This can be taught and emphasized in every drill in which there isa ballcarrier or receiver. In one-on-one drils, group drills, or teamwork with or without pads, the proper hitting position ean be taught and worked on, ‘The defensive players: must be coached to two-hand-touch every ball carrier or receiver below the waist. In order to do this, the defensive man must have good flexion at ankles, knees, and hips. In other words, he must be in a ‘2004 football position to make the tackle as if it were a live dill. All aspects of tackling, like head and eyes up and focused on the opponent, along with the hitting position need to be emphasized on every play. If the defensive player puts hhimself in a good football position and two-hand-iouches the offensive ball ‘or receiver, he will, without question, be in a >osition to make the tackle ina game situation. Emphasizing this two-hand technique is invaltable in teaching defensive players to finish plays. Without this particular technique, players became tooGOALS AND OBJECTIVES a casual or nonchafant in their approach Co ball carriers or reclvers in non-contact drills. The primary objective is to get as many of the 11 defensive players as possible tothe bali carrer on every play in practice. Jn addition, the aggressive physical aspect ofthe game must be reinforced by demanding that defensive players play as much of the game as possible onthe offensive side ofthe line of scrimmage. I is important continually emphasize {hat defensive linemen knock their opponent back and that linebackers wi play cover tight ends knock them back and play on the offensive side of the line of scrimmage. Inside linebackers must be coached to ateck blockers up and in ot toward the line of scrimmage. Secondary people who ate run foreers should be required to atack blockers toward the offensive side of the line of serimmage. 1 do not believe that eatching types of reading defensive schemes encourage and develop a physical mentality ina football team. Rather, I believe that i coach teaches players to catch or fo sit and read, he is giving the opponent’ offensive team the opportunity to seize the initiative from « physical point of view, [As a coach I have always had a great deal of respect and admiration for football (eams that are hard hitting, physical, and tough and that as a result dominate their opponents. The teams that are really good at playing the game physically do so within the rules and do not have as their primary goal the injuring of their opponent. Good coaches can teschtheir team tobe physical and play tough but fo do so within the rules without inteat to injure the opponent. The players on wel-coached, disciplined teams are not prone to taking cheap shots ‘withthe intent of injuring an opponent. “Teams whose players engage in spearing, hitting after the whistle, hinting players out of bounds or any other type o illegal activity are exhibiting a type of bochavior I detest. They are only admitting, by thsir actions, tht they are not good enough to play the game well within the rues. I fel that these types of actions are reflections on the coach and his inabifty to teach his players to play the game well from a physical standpoint, within tke rues. It also reflects on the coach's inability to discipline his team and demané that they play the game as it is meant to be played—physical but clean and within the rules. PREVENT THE BIG PLAY ‘Nothing has a bigger negative impact on a defensive team than when an ‘opponent makes a long run or completes a long pass. Big plays against a defense usually occur when there is some kind of a breakslown by the defensive team. Preventing the big play in the running game involves getting great pursuit to the football followed by good tackling when the defense gets there. In the passing game it involves effective pass rush with coverage that does not allow the pass fo be completed beyond the deep defenders. Each defensive player must be constantly reminded of the importance of ‘breaking or running to the ball when it is thrown. It is very important that4 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES defensive teams practice running tothe ball or pursuing and breaking onthe ball ‘when it is thrown, Each coach has the responsibilty te demand that his players run fo the ball on every play in practice. ‘The defensive scheme employed by & team con be very important in determining the type of exposure a team has 0 “big phys.” For example, dogging, blitzing, man-for-man football teams are, by design, used to pressure offensive teams ino errors or big plays. But, by adopting these approaches, the chances of the offense making a big play on the defense also increase. These schemes emphasize individual matchups, big play capacity, and pressuring the opponent's offense into mistakes. Inereased oppor tunities for big plays by the defense are always accompanied by the high risk of greater opportunitics for big plays by the opponent’ cffense 1am convinced teams that employ a reading defensive scheme with a minimum of dogs and blitzes and play mostly zme coverage ate not as susceptible to the big offensive play. It is true that this more conservative approach does not create as many opportunities for big plays by the defense. But this type of philosophy does decrease the exposure to big plays by the offense. ‘And there is no question that reading defensive teams put more players in a position to pursue the ball than do penetrating and blitzing defenses. The lization of zone coverages makes it more difficult o get the big play in the passing game by getting behind the secondary. Patience and a commitment to play the percentages are important factors in a team’s ability t play with a focus on proventing tae big pla: IF a dofensive {eam adopts a scheme that is conservative or containing in approach, it cannot become upset with temporary successes by the offensive team. A few successful passes, running plays, or first downs eannot become issues to the point of ‘eausing the defense to lose confidence, panic, and depart from its basic philosophy. ‘A team that adopts the containing philosophy must play the percentages a the way. For example, it makes very little sense fora team to play zone and basie schemes all over the field and then, just because the offense gets the bal short yardage situation or inside the 25 yard lin, switch to a dogging, blitzing defense, increasing the exposure toa big play or a seoring play. THREE AND OUT ILis the responsibility of the defense to put its offense back on the field in 1s good a field position as possible. This is best accomplished, of course, by limiting the opponent’s ability to make first downs. The basic approach here is to ‘20 on the field as a defensive team to play threo downs, force the opponent 10 punt, and put the offense back on the field in a good position. Bach defensive player must understand that the ideal way to attack the offense isto dietate to the ‘opponent, as quickly as possible in a series of downs, what the opponent must do tomaintain possession—that is, put them in long yardege as quickly as possible.GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 8 ‘The goal on first down has fo be to hold the opponent’s gain to less than three yards. Ifa defensive team does this, it has dictated to the offense what ‘must do to maintain possession. ‘The defense has limited the opponent’ offense, increased the predictability factor, and increased the opportunities for the defense to make a big play ‘There are a lot of great defensive calls that can be made on second and long—very few on second down and five yards or less. ‘TURNOVERS—INTERCEPTIONS AND FUMBLES 1 know that many coaches claim to “coach turnovers” on defense, and I ‘marvel at their resourcefulness. I do notice, however, that many of the teams that fre very high in this area one year are at the athor end of the spectrum the next under the same coaching staff. [da think itis difficult to come up with concrete definitive ways to create fumbles and interceptions. Ido not think itis difficult to coach ways to put players in a better position to be more opportunistic in these For example, logic tells us that the greater number of our players who are ‘around the ball, the better our chances of recovering a fumble should one occur, either by chance or our efforts in tackling. Our emphasis on pursuit and breaking con the ball, along with hard tackling, are all factors that increase our chances to force and recover fumbles. ass interceptions usually occur more frecuently with zone coverage teams. This is true largely because the pass defenders are placed in a position facing the quarterback with no man-forman responsibility, whereas a player in ‘man-for-man coverage has his back fo the quarterback much ofthe