Multiple 4-2-5Defensive Playbook

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 PhilosophyWe 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. 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 self-discipline to do that, then you will be part of a great defensive team.

To be a part of a GREAT 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 OO O O0 2 4 66 4 2

2i2i 31 54i 977 4i5 139

Defensive Gaps

O O O OO O OA B C DD C B A

88

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

XTE X

P BP

M

F

S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$ $

CC

4-2-5 Defense: BASE - BUNCH

XTE X

P BP

M

F

S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$ $

CC

4-2-5 Defense: BASE - SQUEEZE

XTE X

P BP

M

F

S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$ $

CC

4-2-5 Defense: BASE - STACK

XTE X

P BP

M

F

S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$ $

CC

4-2-5 Defense: BASE - UNDER

XTE X

P BP

M

F

S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$

$CC

4-2-5 Defense: BASE - OVER

XTE X

P BP

M

F

S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$

$

CC

4-2-5 Monster Defense: COBRA

XTE X

P BPM

F

SB

QBZ

RB

FB

$ $

CC

46 Defense: BEAR

XTE X

M PP

$

BB$

QBZ

RB

FB

S

F

CC

46 Defense: BEAR SLIDE WEAK

XTE X

M PP

$

BB$

QBZ

RB

FB

S

F

CC

46 Defense: BEAR - UNDER

XTE X

M PP

$

BB$

QBZ

RB

FB

S

F

CC

46 Defense: BEAR - TILT

XTE X

M PP

$

BB$

QBZ

RB

FB

S

F

CC

5-1-5 Defense: BULL

XTE X

M PP

$

B

F

B

QBZ

RB

FB

S$

CC

5-1-5 Defense: BULL STACK

XTE X

M PP

$

B

F

B

QBZ

RB

FB

S$

CC

5-1-5 Defense: BULL - TILT

XTE X

M PP

$

B

F

B

QBZ

RB

FB

S$

CC

5-1-5 Defense: BULL - STACK

XTE X

M PP

$

B

F

B

QBZ

RB

FB

S$

CC

5-3-3 Defense: JYD (Junk Yard Dog)

XTE X

M

PP

$

B

F

B

QBZ

RB

FB

S

$ CC

5-3-3 Defense: JYD (Junk Yard Dog) Under

XTE X

M

PP

$

B

F

B

QBZ

RB

FB

S

$ CC

5-3-3 Defense: JYD (Junk Yard Dog) Over

XTE X

M

PP

$

B

F

B

QBZ

RB

FB

S

$ CC

5-4-2 Defense: BUFFALO

XTE X

M PP

$

B

F

B

QBZ

RB

FB

S$

CC

3-5 Defense: OKIE

XTE X

M

P

PS$$

F

QBZ

RB

FB

BB CC

3-5 Defense: OKIE - BUNCH

XTE X

M

P

PS$$

F

QBZ

RB

FB

BB CC

3-5 Defense: OKIE - TILT

XTE X

M

P

PS$$

F

QBZ

RB

FB

BB CC

3-1-7 Defense: PANTHER

X

TE

X

PB

P M

FS

B

QB

Z

RB

FB

$ $

CC

3-1-7 Defense: PANTHER - TILT

X

TE

X

PB

P M

FS

B

QB

Z

RB

FB

$ $

CC

4-3 Defense: GATOR

XTE X

P BP

M

$

S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$

F

CC

4-3 Defense: GATOR - Even

XTE X

P BP

M

$

S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$

F

CC

4-3 Defense: GATOR - Over

XTE X

P BP

M

$

S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$

F

CC

4-3 Defense: GATOR - Under

XTE X

P BP

M

$

S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$

F

CC

4-3 Defense: GATOR - Wide

XTE X

P BP

M

$

S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$

F

CC

5-2 Defense: EAGLE

XTE X

M PP

$

B

S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$

F

CC

5-2 Defense: EAGLE - BUNCH

XTE X

M PP

$

B

S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$

F

CC

5-2 Defense: SOONER

XTE X

M

PP $B

S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$ F

CC

3-4 Defense: TIGER

XTE X

M PP

$

BS

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$

F

CC

3-4 Defense: TIGER - BUNCH

X

TE

X

M PP

$

BS

B

QB

Z

RB

FB

$

F

CC

3-4 Defense: TIGER - TILT

XTE X

M PP

$

BS

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$

F

CC

6-2-3 Defense: RHINO

XTE X

P MPS B

$

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$

F

CC

Defense: GAPS

XTE X

P MPS B$ B

QBZ

RB

FB

$F

CC

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

XTE X

P BP

M$

S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$

F

CC

Base : Sam A

XTE X

P BP

M $S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$

F

CC

Base : Mike B

XTE X

P BP

M $S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$

F

CC

Base 0 : Ambush

XTE X

P BP

M $S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$

F

CC

Base: Slant Weak Cocky

XTE X

P BP

M $S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$

F

CC

Base : Slant Strong Crazy

XTE X

P BP

M $S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$

F

CC

Base : Shoot A

XTE X

P BP

M$

S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$

F

CC

Base: Lightning

XTE X

P BP

M$S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$

F

CC

Base : Gotcha

XTE X

P BP

M$

S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$

F

CC

Base: Slant Strong

XTE X

P BP

M $S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$

F

CC

Base: Slant Weak

XTE X

P BP

M $S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$

F

CC

Base : Pinch

XTE X

P BP

M$

S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$

F

CC

Base : Hammer – Bandit Screw

XTE X

P BP

M$

S

B

QBZ

RB

FB

$

F

CC

Defensive Coverages

Coverages

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

Coverages 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

X

PPB

M$

B

$

QBRB

ZY

C C

S

F

C

RB

$ replaces blitzer

Cover 1 Man

X

PPB

M$

B

$

QBRB

ZY

C C

S

F

RB

$ Replaces Blitzed

Cover 5 Man Roll

X

PPB

M$

B

$

QBRB

ZY

CC

S

F

C

RB

Cover 7 You Call It Man

X

PPB

M $

B

$

QBRB

ZY

C C

SF

RB

Robber

Cover 9 Man

X

PPB

M $

B

$

QBRB

ZY

C C

S

F

C

RB

Zone Coverages

• 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)

X

PPB

M

$

B

$

QBRB

ZY

C C

S

F

C

RB

Base Reads

FS – Read Crossers to #3

MLB / SLB – Read #2 to #1

C – Read #1 to #2

$ - Read #2 to #1

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.

Keys

1. Reroute your receiver.

2. Know your reads.

3. Run to the football.

4. Be physical.

5. Use your hands.

Cover 2 Pattern Read Notes

#2

#1

#1 Vertical Release

#2 VerticalRelease

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

#1

#1 Inside Release

#2 VerticalRelease

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

#2

#1

#1 Any Release

#2 Quick OutsideRelease

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.

#2

#1

#1 Stop Release

#2 Quick OutsideRelease

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.

#2

#1

#1 Any Release

#2 Inside ReleaseRelease or Blocks

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)

X

PPB

M

$

B

$

QBRB

ZY

C C

S

F

C

RB

Cover 2 Buck Invert(Spot Drop)

X

PPB

MC

B$

QBRB

ZY

C

F

S

$

C

RB

Cover 3 Zone(Spot Drop)

X

PPB

M$

B

$

QBRB

ZY

C C

S

F

C

RB

Cover 4 Zone(Spot Drop)

X

PPB

M $

B

$

QBRB

ZY

C C

S

F

C

RB

Cover 6 Zone Roll(Spot Drop Rotation)

X

PPB

M$

B

$

QBRB

ZY

C C

S

F

C

RB

Cover 6 Zone Roll(Spot Drop Rotation)

X

PPB

M$

B

$

QB

RB

ZY

C C

S

F

C

RB

Vs. Straight Dropback

Cover 6 Zone Roll(Spot Drop Rotation)

X

PPB

M$

B

$

QB

RB

ZY

C C

S

F

C

RB

Vs. Play Action Strong

Cover 6 Zone Roll(Spot Drop Rotation)

X

PPB

M$

B

$

QB

RB

ZY

C C

S

F

C

RB

Vs. Play Action Weak

Cover 6 Zone Roll(Spot Drop Rotation)

X

PPB

M$

B

$

QB

RB

ZY

C C

S

F

C

RB

Vs. Bootleg

Cover 8 Zone Roll(Spot Drop Rotation)

X

PPB

M$

B

$

QBRB

ZY

C C

S

F

C

RB

Cover 8 Zone Roll(Spot Drop Rotation)

X

PPB

M$

B

$

QB

RB

ZY

C C

S

F

C

RB

Vs. Straight Dropback

Cover 8 Zone Roll(Spot Drop Rotation)

X

PPB

M$

B

$

QB

RB

ZY

C C

S

F

C

RB

Vs. Play Action Strong

Cover 8 Zone Roll(Spot Drop Rotation)

X

PPB

M$

B

$

QB

RB

ZY

C C

S

F

C

RB

Vs. Play Action Weak

Cover 8 Zone Roll(Spot Drop Rotation)

X

PPB

M$

B

$

QB

RB

ZY

C C

S

F

C

RB

Vs. Bootleg

Combination Coverages

Man & ZonePackages

Trips Adjustment “Rain”

X

PPB

M

$

B

C

QB

RB

Z

Y

$ C

S

F

C

RB

TangoCover 2

Check #3 Vertical

Run with first crosser

Trips Adjustment “Snow”

X

PPB

M $

B

C

QB RB ZY

$ CS

F

C

RB

“Bump”

Cover 10 Zone / Man - Loaded Zone

X

M

PP

S $

BB

QBRB

ZY

C C$

F

C

RB

Cut Technique

1/41/4

Outside the #’s Dropper

#’s DropperSecond Crosser

Hash DropperFirst Crosser

Cover 11 Strong Side Rotation

X

M

PP

S $

BB

QBRB

ZY

C C

$

F

C

RB

1/2 1/2

Swipe Technique

Cover 12 Weak Side Rotation

X

M

PP

S $

BB

QBRB

ZY

C C

$

F

C

RB

Swipe Technique

1/21/2

Cover 13 Weak Side Rotation

X

M

PP

S $

BB

QBRB

ZY

C C

$

F

C

RB

Swipe Technique

1/21/2

Cover 14 Robber

X

M

PP

S$

BB

QBRB

ZY

C C

$

F

C

RB

Robber TechniqueRob the Post Hole.

1/3

Hash DropperHash Dropper

#’s Dropper

1/31/3

#’s Dropper

Cover 15 Spy

X

M

PP

S$

BB

QBRB

ZY

C C

$

F

C

RB

Free

Cut Technique Cut Technique

Cover 16 Man Roll

X

PPB

M $

B

$

QBRB

ZY

CC

S

F

C

RB

Cover 17 Man Three Deep Zone (Prevent)

X

PP

B

M

$B

$

QBRB

ZY

CC

S

F

C

RB

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

CGT

B

LB

P

Gap Responsibility

Zone Away

CGT

B

LB

P

Gap Responsibility

Lead Isolation

CGT

B

LB

P

Gap Responsibility

Trap

CGT

B

LB

P

Gap Responsibility

Deeper Pull

CGT

B

LB

P

Gap Responsibility

Must read the backfield

flow

Base

CGT

B

LB

P

Gap Responsibility

Pass

CGT

B

LB

P

Gap Responsibility

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

CGT

B

LB

MLBP

Zone Away

CGT

B

LB

MLBP

Pull Away

CGT

B

LB

MLBP

G

Pull To

CGT

B

LB

MLBP

G

Pass

CGT

B

LB

MLBP

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 BacksAll Offensive Plays Can be Classified into the following Backfield Flows.

Full FlowFast Flow

Counter FlowDivide 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

XTE X

MPP $B

SB

QB

Z

P

FB

$

F

CC

Punt Return Alignment

XTE X

MPP $B

SB

QB

Z

P

FB

$

F

CC

Outside Block

XTE X

MPP $B

SB

QB

Z

P

FB

$

F

CC

Double Team Return

XTE X

MPP $B

SB

QB

Z

P

FB

$

F

CC

Inside Block

XTE X

MPP $B

SB

QB

Z

P

FB

$

F

CC

Zone Bail Out

XTE X

MPP

$

BS

B

QB

Z

P

FB

$

F

CC

Safe Return

Punt

Spread Punt

M

SN

PU

$BB$

S

F

CC

Tight Punt

M

SN

PU

$BB$S

F

CC

Trips Punt

M

SN

PU

$BB$

S F

CC

Field Goal Extra Point Block

Field Goal & XP Block

X X

MPP $B

SB

K

WB

H

WB

$

F

CC

Side Block

X X

MPP $B

SB

K

WB

H

WB

$

F

CC

Middle Heavy Block

X X

MPP $B

SB

K

WB

H

WB

$

F

CC

Safe Block

X X

MPP $B

SB

K

WB

H

WB

$

F

CC

Kickoff

Kickoff• Regular Deep• Angle Deep• Worm Burner• Bounce Hop Onside• Kick Pass to Own Player• Short Pooch• Deep Pooch

Cluster Kickoff

1

K

3 11 312 2

11

1 = Gunner

2 = Contain

3 = Wedge Buster

Hash Kickoff

1K 3

1

13

12 2

11

1 = Gunner

2 = Contain

3 = Wedge Buster

K = Kicker

Award Stickers

• 10, 20, 30 Tackles

• Tackle for a Loss (TFL)

• Sack

• Interception (INT)

• Pass Break-Up (PBU)

• Big Hit (BH)

• Blocked Kick (BK)

• Caused Fumble (CF)

• Recovered Fumble (RF)

• Defensive Player of the Game (DPG)

• Defensive Score (DS)

• Defensive Shut-out (SO)

• Meeting all Defensive Goals (DG)

• Taking Out Two or More Blockers on a Play (BB)

• Quarterback Hurry (QH)

• Great Play (GP)

Elements of Defensive PracticeMust be accomplished Dailey

1. Tackling Circuit 2. Turn-over Circuit3. Pursuit Drills4. Individual5. Group – ie. 7 on 7, Inside Run, or Dawg Alley6. Team7. Punt8. Punt Block9. Kick Off10. Field Goal and XP Block