Coach ,

As we head into the last quarter of the season, finding adjustments or wrinkles to what you already do with little change to what is already in can pay huge dividends.  To your opponent, it’s something that they haven’t seen yet so when it is used they will not have prepared for it, but for you, the wrinkle was easily implemented.  That’s an efficient use of your time.

Let’s take a look at some adjustments and wrinkles that might make sense to you.  Even if they don’t fit exactly what you do, the thought process or strategy can be helpful.

Offense

#1) The Double Move

Your opponent certainly will work on recognizing patterns to try to have their defensive backs be able to get a quick break on the ball. For the routes and combos you use most often, they will drill recognition and reaction on those all week long. 

The double move lets you exploit their aggressiveness and create a big play or touchdown.  At the very least, it will have the effect of slowing their reaction down.

Here’s Jake Spavital, head coach Texas State, explaining his storm concept which utilizes a double move to attack the defense. (click on image for video)

#2) Pass protection adjustment

In pass protection, there will be situations which may not occur often but can hurt you when they do.  Elliott Wratten, OC/OL Coach at Alcorn State prepares his players for that in his 5-man protection. He teaches a MDM or “Most Dangerous Man” call to his man side tackles.  He likes it because it saves time in game planning.  He explains the adjustment here (click on image for video):

#3) Have a plan for tough techniques - defenders attacking the backfield mesh on read game

If I was facing a team running power read, attacking the mesh point would be my primary strategy in defending it.  It causes the offense to speed up the read and decision, and in any form of option football, speeding things up creates some opportunity for the decision-maker to be wrong.  

However, having a plan for it and drilling it allows the offense to stay in rhythm and handle this situation.  I explain that in this video in which the end is attacking the mesh point on power read (click on image for video):

Defense

#1) Coverage adjustment for an immobile QB

Knowing your opponent and their abilities can help put you in the correct schemes.  For example, knowing that you are facing a QB who is better sitting in the pocket and picking a defense apart rather than trying to hurt you with his legs can be used to an advatage.  

Branden Jakubcin, defensive coordinator at Heidelberg University likes to utilize their Cover 2 Man in this situation.  

He can have great coverage underneath with help on both sides of the field overtop while knowing that the QB run wont hurt him as much when running this coverage.  He explains his strategy here (click on image for video):

#2) Don’t waste defenders

Some teams are five out on their release all the time, but many will add blockers to their protection and put your linebackers in a situation where they drop to defend nothing but space.  

Having a call or adjustment to add them to the pressure will take away escape lanes and put more stress on the line having to pick everyone up and not get doubles or help that stops the rush.

When the backs stay in you can add to the rush. Coach Jakubcin utilizes what he calls “hug technique” to do that and he explains it in this video (click on image for video):

#3) 3x1 changeups

Against most offenses, you will see plenty of 3x1, so having some multiple looks and change-ups is important.  RPI defensive coordinator Jeff Dittman explains the multiple adjustments he has in for 3x1 in this video (click on image for video).

Special Teams

As the season progresses, special teams play should get better and better with teams refining technique. 

It may put your players in a position where if they utilize the wrong technique, you can end up with a flag on the field and a poor starting position for your drive.  

Tony Coaxum, head coach at Bluefield State, teaches his players “penalty beaters” which are techniques designed to allow them to adjust and put themselves in a position where they can execute without drawing a laundry.  He explains “sit and fit shield” in this video (click on image for video):

Finding efficiency in the way you add complexity is the key to late-season adjustments that will win.  

Keep learning and looking for the opportunities to put your players and team in a position to win.

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski