Transcript No Slide Title

Pawhuska High School
Multiple 4-2-5
Defensive Playbook
Black Storm Defense
This play book was organized for bringing you a clear and practical approach
to our system at Pawhuska High School.
If you are to excel, you must learn everything.
Your play book is priceless. It is composed of material that has taken
considerable amounts of time assembling. Guard it carefully and know where
it is at all times.
We expect you to produce it upon request.
Name:
Address:
Phone:
Defensive Philosophy
•Our Defense is Built on Speed and Pursuit.
•Play TEAM Defense
•Know Your Assignment
•Do Your Assignment
•Pursue Relentlessly
•Be Great Tacklers
•Cause Turnovers
•Finish The Play
•Make No Excuses
Defensive Philosophy
We believe that a great defensive football team is based upon sound defensive
philosophy. The coaches and players must believe in it and stick with it. We will not be a
great defensive team by changing our philosophy from week to week or at mid-season.
You came out for football at Pawhuska High School to play as a winner and be a
championship team. No team will reach this goal unless it commits itself to playing tough
defense!
We believe that our defensive philosophy, if carried out by our coaches and
players, will make us the kind of defensive team necessary to reach that goal. Only
PLAYERS committed to our philosophy will play. If you have the pride and selfdiscipline to do that, then you will be part of a great defensive team and will be a proud
member of the huskie defense.
To be a part of the huskie defense you must take pride in knowing and doing
your assignment and playing within the system. To play the aggressive style of attacking
defense that we do, each individual defensive player must take pride and commit
themselves to always playing full-speed, running and pursuing to the football relentlessly,
and must commit themselves to being great tacklers causing turnovers and finishing plays.
When each individual on defense commits themselves to this we will then have the caliber
of defense that we expect.
Defensive Goals
•
Hold the other team to 12 or less points.
•
Cause 4 turnovers per game.
•
Block one kick per game.
•
Hold the other team under 200 yards total.
•
Hold the other team under 125 yards rushing.
•
Allow less than 3 yards per carry.
•
Hold the other team under 100 yards passing.
•
Allow below 50% completion rate.
•
Have 90% stops on third and long and medium.
•
Have 50% stops on third and short.
•
Give the offense the ball on the +50 or better 5 times per game.
•
Score points on defense or give the offense the ball on the +20 in each game.
Defensive Goals Continued
• Lift hard in the weightroom. Continue
getting stronger year round including during
the season. Every Defensive Player strive
for 2 x BW for squat, 1 x BW for Power
Clean, and 1.5 x BW for Bench.
• Speed work. Continue getting faster year
round including during the season. DL
should strive to be 4.99 or less, LB should
be 4.89 or less, DB should be 4.79 or less.
Defensive Alignment
O O O O O O O
8
9
7
6
3
4i
5
4
2i
1
2
3
2i
1
0
7
5
4i
4
2
8
9
6
Defensive Gaps
O O O O O O O
D
C
B
A
A
B
C
D
Hitting
• Keys to hitting:
– Coming to balance decelerate, know how, shorten stride, chatter feet, sink
hips to lower your center of gravity, flat back, head and eyes up.
– Using same shoulder and same foot on contact. This allows you to have
something to drive through your tackle.
– Accelerate through the contact. Great hitters drive there feet through the
contact.
• Put your eyes on the ball carrier.
• Leverage is also important. Try to get lower than who you are taking
on. Strike up through the man.
• Don’t get your base too wide. No wider than shoulder width apart.
• Wrap up always.
• When wrapping up the legs roll after you wrap.
Defensive Positions
P- (Penetrator) Interior Defensive Linemen whose job is to penetrate and disrupt the play.
A Penetrator must NEVER GET BLOWN BACK.
B- (Bandit Linebacker) Plays on the outside of the offensive formation. Their job is to
read and attack the offense keeping contain.
M- (Middle Linebacker) Plays in the middle of the defense on and off the line. Reads and
attacks the offense. Must be able to stand up and run on defense as well as step down to a
nose guard position to penetrate and disrupt.
S- (Sam Linebacker) Plays on the strong side of the offense he is expected to be the best
reader.
$- (Dawg Safety) Plays in the secondary and in the linebacker core. Must be able to cover
the pass as a DB and step up to play linebacker.
F- (Free Safety) Primary job is pass first. Plays centerfield. Must be a great reader and a
sure tackler. Expected to run the alleys on run plays.
C- (Cornerbacks) Primary job is to cover the pass first. Must be able to cover man or
zone and be able to help with secondary contain on the run.
Pre-Snap Movement and Shifting
Pre-snap Movement: This is very important to our style of play.
It consists of misaligning or faking a stunt then right before the
snap moving into your proper alignment. This is something that
must be continually worked on. The more movement we can give
the offense before the snap the more confused they will be on their
blocking assignments.
Shifting: This is done by showing one defensive front or another
then just before the the snap a signal “HUSKIE” is given then the
defense shifts to the new front.
Defensive Fronts
•BASE
(4-2-5) Bunch, Squeeze, Stack, Under, Over
•COBRA (4-2-5 Monster)
•BEAR (46) Tilt
•BULL (5-1-5) Tilt
•BUFFALO (5-1-5)
•OKIE (3-3-5) Bunch, Tilt
•PANTHER (3-1-7) Tilt
•GATOR (4-3-4) Bunch
•EAGLE (5-2-4) Bunch, Double
•TIGER (3-2-6) Bunch, Tilt
•RHINO (6-2-3)
4-2-5 Defense: BASE
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
B
C
P
X
B
P
S
C
M
$
$
F
4-2-5 Defense: BASE - BUNCH
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
P
B
C
X
B
P
S
C
M
$
$
F
4-2-5 Defense: BASE - SQUEEZE
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
B
C
P
X
P
B
C
M
S
$
$
F
4-2-5 Defense: BASE - STACK
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
C
X
B
P
P
B
$
S
M
$
F
C
4-2-5 Defense: BASE - UNDER
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
C
P
P
B
X
B
C
$
S
$
M
F
4-2-5 Defense: BASE - OVER
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
B
C
P
X
B
P
C
$
S
F
M
$
4-2-5 Monster Defense: COBRA
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
B
C
X
P
P
B
C
M
S
F
$
$
46 Defense: BEAR
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
C
$
B
P
S
F
M
X
P
B
$
C
46 Defense: BEAR SLIDE WEAK
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
C
$
B
P
S
F
X
M
P
B
$
C
46 Defense: BEAR - UNDER
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
C
$
B
P
M
S
F
X
P
B
$
C
46 Defense: BEAR - TILT
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
C
$
B
M
P
S
F
X
P B
$
C
5-1-5 Defense: BULL
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
B
C
P
M
X
P
B
C
$
S
$
F
5-1-5 Defense: BULL STACK
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
C
B
P
$
F
M
S
X
B
P
$
C
5-1-5 Defense: BULL - TILT
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
B
C
P
M
X
P
B
C
$
S
$
F
5-1-5 Defense: BULL - STACK
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
C
B
F
X
P
M
P
$
S
$
B
C
5-3-3 Defense: JYD (Junk Yard Dog)
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
C
$
P
P
B
S
X
B
C
M
$
F
5-3-3 Defense: JYD (Junk Yard Dog) Under
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
C
$
B
P
X
B
P
S
C
M
$
F
5-3-3 Defense: JYD (Junk Yard Dog) Over
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
C
P
B
$
S
X
P
B
C
M
$
F
5-4-2 Defense: BUFFALO
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
P
B
C
$
S
M
X
P
B
F
C
$
3-5 Defense: OKIE
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
B
C
P
X
B
$
C
$
S
P
F
M
3-5 Defense: OKIE - BUNCH
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
B
C
$
S
P
P
F
X
B
M
C
$
3-5 Defense: OKIE - TILT
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
