Defensive Philosophy

** Key Points for Defensive Coaching **

 

Defensive Philosophy

• Keep it simple and sound, but always move with a purpose.
• Focus on coaching alignment, assignment, fit tackling, and pursuit. Don't forget the little things!
• This includes:
• Alignment
• Stance
• Steps
• Keys
• How to defeat blocks
• Fit tackling
• Pursuit
• When coaching, be confident, and remember that defense is fun, aggressive, and a team effort!

Practice Organization

• Practice with intensity and tempo - it's your responsibility to set the tone.
• Teams that practice hard will play hard.
• Always set high standards and make sure they're met.

Practice

• Reps, reps, and more reps!
• Fundamentals and technique are key!
• Identify techniques that are critical for each position, and work on them specifically.
• Teach in a progression and always emphasize finishing drills.
• Teach the FIT tackling system and reinforce pursuit.
• Inside Run > Skelly > Team
• Stick to the script - know the upcoming plays, hash, etc.
• Rotate Group 1 & 2
• Coach every play, good or bad, defense or scout
• Coach on the run and don't stop the tempo

Personnel Groups

• 10 (1 RB, 0 TE)
• 11 (1 RB, 1 TE)
• 12 (1 RB, 2 TE)
• 20 (2 RB, 0 TE)
• 21 (2 RB, 1 TE)
• 22 (2 RB, 2 TE)
• 30 (3 RB, 0 TE)
• 31 (3 RB, 1 TE)
• 32 (3 RB, 2 TE)

Motion Tags

• TE Trade
• Jet - Sweep Motions
• Zip - WR motion towards formations
• Zap - WR motion away from formations
• Fox - Fullback/RB motion towards the X
• Fry - Fullback motion towards the TE (Y)
• Fly - WR arc motion into the backfield
• Cowboy - FB or Slot shuffle motion across the formation

Formations

• All formations are named from a defensive perspective
• Name starts with the strength of the formation