Sniper Defense

The Sniper Defense is a 4-3 base

designed for flexibility in defending
and attacking the offense.
(This is essentially a 4-3
Rover/Monster type defense)

Sniper Defense

The Sniper Defense is a 4-3 base designed for flexibility in

defending and attacking the offense.

It is a blend of discipline and chaos.

We must take away opponents run game, and if executed

correctly, our front 7 should spill runs out of A-B-C gaps and
to our outside alley and force players.

We can activate a wide array of blitzes designed to disrupt

both the running and passing games of the offense.

In order to accomplish this we must be effective in man

coverage, as well as zone.

We expect to keep our opponent out of the end zone and

create turnovers but can only succeed with unselfish and
confident athletes.

Our essentials are ranked in order of priority below:

EFFORT
FUNDAMENTALS
SCHEME

Summary of Defensive Calls

Positions

Category

Coaching Points Positions

Alignment

Category Coaching Points

LB's and Safeties

Base

Alignment

Wiper

Blitz

Sniper, Will

Strong

Alignment

Sluggo

Blitz

Sniper and Sam

Max

Alignment

Nitro

Blitz

Triple Strong Sniper/Sam/Mike

Defensive Line

Safeties & Corners

Psycho

Stunt

Slant Strong

11 (Orange)

Coverage

Tornado

Stunt

Whip

13 (Black)

Coverage

Typhoon

Stunt

Tackle

14 (Husky)

Coverage

Wacko

Stunt

Slant weak

22 (White)

Coverage Default for LB blitzes

Bungy

Blitz

Deep FS/Sniper

Falcon

Blitz

Free

Slam

Blitz

Strong Corner

DL & LB's
Devil

Combo

NT, Mike zone

Sniper

Blitz

Sniper

Dogg

Combo

DEs drop

Wham

Blitz

Weak Corner

Fire

Blitz

Max All LB's

Maul

Blitz

Mike-Will

Mug

Blitz

Mike

Saw

Blitz

Sam-Will

Sike

Blitz

Sam-Mike

Smash

Blitz

Sam

Wax

Blitz

Will

LB's Only
Items in RED are to be ready for scrimmage

Notes and Rules

DT Technique

DE Technique

Solution: Sniper or OLB goes with him

If Trips and the #2 goes vertical, the Sniper will take him and the ILB will take the flat
The ILB must be aware of #2 as well. #3 is not as dangerous to us as #2

Motion

DTs go to 2i (inside shade of OG)

Mike and Sam go to 30 techniques (B-gap, outside shade of OG)
They have the hook-seam area to their side
Will and Sniper take inside WRs

Problem: #2 WR goes vertical

Align on the outside shoulder of the EMLOS

2-pt stance, low, hands up for strike
If the EMLOS is the TE then attack, attack, attack! Do not let the TE get off the LOS free. Ever.
Attack outside the EMLOS to the QB in as direct a line as possible
If the EMLOS attempts to hook/reach for sweep then maintain outside contain
Ride the player to the sideline but do not give up outside contain
Block Down? Step Down! (BDSD)
If the EMLOS blocks down to the inside then the DE will step down
Silver Surfer look for kick-out/pull from inside, create pile
Do not go upfield if the play seems to go away, no deeper than the deepest player
If pass then attack the QB, maintain outside contain, attack back-side shoulder

Boomer Alignment for no TE, single back, likely gun with Doubles or Trips

Align on the OL. Eyes of the DT are splitting the edge of the shoulder pads
1-Technique: Over the shoulder of the C
3-Technique: Over the outside edge of the OG
2i-technique (Boomer): Over the inside edge of the OG
Strike through the OL, disrupt their block
If the OL pulls, in either direction, DL will follow to disrupt
Fight pressure If PG tries to block down (he has the angle) then fight the pressure and do not give up the spot
Stay low and drive
4-pt stance may be a consideration if the player will not stay low
If pass (watch the helmet of the OL), then do not play with the OL Get off the OL and attack the QB
Remain in the rush lanes to ensure contain

When WR motions he will be handed off from LB to LB as he crosses the formation

LBs exchange location and responsibility when the motion crosses the LB-LB boundary, match motion across the formation
This will change the coverage
Jet motion will be quicker and may be handled differently

Priority

Tackling When in doubt, do a tackling drill

Pursuit When in doubt after tackling, do a pursuit drill
Alignment and assignments
Depth Chart

Defensive Ends

Responsibility

Control the ELOS/perimeter

Play football
See ball, attack ball
Defeat your opponent each time

General Concepts

Stance
2-pt stance
Inside leg splits the EMLOS in half
Keep head and back vertical
Arms in front, ready to attack and control
First Move
Drive your inside leg and arm into the EMLOS

Stop his momentum

Control your position
Retain outside control

Use your arms to keep the EMLOS away from you and in control

Blocking Schemes Coming After You:

Down Block If the EMLOS is blocking down either the play is going away, or it is coming
right at you (lead, kick-out)
Push the EMLOS down into the pile

Condense the LOS

Contact is closer to center than they want
Disrupt their TE passing game

Look to the inside for a OL trapping you Silver Surfer position

Look to the FB for a kick-out
Drive Block Play is going inside you so the EMLOS is trying to move you out of the hole
Hold your ground
Keep your outside arm and leg free
Hook Block The play is going outside of you (sweep)
Keep EMLOS to inside
Keep your outside arm and leg free
Drive up-field to alter BC path
Pass Block
Attack the QB
A sack must be earned, all the way to the QB

If you are getting through, they are letting you through. Look for the screen

DE Wing-T Adjustments

Offensive Summary

The wing-t will normally have a single wide receiver, two backs offset to the short
side, and wing. The wing will usually be outside the TE, but they will move him
around and put him in motion. Some teams will also move the FB around just a bit.
This is a deception offense backs crossing, QB rolling - where you will not see the
handoff and will not know who has the ball. Follow the Gs to the play. They will
throw on the run, with little drop-back passing. Lots of fast hitting, pulling,
trapping, deception type plays.

Defensive Summary

Assign a Dog to the Wing. LBs and DBs turn and run to the QB rollout. DL slant to
the wing side. Not greatly concerned about vertical or combo route passing game.

On TE Side

Defensive Line Slant to the wing side. DEs split the EMLOS. If the wing goes in
motion the call will change so be prepared.
Linebackers Wont have lead/ISO type plays coming at you. Step up, read, and fill.
Corners Wing side wont have anyone wide so play closer to the box. We will
assign a Dog back to cover the wing 1-1. Outside C is 1-1 with the wide receiver.
Safetys Play over/just outside of the TE and outside the short side EMLOS. Look to
support run first.

Continue to split the EMLOS

Step down 1 yard deep into the backfield through the EMLOS
Look to the inside for pulling guards
The Wing may try to block down on you
Control the TE to keep him from the LBs and getting into the pass route clean Make him earn getting past you

Away from TE

Continue to split the EMLOS

Look for the QB bootleg coming to your side
Look for the T and G fold blocking on you

T will close down on our DT

The G will pull to drive you out
Objective is to clear a hole to your inside for the FB to run to

Defensive Line
Position

Coaching Points

Your intent is to attack and disrupt the offensive linemen so our second level players can
make tackles. You must play with an irritating energy that never stops. In order to achieve
this you must quickly read and react and be physical at the point of attack. You must be
disciplined in your protection of A-B gaps.
Whip Weak-side
defensive end

Same as the Sword, but will not normally be on the TE, will generally
be on the OT which is a different body style and approach. May be
down in a 3-point stance (may also angle, depending on the player) if
not playing against a TE. Will not be concerned about disrupting the
OT release except for the step-down. Do not spend time playing with
the EMLOS, get to the QB while maintaining outside contain. Cannot
get hooked. Will flip-flop with Sword depending on the strength call.

DT

Normally a gap player, will be in the A- or B-gap depending on the

strength call. Will be in a very low, weight on the hand, rear in the air
stance. First thought is to get off the ball quick enough to get through
the gap untouched. Will follow the OG, if he pulls then follow and
disrupt. If no contact then turn to the inside and look for the trap
block. Attack the QB and the football. Attack at full speed but under
control to read the play, dont want to run past a ball carrier.

Sword Strongside defensive

end

Align outside shade of the strong-side EMLOS in a low 2-point stance,

hands up, eyes on the target. Control and disrupt the TE release.
Attack the QB through the shoulder-neck area. Watch for the reachblock by the EMLOS, must maintain outside leverage. If the EMLOS
steps down to the inside, close down hard, shove the player into the
inside, and as Silver Surfer, attack the pull- or kick-out block, create a
pile. Will flip-flop with Whip depending on the strength call.

Linebackers
Position

Coaching Points

Mike: You will quickly fill empty gaps with exceptional leverage and strength. You must play
fast, downhill and punish ball carriers with sure tackling. You can effectively cover RB, TE
and zones in the passing game. You are call makers both in the huddle and pre snap.
Sam, Will: You must be comfortable playing in space against skill players or rushing the
passer. As a Force/Contain player you are willing to take on Offensive Linemen and hold
your ground at the point of attack. You must be disciplined when the ball goes away
watching for Counter/Reverse or Bootleg. You are an essential communicator both pre snap
and during the play.
All LBs

First thought is to stop the inside run. Low, 2-point stance eyes up,
ready to attack. First step is with the inside foot make the run/pass
read, then attack the assignment.

Will Weak-side
outside
linebacker

Will call the down and distance, before/in huddle and before play.
Walk-off like Sniper if doubles formation. Control the weak-side B-gap
and look for the off-tackle run play 1st. Maintain outside contain. May
have flat away from Sniper, or hook-seam if to the Sniper.

Mike

Will make the defensive call in the huddle.

Step-up, read the OG-C-RB triangle and make the run/pass read. If
pass then cover the hook-seam away from the Sniper call.

Sam Strong-side
outside
linebacker

Will make the strength call.

Control the strong-side B-gap. Look for the off-tackle play 1st, disrupt
the TE release. Take flat if away from Sniper, or hook-seam if to the
Sniper. If trips then align inside 1-2 yards inside the #3 receiver (unless
TE) at normal LB depth.

Defensive Backs
Position

Coaching Points

Sniper, Free Safety: The Sniper is the SNIPER, and I believe a pivotal player in the scheme.
The SNIPER is tough and needs to have a dual personality. He must be a great tackler but
also must be quick enough to stay with slot receivers. Our Free Safety is the quarterback of
the defensive backfield. He will be called upon to prevent big plays by being instinctive and
fast. He is also a guy who doesnt mind getting his nose dirty making open field tackles.
Cornerbacks: You must play with fluid quickness and confidence. You must be comfortable
playing off in zone or pressing. You should protect against the pass first, run second. If a
ball carrier breaks contain then you are responsible for making the play. You must get off
blocks and be sure tacklers.
Sniper

If doubles then align with strength

Align 2 yards inside the inside/#2 receiver, at a depth between the
LBs and the CBs deep enough to keep both the receiver and the QB
in the line of sight. Look for the inside release first, make the receiver
pay for coming inside. Take the flat. Make the run/pass read and
attack the responsibility. Will have the QB on the option

Cornerback

Normally 7-9 yards off the #1 receiver from the sideline. Will typically
have the deep outside 1/3 of the field. Will not let the receiver get
deeper than he is. Begin with backpedal and make the read. Initial
view is on the QB. If run to him then maintain outside contain and
funnel the runner back into the middle. Will have pitch on the option.

Free Safety

10-12 yards off the LOS, shaded to strength, generally between the C
and OT. Nobody gets past him. Look for the run and punish the
runner.