B
C
$
S
P
P
F
X
B
M
C
$
3-1-7 Defense: PANTHER
QB
RB
FB
TE
X
Z
P
C
B
$
S
M
X
P
C
B
F
$
3-1-7 Defense: PANTHER - TILT
QB
RB
FB
TE
X
Z
C
P
B
$
S
M
X
P
C
B
F
$
4-3 Defense: GATOR
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
B
C
S
$
X
P
P
M
B
C
F
$
4-3 Defense: GATOR - Even
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
B
C
S
$
P
X
B
P
M
C
F
$
4-3 Defense: GATOR - Over
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
P
B
C
M
S
$
X
P
B
C
F
$
4-3 Defense: GATOR - Under
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
B
C
P
P
S
$
X
B
M
C
F
$
4-3 Defense: GATOR - Wide
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
B
C
B
P
P
S
$
X
M
C
F
$
5-2 Defense: EAGLE
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
C
B
M
P
S
$
X
P
B
C
F
$
5-2 Defense: EAGLE - BUNCH
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
C
B
P
M
P
S
$
X
B
C
F
$
5-2 Defense: SOONER
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
C
B
P
B
P
S
$
X
M
F
$
C
3-4 Defense: TIGER
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
P
C
X
P
M
C
B
S
$
B
F
$
3-4 Defense: TIGER - BUNCH
RB
FB
QB
TE
X
Z
M
P
C
X
P
C
B
B
S
$
F
$
3-4 Defense: TIGER - TILT
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
P
C
X
P
M
C
B
S
$
B
F
$
6-2-3 Defense: RHINO
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
C
B
P P
S
$
F
X
M
$
B
C
Defense: GAPS
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
C
$
B
F
S
P
X
P
M
B
$
C
Defensive
Stunts
Line Stunts
•Jump: Penetrator away from the called side jumps to the called side
B Gap. If there is a nose guard the call goes to the Nose.
•Cut: the Defensive Linemen are to cut the offensive linemen.
•Slant: The Defensive Linemen Line up head up and slant strong or
weak.
•PSYCHO: The Penetrator and the Bandit Rush hard through their
Gap without worrying about the blocker trying to find the ball.
•Tilt: Move the Penetrator to 4i tilts.
•Jet: the Defensive Linemen Move Head up and All rush the outside
gap. Or half go on a strong or weak call.
•Pinch: The Defensive Linemen move head up and all rush the inside
gap. Or half go on a strong or weak call.
Line Stunts Continued
•Bunch: Penetrator move to double 1’s without a Nose guard. Penetrator move to double 3’s with a
Nose Guard.
•Bump: Moves the Bandit inside one Gap. Example from a 9 to a 7.
•Stack: Move the Penetrator to 2 techniques.
•TIE: Twist with the Bandit and the Penetrator on his Side the Penetrator goes first the Bandit loops
around him.
•EAT: Twist with the Bandit and the Penetrator on his Side the Bandit goes first the Penetrator loops
around him.
•Slide: Slides everyone on the defensive line over one gap.
•Bandit Screw: Bandit locks up man to man on TE.
•Spy: Bandit on Penetrator engage linemen in front of them then drop to replace blitzing Linebacker
taking away QB throwing lane.
•Shield: Bandits drop into coverage hook curl to flat.
•Ghost: Called LB or DB lines up in Gap outside of blitz on the line and DL lines up in the gap to
be blitzed. On cadence the LB floats back out of the the line (Blitz Fake Back Out) and DL moves
towards the vacated gap and hits it. The LB then on the snap hits the called blitz gap.
Linebacker Calls
•Sam, Mike, Will – A-B-C-D: Called player blitzes the called hole. If no hole is
called player blitzes a gap insuring not to put two players into the same gap.
•Slam: all players in the linebacker positions that have someone outside of them
blitz.
•Lightning: all players in the linebacker positions that don’t have anyone outside
of them blitz.
•Ambush: all players in the linebacker position blitz.
•Dawg: Players read key and blitz at his movement.
