Coach ,

Former Duke assistant (current Texas Tech Co-DC) Derek Jones was watching a show on Animal Planet and saw Cheetahs hunting in what's called a coalition.  Soon after, he started calling his position group the "Coalition" and named one of their man techniques the "Cheetah Technique" after the relentless way in which cheetahs pursue their prey. Coach Jones may have moved on, but the name and the technique remain at Duke.

To battle the RPO trend, going to man coverage has been a popular answer, but many defensive coaches feel that this can only be done if the defense has superior defensive backs.  

The truth is, anyone can play man coverage if they understand and can play with sound technique.  Duke assistant coach Joe Kasper is quick to point this out.

For the Blue Devils, playing man coverage begins with their philosophy behind why they are playing it.   

Kasper explains the benefits of playing man coverage first and foremost as using it to be a challenge and give nothing away for free. In using the correct technique, every route should be forced to struggle from the snap.  

He wants to control the pace of the fight and defend every blade of grass by utilizing this aggressive strategy. Kasper shares their reasons for playing man in this video:

The process for correctly executing man technique begins with the defender answering five pre-snap questions quickly:

1. Who do I have?
2. What are his splits?
3. What is his skill set vs my technique?
4. What is the situation?
5. Where is my help?

After having those answers, the concept is simple, but the fine details are critical.  Using techniques like OTP (over the top), DOH/Trail, Quick Jam and Cheetah, Duke is able to be successful with man coverage.

Kasper explains the DOH/Trail technique in this video:

Kasper shares exactly what they teach players in his clinic utilizing the coaching points and film that effectively gets these points across.  

While you may be in season or preparing to kick things off in the winter, technique adjustments to your man coverage or adding man to your coverage scheme can prove to be the best bang for your buck when it comes to practice time. If you want to play man technique, take away RPO and dictate to the defense, this resource will be indispensable for you.  

Kasper answers common questions he gets from players as well as shares his thoughts on which technique is best for young corners learning how to play man. Check out more here.

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski

PS - Joe moved to assist with QB's in 2020. He joined me on the Coach and Coordinator Podcast:

Joe Kasper “Coaching Mindset”