Calling the Offensive Strength

In the Sniper defense we will flip-flop the Sword,
Sam, Whip, and Will it is critical that we properly
identify which side of the offensive formation we
consider the strong side
Normally this will be to the tight end (TE) side of the
offensive formation
This may change based on the formations, offensive scheme,
and the opponent

If there is no TE, then strength is to the 2 receivers

side
If balanced (Doubles, Flexbone), then strength is to
the wide side of the field
If in middle, to our sideline

Call is Strong Left or Strong Right, made by Sam

Repeat the call to both sides of the defense
Call is repeated by the other LBs

Making the Sniper Call

Sniper identifies the 2-receiver side
Aligns as walk-off LB on the slot receiver

Makes the Sniper call based on where he

lines up
Left Lima
Romeo Right

Must be a loud call so all of the LBs and DBs

are aware of his location

Where the front-7 will align and what they will do

FRONT-7
ALIGNMENTS AND
ASSIGNMENTS

Base Defensive Alignments

SW

WH

$
C

C
FS

Area
Call
Description
Pos

Defensive alignments
Base
Base defensive alignments for a Pro formation
Align

Assignment

Pos

Align

Assignment
Outside force, post,
contain

Sword - SH

Strong D, Contain

CB

Strong B-gap

Sniper $

Alley

Alley

Weak A-gap

Falcon FS

Alley

Alley

Whip WH

Weak C, Contain

Sam S

50

Strong C-gap

Mike M

10

Strong A-gap

Will W

30

Weak B-gap

CB

Outside force, post,

contain

Under

SW

WH

C
C
FS

Area
Call
Description
Pos

Defensive alignments
Under
Alignment for 2-back, TE, Wing formation Pro I Left Tight
Align

Assignment

Pos

Align

Sword - SH

Strong C, Contain, outside

shade of OT

2i

Strong A-gap, outside shade

of C

Sniper $

Inside #2
WR

2i

Weak B-gap, outside shade

of OG

Falcon FS

Alley

Whip WH

Weak C, Contain, outside

shade of OT

Sam S

30

Control TE, outside shade of

TE

Mike M

30

Strong B-gap

Will W

Weak A-gap

Outside force, post,

contain

CB

CB

Assignment

Wing, align as OLB

Alley
Outside force, post,
contain

Under

SW

WH

$
C
C
FS

Area
Call
Description
Pos

Defensive alignments
Under
Alignment for 2-back, TE, Wing formation Pro I Left Tight
Align

Assignment

Pos

Align

Sword - SH

Strong C, Contain, outside

shade of OT

2i

Strong A-gap, outside shade

of C

Sniper $

Inside #2
WR

2i

Weak B-gap, outside shade

of OG

Falcon FS

Alley

Whip WH

Weak C, Contain, outside

shade of OT

Sam S

30

Control TE, outside shade of

TE

Mike M

30

Strong B-gap

Will W

Weak A-gap

Outside force, post,

contain

CB

CB

Assignment

Wing, align as OLB

Alley
Outside force, post,
contain

Boomer

SW

WH

$
C

C
FS

Area
Call
Description
Pos

Defensive alignments
Boomer
Alignment for interior DT and OLB vs. 1-back, no TE formations
Align

Assignment

Pos

Align

Outside force, post,

contain

Sword - SH

Strong C, Contain

2i

Strong A-gap

Sniper $

Inside #2
WR

2i

Weak A-gap

Falcon FS

Alley

Whip WH

Weak C, Contain

Sam S

30

Strong B-gap

Mike M

30

Weak B-gap

Will W

Walk-off on #2 receiver

CB

CB

Assignment

Walk-off
Alley
Outside force, post,
contain

Ale (Max)

SH

Area
Call
Description
Pos

WH

FS

Defensive alignments
Max
Short yardage for a Pro formation
Align

Assignment

Pos

Align

Assignment
Outside force, post,
contain, man-to-man

Sword - SH

Pinch strong

CB

Strong A-gap

Sniper $

Stack SDE

Strong C-gap, TE manto-man

Weak A-gap

Falcon FS

Stack WDE

Weak C-gap, TE manto-man

Whip WH

5
Wide

Weak C, Contain

Sam S

Strong D-gap, contain

Mike M

00

Flow, fill, RB smash route

Will W

Weak D-gap, contain, RB

CB

Outside force, post,

contain, man-to-man

Strong

SH

WH

$
C

C
FS

Area
Call
Description
Pos

Defensive alignments
Strong
Strong alignments for a Pro formation
Align

Assignment

Pos

Sword - SH

Strong C-gap

CB

Strong A-gap

Sniper $

Alley

Alley

Weak B-gap

Falcon FS

Alley

Alley

Whip WH

5
Wide

Weak C, Contain

Sam S

Strong D-gap, contain

Mike M

30

Strong B-gap

Will W

10

Weak A-gap

CB

Align

Assignment
Outside force, post,
contain

Outside force, post,

contain

SHORT YARDAGE

Combinations and Blitz Summary

Call

Description

Assignment

Psycho

Slant Strong

Tornado

Whip

WDE lateral step into G outside shoulder, 1 tech engage C w/ inside arm then tight
loop into C gap NT contain on rush

Typhoon

Tackle

1 tech attack opposite shoulder of C work into B gap, 3 tech tight loop into weak A

Wacko

Slant weak

Psycho Slant Strong

DE

WH

$
C

C
FS

Area
Call
Description

Stunts and blitzes

Psycho
DL slant to strong-side gap

Pos

Align

Assignment

DE

Slant to strong gap

Slant to strong gap

Slant to strong gap

Whip WH

Slant to strong gap

Sam S

50

Strong C-gap

Mike M

10

Strong A-gap

Will W

30

Weak C-gap

DEFENSIVE LINE STUNTS

Combinations and Blitz Summary

Call

Description

Assignment

Psycho

Slant Strong

Tornado

Whip

WDE lateral step into G outside shoulder, 1 tech engage C w/ inside arm then tight
loop into C gap NT contain on rush

Typhoon

Tackle

1 tech attack opposite shoulder of C work into B gap, 3 tech tight loop into weak A

Wacko

Slant weak

Psycho Slant Strong

DE

WH

$
C

C
FS

Area
Call
Description

Stunts and blitzes

Psycho
DL slant to strong-side gap

Pos

Align

Assignment

DE

Slant to strong gap

Slant to strong gap

Slant to strong gap

Whip WH

Slant to strong gap

Sam S

50

Strong C-gap

Mike M

10

Strong A-gap

Will W

30

Weak C-gap

Wacko Slant Weak

DE

WH

$
C

C
FS

Area
Call
Description

Stunts and blitzes

Wacko
DL slant to weak-side gap

Pos

Align

Assignment

DE

Slant to weak gap

Slant to weak gap

Slant to weak gap

Whip WH

Slant to weak gap

Sam S

50

Strong C-gap

Mike M

10

Strong A-gap

Will W

30

Weak C-gap

Tornado DT Stunt

DE

WH

$
C

C
FS

Area
Call
Description

Stunts and blitzes

Tornado
Whip lateral step into G outside shoulder, 1 tech engage C w/ inside arm then tight
loop into C gap T contain on rush

Pos

Align

Assignment

DE

Strong D, Contain

Strong B-gap

Engage outside shoulder of C then loop into C-gap

Whip WH

Lateral step into outside shoulder of OG

Sam S

50

Strong C-gap

Mike M

10

Strong A-gap

Will W

30

Weak C-gap

Typhoon DT Stunt

DE

WH

$
C

C
FS

Area
Call
Description

Stunts and blitzes

Typhoon
1 tech attack opposite shoulder of C work into B gap, 3 tech tight loop into weak A

Pos

Align

Assignment

DE

Strong D, Contain

Tight loop into weak A-gap

Attack opposite shoulder of C, work to strong B-gap

Whip WH

Lateral step into outside shoulder of OG

Sam S

50

Strong C-gap

Mike M

10

Strong A-gap

Will W

30

Weak C-gap

DEFENSIVE LINE AND

LINEBACKER
COMBINATIONS

Defensive Line and Linebacker Combinations

Call

Description

Devil

DEs drop

Dogg

NT, Mike zone

Assignment
DEs drop to flat after hard outside rush step, Sam and Will blitz C-gap

