3 4 ANCHOR

HYBRID DEFENSE
Defensive Playbook

Coach Gustavo Sandoval

Table of Contents
Chapter one: Introduction
Philosophy-----------------------------------------------------------------------------pg.5
Goals------------------------------------------------------------------------------------pg.6
Objectives-----------------------------------------------------------------------------pg.6
Principles-------------------------------------------------------------------------------pg.6
Chapter two: Tackling
Team--------------------------------------------------------------------------------pg. 7
Defensive Line----------------------------------------------------------------------pg.8
Inside Linebackers-----------------------------------------------------------------pg.10
Outside Linebackers--------------------------------------------------------------pg.13
Secondary---------------------------------------------------------------------------pg.15
Chapter three: Position Drills
SSR Drill (Sting, Shrug, and Rip)-----------------------------------------------pg.16
Flow Drill----------------------------------------------------------------------------pg.16
Tough Drill-------------------------------------------------------------------------pg. 18
Lead Blocker Drill----------------------------------------------------------------pg.18
Fast Drill----------------------------------------------------------------------------pg.19
Eye Opener Drill------------------------------------------------------------------pg.20
Stalk---------------------------------------------------------------------------------pg.21
Profile-------------------------------------------------------------------------------pg.22
SSS (Sprint, Shimmy, Shuffle)--------------------------------------------------pg.23
Set the Boundary-----------------------------------------------------------------pg.24
Get there late----------------------------------------------------------------------pg.25
2-safety perimeter run/up the middle---------------------------------------pg.26

1 safety perimeter/up the middle------------------------------------------pg.27

Mirror Pass Routes-------------------------------------------------------------pg.30
Back Pedal-----------------------------------------------------------------------pg.30
Palm off------------------------------------------------------------------------pg.31
Split the Difference------------------------------------------------------------pg.34
2 on 1-----------------------------------------------------------------------------pg.35
4 on 2 Vertical drill------------------------------------------------------------pg.37
Funnel Drill---------------------------------------------------------------------pg.38
Chapter four: Pursuit Drill
Panther--------------------------------------------------------------------------pg.39
Team ----------------------------------------------------------------------------pg.40
Ram------------------------------------------------------------------------------pg.41
Green bay-----------------------------------------------------------------------pg.42
Pass-----------------------------------------------------------------------------pg.43
Chapter five: 3 4 Anchor Hybrid Defense
Base Alignment---------------------------------------------------------------pg.44
Personnel-----------------------------------------------------------------------pg.45
Reads and Keys----------------------------------------------------------------pg.46
Gap Responsibilities---------------------------------------------------------pg.46
Chapter six: Coverages
Cover 8 ------------------------------------------------------------------------pg.53
Cover 6------------------------------------------------------------------------pg.57
Cover 3------------------------------------------------------------------------pg.59
Quarters Coverage ---------------------------------------------------------pg.60
Cover 0------------------------------------------------------------------------pg.69

Cover 1-----------------------------------------------------------------------pg.70
.
Cover 2----------------------------------------------------------------------pg.71
Cover 7----------------------------------------------------------------------pg.72
Chapter 7: Blitzes and Stunts
Tomahawk (Florida State)-----------------------------------------------pg.73
Lighting Lock---------------------------------------------------------------pg.74
Pinch Away Hold----------------------------------------------------------pg.75
Eagle Texas Twist--------------------------------------------------------pg.76
Twist------------------------------------------------------------------------pg.77
Crazy Black + 1-----------------------------------------------------------pg.78
Smash/Sower/Mower--------------------------------------------------pg. 79
Chapter 8: Multiple Fronts
OVER-----------------------------------------------------------------------pg.81
Hawaii/Eskimo---------------------------------------------------------pg.82/83
Montana-----------------------------------------------------------------pg.84
Chapter 9: Goal Line
Georgia 8---------------------------------------------------------------pg.85
Chapter 10: Defending the Veer---------------------------------------------pg.86
Chapter 11: Miscellaneous
Turn over circuit---------------------------------------------------pg.88
Defending the Run and Shoot-------------------------------------pg.89
Defending the Roll out pass-------------------------------------pg.90
Developing grip strength-----------------------------------------pg.92

Defensive Philosophy

Defenses seek and destroy; this is the mentality that every defensive
player must have in order to build a successful defense. Each player
must give everything they in order to build a successful defense. Along
with this intensity comes preparation. Failing to prepare is preparing to
fail. The coaching staff will do its best to prepare you for every game
but you must do your part to. This means doing your job. If everyone
does their job no can beat us no matter what the score is at the end of
the game. We will chase perfection knowing full well we will not catch
it because nothing is perfect but in the processes we will catch
excellence. Making mistakes is all right because you will learn from
them but never blame others for your mistakes because then you
failed. Friday nights games will be an expression of the preparation
during the week. Football is not a dumb mans game it is quite the
opposite. I want you to think because football is not just about
reacting. This is where your preparation and attention to detailed will
come in handy because it will seem your are just reacting. This will be
due to the high level of preparation that you will have. Remember, it is
attention to all the small things that lead to big accomplishment.
Remember, in this business it is all about production. If you do produce
you will be replace by someone who is better prepared than you!

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Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

Objectives
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Execute the defense called

Run to the ball
No missed tackles
Create turn overs
Play physical hard-nosed football
Do not worry about penalties
Get off the ball quickly

Goals
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Teach the fundamentals

Keep the scheme simple
Repetition lots of repetition
Organize practices
Drills must relevant to scheme
Minimize time between drills
Lay out and be consistent with defensive game plan
Communicate defensive game plan with players

Principles
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Eliminate fluff
No new schemes, drills, etc. during season
Be assignment sound (know your responsibility)
Team Unity
Play with emotion

Chapter 2: Tackling
Tackling needs to have a progression to it. The most important
aspect of tackling that we must teach is placement of the head. The
players must know that their helmet is not to be used as part of the
tackle and that their head must be up throughout the entire tackle
Team Tackling Progression:

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Clamp Phase start on knees and progress to a 2pt stance. The
clamp phase is a combination of steps that happen all at once.
a.
b.
c.
d.

Step, clamp and roll

Step, clamp, roll, and lift
Shimmy Down (Shuffle feet)
Shimmy, step, clamp, roll and lift

Head Placement phase - Correctbodypostureatmomentofimpactforsafer

tackling.
a. Head and eyes are up,
b. Use the front of shoulder as point of contact
Hip Phase - The opening of the hips to generate power and create an
ascending tackle.
In this section we mass teach, this way we get everybody involved. We
will use bags, sleds and transition to people as master the techniques.
Team tackling will look like this:
Shimmy

Step

Clamp

Lift/Roll

Tackle

We are going to teach the individual parts first and them put it all
together. This will ensure that we are: teaching proper technique and
that everybody is getting exposed. Do not let the athletes horse
round, this for legal purposes. We do not want to get dragged into
court. We will be filming this portion of practice to correct mistake and
for CYA purposes.

Defensive Line Tackling Drills (Use bags in the Individual

portion and widen them to make more difficult)
DL must do two things in football
a. Defeat the block
b. Make a tackle

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The D Line will use the SSR Progression (Sting, Shrug, and Rip) to
defeat a block

STING Bench press the OL up and away and lock elbows

SHRUG Push OL Playside Shoulder away and pull other shoulder

toward you
RIP Rip your pulling arm across the OL

Base Tackle
Down Tackle

DL

DL

RB

RB

Dbl. Team
RB
Close Pull
Reach Block
RB

RB

DL

DL

DL

Putting all Together

Once the athletes have mastered these specific tackling drills you put
all together by putting and offensive line and given them a silent signal
on what block to execute. The coach stands behind the D - Line and
signals the O Line

RB

A
Coach
Use handle signal each OL has to execute a
particular block. Defensive Linemen have defeat the
block and make a tackle or close a window

Inside Linebacker Tackling drills (use trash cans for the OL that
does not move)
Inside Linebackers must:
a. Take to read steps
b. Close any open windows, if a window opens shoot it and close
it
c. Take on blocker with inside shoulder
d. No lateral movement

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Down
RB

N
B

Base

N
B

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Pull Backside

N
B

Playside Pull

N
B

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Zone

N
B

Putting all together

Once the athletes have mastered these specific tackling drills you put
all together by putting and offensive line and given them a silent signal
on what block to execute. This lead into the Backfield flow drill, here
you put both inside linebackers. The key teaching points in the
individual tackling drills is to teach to read the offensive line. The flow
drills will be illustrated in chapter three but here is an example. The
coach stands behind defense and signal the blocks.
Flow Drill: Full Flow

A
M

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Outside Linebacker Tackling drills (use trash cans for the OL

that does not move)
Outside Linebackers must:
a. Take to read steps
b. Close any open windows, if a window opens shoot it and close
it
c. Take on blocker with inside shoulder
d. No lateral movement
e. Defeat the Stalk Block
f. Defeat the Crack Block
g. Close gap on lead blocker
Stalk Block

A
BB
C

Crack Block

BB
A
C

Rip w/inside shoulder

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Pulling Linemen

BB
Meet the blocker at the V of the block. Take him on with the
inside shoulder and push into RB path. Keep your outside
shoulder free.

