ALIGNMENT
7 6 6i 5 4 4i 3 2 2i 1 0 1 2i 2 3 4i 4 5 6i 6 7
O O O X O O O
OE OT OG OC OG OT OE
We use an odd, even, and 'inside' terms to define alignment on the field. Starting from the center of the field,
at '0', we count outward. Odd numbers are outside 'shade' of the offensive player, while inside shades are denoted by an 'I' (for 'inside').
All even numbers represent a head-up position on the offensive player. (ie; 2'I' would put the defender INSIDE the offensive guard).
GAP DESIGNATION
outside C B A A B C outside
O O O X O O O
We label each gap on defense with a letter that defines the seam between offensive personnel.
A the gap between the center & guard
B the gap between the guard & tackle
C the gap between the tackle & end
outside the void outside the end
by defining these gaps with alpha characters we can designate a coordinated blitz with our defenders by simply
calling their position with an 'able', 'baker', or 'charlie'.
(ie; "Sam Baker", "Will Charlie", "Free Able")
DEFENSIVE HUDDLE
W M
E N T R
WC B FS K SC
NOSE Set the huddle by yelling ''RACK 'EM"
(The front four linemen will have their hands on their knees with the defensive secondary behind them standing upright.)
WILL Give the down and distance
SAM Make the front / stunt/ coverage call
WILL say ''Ready''
EVERYONE 'Hit''
In our defense, the personnel will flip flop to the strength call. This set of personnel will always be together
Strongside
Rush, Tackle, Sam, & Knight
Weakside
Edge, Nose, Will, & Bishop
DEFENSIVE CALLS
Everything is determined FIRST from the coverage we wish to defend an opponent, then aligment adjustments and / or stunts that will be employed.
Since our fronts are determined by our coverage, we will call our coverage, which automatically sets our front.
A "3" call sets us in a Cover 3 package, with four under coverage, we now have four down linemen available, hence a 4-4 / 4-2 look.
Our strongside overload, "6", again gives us two-deep, five under coverage, leaving four down linemen, giving us an 4-3 look.
Calling "6 Under" sets us in a Cover 2 package, with the "under" tag setting 5 defenders on the LOS, with the three tight in the box behind them (a 5-2 look)
Our call will be based off of one of these looks matched with the coverage we will play behind it. If we need 5 defenders on the LOS, we can simplly
call up our "6" look with an "under" tag for our front seven, followed by a corresponding coverage for our secondary players without unnecessary .
verbage or personnel packages.
Because we have three basic front seven looks, transitions can be called up with ease and less confusion with minor adjustments available (creating less
mental errors for players).
Calls will follow an order of Coverage, front alignment, line stunt, linebacker blitz, secondary dog
(ex; 63 Tight Loop Mike) 6 = 43 (front)
3 = Cover 3 (coverage)
tight = OLB 2x2 (alignment)
loop = Nose twist (line stunt)
Sam = Sam to 'A' (backer blitz)
This significantly cuts the unnecessary verbage that would traditionally be referred to as, "52 Tight Loop Mugger Cover 3 " (try saying that twice)
INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINEMAN
Strength is the primary feature of the „3‟ Technique defensive tackle. Mobility and impressive upper body strength is a mark of a prospective defensive tackle. The ability
to get off the ball, maintaining separation and holding his ground, is what is looked for in a defensive tackle.
An important characteristic of a Nose Tackle is the ability to play with a low center of gravity. Quickness is a characteristic may be evaluated in lieu of the tremendous
upper body strength. The quickest defensive lineman, regardless of his physical stature, will make the best nose. He possesses excellent speed, good body strength and
an uncanny ability to keep on his feet when in contact with large bodied offensive players.
DEFENSIVE END
The defensive end in this defense is either a fast tackle or a slower linebacker. He is the T-Rex of the defense. The Rush end's role is to knock the tight end backward
and ideally play both “C” and “D” gaps. His primary function is to turn back the offensive edge and allow the linebackers a downhill run at plays off tackle and wider.
Squat strength and bench strength are important factors in locating a defensive end. The faster defensive end is usually placed at the EDGE end position.
Much of the run-support and pass-rush responsibilities will hinge on the exceptional play of the defensive ends. The extremely physical and aggressive defensive
lineman will make a great defensive end.
BISHOP / KNIGHT
The outside linebacker is a linebacker-defensive back hybrid. Agility is important for this position. The crux of this defense is based off the abilities of BOTH the Bishop
and Knight who will serve multiple roles and make pre-snap adjustments consistently.
The benchmark from which an outside linebacker is selected includes the following abilities: the ability to defeat blockers both from the backfield and offensive line, the
ability to cover running backs in a man-to-man scheme, the ability to disrupt the pass routes of wide receivers, the ability to play a defensive end must be an excellent
tackler who is not afraid of attacking and funneling the weep and other plays. Big hitter who can run and loves to play the game.
Without aggressive, mobile, headhunting people at the outside linebacker position, this defensive will be immeasurably undermined.
CORNERBACK
The cornerback is a sure-footed high tackler with excellent hip flexibility. He must be able to backpedal and must enjoy the pressure of man-to-man coverage on the
edge of the defense. The cornerback has the best speed on the defense and loves to hawk the ball. Cornerbacks go up for the ball and are counted on to provide game-
saving, not necessarily hard-hitting, tackles. They are expected to grab cloth when they tackle. A cornerback does not need to have blazing speed, but fluidity of his
movement and the ability to correctly gauge his one-on-one assignment (to determine his cushion / route read) are what are most important.
FREE SAFETY
The free safety is the fulcrum of the secondary, as he be the vocal leader and relaying needed situational adjustments is valuable. It is upon his talent and play that the
success of the secondary, if not the entire scheme, hinges in this defense. If the defensive end is the T-Rex of the defense, then the free safety is the Doberman. The
free safety candidate is selected for his speed, aggressive nature, and tackling ability. A candidate lacking any of those three qualities would be suspect in being able to
carry out the duties required of this position. He may not be the fastest defensive back – the cornerbacks may be faster – he must be the surest tackler in the secondary.
His mobility must be such that he is able to cover sideline to sideline versus the run. Ideally, the free safety candidate is a linebacker type of hitter with the speed of a
cornerback.
INSIDE LINEBACKER
Athletes chosen to play linebacker should demonstrate average to above average speed, a higher lever of upper-body strength, agility, and an aggressive nature of play.
Of these factors, speed may be the most significant. Athletes with exceptional speed usually make excellent linebackers, regardless of the strength factor. Almost all
athletes who desire to play linebacker will demonstrate an aggressive style of play and a love for contact, so this characteristic is usually not a determining factor in the
difference between an average linebacker and great one. Speed, concentration, and agility are the principal skills that the linebacker must demonstrate.
In this defense, the Will is usually the more physical of the two players. He should also be the faster linebacker if the major offensive style of the opponent is a passing
attack. In the standard two-deep coverage, the Will linebacker is responsible for covering the inside receiver aligned to the weak side. The strong side linebacker (Sam)
may be less physical and more of a scat back type of linebacker – an excellent scraping linebacker. The Will is the plugging linebacker to the "B" gap and the curl zone
player in pass coverage. The Sam is usually stacked or shaded on a defensive lineman and thus somewhat protected from the lead blocker from the backfield or
offensive line.
'3'
(4-2)
FS
C B W S K C
E N T R
O O O X O O O
O
O
O
Position Alignment / Technique Gap Run Responsibility Pass
Edge weakside 5 tech. "C" to:gap to ball / away:chase outside rush
Nose weakside 1 tech. "A" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze inside rush
Tackle strongside 3 tech. "B" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze inside rush
Rush strongside 6i tech. "C" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze outside rush
Knight strongside 5x5 EMOLOS "O" may alter alignment based on assignment to: D gap or alley / away: cutback Curl to flat
Will weakside 30 tech "B" must be fast fill plugger type to: fill gap or flow / away: Opposite A Weak hook
Sam strongside 20 tech "A" must be slow read scrape type to: Fill gap or flow / away: Opposite B Strong hook
Bishop weakside 5x5 'loose' - may alter alignment based on assignment to: D gap or alley / away: cutback Curl to flat
Corner 8 x 1 ~ inside leverage presnap cushion premised on athlete to: Outside force / away: pursuit Deep 1/3
Free Safety 12 yds deep middle of field alley player on outside run Alley both ways Middle 1/3
STRENGTH TO TIGHT END
'3 ROBBER'
(4-2)
FS
C B W S K C
E N T R
O O O X O O O
O
O
O
Position Alignment / Technique Gap Run Responsibility Pass
Edge weakside 5 tech. "C" to:gap to ball / away:chase outside rush
Nose weakside 1 tech. "A" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze inside rush
Tackle strongside 3 tech. "B" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze inside rush
Rush strongside 6i tech. "C" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze outside rush
Knight strongside 5x5 EMOLOS "O" may alter alignment based on assignment to: D gap or alley / away: cutback Curl to flat
Will weakside 30 tech "B" must be fast fill plugger type to: fill gap or flow / away: Opposite A Weak hook
Sam strongside 20 tech "A" must be slow read scrape type to: Fill gap or flow / away: Opposite B Strong hook
Bishop weakside 5x5 'loose' - may alter alignment based on assignment to: D gap or alley / away: cutback Curl to flat
Corner 8 x 1 ~ inside leverage presnap cushion premised on athlete to: Outside force / away: pursuit Deep 1/2
Robs any inside intermediate
10 - 12 yds deep middle of field alley player on outside run Aggressive alley both ways route by #1 / #2
Free Safety
STRENGTH TO TIGHT END
'30'
(4-2)
2
FS
2 3 3
B W S K
1 1
C E N T R C
O O O X O O O
O O
O
Position Alignment / Technique Gap Run Responsibility Pass
Edge weakside 5 tech. "C" to:gap to ball / away:chase contain & rush
Nose weakside 1 tech. "A" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze inside rush
Tackle strongside 3 tech. "B" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze inside rush
Rush strongside 5 or 6i tech. "C" Automatic Invert w/ SS vs TE to:gap to ball / away:squeeze contain & rush
Knight 1 x 1 on TE "D" fast read on TE / re route to: fill gap or flow / away: cutback #3 Receiver Strong
Will weakside 40 to 50 tech "B" to: fill gap or flow / away: Opposite A #3 Receiver Weak
Sam strongside 10 tech "A" must be fast read fill type to: Fill gap or flow / away: Opposite B shallow hole
Bishop 10 yds deep from EMOL alley player on outside run Alley strong side #2 Receiver Weak
Corner 1 x 1 ~ inside leverage to:
must force everything outside - float tech. Outside force / away: pursuit #1 Receiver
Free Safety 10 yds deep from EMOL alley player on outside run Alley weak side deep hole
STRENGTH TO TIGHT END
'6'
(4-3)
FS
WC
B W S K
E N T R SC
O O O X O O O
O O
O
O
Position Alignment / Technique Gap Run Responsibility Pass
Edge weakside 5 tech. "C" to:gap to ball / away:chase contain & rush
Nose weakside 1 tech. "A" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze inside rush
Tackle strongside 3 tech. "B" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze inside rush
Rush strongside 5 or 6i tech. "C" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze contain & rush
Knight 60 tech inside TE "D" fast read on TE / re route to: fill gap or flow / away: cutback Strong curl
Will weakside 40 to 50 tech "B" to: fill gap or flow / away: Opposite A Weak Hook
Sam strongside 10 tech - 00 "A" must be fast read fill type to: Fill gap or flow / away: Opposite B Strong Hook
Bishop weakside 5x5 'loose' perimeter force weak to: Outside force / away: pursuit Curl to flat
Strong Corner 1 x 1 ~ outside leverage must force everything inside - float tech. to: Outside force / away: pursuit flat zone
Weak Corner 8 x 2 ~ inside leverage presnap cushion premised on athlete Alley weak side Weak 1/2
Free Safety 12 yds deep middle of field alley player on outside run Alley strong side Strong 1/2
STRENGTH TO TIGHT END - COVERAGE SET TO PASSING NUMBERS
'6 UNDER'
(4-3)
FS
WC
B W S
E N T R K SC
O O O X O O O
O O
O
O
Position Alignment / Technique Gap Run Responsibility Pass
Edge weakside 5 tech. "C" to:gap to ball / away:chase contain & rush
Nose weakside 3 tech. "B" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze inside rush
Tackle strongside 1 tech. "A" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze inside rush
Rush strongside 5 "C" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze contain & rush
Knight 9 tech inside TE "D" fast read on TE / re route to: fill gap or flow / away: cutback Strong curl
Will weakside 20 "B" to: fill gap or flow / away: Opposite A Weak Hook
Sam strongside 30 tech "A" must be fast read fill type to: Fill gap or flow / away: Opposite B Strong Hook
Bishop weakside 5x5 'loose' perimeter force weak to: Outside force / away: pursuit Curl to flat