Devil DEs to flat

DE

WH

$
C

C
FS

Area
Call
Description

Stunts and blitzes

Devil
DEs drop to flat after hard 1st step, Sam, Will blitz C-gap

Pos

Align

Assignment

DE

Hard 1st step, then drop to flat coverage

Strong B-gap

Weak A-gap

Whip WH

Hard 1st step, then drop to flat coverage

Sam S

50

Blitz strong C-gap

Mike M

10

Strong A-gap

Will W

30

Blitz weak C-gap

Dogg T Blitz, Mike zone

DE

WH

$
C

C
FS

Area
Call
Description

Stunts and blitzes

Dogg
Mike blitzes, DT engages and then drops to zone

Pos

Align

Assignment

DE

Strong D, Contain

Strong B-gap

Engage the C and then drop into the Mike coverage area

Whip WH

Weak C, Contain

Sam S

50

Strong C-gap

Mike M

10

Strong A-gap

Will W

30

Weak B-gap

LINEBACKER BLITZES

Fire All LBs Blitz

DE

WH

$
C

C
FS

Area
Call
Description

Stunts and blitzes

Fire
All LBs blitz

Pos

Align

Assignment

DE

Strong D, Contain

Strong B-gap

Weak A-gap

Whip WH

Weak C, Contain

Sam S

50

Blitz strong C-gap

Mike M

10

Blitz strong A-gap

Will W

30

Blitz weak B-gap

Maul Mike & Will Blitz

DE

WH

$
C

C
FS

Area
Call
Description

Stunts and blitzes

Maul
Mike and Will blitz

Pos

Align

Assignment

DE

Strong D, Contain

Strong B-gap

Weak A-gap

Whip WH

Weak C, Contain

Sam S

50

Strong C-gap

Mike M

10

Blitz strong A-gap

Will W

30

Blitz weak B-gap

Mug Mike Blitz

DE

WH

$
C

C
FS

Area
Call
Description

Stunts and blitzes

Mug
Mike blitz

Pos

Align

Assignment

DE

Strong D, Contain

Strong B-gap

Weak A-gap

Whip WH

Weak C, Contain

Sam S

50

Strong C-gap

Mike M

10

Blitz strong A-gap

Will W

30

Weak B-gap

Saw Sam & Will Blitz

DE

WH

$
C

C
FS

Area
Call
Description

Stunts and blitzes

Saw
Sam and Will blitz

Pos

Align

Assignment

DE

Strong D, Contain

Strong B-gap

Weak A-gap

Whip WH

Weak C, Contain

Sam S

50

Blitz strong C-gap

Mike M

10

Strong A-gap

Will W

30

Blitz weak B-gap

Sike Sam & Mike Blitz

DE

WH

$
C

C
FS

Area
Call
Description

Stunts and blitzes

Sike
Sam and Mike blitz

Pos

Align

Assignment

DE

Strong D, Contain

Strong B-gap

Weak A-gap

Whip WH

Weak C, Contain

Sam S

50

Blitz strong C-gap

Mike M

10

Blitz strong A-gap

Will W

30

Weak B-gap

Smash Sam Blitz

DE

WH

$
C

C
FS

Area
Call
Description

Stunts and blitzes

Smash
Sam blitz

Pos

Align

Assignment

DE

Strong D, Contain

Strong B-gap

Weak A-gap

Whip WH

Weak C, Contain

Sam S

50

Blitz strong C-gap

Mike M

10

Strong A-gap

Will W

30

Weak B-gap

Wax Will Blitz

DE

WH

$
C

C
FS

Area
Call
Description

Stunts and blitzes

Wax
Will blitz

Pos

Align

Assignment

DE

Strong D, Contain

Strong B-gap

Weak A-gap

Whip WH

Weak C, Contain

Sam S

50

Strong C-gap

Mike M

10

Strong A-gap

Will W

30

Blitz weak B-gap

LINEBACKER AND
DEFENSIVE BACK
COMBINATIONS

Nitro Sniper, Sam, Mike Blitz

DE

WH

$
C

C
FS

Area
Call
Description

Stunts and blitzes

Nitro
Sniper, Sam, Mike blitz

Pos

Align

Assignment

DE

Strong D, Contain

Strong B-gap

Weak A-gap

Whip WH

Weak C, Contain

Sam S

50

Blitz strong C-gap

Mike M

10

Blitz strong A-gap

Will W

30

Weak B-gap

Sluggo Sniper & Sam Blitz

DE

WH

$
C

C
FS

Area
Call
Description

Stunts and blitzes

Sluggo
Sniper and Sam blitz

Pos

Align

Assignment

DE

Strong D, Contain

Strong B-gap

Weak A-gap

Whip WH

Weak C, Contain

Sam S

50

Strong C-gap

Mike M

10

Strong A-gap

Will W

30

Weak B-gap

Wiper Sniper & Will Blitz

DE

WH

$
C

C
FS

Area
Call
Description

Stunts and blitzes

Wiper
Sniperand Will blitz

Pos

Align

Assignment

DE

Strong D, Contain

Strong B-gap

Weak A-gap

Whip WH

Weak C, Contain

Sam S

50

Strong C-gap

Mike M

10

Blitz strong A-gap

Will W

30

Blitz weak B-gap

DEFENSIVE BACK BLITZES

Bungy Sniper & Falcon Blitz

DE

WH

$
C

C
FS

Area
Call
Description

Stunts and blitzes

Bungy
Sniper and Falcon blitz

Pos

Align

Assignment

DE

Strong D, Contain

Strong B-gap

Weak A-gap

Whip WH

Weak C, Contain

Sam S

50

Strong C-gap

Mike M

10

Blitz strong A-gap

Will W

30

Blitz weak B-gap

Falcon Falcon Blitz

DE

WH

$
C

C
FS

Area
Call
Description

Stunts and blitzes

Falcon
Falcon blitz

Pos

Align

Assignment

DE

Strong D, Contain

Strong B-gap

Weak A-gap

Whip WH

Weak C, Contain

Sam S

50

Strong C-gap

Mike M

10

Strong A-gap

Will W

30

Weak B-gap

Slam Strong CB Blitz

DE

WH

$
C

C
FS

Area
Call
Description

Stunts and blitzes

Slam
Strong cornerback blitz

Pos

Align

Assignment

DE

Strong D, Contain

Strong B-gap

Weak A-gap

Whip WH

Weak C, Contain

Sam S

50

Strong C-gap

Mike M

10

Strong A-gap

Will W

30

Weak B-gap

Sniper Sniper Blitz

DE

WH

$
C

C
FS

Area
Call
Description

Stunts and blitzes

Sniper
Sniper blitzes, Sam drops to zone

Pos

Align

Assignment

DE

Strong D, Contain

Strong B-gap

Weak A-gap

Whip WH

Weak C, Contain

Sam S

50

Drop to zone

Mike M

10

Strong A-gap

Will W

30

Weak B-gap

Wham Weak CB Blitz

DE

WH

$
C

C
FS

Area
Call
Description

Stunts and blitzes

Wham
Weak cornerback blitz

Pos

Align

Assignment

DE

Strong D, Contain

Strong B-gap

Weak A-gap

Whip WH

Weak C, Contain

Sam S

50

Strong C-gap

Mike M

10

Strong A-gap

Will W

30

Weak B-gap

Where the LBs and DBs will play to defend the

passing game

PASS DEFENSE

Base Cover Rules

Cover 3 is our base defensive coverage
FS has middle 1/3
Each CB has outside 1/3

Sniper will align the to 2-receiver side and

has the flats to his side
OLB to the Sniper has the hook-seam to that
side
Mike has the hook-seam away from the
Sniper
OLB away from the Sniper has the flat

Coverage vs. Pro

Coverage

Cover 3 (13, Black)

Formation

Pro 1 TE, 2-backs

Strength
Sniper

Right
Romeo

Coaching Points

M
M

M
M
M

Coverage vs. Twins

Coverage

Formation

Cover 3

Twins Left 1 TE, 2-backs, 2 WR

Strength

Right

Sniper

Lima

Coaching Points

$
S

M
M
M

M
M

Coverage vs. Troy

Coverage

Formation
Strength
Sniper

Cover 3

Troy Left 2-backs, 2 WR

Left (no TE, 2-receiver side)
Lima

Coaching Points

$
W

M
M
M

M
M

Coverage vs. Flexbone

Coverage

Formation
Strength
Sniper
Coaching Points

Cover 3

Flexbone/Spread Option
Left
Romeo
Sniper aligns outside the wing at LB depth, becomes the 4th LB

M
M

M
M

M
M

Coverage vs. Doubles

Coverage

Cover 3

Formation

Doubles

Strength
Sniper

Left
Lima

Coaching Points

$
M

M
M

M
M

M
M

Coverage vs. Trips

Coverage

Formation
Strength
Sniper
Coaching Points

Cover 3

Trips
Left
Lima
Vs. Trips the $ will move out to take his regular alignment on the #2, the Sam will then
align on the #3. First look is for the inside route, the slant or curl. The F will move over
to head up on the strong-side EMLOS

$
W

M
M

M
M

Coverage Rules for Base Blitzes

If we call a base LB blitz then that will take us into an
automatic cover 2 arrangement
The alignments are the same as in the base defense, no
substantive realignments to indicate cover 2 or blitzing
The concept is that we are rushing 5 and will pressure
the QB into throwing the ball early
The away CB and Sniper will take the flats, the to CB
and FS will split the field in half, and the non-blitzing
LBs will take the remaining hook-seam areas

Smash, Mug, Wax

Sam takes the hook-seam to his side, except if he is
blitzing
Mike takes the hook-seam to the side of the blitzing LB
(Sam or Will)
Will takes the hook-seam to his side, except if he is
blitzing
Sniper takes the flat to his side
CB to Sniper takes the deep to his side
FS takes the deep away from Sniper
CB away from Sniper takes the flat to his side

Coverage: Smash vs. Pro

Coverage

Formation

Smash

Pro

Strength

Right

Sniper

Lima

Coaching Points

$
S

M
M
M

M
M

Coverage: Mug vs. Pro

Coverage

Formation

Mike

Pro

Strength

Right

Sniper

Lima

Coaching Points

$
S

M
M
M

M
M

Coverage: Wax vs. Pro

Coverage

Wax

Formation

Pro

Strength

Right

Sniper

Lima

Coaching Points

$
S

M
M
M

M
M

Coverage: Smash vs. Trips

Coverage

Formation
Strength
Sniper

Smash

Trips
Left
Lima

Coaching Points

$
W

M
M

M
M

Coverage: Mug vs. Trips

Coverage

Mike

Formation

Trips

Strength
Sniper

Left
Lima

Coaching Points

$
W

M
M

M
M

Coverage: Wax vs. Trips

Coverage

Wax

Formation

Trips

Strength
Sniper

Left
Lima

Coaching Points

$
W

M
M

M
M

Thus spake the master Coach:

It is time for you to leave.

