Gerry Yonchiuk, Head Coach, Central York HS, PA

View the full video: Running Mesh: The Staple of the Air Raid

Jared Sloan, Defensive Coordinator, Magnolia West HS, TX

View the full video on Glazier Drive: Being Multiple in the 3-4 to Defend Multiple Offenses

OVERVIEW

This coaching video covers a multiple 3-4 defense that uses alignment rules and pattern reading as its foundation. The defense operates from a base weak eagle formation but can adjust to look like a 4-3 depending on offensive alignment and field position.

ADJUSTMENT CALLS AND COMMUNICATION

The defense uses several key adjustment calls:

• Rain Call: Made by the rush linebacker when walking off the line
• G Call: Made by the SAM linebacker when facing no tight end or multiple receivers, moving the end from a 5-technique to 7-technique
• Bump Call: Made by the Will linebacker when removing from the box, becoming a 2-to-1 "waller" and allowing safeties to stay high
• Roll Call: Affects how the rush linebacker aligns based on formation strength

COVERAGE PHILOSOPHY - PATTERN READING

The defense emphasizes pattern reading over traditional coverage assignments. Coverage is dictated by offensive routes rather than pre-snap calls, allowing the defense to change the post-snap picture while maintaining consistency. This approach is particularly effective at the high school level for disguising defensive intentions from quarterbacks.

BLACK COVERAGE CONCEPT

Black coverage represents the team's man-to-man concept:

• Corners play 7-by-1 technique with inside leverage on #1 receivers
• Free safety and strong safety align 8-by-2 off the line of scrimmage in the box
• Front seven aligns with SAM in 9-technique, end in 5-technique, nose in heavy shade, tackles in 3-technique, rush in 5-technique
• Mike and Will linebackers position in B-gaps as "30 backers"

STRONG SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

The strong safety must count receivers to determine alignment. If there are three or more receivers to his side (including a fullback on or near the midline), he rolls down. If fewer than three, he maintains his box position. This counting system helps determine whether to rotate coverage or maintain base alignment.

FILM BREAKDOWN EXAMPLES

The coach provides two game film examples:

1. A boundary run play showing proper edge setting and gap responsibility
2. The season opener against twins formation showing how alignment rules create different looks (weak eagle vs. 4-3 appearance)

DEFENSIVE OVERLAP PRINCIPLE

The system uses an overlap concept where each level of the defense supports the next: defensive line overlaps with linebackers, linebackers with safeties, and safeties with corners. This creates multiple layers of support and reduces individual tackle responsibilities for defensive backs, allowing them to focus on their primary coverage duties.

Derek Leonard, Head Coach, Rochester High School (IL)

Full video on Glazier Drive as a part of the Derek Leonard Spread Offense System:  Quick Screens off Reads and Runs  

Philosophy

This video outlines a comprehensive approach to implementing quick screen passes that has been developed and refined over 18 years of coaching. The philosophy centers on using quick screens as the primary method for spreading defenses and preventing all 11 defenders from pursuing the ball carrier.

CORE PHILOSOPHY AND ORIGINS

The quick screen system was developed starting in 2005-2006 as an alternative to traditional option plays. Rather than running pure option concepts, the coach chose to spread the field horizontally and use quick screens to effectively "cut the defense in half" - forcing some defenders to play run responsibilities while others handle pass coverage. This approach prevents the entire defense from ganging up on the ball carrier.

ADVANTAGES OVER RPOs

While acknowledging that downfield RPOs (Run-Pass Options) can be effective with skilled quarterbacks, this system focuses primarily on quick screens with RPOs as a secondary element. The coach believes quick screens are more accessible because many of the reads can be made pre-snap, making the system easier to execute than complex second and third-level RPO concepts.

VERSATILITY AND TIMING

Quick screens offer exceptional flexibility in this system, functioning as:

• Pre-snap reads (used about 90% of the time)
• Post-snap reads
• Triple option concepts (used under 50% of the time)

This versatility allows the same basic concept to threaten defenses in multiple ways while keeping the system simple for players to learn and execute.

GETTING PLAYMAKERS THE BALL

The primary goal is creating easy opportunities for skill position players - outside receivers, slot receivers, and running backs - to touch the ball in space without requiring traditional handoffs or downfield throws. This approach has proven effective over nearly two decades of implementation.

BLOCKING PHILOSOPHY AND RECEIVER REQUIREMENTS

Simplicity is key to the blocking schemes. The system doesn't employ numerous different blocking concepts, instead focusing on mastering a few core techniques. Most importantly, receivers must embrace blocking as a fundamental requirement - there's no place on the team for receivers who won't block. The coach emphasizes that receivers must have the "unselfishness of an old lineman" to succeed in this system.