Lead Blocker

BB

Reestablish the LOS meet the lead blocker in backfield. Take on

the block with inside shoulder and push blocker into the path of
the RB. Keep outside shoulder free to make a tackle.

Putting all together

Once the athletes have mastered these specific tackling drills you put
all together by putting and offensive line and given them a silent signal
on what block to execute. This lead into the Backfield flow drill, here
you put both inside linebackers and outside linebackers. The key
teaching points in the individual tackling drills is to teach to read the

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offensive line. The flow drills will be illustrated in chapter three. The
coach stands behind defense and signal the blocks. In this drill the
ILBs look for open windows to close.
Secondary Tackling Drills
The secondary tackling is more open field. They are usually late and if
they do need to tackle it is an open field tackle. There are several
things to keep in mind when teaching open field tackling:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Must Break down

Keep feet moving
Do not cheat to one side because it leaves an open window
Do not leave your feet
Set a boundary
Must be the best tacklers on the team

The following tackling drills are for secondary and will be illustrated in
the next chapter:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Stalk Drill
Profile Drill
Sprint Shimmy Shuffle
Set the Boundary
Got there late
Perimeter run w/2 and 1 safety

To much time is spent on back pedal drills and frankly there are over
1000 back pedaling drills and you can spent entire practice on them
we will use 5 drills:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Trail
Plant and defend
Out/Slant
Corner/Post
Change directions

The secondary must master the cross rip technique. If being blocked
do not avoid the blocker take him on get rid of him and turn the RB to
the inside.
The back pedal must be used to determine if the play is a run or pass.

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Chapter 3: Position Drills

SSR Drill (Defensive Line)
The D Line will use the SSR Progression (Sting, Shrug, and Rip) to
defeat a block

STING Bench press the OL up and away and lock elbows

SHRUG Push OL Playside Shoulder away and pull other shoulder

toward you
RIP - Rip your pulling arm across the OL

Flow Drills (Linebackers)

Full Flow

MB
N

BB
M

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This full flow, each of the linebackers has a job to do. The backside OLB
has backside contain. He should get as deep as the ball. For this drill
and all the other flow drills use:
Trash Cans for the offensive line
Stands behind linebackers and signals the backfield what kind of
flow to execute
Emphasize to read OL to back field flow
Split Flow

MB
T

BB
M

Counter Flow

MB
N

BB
M

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Tough Drill

RB

B
a. Can adjust the width of the cones to make hard
b. Have the LB take on get rid and make the tackle
Lead Blocker Drill

RB

RIP through every blocker

w/inside shoulder keep
moving down hill

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Fast (Tackling Fast )

Coach tells which blocker down blocks

RB runs between cone and Blocker
LB fights over the top of OL w/inside shoulder
This drill is for ILBs

RB

Note: Widening or narrowing the cones can adjust the drill, the ILB has
rip using his inside shoulder. It is important that the outside shoulder
be kept free.

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Eye Opener Drill

RB

LB

RB picks hole and attacks it, the LB maintains inside leverage and
attacks the hole looking to make a tackle. This drill can also be used to
work on cutback. To work on cutback must maintain a 2-yard trail
looking for the cutback.
Pass Drop Drill
Run routes at the linebackers
Start with 1 WR and progress to 2 WR and 3 WR
Have them work on the following routes:
Hook/Curl
Crossing Routes
Take away the number 3 WR

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Stalk Tackling Drill for the Secondary

RB

WR

CB

The corner has to throw the blocker and go and make the tackle. It is
very important that the CB not give up the outside. If the RB turns
inside that is just as good a tackle. This drill can be made more difficult
by widening or narrowing the cones. This helps defend the: toss,
sweep, screen and the green/jet/speed sweep.

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Profile Tackling Drill

RB

CB

This drill simulates a RB breaking a run down the sideline. There is a

natural progression and order to this drill:

First the corner or safety must shimmy (Shuffle) there feet then
read the RB and make a decision then attack to make the tackle.

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In the beginning tell the defense which line the Running back will
take
As they get better at it let the RB pick and the defense has to
make the correct read
Lastly, the RB can not use any moves, he just broke a run down
the sideline

Sprint, Shimmy, Shuffle Drill

CB
RB

When first introduce the drill the following has to be done:

RB cannot use any moves
The CB/FS know the Direction the RB is going
As the athletes begin to master the drill:

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Let the RB do one move

Then two moves

The RB runs through the bags and makes a cut in either direction. The
CB/FS will sprint and break down in front of the bag shimmying his feet
when the RB makes his cut he mirrors and makes a tackle.
Note: Do not let them go head to head in this drill. You can increase
the difficulty by increasing or narrowing the width of the bags.

