BEAR FRONT GOAL LINE DEFENSE PACKAGE

This coaching clinic covers implementing a Bear front as a short yardage and goal line defensive package, focusing on getting five defenders on the line of scrimmage.

PERSONNEL AND ALIGNMENT

The package involves substituting a Sam linebacker or safety for an additional defensive end/jack player to create a five-down look. Personnel decisions should be based on player mentality and skill set, not just size - the coach mentions successfully using a 5'11" 150-pound edge player who was fast and aggressive. The defensive line aligns with a three-technique (or four if facing tackle/tight end), a five-technique, and a head-up nose guard who shades to the strong side.

OVERHANG TECHNIQUES

The two overhang players can be deployed using multiple approaches:

• Box players (outside edge responsibility)
• Crush players (inside technique)
• Trace concept (preferred method) - crush on flow toward you, box player on flow away

The trace concept requires more practice but provides the best balance, though it can leave you vulnerable to bootlegs and zone read keepers if the backside player gets overly aggressive.

COVERAGE OPTIONS

The package typically runs with fire zone/cover three or man-to-one-side with trap coverage. With a safety substituted out, man-free becomes an option where the middle safety can play centerfield or tag specific threats like an H-back. Coverage decisions should consider down-and-distance and opponent tendencies.

MOVEMENT AND DISGUISE

The front regularly stems between alignments (fours to threes, fives to threes) to create indecision for offensive linemen and disrupt blocking schemes. Edge players can also move up to the line pre-snap, though this carries offsides risk. These movements can also draw the offense into false start penalties.

GAME EXAMPLES

Multiple film clips demonstrate the package successfully defending various plays including inside runs, kick-out schemes with double tight end formations, and goal line stands. Key teaching points emphasized proper crush technique, linebacker gap leverage, and using the cat technique near the goal line to stay low and create pile-ups. One critical stop in a 13-10 game resulted in a fumble recovery that preserved the lead against a larger classification opponent.