•Jump: When the Mike is at Nose Guard he jumps either to the strong or weak B
Gap.
•Ghost: Called LB or DB lines up in Gap outside of blitz on the line and DL lines
up in the gap to be blitzed. On cadence the LB floats back out of the the line (Blitz
Fake Back Out) and DL moves towards the vacated gap and hits it. The LB then
on the snap hits the called blitz gap.
•Wave: Called Strong or Weak. All Linebackers on the called side Blitz.
Defensive Back Stunts
•Fire, Shoot, A-B-C-D: Called player blitzes the called gap.
•Cocky (Strong), Crazy (Weak): Called Corner blitzes the outside.
•Hammer: All Safeties Blitz.
•Gotcha: Both Corners Blitz.
•Invert: CB and $’s Trade Positions and Assignments.
•Cathy: CB line up and show tight man then bail out right before the snap.
•Bar: Safeties and corners line up 7 yards deep to disguise the coverage moving into
coverage assignments upon the snap.
•Ghost: Called LB or DB lines up in Gap outside of blitz on the line and DL lines up in the
gap to be blitzed. On cadence the LB floats back out of the the line (Blitz Fake Back Out)
and DL moves towards the vacated gap and hits it. The LB then on the snap hits the called
blitz gap.
Base : Will B
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
B
C
X
P
P
S
B
C
M
$
$
F
Base : Sam A
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
B
C
$
X
P
P
B
M
S
F
C
$
Base : Mike B
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
B
C
$
P
X
B
P
S
M
F
C
$
Base 0 : Ambush
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
P
P
B
C
S
$
F
X
B
M
C
$
Base: Slant Weak Cocky
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
B
C
X
P
P
M
S
$
F
B
C
$
Base : Slant Strong Crazy
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
P
B
C
F
B
P
S
$
X
M
C
$
Base : Shoot A
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
B
C
$
X
P
P
S
B
C
M
$
F
Base: Lightning
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
B
C
$
X
P
P
S
B
M
F
C
$
Base : Gotcha
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
B
C
P
P
S
$
F
X
B
M
C
$
Base: Slant Strong
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
B
C
$
X
P
P
S
M
F
B
C
$
Base: Slant Weak
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
B
C
$
X
P
P
S
M
F
B
C
$
Base : Pinch
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
B
C
$
X
P
P
S
M
F
B
C
$
Base : Hammer – Bandit Screw
RB
FB
QB
Z
X
TE
B
C
P
X
P
B
C
$
M
S
$
F
Defensive Coverage’s
Coverage's
Cover 0 Man
Man to Man (Tight)
Cover 1 Man
Man to Man With FS Free (Tight or Loose)
Cover 5 Man
Man Roll
Cover 7 Man
You Call It Man
Cover 9 Man
Man to Man with two deep zone behind it. (Tight or Loose)
Cover 2 Zone
Zone Coverage 2 Deep (Tight or Loose)
Cover 2 Buccaneer
Mike or Free Robbing Post
Cover 2 Invert
Zone Coverage with safeties and corners trading responsibilities.
Cover 3
Zone Coverage 3 Deep
Cover 4
Zone Coverage 4 Deep
Cover 6
Zone Roll
Trips Adjustment
Rain and Snow
Coverage's Continued
Cover 10 Zone / Man
Loaded Zone Coverage
Cover 11 Zone / Man
Strong Side Rotation Coverage
Cover 12 Zone / Man
Weakside Rotation
Cover 13 Zone / Man
Weakside Rotation
Cover 14 Zone
Robber Zone
Cover 15 Zone / Man
Spy
Cover 16 Man
Man Rotation
Man Coverage
• Man Coverage allows us to load the Box. Have pride in
your ability to cover man. It gives us a distinct advantage
as a defense.
• Play the technique that you are taught. It will put you in
the best possible position.
• Never give up on a play even if you are beat or they make
a catch. You can still make something happen.
• Attack your receiver, be Physical.
• Use your hands.
• Play position, know where you need to be and get there.