PARKING LOT

Defensive Comments What

To Do:

Against an Option Team

Hit the QB every play, force them to use both pitches.
Make the d-line pinch inside for collapsing inside and
protect the Mike if the play goes further because the
d-linemen can't make the play. Shoot the outside
linebackers on the edge to contain the play while the
DE are the option guy.
Make them get it to their least productive player
Make them pitch.
Mix the reads
Take away FB & QB

Take away the stud

Against a Balanced Team

30 Front. Mix up man under and Zone
Make Them Pass
Play To Your Strength
Stick To Your System And Philosophy Against Any Team
Or Situation.

Make Them Throw Anyhow, Every Pass Is A 50-50 In

My Book #1.- Responsibility #2.- Attack! #3,#4, And
#5- Disciplined Aggression #6.- Keep Them Inside #7.Stretch Them Out #8.- Have Fun/No Pressure #9.Thrash Them Quickly! #10.- Patience
Stop The Best Plays
Stop The Run, Make Them Pass

Take Away Run

Zero In On Tendencies

Against a Faster Team

30 Front, Cover 2 Or 4
Attack Them... You Only Get One Shot... Remove The
Space.

Contain - Bottle Them Up

Dont Let Them Have The Ball
Keep The Ball On Offense And Keep Them In Front Of
You
Make Them Nickel And Dime Us.
Play Zone In Coverage And Try To Vary The Look To
Make Them Think And This Will Take Away Their
Athletic Advantage.
Try To Keep Them Between The Tackles & Cov 2

Against an Inferior Team

Base Offense, Base Defense, Sub A Lot.
Beatem As Simply As You Can. Dont Put A Lot Of
Stuff On Tape

Close The Door In The First Half, JV'S Get The Second
Dont Give Them Hope
Get Serious... The Biggest Threat Is The Team With
Nothing To Lose.
Get Up On Them Early.
Keep It Simple, Get A Lead And Play Nice

Play Great Fundamentals And Work In Backups

Sub After A 21 Point Lead.

Against a Passing Team

30 Front. Bring 1-2 Extra
A) Confuse The QB By Disguising Coverage. B) Send
Some Zone Blitz. C) Play Man Weakside, Zone
Strongside. D) Show A Tuff Look With Backers And
Drop Them Into Coverage.
Cant Coverem Rushem, Cant Rushem, Coverem,
Cant Cover Or Rush, Dont Let Them Have The Ball
Confuse The QB
Keep Them In Front Of You And Pressure The Qb
Make Them Drive The Ball

Pressure The QB. Disrupt The WR'S Routes.

Zone It.....Make Them Make Perfect Throws The
Length Of The Field.

Against a Passing Team That Goes Deep

30 Front Cover 4, Blitz 1-2 Extra
Bring Pressure Up The Middle
Double The Receiver They Like To Go Deep With. If
They Send A Lot Of 4 Verticals, Cover
Man, Cover 2 Deep
Man Under / Zone Over
Press And Cover Deep.
Same As #3 But A lot Of Cover 2
Zone It.....Make Them Make Perfect Throws The
Length Of The Field.

Against a Passing Team that Likes To Dink And Dunk

C II Man Under 30 Front
Cover 2 Read...
M Press And Make Them Drive The Distance
Press The Receivers And Bring Heat
Take Away Dunk.

Zone It.....Make Them Make Perfect Throws The

Length Of The Field.

Against a Power Team

8-9 In The Box
Blow Up Blockers
Collapse / Compress The Middle.
Give Them No Choice But To Pass.
Make Them Run Over Me!

Move Around (Dont Be Sitting Ducks)

Pack The Box With A 5-3 Defense. Give Them No
Choice But To Pass.
Stack The Box And Make Them Pass

Against a Simply Superior Team

Attack Them
Beat Them At Their 3 Best Plays With
Automatics...Force Them Out Of Their Comfort Zone

Dont Let Them Have The Ball

Have Fun...
Over Prepare And Keep It Simple.
Over Prepare To Get The Job Done With A W!
Run The Ball, Keep Clock Moving
Sh*T And Go Blind.....Pray That You Can out Coach
Them For A Game
Stay Basic, "Do What You Do"

Against a Stronger Team

30 Front Cover 1 Or 3
Attack Them.....Dont Let Them Man handle You
Create Defensive Space... To Not Get Dominated.
Cut Them
Dont Let Them Have The Ball

Out Quick Them

Play Keep Away
Play With The Mentality Of Having More Time Of
Possession.

Things to Think About

Various topics for defensive

consideration. Some are good, some
are ideas, mainly just some food for
thought regarding how these items
might pertain to our defensive
operations.

Things to Think About 1

Determine what defensive scheme is best for our athletes based

on

Simplicity In

Alignment
Assignment
Responsibility

Learn the new system

Option
Pass Coverage
Pass Rush
Blitzes
Want to bring pressure from multiple positions from multiple areas
Adjustments based on what/whom we are trying to stop

DC knows all positions, keys, techniques, responsibilities, key teaching

points, etc.
Each position coach knows his position keys, techniques,
responsibilities, key teaching points
Everyone learns in game adjustments that can be made so we can help
one another adjust. Maybe you see something different than the other
guy does.

Learn adjustments that can or need to be made against certain

plays and yet remain sound in scheme overall.

Know them, be able to adjust on the fly in a game IMMEDIATELY.

