Defend ____. Ideas for Defending Tougher Aspects of Offense
Sep 06, 2023 11:51 am
Coach ,
This week on the defensive side of the ball, we take a look at defending a specific offense, play concept, or formation, and we picked out some common ones that can prove to be troublesome without a plan.
Defend mesh
The mesh has made its way into many non-Air Raid offenses because it is great against man answers to stop RPO and it is effective against zone as well.
Mars HS (PA) Head Coach Eric Kasperowicz has answers for Mesh out of all of his coverages which include Man, Quarters, and Cover 2. He explains how he likes to defend against those picks and how a “Rat” can help as well (click on image for video):
Nub Adjustments
For defenses built to stop the spread, the use of a tight end-wing can put defenders in unfamiliar positions.
The Head Coach at Garces HS (CA) has an adjustment to stay sound in numbers and leverage as well as not getting out-personnel-ed by bigger blockers. He explains his nub adjustments here (click on the image for the video):
Line Movements vs. Triple Option
Though it’s not his favorite way to defend the triple option, the defensive coordinator at Washington and Jefferson University Vince Luvara does see teaching line movements as a good option to cause issues for a triple-option offense. Here he illustrates his “pinch” and “charge” movements and coaching points (click on the image for the video):
Defend Wing-T Buck Sweep
If you are playing the Wing-T offense, you will see the buck sweep. Coach Rick Stewart likes stacking the guards to give the offense problems. He explains how they utilize the head-up defensive lineman and their reactions (click on the image):
Defend Empty
Jacob Gill, the defensive coordinator at Shiloh Christian Academy (AR) likes to utilize the Mint front with a 3-safety defense to defend spread. He shows the base lineup as well as an adjustment with the Mike and the Dime in this video (click on image for video):
Video: Auto Front vs. Empty/Spread Personnel
Unique Formations
Offensive coordinators like to make you line up against unique formations because the adjustments that you use might not be common in your defense.
It forces defenders into uncomfortable positions or things they are not used to. Chris Wolfe, head coach at Male HS (KY), explains how they do this with their hybrid linebacker (click on image for video):
Video: Adjusting to Unique Formations
We will keep bringing you ideas all season long to help you stay on track or get on track.
Always be growing!
Coach Grabowski
P.S. Be sure to check out this resource of 5 presentations from Mike Elko and the Duke Defensive Staff. The Blue Devils came up big in a week 1 upset of #9 Clemson.
Mike Elko’s Duke Defense (includes 5 presentations):
Mike Elko - Building a Championship Defense
Mike Elko - 3rd Down Defense
Jess Simson - Lead & Teach
Lyle Hemphill - Creating Turnovers
Harland Bower - Pass Rush Principles