Strong Corner 1 x 1 ~ outside leverage must force everything inside - float tech. to: Outside force / away: pursuit flat zone
Weak Corner 8 x 2 ~ inside leverage presnap cushion premised on athlete Alley weak side Weak 1/2
Free Safety 12 yds deep middle of field alley player on outside run Alley strong side Strong 1/2
STRENGTH TO TIGHT END - COVERAGE SET TO PASSING NUMBERS
'62'
(4-3) C2
B FS
W S K
WC E N T R SC
O O O X O O O
O O
O
O
Position Alignment / Technique Gap Run Responsibility Pass
Edge weakside 5 tech. "C" to:gap to ball / away:chase contain & rush
Nose weakside 1 tech. "A" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze inside rush
Tackle strongside 3 tech. "B" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze inside rush
Rush strongside 5 or 6i tech. "C" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze contain & rush
Knight 60 tech inside TE "D" fast read on TE / re route to: fill gap or flow / away: A Strong curl
Will weakside 40 to 50 tech "C" to: fill gap or flow / away: B Weak curl
Sam strongside 10 tech - 00 "A" must be fast read fill type to: Fill gap or flow / away: Opposite B Middle Hook
Bishop 12 Yds deep weak 1/2 alley player on outside run Alley weak side Weak 1/2
Strong Corner 1 x 1 ~ outside leverage must force everything inside - float tech. to: Outside force / away: pursuit flat zone
Weak Corner 8 x 2 ~ inside leverage presnap cushion premised on athlete to: Outside force / away: pursuit flat zone
Free Safety 12 yds deep strong 1/2 alley player on outside run Alley strong side Strong 1/2
STRENGTH TO TIGHT END
'64'
(4-3) C4
WC SC
B FS
W S K
E N T R
O O O X O O O
O O
O
O
Position Alignment / Technique Gap Run Responsibility
Edge weakside 5 tech. "C" to:gap to ball / away:chase
Nose weakside 1 tech. "A" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze
Tackle strongside 3 tech. "B" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze
Rush strongside 5 or 6i tech. "C" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze
Knight 60 tech inside TE "D" fast read on TE / re route to: fill gap or flow / away: A
Will weakside 40 to 50 tech "C" to: fill gap or flow / away: B
Sam strongside 10 tech - 00 "A" must be fast read fill type to: Fill gap or flow / away: Opposite B
Bishop 12 Yds deep weak 1/4 alley player on outside run to: Outside force / away: pursuit
Strong Corner 10 yds deep strong 1/4 presnap cushion premised on athlete Strong Alley
Weak Corner 12 yds deep weak 1/4 presnap cushion premised on athlete Weak Alley
Free Safety 10 yds deep strong 1/4 alley player on outside run to: Outside force / away: pursuit
STRENGTH TO TIGHT END
Run Responsibility Pass
to:gap to ball / away:chase contain & rush
to:gap to ball / away:squeeze inside rush
to:gap to ball / away:squeeze inside rush
to:gap to ball / away:squeeze contain & rush
to: fill gap or flow / away: A Strong curl to flat
to: fill gap or flow / away: B Weak curl to flat
to: Fill gap or flow / away: Opposite B Middle Hook
to: Outside force / away: pursuit Weak 1/4 robber
Strong Alley Strong 1/4
Weak Alley Weak 1/4
to: Outside force / away: pursuit Strong 1/4 robber
'61'
(4-3)
FS
2 3 2
B W S K
1 1
C E N T R C
O O O X O O O
O O O
O
Position Alignment / Technique Gap Run Responsibility Pass
Edge weakside 5 tech. "C" to:gap to ball / away:chase contain & rush
Nose weakside 1 tech. "A" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze inside rush
Tackle strongside 3 tech. "B" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze inside rush
Rush strongside 5 or 6i tech. "C" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze contain & rush
Knight 1 x 1 on TE "D" fast read on TE / re route to: fill gap or flow / away: cutback #2 Receiver Strong
Will weakside 40 to 50 tech "B" to: fill gap or flow / away: Opposite A shallow hole
Sam strongside 10 tech "A" must be fast read fill type to: Fill gap or flow / away: Opposite B #3 Receiver
Bishop 10 yds deep from EMOL alley player on outside run Alley strong side #2 Receiver Weak
Corner 1 x 1 ~ inside leverage must force everything outside - float tech. to: Outside force / away: pursuit #1 Receiver
Free Safety 10 yds deep from EMOL alley player on outside run Alley weak side deep hole
STRENGTH TO TIGHT END
'5'
(4-3)
FS
B K
C W S C
E N T R
O O O X O O O
O O
O
O
Position Alignment / Technique Gap Run Responsibility
Edge weakside 5 tech. "C" to:gap to ball / away:chase
Nose weakside 1 tech. "A" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze
Tackle strongside 3 tech. "B" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze
Rush strongside 5 or 6i tech. "C" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze
Knight 8 yds deep from EMOL "D" Force player - reroute #1 receiver vertical to: fill gap or flow / away: cutback
Will weakside 40 to 50 tech "B" alley player on outside run to: fill gap or flow / away: Opposite A
Sam strongside 10 tech "A" alley player on outside run to: Fill gap or flow / away: Opposite B
Bishop 8 yds deep from EMOL Force player - reroute #1 receiver vertical Alley weakside
Corner 8 - 2 yds prowl with inside leverage Bailing to deep half with inside leverage to: Outside force / away: pursuit
Free Safety 12 yds deep from center shade to numbers robbing middle hole Strong A gap
STRENGTH TO TIGHT END / NUMBERS
Run Responsibility Pass
to:gap to ball / away:chase contain & rush
to:gap to ball / away:squeeze inside rush
to:gap to ball / away:squeeze inside rush
to:gap to ball / away:squeeze contain & rush
to: fill gap or flow / away: cutback reroute #1 rob flat zone
to: fill gap or flow / away: Opposite A Curl - bronco coverage of #2
to: Fill gap or flow / away: Opposite B Curl - bronco coverage of #2
Alley weakside reroute #1 rob flat zone
to: Outside force / away: pursuit bail to deep 1/2
Strong A gap Middle hole
ERS
1/3 1/3 1/3
B FS
hook
wall / flat
C C
W S K wall / flat
E N T R
O O O X O O O
O O
O
O
5 man pressure fire zone blitz- strong side overload
Position Alignment / Technique Gap Run Responsibility
Edge weakside 5 tech. "C" weakside force
Nose weakside 1 tech. "B" loop to B to:gap to ball / away:squeeze
Tackle strongside 3 tech. "A" loop to A to:gap to ball / away:squeeze
Rush strongside 5 or 6i tech. "D" outside rush to:gap to ball / away:squeeze
Knight 60 - 80 tech "C" Force player - reroute #1 receiver vertical to: fill gap or flow / away: cutback
Will weakside 40 to 50 tech "A" fall to middle hole to: fill gap or flow / away: Opposite A
Sam strongside 10 tech "B" outside blitz to: Fill gap or flow / away: Opposite B
Bishop 8 - 12 yds deep from EMOL Force player - reroute #1 receiver vertical Alley weakside
Corner 8 - 2 yds prowl with inside leverage presnap cushion premised on athlete to: Outside force / away: pursuit
Free Safety 12 yds deep from center shade to numbers robbing middle hole strongside force
STRENGTH TO TIGHT END
e overload
Run Responsibility Pass
weakside force Curl - bronco coverage of #2
to:gap to ball / away:squeeze outside rush to "B"
to:gap to ball / away:squeeze inside rush to "A"
to:gap to ball / away:squeeze contain & rush
to: fill gap or flow / away: cutback blitz inside "C"
to: fill gap or flow / away: Opposite A middle hook
to: Fill gap or flow / away: Opposite B blitz outside strong "B"
Alley weakside bail to middle 1/3
to: Outside force / away: pursuit Deep 1/3
strongside force Curl - bronco coverage of #2
1/3 1/3
1/3
B hook FS
C wall / flat C
wall / flat W S K
E N T R
O O O X O O O
O O
O
O
5 man pressure fire zone blitz- weak side overload
Position Alignment / Technique Gap Run Responsibility
Edge weakside 5 tech. "C" to:gap to ball / away:chase
Nose weakside 1 tech. "A" loop strong to:gap to ball / away:squeeze
Tackle strongside 3 tech. "C" loop strong to:gap to ball / away:squeeze
Rush strongside 5 or 6i tech. "C" strongside force
Knight 60 - 80 tech "D" Force player - reroute #1 receiver vertical to: fill gap or flow / away: cutback
Will weakside 40 to 50 tech "B" blitz to outside B to: fill gap or flow / away: cutback
Sam strongside 10 tech "A" blitz to inside B to: fill gap or flow / away: cutback
Bishop 8 - 12 yds deep from EMOL Force player - reroute #1 receiver vertical weakside force
Corner 8 - 2 yds prowl with inside leverage presnap cushion premised on athlete to: Outside force / away: pursuit
Free Safety 12 yds deep from center shade to numbers robbing middle hole Strong A gap
STRENGTH TO TIGHT END
1/3
overload
Run Responsibility Pass
to:gap to ball / away:chase contain & rush
to:gap to ball / away:squeeze loop stunt outside center
to:gap to ball / away:squeeze rush outside tackle & contain
strongside force Curl - bronco coverage of #2
to: fill gap or flow / away: cutback middle hook
to: fill gap or flow / away: cutback blitz to outside B
to: fill gap or flow / away: cutback blitz to inside B
weakside force Curl - bronco coverage of #2
to: Outside force / away: pursuit Deep 1/3
Strong A gap Middle hole
1/3 1/3
1/3
B FS
hook
wall / flat
C C
W S K wall / flat
E N T R
O O O X O O O
O O
O
O
5 man pressure fire zone safety blitz- weak side overload
Position Alignment / Technique Gap Run Responsibility
Edge weakside 5 tech. "C" wide rush to:gap to ball / away:chase
Nose weakside 1 tech. "A" loop strong to:gap to ball / away:squeeze
Tackle strongside 3 tech. "C" loop strong to:gap to ball / away:squeeze
Rush strongside 5 or 6i tech. "D" 2 step rush - zone drop to curl strongside force
Knight 60 - 80 tech "D" Force player - reroute #1 receiver vertical to: fill gap or flow / away: cutback
Will weakside 40 to 50 tech "A" alley player on outside run to: fill gap or flow / away: Opposite A
Sam strongside 10 tech "D" force player on outside run weakside force
Bishop 8 - 12 yds deep from EMOL "B" outside blitz to B gap to: fill gap or flow / away: cutback
Corner 8 -12 yds prowl with inside leverage presnap cushion premised on athlete to: Outside force / away: pursuit
Free Safety 12 yds deep from center shade to numbers robbing middle hole Strong B gap
STRENGTH TO TIGHT END
1/3
de overload
Run Responsibility Pass
to:gap to ball / away:chase contain & rush
to:gap to ball / away:squeeze loop stunt outside center
to:gap to ball / away:squeeze rush outside tackle & contain
strongside force Curl - bronco coverage of #2
to: fill gap or flow / away: cutback middle hook
to: fill gap or flow / away: Opposite A blitz inside weak guard
weakside force Curl - bronco coverage of #2
to: fill gap or flow / away: cutback blitz to outside "B"
to: Outside force / away: pursuit bail to deep 1/3
Strong B gap Middle hole
1/3
1/3 1/3
B FS
wall / flat hook
wall / flat
C C
W S K
E N T R
O O O X O O O
O O
O
O
5 man pressure fire zone safety blitz- strong side overload
Position Alignment / Technique Gap Run Responsibility
Edge weakside 5 tech. "C" 2 steps up field - zone drop inside to:gap to ball / away:chase
Nose weakside 1 tech. "B" outside stunt to inside hip of tackle to:gap to ball / away:squeeze
Tackle strongside 3 tech. "A" inside stunt to inside hip of center to:gap to ball / away:squeeze
Rush strongside 6 or 9 tech. "D" outside rush of TE to:gap to ball / away:squeeze
Knight 60 - 80 tech "D" Force player on outside run strongside force
Will weakside 40 to 50 tech "D" Force player on outside run weakside force
Sam strongside 10 tech "A" alley player on outside run to: Fill gap or flow / away: Opposite A
Bishop 8 - 12 yds deep from EMOL Bailing to deep hole, alley player on run Alley on flow
Corner 3 - 8 yds prowl with inside leverage presnap cushion premised on athlete to: Outside force / away: pursuit
Free Safety 12 yds deep from center shade to numbers robbing middle hole Strong A gap
STRENGTH TO TIGHT END
ide overload
Run Responsibility Pass
to:gap to ball / away:chase middle hook
to:gap to ball / away:squeeze outside rush to "B"
to:gap to ball / away:squeeze twist inside to "A"
to:gap to ball / away:squeeze contain & rush
strongside force Curl - bronco coverage of #2
weakside force Curl - bronco coverage of #2
to: Fill gap or flow / away: Opposite A blitz inside strong "B"
Alley on flow bail to middle 1/3
to: Outside force / away: pursuit bail to deep 1/3
Strong A gap blitz outside "B"
B FS
1 1
C 2 3 C
W S 2
K
E N T R
O O O X O O O
O O
O
O
6 man pressure double safety blitz- man coverage
Position Alignment / Technique Gap Run Responsibility
Edge weakside 5 tech. "C" Force player to:gap to ball / away:chase
Nose weakside 1 tech. "A" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze
Tackle strongside 3 tech. "A" loop to A gap (outside of center) to:gap to ball / away:squeeze
Rush strongside 6 or 9 tech. "D" Force player to:gap to ball / away:squeeze
Knight 1 x 1 on TE / 5 x 2 on #2 "D" man on #2 to: fill gap or flow / away: cutback
Will weakside 40 to 50 tech "B" man on #2 to: fill gap or flow / away: Opposite A
Sam strongside 10 tech "A" man on #3 to: Fill gap or flow / away: Opposite B
Bishop 8 - 12 yds deep from EMOL B gap blitz weak B gap
Corner 2 - 8 yds prowl with inside leverage inside leverage on #1 receiver to: Outside force / away: pursuit
Free Safety 12 yds deep from center shade to numbers B gap blitz Strong B gap
STRENGTH TO TIGHT END
overage
Run Responsibility Pass
to:gap to ball / away:chase contain & rush
to:gap to ball / away:squeeze inside rush
to:gap to ball / away:squeeze inside twist
to:gap to ball / away:squeeze contain & rush
to: fill gap or flow / away: cutback #2 Receiver Strong
to: fill gap or flow / away: Opposite A #2 Receiver Weak
to: Fill gap or flow / away: Opposite B #3 Receiver
weak B gap blitz
to: Outside force / away: pursuit #1 Receiver
Strong B gap blitz
2
FS
1 1
C 2 3 3 C
B W S K
E N T R
O O O X O O O
O O
O
O
0 coverage check blitz
Position Alignment / Technique Gap Run Responsibility
Edge weakside 5 tech. "C" Force player to:gap to ball / away:chase
Nose weakside 1 tech. "A" to:gap to ball / away:squeeze
Tackle strongside 3 tech. "A" loop to A gap (outside of center) to:gap to ball / away:squeeze
Rush strongside 6 or 9 tech. "D" Force player to:gap to ball / away:squeeze
Knight 1 x 1 on TE / 5 x 2 on #2 "D" man on #2 to: fill gap or flow / away: cutback
Will weakside 40 to 50 tech "B" man on #2 to: fill gap or flow / away: Opposite A
Sam strongside 10 tech "A" man on #3 to: Fill gap or flow / away: Opposite B
Bishop 8 - 12 yds deep from EMOL B gap blitz weak B gap
Corner 2 - 8 yds prowl with inside leverage inside leverage on #1 receiver to: Outside force / away: pursuit
Free Safety 12 yds deep from center shade to numbers B gap blitz Strong B gap
STRENGTH TO TIGHT END
Run Responsibility Pass
to:gap to ball / away:chase contain & rush
to:gap to ball / away:squeeze inside rush
to:gap to ball / away:squeeze inside twist
to:gap to ball / away:squeeze contain & rush
to: fill gap or flow / away: cutback #2 Receiver Strong
to: fill gap or flow / away: Opposite A #2 Receiver Weak
to: Fill gap or flow / away: Opposite B #3 Receiver
weak B gap blitz
to: Outside force / away: pursuit #1 Receiver
Strong B gap blitz
330-338 Pre-Practice
2 Kickoff Return
11 F 82 44 25 338-345 Stretch
$ W S D 21 345-350 40 Second
5 22 71 63 8 C 350-405 Special Teams
C E N T R KO
8 O O X O O 13 KO Return
Z 22 5 Y 11 PAT
H X 405-415 Individuals
10 420-500 Team
30 BRACKET F 500-510 Conditioning
F
C W S D $
E N T R C
11 O O X O O 13
O 8
10
22
30 BRACKET
2
21 F 82 44 25 11
C W S D $
22 71 63 8 5
E N T R C
11 O O X O O 13
X 5 Y
22 8
H 10 Z
30 BRACKET F
22 44 82
$ S D 11 5
21 F C
C 82 63 71 75 8
W E N T R
1 O O X O O 13
X 5 Y
22 8
H Z
10
65 EAGLE F
FRONT ALIGNM
'G' Nose aligns at 2i 'EAGLE' Nose aligns at 0
End aligns at 3
R T N E R T
O O X O O O O
'WIDE' Nose aligns at 0 'LOOSE' Tackle aligns 2 yds off t
Tackle aligns at 5
Rush aligns outside EMOL
T
R T N E R
O O X O O O O
'UP' Will lines on LOS ( 2pt ) '3' 'SLIDE' Full gap slide to the we
Mike lines on LOS ( 2pt ) '2i' Edge in a wide 7 tec
Strong Safety lines on LOS (2pt)
K R T S N W E E N
O O X O O O O
'UNDER' Edge plays 6i
Nose plays 3
Tackle plays 1
Rush plays 5
E N T R K
O O X O O
'INVERT' Strong Safety lines up inside of TE 'DROP'
Strong Safety four poin
Rush aligns in 9 technique
across TE (cutting him)
R K T N E R K T
O O O X O O O O O
LINE STUN
'Tag' Tackle to 'A' 'Angle' Tackle to 'A'
Nose to 'B'
R T N E R T
O O X O O O O
'Rock' Nose to opposite 'A' 'Stack' Edge to 'B'
Edge to 'B'
R T N E R T
O O X O O O O
GAP EXCHANGE
'TAR' Tackle first 'TON' Tackle first
Rush last Nose last
R T N E R T
O O X O O O O
'RAT' Rush first 'NUT' Nose first
Tackle last Tackle last
R T N E R T
O O X O O O O
FRONT ALIGNMENTS
Nose aligns at 0 'SOFT' Nose aligns 2 yds off LOS
End aligns at 3
N
N E R T E
X O O O O X O O
Tackle aligns 2 yds off the LOS 'TIGHT' KNIGHT aligns 2x2 EMOL
BISHOP aligns 2x2 EMOL
K
N E R T N E
X O O O O X O O
Full gap slide to the weak side 'OVER' Rush aligns outside a TE (8 tech)
Edge in a wide 7 technique
T R R T N
X O O O O X O O
'T' Tackle aligns in 2i
Strong Safety four point bear crawls
across TE (cutting him)
R T N E
N E O O X O O
X O O
LINE STUNTS
Tackle to 'A' 'Bullets' Tackle to 'A'
Nose to 'B' Rush to 'C' or 'B' ( 1st inside gap)
N E R T N E
X O O O O X O O
Edge to 'B' 'Loop' Nose to opposite outside
Tackle to 'A'
Rush to 'C' or 'B' ( 1st inside gap)
N E R T N E
X O O O O X O O
GAP EXCHANGE STUNTS
Tackle first 'EON' Edge first
Nose last Nose last
N E R T N E
X O O O O X O O
Nose first 'NOE' Nose first
Tackle last Edge last
N E R T N E
X O O O O X O O
'WILL' Will blitzes to 'B'
S W
R T N E
O O X O O
'SAM' Sam blitzes to 'A'
S W
B
R T N E
O O X O O
'KNIGHT' DEVIL blitzes outside
K
E
R T N E
O O X O O
'KNGHT IN' DEVIL blitzes inside
Rush rushes wide outside
K
R T N E
O O X O O
In naming our stunts, we want to keep the terminology
Because huddle calls can be quick, rushed, or garbled
confused with another call, causing alignment / assign
'BOW' BISHOP blitzes outside
Will blitzes
B Will
E N T R
O O X O O
'Exchange' Edge drops to Curl zone
E N T R
O O X O O
INSIDE BACKER STUNTS
'Will away' Will blitzes to opposite 'A' 'Will out' Will blitzes outside
S W S
R T N E R T
O O X O O O O X
'SAM away' Sam blitzes to opposite 'B' 'SAM out' Sam blitzes outside
S W S
R T N E R T
O O X O O O O X
SECONDARY STUNTS
'BISHOP' BISHOP blitzes outside 'Double" BISHOP blitzes outside
DEVIL blitzes outside
Rov Rov
E N T R E N
O O X O O O O X
'BISHOP IN' BISHOP blitzes inside 'Double EXIT' BISHOP blitzes inside
Edge rushes wide outside DEVIL blitzes inside
Rov Rov Rush rushes wide outside
Edge rushes wide outside
E N T R E N
O O X O O O O X
keep the terminology short, relevant to the positions involved, with an aggressive
ck, rushed, or garbled during an intense series, we want each call to be distinct so
ng alignment / assignment errors.
COMBO STUNTS
'STAKE' Mike blitzes 'SAW' Will blites
Knight blitzes outside Sam blitzes
B S K B W
E N T R E N
O O X O O O O X
'Rex' Rush drops to Curl zone 'Switch' Edge & Rush exchange with
Will & Mike
W
R T N E E N
O O X O O O O X
NTS
Will blitzes outside 'Will line' Will lines on LOS ( 2pt ) '3'
W S
N E R T N W E
O O O O X O O
am blitzes outside 'SAM line' Sam lines on LOS ( 2pt ) '2i'
W W
N E R T S N E
O O O O X O O
TS
ISHOP blitzes outside 'BLAZE' WEAK Corner blitzes outside
EVIL blitzes outside
D C
T R E N T R
O O O O X O O
ISHOP blitzes inside 'SMOKE' STRONG Corner blitzes outside
EVIL blitzes inside
ush rushes wide outside D
dge rushes wide outside C
T R R T N E
O O O O X O O
with an aggressive connotation.
ll to be distinct so not to be
Nasty' is our 'check blitz' package.
'CAJUN' This is an automatic Cover 0 check - man press across the board
Secondary takes respective receiver threat - if receiver does not release
defender blitzes.
S K 1 2 3 3 3
C B W S K
T R E N T R
O O O O X O O
& Rush exchange with 'FIRE' Free Safety blitzes (open gap)
F
S
T R R T N E
O O O O X O O
blitz' package.
heck - man press across the board
- if receiver does not release
2
F 1
C
STUNT E N T R K W S B FS WCB
G X
WIDE X X
EAGLE X X X
BULLETS X X X X
ANGLE X
TAG X X
ROCK X X
LOOP X X X
TARE X X
TAR X X
TON X X
RAT X X
EON X X
NOSE X X
DEVIL IN X X
DEVIL X
ROVER IN X X
ROVER X
DOUBLE EXIT X X X X
DOUBLE DOG X X
DOUBLE ABLE X X
WILL X
WILL AWAY X
WILL LINE X
WILL OUT X
MIKE X
MIKE AWAY X X
MIKE LINE X
MIKE OUT X
BLAZE X
SMOKE
SWITCH X X
EXCHANGE X X
KICK X X X X X X X X X X
BLUE 3
GOLD 6
BLACK 2
SILVER 6 WEAK
RED 61 - MAN FREE COVERAGE
SCB
X
X
GOAL LINE DEFENSE
30 GOALINE (GAP 8) MAN 35 GOALINE ZONE
O O
O O
FL FL
O O
TE1 O B O A X A O B O TE2 TE1 O B O A X A O B O TE2
K R T N E W K R T N E W
C
F S B C C FS S B C
DL In gap - 4 pt gap charge "B" to "B" DL In gap - 4 pt gap charge "B" to "B"
SC Man on #1 strongside C 5 yds depth on #1 his side (any receiver threat, wing, flanker, etc)
WC Man on #1 weakside inside leverage press technique - fall to FLAT zone
SC 3 yds depth on nearest back (FB) scrapes C to C S 3 yds deep - B to B run scrape - drop to middle hole
K head up on EMOL - attack QB K head up on EMOL - attack QB
F Man on #2 Strongside W head up on EMOL - attack QB
W outside man on LOS, rush hard - has QB always F strong side 30 4 yds deep - B to Outside run force - fall to CURL
B Man on #2 backfield / #2 weakside B weak side 30 4 yds deep - B to Outside run force - fall to CURL
GOAL LINE CHANGES
"OUT" O
O
FL
O
TE1 O B O A X A O B O TE2
$ R T N E W
C
FS M RV
C
FB TB
O FL
TE O B O A X A O B O TE
R T T2 N E W
FS $ W RV C
61 EAGLE WILL LINE INVERT
O
O
FL
O
TE1 O O X O O TE2
R D T N E W
C
C S
FS $
O
O
FL
O
TE1 O O X O O SE
R D T N E W
C S
FS $ C
GAP 8 (30 TITE LINE 'GT')
O
O
FL
O
TE1 O O X O O TE2
D R T N E $
SC FS S W WC
20 (SAM WILL LINE)
O
O
FL
O
TE1 O O X O O TE2
D R S T W N E
SC FS $ WC
6-2 GOAL LINE
FLANKER
O
O
FL
O
TE1 O B O A X A O B O TE2
D R T N E $
C
FS S W C
6-2 GAP 8
FLANKER
O
O
FL
O
TE1 O B O A X A O B O TE2
D R T N N W E $
C *
S FS
65 GOALINE ZONE
O
O
FL
O
TE1 O B O A X A O B O TE2
D R T N E W
C FS S $ C
GOAL LINE EAGLE '0' (Over)
FLANKER
O
O
FL
O
TE1 O B O A X A O B O TE2
D R T N E W CB
CB
FS S $
65 GOALINE (GAP 8) MAN
O
O
FL
O
TE1 O B O A X A O B O TE2
R T T2 N E W
C
S M FS
SS
HAT CHEST
1 3 1 62
2 3 G 2 62 G
3 3 BULLETS 3 3 G
4 3 ANGLE 4 62 OVER
5 3 ROCK 5 62 SAM
6 3 RAT 6 6 OVER ANGLE - KNIGHT IN
7 3 TIGHT 7 30 CAJUN
8 3 RAT EON 8 30 TIGHT G T BULLETS
9 3 NUT 9 35 GOAL LINE
10 3 ROCK - BISHOP (OUT) 10 35 GOAL LINE
BELOW WAIST RIGHT ARM * SPECIALS *
1 64 REX 1 BLUE TWIST
2 64 EXCHANGE 2 RED TWIST
3 64 REX EXCHANGE SAM 3 BLUE
4 31 EAGLE (22 PLAYS RUSH) 4 RED
5 30 NASTY 5 SAFE BLUE
6 64 SLIDE BULLETS DEVIL 6 SAFE RED
7 62 KNOB SAM 7 3 DEVIL IN / ROVER IN
8 3 WIDE BULLETS ROVER 8 65 GAP 8 SAM ROVER
9 64 LOOSE NUT SAM 9 30 NASTY
10 10 30 OVER - RAW STUD
HAT CHEST
48 3 base (vs pro CB manup) 48 6 Jet Strong SAM
49 3 G (tackle to B) 49 61 TITE LINE ROVER OUT
50 3 G T (both A) 50 61 TITE
51 3 TITE RAT 51 61 TITE LINE RAM
52 31 TITE MIKE LINE vs Spread / Shotgun strength to 32
53 31 PLUG OUT (M&S to A) 52 64
54 6 ANGLE 6 62 man under
55 6 EXCHANGE 54 62 Wide Devil in
56 6 EXCHANGE DEVIL OUT 8 62 Devil in
57 6 9 64 Devil in - exchange
*If problems w/ backside - tell Nose to SUB
10 62 G T - Crash
**remind DBs to 'prowl' change looks (Rv + FS blitz 'B') M + S drop DEEP
WAIST (WILD CARDS)
1 3 TITE 6 6 slant strong rover out
2 3 T TON MIKE 7 61 G T TITE OUT PLUG
3 *CALL IT* 8 6 TIGHT LINE RAT - NOSE SUB
4 31 bullets plug KICK rover devil out 9 61 MAD DOG exchange
5 31 RAM 10 61 Angle Sam Baker AWAY
MACHINE GUN
OLB
1 On the snap the TE attempts to reach the LB, who defeats the block w
2 Next the LB defeats a low block from the FB with a hand shiver
3 After defeating the two blockers, the LB executes a form tackle on the
drives him back five yards.
OLB
ILB
1 On the snap the OG attempts to reach the LB, who defeats the block
2 Next the LB defeats a low block from the FB with a hand shiver
3 After defeating the two blockers, the LB executes a form tackle on the
drives him back five yards.
** another FB can be added to the backfield for an additional block. The
high, all subsequent blocks are low, cut blocks.
** On the LBs approach, stress the importance of planting the inside foo
ILB
DOWNHILL SHUFFLE
1 4 Agility bags at an angle within a 10 yd area
2 3 blockers between the agility bags with a 4th outside the
3 ball carrier aligns 10 yds away from bag #4 in a backoff po
4 on command, the LB steps with his near foot to shuffle up
5 within the bag area, each bloker steps forward to expose h
LB's trail foot hits inside the near bag
6 During the shufle, the LB hand shivers each blocker.
7 Blocker #4 will attempt to low block the LB after he has cro
8 after shedding the low block, the LB turns and sprints to e
tackle on ball carrier.
BULL IN THE RING
1 Circle the LBs and have one leader in the midd
2 The LB gets 2 hits & sheds (one with each foo
3 The LB controls the contest by pointing to a 'bl
him out with a "You!" call.
4 The 'blocker' always comes high and hard.
5 Repeat the drill untill all LBs have had a turn in
POWER TACKLE
1 Align cones in a 5 yd square with a LB facing the RB sligh
inside.
2 The RB runs at a 45 degree angle (on a power) towards th
3 The LB shuffles then presses toward the ball carrier
4 The LB executes a form tackle on RB
* Usually, the L will get 3-4 heavy hitting tackles without put
5 YDS
ground, on the final rep, the LB goes live.
** The drill should take turns from a Left and Right position
*** A stripper (backside LB) can be included, but he doesn't ta
press the first LB makes contact
shuffle
CUTBACK TACKLE
1 Align cones in a 5 yd square with a LB facing the RB sligh
inside.
2 The RB runs at a 45 degree angle (on a power) towards th
3 The LB shuffles then presses toward the ball carrier
4 The RB cuts back to the LBs backside shoulder.
5 The LB must not over run the ball carier. This forces him t
5 YDS
backside hip
press
shuffle
EYE OPENER
each the LB, who defeats the block with a rip
om the FB with a hand shiver
he LB executes a form tackle on the RB and
each the LB, who defeats the block with a rip
om the FB with a hand shiver
he LB executes a form tackle on the RB and
BAG 45s
ackfield for an additional block. The first OL block is pull up
w, cut blocks.
mportance of planting the inside foot on contact.
break
gle within a 10 yd area
e agility bags with a 4th outside the bags. roll hips
ds away from bag #4 in a backoff position.
steps with his near foot to shuffle uphill across the bags
ach bloker steps forward to expose his chest when the
e the near bag
LB hand shivers each blocker.
t to low block the LB after he has crossed the last bag COVER GROUND DRILL
block, the LB turns and sprints to execute an angle
17 YDS
LBs and have one leader in the middle of the circle.
ts 2 hits & sheds (one with each foot)
ntrols the contest by pointing to a 'blocker' by calling
h a "You!" call.
er' always comes high and hard.
e drill untill all LBs have had a turn in the middle.
BASE ROUTE DRILL (MAN)
square with a LB facing the RB slightly to the runner's
egree angle (on a power) towards the far cone.
presses toward the ball carrier
m tackle on RB
3-4 heavy hitting tackles without putting the RB to the
p, the LB goes live.
urns from a Left and Right position
B) can be included, but he doesn't take action untill
DOWNHILL SHUFFLE W/ LINEMAN READ
square with a LB facing the RB slightly to the runner's
COACH
egree angle (on a power) towards the far cone.
presses toward the ball carrier
he LBs backside shoulder.
run the ball carier. This forces him to stay on the RB's
1 Place 4 agility bags parallel but staggered to simulate holes for a RB to attack.
2 The LB always aligns behind the RB and stays on his backside hip to
prevent any cutback.
3 The RB can run through any of the gaps.
4 The LB shuffles behind the RB but presses as the RB declares his open gap.
5 Hard, crisp collisions should result, although the LB doesn't take the RB to
the ground.
* The bags are staggered to permit the LB to press upfield.
1 Place 4 agility bags parallel in a space of 20 yds, 5 yds apart
2 Linebackers are to take a series of 45 degree drops on command
3 Facing the coach with their backs to a row of 3-4 agility bags
roll hips the coach directs them through by pointing the ball left or right.
4 The LB respond by crossing over at 45 degree angles and
keeping eyes on the coach (QB)
5 At any point, the coach can set up to throw, so the LB must focus
on him.
6 Once LB pull up, they are glued visually to the QB for their break
on the ball.
1 LB takes position squared as if he has already pulled up
QB 2 This simulates a QB drop of 7-9 yds an LB pulled
up to 10-12yds downfield
3 3 Receivers 5 yds away on either side and in front of LB
4 The QB will throw to one of the receivers
5 The LB should break on the indication and easily
cover 5 yds to the intended receiver.
17 YDS
Place the receivers farther apart as LB skill increases
1 LB take their assignment alignent
2 LB versus TE or RB
3 On commad, the receiver runs the prescribed inside,
outside, or vertical pattern.
4 Coach evaluates each of the LB's responses
* A QB can be added to make for a competitive 1-on-1
drill
** The receiver should also block to incorporate that
reaction as well
1 4 Agility bags at an angle within a 10 yd area
2 3 blockers between the agility bags with a 4th outside the bags.
3 ball carrier aligns 10 yds away from bag #4 in a backoff position.
4 on command, the LB steps with his near foot to shuffle uphill across the bags
5 within the bag area, the coach will give a 'flashing color' lineman read
LB's should read the block and take the appropriate angle of attack
6 Exiting the bags, the LB will attack the upfield shoulder of the 'QB' barrel.
** The drill will simulate bootleg action to the outside, reinforcing proper angles
and staying parallel to the LOS is key.
45 DROPS (CONES)
oles for a RB to attack.
ackside hip to
eclares his open gap.
sn't take the RB to
CLOSE QUARTERS TACKLING
yds, 5 yds apart
e drops on command
f 3-4 agility bags
he ball left or right.
ee angles and
2 YDS
so the LB must focus
e QB for their break
SHAKE N BAKE (OPEN FIELD TACKLING)
at 5 yds, ball carrier does
an exaggerated juke
move
e has already pulled up 10 YDS
yds an LB pulled
r side and in front of LB
ation and easily IN / AT / OUT
as LB skill increases
OUTSIDE AT IN AT
FRONT SIDE / BACK SIDE (INSIDE)
e prescribed inside,
a competitive 1-on-1
incorporate that
OUTSIDE AT IN AT
HIT & SHED
1 PAD LEVEL In order to get an advantage in m
move it unless you apply force fr
2 CORRECT BASE Players should use a compact b
plants the same-side foot to the
3 UPPER BODY The upper body is the contact su
attempt to get forearm lift over th
h outside the bags.
n a backoff position.
t to shuffle uphill across the bags 4 HIP ROLL The LB must launch his pads (co
shing color' lineman read must point at the target, directed
ropriate angle of attack
d shoulder of the 'QB' barrel.
* approach under control and just before contact
utside, reinforcing proper angles * stress the 4 key fundamentals in this d
* can highlight individual phases of this
* one man, blocker, or 5 man sled can
MAT TACKLE
1 Place 5 cones staggered in a space of 20 yds, 5 yds apart
2 Linebackers are to take a series of 45 degree drops on command
3 Facing the coach with their backs to a row of 5 cones
the coach directs them through by pointing the ball left or right.
4 The LB respond by crossing over at 45 degree angles and
keeping eyes on the coach (QB)
5 At any point, the coach can set up to throw, so the LB must focus
on him.
6 Once LB pull up, they are glued visually to the QB for their break
on the ball.
JUMP TACKLE
to train defenders post-approach on tackling fundamentals and
hip roll explosion.
to train linebackers to cut the distance between ball carrier and CHOP DRILL
maintain a solid neutral base prior to delivering a blow.
10 YDS
To train linebackers to quickly diagnose back keys and where they
are to respond with action. BLOCK DESTRUCTION
1 LB & RB take formation alignment
2 On comand, RB takes the prescribed IN, AT, or OUTSIDE path
3 LB shuffles at attacks open seam
4 LB is graded on his key read, diagnosis, and not overrunning the RB
AT OUTSIDE
* can incorporate linemen for flashing light keys / or pass drop keys
GOAL LINE TACKLE
An advanced variation on In / At, LBs determine
frontside / backside, and fill respective responsible gap.
1 LB & RB take formation alignment
2 On comand, RB takes the prescribed IN, AT, or OUTSIDE path
3 LB shuffles at attacks open seam
4 LB is graded on his key read, diagnosis, and not overrunning the RB
AT OUTSIDE
* can incorporate linemen for flashing light keys / or pass drop keys
BENDING (CIRCLES)
In order to get an advantage in moving a blocker, LBs must be the "low man" to win this battle. Imagine moving heavy furniture, you cannot
move it unless you apply force from the base, in the same vein, we want our LBs coming UP and UNDER the blocker. Str
Players should use a compact base from which to uncoil his hips. He should set the front foot with a very small stagger. When a player
plants the same-side foot to the ground just before meeting the blocker, he's in the strongest position to fight pressur
The upper body is the contact surface with the blocker. We will stress shoulders for linemen and fullback isos / loads. When using shoulder,
attempt to get forearm lift over the fron t foot to gain separation from the blocker as out hips explode.Simultane
The LB must launch his pads (contact surface) inot the blocker by uncoiling his hips. The hips follow the path of the front foot. The front foot
must point at the target, directed down the middle of the blocker, not the edge of the opponent. We want the b
der control and just before contact, hop or skip to a correct base, get pad under pad, and explode off a stationary base.
4 key fundamentals in this drill
ght individual phases of this technique one at a time
blocker, or 5 man sled can be utilized for reps
MAT TACKLE
1) One player is the tackler and the other the 'tacklee'
2) The tacklee will stand 1 foot away from the large blue mat.
3) On command, the LB (2.5 yards away) will approach, drop his hips
and execute a proper form tackle THROUGH the mat.
JUMP TACKLE
1) LB & BC align 5 yards apart from each other.
2) On command, LB begins shuffle pursuit and executes a lateral jum
over agile bag pile
3) After jumping, the LB fires out and performs a form tackle
BC on BC.
LB
CHOP DRILL
BC 1) BC & OG align 5 yards apart with BC 5 yards deep.
2) On command, either LG or RG execute a scooping cut block on LB
3) BC will run L or R depending on which guard cuts
OG x OG 4) LB must run downhill on movement, defeat cut block and perform
form tackle on BC.
LB
BLOCK DESTRUCTION
1) This is a rapid fire drill with LB & OL spaced 5 yards apart
2) On command, OL fires out R or L and attempts to wall off LB
3) LB must shoot hands into chest of blocker and maintain separation
OL 4) LB espcapes and returns to line.
AGILE
LB
GOAL LINE TACKLE
1) LB aligns with heels on goal line 3 yards from agile bag (BC) behin
2) On command, BC attempts to cross the goal line in a 5 yard wide
alley and can choose right, left, or straight angles.
LB 3) LB must shuffle and keep feet and execute a form takle to prevent
a score.
BC
BENDING (CIRCLES)
1) Two LBs race around hoops in a figure-eight pattern
2) 2nd LB chases first LB through hoops
3) Emphasis on staying low and bending hips through turns.
LB
LB
he other the 'tacklee'
way from the large blue mat.
ds away) will approach, drop his hips,
e THROUGH the mat.
om each other.
fle pursuit and executes a lateral jump
fires out and performs a form tackle
with BC 5 yards deep.
G execute a scooping cut block on LB
on which guard cuts
ment, defeat cut block and perform
& OL spaced 5 yards apart
or L and attempts to wall off LB
st of blocker and maintain separation
ne 3 yards from agile bag (BC) behind it
cross the goal line in a 5 yard wide
r straight angles.
and execute a form takle to prevent
s through turns.