• Accept the Challenge, step up to the plate and don’t allow
your man to make a catch. Have confidence in your
abilities.
• Be an athlete if a ball is thrown your way go get it.
Cover 0 Man
RB
RB
QB
Z
B
C
X
C
Y
P
P
S
$
F
$ replaces blitzer
B
M
C
$
Cover 1 Man
RB
RB
QB
Z
X
Y
B
C
$
P
P
S
B
M
F
$ Replaces Blitzed
C
$
Cover 5 Man Roll
RB
RB
QB
Z
B
C
X
C
Y
P
P
B
C
$
M
S
F
$
Cover 7 You Call It Man
RB
RB
QB
Z
X
Y
C
B
P
S
P
M
B
$
C
F
Robber
$
Cover 9 Man
RB
RB
QB
Z
B
C
$
X
C
Y
P
P
S
B
M
F
C
$
Zone Coverage's
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Get to your coverage responsibilities fast, then hunt up receivers, finally find
the QB’s eyes.
Run to the football.
Punish the receiver. If a ball is caught our goal is for four people to hit the
receiver as close to the catch as possible.
Intimidate receivers don’t allow people to move freely through your zone. Hit
them.
Do not cover grass find a receiver and cover through your zone with out
compromising your zone.
Zone Defense is an ATTITUDE set the tone when playing it.
All Zones are spot drop except Cover 2.
Cover 2 is a pattern read.
Cover 2 Zone
(Pattern Read Zone)
RB
RB
QB
Z
B
C
X
C
Y
P
P
B
C
M
S
$
$
F
Cover 2 Pattern Read Notes
Purpose of Cover 2
1. Disrupt the timing and placing of receivers and QB.
2. Give the rush more time to reach the QB.
3. Take away the speed of the receiver.
4. Protect the cornerbacks ability.
Base Reads
Keys
FS – Read Crossers to #3
1.
Reroute your receiver.
MLB / SLB – Read #2 to #1
2.
Know your reads.
C – Read #1 to #2
3.
Run to the football.
$ - Read #2 to #1
4.
Be physical.
5.
Use your hands.
#1 Vertical
Release
#2 Vertical
Release
#1
#2
LB – Deny Vertical Release of #2, Widen his Route, Run On his inside hip.
CB – Deny the Vertical Release of #1, Stay Outside of him, prepare to settle at 15 yards.
$ - Split the two verticals until the ball is in the air.
#2 Vertical
Release
#1 Inside
Release
#1
#2
LB – Deny Vertical Release of #2, Widen his Route, Run On his inside hip. After 12 yards sit
down and hunt up #1 in the Curl Zone
CB – Reroute receiver, Give IN/IN/IN Cal. Drop back at a 45 degree angle . 15 yards deep
looking to close any windows. Can Close on #1 in no other threat.
$ - Stay on top of #2
#1 Any
Release
#2 Quick Outside
Release
#1
#2
LB – Drop to hook curl, Hunt up #1.
CB – Reroute #1 deny vertical sink to flats. Watch for sucker route and run with it.
$ - Stay deeper than the deepest receiver. Stay on top of a #2 Smash Route.
#1 Stop
Release
#2 Quick Outside
Release
#1
#2
LB – Deny Vertical Release of #2. Widen His Route. Run on his inside hip until he breaks to
the corner then undercut his route.
CB – Sit on #1’s Route.
$ - Stay on top of #2’s Route.
#1 Any
Release
#2 Inside Release
Release or Blocks
#1
#2
LB – Drop to Hook Curl hunt up #1’s Route. Find the Check down back.
CB – Reroute #1 Deny the Vertical sink to the flats at 12 – 15 yards.
$ - Stay on top of routes in zone, jump a deep crosser or post, cover the post hole.
Cover 2 Buccaneer
(Spot Drop)
RB
RB
QB
Z
B
C
X
C
Y
P
P
S
B
C
M
$
$
F
Cover 2 Buck Invert
(Spot Drop)
RB
RB
QB
Z
B
$
C
X
C
Y
P
P
B
M
S
F
$
C
Cover 3 Zone
(Spot Drop)
RB
RB
QB
Z
B
C
X
C
Y
P
P
B
$
M
S
F
C
$
Cover 4 Zone
(Spot Drop)
RB
RB
QB
Z
B
C
$
X
C
Y
P
P
S
B
M
F
C
$
Cover 6 Zone Roll
(Spot Drop Rotation)
RB
RB
QB
Z
B
C
$
X
C
Y
P
P
B
M
S
F
C
$
Cover 6 Zone Roll
(Spot Drop Rotation)
Vs. Straight Dropback
RB
RB
QB
Z
B
C
$
X
C
Y
P
P
B
M
S
F
C
$
Cover 6 Zone Roll
(Spot Drop Rotation)
Vs. Play Action Strong
RB
RB
QB
Z
B
C
$
X
C
Y
P
P
B
M
S
F
C
$
Cover 6 Zone Roll
(Spot Drop Rotation)
Vs. Play Action Weak
RB
RB
QB
Z
B
C
$
X
C
Y
P
P
B
M
S
F
C
$
Cover 6 Zone Roll
(Spot Drop Rotation)
Vs. Bootleg
RB
RB
QB
Z
B
C
$
X
C
Y
P
P
B
M
S
F
C
$
Cover 8 Zone Roll
(Spot Drop Rotation)
RB
RB
QB
Z
B
C
$
X
C
Y
P
P
B
M
S
F
C
$
Cover 8 Zone Roll
(Spot Drop Rotation)
Vs. Straight Dropback
RB
RB
QB
Z
B
C
$
X
C
Y
P
P
B
M
S
F
C
$
Cover 8 Zone Roll
(Spot Drop Rotation)
Vs. Play Action Strong
RB
RB
QB
Z
B
C
$
X
C
Y
P
P
B
M
S
F
C
$
Cover 8 Zone Roll
(Spot Drop Rotation)
Vs. Play Action Weak
RB
RB
QB
Z
B
C
$
X
C
Y
P
P
B
M
S
F
C
$
Cover 8 Zone Roll
(Spot Drop Rotation)
Vs. Bootleg
RB
RB
QB
Z
B
C
$
X
C
Y
P
P
B
M
S
F
C
$
Combination Coverage’s
Man & Zone
Packages
Trips Adjustment “Rain”
RB
QB
RB
Z
X
C
Y
P
B
S
P
M
B
$
C
Run with first crosser
F
C
Tango
$
Check #3 Vertical
Cover 2
Trips Adjustment “Snow”
RB
QB
Y
RB
Z
X
C
P
B
P
B
$
“Bump”
S
M
$
C
F
C
Cover 10 Zone / Man - Loaded Zone
RB
RB
QB
Z
B
X
C
Y
P
P
B
$
C
M
S
Outside the #’s Dropper
#’s Dropper
Second Crosser
1/4
Hash Dropper
First Crosser
F
1/4
$
Cut Technique
C
Cover 11 Strong Side Rotation
RB
RB
QB
Z
X
C
Y
B
B
P
P
Swipe Technique
$
S
M
$
C
C
F
1/2
1/2
Cover 12 Weak Side Rotation
RB
RB
QB
Z
Swipe Technique
$
B
X
C
Y
P
P
S
B
$
M
C
C
F
1/2
1/2
Cover 13 Weak Side Rotation
RB
RB
QB
Z
X
C
Y
B
P
B
P
Swipe Technique
$
$
M
S
C
C
F
1/2
1/2
Cover 14 Robber
RB
QB
Z
B
C
B
P
P
S
$
M
$
Hash Dropper
Hash Dropper
Robber Technique
Rob the Post Hole.
1/3
X
C
Y
#’s Dropper
RB
#’s Dropper
C
F
1/3
1/3
Cover 15 Spy
RB
QB
Z
B
$
X
C
Y
C
RB
P
P
S
B
M
$
Cut Technique
Cut Technique
F
Free
C
Cover 16 Man Roll
RB
RB
QB
Z
B
C
X
C
Y
P
P
B
C
$
S
F
M
$
Cover 17 Man Three Deep Zone (Prevent)
RB
RB
QB
Z
P
C
X
C
Y
M
P
C
B
S
B
$
$
F
Position Assignments
Penetrator
• Cut the gap leg of the offensive linemen in
front of you then crab through and find the
football.
• NEVER, NEVER, NEVER get driven back.
• Cause a pile or penetrate.
Bandit Linebacker
• Read the end man on the line of scrimmage.
• If he tries to reach you fight outside keeping outside arm
free taking keeping contain or taking out blockers.
• If he steps down step down and take on blockers (Fullback
or pulling lineman) turning play back inside. Do not get
kicked out attack the blocker.
• If play is away check for Bootleg Counter Reverse (BCR).
Then pursue down the line taking away cutback lanes.
• If you read pass check backs for screen then rush the
passer.
Mike and Sam Linebacker
• Read the triangle of Fullback to flow side guard.
• Fill read responsibilities hard. Do not side step
blockers take them on. Turning the play back into
your help.
• Never step laterally always run down hill.
• If you read pass take down shallow crossers.
• If QB breaks the tackle box on your side attack his
far shoulder.
Dawg Safety
• Read the Guard and Tackle on your side to
near back or I back.
• If your Bandit LB gets hooked come up for
contain. If the Bandit get kicked out come
inside for the run.
• Pass drop to your coverage responsibilities.
• Play away take an angle looking to take
away cutback lanes.
Free Safety
• Read and Cover Pass First.
• Read the Field side Guard and Tackle.
• Find the inside running Lane and fill any
holes in the defense pursuing inside out.
• Pass drop to coverage responsibilities.
Cornerback
• Read and Cover Pass First.
• Help keep contain on runs.
• Flow away take an angle taking away
cutback lanes.
• Pass execute coverage responsibilities.
Linebacker Play
Reads and Keys for Mike, Sam, and
Dawg Safeties
Linebacker Classification
• Inside the offensive formation Linebackers and
Dawg Safeties are either a Bubble Backer (Over
an Uncovered Linemen) or a Covered Backer
(Stacked behind a Lineman).
• Free Safeties Should Read Both Guards.
• When outside the formation the backers and
safeties are called Float Backers and Readers.
Reading the Line
(Bubble Backer)
• First step 6 inch read step. Take step same as first
read key. Read linemen on outside first step (i.e..
Tackle).
• Read inside linemen on second step.
• Read the Door (hole) as open or closed. Is your
door open or closed.
• If you see the same color jersey in your gap
exchange gaps. (i.e.. Linemen gets hooked).
Zone To
Gap
Responsibility
T
G
B
C
P
LB
Zone Away
Gap
Responsibility
T
G
B
C
P
LB
Lead Isolation
Gap
Responsibility
T
G
B
C
P
LB
Trap
Gap
Responsibility
T
G
B
C
P
LB
Deeper Pull
Gap
Responsibility
T
G
B
C
P
LB
Must read the
backfield
flow
Base
Gap
Responsibility
T
G
B
C
P
LB
Pass
Gap
Responsibility
T
G
B
C
P
LB
Reading the Line
(Covered Backer)
• First step 6 inch read step. Take step same as first
read key. Read linemen on outside first step (i.e..
Tackle).
• Read inside linemen on second step.
• Read the Door (hole) as open or closed. Is your
door open or closed.
• If you see the same color jersey in your gap
exchange gaps. (i.e.. Linemen gets hooked).
Zone To
T
B
G
P
LB
C
MLB
Zone Away
T
B
G
P
LB
C
MLB
Pull Away
T
B
G
P
LB
C
MLB
G
Pull To
T
G
B
P
LB
C
MLB
G
Pass
T
B
G
P
LB
C
MLB
Float Backer or Reader
•
•
•
•
•
Read the Guard and Tackle.
