Take away the void in RZ coverage, Stop a Star and Stay Engaged.

Sep 26, 2022 12:59 pm

Coach ,

It was an incredible football weekend with games at every level coming down to crunch time and making key plays. Some of those games inspired this week’s defensive insight.

Here are some coaching points from coaches who appeared in our Coaches Clinic clinics.

#1) Goal Line Coverage

This weekend came down to several games being won or lost inside the 10-yard line, specifically, on two-point plays. The Raiders and Patriots did not convert with the game on the line.

What got me thinking about this tip was Derek Carr’s pass which was tipped but intended for Darin Waller. Waller was running to the middle of the end zone and the ball is usually put up for him to go and get it.

This is an area that most offenses try to attack when faced with a 10-and-in-pass situation because the back middle of the end zone is usually open.

One coverage that works well in this area because it only offers small windows and usually a defender is sitting inside is what Coach Hunter Hughes calls “Sit” coverage. It definitely is a sound coverage in this area. He explains the coverage here:

Video: Sit Coverage

What I like most about how he runs this coverage is how he accounts for the void mentioned. He will have a linebacker turn and start looking for the receiver coming across to get there. Coach Hughes shows it on game film here

Video: Sit Coverage Game Film

#2) Defend a Key Receiver

As we get into the last half of the season, it’s easier to identify the key players on an offense. It isn’t as easy to be sure you have a solid plan to stop them no matter where they are aligned.

A good offense usually will not let that player align only in one spot, so the defense has an easier time taking him away. The best OC’s will move that key receiver around in formations trying to get favorable match-ups.

For the defense, it’s finding a way to cover him and give help no matter what. It’s a plan that 6x State Champion St. Xavier Head Coach Steve Specht has created.

Coach Specht is known for his defense, and in this video, he explains how he approaches taking away a star receiver. It all starts with an identification system as he details here (click on image for video):

Video: Identify the Key Receiver

#3) DL - Work the Tackling Situations Faced most

Over a 3 year span, Fordham’s defensive linemen were in a situation 70% of the time where they were engaged with a blocker and had an opportunity to tackle. This is generally true across the game at all levels.

With this high percentage in mind, it makes sense to devote time to working on this situation.

Video: Gap One-Arm Tackle

Having some simple drills that can be done at various levels of contact helps the defensive linemen to understand and feel the technique so that they can better execute it on game day. Coach Dig explains a favorite drill for teaching the engaged tackle here (click on image for video):

Video: One Arm Tear Drill

There’s been plenty to learn from this season. Here’s a recap of the Defensive Tips from the first half of the season. Click on the tip for a video:

Week 0

Plan for the Most Forgotten Down - 2nd Down

Defending Tempo with Tempo Procedures

Takeaway Opportunity - Stumble Bum

Week 1

3rd Down Teaching Progression

Bear Front to Attack Protections

Out of Phase - Win back Coverage

Week 2

Understanding 3rd Down Break Points in Game Planning

Watch the Tempo - Red Zone

Tite Front Swap Stunt