Coach ,

As we head into the mid point 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.

#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).

Finding efficiency in the way you add complexity is the key to mid 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