time, chasing the man he is covering. It is very important that the ball be made the issue in coaching zone coverage. Reading patterns, breaking on the ball, and catching the ball are all very important coaching points. The pass rush huurying the quarterback, with, the rushers’ hands up forcing a high trajectory of the ball or obstructing the (quarterback’s vision, are all important factors in creating more opportunities for interceptions. ‘SCORING ON DEFENSE Scoring on defense usually occurs more with teams whose basie scheme is, pressure, dogging, and blitzing. ‘These teams score by forcing the offense into a huge error and capitalizing on it. Although reading zone teams are not as apt to score on defense forcing the big error by pressure, they have the capacity for defensive touchdowns Scoring opportunities are created by the team factor of coordinated effort, pursuit, and breaking on the thrown ball. Ihave always felt that the defensive6 GOALS AND OBVECTIVES coordinator has the responsibility to continually emphasize the goals and ‘objectives of a defensive team. Each member of the group—coach and player— ‘must be reminded on a regular basis of the critical factors that determine the success of a defensive team,2 Personnel: Physical Qualifications MOVEMENT ‘The ability to run is very high on the list of qualities needed for effective defensive players. Speed is atthe very foundation of «team's defensive scheme if 's major objective isto get as many as possible ofits IT defensive: men to the hall, on every play, Team speed is the one factor that determines how well a team pursues the run, rushes the passer, or plays pass coverage. Not far behind speed in importance is the ability to change direetions Although there are many definitions of this skill, I think it fs best described as the player's ability to take the quickest, shortest course to the bal in an opposite direction, The ability to change directions quickly—from going right to going Ieft and vice versa as well as moving from front to back and back to front uickly—is the movement skill all good defensive players possess. The ability to break flat and take direct routes is also crucial, In order to change directions effectively, the player must be able to play with his body weight distributed over the balls of his feet. ‘This type of weight distribution requires that the upper body (that is, shove the waist) be positioned so that the shoulders are approximately over the feet. Good defensive players rst also be able to play with good flexion atthe ankle and hips and be “knee benders." Players who do not display this Kind of Fexibility are usually limited in their abifity to “make plays" on defense, This ability to change direction has a Jot to do with the physical makeup and sometimes the body type ofthe athlete. 1 do think that this skill ean be developed and improved upon with coaching. Off season conditioning programs, warm-up routines, and individual breakdown rill periods ate ideal times to work on improving these qualities8 PERSONNEL: PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS QUICKNESS OR AGILITY 1 describe quickness or agility asthe ability to evold obstacles by moving cor picking up the feet quickly and under control. Again, the ability to play with his fect under him is critica prerequisite for “the agi plyer.” The playet who plays defense effectively must be able to move his feet quickly to avoid blockers, to adjust angles to the ball carrier or passes, or to move around and over the debris that inevitably collects on the defensive side ofthe scrimmage line after the snap. Developing and improving this skill is important since the defensive side of the line of scrimmage is more like an obstacle course than an open hrighoay. ‘And, similar to qualities described in preceding paragraphs, while nnate ability” in this area is important, iis also a skill that can be improved ‘upon with practice and coaching. Any drills that require the player to work i feet rapidly, change speeds and directions under corto, or react while he is working his fect over obstacles such as dummies are al activities that ean contribute to improving the skill STRENGTH OR LEVERAGE ‘There was a time in the evolution of the game of football when strength wvas the most crucial physica! requirement to play defence. This dates buck to ‘when football was, by offensive design, played in a mote conservative fashion. It ‘vas before the advent of the wide-open pro passing offenses, the veer option, or the wishbone. These offensive concepts, along with their many variations, forced defenses to defend “all of the field” all of the time, pacing a higher priority on running and movement in all defensive players. Strength is dofinitely an asset to defensive players but it is extremely important that strength development not come at the expense of speed and the ability to move, Monitoring and continued evaluation ofa player's quickness and speed are essential during those periods in an athletes development when he is lifting weights and acquiring bulk (o increase his strangth. “There are some athletes who are “naturally strong.” These players seem (0 develop a high degree of strength through the natural maturation process with litle conseious effort on their part. However, most of what we observe in the way of strength in defensive football players today is developed. Weight-training programs at all levels have produced exceedingly strong, butked-up football players. Possessing great strength does not ensure an athlete's success as a defensive football player. The ability o utilize strength as a tool to play the game better is really the Key here. There ate many weight lifters wio have great strength bi lack the ability to use it playing football. The type of strength we are looking for in defensive players is the type that allows them to defeat blockers, win the one- one battles, and change the direction ofthe ball carrier when they tackle him.‘PERSONNEL: PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS 8 This kind of power is usually described as “explosive strength.” It is probably best described as a player's ability to play the game using all his strength or power, under control, without having to slow down to use it ‘Another aspect of strength as it applies to foctball is leverage or the ability to utilize the big muscle groups. In a general way we are referring to the muscle _Broups below the waist. Generally the player who isin the best leverage position Wins the one-on-one contests that occur in football. The ability to play with leverage is determined by those same body position factors we referred to in the ‘movement areas; flexion at the ankles and hips, the player's ability (0 bend at the knees—all are crucial in utilizing the big muscles. A good point of reference is the position of the head and eyes of the defensive player. AS he focuses on the ‘offensive opponent, his head and eyes should be lover than those of the offensive rman he is trying to defeat. Ifthe defensive player essumes this position and has the proper flexion in the critical areas, he should bein a better position to use his strength and defeat the offensive player. ‘All the preceding points are important in the utilization of strength, whether we are talking about striking a blow with the forearm, using a hand shiver, tackling, or utilizing any other of the many techniques employed by defensive players, Obviously the strength factor is a bigger requisite for linemen or line. backers than it would be for defensive backs. Strength and power are great assets, for defensive football players and much of the time go a long way in determining the level of success. It ic again important to point out that strength must be accompanied by leverage and cannot be developed at the expense of or used as a substitute for movement. HOW THESE PHYSICAL QUALITIES IMPROVE THE DEFENSIVE PLAYER ‘The bottom line here is how these physical qualities apply to making the defensive player a better performer. Obviously these traits exist in varying degrees in all athletes. ‘Those who are faster, bigger, stronger, and quicker usually are the best players, provided the proper temperament and motivational factors ate present, Although most of these physical qualities are innate or part of thé individual makeup, they ean all be developed or mproved with coaching and dedicated effort on the part of the athlete, It is the coach's responsibility to develop programs, drills, and practice routines that will increase the player's athletic abil ‘The ability to “make plays” on defense, to defeat or avoid blockers, to knock down or intercept passes, and to make tackles is increased in proportion to the development of these physical skills. The higher the level of individual ‘development in these areas, the more effective and productive will be the efforts ‘of the dofensive team in preventing “the score.”Personnel: Mental Qualifications PLAY HARD ‘The ability to play hard all the time is something all coaches aspire to get out of their teamns, Lam really convinced thet defensive tearas whose members are able to do this compete at 2 very high level most ofthe fim T don’t think this level of play just happens—it must be developed by coaches and cozching staffs who hhave'a real belief in the importance of this characteristic. What we are talking about here is the ability of each member of the defensive unit to work at competing as close as possible to his optimum level on every defensive ply. Its the responsibility of each coach to demand that the players he coaches practice and play gnmes at this level. Coaches and players can never accept anything other than maximum effort on every play Despite this, however, teams often don't play upto their maximum effort, ‘and thete are & number of reasons for this. Sometimes coaches get so caught up in the technical aspects of the game that they lose sight of the importance of continvally reinforcing the place of intensity and effort in playing defense. Another reason teams don’t play hard all the time is that coaches tend to make the game too complex. They ask their players to remember so many different defenses, alignments, stunts, blitzes, or coverages that they spend their time inking —not reacting, Players who are forced to think too much are limited in their ability to play the game with great velocity. Iam convinced that a simple dofensive system that lends itself to repetition and docs not require complex adjustment is best, Kis the responsibilty ofthe coaching staf to develop this type of scheme, Playets who are sure of the reactions desired in the various situations because they have experienced them over and over agein will play defense with great velocity because they are not slowed down by the thought process. Al playersPERSONNEL: MENTAL QUALIFICATIONS " have the ability to play hard all the time. It is up te the coaching staff to create the type of environment that will allow a player to compete in this manner. PLAY EFFICIENTLY Playing hard but inefficiently equals wasted effort. Defensive teams that play efficiently are made up of players who do not make mental errors. In short, they do not help their opponent advance the ball by missing assignments or incurring penalties, ‘These types of errors ae the result ofa lack of concentration cn the player's part. Again, the coach's responsibilty is to be certain he is not asking the players to do so many and such varied responses and techniques that it ible to play with a high degree of efficiency. It is the player's ity to concentrate in meetings, film sessions, practice, and games in order to avoid making these types of errors. A well-prepared player who has concentrated, studied, and learned will perform wit a high degree of efficiency. By the same token, players who think about other things, who are not focused in every learning and playing situation, are compromising their margins and are increasing their chanees of making mental errors. Playing efficiently requires that the defensive coaches continually point out to the players the essential clements needed to avoid helping the opponent, Defensive team and individual mectings, film sessions, and practices are the ‘ecasions where this type of reinforcement takes place. The aetual execution by the player takes place in practice and games. Aguin it is the coach's respon- sibility to ereate an environment in practice that is as much like a game situation as possible, For example, field position, down and distance, and specific game situations such as short yardage, goal line, inside the 25 yard line, and two: minute are all important contributing factors determining specific responses required by players in games. Iti critical that all tise elements be included in practice situations over and over again. This typo of specific preparation in practice is essential to raising the efficiency level ofa defensive team in games. PLAY TOGETHER, ‘There is probably no skill more important in coaching a defensive team to a high level of achievement than the ability to get a team to play together. The skilled defensive coach is able to instill in his players a commitment to the team and its goals. This involves players’ assuming roles as members of the group first, placing individual goals in a secondary positicn. ‘Team and individual goals do not have to conflict, but their order of importance is without question in a team sport. Defensive teams with the ability to play wall together are made up of individuals who are able to talk in terms of we or us, not for me. The players in this type of unit are able to suppress their own egos for the good of the group.R PERSONNEL MENTAL QUALIFICATIONS: “They are convinced that teams who play well together are made up of unselfish individuals who put team goals, achievements, and recognition ahead of the ‘This type of attitude in a defensive unit is developed, it doesn’t just happen. It must be developed and reinforced by the coordinator or whoever i in charge. It all starts withthe coaches themselves contiavally taking in terms of the team—ive and us, It eannot develop if each coach talks in terms of his defense or his secondary or his linebackers. ‘The head coach is the tan ‘ultimately held responsible forthe success of “the team.” He is therefore the one person on the coaching staff who can talkin terms of “his” offense, defense, ot special teams. In recent years it has become populer to single out defensive ‘coordinators as autonomous captains of thei own ships. The beter policy would be to avoid setting a coach apart from the group inthis way, ora least to keep it (0 # minimum. lis especially important that the person in charge of the defense be a “team player” if the unit he is responsible for is going have any chance of performing ata high level “as a team,” DEVELOPING COACHING STANDARDS tis very difficult to execute any athletic skill ortechnique perfectly all the time, This is especially true in fothall where so many variables are involved in ‘each play. That is why itis so difficult to find, even in the best of teams, a play where all {1 players are doing exactly the right thing. The critical point here, however, is that although perfection in execution is difficult to achieve, it must be the goal of every player on every play. It is the couch’s responsibility to develop a scheme that requires a base of well-defined techniques in order fo exccute it well. The ability to establish high standards for the execution of these skills, along with the creation of an environment for the development of them, is as crucial as any ability a coach ‘ust possess. ‘The coach must create practice situations where the development and improvement of these techniques can take place. The players’ progress must be ‘monitored by the coaches on a continual basis. The really good coaches are those who are coaching, emphasizing, and reinforcing the same points, with the same ‘emphasis, during the ast practice or game of the seascn as they were in carly fall ‘camp. T have always believed thet we as bumans are geared to operate at minimums, not optimums, Most of us think we ate going all out or doing something us well us we can when, most of the time, we are operating at a evel {ar short of our maximum in the area of performance. ‘Coaches have the responsibility to encourage players to work toward optimum levels of performance and execution, in the belief that, as individuals, we get from ourselves anly what we demand in the way of performance. If ourPERSONNEL: MENTAL QUALIFICATIONS 8 standards are low, we achieve at a low level. If, on the other hand, our expectations are high and we strive for perfection in execution, our chances for achieving high levels of success are greater. For that reason, coaches must demand a high level of execution from their players at all times. It is easy to get so caught up in the broader aspects of the game that we lose sight of those “lite things” that are very often the difference between winning and losing,4 Defending the Run PRESSURE ‘The most important factor in defending the run is the ability of the defense 10 pressure or come after the offense. I don’t believe there can be any lateral or flat pursuit thinking, in the defensive scheme if iis wo be effective in stopping the run. When defensive players are coached to play the game only on a lateral or paralel-to-the-line-oF scrimmage basis, two things usually happen, and they are both bad. One is that parallel or lateral usually means the defenders’ getting, knocked back by the momentum of the offensive blocker. This happens if the defensive man is more concerned with pursuing parallel than pressuring through the blockers forward or attacking the offense. The other is that this type of lateral pursuit leads to defensive players’ ending up in a head-up position on ball carriers. This is a poor position from whieh to makea tackle because it gives the offensive player the option to make a cut on the defender who is usually at some sort of an athletic ability disedvantage. GAME OF ANGLES ‘The defense has to be designed to pressure the offense in order to squeeze ‘or compress it. This is best accomplished by having the dofense reduce the angles by attacking the offense on their side of the line of scrimmage. For example, in forcing the run at the perimeter it is essential that the player responsible for forcing or keeping the football insite do his job by defeating blockers on the offensive side of the lino of scrimmage as close to a 45-degree angle as possible. This forces the ball carrier to makea decision to trDEFENDING THE RUN 5 quicker than he wants (0 and also squeezes or compresses the lane avaiable to hhim to un the ball Another example of pressure-retueing angles is the defensive end away from a running pley. He is usually responsible forthe backside guard-tackle gap on plays run (othe other side of center. If he is taught 10 catch and read as opposed to attacking the offensive biocke, he is ether knocked back or at best cut off onthe defensive side of the line of serimmege. When this happens, the ball carrcr will have at his disposal a huge bubble or cutback lane, However, if the defensive end is coached to attack the Line of ser.mmage and close the guard- tackle gap aggressively up the field, he will be pressuring, reducing, ot squeszing the cutback area ALIGNMENTS: ‘The most difficult position from which to play defense is head up oF nose up on an offensive player. This defensive alignment is advantageous to the ‘offensive player because it gives him a two-way go othe option to either block or cut right or left or fo the inside or outside of a defender. There are times, however, when ment is advantageous to the defensive player. This is usually when an aligament or scheme requires the defender to be responsible for two gaps of holes on the line of serimmage—that i, the area on either sido of the offensive man opposite the defender. T happen (0 think that although it is more difficult to execute: most techniques from this positon, the head-up or two-ap alignment is the best to use with the defensive lineman in the 3-4 oF three-man line defenses. his Alignment provides a great opportunity forthe ends and nose tackle to unlosd, attack, or pressure te offensive linemen and drive them i a backward direction ‘This theory of ereating a new line of serimmage by attacking with a two-zep technique is atthe very core of stopping the run inthe 3-4 defense. I also allows the linemen to protect the inside linebackers by masing it more difficult forthe ‘offensive tackles and the center to have a clean or uninhibited release. 1 is ‘erucial that, if this type of alignment technique is wsed withthe defensive line, the linebackers be coached to compensate or to make the proper adjustments ‘The advantage to a defensive plaer in lining up either inside or outside an ‘offensive man is that by his alignment, the defender has taken avay an option from the offensive player. For example, a defender who lines up on the outside of blocker makes it more difficult forthe offensive man to hook or to reach-block him on outside plays. When a defensive player gains something by alignment, he usually gives up something else. By using an outside alignment the defensive man isin a better or stronger position against any type of outside py to his side ‘ut has become more vulnerable to being blocked cut on inside plays or cut-off blocked on plays run to the other side of the centr; The Key here is thatthe defender knows the areas in whieh his aligament has made him more vulnerable adjusts his play accordingly.16 DEFENDING THE RUN “The same general principles apply to all defensive players with respect 10 alignment, Tis especially important that defensive backs avoid the head-up position on potential receivers, whether thoy are plying zone or man-for-man coverages. The general rule is thatthe more space the receiver has to operate in, the more critical it is that the defensive player remove all possibilty of two-way cuts or option routes by the receiver. POSITIVE GAP CONTROL, “The areas between the offensive linemen ae called gaps, Offensive teams usually call them holes and give each one « number, Defensive teams normally designate each gap ith aller In most eases the gup between the center and guard isthe “A gap; the one betwen the guard and tackle, the "B” gop; Between the tackle and tight end, the "C" gap; andthe area outside the ight end, the "D" gap. Positive gap control means that on etery sunning play there is @ defender responsible foreach gap “The responsibilty foreach ofthese gaps is assigned to plyer, usually depending on whether the balls rn to his side othe center othe opposite side. Ieis very important that in developing a defensive scheme the coxches give specific gap assignments (0 each position on all running plays. This approach Teves lite room for confusion or doubt on the pat othe pyc. 1 also allows te coach to i esponsibility fr unking defensive py nl hes lhe se work out of knowing who did or did not execute his assignment on a specific phy Tt is also important that defensive players be coxched to understand thatthe gaps move and therefore their gap responsibility moves as the running play develops. As the ball moves laterally after the sna» and the blocking scheme involves the defensive players, they must react by executing their gap assign ments asthe play is developing. It is essential to poist out here the importance of the defensive men attacking or pressuring the offense toward the offensive side of the line of scrimmage as they execute their gap control. This type of upfield pressure, as has been described earlier, reduces the angles and options for the offense and makes the gaps smaller. If players’ pursit lanes to the ball ae only lateral and not toward the offense, the chances for the opening up of wide catback lanes are greater. 5-ON-5 DRILL really believe it is essential to be able to break the defensive team doven into small units and teach the defense. In terms of the running game, there are ‘oo basic units to deal with. One is the defensive per:meter, which consists of the ‘outside linebackers and the secondary. The other is the middle five, which ‘consists of the ends, the nose tackle, and the inside linebackers in the 3-4DEFENDING THE RUN 7 defense. In the 4-3 defense, this group consists ofthe ends, the tackles, and the middle Hinebackers. The 5-on-5 drill in my opinion, is the best way to teach gap control responsibilities. See Diagrams 4-1 and 4-2 ) ‘The offensive personnel needed to run the drill are two tackles, two guards, center, running back, and quarterback. Intally the only plays that are ‘un should be base-blocked, handoff plays. The back should have the option of running straight ahead, cutting back, or bouncing the play outside the tackle but inside the cone, ‘The back should line up six to seven yards deep, and the quarterback should take the handoff deep to him to give him adequate depth to cut back or break the ball outside. ‘The offensive finemen should be encouraged (0 fire oft the ball ag eressively and to work to knock the defensive linemea off the line of scrimmage. ‘The defensive linemen should be coached to come off on movement and work to knock the offensive Hinemen back. The linebackers should be coached to attack the line of serimmage at good downhill or up-and-in angles. One back is used because the main objective i to teach technique and gap control without having to recognize and react to complicated backfield actions and blocking schemes. Teaching Gap Control—5-On-5 Drills DIAGRAM 4-1 3-4 Defense18 DEFENDING THE RUN Afier a group has had several practices of base-blocked, one-back plays, the drill can be changed up to include traps, leads, or whams. However, if the only plays run for an entire season were drive- or belly-iype cutbacks or bounce- cout plays, the drill will return an avful lot for the time invested. ‘There are a few crucial coaching points for shis drill. One is that there should be no full-speed tackling in this drill. That is, no one should leave his feet, The defensive men should hit the ball carrier with a shoulder, and then let hhim run. Too much time is lost getting off piles, plas the injury factor is much greater if tacklers are allowed to leave their feet or go low on a ball carrier. It is important that the ballcarrier be allowed to break outside the tackle. This keeps the defensive ends honest in the drill. If there was never a threat of an outside run, the defensive ends would play abnormally tight er pinch, and the drill would Ise x lot ofits relevance. However, it must be emphasized that although the back can bounce the ball outside the tackle he must stay inside the cone. This gives the defenders a reasonable chance fo make plays on outside runs. ‘The defensive lineman should be put in two-gap alignments as much as possible inthis drill. In my opinion this drill is the best possible type of situation for teaching the lineman two-gap technique. COORDINATING THE RUN FORCE Every defensive scheme has a specific defender assigned to forcing the run ‘or making the ball cartier eut back. It is usually a secondary man, outside linebacker, of, in some alignments, it may even be a lineman, here are four basic elements to forcing the outside run in zone coverages. ‘They are force, fill or cutback, support or run pass, and contain, Each of these ‘elements has a specific player or players responsible for its execution on every running play. ‘The force man is the defender who is responsible for tackling or making, sure the ball carrier does not get outside him. It is his responsibility either to tackle the ball carrier or to force him to cut back into the pursuit pattern Defensive backs are most often used in that roe, but outside linebackers as well, as defensive ends are also used in some defensive schemes as run force men. OF the deep defenders, the strong safety is usually in the best position to force because his alignment in the area ofthe tight end gives him the best look at ‘those perimeter blocks that require his quick reactios to turn the play inside. The strong safety’s physical stature usually lends itself more readily to the physical stress involved in taking on blockers and tackling. Cornerbacks are used as force ‘men more by adjustment to specific formation than by defensive design However, whenever two deep zone defenses or strong or weak zones with corner force are used, they are asked to assume this role. The outside linebackers ate very often used as force men. This usually happens with man-for-man schemes, dogs, or blitzes or in change-ups in zone coverages. Defensive ends become run forcers when they are the widest defenders on the line of scrimmage. ThisDEFENDING THE RUN 19 hhappens most in four-man-line defenses on the opes side or the side away from the tight end, ‘The fill or cutback man is the defensive player responsible for tackling the ball cartier after the force man has caused him to turn back inside. When a safety or corner is designated as the force man, the fill or cutback responsibility usually belongs to the outside linebacker. If the force is being executed by the ‘outside linebacker in zone coverage, a defensive back is usually designated as the cutback man. In man-forman coverages, dogs, or blitzes, the inside linebackers or the pursuit pattern in general has to take care of the cutback lane. ‘The support man is the defensive back to the side of the play who is assigned to serve as a backup to the force man and eover the deep receiver on the halfback run-pass option play. In athree-deep zone defense with saley force, itis the corner, and when corner force is used, itis the safety. In attwo-deep defense the safety to the side ofthe play is the support man, In man-for-man coverages a support man is possible only in defenses with a free safety or when a deep defender’s base man-for-man responsibility blocks, thus freeing him to become a support man or deep pass defender on the halfback run- Pass option play. ‘The contain man is the player responsible for any reverse or wide cutbacks. He is the player who, by ether alignment or stunt, end up as the widest defender ‘on the line of scrimmage away from the initial direction of the offensive play. Usually an outside linebacker or defensive end has this assignment but stunts can place an inside linebacker or defensive tackle in this posit Much like positive gap control with the inside run, assigning specific responsibilities on outside runs eliminates any chance of ambiguity or doubt on the part of the player. It allows coaches to be specific in the responses demanded from each player in the various alignments employed. ‘The following six diagrams (Diagrams 4-3 thiough 4-8) illustrate various Strongside Run Forces DIAGRAM 4.3 Backer Force —O ~-@ oO FQRCE oO ‘CONTAIN o0gngQ\ 0 Cee Cc surat - &DIAGRAM 4-4 Safety Force —O —@ Onn conan peed. o Fit Mamie S 5 c 4 < SUPPORT aa DIAGRAM 4-5 Comer Force <—O —®@ ONTAIN oO once m QO008 9 (oe) HEQUY Z cf suetorr aoe Weakside Run Forces Dincran a Backer Force eo oo Oo conraan ee £ CONOO Oo ET bie M s Z (altbice) Cc i ‘ Ee suPPoRTDEFENDING THE RUN an DIAGRAM 4-7 Safety Force M ¢ NX d 5 | Fano DIAGRAM 40 Corner Force eo o- Oo an =O FILL oonea{|a Be Tr TE. Force | s é <0 F —+ support PURSUIT Defensive schemes are designed to get as many of the II defensive players as possible to the ballcarrier on every play It is possible to judge’ ‘of intensity of a defensive team by how well they run to the ball criterion for gauging not only the fervor with which a team plays but also the skill with which it executes technique, The atilities to defeat blockers, accelerate off blocks, and avoid blockers, along with the overall speed of the players, are all apparent by the effectiveness with which a team pursues The elements of pressure and up-and-in angles are critical to. the ‘development of good pursuit. The only player in the pursuit pattern who should hhave an outside-in angle on the ball carrier isthe force man, He should be taughtaz DEFENDING THE RUN (o force up the field squeezing the cutback lane as he pressures the ball carrier inside. In order to compress the cutback lane, his angle should be as close to an ‘outside-in angle of 45 degrees as possible. He is the man in the defense who should be tackling and taking on blockers with his inside arm and shoulder. ‘The support man or other defenders will play from the outside in only when they replace the force man should he lose outside leverage on the football or get blocked. All other defenders except the contain man are inside-out pursuers. ‘That is, they will maintain inside position on the football as they pursue. They must proceed laterally, gaining as much ground as possible toward the offense as they move fo the ball. Again, the up-and-in theory of reducing cutback angles is crucial o good team pursuit. I have always thought tat a good gauge of distance and tateral relationship with the ball carier is for the defender to keep the ball an arm's length, or about a yard, infront of him The logic here is that maintaining this position allows the defender to take the cutback away by his inside position. ‘This locaton relative to the ball carrier also prevents the defender from getting hhead up with the man with the bell, whieh would put the defender at a ‘tremendous disadvantage because it gives the ball carrier a two-way 20. Overpursuit or overrunning the ball carrier can be a bigger problem for inside pursuers than not getting there in time, That is another reason why defenders pursuing inside out must be coached to pursue up and in oF toward the offense, establishing their inside-out angles as they go. Players must be reminded over and over again that when the ball is moving laterally, the hall carrier is usually three or four yards from the line of scrimmage. When he turns up the field, the defender has ample time to elose inside out and make the tackle fora Joss or no gain. Itis when the tackler gets head up with the off ‘overruns him that the loss of the angle advantage by the defense turns into big ¢gnins forthe offense, Teaching Pursult—Run and Pass ‘As was mentioned earlier in this chapter, one of the basic objectives of ‘good defensive football teams is to get as many of the [1 defensive players as Possible to the ball on every down. ‘A good way (o emphasize this point and to develop this capacity in a defensive team is to start practice after warm-up exercises each day with a specific drill. There are three different drills, each with a specific objective related to playing the game well as a defensive tean by developing great team pursuit or the ability fo run to the football. ‘Since most football teams usually engage in three days of hard practice and running each week, I feel itis best to do one of these drills each day. Of course, during the off season and during spring ball and early fall drills i is wise to do at least one of these drills each practice session.DEFENDING THE RUN 23 Pursuit Drill (Diagram 4-9) DIAGRAM 4.9 Pursi ‘Objective: To teach organized team pursuit on wide running plays. Also, to teach and emphasize the process of making formation strength calls, force catls, and all other types of pre-snap communication Coach signals defense. Defensive team huddles and signal eal makes the call, Team breaks huddle. Coach gives a formation call indicating the offensive formation. Cosch simulates snap ofthe football. Defensive linemen come across line. Coach gives hhand signal right or left. Players take good pursuit angles to the sideline in direction coach signals. It is important thatthe safeties make a ran force call prior to the snap. Iti also important that the player away from the direction of the play responsible for reverse call out “REVERSE” so that everyone knows he is aware of that assignment in the defense called, It is important that each player run all the way to the sideline. Coaches should be stationed at both sidelines to ensure that the proper pursuit pattern develops and that each player pursues all the way tothe sideline. It is important that each player take the proper angle. There should be good distribution of players along the sideline. The rule that should be followed here is that no player should follow another defensive man, This i to prevent an offensive blocker from blocking or eutting off two defensive players a they pursue the football24 DEFENDING THE RUN Interception Dritt (Diagram 4-10) DIAGRAM 4-10 Interception Objective: To teach all defensive players to break on the ball and run {toward the area in which the ball was thrown on passing plays. Also, when an interception occurs, to teach defenders the proper area to run to in order to be able to block forthe player ‘who has intercepted the football. ‘The same huddle and signal-calling procedure is used that was used in the pursuit drill. After the defensive team breaks the huddle and lines up, the coach gives @ formation call indicating the offensive formation. A quarterback simulates action at the snap and drops back five steps. The pass rushers rush across the line two steps, and the pass defenders take their proper zone drops according to the defense that was indicated to be flayed against the offensive formation. It is important that the quarterback hold the ball and allow the pass defenders to get ample depth in their drop. The quarterback throws the ball 10 ‘one of the pass defenders, who makes the interception and runs with the ball toward the nearest sideline and the opponent's goal tine. All the remaining defenders must run to.a point approximately 12 yards from the sideline where the interceptor is running. This area is designated as that part of the field marked byDEFENDING THE RUN 5 the yard-line numbers on a standard NFL. playing Feld. They should form a wall of blockers by blocking from the outside back toward the middle of the field. All dofenders should run at least 25 yards after they establish their blocking position. Note: Only zone defenses should be used in this drill since this type of coverage puts all IL players in position to break on the thrown bal, Sereen Drilts (Diagrams 4-11 and 4-12) DIAGRAM 4-1, Quick Screen : QB EA tg ‘S i Reo DIAGRAM 4-12 Slow Si26 DEFENDING THE RUN Objective: To teach the proper angles and pursuit patterns on screen passes to all defensive players. ‘The same hued and alignment procedire tht is employed in the pursuit and interception drills is used inthe sereen drills. There are two general types of sereen passes that are in vogue today. One is a quick or hitch sereen to a wide receiver and the other is a slow screen fo either a hack ora tight end. A quick or hitch screen isa screen pass where the quarterback takes a quick three-step drop and throws the bal toa wide receiver who has taken a step or two upfield and then comes back toward the line and eatches the bal. In this type of sereen pass, itis the job of the cornerback to drive and put the receiver and any blocker on his inside shoulder as he drives to make the tackle, All other defenders should pursue from the inside. Slow screens are characterized by an offensive player such as a tight end or 4 back delaying by either faking a block or attempting to get lost in the line of ‘serimmage and then catching a pass on his side of th line of scrimmage, behind blockers, and proceeding up the field. In tis type ef pass with zone coverage it is the responsibility of the flat defender to put the receiver and ball on his inside shoulder as he drives to make the tackle. This player, depending on the zone coverage being used, can be an outside linebacker, safety, or cornerback. All ‘other defenders should pursue from the inside to make a tackle on the ball ccarier QUICK SCREEN ‘To execute the quick or hitch screen drill, tworeceivers are placed on each side of the field approximately five yards from the sideline on the line of scrimmage, After the defensive team breaks the heddle, the quarterback takes his three-step drop and throws the ball to one of the wideouts. The cornerback dcives to put the ball on his inside pad. All other defenders pursue from the inside to the receiver SLOW SCREEN ‘A back or a tight end is used in this drill as a receiver. Its best to alternate tight ends and receivers in the drill. The quarterback takes his normal five-step drop, then gets additional depth and throws the ball vo the back or tight end who is running the ple Itis important thatthe player receiving the sereen pass delay and allow the defenders to get depth. The quarterback must be patient and hold the ball long enough to let the play develop. He docs this by taking a five-step drop, hesitating, then getting another three or four steps before throwing the ball. ‘The receiver should delay at feast two counts before he releases. ‘The pass rushers should come across the line of scrimmage two steps, stop and let the quarterback throw the ball, then take the proper angle of pursuit inside out to the football, ‘The pass defenders should take ther pass drop getting depth until they read the screen pass. The flat defender to the side ofthe sereen should drop until he reads the sereen; when he does, he should drive to make the tackle with his insideDEFENDING THE RUN a shoulder. All other defenders should pursue from the inside. It is important that the quarterback take a normal five-step drop, hesitate, and then get additional slow sereen depth before he throws the ball USING THE HANDS ‘There is no skill or technique more important fo the defensive player than the ability to use his hands. This technique is critical for all players at all positions if they are to play their positions effectively. A defensive lineman using hhands to defeat a blocker, gain operating space, and pursue the ball carrier— a linebacker using his hands to ward off a blocker and make the tackle—a defensive back playing off an offensive man (o force the football—these are just a few examples of how important the use ofthis echrique i to playing football on the defensive side of the ball. Football rules allow the use of the hands to ward off, avoid, or defeat blockers. This is an advantage the defense has over the offense. I think the ability of the defensive coaches to teach this technique determines, to a large part, how well @ defensive team plays. Generally there are three basic categories of techniques employed with the hands. One is the power, two-gap, or leverage techaique that is used most often by the defensive line and linebackers. In this technique the strength of the blow ‘comes from the quickness with which the blow is struck and the extension or locking of the aris and the involvement of the big musctes. It is essential that there be no hitching or winding up and that all movement of the hands and arms be forward. The blow is struck with the palms and heels of the hands, with ideal hhand placement being under the shoulder pads of the offensive man at approximately the outside tips of the player's numbers. The extension of the arms ‘or locking out atthe elbows along with the rolling othe hips under the defensive man finishes the power aspect ofthis technique. In order not to raise up ot to maintain a power position advantage over the blocker from start to finish in the execution of this technique, it is crucial thatthe stoulder level of the defensive player stay down. 1 think this ean best be accomplished if the defender always keeps his head and eyes up but focused, with his face mask lower than that of the offensive: man. ‘The second ofthe hand techniques isthe one vsed against blockers who ate trying to cut, seramble, or chop-block. At times it may be necessary to give or tose a litle ground in the execution of these techriques. The offensive man is trying to get under a defensive player's “block protection” when he executes these types of low blocks. In order not to let the blocker get to his legs, the defender has to be able to extend the arms and bend at the ankles, knees, and hips. Again, it is important that all the movemert of the hands and arms be forward and that there be no false movement. Bxectly where the blow will be struck on the offensive man depends on the elevation at which he is trying to block, This will vary all the way from under the player’s pads, if he is blocking28 DEFENDING THE RUN relatively high, to the tips of the shoulders if he is scramble blocking. I important that the defensive player have good flexin atthe ankles, knees, and hips so that he can have some force behind the bow he is striking with the hhands. The more he bends the more power he will hve behind his blow. It is a critical coaching point to have players oxeremphasize the bending aspect—the lower the better. IF they do not bend when trying to defeat blockers who are biocking them low, the blockers will break througy the hands and get to the defender’ legs. ‘The third technique is the slip, slide, or diop step. These techniques involve the defensive player using his hands to avoid or finesse blockers. They involve the defensive men using their hands to simulate striking a blow, then slipping or avoiding the blocker to make the tackle. Basically a slip technique involves the defensive man avoiding a blocker by driving his hands at the offensive man like he does in a power move, then eiher giving ground to get by the blocker or using his movements to pul the block by and sliding underneath him to make the tackle. The drop step is used against a drive blocker by driving the hands at the offensive man, then just before contact is made, dropping a hhand, pulling a leg back, and using the momentum of the blocker to avoid contact to got to the ball carrer ‘The use of the hands gives players techniques t0 use to defeat or avoid blockers in the running game. But, just as importants thatthe proper use ofthe hhands enables defensive players to achieve “operating space.” This is the separation that comes from the extension of the hans alarms that alls the defenders to getaway fom biockers and pursue the ball cart TACKLING Al good defensive teams tackle well, Size, spead, strength, agility and all those other rats make very litle difference if a teara can’t tackle. Every player at every position has f0 be able to tackle well if a defense is going to be successful. Tickling isa skill that can be taught and improved, much like any other skill in football know that a lot of coaches ata loves feel that intensity and desire ate about 90 percent responsible for good tackling. These same coaches allow about 10 percent for technique. T think desire is certainly important, but coaches must place a much higher premium on the development of technique as an important factor in good tackling. ‘Tackling and methods of teaching this technique have probably changed ‘more over the years than any ofthe other skills associated with the game. Much of this change has come about as a resill of athances by coaches in the development of techniques. However, tis is the one area where public scrutiny and the concern for safety have brought changes. The contribution ofthe medical profession inthis area has been important in establshing guide have always had some basic rules I ried to fllow in teaching tackling. 1DEFENDING THE RUN 29 never like to teach tackling full go or live. 1 think it is always better to walk through, gradually picking up the tempo, but never do tackling drills more than half speed. The other is that [always try to get the ball carrer and tacklers as close together as the particular drill will allow. This, of course, minimizes the collision by reducing the distance players have in which to gain momentum before impact. I do not think it wise to turn tectnique teaching periods into toughness drills, Body position is as critical to good tackling as it isto the execution of any technique in football. A good base, weight distributed over the balls of the feet along with good flexion at the ankles, knees, and hips are all very important. ‘The ability to react quickly, adjust to changes in directions, and the ability to change the ditection of the ball carrier arc all dependent upon the deter players ability Co play defense in @ “good football position.” ‘After many years of teaching tackling, I think that aside from the importance of body position, there ate only two critical coaching points. One is focus or the ability to Keep the head and eyes up cr focused on the target. The other is the ability o use the hands and arms to grab the ballcarrier and get him to the ground. ‘The ability to see the target and adjust (0 changes of divection is very important. I fel that in order to tackle effectively the defensive man has to have his eyes focused on the target—the numbers of the offensive man. His head and eyes have tobe up and focused from start to finish of the technique, He has to be able to see any change inthe elevation of the ball carier as well ax any change of direction. The key here is thatthe tackler must keep his power base by keeping his shoulder level lower than the ball carrier's while he keeps his head and eyes focused on the tips of the ball carrier's numbers. As the ball cartier gets lower, s0 rust the tackler adjust by flexing or bending more st the ankle, knees, and hips. 1 believe mote tackles are missed because players ake their eyes off the target than for any other reason, { coached for many years before it became apparent to me that one of the ‘most important parts ofthe tackling technique i the ackler’s ability to grab and hang onto the ball carrier, In my earlier years of ccaching we taught tacklers to use the hands by grasping one with the other to lock up around the ball carrier's \waist or the lower portion ofthe rib cage. ‘The other use of the hands we taught was fo wrap the hands and arms around the legs on low tackles. | firmly believe that along with body position and focusing on the target, tho use of the hands to grab the ball carrier and hang on isa huge factor in good tackling. The technique is executed by the driving cf the hands toward the upper ‘outside tips of the numbers on the front of the ballcarrier’ jersey. The blow is struck withthe palm and heels ofthe hands and as the hands make contact, the tackler grabs the jersey with both hands, Even though the teaching of this skill done at a walking pace initaly, it is important that the tackler drive the hands, Brab the jersey, extend or lock out at the elbows, and actually change the direction of the ball carrier by knocking him back. It is important that thewo DEFENDING THE RUN defender attack the ball cartier forward an make contact on the offensive side of the imaginary line of scrimmage, This again is consistent with the up-and-in theory of attacking the offense, ‘In practicing this technique, it is very important that the defensive men who ate acting as ball carriers make quick lateral moves as they approach the defender to force him to focus onthe target and adjust to movement. All the cuts by the ball carrier should be flat or parallel to force the defender to adjust laterally in larger areas. These lateral cuts are important too, because we want to minimize the force of the collision, We do not want the teaching of technique to become the development or evaluation of toughness. Itis also important thet, whenever the ball ear-ier makes a cut and begins {0 go by the tackler, the defensive man throw his hand and arm aeross the body to the far number, grab the jersey, and hang on. “The ball carriers are never taken to the grotnd in the teaching of ¢ technique, The actual drills always finish with the tackler grasping the jersey of the ball carrier, elbows locked with the body in good football position. “The defensive players who serve as ball carriers must be encouraged to act y ball carriers, using their best moves. They must also be encouraged to try to escape the tackler by spinning out of his grasp. But, again, T must ‘emphasize thatthe cuts by the ball carrier should be flat, lateral, oF parallel to ‘minimize violent contact, ‘The use of the hands to actually strike the bow and then grab the ball carrier isa very good approsch tothe teaching of tackling, It increases the safety factor by using the hand to strike and absorb the blow rather than the head and neck. ‘There is no question in my mine! that this Cectnique with its empha body position, head and eye focus, and use of the hands is also the most efficient way to teach tackling, Tackling Drills. Grab Tackling Technique Al drills should be executed in good footbal, position—good flexion in ankles, knees, and hips with weight distributed over balls of feet, and head and eyes focused on the target (numbers infront of ball exrrier's jersey). Ball carriers should change up running style to challenge tacklets. However, all cuts should be flat, No violent hits in these Grab Tackle (Diagram 4-13) Ball cartier and tackler tine up five yards apart. On ball carrier's ‘movement they move toward cach other. At yard tine, back makes flat cut right of left. Tackler attacks ball cartier on offensive side of yard line. He grabs ball carrier's jersey with hands on upper outside corners of front numbers.DEFENDING THE RUN a DIAGRAM 4. Grab Tackle Shed and Grab Tackle (Diagram 4-14) Same drill as above except blocker is used Blocker fires out to block tackler. Tackler attacks blocker with hands. He defeats blocker, sheds him, then attacks ball cartier and grab-tackles him as in abeve drill, DIAGRAM 4-14 Shed and Grab Tackle €, Oo T T Across-Field Tackle (Diagram 4-15) Dall catrier and tackler line up 10 yards apart, Ball carrier starts to move laterally across field. Tackler lets ball carrier get in front of him. Balt carrier ‘tums upfield and tackler moves to tackle him at yard line that is between them, After tackler firmly grasps ball cartier, he releases him, always allowing him to be ahead of him. They return to their original tins, working across the field. ‘They should get four taektes working the width of the field. DIAGRAM 4:15, ‘Across-Field Tackle Ba.5 —_—. Defending the Pass ‘TEAM ASPECT ‘The defensive teams that are good at defending the pass are those made up of players who play well together. In no other aspect of team defense is there a greater interdependence. Successful execution by the pass coverage men is, to ‘great degree, dependent upon effective pass rush. By the same token, the better the coverage men do their jobs forcing the quarterback to hold the ball, the better chance the rushers have of pressuring the quarterback, ‘The better the rush, the better the coverage—the better the coverage, the better the rush—has been a fact of life in defensive football since the advent of the forward pass. PASS RUSH ‘The goal of every pass rusher on every pass phy is to get to the quarterback bofore he throws the ball. The sack is the ultimate reward or payoff forthe effort expended by the rusher. Too many times, however, the evaluation of the effectiveness of the rush is only in terms of sacks, Rushing the passer is one technique in football where being close really daes count. Even though the rusher may not tackle the quarterback before he throws the bal, his efforts often have a positive effect on the performance of the defease. As with the sack, a ball deflected by the raised hands and arms of the rusher is a pass that cannot be completed. ‘There are other positive results that can be achieved by a rusher who gets ‘lose to the quarterback and in front of him. This type of pressure may force the ‘quarterback to hurry his pass or release the ball before he wants to, therefore affecting his accuracy. Pressure in front of the passer may also obstruct hisDEFENDING THE PASS: 8 vision, causing him not to see the receivers as they run their routes. A rusher in the face of the thrower can also force him to throw over the defender, thus causing the ball to be released with a higher trajectory. This causes the ball to be in the air longer, allowing the pass defenders more reaction time to the ball, I is important that all players who are involved in rushing the passer understand all the objectives or goals involved. There are many times, for ‘example, when teams are throwing pass patterns and actions with the passer dropping three or four steps. With these types of drepsit is very difficult to getto the passer with the ball in his hands. However, the rushers can be effective if their rush puts them in front of the quarterback wth their hands up. Alignment ‘The pass rusher has to try to get to the edges or corner of the blockers as quickly as possible. The best way for him to do this is by his alignment. The wider a rusher can align, the greater his chances o” being in a position to work off the comer of the pass protector. This is especially true for outside rushers, the defensive ends, or outside linebackers. The wider aligament forces the offensive man (0 compromise his squared-up relationship with the line, thereby increasing the chance he will cross his feet over, lose his power base, and his ability (0 adjust to moves. While the head-up alignment gives a rusher a clear two-way option, the fact that the blocker can set syuare or parallel to the line ‘means that, inmost cases, the rusher has to take the long route to the passer around the blocker. Takeoft Initial takeoff oF the ability of the rusher to start on @ movement by the offense isa riteal factor in pass rush. The cusher¥ stance must be such that he is looking a the football but geared to go on any movement bythe offense, Much ofthe time, the quarterback will jb step, oran offensive fineman will move his. hhand, just before the snap. Any of these types of pre-snap movements should trigger the rusher fo move “The burst by the lineman or linebacker on movement must be up the field or toward the offense, not up in te at. The rusher must gain as much ground as he ean toward the off ‘of scrimmage on hs inital step. The key is to keep the head and shoulder level low and not raise up out of the stance on the inital movement ‘There are (wo important issues here. One is shat the offense knows when the ball is to be snapped. The defensive men can minimize this advantage by _gredt inital takeoff, The second is that the offense is trying to establish « new Tine of scrimmage with their pass sets. This of course allows them more time to adjust (0 moves or pass-rush techniques by the defensive man, Again, the importance of inital takeoff by the defender to redace the time the blocker has to adjusta4 DEFENDING THE PASS: STRIKING A BLOW—POWER OR LEVERAGE RUSH ‘Undoubtedly the quickest, shortest route to the quarterback is an unob- structed straight line. However, obstacles in the form of offensive blockers are usually in the paths of the rushers. Too many times the pass rushers assume that they need only finesse the blocker (o beat him. It is fact that there are times ‘vhien moves and countermoves require very little contact with the offensive man, bbut most ofthe time the blocker will have to be defeated before any type of pass- rush move ean be used. ‘On movement by the offense the rusher drives his hand forward, aiming for the outside upper tips of the front numbers onthe blocker’s jersey. It is important that all the movement ofthe hands and atms be forward. The aiming point isthe tips of the numbers to ensure that the arc of the hands is inside the hands and arms of the blocker. ‘The objective is to try to get both hands and arms on the inside; even ifthe rusher is successful in getting only one hand in this area, he can execute a number of pass-rush moves successfully. However if the offensive player is successful in getting both his hands inside ttose ofthe rusher, its then ‘ery difficult to execute most rush techniques successfully ‘The blow is struck with the palms and heels of the hands and must be delivered with enough power to force the offensive man backward of, at the minimum, shift his weight from the balls of his fet to the heels. This, of course, limits the blockers ability to react quickly to changes of direetion by the rusher. As the hands strike the blow, the elbows should lock, thereby bringing {nto use the additional force ofthe back muscles It is important that the shoulder level ofthe rusher remain lower than that ofthe blockcr tall times. ‘This ensures that the defensive man will have the big muscle or leverage advantage {As the blow is struck itis important that the hands be open to strike with the palms and heels. However, right after this occurs, the rusher must grab the jersey or pads of the blocker to turn him. Again the most desirable place to rush from is over the corners of the blockers. I think, however, that the place to start teaching pass-rush technique is with the leverage or power-rush position with both hends inside. Since this is the most difficult postion to rush from, once a player understands the basic elements involved in beating the blocker from his hhead-up position, the techniques executed from other alignments are not as hard to acquire. ‘Takeoff should resemble a sprint to and around the blocker if a minimum of contact is required to beat the blocker. If, however, the rusher must bring into play all the elements ofthe power rush, he has tobe able to got under control with Quick, short, choppy steps. This enables him to change ditections quickly as he power rushes or works to the corners of the blocker. ‘THE RUSH MOVE Al pass-rush moves over or through the blocker are some combination of push ot of push, pull, and turn, From the leverage or head-up position it is