First two steps backward read steps.
Read Tackle for Run/Pass Read.
Read Guards for direction of play.
Third read backfield flow.
Keying the Backfield
On your 3rd step you will read backfield flow.
After you read the line Read the shoulders of the
Backs
All Offensive Plays Can be Classified into the
following Backfield Flows.
Full Flow
Fast Flow
Counter Flow
Divide Flow
Full Flow
TB
FB
QB
C
Fast Flow
TB
FB
QB
C
Counter Flow
TB
FB
QB
C
Divide Flow
TB
FB
QB
C
Notes on Reading Keys
• On zone plays if linemen aren’t coming after LB’s
then it is a pass
• TE Read, Low Hat = Run / High Hat = Pass
• When in pursuit on flow away always be able to
play the cut-back try to keep your shoulders
square.
• Be Fundamentally sound. ALWAYS know, your
stance, alignment, assignment, and your
technique. This is your responsibility.
Basic Option Responsibilities
•Dive – Penetrator / Bandit
•QB – Dawg / Mike / Sam
•PITCH – Cornerback / Free
Punt Block / Return
P
Punt Return Alignment
Z
FB QB
X
TE
$ C B
X
P
P
M
S
F
B C $
Outside Block
P
Z
FB QB
X
TE
$ C B
X
P
P
M
S
F
B C $
P
Double Team Return
Z
FB QB
X
TE
$ C B
X
P
P
M
S
F
B C $
P
Inside Block
Z
FB QB
X
TE
$ C B
X
P
P
M
S
F
B C $
P
Zone Bail Out
Z
FB QB
X
TE
$ C B
X
P
P
M
S
F
B C $
P
Safe Return
Z
FB QB
X
TE
P
B
P
B
M
S
C
X
$
$
F
C
Punt
Spread Punt
C
$
B
SN
S
B
M
F
PU
$
C
Tight Punt
C
$
B
SN
S
B
M
F
PU
$
C
Trips Punt
C
$
B SN B
C
$
S
M
PU
F
Field Goal Extra Point Block
Field Goal & XP Block
K
H
WB
WB
X
C $
B
X
P
M
P
S
F
B $ C
Side Block
K
H
WB
WB
X
C $
B
X
P
M
P
S
F
B $ C
Middle Heavy Block
K
H
WB
WB
X
C $
X
P B
M
B P
S
F
$ C
Safe Block
K
H
WB
WB
X
C $
B
X
P
M
P
S
F
B $ C
Kickoff
Kickoff
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Regular Deep
Angle Deep
Worm Burner
Bounce Hop Onside
Kick Pass to Own Player
Short Pooch
Deep Pooch
Cluster Kickoff
1 = Gunner
2 = Contain
3 = Wedge Buster
K
1113
2
3 1
2
11
Hash Kickoff
1 = Gunner
2 = Contain
3 = Wedge Buster
K = Kicker
1
2
1
1
K
3
3
1
1
2
1
Swinging Gate
Swinging Gate Defense: Base Gate
QB
FB
Z
RB
X
TE
B
P
P
M
S
B
C
$
$
C
X
F
Award Stickers
•10, 20, 30 Tackles
•Tackle for a Loss (TFL)
•Sack
•Interception (INT)
•Pass Break-Up (PBU)
•Big Hit (BH)
•Defensive Player of the Game
(DPG)
•Defensive Score (DS)
•Defensive Shut-out (SO)
•Meeting all Defensive Goals
(DG)
•Blocked Kick (BK)
•Taking Out Two or More
Blockers on a Play (BB)
•Caused Fumble (CF)
•Quarterback Hurry (QH)
•Recovered Fumble (RF)
•Great Play (GP)
Elements of Defensive Practice
Must be accomplished Dailey
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Tackling Circuit
Turn-over Circuit
Pursuit Drills
Individual
Group – ie. 7 on 7, Inside Run, or Dawg Alley
Team
Punt
Punt Block
Kick Off
Field Goal and XP Block