Learn how to communicate these effectively and quickly to our
athletes
Work on adjustments in practice

If they are hurting us with this play here is something we can do to adjust to
it.

Things to Think About 2

Pick the right leader in the huddle Coach on the
field

Not liked RESPECTED is the key

Stay positive at all times
Chew butt when appropriate
Knows the calls and signals
Knows the adjustments to various formations
Can communicate to DC what is happening on the field
so we can adjust
Must earn our trust that he knows what he is seeing on
the field

Set 8-10 Game Goals that will determine the

success of our defense.
Set expectations very high. No one has ever risen to
low expectations.
Board up in locker room with these goals so we can see
what we accomplish or fail to accomplish
Helmet stickers?

Things to Think About 3

Become more physical. Teams are intimidated by our speed

already, but they are not intimidated of our physicality.
We need to become HITTERS
Stop catching blows and start handing out blows.
Drill physical play at least 1 time a week
Will create competition between teammates
Will show us who can and who cant be physical

Determine some common down and distance/situational

adjustments. Work on them every day.

3rd and long

4th and short
End of half
Need a turnover time
Protecting a lead

Determine how we can disguise our intentions/coverages.

Too many times we show our hand and are easy to adjust to,
we need to become better at disguising our intentions on
each play. Make the opponent question what we are going to
do.
Change it up in game situations, do not always have to blitz
we want to keep the opponents offense guessing if we are
coming, who is coming, and where is he coming from.

Things to Think About 4

Preach pursuit with PASSION (11 hats to the ball on every play).

Teach our athletes to take better angles

Drill it daily- NEVER GIVE UP ON A PLAY!!
Takes NO ATHLETIC ABILITY to hustle.
Pursuit drills 2 times per week minimum
Play through the echo of the whistle.

GET OFF BLOCKS

Need to teach our athletes how to negate and or defeat blockers, we

allow ourselves to stay blocked way too much
Work on block destruction techniques

I can live with a few penalties here and there for a late hit, if a ball carrier is
on his feet and in bounds LAY A LICK on him. This goes back to us becoming
a more physical team.

Rip
Small Swim
Push/Pull
Bull

Work on 2 or 3 techniques and if one does not work on a play, try

another, DO NOT ALLOW YOURSELF TO STAY BLOCKED, EVER!

Be better tacklers. Eyes up, club arms, run feet, and be physical.

No more arm tackles

Shimmy, Shimmy, Shimmy
Profile vs. Face tackles
Tackling Circuit and Turnover Circuit 2 times per week minimum

Things to Think About 5

Create more turnovers. Vital for us to win the
turnover battle.
We have not been good in this area for 2 years.
Need to create short field situations for the offense
Score on defense.

TAKE AWAY THE BIG PLAYS.

Make our opponent drive the ball consistently against
us.
No passes of 15 yards or more
No runs of 15 yards or more
Average of 2.4 yards or less per run allowed
Average of 6.0 yards or less per pass attempt
FORCE THEM TO DRIVE THE BALL
Allows them opportunities to make mistakes that stop
themselves or put themselves in bad situations
(penalties, bad play calls, etc)

Get tougher in the RED ZONE (inside the 20 yard line)

Make them have to run another play

Allows them opportunities to make mistakes
ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE
They have to earn every inch they gain
Make them pay a price to gain each inch

Things to Think About 6

Need more 3 and Outs or 7 play or less drives that result

in a turnover or punt.
Get the defense off the field/Get the offense on the field
Demoralizing to our athletes if they move the ball consistently
Demoralizing to the opponent if we do not allow them to
move the ball consistently

Changes their gameplan

Changes their playcalling
Changes the tempo of the game
Creates situations where we force them to make mistakes
(creates a sense of panic)

Scout team needs to do a better job.

Keep score
Conditioning on the line (or some other type of
reward/reminder guidelines)
Focus on what opponent does best

Main 3 or 4 formations
Main 4 or 5 running plays
Main 3 or 4 passing plays
Take an offense out of their comfort zone and what do they
have?

If they are a team that likes to run the ball, force them to throw.
If they are a team who likes to pass the ball, force them to run the
ball.
If they are a team who likes to run to the flank, force them to run in
the middle and be physical.
If they are a team who likes to pound the ball in the middle, invite
them to the flank where we gain a speed advantage.
If they are a balanced offense take away what they do best.

Teaching Team Defense

How we call what we call, and why.

Defensive Skills and Drills

4-Station Tackling - Overview

Overview
The number one most important skill in football, no matter
what the level, from Pee Wee to Pro, is tackling. If you can't
tackle, then you can't stop the offense.
In just ten minutes of practice time per day, you can turn your
players into a group of tackling machines. If you want to get
really crazy, use three minutes at each station, with a thirty
second rotation period. That's just fifteen minutes a day.
You don't need to be using a specific tackling system to make
this four-station drill work. Whether you prefer chest plate or
waist tackling is irrelevant. All you need are some tackling
dummies, five coaches, two gymnastics pads (or worn out
mattresses), and ten minutes per practice.

Key points:
Locate the four tackling stations about ten to fifteen yards
apart
One coach takes a group of players to a station. When the
players rotate to a new station, the coach remains
At each station players execute the specific tackling drill for
two minutes. The have thirty seconds to rotate to a new
station
Other drills can be substituted as necessary, or to give a
change of pace. Attempt to keep with the drill's purpose,
however. (Such as substituting the "Bull in the Ring" for the 2
X 2 square drill.)
Position players (DBs, LBs, DEs, DL) together to ensure close
physical match-ups
The remedial tackling coach, located where he is in the center
of all the drill stations, is the ideal person to control the timer

4-Station Tackling - Layout

Station #1: Head-on mat tackle

Equipment:
1 gymnastics mat, old mattress, or other padded landing surface
1 tackling dummy
1 "impact shield

Execution:
Place the tackling dummy lengthwise across one end of the landing
surface as shown in the diagram
The ball carrier holds the impact shield to protect himself
At a coach's signal, the tackler attacks the ball carrier with a form
tackle, lifting the ball carrier over the tackling dummy and onto the
landing surface
After the tackle, the ball carrier goes to the end of the line, and the
tackler becomes the next ball carrier

Execution:
Incorrect form results in the tackler being sent to the remedial tackling
coach for further reinforcement of the problem area (i.e. head down,
no wrap, etc.)
As the season progresses, have the ball carrier charge forward at the
tackler

Coaching Points:
Form tackle, good lift, drive hard
The tackle should be made at 1/2 speed, but while moving into and out
of the drill, keep players moving at high speed, and try for a minimum
of five reps per player
If a player has a problem with a certain area, such as forgetting to keep
his head up, remind him with positive reinforcement before his rep
For example, say "Johnny, remember to keep your head up,"
rather than, "Johnny, don't drop your head."