DAILY PRACTICE STRUCTURE

Even during the regular season, the team dedicates at least 10 minutes daily to blocking practice with receivers. This is supplemented by half-field drills, seven-on-seven work, and specific quick screen implementations. The "garbage can drill" (adapted from traditional mesh drills) is used from day one of summer practice to develop the quarterback-running back mesh point while incorporating quick screen reads.

SPECIFIC TECHNIQUES: THE BUBBLE SCREEN

The bubble screen represents the foundation play of the system, likely run since the program's inception. Key technical elements include:

• Receivers use a backpedal technique rather than turning and running
• This allows the quarterback to see the receiver's chest, improving accuracy
• Receivers can adjust their speed based on the quarterback's timing
• The backpedal maintains visual connection between quarterback and receiver

BLOCKING ASSIGNMENTS: MOST DANGEROUS PRINCIPLE

The blocking scheme follows a "most dangerous defender" philosophy:

• Outside receivers typically block the corner (most dangerous outside threat)
• The #2 receiver blocks the most dangerous inside defender
• Minimal crossing or crack blocks - straight-up assignments 95% of the time
• This approach keeps blocking simple while neutralizing key defenders

INTEGRATION WITH RUN GAME

As a gap scheme team, the system seamlessly integrates quick screens with run concepts. Quarterbacks can make pre-snap, post-snap, or triple option reads while the offensive line executes their run blocking assignments. This creates multiple threats off the same action, particularly effective with counter and power run concepts.

FORMATION FLEXIBILITY AND EXECUTION

The system works from various formations including pistol, bunch formations, and spread sets. The no-huddle tempo allows quarterbacks to quickly identify favorable matchups and execute pre-snap throws when they see advantageous numbers (such as three receivers versus two defenders).

NOW SCREENS VS. BUBBLE SCREENS

While bubble screens go to slot receivers, "now screens" target outside receivers. The choice between concepts often depends on personnel - teams tend to favor now screens when they have exceptional outside receivers and bubble screens when slot receivers are the primary playmakers. Regardless of the specific screen type, the fundamental blocking principles and execution remain consistent.

This comprehensive system demonstrates how a simple concept can be layered with multiple reads and options while maintaining clarity for players, creating an effective and sustainable offensive philosophy.

Alex Means, D-Line Coach, Air Force

View the full video as a part of the Alex Means D-Line System on Glazier Drive at D-Line Tackling

Summary

CORE CONCEPT - "FEET TO THE FIRE"

The fundamental teaching point centers around the "feet to the fire" concept, which uses the visual of walking across hot coals to emphasize quick, active footwork. Players must move their feet rapidly to avoid getting "burned" - meaning they stay light on their feet and maintain proper positioning. This concept applies to run contact, backfield pursuit, and block engagement.

KEY TECHNIQUE COMPONENTS

The core tackle requires defensive linemen to sink their pad level and throw uppercuts while staying square to drive the offensive player backward, creating knockback. Players must maintain proper leverage and foot positioning throughout contact. The technique emphasizes staying grounded to avoid getting "shook" by offensive moves while maintaining the ability to redirect as needed.

GAME APPLICATION EXAMPLES

Real game footage demonstrates that core tackles rarely appear as traditional one-on-one squared matchups in the hole. The technique shows up in various situations including spill plays where defensive ends must square up after initial contact, leverage sheds by nose guards and defensive ends, and backfield penetration scenarios where proper hip sink and uppercut technique create zero-yard gains.

PROGRESSIVE DRILL SEQUENCE

The teaching progression starts with agile movement drills at 45-degree angles to simulate real game block destruction while incorporating core tackle fundamentals. Static tackle wheel drills force proper uppercut technique and face placement down the center line of the opponent. Pop-up drills add shed components since defensive linemen rarely reach the backfield without playing blocks first.

ADVANCED DRILL PROGRESSION

Body-on-body drills add physical resistance while maintaining proper uppercut technique and square positioning. Angle footwork drills incorporate crossface movement with heavy bags or pop-ups to simulate real game angles. Moving ball carrier drills require defenders to maintain "feet to the fire" positioning against athletic, mobile targets.

FINAL INTEGRATION DRILL

The culmination drill combines all elements using four cones in a one-on-one setup where defenders don't know the ball carrier's direction. This integrates footwork, block destruction, transitional eyes, shed progression, and core tackle technique. The drill can incorporate both leverage sheds and backside sheds, representing the complete skill set defensive linemen need in game situations.

COACHING EMPHASIS POINTS

Common mistakes include players coming in "longlegged" instead of maintaining proper foot fire, getting turned to the side instead of staying square, and failing to run feet on contact. Proper execution requires continuous foot movement, strong uppercut technique, and maintaining body position to prevent ball carriers from gaining extra yards. The progression builds from individual components to full integration of all techniques.