Set the Boundary Drill

CB

The Corner takes a 3 step backpedal:

Do not avoid the blocker
Turn the RB inside
Use Cross RIP if the RB is sprinting towards the sideline

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The CB has to come outside to in; he cannot give up the outside. This
drill can be adjusted by doing the following:

Adding a WR
Adding a pulling guard

Got there Late Tackling Drill

QB

CB

CB
CB
CB
CB
CB
There three phase to this drill:

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If the CB gets there early intercept the ball

If the CB gets there at the same time as the ball break up the
pass
If the CB gets there late shimmy down and make a tackle
Put a player in front of the bag

CB must attack the outside shoulder; he cannot give up the outside.

Two Safety Perimeter Run Drill

FS
SS

CB
CB

RB

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The CB sets the boundary and the play side safety shoots the alley.
Backside Safety replaces play side safety and the backside CB replaces
the backside safety.

One Safety Perimeter Run Drill

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FS

CB

CB

RB

The CB sets the boundary and the play side safety shoots the alley.
Backside Corner replaces play side safety

Two Safeties up the Middle Drill

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FS

SS

CB

CB

RB

The Corners replace the safeties.

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One Safety up the Middle Drill

FS

CB
CB

RB

The CBs rotate to the middle stay outside of hash marks incase RB
breaks to the outside.
Mirror Route Drill

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Coach

The coach is the QB, on his command the DB back pedal. When the
coach opens the DB break to run the pattern. The DB is set by the
direction the coach opens his shoulders and the pattern being ran.
Back Pedal Drills

CB
CB
Plant/Defend

CB

Out/Slant
Change Directions

CB places hand on hip and knock out the ball

CB

Corner/Post

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Palm off Drill

This drill works on 1, 3, and 5 step drop back routes the CB is looking
for two indicators:
1. Shoulder down is a slant/out
2. Shoulder up is Post/Fade
3. Palm of non throwing hand comes of the ball, the CB
breaks on the ball
Start with cones and then progress to actual WRs.
1 Step Routes

Swing

Slant

Fade

3 Step Routes

Hitch
Fade

Slant

Out

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5 Step Routes

Deep Out/Curl
Post/Corner

Go
Post Corner

Hitch/Go

Coachable Points

Break to up field shoulder

On Post Keep inside leverage
On the Out it is okay to be late
Okay for CB to break underneath

Teaching progression will go:

1 on 1
2 on 1

Dig

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Palm Off Drill

QB

Slant
CB
The QB drops back 1, 3, or 5
steps the CB backpedals and
breaks on the cone when the
QB takes his palm of the
football. When you first start
use cone and progress to
actual WRs once the CBs
have mastered the cone
phase. You can also cones for
the post, corner, post corner
and dig.

Out

Deep out

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Streak/Fade

CB will learn to read the QB shoulder:

Shoulder down it is a slant or out
Shoulder up Post or fade

Split the Difference

The CB must lean closer to the WR closer to the QB.

The CB must cover both the key is to split the difference between
both.
The coaching point is that the inside WR is an easier throw and
that the CB can rally to the outside WR.

Coach (QB)

CB

The CB backpedals and has split the difference. Start with bags
and move to WRs. When using WR have them run patterns.

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2 on 1 Drill

2 WRs running routes against on CB

The drill must be ran with a coverage such as: 0, 1, 2, 3,
6,7, 8, or quarters
Depending on the coverage being worked, that will dictate
the WR the CB will cover

CB

Verticals

CB

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CB

CB

Break in

Both Breaking IN/OUT

CB

CB

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CB

Break Out

CB

4 on 2 Verticals Drills

FS

CB

FS

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B

CB
B

Learn to Defend 4 vertical

OLB must route Slot WR
ILB must get to their zone
If out side WR cuts in/out CB Squeeze the Zone and get deep
CB and FS Switch on cross patterns

Funnel Drill

CB
WR

LB

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NT

RB

The lines represent cones. All three must work together to make the
tackle.

Panther Pursuit Dr

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F
C
M

C
B
A

We have backside pursuit to help with cutback or running backward

Team Pursuit

Coach
Coach
1/3

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F
C
B
B

C
A

E
Flats

Say down set go the defense does an up down and then pursuit
to where the ball was thrown to
Coach throws a pass on of four spots
Players shuffle feet after the up down then coach throws the ball

Ram Pursuit Drills

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Green Bay
FS

CB

CB

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B
B

B
N

Point at a Defensive Player say Green Bay, the player does an

up/down at the same time the offensive player sprints. When
the Defensive player gets up he pursuits the rabbit.

Pass Pursuit

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Seam

Seam
FS

CB
Hook/Curl and Dig
CB

B
Flats

B
E

B
N

B
T

A
Flats

Coach/QB
1. Call Coverage
2. Ball is snapped the Defense drops to zone area
3. DL pass rushes and caging the QB, go pass the coach and
let him throw
4. WR catches the ball can only move one step LF or RT
5. Defense has to get to the ball

Base Alignment:
The wide side of the field dictates strength, if the ball is in the middle
of the field then strength in to the left. If we change the strength call it
will come from what we see in film for example if a team goes to the
short side.

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T
MB

BB

N
W

CB

CB

FS
Defensive Line
Anchor End and Strong tackle line up to Strength call
NG lines up in weak A gap away from monster
Weak tackle and Blood line up on the short side of field away
from Monster
Linebackers
Mike lines up over strong A gap
Will lines up over weak B gap
Monster lines up to strong D gap
Blood Backer lines up weak D gap
Secondary
Corners are 2 x 7 and inside shade of WR
FS 10 yards from LOS (line of scrimmage) on the 2 WR side
Personnel

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Defensive End: Technique, Alignment and Play
Anchor End

7 technique inside shoulder of the TE on the line of scrimmage

2 point stance
Aligns to Monster Back side

Anchor End Keys and Responsibilities

The outside hip of OT

OT down blocks trip over heels looking for back
TE Reach Block stirs shoulders up field rush
TE goes away, OT down block and G pulls meet at the V of the

Neck and take up field rush

No pass responsibility in normal packages and replace with

Nickel safety in nickel package

Ball to play C gap
Ball away pursue

Blood End

5 technique outside shoulder of the OT in the D gap

Walks away from LOS when there is a slot WR
2 point stance
Aligns on the short side of the field and is responsible for D gap
Must Keep outside part of body free

Blood End Keys

OT Down blocks Trips over heels looking for near back

OT Reach Blocks stirs shoulder and up field rush
Has pass responsibilities
Ball goes away must hold; get as deep as the ball and look for
Reverse, counter, throw back or screen.

Nose Tackle, Strong Tackle, and Weak Tackle: Technique,

Alignment and Play
Nose Tackle

1 technique, in the A gap on the Short side of the field

3 point Stance
Aligns away from Monster Back

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Combo Block beat man in front and turn hips toward the down

block
Reach Block Stir Shoulders and up field rush
Responsible for Weak A Gap

Strong Tackle

4 technique inside shoulder of Offensive Tackle

Responsible for B gap
Aligns to the Monster Back side
Combo Block beat man in front and turn hips toward the down

block
Reach Block Stir Shoulders and up field rush
Pull Block find the running back do not follow pulling guard

Weak Tackle

5 technique of outside shoulder of Offensive Tackle

Aligns away from Monster back
Responsible For C Gap
Ball goes away must hold; get as deep as the ball and look for
Reverse, counter, throw back or screen.

Linebacker: Technique, Alignment and Play

Mike Backer

91 technique inside shoulder of guard to Monsters side 4 LOS

Aligns to wide side of the field with the Monster Back
Responsible for Strong A Gap

Will Backer
31 technique outside should of OG away from Monster Back 4
of LOS
Responsible for B Gap

Monster Backer
Aligns to wide of the field that is the strength outside of Anchor 2
x2
If ball in the Middle it is Monster Left
Responsible for D gap

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Stance
Outside foot up and weight on inside foot
Toe to heel
Flat back and Chest up
Chin over knees
Steps
On snap take a trigger step based on Flow
Read
Read Flow of the Back field
Types of Flow
Fast Flow
Full Flow
Split Flow
Divide Flow
Counter Flow
Secondary: Technique, Alignment and Play
Corners
2 x 7 inside shade of WR
Stance
Outside foot up
Toe to Heel
Weight on inside foot
Toe pointed slightly in
Flat back, chest up, and chin over knees
Reads
Reading the last man on the line of scrimmage OT/TE looking for
high hat
Pass first
Free Safety
10 yards in the middle of the field or two WR side
Can be the ninth defender in the box

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Cover 8
Coverage is dictated by what the number 2 WR does to
Monster Back side. Cover 8 works best against 2 x 1 WR sets.
Anything else such as 2 x 2, 1 x 3, etc. we must get out of
Cover 8.
Monster Back Responsibility
# 2 goes vertical get in Flats defending the Slant pattern
# 2 goes out get to flats look to take away slant and feel # 2
#2 goes inside get in Flats defending the Slant pattern
#2 does a wheel Take Man to Man
Blood End Responsibility (If the 2 WR side is to short side of the field)
Same as the Monster Back
If their only 1 WR to his side drop to Flats defending backside
slant
If no slant or RB Swing Drop into the Seam
Free Safety Responsibility
# 2 goes vertical Take Man to Man
# 2 goes out Look for the Post from the # 1 WR and Jump the
Route
#2 goes in get depth looking for playside post or backside dig
Corners Responsibilities
Stem Inside and Defend the Post
# 1 goes vertical take Man to Man
# 1 runs and Out/Hitch Break on the Ball
#1 goes in Stem inside and cover Deep
Mike and Will Responsibilities
No back field threat Mike opens hips and drops 10 15 yards in
hook to curl zone and Will drops 10 to 20 yards in the middle
Back release out of the back field corresponding LB must cover

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Cover 6
Its a coverage that combines the principles of cover 2 and cover 4.
This coverage will be used in the following situations:
1. Use to defend the Run and Shoot offense
2. Use on 3rd and long
3. Used on downs 15 yard or more to get the first
Calling the correct strength is very important because coverage
assignments are determined by the strength call.

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Strong Side

CB 7 yard cushion and cover

FS 10 yards off the LOS and over the strong OT
Monster Back split difference between 2 and 3 take away flats
Mike Hook to curl. If nothing in the hook/curl drop into the area
between FS and CB
Will cover tackle to tackle. If nothing in the tackle box drop into
the middle underneath the safeties
Weak Side
Blood backer Press the slot WR and drop to hook/curl, if there is
nothing in the area drop into the alley (seam) between CB and
NS
CB Covers the flats. Presses WR and push WR inside. CB must
feel # 1 and read #2. If both WR release deep the CB can drop
Deep if there is no threats to the flats. If flats are threatened then
CB must break drop and defend the flats.
Nickel Safety - lines up over the weak side tackle and cover deep
, nothing gets behind the nickel safety
We can run this coverage out of multiple looks:

34
43
Dime

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Cover 3

MB
B

C
C
Hook/Curl
Seam/Flat

FS
Underneath Middle
10-20 yds.

Deep 1/3
Deep 1/3

Deep middle 1/3

Flats

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Quarters Coverage
In this coverage CB, OLB, FS, and MLB work in tandem
If its a 2 x 2 set then coverage is dictated by the number 2 WR
on both sides.
If its a 3 x 2 set coverage on the strong side is dictated to by the
# 3 WR on the weak side coverage is dictated by the number 2
WR
Alignment
CB is in a 8 x 1 alignment
Safety is in a 12 x 2 alignment on the inside WR
OLB splits the difference between the inside WR and the last man
on the LOS
MLB is cover the center
# 2 WR Dictating Coverage in 2 x 2 set

#2 goes vertical Safety covers and CB covers #1 and OLB drops

10 15 yards in hook/curl if the RB runs a pattern out of
backfield to OLB side cover
If # 2 runs an out CB covers and Safety covers number 1, OLB
drops in the Hook/curl area looking for anything out of the
backfield
If # 2 runs a wheel CB covers and Safety covers # 1 OLB Hook to
curl
If # 2 runs an inside pattern Safety covers if it is 5 yards or MLB
will cover and get deep
MLB covers tackle box 5 to 15 yards and looks for RB release up
middle

# 3 WR Dictating coverage in a 3 x 2 set

# 3 goes vertical Safety will cover, CB covers 1 and OLB covers 2

# 3 goes out OLB covers, Safety covers #2 and CB covers # 1
#3 does a wheel OLB covers, Safety covers 2, and CB covers 1
#3 goes inside 10 yards or more Safety covers, OLB covers #2
and CB covers #1

This will be used for run and shoot teams and shotgun spread teams

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2 x 2 Set Quarters vs. Verticals

NS

FS
C
M

C
MB

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The same coverage would apply on the weak side.

2 x 2 Set Quarters vs. Out/Curl

NS

FS
M

C
A

B
MB

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2 x 2 Set Quarters vs. NCAA Route

FS
NS
C
C

M
B

MB

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2 x 2 set Quarters vs. Out

NS

FS

C
M

B
MB

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2 x 2 set Quarters vs. Flood

FS
NS
C
M
C
B
MB

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2 x 2 Quarters vs. Post Wheel

NS

FS
C

M
B

MB

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2 x 2 Quarters vs. Smash

NS

FS
C

C
M
B
MB

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2 x 2 Quarters vs. Switch

NS

FS
C

M
B

MB

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Cover 0

In cover 0 we are manning up all secondary defenders. The CB

would be man to man on the outside WRs
The safeties would be man to man on the slot WRs
The LB would man up on the backfield

NS

FS

C
C

M
B

MB

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Cover 1

In cover 1 we are manning up the CB and OLBs. The CB would

be man to man on the outside WRs
The OLBs would be man to man on the slot WRs
The MLB would man up on the backfield
Safeties are free

NS
C
C

FS
M

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MB

Cover 2

Safeties play on the hashes unless the ball is not placed in the

middle of field
Corners are align 1 x 4 and taking the outside way/ Corners

funnel receivers inside

Blood End and Monster Back are seam players 5 to 20 yards/

BE/MB must bang WR down field for 5 yard

Mike plays middle of the field 15 to 20 yards
Mike is also the Spy looking for: Draw, Screen, HB pass, throw

back
We will play sink with the corners
Safeties do not get beat deep

Deep
Deep

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Deep Middle
Seam

Seam
NS

FS
Flat

Flat
M
C
MB

E
C

Cover 7

Deep
Deep
Deep middle

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Seam
FS
Underneath middle/SPYRB
NS
C
Flats
NB
B

Man to Man
C

B
T

BB

Blood backer: listen for Bruce call and helps if not spies the backfield if
RB release his way pick up. QB rolls his way Blitz, if RB stay in and
block and no Bruce call pass rush.
Chapter 7: Blitzes and Stunts
Tomahawk (Florida State)

E
T

MB
BB

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W

FS

Will Backer and FS go through the B gap and NG Hits the

Guard

Lighting Lock
CB blitz, the Safety rotates to cover CB man, every body else is locked
on a WR or RB. CB creeps and blitzes on the snap

NS

FS

C
C

W
B

MB

M
E

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Pinch Away Hold

NG and DE are pinching the OG

Mike backers blitzes through strong A Gap

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E
T

MB
BB
W

FS

Eagle Texas Twist

Stunt between NG and DE

NG goes first

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E
A

MB
BB
W

FS

Twist

Mike Backer Blitzes

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E
T

MB
BB
W

Crazy Black + 1

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Smash/Sower/Mower/Wams

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SMashR Black
S

N
M

F/S

SoWeR Black
S

N
M

Smash/Sower/Mower/WAMS

T
W

R
F/S

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MoWeR Black
S

N
M

F/S

F/S

WaMS Black
S

N
M

Chapter 8 Multiple Fronts

Oklahoma (Over)

T
W

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BB

MB
W

Oklahoma is opposite of Bama (Alabama), we are aligning:

The NG to the strength of the formation
DT to the C gap
Anchor to C

Hawaii (Head up)

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E
BB

All Defensive linemen are heap up

ILBs are heap up over the OG

Eskimo (Eagle)

N
W

T A MB
M

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BB

DE, NG and DT are covering the C and OGs

Anchor inside shade of last man on LOS

Montana

MB

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BB

E
W

A
M

The D line is covering up backside OG to play side OT

Chapter 9: Goal line Defense

MB

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Georgia 8 (Gap) short yardage and Goaline defense

This defense complements our base defense. The defense can be used
for the following situations or special offensive sets:

Unbalance formation
4 and 1 situation when we are expecting a wedge
Inside the 5 yard line
Veer offense

The defense places a defender in each gap. We can use a completely

different set of players or make small changes. We can transform back
to our base or multiple fronts with no problem. An add bonus is that
assignments do not change very

drastically.

B
C
FS

Chapter 10: Defending the Veer

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How to Defend the Flex bone option

When defending the option there is one thing to keep in mind; it is not
necessary to change our defensive scheme. In fact the more consistent
the scheme the easier it will be to defend the veer. There are several
principles to establish when defending the veer:
Principles
1. Base on the offensive set/formation
2. Single back, two back or no back
3. Blocking dictates how we defend it
4. Close open windows
5. Scrape close doors
The reads and keys do not change for the linemen; they play the same
way they would pay in base defense. The inside linebackers and
outside linebackers have the same read. The only difference is that
they have an option responsibility. The same principle applies to the
secondary.
How we will defend the Veer
1. Take away the dive.
2. Make the quarterback beat you.
3. Force turnovers.
4. Get a lead.
5. A defender in each gap
6. Crash hard on the FB
7. OL blocks down DL steps down
8. Open pull find ball
9. Close pull follows puling OL
10. Read the Wing backs motion

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Things to know about the veer

1) It's just different from the beginning. The triple option is designed to
take advantage of defenses by allowing the quarterback to make his
reads during the play, not before. This has two important
consequences
2) It will get its yards.
3) It will put the ball on the ground.
4) Blitzing it is a bad, bad idea.
5) The "A" and "B" gaps generally decide the ballgame.
6) First down is the most important of all.
7) They like the wide side of the field.

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Chapter 11: Miscellaneous

Turn over Circuit
A turn over circuit will be incorporated following tackling circuit. The
following drills will be used:

Grab and Punch

Grab and Strip
2 on 1 Strip
Roll and Scoop

Defensively we had 22 take aways this season and we did not practice
it during the year. If we drill it during the off season we can double it.
The most important aspect in the correction of turnovers is simply
instilling the proper mentality in the players. You don't just talk about
it. You have to show your players how important it is to actively
practice turnover techniques. We will divide into 5 phases:

Caused Fumbles
Interceptions and Pass Break Ups
Altered Passes and Batted Balls
Scoring
Implementation

How to do it:

Drill it every practice

Return all INT. or Fumbles for Touchdowns in practice

In spring football, score ALL loose balls, fumbles, INTs, and even
incomplete passes.
Work pursuit drills with all players going for the ball. Teach them
to be in position to take advantage of a caused fumble
Set goals and rewards.

Defending the Run and Shoot

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There are several ways we are going to defend the Run and Shoot
(Spread) offense. The first ways we are going defend by using Quarter
coverages. In Quarter coverage we can do several things:

We can stop the run w/ 4 down linemen

Defend the short and long pass because of the extra pass
defender
We can stop the bubble screen
There are three keys to making Quarter Coverage work
The CB, OLB, and Safety work in tandem
In a 2 x 2 Formation Coverage is dictated by the #2 WR
In a 3 x 1 Formation Coverage is dictated by the release #
3 WR

The second way I want to defend the Run and Shoot is by bringing
pressure 6 and even 7-man pressure out of the 3 4 look. This concept
does several things for us:

Places stress on the Offensive Protection

Offense is forced to keep RB in the backfield

QB has very little time to get the ball off

Attack protections/weak pass blockers

Great for run and pass downs

We will ensure that the #1 and #2 receivers are covered

We will Spy the RB for release based on Blitz called

We will Go Cover 0

If WR crosses we will switch WRs instead off getting picked on

the switch or
Cross pattern

The concept is variety; we can send any six or seven players you want,
or defended using a quarters (4-3) look.
The third way is using our Cover 6 and Cover7.

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I want to keep the offense guessing. The QB cannot just sit in the
pocket and have all the time in the world to pick us apart.
Defending the Roll out Pass
The Roll out pass really hurt us against Rancho Mirage, they exposed
our defense on this play. There are several changes that we must
implement to take this play away:

CBs lock on WR
The FS rolls wide the QB across the Formation Picking up any

open WR or the TE
OLB to roll out side rolls with the QB keeping him in front of

him and preventing the QB from tucking the ball and running
ILB to roll out side Rolls with QB in between FS and OLB and

takes away in intermediate routes

Backside ILB and OLB blitzes from weak side to cut off any

escape
The DL close to QB on the roll out side attacks the QB

outside shoulder to force the QB to scramble back inside.

The rest of the DL cages the QB so that he does not have any
open lanes to run through

The key to this is the corners they must understand that they follow
their WR were the WR goes. This especially important when the QB
starts to scramble. The FS is the only that mirrors the QB. This play is
intended to confuse the Defense but through film we can tell when the
plays is coming with a good degree of certainty.

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Defending the Roll out

FS
C
W

BB
A

T
MB

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Developing Grip Strength

I got this from Coaching Management Football Magazine, article was
from the strength and conditioning coach from the University of South
Carolina. Contrary to popular belief grip strength involves more than
just the hand. In fact it involves 35 muscles in the forearm and hand.
The following areas must be trained in order to develop grip strength:
1. The elbow
2. Wrist and Forearm
3. The Hand
The following exercises are utilized to develop and improve grip
strength.
Exercise 1: Isometric Hold with a jersey

The player does pull ups using a jersey.

The jersey helps build grip strength because the jersey is less
stable than the bar.

Exercise 2: Fat bar reverse overhead press

Hands are in pronated position

With Shoulder Blades depressed and retracted curl the bar to

collar bone
Press bar overhead and bring head through arms locking the
elbows and squeezing the shoulder blades.

[Note: pronated hand position = palms facing down]

Exercise 3: Farmers walk to work

Distance 30 yards
Grip weight and away from body, walk the distance constantly
squeezing the weights

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