Station #2: To the hole tackle

Equipment:
At least four tackling dummies
Optional: Have ball carrier use an impact shield

Execution:
Place the tackling dummies in parallel about three feet apart
A coach stands behind the tackler and points to the hole he
wants the ball carrier to attack
At the coach's signal both players shuffle sideways until the
ball carrier gets to the hole indicated, where he charges
forward
The tackler should meet him in the hole and drive him
backwards with a good form tackle

Coaching Points:
Form tackle, good lift, drive hard
Although this tackling is "full speed" the short distance
between the players will limit acceleration
Players should not be at greater than 3/4 speed at impact
While moving into and out of the drill, keep players moving at
high speed, and try for a minimum of five reps per player
If a player has a problem with a certain area, such as
forgetting to keep his head up, remind him with positive
reinforcement before his rep

Station #3: 2 X 2 box

Equipment:
4 cones or other items for marking a two yard by two yard square on
the practice field
Optional: 1 football

Execution:
Arrange the players around the outside so that each player is facing
across from a player of roughly equal size
The coach will signal to a set of two players
At his gesture, the object is for one player to make it across the box,
while the other player must tackle him to prevent this
Optional: "Thud" tackle, without taking the ball carrier to the ground
Optional 2: Coach throws a football to his selected ball carrier. Player
directly across from the ball carrier is the tackler

Coaching Points:
Concentrate on reinforcing secure tackles
This is an "open field" drill, so expect missed tackles
This drill will probably send more players to remedial tackling than any
other
Although this tackling is "full speed" the short distance between the
players will limit acceleration
Players should not be at greater than 3/4 speed at impact
While moving into and out of the drill, keep players moving at high
speed, and try for a minimum of five reps per player
If a player has a problem with a certain area, such as forgetting to keep
his head up, remind him with positive reinforcement before his rep

Station #4: Angle tackle mat

Equipment:
1 gymnastics mat, old mattress, or other padded landing
surface
1 tackling dummy
Optional: 1 "impact shield

Execution:
Similar to the head-on mat drill, one player is a tackler, and
one is the ball carrier
The ball carrier jogs slowly (1/2 speed)
The tackler moves as fast as necessary to make the tackle
Players must be coached to remain at a slow and controlled
speed, rather than trying for the "big hit"
As in the head-on drill, the tackler should lift the ball carrier
up over the tackling dummy and onto the landing surface

Coaching Points:
Form tackle, good lift, drive hard
The tackle should be made at 1/2 speed, but while moving
into and out of the drill, keep players moving at high speed,
and try for a minimum of five reps per player
If a player has a problem with a certain area, such as
forgetting to keep his head up, remind him with positive
reinforcement before his rep
Use two lines, one for ball carriers and one for tacklers, rather
than rotating the tackler and ball carrier (That takes too long.)
Vary the angle and shoulder at least every day, from 120
degrees to the front, to around 30 degrees to the rear

Remedial Tackling

Equipment:
1 tackling dummy or "Popsicle stick" hitting sled

Execution:
Upon incorrect execution of a tackle, the player will be sent to
the remedial tackling coach with the phrase, "Billy, go over to
Coach Norm and work on keeping your head up while you
tackle."
The player then sprints to the remedial tackling coach and
informs him what portion of the tackle he needs to work on
(sometimes the remedial tackling coach will get too busy to
hear the original mistake.)
The player will then execute five correct tackles, (start to
finish) using the tackling dummy/"Popsicle" stick before
sprinting back to catch up with his drill mates, who may have
moved on in the interim

Coaching Points:
Players will feel that remedial tackling is a punishment. This is
not the case. Remedial tackling is a reinforcement of the
correct tackling procedure
Execute each of the points to a correct tackle as slowly as
necessary to perform each step perfectly
Incorrect iterations do not count

2-on-1 Tackling (Tee Time)

Equipment:
6 cones, football

Execution:
Ball-Carrier is on his back. Tacklers stand behind their cone.
On the signal, ball-carrier gets up and runs straight downfield.
Tacklers must round their cone and come back to make tackle.
Variations to this drill may allow Ball-Carrier to juke, spin, cut
or simply run straight ahead. Adjustments may include
moving the ball-carriers cone forward or back, or moving the
Tacklers cones forwards or back. Cones should be placed
between 10-15 yards downfield.

Coaching Points:
This is a drill that gets walked through until players are
comfortable with their responsibility. The Runners are not
allowed to cut, juke or spin on their first few attempts. We
want contact and cut/juke/spin negates some of that.
After the players are comfortable with this drill, we allow the
cut/juke/spin.
Shorten the distances all around initially. Not sure how you
teach tackling but any technique should work here.

2-on-1 Tackling (Tee Time)

3-on-3 Blocking/Tackling Drill (Snake Pit)

Equipment:

Execution:
Offensive and Defensive Linemen are in 3-point stance.
Ball-Carrier is deep set and Linebacker is in gap.
Variations include adjusting splits of Linemen, depth of BallCarrier and/or Linebacker, or adding a Center.

Coaching Points:

1-on-1 Tackling

Equipment:

Execution:
Ball-Carrier and Tackler lie on their back with helmets almost
touching each other. On the signal, Ball-Carrier rises and runs
forward while Tackler rises and makes tackle. Variations include
spacing between both players and/or allowing Ball-Carrier to juke,
cut or run straight ahead.
Coaching Points: