Coach -
Offenses are changing—fast. 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.
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.
🔴 #23 Ole Miss: 2025 Outlook
Lane Kiffin’s team returns with a favorable schedule, a disruptive defense, and high-level offensive design. If the QB play clicks and the defense stays flexible, this could be the year they finally break through.
Strengths:
- Elite offensive structure under Kiffin
- Strong linebacker duo (Perkins & Dottery)
- Productive pass-rush potential
- Key returning defenders in the front seven
Concerns:
- Turnover on the DL and in the secondary
- Unproven QB/WR group
- Red zone inefficiency
- Running back depth thin behind starters
If you want your defense to survive—and thrive—against today’s formation-heavy offenses, you need more than just good calls. You need a plan that adapts, disguises, and teaches your players how to respond under pressure. Coach Golding gives you the blueprint.
Out-coach the structure.
-Coach Grabowski & the CoachesClinic Team
Other Clinics from the Ole Miss Staff:
Develop a Top Performing Kick Off Unit - Jake Schoonover
Kickoff: Disrupting Rhythm - Jake Schoonover
A,B & C Level RPO’s - Charles Weis
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