Coach ,

The wing-t is definitely an offense that can create issues for a defense if the proper strategy and techniques are not employed.

In my experiences in facing it as well as having run it, we have employed and seen employed, strategies that were different than what we do against other offenses as well as utilizing concepts we use every week.

I’ve seen both approaches work, but I always feel more comfortable using what we are familiar with over something that we put in for a single opponent.

The best approach is to have those concepts which may be specifically for a Wing-T team installed and worked during camp even if they are set aside until later in the season.  At the very least, the players will have an introduction to the concept beforehand.

Here’s some ideas that have proven effective against the Wing-T.

Corners over

Typically, but not always, Wing-T teams are not good at throwing perimeter fast screens. Their focus is on building a strong run game and play-action off of it.  So against teams that utilize a twin set or X-over, bringing the corner over and leaving a safety and/or linebackers to defend the wing as force or secondary force players is a sound strategy.

Jenks HS Defensive Coordinator Adam Gaylor employs this against both flexbone and wing-t teams which are known more for running the ball.  He explains the strategy here (click on image for video): 

Video: X Over Squeeze

B Gap Folds

One thing you can guarantee you will see often is guards pulling in a Wing-T offense. Being able to exchange gaps and play into down blocks is important against the Wing-T which likes to utilize angles and numbers to create an advantage.

Head Coach at Jefferson Davis HS Trip Sumrall utilizes the concept of b-gap exchanges against the Wing-T.  He notes that he does not see many teams utilizing this approach.  He feels that he must have an athletic defensive lineman in order for this technique to be effective.  He shows it in drills in this video  (click on image for video):

Video: When the Guard Pulls B-Gap Exchange

Here is the b-gap exchange illustrated on game film (click on image for video):

Video: B-Gap exchange game film

Defending Trap

Trap is a staple of any misdirection offense like the Wing-T, so it’s smart to have a plan for it. In this video Coach Brad Dixon shows how they can be sound against Trap in this video (click on image for video):

Video: Game Film - Trap

There are certainly more strategies to defend the Wing-T.  What is best for your team most likely will be concepts that they are familiar with and can be adapted to disrupt the Wing-T offense(s) that you will face.  Taking that approach builds on what they know and have practiced.

Best of luck as you prepare for all you will face in the 2022 season!

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski