PHILOSOPHY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

PHILOSOPHY----------------------------------------

2-5

BASIC REMINDERS--------------------------------

SUDDEN CHANGE----------------------------------

2 MINUTE PROCEDURE--------------------------

VICTORY DEFENSE-- -----------------------------

DEFENSIVE PRINCIPLES------------------------

10-11

TURNOVERS------------------------------------------

12-13

PURSUIT----------------------------------------------TACKLING/BLOCK PROTECTION----------HUDDLE PROCEDURE----------------------------

14-16
18-20
21-22

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A GREAT DEFENSE

1.

MOTIVATION Are you Motivated to do the things necessary to

win? Are you hungry to win? Are you committed to Hard Work?

2.

TEAM FIRST ATTITUDE Are you SELFISH or SELFLESS?

Winning is more important than individual accomplishments.

3.

MENTAL FOCUS. Play Smart. Know your defensive responsibility.

Eliminate Missed Assignments.

4.

TRUST IN TEAMMATES Missed assignments will cause break

downs in Team Defense and a loss of trust in the player or players that
miss them.

5.

SOUND TECHNIQUE. Perfect your Individual Techniques so you

can play fast

6.

TREMENDOUS WORK ETHIC. In meetings, practice and in games.

7.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL TOUGHNESS. Consistently play at a

high level regardless of the situation.

8.

INTENSITY. Play every rep like its your last.

9.

AGGRESSIVENESS. Defensive football is a test of contact and

courage.

10.

TEAM ENTHUSIASM. Celebrate as a team not as an individual.

2009 SEASON GOALS

1.

#1 SCORING DEFENSE IN CAA.

2.

LEAD CAA IN TAKEAWAYS.

3.

LEAD CAA IN SACKS/TFLS.

4.

2009 CAA CHAMPIONS !!!

To REACH OUR 2009 GOALS WE NEED TO

DOMINATE vs. The Run.

INTIMIDATE your opponent physically!
COMPETE Every Play and Every Rep!
PLAY FAST Every Play and Every Rep!
PLAY WITH GREAT ENTHUSIASM! (Have Fun)
3

KEYS TO VICTORY
1. ELIMINATE EXPLOSIVE PLAYS.
2. ELIMINATE MENTAL ERRORS.
3. ELIMINATE FOOLISH PENALTIES. (Zero Tolerance)
4. ELIMINATE MISSED TACKLES. (Gang Tackling)
5. WIN THE TURNOVER BATTLE. At least 3 per game.
6. MAKE PLAYS FOR LOSS. At least 5 per game.
7. WIN THE CRITICAL SITUATIONS.
(Goal Line / 2 Min / Sudden Change)
8. MAKE 3RD DOWN STOPS.
9. NO RED ZONE TOUCHDOWNS.
10. SCORE OR SET UP A SCORE FOR THE OFFENSE.
Winning is not a sometime thing its an all the time thing. You dont do things right once in a while ,
you do things right all the time.
-Vince Lombardi

BASIC REMINDERS

MEETINGS
EVERYONE will be on time for all meetings and Practices.
EVERYONE will report to all meetings with note pad and pen or pencil.
NO ONE will wear head phones in meeting rooms.
EVERYONE will turn off their cell phones in meeting rooms.
NO ONE will be excused from any meeting except by their position coach. It is
your responsibility to inform your position coach of any problems.
NO ONE will leave trash in the meeting rooms.
PRACTICE
EVERYONE will be dressed in the gear of the day as directed by the head coach.
NO ONE will wear Flip Flops to any practice or Walk-Thru.
HELMETS will be worn at all times with chinstraps buckled during all drills. If
on the sideline during team drills, helmets can be removed but do not put them on
the ground.
TEMPO OF ALL DRILLS IS FULL SPEED unless told otherwise by coaches.
EVERYONE WILL RUN on and off the Practice Field.
BASIC RULE IF YOU ARE ON FIELD TURF YOU ARE RUNNING!!

2 MINUTE PROCEDURE

What are we defending against TD or FG?

Does the offense have any timeouts? If not, expect the ball to be thrown to
the sideline.
Is the QB a runner?
Substitute only when the clock stops.
The first play of a 2 minute series is often to the RB (Screen or Draw).
It is always a 4 down situation unless FG attempt.
With the clock stopped, Expect the Hard Count.

HOW TO USE THE CLOCK

Keep the Ball Carrier in Bounds
Force the ball to be thrown in front of you (No Cover Zone).
Get off the pile slowly after a tackle or sack. The clock will continue to
run on run play or completion in bounds that is short of a first down.

WHAT STOPS THE CLOCK

Penalties
First Downs
Defensive Injury
Deliberate Delay of game by the defense. Keep your Poise.
Measurement for a first down.

In a 2 minute Situation we will always huddle on the sideline before taking the
field to confirm the calls and the personnel.

We will Substitute only when the clock stops.

We do not want to use a timeout but we can and will if we need to.
8

Keep your poise and play confident!

VICTORY DEFENSE ( LAST PLAY)

Call :STACK MISSILE TORCH
2nd Contain

Contain

Q
Z

H
S

Ni

Z
A
T
FC

Box Out

BC

Trailer
Jumper
Jumper

Deepest

FS
9

CORE DEFENSIVE PRINCIPLES

1. EYE DISCIPLINE
2. GAP CONTROL
3. SPILL THEORY
4. CONTAIN
5. PURSUIT
6. CHASE TECHNIQUE
7. RE-ROUTE
8. GANG TACKLE
9. TAKEAWAYS
10. SCORE ON DEFENSE

10

PRINCIPLES OF RUN DEFENSE

ATTACK YOUR GAP AND CONTROL IT (GAP CONTROL)

SEE THE BLOCKER (EYE DISCIPLINE)

SHED THE BLOCKER (BLOCK PROTECTION)
LBS READ STUFF AND SHED OR RIP AND RUN
DOWNBLOCK = SPILL (SPILL THEORY)
STAY ON YOUR FEET
FIND THE BALL AND SWARM TO IT (PURSUIT)
ATTACK AND GANG TACKLE THE BALL CARRIER

DO YOUR JOB BEFORE HELPING SOMEWHERE ELSE

ALWAYS KNOCK HIM BACK

CAUSE A FUMBLE BY STRIPPING THE BALL FROM THE BALL

CARRIER.
CAUSE A FUMBLE BY KNOCKING THE BALL LOOSE WITH A BIG
HIT ON THE BALL CARRIER.

PRINCIPLES OF PASS DEFENSE

PRESSURE THE QB INTO THROWING AN INTERCEPTION OR

TAKING A SACK.
SEE YOUR COVERAGE KEY OR PROGRESSION (EYE DISCIPLINE)
DISRUPT TIMING OF ROUTES (RE-ROUTE)
FIND THE THROWN BALL AND SWARM TO IT (PURSUIT)
ATTACK AND GANG TACKLE THE RECEIVER
CAUSE A FUMBLE BY STRIPPING THE BALL FROM THE
RECEIVER.

11

WINNING THE TURNOVER BATTLE

Turnovers change momentum in a game, energize your team
and demoralize your opponent. If you Win the Turnover Battle it often
means you will Win the Game. On Defense this means aggressive,
ball conscious tackling and winning the fight for the ball in the air
or on the ground.
Creating a turnover and scoring on Defense is the greatest contribution
the Defense can make to winning.

FORCING TURNOVERS
1.
2.
3.
4.

CAUSE A FUMBLE BY STRIPPING THE BALL FROM THE BALL CARRIER.

