Coach -
Modern offenses present a variety of challenges.
Empty sets, boundary overloads, rapid-fire screens, and hybrid spacing looks are becoming normal across all levels. If you’re not preparing for them, you’re falling behind.
New(ish) Ole Miss HC Pete Golding’s clinic on Game Planning Alternative Formations is a masterclass in defending creative structure with smart, flexible rules—and it’s full of takeaways you can apply right now.
Video: No Back in Backfield
Teaching the Plan vs. Empty
Golding breaks down how his Ole Miss defense handles empty formations by tying coverage structure directly to pressure philosophy. His defensive strategy always starts with one question:
“Can we dictate the throw, or do we need to disrupt the pocket?”
Here’s how he approaches it:
If the O-line is strong, bring plus-one pressure and change the picture post-snap. Force the QB to get hit or rush a read.
“He might get it off—but there’s a good chance he’s gone. Is the second-string QB ready to jog on the field?”
If the offense is rhythm and quick game, drop 8 and cloud the coverage. Make them be patient. Most QBs won’t last long.
“Eventually, he’s going to screw it up before you do.”
Everything is tied to disguise: field pressure looks that bring boundary pressure… field pressure looks that become coverage. Make the same things look different, and different things look the same.
Match What They Do, Not Just What You Call
Golding’s emphasis is clear: don’t just install a call—teach the “why” behind it. Let your players understand what throw you're baiting and what player you're trying to eliminate.
“It doesn’t do much good if the players don’t get it. We’re showing this to get this throw and eliminate that player.”
He shows how he IDs where the threats are based on formation, back alignment, and route tells—then tags the right coverage and pressure tools (Cover 6 vs. FIB, Cover 7 Steeler, CK tags like Beam, Rope, and Saber).
If your defense struggles to keep up with formation variation and you need better answers built around your personnel, this clinic gives you the structure, language, and flexibility to plan with purpose.
Always be growing,
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P.S. Here's a free tool discovered that smart coaches are using to save a ton of time game planning --->
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