CAUSE A FUMBLE BY KNOCKING THE BALL LOOSE WITH A BIG HIT ON THE
BALL CARRIER.
PRESSURE THE QB INTO THROWING AN INTERCEPTION
COVER RECEIVERS TIGHT TO MAKE THE QB HOLD THE BALL AND BE
SACKED AND TOMAHAWK STRIP THE BALL.

ONCE THE BALL COMES OUT , THE BETTER THE PURSUIT THE BETTER THE
CHANCE THAT WE RECOVER!!

12

TURNOVER CIRCUIT
30
STATION # 3
STRIP DRILL

20
STATION # 2

STATION # 4
INTERCEPTION DRILL

TIP DRILL

10
STATION # 1
TOMAHAWK DRILL

GL

*GROUPS WILL ROTATE CLOCKWISE

STATION # 1 TOMAHAWK DRILL COACH HETHERMAN
STATION # 2 TIP DRILL - COACH CLARK
STATION # 3 STRIP DRILL - COACH DAVIS
STATION # 4 INTERCEPTION DRILL COACH FORCUCCI
ALTERNATE DRILLS
SCOOP & SCORE
FUMBLE RECOVERY
SCOOP WITH TRAILER

13

PURSUIT DRILL
RED LEFT
TOSS LEFT
S

N
M

TW
Z

C
F

1. ALL PLAYERS THAT ARE NOT INVOLVED STAND 5 YARDS BEHIND

THE DRILL.
2. EACH GROUP WILL BE GIVEN A CALL.
3. SIGNAL CALLER, MAKE THE DEFENSIVE CALL LOUD AND GET
ALIGNED QUICKLY.
4. YOU WILL BE GIVEN A CADENCE BY THE QB. KEY THE BALL.
5. BALL IS SNAPPED:
1. COACH WILL SIMULATE A TOSS TO A RUNNING BACK EITHER
RIGHT OR LEFT.
2. RUNNING BACK WILL RUN TOWARDS THE NUMBERS AND DOWN
THE FIELD.
6. THIS IS NOT A CONDITIONING DRILL (ITS TEAM DEFENSE).
7. POINTS OF EMPHASIS: CALL PROCEDURE GETTING ALIGNED
QUICKLY
EXPLOSIVE REACTION PURSUIT ANGLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
EFFORT

14

PURSUIT DRILL
RED RIGHT
TOSS RIGHT
S E
M

T W

C
F

1. ALL PLAYERS THAT ARE NOT INVOLVED STAND 5 YARDS BEHIND

THE DRILL.
2. EACH GROUP WILL BE GIVEN A CALL.
3. SIGNAL CALLER, MAKE THE DEFENSIVE CALL LOUD AND GET
ALIGNED QUICKLY.
4. YOU WILL BE GIVEN A CADENCE BY THE QB. KEY THE BALL.
5. BALL IS SNAPPED:
1. COACH WILL SIMULATE A TOSS TO A RUNNING BACK EITHER
RIGHT OR LEFT.
2. RUNNING BACK WILL RUN TOWARDS THE NUMBERS AND DOWN
THE FIELD.
6. THIS IS NOT A CONDITIONING DRILL (ITS TEAM DEFENSE).

15

7. POINTS OF EMPHASIS: CALL PROCEDURE GETTING ALIGNED

QUICKLY
EXPLOSIVE REACTION PURSUIT ANGLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
EFFORT

PURSUIT DRILL # 2
C

DRIVE

HIT

PURSUE

FINISH

1) Drive Bag or Sled

2) See Coach for Direction
1) Hit-it
2) Up and Running
1) 1st Defender is Force ( Back Shoulder)
2) Take Proper Pursuit Angle
3) Never follow same color jersey
1) Under Control
2) Buzz Feet to the whistle

16

SWARM TO THE BALL

TACKLING
Fundamentals of Tackling
1.

PROPER LEVERAGE

2.

CLOSE (PRESS THE MAN)

3.

SOLID BASE (BALANCE)

4.

EYES

5.

SINK HIPS

6.

CONTACT (BRING BACK SHOULDER)

7.

CLUB ARMS (STRIP)

8.

GRAB CLOTH

9.

RUN YOUR FEET

Coaching Points
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Be more Aggressive if you are the Primary Force player and have the proper leverage
Make the Sure Tackle in the Open Field, not the big hit. Balance is the key.
Save Player (Last Man) should bring the ball carrier down any way he can. Save the TD!
Use the Sideline to your advantage. Use the proper leverage and force him out of bounds
Drive the ball carrier back in a Clean-up situation. Move the Pile backward and think
Turnover.

Tackling Drills
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Angle Form
Angle Tackle
Run Balance Hit (Straight on)
Run Balance Hit (Angle)
Open Field (2-way go)
Sideline
Matt Tackle

18

TACKLING CIRCUIT
30

STATION # 3
SHIMMY TACKLE

20

STATION # 4

STATION # 2

VICE TACKLE (Combo)

SIDELINE TACKLE

10
STATION # 1
CUT TACKLE

GL

*GROUPS WILL ROTATE CLOCKWISE

STATION # 1 CUT TACKLE COACH HETHERMAN
STATION # 2 SIDELINE TACKLE COACH CLARK
STATION # 3 SHIMMY TACKLE - COACH DAVIS
STATION # 4 VICE TACKLE (COMBO) COACH FORCUCCI
ALTERNATE DRILLS
SHED TACKLE
EYE OPENER TACKLE
GL TACKLE

19

BLOCK PROTECTION CIRCUIT

30

STATION # 3
PUSH - PULL - RIP

20

STATION # 4

STATION # 2

CLUB THROWBY

HIGH SHED

10
STATION # 1
CUT BLOCK

GL

*GROUPS WILL ROTATE CLOCKWISE

STATION # 1 - CUT BLOCK COAC HETHERMAN
STATION # 2 HIGH SHED COACH CLARK
STATION # 3 PUSH PULL - RIP - COACH DAVIS
STATION # 4 CLUB THROWBY COACH FORCUCCI
ALTERNATE DRILLS
HIGH LOW SHED
20

Huddle And Huddle Procedure

1.

HUDDLE

The Nose will line up on the Ball, the Tackle will be positioned away from the Husky call immediately
following the completion of the previous play. He will position himself approximately 4 yards from the
anticipated spot of the ball. It is necessary that we get in and out of the huddle as quick as possible. We
must have the huddle call complete and communicated by the Mike and Free Safety before the offense
approaches the LOS, so we can align correctly to the offensive formation . Huddle discipline is the key
to successful communication. The secondary will form a 2 deep shell 8- 10 yards off the ball. Immediately
following the play everyone should get to their huddle positions and look to the sideline.

LOS

M
SE N TW

Situation Caller

Huddle Captain

FC

BC

HUSKY LEFT

H
2

FS

Situation Caller [ Zip ]

While the huddle captain is getting the call, the situation caller will alert the defense
to the situation.
Possible Considerations:
1. Personnel in the game
2. Down and Distance
3. Alerts and tendencies

21

3.

Huddle Captain [ Mike ]

All players must look to the sideline for the defensive call immediately following
the completion of the previous play. Get the entire defensive call before communicating the
signal to the defense.
The sequence of the defensive call is as follows:
Defensive Front
EAGLE
4.

Stunt
ANGLE

Coverage
3

HUDDLE DISCIPLINE AND BREAK

Huddle discipline is vital. Once the situation caller gives the Defense the situation and the
huddle captain gets the call from the sideline there will be no talking. This is done so good
communication is possible.

5.

FORMATION STRENGTHS

Declaring which side of the formation is the HUSKY side must be determined as quickly
as possible. The defensive package is dependent upon the declaration of the HUSKY call.
The HUSKY will determine and declare a RIGHT or LEFT call. The defense will now move to
their designated alignments.

22