DickiDsoD coll€ge Football

Defensive Playbook

Table Of CoDtents

I - fDtroductioD Page
A. Pre-Season Squad Rules 1
.)
B. Defensive Philosophy
C. Huddle and signa Is 3
D. Tvo l,tinute Def ense 4,5

rI - to Series
A. 44 Basic o
B. 44 Scrape 7
c. n2rr Aliqnnent I
D. rr3I Al-ignnent
E. rr5 rr Al ignnent 9
F. rr6 rr Al ignment 10
G. tt7tt Alignrnent 11
H. 44 scrape with an Ioutrr call 11
I. Over CaIl T2
J. stack CaII ("1" Aliqnnent) I2
K. 44 Blow 13
L. 44 Doubl-e Go L4
l,!. 44 InlSgueeze l-5
N. 44 Blast Strong/weak IO

III - 55 Series
A. 55 okie l7
B. s5 Angle/Loop
C. 55 +/ -/ Plus 19
D. 55 Double Go 20
E. 55 Blow 2L
F. 55 Cross ) 1

G. 55 Strnger 22
H. 55 Drop Zone/ I'Ian 23
I. 55 Cov/boy 24

IV - thort Yardage
A.44 rrrl 25
Blow (str,wk),Crash, Fire/Co

v - coal.Iine
A.80 Basic 26
( F i r e , G o ,P i n c h )

vI - Deuces & Trips Adljustlrents

A . 4 0 E a g l e/ B a n / F a l c o n 27
B. 50 Eagl-e vs Deuces/Trip 28
C. Motion Ad j ustrnents 29

vII - Defensive End Play

A. 40 stance , Alignment , charge 30,31-
B. 55 Stance , Alignnent , charge 32
VIII - Defensiv€ lackle play
A. 40 Stance , Alignnent , Charge 33-35
B, 55 Stance , Alignnent , Charge 36,37
C. Half Slant 38
D. Scoop Charge 39
E. stuff Technique 40
F. Goalline Technique 40
VrIII - IDside Llnebacker play (tt&R)
A.44 Basic 4Lt42
B. Blocking Schemes 4 3, 4 4
c. Scrape Technique 4 5t 4 6
D, BIow Technique 46
E . rr2 tr AI ignment
F. 5s Okie 48-50
G. 55 Angle 50,51
H. 55 Loop ] I
I. 55 +/ -/Tiqht 52

X - Outsiale L,ineback€r Play (Bert)

A. 44 Basic (B)
B. S t u n t s ( G o ,F i r e , S n o k e )
C. 55 Oki,e 57-59
D. 44 and 55 Defenses (w) 60
E. WrS Reads 61
F. Knife Technique 62
G. Linebackers- Mac Coverage tl.J

XI - Defensivo 8€condary T€rDiDology aDal coverages

A. Offensive Formation 64
B. Terninol-ogy 65,66
C. Set and Strength Recognition 67
D. Reading Patterns 64t69
E. Secondary Al ignrnent 70
F. Zero Three (Z-3) 7L,72
G. Zero One or Eiqht ( Z-I or Z-a ) 73,74
H. Bandit 75
I. Conbo 76
J. Robber 77
K. Away 7A,79
L. Lock-on -Zone 80
l.t. l.tac 81
N. l,lac Har.rk a2
O. Drop Zone 83
P. Drop Man
Q. Goal-line zero 85

xII - fickiDg came

A. Fi.eld Goal Block 86
B. Kickof f rrwreckersrl
C. Kickoff Return "Raiders" ao on
D. Punt
E. Punt Return 94-97
PRE-SEASON SQUADRULES

Do not do anything !,rhich wil,l enbarass yourse)-f , your teanmates,

your coaching staff, or your College.

YOU MUST:

1. Attend all neal-s.

2. Be on tine to al-l sguad functions.

3. Attend all position meetings on time. rI was held up in

the training roonrr is not an excuse for being late. ff
extensive treatment or taping is needed, report earIy.

4. Take care of equiprnent and our facilities.

5. Maintain a neat appearance: a. shave daily

b. wear clean clothes
c. do not go barefoot
6. Attend al1 practice sessions and rneetings unless excused
by the Head coach or Head Trainer.

7. Be in your assigned roorns at 1O:3o p.n.

YOU MUST NOT:

1. Use any rnotor vehicle during the pre-season camp wj-thout

the prior perrnission of the Head Coach.

2. Use or have knowledge of the use of drugs or alcohol.

3. Abuse, either physically or verbally, any property or

personne I .

Anyone vioJ-ating the curf eir/, notor vehicle, drug or alcohol, or

abuse rule will be inmediately disrnissed from the squad for the
1 9 94 s e a s o n .

IN SEASONRULES:

1. You must abide by any curfew set.

2. You must not use any illegal or unprescribed drug.

3. You must not abuse any property or person.

4. Discj.plinary action resulting in disrnissal frorn the

dorms will result in automatic suspension fron the
souad .
 Dickinson college
Varsity FootbaIl

DEFENSIVE PHILOSOPHY

A. OBJECTIVES
1. Shut-out opponent.
2. HoId gains to a mininun, No run over 15 yards. No pass
over 20 yards. Turn the ball over to our offense in a
good field position on downs, a fumbl-e recovery, an
interception or a blocked kick.
3. Score on defense.
a. pass interception
b. punt return
c. blocked punt
d. safety
e. funble recoverv in end zone

B. GENERALINSTRUCTIONS
1. Line up-know your alignrnent.
2. stance-everyth ing begins with a good stance,
3. Charge(where and hohr to charge) -qet to vour soot.
4. Know your resposibility in defense call-ed.
5. ITIT A BLOW.
6. Control the blocker, read your keys, and play your
territory.
7. Each lineman or linebacker will be responsible for a
gap.
8, we nust control the offensive l-ine splits.
9. l,take the tackle. Desire plus good technique makes a
good tackler.
],0 . PIJRSUE .
11. Gang tackle.

C. DEFENSIVE GOALS FOR 1994

1. WIN TEN GA}TES
2. WIN CENTENNIALCONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
3. RANK IN TOP TEN IN NATION IN TOTAL DEFENSE
4. RANK IN TOP TEN IN SCORINGDEFENSE
5. SHUT OUT THREE OPPONENTS
 DICKINSON COLLEGE
Varsity Football

DEFENSIVEHUDDLEAND SIGNALS

Fotloving every play, each nember of the defensive tearn nust

hustl-e to the place where the ball htill be spotted so that the
huddle can be forned and the next defense called.

The huddle is formed in the shape of a triangle with the Mike

linebacker at the apex and the four down linenan at the base.
The two tackles are responsible for setting the huddle. The
right tackle is responsible for calling and setting the huddle.
He wiII position hitnself one yard fron the bal-l with his back to
the Los, The left tackle will align shoulder to shoulder to the
right of the right tackle. T h e w i d e s i d e a n d r t F r rw i l l align
alongside the LT and the closed end rrE" will align alongside the
RT. The renainder of the left side of the huddle is forned with
the rrwrr linebacker, right half back, and rover. The f ront 4 do\,Jn
linenen will have their hands just above their knees. The head
will be held up looking at the apex of the huddle. The rest of
the huddle will stand erect.

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The Rover wil] caII the down and distance as the Mike and Safety
receive their signals fron the sideline. The defense wiII be
called in the huddle be the Mike linebacker and Safety will caII
the pass coverage.

BREAKING THE HUDDLE

Fotlowing the coverage calL, the safety will say rrReadyrr the
entire tearn barks out r r B r e a k r r clapping their hands at the same
tine as they turn out of the huddle and move to their positions.
 4

DICKTNSONCOLLEGE
varsity Footba I I

TWOMTNUTESTO GO (DEFENSE)

This means before the hal-f or end of game. Too many players take
the driIl period Iightly, not realizing the inportance that many
a gane is won or lost during this tine. Pass defenders play
opponents too deeply and linenen do not put pressure on the
passer; and, as a result, the offense can narch dor.Jnthe field.

It is essential that each player knou the rules governing this

period and, equally inportant, the nunber of tine-outs the
opponent has Ieft and how many points are necessary for victory.
If a field goal is needed to win, certain parts of the field
should be played sith a tighter defense.

POINTS TO REUEMBER:

1. Everyone rnust know how to stop a cl-ock and util-ize tirne.

a. a called time out (three-3-per half)

b. runner going out of bounds
c. penalty (clock starts after penalty)
d. an inconplete pass
e. fair catch
f. called time out by referee-neasurement
g. score-TDr Field coal, or safety

2. What Defense should do to prevent stopping of the clock.

a. keep ball carrier in bounds

b. keep passer in pocket
c. donrt hurry to get back across LOS except when tearn rnakes
first dolrn; but once on Los be ready to play football
d. Iay on ball carrier (donrt get penalty)

3. Alerts

a. know score-what does it take to win-field goal or TD

b. always alert for subst itut ions-passers , runner, and speed
rece ivers
c. knov, favorite receivers
d. be alert for the unusual
DEFENSESTO BE USED

l-. wiII be supplied the r{reek of the game.

BEHIND AND I{UST GET THE BALL

when we are behind and must get the ball r.te nust do everything
legally possible to force a fumble. The first tackler should
tackle the balL carrier and the pursuit shoul-d tackle the baII.
Always try to drive the runner out of bounds. Try to field all
punts (fair catch stops the clock) . We will use defenses that
are penetrating and designed to force offensive nistakes.
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ENDS (F & E) : ALIGN SLIGHTLY INSIDE THE TE, TIGHT ON THE LINE
OF SCRIMI.{AGE. ON SNAP , STEP AND THE HIT TE
REACT TO KEYS. (BASIC ALIGNMENT AND TECHNIQUE. )

TACKLES: T-ALIGN IN FOI,IR POINT STANCE WITH INSIDE FOOT ON

OUTSIDE FOOT OF OFFENSIVE GUARD. REACT AND READ
GUARD KEYS. (BASIC FRONTSIDE ALIGNMENT AND
T E C H N I Q U E. )

N-ALTGN IN FOIJR POINT STANCE WITH INSIDE FOOT ON

OFFENSIVE GUARDIS NOSE. REACT AND READ GUARD
KEYS. (BASIC BACKSIDE ALIGHNMENT AND
TECHNIQUE. )

OLB: ALIGN OFF THE LOS AND OUTSIDE TE. KEY TE &
REACT. (BASIC ALIGNI4ENT & TECHNIQUE.)

ILB: STRADDLE INSIDE LEG OF DEFENSIVE TACKLE TO YOUR

SIDE IN TWO POINT STANCE. FOUR YARDS OFF THE
BALL. K E Y T H R O U G HG U A R D A N D C E N T E R . (BASIC
ALIGNI'IENT & TECHNIQUE, )

COVERAGES: ZERO 3, ZERO ]- OR 8, ROBER, BANDIT

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ENDS: 4 ALIGNMENT AND TECHNIQUE

T/N: T - BASIC ALIGNMENT. TIGHT SCOOP INSIDE. REACT

TO G KEY. N - BASIC ALTGNMENTAND TECHNIQUE.

OLB: BASIC ALIGNMENT AND ?ECHNIQUE.

ILB: BASIC ALIGNUENT. M - USE AN AGGRESSIVE SCRAPE

CHARGE ON ANY FLOW YOUR WAY. PLAY BASIC ON ANY
FLOW AWAY.

COVERAGES: ZERo l- oR I, RoBBER, BANDIT.

STUNTS: OU:T CALL - IM/OLVES MIKE AND TACKLE TO FRONTSIDE,

,,2|| ALr cNltEllr (FRONTSTDE OR BACKSTqE)

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B E N . . -
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ENDS: FOTIRPOINT STANCE, OUTSIDE ALTGN}IENT oN TACKLE. HIT
AND WORK OUTSIDE. PENETRATE T-TE (C) CAP. IF NO TE,
YOU MAY PLAY IN A TWO POINT.

TACKLE: ?IGHT BACKSTDE rr4'r ALIGNMENT. SCOOP INSIDE C-c (B)

GAP ON SNAP. REACT OT G KEY.

OLB: OUTSIDE ALIGNMENT ON NORMALLY SPLIT TE. HIT AND woRK

OUTSIDE. IF NO TE, PLAY NORMAL TO SE OFF LOS (SPLTT
T H E D T F F E R E N C E ).

rLB: II4II ALIGNMENT. SCRAPE HARD To GUARD-TACKLE (B) GAP oN

FLOW.

rr3'r AI,I GN}IENT (BACK8IDE ONLY) .A

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ENDS: BASIC ALIGNMENT AND TECHNIQUE

TACKLES: N - TIGHT SCOOP INSIDE

T - BASIC ALIGN}.TENT AND TECHNIQUE

oLB: BAsIc ALIGNI.IENT AND TECHNIQUE

ILB: R - SCRAPE TECHNIQUE

I,I - BASIC TECHNIQUE
rrstr ALIcNl,tEUf (FRONT8IDE)

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END: OUTSTDE ALIGNMENT IN NOR}.,IALLYSPLIT TE . CONTAIN ON
RIJN AND PASS ACTION TO YOU AND CHASE ON FLOW AWAY
( C H E C K F O R B O O T L E G ). OB ON OPTION UNLESS STUNT IS
CALLED .

TACKLE: T - HEAD-UP TO OUTSTDE ALIGNMENT & TECHNIQUE ON

NORMALLY SPLIT OT.

OLB: ALIGN ON PLAY AS IN A 'r4rr POSITION. TOUGH OUTSfDE

SUPPORT ON RUN FLOW TO YOU. PITCH ON OPTION UNLESS
STUNT IS CALLED

ILB: NORMAL LINEBACKER DEPTH SHADING OUTSIDE OF G. KEY

THROUGH GUARD TO BALL.

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END: HEAD-UP TO OUTSIDE ALIGNMENT ON OT. KEY OTIS HEAD

& REACT.

TACKLE: N - WITH A rr5x ALIGNI4ENT FRONTSIDE PLAY HEAD ON THE

CENTER. WITH ANY OTHER 40 SERIES ALIGNMNET
FRONTSIDE ALIGN WITH INSIDE FOOT TO NOSE ON
CENTER AND PLAY AS IN A 40 SERIES.

OLB: OUTSIDE ALIGNMENT ON TE (ON LOS). STEP INTO TE WITH

INSIDE FOOT AND CONTROL HIM.

ILB: NORMAL LINEBACKER DEPTH SHADING THE OUTSIDE OF G. KEY

THROUGH THE G TO THE BALL.
 10
'I5II AI.IGNUENT ( FRONT & BACK8IDE)

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E N D: BASIC ALIGNI,TENT AND TECHNIQUE

TACKLE : HEAVY INSIDE ALIGN}.TENT ON THE O F F E N SI V E GUARD. READ

G I S H E A D . R E S P O N S I B L EF O R C - G ( A ) G A P , P L A Y O F F L O S .

OLB : BASIC ALIGNI,{ENT AND TECHNIQUE.

ILB: ALIGN HEAD ON OFFENSIVE TACKLE AT NORMAL LINEBACKER

DEPTH. READ THROUGH TACKLE TO T H E B A L L . RESPONSIBLE
FOR G-T ( B ) GAP.

NOTE: TACKLES - WHEN IN A II6II ALIGNMNET FRONTSIDE COMBINED

WITH A IIzN OR X5II ALIGNMENT BACKSIDE YOU MAY MOVE TO
HEAVY FRONTSTDE ALIGNUENT ON THE GUARD.

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END: BASIC ALIGNMENT AND TECHNIQUE

TACKLE: ALIGNI4ENT AND TECHNIQUE

N - x4rt ALIGNT.IENT. ON SNAP, SCOOP G-T (B) GAP.

OLB: BASIC ALIGNI.{ENT AND TECHNIQUE

ILB: M - II4X ALIGNMENT AND TECHNIQUE

R - II4 II ALIGNEI,TT. ON SNAP, STEP UP HARD AND KEY
TAILBACK. ON FLOW TO YOU PLAY BASIC. ON FLOW AWAY
FROM YOU STEP BEHIND CENTER, FLATTEN DOWN LOS AND
LrtAS r- .

NOTE: WE WILL GENERALLY CALL THIS WHEN THE CENTER TS COI'IING

.,., STRAIGHT OUT TO BLOCK THE ROVER ON PLAYS TO THE
FRONTSIDE.

44 SCRAPE WITH AN

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END: BASIC ALIGN},IENT AND TECHNIQUE.

TACKLE: T - II4II ALIGNMENT. ON SNAP, HALF SLANT TO OUTSIDE

S H O U L D E RO F O T ( D O N I T G E T P I N N E D B Y O T I )
ALIGNMENT AND TECHNIQUE.

OLB: BASIC ALIGNMENT AND TECHNIQUE.

ILB: H - SAME As R IN rrTn TECHNIQUE.

R - r r4 r r A L I G N I ' { E N T A N D T E C H N I Q U E.
 l2

OVER CAI,L

BY ADDING THE WORD XOVERII TO ANY DEFENSIVE CALL WE CAN MOVE OI'R
ENTTRE DEFENSE OVER, TREATING THE OFFENSIVE GUARD TO THE STRONG
S I D E O N T H E N C E N T E R I IO F T H E O F F E N S E .

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THIS WILL NORI4ALLY BE A HASH MARK ADJUSTMENT. SHOULD THE

OPFENSIVE SET BE PI,AYED INTO THE SIDELINE (OFFENSIVE STRENGTH
.. INTO THE SIDELINE), CHECK IISTAYII AND PLAY THE DEFENSE ON THE
CENTER - DO NO? I.{OVE IT OVER.

sTAcK CALL (FRoNTSTDE) (FRoNTSTDEoR BACKSTDE)

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END: OUTSIDE ALIGNMENT ON TE. HIT TE AND WORK OUTSIDE.

VERSUS WING, Do NoT HIT TE; WORK OUTSIDE INTo THE WING
ON THE SNAP. YOU HAVE PITCH ON OPTION

TACKLE: II4II ALIGNMENT AND TECHNIQUE. FRONTSIDE AND BACKSIDE.

OLB: W - ALIGN OFF THE LOS SPLITTING THE INSIDE LEG OF THE
TE. ON SNAP, STEP UP AND TAKE ON THE TE (CONTROL THE
C-GAP). IF NO TE, TAKE IISTACKII CALL OFF & PLAY
II4II ALIGNUENT AND TECHNIQUE. PLAY
QB ON OPTION.

ILB: NT AND TECHNIQUE

 O 13

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ENDS: BASIC ALIGNMENT AND TECHNTQUE

TACKLES: BASIC ALIGNI,{ENT. BOTH TACKLES RUN A HALF SLANT,

A T T A C K I N G T H E O U T S I D E S H O U L D E RO F T H E O T . YOU
MUST CROSS THE HEAD OT' THE DOWN BLOCK. LOOK BACK
TO THE INSIDE AND FOLLOW GUARD KEY. YOU HAVE B-GAP
RESPONSIBILITY.

OLB : BASIC ALTGNMENTAND TECHNIQUE.

ILB: BASIC ALIGNMENT. ON SNAP, BOTH BACKERS CHARGE

T H R O U G HT H E I N S I D E S H O U L D E R O F T H E N E A R G U A R D .
TAKE ON ALL LEAD BLOCKS FROM BACKS WITH THE
O U T S I D E A R M . K E Y G U A R D I S S H O U L D E RA S Y O U G O .
YOU HAVE A-GAP RESPONSIBILITY.

COVERAGE: MAC, ZERO 1 OR I

BLOW X BLOW STR/WK I BLOW ( STR/WK)

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4{ DOUBLE GO
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ENDS: scooP oUTSIDE. PITCH ON oPTIoN. YOU HAVE CoNTAIN

TACKLES: BASIC ALIGNI.{ENTAND TECHNIQUE.

OLB: BASIC ALIGNMENT. ON SNAP, STUNT INSIDE TE (C-

GAP). QB ON OPTION WITH MESH READS.

ILB: BASIC ALIGNII{ENTAND TECHNIQUE.

covERAcEs: MAc, zERo l- oR 8,

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{I DOI'BLE FIRE
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ENDS: HARD cRossoVER STEP THRoUGHC-GAP (DON'T GET WASHED

DOWNBY TE!) YOU HAVE QB ON OPTION WITH MESH
READS,

TACKLES BASIC ALIGNIIENT AND TECHNIQUE.

OLB BASIC ALIGNI'IENT, BUT START TO INCH TOWARD THE LOS

JUS? BEFORE SNAP (YOU WANT TO BE IN FULL STRIDE
WHEN BALL IS SNAPPED). STUNT RIGHT OFF THE BUTT
OF TE. YOU HAVE CONTAIN AND PITCH ON OPTION.

ILB BASIC ALIGNMENT AND TECHNIQUE.

COVERAGES SAME AS DOUBLE GO

NOTE: IF A I'GO" STUNT IS CALLED AND YoU DO NoT GET A TE, YOU CAN
CHECK TO A FIRE OR 6I{OXE STUNT. SMOKE STILL GIVES US A GO STUNT,
TO AN OPEN END.
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ENDS: t BASIC ALIGNMENT. HARD CROSS-OVER STEP & TAXE

DIVE .
- BASIC ALTGN]I{ENT AND TECHNIQUE.

TACKLES: T - ALIGN DEEPER OTF THE BALL & SLIDE TO CONTROL GIS
INSIDE SHOULDER.
N - BASIC ALIGNI.{ENT AND TECHNIQUE.

OLB : w - BASIC ALIGNI.{ENT. IF TE. SLANT INSIDE AND TAKE

QB. IF SE, STAY OUTSIDE AND PLAY PITCH (TALK TO
M)
B - BASIC ALTGN},IENT AND TECHNTQUE.

ILB: M - BASIC ALIGNI.{ENT. ON SNAP, POST STEP OU?SIDE. IF

TE, CONTINUE OUTSIDE AND PLAY PITCH ON OPTION.
IF SE, Pr,AY QB ON oPTION ( COI,TUUN
I CAT E WITH W).
R - BASIC ALIGNI,IENT AND TECHNIQUE.

COVERAGES: ZERO 1 OR 8, HAC

.{ 8QUEEZE (BACK8IDE ONLY) (R AND B MUST COI'IMUNICATE! )

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ENDS: F BASIC ALIGNHENT AND TECHNIQUE
E }{ARD CROSS-OVER STEP INSIDE AND TAKE DIVE

TACKLES : T - BASIC ALIGNMENT AND TECHNIQUE

N - A L I G N D E E P E R O F F T H E B A L L & S L I D E T O CONTROLG I S
INSIDE SHOULDER

OLB : w - BASIC ALIGN}'IENT AND TECHNIQUE.

B - BASIC ALIGNI,IENT. IF TE, SLANT INSIDE & TAKE QB.
IF SE, STAY OUTSIDE &PLAY PTTCH.

ILB: l.l - B A S I C A L I G N } I E N T A N D T E C H N I Q U E .
R - BASIC ALIGNMENT. POST STEP ON SNAP. IF TE,
CONTINUE OUTSIDE & PLAY PITCH ON OPTION. IF SE,
P I , A Y Q B O N O P T I O N ( C O M M U N I C A T EW I T H B ) ,
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ENDS: F - EXECUTE A GO STUNT VS. TE & A FIRE STUNT VS. SE.

E - BASIC ALIGNI'{ENT AND TECHNIQUE.

TACKLES: T - BLOW STUNT - HALF SI,ANT OUTSIDE (CONTROL B-GAP).

N - BASIC ALIGNMEN? AND TECHNTQUE.

rLB: M - BASIC ALIGNMENT. BLOW STUNT OVER A-GAP.

R - BASIC ALIGN & TECHNIQUE. VS PASS, DROP TO F/S
CURL IF YOU ARE IN A ZONE,

oLB: W - EXECUTE A GO STUNT VS TE, & A FIRE STUN? VS SE.

B - BASIC ALIGNMENT AND TECHNIQUE.

'{ BLAAT WEAX

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F
M R
ENDS: F - BASIC ALIGNMENT AND TECHNIQUE.
E - EXECUTE A FIRE STUNT VS SE, & A GO STUNT VS TE.

TACKLES: T - BASIC ALIGNMENT AND TECHNIQUE.

N - BLOW STUNT - HALF SI,ANT OUTSTDE & CONTROL B-GAP.

ILB: I\ - BASIC ALIGNMENT AND TECHNIQUE, VS PASS DROP TO

B/S CURL IF YOU ARE IN A ZONE.
R - BASIC ALIGNMENT. EXECUTE A BLOW STUNT OVE A-GAP.

OLB: w - BASIC ALIGNMENT AND TECHNIQUE.

B - EXECUTE FTRE STUNT VS SE, & GO STUNT VS TE

C O V E R A G E SF O R B L A S T S T R O N G A N D W E A K : ZERO 3, ZERO I OR 8, MAC

- YoU MUST
NoTE: F's AND w's I{UST CoI'!MUNI CATE oN BLAST STRoNG
RECOGNIZE THE FOR},IATION AND DECIDE WHETHER TO RUN A GO OR
F I R E S T T ] N T! THE SAI,IE IS TRUE FOR EIS AND BIS WHEN YOU RUN
BLAST WEAK. MAKE SURE THAT BOTII OF YOU KNOW WHAT IS BEING
RUN.
 L7

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ENDS: NT AND TECHNIQUE.

TACKLES : T - rr5 rr ALIGNI.IENT AND TECHNIQUE .

N - N5II ALIGN}.TEN?(HEAD-UP). USE STUFT' TECHNIQUE.
DOUBLE A-GAP RESPONSIBILITY.

OLB : Id - rr5 rr ALIGNMENT AND TECHNIQUE .

B - II5N ALIGNMENT AND TECHNIQUE.

ILB: II5II ALIGNMENT AND TECHNTQUE.

CoVERAGES: ZERo l- oR 8, AWAY, ZERo 3, ROBBER, BANDIT, LocK-oN

zoNE, 10R 8 COMBO.

NOTE: THIS IS oUR BASE 50 DEFENSE. WE WILL RUN THIS ON THE

HASH .
 - 18

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ENDS: F - I I 5 I I A L I G N } . { E N TA N D T E C H N I Q U E ,
E - n5" ALIGNI'{ENT - SCOOP TE-T GAP (c-cAP). NO TE TO
YOI'R SIDE, PLAY NORMAL.

TACKLES: T - r ' 5 r t A L T G N M E N T- S C O O P I N S I D E G - T G A p ( B - c A p ) .
N - II5II NOSE ALIGN}4ENT - SCOOP BACKSTDE C-G GAP (A-
GAP).

OLB: W - rr5x ALIGNMENT AND TECHNfQUE.

ALIGNMENT - HIT & WORK OUTSIDE. NO TE,PLAY
NORMAL II5II TECHNIQUE.

ILB: I'5II ALIGNI.IENT - USE SCRAPE TACHNIQUE oN FLow To WIDE

FIELD. FLOW BACKSIDE, US8 |l5|| TECHNTQUE.

55 LOOP
\,-/
h ( )
\ \--,/
'u -'.,'v
I-/
/-\?--\/
OIO/OiO/O
\E-
\)/ \Jf
B - '\\\_ T F
t R/
"N, - ' M/
ENDS F - I I 5 I I A L I G N } . T E N T& T E C H N I Q U E , H I T & W O R K O U T S I D E .
E - n5|| ALIGNMENT. SCOOP T-c cAp (B-cAp) .

TACKLES ALIGNMENT. SCOOP T-TE GAP (C-cAp) .

ALIGNMENT. S C O O PF R O N T S I D E C - G G A P ( A - G A P ) .

OLB I I 5 I I A L I G N I ' I E N T A N D T E C H N I Q U E.

ILB II5II ALIGNMENT - USE SCRAPE TECHNIQUE ON FLOW TO

WEAKSIDE, FLOW FRONTSIDE, USE II5II TECHNIQUE.
 1,9

55 PLUE
UINUA
TIGAI

5 5 PLUS , II{INUS , A N D T I G H T , R E F E R T O S H A D E S B Y T H E N O S E T A C K L E .
DEPENDING UPON WHICH WAY HE COES, WE WILL GET ONE HALF OF AN
ANGLE OR LOOP. a-\
55 PLUA - ) ?
r \ .
\ ,
cr
o o o \ o\. l.,to c.l o
L J t . * N / T
r tr
n \ M rA

NOSE GOES TO
S T R E N G T HC A L L ( i . e .
LOOP)

5 5 I.{INUA o
r-- -cr /4
ofoio o o
r l)/< T F
\ - / 'M
h- .r\
NOSE GOES AWAY FROM
S T R E N G T HC A L L ( i . e ,
A N G L E)

55 llIGET a-
='

r _ f
oto,ft
'V\
'M \ L I J

n
NOSE GOES TO TE

N O T E: NOSE CAN SCOOP, ALIGN OFFSET OR COCK IN PLUS, MINUS, OR

TIGHT. ALSO, THE LB WHO IS AWAY FROM THE NOSEIS SCOOP
MOVE MUST REALIZE THAT HE HAS A DOUBLE GAP
RESPONSTBILITY. HE SHOULD CHEAT UP TO ABOUT 3 YARDS SO
HE CAN COVER BOTH GAPS.
 O 20

5 5 DOI'ALE GO ( )
( GO rEAX )
(GO STRONG)

7
O /
ar-\ \tr)
Y,) \__/O O O
N

,r5r
ALIGNMENTT - PERI},tETER IIGOII STIUNT A S
ENDS 3 F -
CALLED.
E - '' 5 '' ALIGNMENT - RUSH AS DIAGRAITTI4ED
. VS TE
BACKSIDE, I'IAY HIT & TAKE INSIDE R U S H ON
DROPBACK OR FLOW AWAY.

TACKLES : ' ' 5 X A L I G N } . I E N T & T E C H N I Q U E . F R O N T S I D E TACKLE MAY

RUSH INSIDE ON FLOW AWAY OR DROPBACK.

OLB : W - I' 5 'I ALIGN}IENT . CALL & EXECUTE A P E R I M E T E R I I G O I I

STUNT FROM STACK POSITION.
B - II5I' ALIGNMENT. AUTOMATIC FIRE IF ALIGNED ON
LOS. MAY CALL A GO IF HAVE A SE.

ILB : I'5'I ALIGNMENT AND TECHNIQUE.

covERAGES: MAC, ZERO 1 OR I AWAY W/ GO WEAK' Z 1 OR I W/ GO

STRONG

GO WEAK-STUNT BACXSIDE ONLY

GO STONG-STIINT FRONTSIDE ONLY
 r-) 2L

5 5 BLOIT

O +
/--\
O d
.Y
T
\--../

T-
I
N
I E B
M R
ENDS: I I 5 I I A L I G N } 4 E N T AND TECHNIQUE. B/S E I4AY PLAY LEVERAGE
P O SI T I O N

TACKLES: 'I5II ALIGNI.IENT AND TECHNIQUE. T MAY PLAY LEVERAGE

P O SI T T O N

OLB : IT5II ALIGNMENT AND TECHNIQUE

ILB: STUNT OVER GIS OUTSIDE SHOULDER

COVERAGE: MAC

ooot@idclqr
B E : . ) X I T F
R M
ENDS: F-II5II ALIGNMENT-HIT INTO END AND WORK OUTSIDE
ENT-LEVERAGE POSITION ON DEFENSIVE
TACKLE. PROTECT OUTSIDE FIRST THEN INSIDE

TACKLES: T-II5II ALIGNMENT-SCOOP CHARGETO OUTSIDE. PROTECT OFF

TACKLE HOLE
N - I I 5 I I A L J G N M E N T - S C O O PB A C K S I D E C - G G A P . PROTECT
BODY, DON'T GET CUT OFF.
OLB: rr5 rr ALIGNIiIENT AND TECHNIQUE

ILB : M-STUNT FRONTSIDE G-T GAP. KEY GUARDIS OUTSIDE

SHOULDER
R - P O S T S T E P T O W A R DF R O N T S I D E C - G G A P A N D R E A D . ON
DROPBACK O R F L O W F R O N T S I D E C O N T I N U E T H R O U G H W I T H
STUNT. O N F L O W T O B A C K S I D E C O M E O U T O F Y O U R S T UNT
AND P L A Y B A S I C . G E T T O B A L L

COVERAGES: MAC
 22

55 STINGER O
L-,
r^)
(D
N

ENDS: F-II5II ALJGN}IENT AND TECHNIQUE

E-II5 N ALIGN}.{ENT- -OKI E TECHNIQUE AS PLAY DEVOLOPS
WORK OUTSIDE FOR CONTAIN.

TACKLES: II5II ALIGNMENT AND TECHNIQUE. FRONTSIDE TACKLE MAY

RUSH INSIDE ON FLOW AWAY OR DROPBACK.

OLB : W- II5II ALJGNMENT AND TECHNIQUE.

M E N T - - A G G R E S S I V E C R O S S O V E RS T E P A I M I N G
FOR THE BUTT OF THE OFFENSIVE TACKLE. PLAY THE
BALL AND MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN.

,T LIJ : ''5N ALIGNMENT AND TECHNIQUE. LB'ER TO THE SIDE OF

STINGER TAKE A POST STEP OUTSIDE.
 \_-,/

23

5s DRoP zoNEO O
oC)oooo O
trT N E
n r r B
M R

ENDS: F - II5II ALIGNI,IENT. PI,AY RIJN FIRST. IMPEDE #2

RECEIVER & DROP TO THE CURL AREA.
E - XsII ALIGNMENT & TECHNIQUE. WIDEN ALIGNMENT WITH
DOWN& DISTANCE SITUATION.

TACKLES: T - II5II ALIGNMENT & TECHNIQUE. 3 OR BUBBLE RUSH.

N - II5II ALIGN}4ENT & TECHNIQUE. 3 OR BUBBLE RUSH.

OLB: W - ALIGNMENT ON #1 RECETVER. RUN READ, PLAY BASIC.

PASS READ- III{PEDE #]- RECEIVER & FORCE HIM INSIDE.
DROP TO THE FLAT AREA.
B - ALIGNMENT ON #1 RECEIVER. RUN READ, PI,AY BASIC.
PASS READ- IMPEDE #1 RECEIVER & FORCE RECEIVER
INSIDE, DROP TO THE FLAT AREA.

ILB: M&R - X5N ALIGNI'IENT & TECHNIQUE.

covERAGE: ZERO 3, "FLOOD" - LEVEL HALFBACK pLAy 21 OR 1,8, W-

DROP TO CURL, F-DROP TO SHORT FLAT.

5 5 DROP NAN /'-.\

\-.,/
O -O O O O O
r- Nt r-
l-r ' l\ -
|/\t B,
Ml Rz

ENDS ALIGNMENT. R T J NF I R S T , PASS_ IMPEDE #2 &

covER l.,rAN-To-uAN.
E - II5iI ALIGNMENT & TECHNIQUE.

TACKLES T - rr5 rr ALIGNI'{ENT & TECHNIQUE . 3 OR BUBBLE RUSH .

N - II5X ALIGNMNET & TECHNIQUE. 3 OR BUBBLE RUSH.

OLB W - ALIGN OF #1 RECEIVER. RUN READ, PLAY BASIC, PASS

READ, IMPEDE & COVER #]- MAN-TO-MAN.
B - ALIGN ON #T RECEIVER. RUN READ, PLAY BASIC, PASS
READ, IMPEDE AND COVER #1 MAN-TO-MAN.

ILB I4&R - II5II ALIGNMENT & TECHNIQUE. RUN READ, PLAY

BASIC, PASS READ, MAN-TO-MAN ON #]- & #3 RECEIVERS.
 .-)
55 CO!|BOY

r-)
/?,
\a-l alal
N
n, M, [?, [2,
L--JL

BH,

ENDS: F - II5II ALTGNMENT. PI,AY RUN FIRST. PASS READ,

IMPEDE & COVER #2 RECEIVER }.IAN-TO-MAN. ALWAYS
DECI,ARE TO TE IN A ONE-BACK SET,
E - r5|| ALTCNMENT & TECHNIQUE.

TACKLES: T - N5II ALIGNMENT & TECHNIQUE. 3 OR BUBBLE RUSH.

N - II5II ALIGNIITENT & TECHNIQUE . 3 OR BUBBLE RUSH.

OLB: W - ALTGN ON #]- RECETVER. RUN READ, PLAY BASIC.

PASS READ, IMPEDE AND COVER #1 RECEIVER MAN-TO-],IAN.
B - II5II ALIGNMENT ON #2 RECEIVER. RUN READ. PLAY
BASIC, PASS READ, IMPEDE #2 & COVER MAN-TO-MAN.

ILB: M&R - II5II ALIGNMENT & TECHNIQUE. COVER BACK OUT TO

YOUR SIDE, OR BACKER BUBBLE RUSH ON FLOW AWAY.

NOTE: USE OF THE WORD IIBUBBLEII IN 55 SERIES WILL TELL EITHER

THE ILBIS OR NOSE TO PI,AY A MIRROR TECHNIQUE ON THE QB.
TELLS THE REMAINING RUSHERS THAT THEY ARE FREE
OF ANY CONTAIN RUSH RESPONSIBILITY.

COACHING POINT: C O W B O YW I L L A L W A Y S B E R U N W I T H A ' ' H O L D I I C A L L

FROM THE HUDDLE. DECLARE TO TE OR TRIPS IN A
ONE BACK SET. WTTH A TRIPS SET, WE CHECK INDIAN
A N D R O L L C O V E R A G ET O T H E T R I P S S I D E .
 25

SHORT YARDAGE DETENsE I{ "JII a)

(-)

r-)
O
E N .a T
\J
F
M

ENDS: ALIGN SLIGHTLY INSIDE TE TIGHT TO LOS. ON SNAP, STEP

WITH OUTSTDE FOOT & HIT TE, REACT TO KEYS! STAY LOW,
DON'T GET DRIVEN OFF IHE BALL.

FORWARD)WITH INSIDE FOOT ON OUTSIDE FOOT OF OG.

REACT & READ G-KEY.

XIX TACKLE - ALIGN IN SHORT YDG. STANCE HEAD-TO-HEAD WITH

CENTER. USE STUFF TECHNIQUE.

OLB: ALIGN TIGHT TO LOS, PI,AY BASIC TECHNIQUE (KEY TE &

REACT ) .

ILB: STACK ALIGNMENT BEHIND & KEEP DEPTH FOR

M O V E M E N TI N S I D E O U T T O B A L L . YOU ARE A PILE TIPPER!

COVERAGES: ZERO 3, ZERO 1 OR 8, ROBBER, BANDIT, MAC

STUNTS: BLOW (STR/WK) CRASH FIRE/GO

. C
oootDlcoo
E N ' " 1T F
o16 c o o\o
E N R T F
bF cI oI \ 3R oT o \\ Fd
M M B-J \
 O
O
8o BASrC
a^)
O O O (D C ) O O
F
E M

Ends: Align slightly outside the TE on the LOS. ON SNAP, step &
hit fE. React to keys. Basic al-ignrnent & technique. Vs.
SE - Tight rr4rralignment.

Inside Tackles: Heawy outside alignnent on normal-Iy split cuard.

May move to A-gap w/a big sp1it. Be anare of
splits. Keep relative position from next man.
ExpLode across LOS! Drive for penetration (1
yd). Establ-ish new Los in backf iel-d. Drive
your shoulder pad under offensive charge then
work up. Brinq l-eos under vou! Don't Iunqe 6
Use an offensive blockinq technique.

Outside Tackles: Heavy outside alignrnent on n o r n a l l y s p l i t

tackl-e. May nove to B-gap w i t h a b i q s p l i t .
Refer to Inside Tackles.

l.t&BI s : AI ign t ight to the LOS. Be aware of splits & your gap
respons ibi I ity .

Coverage: coalline Zero

80 FIRE AO GO 80 PINCE

l\s * 4 l
t
i + + s-
a-)
, .+ . . t t
o \ \
g q -l- C ] O K ) O,/OI<e^AqO\O
/ t-
T T
Y--/\{
T F \ P ll ql ql -o rb ' bTl dl -
F r l l i l t
{ ' t t t t l l
"\_ LJ -M* lJ..r.r-.J l<
*lvl - t-l -B- -\y'-' *B-
LJ
 27

DEF BACX6/LB rS
DEUCEA T TRTP8 AD'U8A!.{ETT8
EAGLE ADJUST}.1ENT: (USED WHENEVER INITIAL DEFENSE CALLED INVOLVED
A LINEBACKER STI]NT WITH MAC COVERAGE. )

STAY TN SAI.IE DEFENSIVE FRONT LOOK CALLED

\___,/
40 EAGLE VS DEUCES:
\J - \ \-./

O O O O O d \ O
F T *.E\
Lll,
y'y, Mr R ua BH,
I J L

RESPoNSIBfLITIES: f4 BASIC UNLESS rrSTACKrrCALL ; CONTAIN PASS

RUSHER
T 4 BASIC: PI,AY CAUTIOUS
N 4 BASIC: RUN BLOW STUNT WITH R - HALF
SLANT TO B-GAP
STUNT WITH B
R BASTC ALIGNMENT: RIJN BLOW STUNT WTTH N
}',I BASIC ALIGNI,IENT: ON PASS , TAKE #3 TO
EITHER SIDE
it IIGOII STUNT WITH E
BASIC ALIGNUENT: COVER #2 }4AY CALL
r sTAcK,l
LH&BH #1 TO EITHER SIDE: RIJN SUPPORT
IIWEAKII CALL #2 BACKSIDE

40 EAGLE VS TR \-J
+ r T
r
o fo o h
Y
n i ,'rl
YIY
l l N- Ittr*
F
l l ! . |^J \ ,,{
twtRl
A
t\
;2
L-l lt 5-
4 0 BAI.{ VS TRIPS
a ' V
\J
o{ or - "l( oD /'\
\2
/'\
\-'
I /'\ ,/
| \a!t
F - t I N I F
I H, C
W t
n 3 M f\ Pa :::B
LJN.
4 0 FALCON VS TRI P S \_-/

--l_l bN\
4
O Q O
F tN-F I
Ll-'l , :l
z. lz\ I M A B BH,
NOTE: R E S P O N S T B I L I T E S SA-IqEAS IF DEUCES EXCEPT SAFETY MAKES
I IS T R O N G I I C A L L & C O V E R S # 2 F R O N T S I D E .
 r-)
50 EAGLE VS DEUCES

O , O
/6OtrATOO
-T F
./ F V
B R-" Mr
[''] . LH.
BH, \)L

F OKIE
T OKTE
N SCOOP B/S C-c cAP (A-CAP)
E AGGRESSIVE OKIE TECHNIQUE
R STIJNT F/S C-G GAP (A-GAP) READ FLOW
M #3 EITHER SIDE
B FTRE VS TE: GO VS SE
W BASIC I]NLESS YOU CAN GET A IISTACKII CALL
, :I: HBI S #1 EITHER SIDE
_. s #2 BIS

50 EAGLE VS TRIPS r-)

\_-/
v

B
(f-\
L,)
(h
Y_-/
E
o\r/oo
y T tr
I

R- Vso q LH'
f ^l \J L
/\J

BH,

NoTE: SAME RESPoNSIBILITES AS IF DEUCES, EXCEPT. SAFETY CALLS

IISTRONGII AND COVERS #2 F I S
 29

M O T T O N A D J U S T M E N T S ( W E W I L L A D J U S T W I T H S A F E T Y)

MOTION TO DEUCES

l A ^+.rl
doooo
,/E T F
B ft Mao _.,-\,"\ LH,
r]H,
z%S

NOTE: M O T T O N T O DEUCES SHOULD BE TREATED A S I F OPPONENT

INIT IALLY ALIGNED IN DEUCES.

TRIPS TO DEUCES

\ f a O
\a/a Q
\NI
o
F
r l T F
B - n Mno nr \\ J L r l J
LI it
uf-'l ,

NOTE: S E C O N D A R YWILL NEVER BUMP R E C E I V E R S .

 30

DEFENSIVE END PLAY AND CHARGEA

4O TECHNIOUE

I. STANCE- Two point, outside foot back. Look inside.

II. ALIGNI'IENT- outside foot on nose of normafly split TE.
III. CHARGE- on snap, step with outside foot into TE. get you
l-egs & hips under you & bench press the TE away
fron your body.
IV. R E S P O N SBII L T T I E S
A. T-TE (c-cap )
B. Protect ILB
C. Contain on Pass
D. Chase on flow away (Rush QB's Backside shoul,der)
E. QB on option
F. Counters & Reverses
KEYS AND REACTION- In the 40 Defense, your prinary key
vill be the TE with the QB (baII) flow

:;.:l: ;:'::::.:.fil;=Tliii"llli=,".
A. TE DRM BLOCK - on snap, step r.7ith outside into TE &
bench press hin away. Control- the
TE.

oooQ
t-

B. TE DOWNBLOCK - Cl-ose to the inside & knock the TE

off any blocking path he nay be
taking, You must keep the TE from a
stra j-ght release onto our l,l or R.
Meet the block from the near back,
guard, or tackle keeping the
shoul-ders square & squeeze the pl-ay.

THE HOOK BLOCK - Step out into the TE & bench press
hin away from your body. Check
back to inside for possible inside
block. If the play goes wide,
work lateraLly & up to the ball.

-- r-)
\.-_/ \_./ \-/
F,4/
 e't

U. TE TURN-OUT BLOCK ON OLB - step with outside foot

but imrnediately look back to the inside prepared
to step back down & cLose t h e o f f - t a c k l e hole.

OOO
LJ
TE RELEASE OUTSIDE (or PaSs BlocK) - Usua l- ly when
the TE releases outside & there is no immedi-ate
inside block it means Dass.

OOO
6\
t __9<o
\Y ./ \-.

-d"oo 5
r-
(
vs sprint

1. contaln & keep the 2. contain first,

QB on your inside pressure second.
shoulder. Pressure & Dr^fa^f rr^rrr

soueeze f rorn outside. outside leg &

get your hands
down. Give
ground if
necessary & stay
vI ) /u q r reEs.
Read blockers
head .

NOTE: On flow ar.,ray, al-wavs e x e c u t e chase technique.

'l 32

55 TECHNTOUE

I. STANCE - Two=point stance, inside foot back, Iook at TE.

II. ALfGNMENT - Inside foot on nose of nornally split TE
III. C H A R G E- J a b s t e p w i t h i n s i d e foot into TE. cet your legs
& hips under you & bench press TE away from your
body .
IV. R E S P O N SI B I L I T I E S

A. Contarn, run or pass

B. TE area
C. Protect LB
D. chase on flow ahtav
E. option - QB
F. counters & Reverses

KEYS & REACTION - Read TE. see ball ^rtt ^f ^v rf a \ra

v J s r

A. TE HooK BLocK - work laterall-y & bench press TE a$/ay.

Keep outside leg & arrn free.
- ,z'-\ t t,r^\ I
- t { ,
- \__,/ \_--,/ \_-,1 zr
r/'
r
B. TE TURN-OUT BLoCK - Work against his chest & squeeze
him back into the off-tackle hole. Keep outside leg
& arn free stav square,

O O O O gs
TE DOWNBLOCK - Jam TE & read inside block same as in
40 Technique.
ooolq
ooo%
D. OPTION-Sink back to LOS. You have QB.

E. PASS-Sane as 40 End. You may widen aliqnment in

passrng sltuatrons.

O -
nr^hh:r-k \/q qhr i nt

N O T E: on flow away, al-wavs execute chase technique.

 DICKINSON COLLEGE
VARSITY FOOTBALL

DEFENSIVE TACKLE PLAY AND CIIARGES

4O TECHNIOUE

I, STANCE

A. Four point vith inside foot slightly back.

B. Feet slightly wider than shoul,der nidth with toes
pointed straight ahead.
c. Head and shoulders slightly higher than hips with
rninimal weight on hands.
D. shoulders and hips parallel to the Los.

II. ALIGNMENT

A. Backside-inside foot on the nose of the offensive

guard .
B. Fronts ide-ins ide foot slightly inside the outside foot
of the offensive guard.
NoTE: You shoul-d start 1 yard off the Los until
experienced or stunt tightens you'

III. CHARGE '

A, on novement of the ball al-\./ays step with your inside

foot f irst.
B. Stay ]ow, airn under the pads of the blocker with your
hands and j . n a continuous motion, explode u p v / i t h your
legs and hips and bench-press hin away f r o r n y o u r b o dy.
C. React to ball.

IV. IBILITI
RESPONS ES

A. Guard-Tackl-e gap.
B. Never get reached or hooked.
C. Never get trapPed.
D. Protect I inebacker.
E. Rush p a s s er in lane.

V. KEYS AND REACTION

A. GUARD REACH-Step \tith your inside foot and react

outside, f j.ghting to keep your outside arm and leg
free. Your alignrnent should prevent you fron gettrng
reached quicklY '
 34

B, GUARDDRrvE BLOCK-Step with your insj.de foot and

explode j.nto blocker. Do not catch the b1ock.

OOO
T
GUARD TURN-OU? BLOCK-Step w ith your inside foot and
fight through guardrs head, hold Los and squeeze play.
Do not go back door.

.Q
^vN
D. GUARDRELEASE INSIDE-Trap Bl-ock-Step with your ins ide
foot, hit guard to protect LB, stay square on the LoS
and neet the trapper with j.nside shoulder. Do not
catch the bl,ock.

E. GUARDPULLS OUTSIDE-Wewill use one of tr{o noves3

1. Fight pressure-a nrove made on the LOS. Step with

your inside foot and react outside working across
the face of the downblock. Bench press him and do
not so back door.
f_IA,
\_./ >__-/
-,
N r{"f
l\
2. Run around tackle's block (back door)-only when
good penetration has been made because of a scoop
nove, Be alert for cutback.. Skin and pursue flat
down the T,os- -<:
-
- \J \_--l
i 1I
F. GUARD AND TACKLE DoUBLE TEAI'l-Stay low, hold ground on
Los. Drop shoulder j.nto outside block and work to
split the double-t€am.
/.-_\ t/__\
- ( \-_41) / '>_-..
( )
-
N'{v
l \
G. GUARD PULLS TO OFFSIDE-

1.CUT OFF BLocK BY cENTER-Usually this means counter,

so be slov to cross centerrs face and pursue along
the Los. steD with inside foot first.

$
2. CUT oFF BY TACKLE-Step with inside foot and follow
guardr s shoulder. Run away from tackle, flatten
out and pursue along the LOS. Protect legs with
awav arn.

fb-o
( ' f
"
H. GUARDSET FOR PASS-Vary pass rush technique (wilJ-
teach on f j,el-d) , and get to passer.

1. Things to remember when rushing the passer

a. stay in lane
b. get hands up if passer is facing you
c. no roughing the passer penalties
d. call- t'ball" when ball is released
e. pursue to the footbal.I
 J b

DEFENAIVE TACKLE PLAY AND CHARGES

55 TECHNIOUE

I, STANCE

A. P/S Tackle and B/S End-same as 40 Tackl-e.

B. Nose-same as 40 Tackle r./ith feet balanced.

I I . ALTGN}.IENT

A. Tackle and B/s End-outside alignment on offensive

tackle.
NoTE: You shoul-d start at being 1 yard off the Los
until experienced or stunt tightens you.
B. Nose-Head-up on center. Tight on Los.

III. CHARGE

A. F/S Tackle and B/S End-sane as 40 Tackle

B. Nose-ExpIode into center getting your hands underneath
has pads as quickly as you can.

IV. R E S P O N SI B I L I T I E S

A. Tackle & B/S End - end-tackle gap

B. Nose - center-guard g a p to side of c's bl-ock
C. Pursuit along LOS
D. close trap (Tackle & B/S End)
E. Rush Dasser in lane

V. KEYS AND REACTION

A. REACH BLOCK - I'latch your feet to his feet & keep your
outsi-de leg & arn f ree. l'love I

QOOO
-af
N'-' I

B. T U R No U T B L o c K - s t e p with inside foot, fight

pressure,work through blocker's head. Pursue flat
down the LOS.
- /--\
lt \-_-/ \-i \--l
'-4
' l
 37

DOUBLE TEAIT{- Stay lohr, hold ground on LOS. Drop

shoulder into o u t s i d e block & work to split the double
team,

?p.
TACKLE FOLD BLOCK - Guard blocks out on you. Step with
your inside foot & squeeze hole from outsj-de in & pursue
down LOS.

OCfO
[>f
E. DOWN BLOCK step with your ins ide f ^ ^ + hrr.|- € i ^!i+

.??s
pressure & work across face of downblock.

TRAP - Step with your inside foot & do not let the
offensive tackle release inside on the LB. Squeeze the
trap with the tackle. Sta on LOS.

NOTE: Some teams nay try

to influence trap block
by showing pass.

PASS - Vary pass rush technique (will teach on field) ,

and get to passer.

RUSH NOTES:
'1
Stay i-n Iane .
cet hands up if passer is facing you - j urnp at the Iast
second r./hen QB canrt stop his release. come down in the

3. No roughing the passer penalties.

4. Cal1 'rBaIII when baII i,s released.
5. Pursue to the football.
 J 6

CHARGES- DEFENSIVETACKLES

I. HALF SLANT - Charge fron your initial alignment through

the chest of the nan adjacent to you in the direction
cal-l-ed. Lead step at a 45-degree angl-e & react to the
man on the side of the half slant as you move to hirn.
Make contact with blockerrs outside number. Bench press
& do not get cut off. Key quardrs shouLder as you nove
out & react accordingly.

A. Down Block

OQQ
,1i-'

B. Reach Block

oqJ?
.T/,-,'

c. Rel-ease Ins ide

ooo / ''--i! t
/ ./t ,t'r
 39

IIT. SCOoP CHARGE- Lead step at a 45-degree angle in the

direction of the stunt sinultaneously dropping the anay
shoulder as you vigorously penetrate the opening &
square upfield. Bring the off-arn up to protect you
against the cut-off block. As you charge inside read
the shoulder of the offensive blocker. React
accordingly.

A. Down Block

Reach Block
ffi
oQp
cut-off Block

OO
t,atO
D. PuIl Away

O'Q.O r\+

Note: coaching Point - If you are assigned to scoop &

there is no offensive r n a n i n the area to which
y o u a r e h e a d e d , d o n o t s c o o p - play basic frorn a
sl ightly wider a I ignrnent .
 40

V. STUFF TECHNfQUE- Used by the nose tackle in 55 Okie.

stance is balanced four point,. alignnent is as tight to
the ball as possible; on snap of batl explode with legs,
hips, & arrns into center & push hirn behind the LOS.

O OY O
N
GOAL LINE TECHNTOUE

I. S T A N C E- F o u r p o i n t v i t h s h o u l d e r s s l i g h t l y lower
than norrnal. Bend in elbows. Feet weII up under
you.

II. ALIGNI.IENT- Heavy outside alignnent on normally

split OT: rnay move to head-up if tackte splits
wide. Keep a relative position fron the next man.
fnside tackl-es align in a heavy inside al-ignment on
the oc. Be aware of splits.

III. C H A R G E- E x p l o d e a c r o s s L O S . D r i v e f o r p e n e t r a t i o n .
Establish a new LOS one yard in offensive backfield.
Drive your shoulder pad under offensive charge then
r.tork up. Bring legs up under you. Don't lunqe and
leave feet in oriqinal line-up nosition. Use an
offensive blocking technique.

IV. R E S P O N SBII L I T I E S

1. cap you are lined up in

2. 1 yard penetration
3. pursue to the baII
4. Donrt Let them score over you

V. KEY AND REACTION - PIay blocker you are lined up on.

Drive for penetration. NornaI reaction to blockj.ng
patterns. Donrt be cut-off by inside blocker. Don't
be turned out by inside blocker. Drive for
penetration on down blocks.
rg0rl

rt>CJObCJ
T _ I - ] - T
 41

l,tIKE AIID ROVER IN IHE { 0 AERIES DEFENSEE

I. 44 BASIC \_-,/

\_-/

O
OOOOOOO
E N t- F
r?
t_J
R M
K E Y S:

1. BalI flow (QB to deep backs) = Primary Key

2. Guard = Secondary Key

Note: Read both keys simultaneously. If there is any

confusiorl read your prj.nary key.
r:\
H
rVr
/z-\ \

,'(-)

o cN o - o To "

9E - Back - Guard Trianqle

R M
 T E C H NI Q U E

1. I N S I D E F L O WT O : (BaIl at or inside guard box)

Post Step (45 degree step with outside foot)

B. Attack blocking scheme
c. Find Ball

oooo
T
'ir^
F
,l <
R M'r"'
2. OUTSfDE FLOi,l TO: (8a11 outside guard box )

A, Shuffle outside (cain ground)

B. Attack blocking schene
1. Jan off tackle hole (stay
2. If wide play (i.e. T o s s ) r adjust angle
c. Find bal1

': :'

cf\p o
T(I F
M'
FLOWAWAY:

A. Attack center (cutback, counter, draw)

B. cain outside control-, cross face, pursue
C. If center disappears, step up & find baII
O--.)
_ \ "

o?o
N P
R
II. PO68IBLE BLOCRTNGSCHE}IEAVA. 'O DEFENSE

A. FLOW TO:

'R7
1. GUARD REACH
h

d.
Post step on f I or./
Attack tackle
Move your feet
Keep outside arrn
& ]eg free

R--',-
2. FOLD a. Post step on flow
b. Beat guard on LOS
OCT() ^

d.
qt. \t

Keep outside arn

l*i & Ieg free
i2 e. Read baII for
M- pursuit angle
3. D O U B L E ON TACKLE Post step on fLow

oQ h ISOLATION - attack
FB inside
VEER - Read bunp
block & find dive

GUARD PULL OUT a. Post step on flow

octo -Y
t' , / f
Distinguish
between inside or
outside f l-ow
l. Sprint to
OT-TE gap
) C^ in ararrnA
M-/ 3. Find seam &
attack ball
,-:\ 44

B. FLOW AWAY:

1. CENTER CUT-OFF a. Attack center on

qoo b.

^
flow away
Jan with backs ide
forearm
D-l .rr ^,rf h.^lz

!rt
2. CENTER BLOCK (C-BLOCK) a. Step to center on
flow away
b. center d isappears
PENETRATE
c. D e f e a t g u a r d wj - t h

d. LOOK FOR CUTBACK

TRAP a. Attack center on

flow away
b. center d j-sappears
PENETRATE
'.;

R
4. INSIDE FOLD a. Attack center on
flow away
b. center disappears
PENETRATE
c. Attack oT \^/ith
outside arn &
shou lder
d. constrict hole
e. LOOK FOR CUTBACK
 . r-)
-
"... av
III. ECRIPE rEcENreuE Ct +
OOOO()O
E .N r/ n, , ' T /
F
,
\ _-f. \ ./
l{ M

FLow To (Inside or outsj.de: Run or Pass)

1. l.like's Technique
a. shuffle outside (gain ground)
b. Scrape through outside eye of OT n n e i f i n n
c. Keep shoulders paralLel with LOS
d. A t t a c k b l o c k e r s w i t h I N S I D E A R M AND SHOULDER
e. Stay BALANCEDand SQUARE

vs Toss vs Isol-ation outside FIov,

O:-r \ ,4,4
e---+ e$
br ^ C))
. o'T/o O oKl'lo o
Y
M, rc
M
2. Rover Ta-hh i d!r6

a. D^<f cfoh
l^ Find baII
1. Roverrs plav vs outside flow is
identicai t6 tne Mike's play. Due to
a difference in technique for the
frontside & backside Defensive Tackles
(Diagram 1 & 2), Rover rnust be
prepared to fiII inside if fl-olv
establishes itself inside the
Offensive Guards (Diagram 3).

1. Frontside DT play 2. Backside DT PIay 3. Inside Flow

\
o\o o CP' o p'o
Y N N/
M n t{
 46

B. FLOW AWAY

A. Play Basic (attack center)

\-,
t "
oo/oqo Qo/oqo
f'x N7 \ r' F\r\
M R
Mt R'/
SPECTAL N O T E O N I IS C R A P E I I

The opening may not appear exactly as it is shown on paper. Take

into account:

1. Proper pursuit angle (sweep vs off-tackle)

2. Blocking Schenes (guard reach vs fold)
3. Brick wall Theory:
If you find a piJ.e of players as you scrape, find an opening
which wi]l- al.lor., you to get to the ball the quickest way.
Do not try to force your way through a "brick $tall'r.

T\/ BLOW TECHNIQUE

A. Mike & Rover:

1. charge inside shoulder of near guard. Penetratel
2, Key guardrs shoulder
3. center-guard gap responsibility. Attack lead
blocks from backs with outside arnt
4. Rush on Pass Q

odoOp
\I V
N M
B, Blow variations (on flow) :

4 4 Scrape r ro u t I ' 47 Basic

o L
ot: o o o/o
lxr
II t )
t{
M

l,l - Step up & Read Basic

R - B a si c Step up & Read
v. ''2" ALIGNI,IENT AND TEeHNIQUE (Frontside or Backside)

A. A)-ignment: sane as 4 alignrnent

22 Basic 42 Basic
r--^oa"
ntoz
pp ro).Tordq1 c/ o F o(op/o{
B t ',,N r n F T ,/ z \-. N / ' E t s
7r,\T/
. R M .
LV
---\,t
lvr
--1
l\
./

r2i r4|| Look rt Look

"2fl LOOk Look "2

B. Technique

l-. Post step on snaP

? q.renF hard to G-T gaP on flow
3. FIow away, step hard to center after post step
 48

I,IIKE AND ROVER IN TIIE 5 O DEFENSES

r. 55 oKrE
3
o o
O O O O O O O
B E N T 7
n M \ | \
n Li
rJl I
lr -H
r I

DECLARATTON: S

Nornall-y, the 55 defense will be called when the baII is on or

within 4 yards of the hash. Strength will be calfed in the
huddle. The Mike wiJ-l align to the side of the declaration. The
Rover will align to the side away fron the declaration,
r^)
Example:
=
=
=
\,
? (_.=
=
= oooopo o
| ' ' = L _
|

/ v
1 , R M B
Ir - r HI
BrJ
c
J
A. KEYS:

1. Offensive cuard - primary key

2. BalI FLow - secondary key

NoTE: Concentrate on keying through the Offensive

Guard into the backfield. The combination of
keying guards & backs will lead you virtually to
every play.

B. R E S P O N S T B T L I T IE S :

r. t row Io:
a. cuard-tackle gap
b. Ball
2- Flow Away:
a. cutback with inside flow awav
b. Frontside (side to flow) center-guard gap with
outs ide f 1ow awav
 49

c. REACTIONS:

1. On e - o n - o n e

O Y attack
control
with outside

N I yi
pad under pad

M disengage & locate

ball

NOTE: We expect you t o squeeze plays inside to the

nose tackle.
2. Double on nose

?,f l-r
penetrate

origin
of the
squarely
flnd & defeat blocker
^t hic nainf
(on hj.s side
LOS)
nf

Guard Out Block

OQ.O
N
/ " 7
M
Guard cut-off

a. Jan guard with

OA b.
backs.ide f orearrn
Check gap
N \
ta
t(
5, Guard Pulls Inside (defined as arr\ qc rtont_ ar I

post step tol,/ards

center check cutback
check frontside C-c
gap
pur sue
 50

, cuard PuLls Out (defined as cross tackle)

f-F-) post step out
a.
.ctd
N , : l
b,
c,
c h e c k b a1 ]
pursue

)".'1
B
M
7. Guard Pass Block - PIay Pass Coverage Calted

NOTE: ff guard puIIs opposite backfield flow,

TMMEDIATELY think BOOTLEG a n d c h e c k c r o s s i n g rece ivers

A cross read for the

LBIs

X:.
.1->
r-l
55 ANGLE

(@/ct)'O
F
t \
-Yr 7
RESPONSIBILITY:
o-<..
O { \

$. Outs ide Fl-ow To ( r u n )

l-.
2.
scrape hard
filt o T - T E gap
Rover

1
2.
R -"/
c-\
ti"o\olcu
./
l\y't'
Flow Away (run ) :
q,.-r^ rrp
frIl
C-c qap
Y
'a
F
h,a rd
frontside

3, flatten & chase

wide running
plays
 f,l-

fnside F I or./To (run):

1. post step
2. find baI l--be
CX prepared to f ill
,{\ inside vs out back
V1 \or i so lat ion
-{
,--. f,--.
v\l/ O(O OTO Q,
n t r \T 'IT,,,F
o -/
l\
r^-(''
q:,

FIow Awav:
1. plug (do not scrape ) ) vs Pass:
frontside C - c gap 1. both LBrs
pursue pull out
,p of scrape
& play
(o covera9e
cal led

u ,r In.|v6rt
OtO OfO OfC O
F otr oro
I.5] o{b
\T- a/
B E F
R-,\ M
\ \
55 LOOP

)O/O
\ N l ' 7
.t n A'L\ t \ - M /
K E YS
1. Mike - cuard/ FIow

2. Rover - Flow

B. RESPONSIBILITY
1. Mike
flow to - read
h flow away - B/S C-G gap (cutback)

2. Rover - (shuffle outs ide )

flow to - scrape tackle-TE gap
flow ar+ay - B/S C-G gap (cutback)
 52

55 +

Wide Fietd wide Field )

O"
<.--\
oo^fo
tr
oooto/i:oo
'N' zT t B F \ N , T F
R , @ R=-@

T BTLITY
RESPONS RESPONSIBILITY

Mike - Play okie technique Mike - Frontside c-G gap

Rover - Tighten a l -i g n n e n t , Rover - Tighten a l ignnent
c-G gap, cutback play okie tech.

55 -

wi.de Fiel,d -> wide Field -)

/€
t ,..Y
/ o
o o o-t V A
- rcro F oo01.o O O
e - B E\.N1 I
I
F
'

R - M R - M
.ni.thtan
Mike - Tighten alignnent, Mil.F - a l irrnnent
play Okie tech. C-G gap, cutback

Rover - Frontside C-G gap Rover - PIay okie tech,

c..- '2.\"-\
55 rIGHT -
-.-7S
r ( b o
O O
o o c l o' / X
oc o C ()otao
B E1 tN.d Ttr
B E / l r
t l

R - M N M

Mike - Tighten a I ignment, Mike - Tighten a I ignment

play okie tech. C-G gap, cutback
Rover - Frontside c-G gap P.rvpr - Pl ev ok i p tpch.
 53

B oN ,10 SERIEa oP DEFENSE

I. 44 BASIC
t l

A. ALIGNMENT RULES:
1. vs TE
3 yards outside TE
b. yards off LOS
O
a o o o-3-'%
N E ,1,"
l-
r < t J
2. SE
split difference
O between oT & sE
b. periperal vision
O O\ O see SE & backf ield
N E-... key through oT into
backfield
R \n/
D

-t
vs Nasty SpI it
a. Align head up on
flexed END until
y\,u earl
h^rh^ l <nli+ rllo

\ttzl wl (J rccrr (Jr d

nrr i alz arrnV RrnV
O
Block
( ' O O O
r \ t u
R
 B. KEYS:

1. TE - Prrmary Key
a. Block - Run
b. Release - Run or Pass

2. QB to backfield - Secondary Key

.. --Conbined with TE this will help you determine run
] 'f (Inside or outside) or pass.
Q
t \

o d.o ):
\ \
\ -\
\E TE - QB - Triansle

C. ADDITIONAL KEYS AND REACTTONS:

l-. Fl-ow to (Run) :

a. K n i f e T e c h n i q u e ( R e f e r t o r r w r rB u I l e t j . n )
1. Used vs an outside run (i.e. Toss/option)
on1y
2. Agqressive force charge
3. Aiming point - 1.5 yards outside TE
. 4. Attack lead blocker vrith inside arm &
EnorlE.t
5. Penetrate L yard bevond outside hip of
blocking back

NOTE: By elirnj-nating the Iead bLocker, you force the ball-carrier

either to deepen his running angle or to cut inside where
our pursuit will neet hin.

KNIFE VS TOSS KNIFE VS OPTION

,\
-------o
| \ r/--\
------: )
) '-.. O O O O
/
/ o o o -o I
B
/ A. Read QB on
B option
B. Attack near back
 55

If. B/E STUNTS (aka "co or Fire)

A. TECHNIOUE:

L. Aggressive charge on snap

2. Penetrate LOS squarely
3. Adjust path to offensive pl-ay
4. Responsibility will change with the combination
(i.e. r r G o r ,o r r r F i r e t r ) c a I l e d . K N O WI T I

B. IIGOIICOMBINATION:

1. vs TE:

\ / A E vh6^l- .nF f ^

OCCK),, block out on DE

tY
a \
\*B
2. vs SE (Snoke) :

a. Expect OT to

oc.\/ c block out on DE

F
*fJ
3. Fron Stack:

oo.F,
SPECIAL NOTE:
B r alp an nn+i^h /nF

has pitch)
b. Off-tackle gap
r o c h ^ n c i h i I i t \ r

c. Inside route on
pass rush
 56

C. IIFTREII COMBTNATTON:

VS TE:

\ \

OCc\o \
E
B
vs SE:

OC'\
E
SPECIAL NOTE:

1. contain
2. Pitch on option
3. CO!{I{ITNICATE

GENERAL STUNTTNG RULES:

l-. Inside l.tan - Take inside route

2, Outside Man - Contain (deep as deepest man)
3. rrFirerr vs Pass - Rush upfield
shoulder of eB
4. Adjust path to offensive play - play away, flatten
down LOS and get into flow - don't just work upf j-eld
 57

SECONDARy AIICEOR (B'S) rN 50 DEFENSE

I. 50 OKIE C

O
O
COOOCOC
F T N E @
DECLARATTON:
M R
Normally, the 50 defense wiII be called v/hen the baII is on our
within 4 yards of the hash. strength r.rill be called in the
huddle. The Wide Anchor ( W ) r . / i l -I a t i g n to the side of the
declaration. The Boundry Anchor (B) will align to the side away
from the declaration

Example: ; =
=

O O :
; _O_oO-dO
F T N : E
L H N M R :
H -
:
5 -
Huddle CalI: Strong Left, 50 okie, Zero I Away

A. ALIGN}4ENT & STANCE:

1. Inside foot to TErs nose

2. Inside foot back
3. Knees f l-exed (]ow crouch position)
4. Back stra j.ght
5, Head up & Iooking into backfield

B. OKTE TECHNIOUE:

1. Jab step with inside foot

2. Hand shiver to control TE
3. Drive your hip through TE with second step

OOOO
 58

KEYS:

1. TE - Prlmary key
2, Backfield flow & blocking pattern - secondary key

n RESPONSIBILITY 3

1. QB on option
2. Sgueeze off-tackle
3. Defeat TE

E. POSSIBLE TE REACTIONS:

1. TE Blocks Dortn

I D O O O{ 1 1. Hit TE
2. Read backf ield
E B act r on

a. off tackle run

1. shoulders square
r=.- \l 2. squeeze hole
O O O Q 3. find bLock - FB,
F H HB, OG
4. attack block
with inside arm
& Ieg

b. Outside Veer
l-. read nesh
a\ 2. PIay dive
\_l-._
\ /f ^.-k l a moch l
\
a <
O O O Q
T-! r'r
r t-a

2. TE REACH BLOCK:

1. control TErs
O O O ? head
2. work upfield
3. donrt skate

TE TURN OUT BLOCK:

l-. constrict hole

2. shoulders square
O O O ,1-_ 3. keep outside arm
T] & leg free
 59

4. O U T S T D ER E L E A S EB Y T E :

l. shiver TE
2. Iook inside
ooo?t\ 3. read backf iel-d
u . act ion

a. Option
o 1. read nesh
(aOO%\ 2. QB on optlon
B - \

b. OT turn out

l. constrict hole
2. r eet block with
inside arm & leg
.oqg>\ 3. keep outs i,de arm
& leg free
 60

rIDE BACXER - '4 A}ID 55 DEFENSES

\_-,,

O
I
5vo1
F"toooooo
I
l0yosl . k1'
( f
I 4./
I
L C uR L
3 yos

The r.tide backer aligns 3+ yards and 5 yards deep off the TE.
Position your heels to intercept a point (curl) which is 3 yards
inside and ten yards deep off the f l-anker or number one receiver,

O -qo(.ooo

4'
Lfl

The wide backers alignrnents may vary according to the receivers'

splits, game situations and scouting reports. Always align
yourself in a position that opens your Scope of Vision and
enables you to: L . ) s e e | . . | , e# 2 r e c e i v e r , and; 2.) see inside
through the offensive tackle to the backfield.
 O I

WIDE BACKER AND BACKER READS

TE Down Block TE In Bl-ock

aooo., -oop -<_

F ; '
L
"it\

The defensive endrs alignment The TErs helrnet goes

prevents the TE fron Down inside. Expect an
Blocking. inside running play.

TE Hook Block TE Arc Block

o o o q ) O O
r-^t \
t r \
B

The TErs helnet goes to the The TE arcs to block the

endrs outside. Expect an W. Read backfield action
outside running play. for fake sprint run or
option run. See diagram
below,

W versus Twins or SE TE Arc Block

tao@ O ttq"\

The tackle will be your read The TE arc blocks and the
coupled with the backf iel-d offensive tackle blocks
acrlon. out. Expect an inside
run.
 62

KNIFE TECHNIQUE

O CJ
/ o o o O O O O
F
4

Your initial alignnent wiJ-I give you the proper angle to knife.
Your aiming point is 1.5 yards outside the TE and l yard behind
the outside hip of the bl-ocking back. This is an aggressive,
sell-out technique. If the batL carrier is not in phase (see
diagram beJ-ow) with the blocking back, attack the bl,ocker with
your inside shoulder and arm. Keep your shoulders parallel to
.',: the LOS and your outside arm and leg free.

What is rtln Phaserr?

/'fr
O d
/.//
o o o ta O O O
/
,/ F
n
In phase is r"then the r4tide backer can abruptly disrupt the path of
the ballcarrier.
 O J

LINEBACKERS - I"IAC COVERAGE

l,!Ac coverage is strictly man-to-nan coverage. The man (or men)

responsible for each individual receiver rnust know precisel.y v/ho,
if anyone, is avail"able to help them, and nust if solely
responsible for a receiver, key and cover that receiver fron the
snap to the whistle.

I'tAC

In uAc coverage the LBrs are normall-y responsible for the

renaining deepbacks (usuaIIy 2 in nurnber). Receivers are
indentified on pages 54 and 68. The frontside LB(s) has the #3
receiver, and the backside LB(s) has t}]e #2 receiver. Most often
these receivers are setbacks,' hor^rever, it is very possible that
either one or both LBrs will have to cover a tight wing, a TE, or
a slot back.

Each LB rnust know how rnany LBrs are available to carry out the
coverage of the #3 and #2 receivers. In certain defenses, LBrs
lrill be l-ost when they are involved in a scrape, anchor, or stunt
move. Examples are as follows:

44 Blorr Mac
J z

/ v

,'o o Co pp. O
/ t' r \' r l l l . /
II N f..
M R B
In sone instances it nay appear to be difficult for a LB to cover
the particuLar receiver he is responsible for, but hustle and a
proper angle of intercept will greatly aid this cover.

General rules for MAc coveraqe are:

1. Know your nan responsibility

2. Know lrho is available to aid you
3. concentrate on your job; donrt attenpt to aid anyone
else until- your responsibility is executed
4. Adjust your alignment to the best possible position for
your coverage responsibi Iity
5. Take a proper angle of intercept to pick up a receiver
6. comnunicate with other LBrs and secondary
'1. If your receiver does not release, go to basic zero 3
coveraqe area and check crossinq receivers
 DEFENSIVE TERI{I}IOLOGYOF OFFENSIVE FORI{ATIONS

During the course of the season we will see many different

offensive fornations. It is irnperative that each nenber of the
defensive team be able to accuratelv identifv the set which we
face on each dohrn.

Recognj-tion of an offensive forrnation incfudes four basic points:

a. the strength of the formationy b- what makes it stronger on
that particular side,' c. the placenent of the offensive backs;
d, and any variation ar.ray from the strength.

1. STRENGTH: Basically the strength of the offensive rrnat ion

is that side which has two quick receivers.
2
3 O \--.2 L -
I z
? I I I
O O O O O O O O O O O

obv ious Iy , there ar formations which are balanced and have no

rrstrength " accord i-ns t o o u r d e f i n i t i o n .
2 2 O
O O
2 2
O O
I l t - I
O O O ' O O O O O O

In these situations we wiII declare strength according to lateral

position or scouting report.

2. STRENGTHALIGNMENTS: O
FLANKER O O O O

O
I
WING l-- /--'\ ,t^1
O '
J yos

SLOT I
L_ /-\
(- - \..,, O O
J vos
 65

D E F E N S I V E S E C O N D A R YT E R M I N O L O G Y

DROP BACK PASS: Pass thrown frorn inside the offensive guards
with no fake of a running p1ay.

ROLL OUT PASS: Quarterback uses a reverse pivot and rolls

behind the offensive tackle to throw a pass'

SPRINT OUT PASS: Quarterback opens and sprints beyond the

offensive tackle to throw a pass.

PULL PAss: Quarterback sprints out and pulIs up behind

the offensive tackle to throw a pass.

BOOTLEG PASS: A pass that has a fake of a run in one

direction with the quarterback rolling back in
the opposite direction with the footbaII.

PLAY AcTIoN PASS: A pass that has the fake of a run first.

T H R O W B A C KP A S S : A pass thrown back away from flow.

DELAY PASS: A pass r.rhereby an offensive end delays and

then releases on a pattern.
rrBALL" CALL: A caII rnade by every member of the defensive
tean the instant the ball leaves the QBrs
hand.
rrBINGOrr CALL: Interception call rnade by anyone on the
defensive tean who has made an j-nterceptlon or
is sure of rnaking the interception.

"FIRE" CALL: call nade to indicate counter flow in the

offensive backfield. This cal,l- ltill alert the
offside to expect a counter or reverse back to
their s ide.

FRoNTSIDE: The side of the offensive forrnation indicatinq

Ehe strenqth of the formation.

BACKSIDE: The side away from the offensive formation and

alrav from the strenqth.

SHUFFLE: f r't;-t;-uf movement of the defensive secondary

rrnrnediately foJ-Iowing t h e s n a p o f the football
enabling them to read their keys before
reacErnq.
 66

l.loTIoN: Movement by an offensive back starting with or

leaving one renaining pl-ayer in the deep
backfield. Fly notion is notion across
formation vith 2 backs in backfield.

rrCHINArrCALL: A call nade by the secondary or LBrs to

indicate that there is a receiver corning
across the niddle.
I'oUT" CALL: call nade by the defensive secondary to the
LBrers in pass coverage indicating the
direction (OUT) in which an offensive receiver
is rnaking his cut.
rrcHINArr CALL: CaIl nade to alert the defensive secondary of
a receiver running a pattern to the Post.

"EYEBALL" READ! Release by the #2 Receiver. Anticipate his

block, if he is looking at you.
 67

AET AI{D ATRENGTERECOGNTTTON

1. The perineter will call the strength and set of aII offensive
forrnations before the snaD.

STRENGTH: 1. Determined by the tr,Jo-quick receiver side of

a formatj.on, usually a TE, a wing, or a
slot.
2. Deterrnined bv the call in the huddl,e when
the ball- is 6n the hasn.
3. When a forrnation is strong to our defensive
Ieft, we will call I'strong Leftrr.
4. When a formation is strong to our defensive
right, we wil.L cal1 rrstrong right".
5. When a fornation is balanced, we will use
field position or tendencies to determine
strenqth .

O
O O O O O O O
O
,/'\ ,,-\ -

qt r.rn.r r.aff qtilnn r.arr

O O
O O O O O O O O O O ( ' O O O

ql.r^hd Pidhf ctr^nd Pidhf

 68

READING PATTERNE

PASS KEY: 1. As a defensive back, you nust learn to read

patterns. You must key the nunber 2 receiver to
your side, enabling you to know what the nunber 1
receiver is doing.

Most offensive pass schemes wiIl integrate their

pass patterns:

a. If the #2 receiver breaks outside, you can

expect the #1 receiver to run an inside cut.

b. If the #2 receiver breaks inside, you can

expect the #1 receiver to run an outside cut

PCOOCO
I

,PJ\
--2ooooo
 The three-rnan pattern v/ilI h ^ t - h r a e 6 r r t ' .a

problern if you read the #2 r e c e i v e r . If you

have two or more receivers in your area, play
the deeper cut and react up t o t h e b a l 1 .

A
?
I
O

I
A The Ieveling back wiIl break on the receiver
when the oB steps with his front leg and
beqins his short-arn rnotion. The other backs
who have deep responsibility wj-II break to the
baII when the QB goes through Lonqarn notj-on.

r,--------r.-rP
O
-r'
@O OOOC
*-''"'
 70

B A S I C DEFENSrvE ALIGNI.iENTS FOR AECONDARY

BALL MIDDLE BALL HASH

O O
O
| '/z 'ys5
I Yzros
a-o O
I
ro O
I
Q q Q O O I
I
O ? O O O O O
I
lEros I
I I
I (Q
Jtit' r l2 vos
I
I I I l , s ' r or
,s t yos =
Ll-1 I
LH
BH
S 9 -5 vor
F n o . ^h a t u
The safety will align at
a depth which coincides
with the split of the
f l anker .

4 4 D E F E N S E - B O F FT H E L O S 55 DEFENSE- OFF THE LOS

O
O

O O O
^ 3yos
O O I D O O O { D O O \r---1
N E l.tos
N E I
R
B Itot BH
I
bir
 7L

SECONDARY COVERAGES AND RESPONSIBILITY

ZERO THREE (Z-3) COVERAGE:

Level and Boundary: AII Passes - Deep outside third zone

safety: Al-I Passes - Deep niddle third zone

Wide Backer (W) : A11 Passes - Drop through curl to flat

Mike: Dropback Passes - Drop through hook to

curl zone
Rover: Dropback Passes - Drop through hook to
cur.L zones
B: Dropback Passes - Cushion your zone
squeeze Datterns

yl, .u^,_,_,(^* o\._

\.=,^'
FL FLAT

L
BH
/
t
I \
)
S U3

tlz
I
 '?2

Z-3 VSOut Cut

I .-\
| \-{

? ( o \
\l
I P
I
O O O O O ? I POO.too
I I
I
h''.'| " " IL / " R\ a
"\,/ . L t@.-.t" D . /

/' \} Bn
'
\ i,/ an
{'out- q i s
, / ^ ' ^ ** t ' , Y:il- t-.t
t ..\
J
HBrs - 4 yd Cushion on cut HBrs - squeeze curl, Iook
Read QB for f3

Z - 3 VS Safetv Read z - 3 vs FulI FIov,

1 r-':, --O
I Y O\
O
' l? < o ! "rt
O O O O O O
"-''b
O
o
'5-vl
. 7 o : " ^
/i,t {\
- B
1I F I A T
\
LH.rY
/4, A. /\
B
\\ul lM lR
(''/ | / \! (
- ,
/
\
6
/
y o s J B H
\ I t / \ l
1l \ 1t tj l
i '.1", s
r
.,ut,toN \
l
t
v 3 / l
i J
secondary - s q u e e z e W R r n f\ r/r
your zone

VS Flow AvJay Z-3 VS Contarn

O O O O O O O O O O O O
FL A1

L n
/4,

t \
A B FLA,.
L\./
\ + M /R
M/R s
/
,
l
l
\ tz/aa cuRr / t BH
-__ 610l,
r
') cqJr,orv
") b \
D' \{r'
r.yD5
\ I
{
rh
rllDS
.
I
cuSlrorg
(
i
1i
rh
\

,t)
J
i
,/: i
t ,13
I
 I J

ZERO ONE (Z-l-) OR ZERO EIGHT (Z-8) CoVERAGES:

Leve] Halfback: All Passes - Irnpede the #1 receiver & Ievel

in the flat area.

Safety & Boundary: All Passes - Deep L/2 Zone

W: Al1 Passes - Inpede 12 receiver & cover the

curl area

Mike: Dropback or sprint out Daccae. .l r^h t^ l-h6

hook zone. Flow away: cushion

Rover : Dropback or Sprint Out Passes: Work down

the niddle void area. Split f l or"r: drop to
the backsi-de curl

B: Dropback or Sprint Out P a s s e s : c u s h i o n &

read the #2 receiver. Split fLow: drop
curl to fLat area

FLAT 4
I
Itr-r
I l-r
V
I
J
CURL
1
<qS H,o^l
BH
I r'rPeoe
LavGL
 74

Z - t o r S V S I n C u t Z - I o t g V S O u t C u t
-\ /O

o , , ",/>\c)
' -
ci ?I
I
ttr --;/
f.ocl(too FLAf
I
I
O O O O O ?
I I
M ", B *\J
T\?
tfY-'"".-/ /R I \ I H
//u [- B l'-.^'
' / i 1".., "'"'s t ,-4-
\, 'ioo*
5
I
Vo,o
."t n,o,.,
\,/
/
/.
\ r I L
'/
f7'
" / voto
. )
rI /
/ /
, / / tl^l tl"t
rl / I/" l / t L
/L

Z - L or q_VS Safety Read Z - l o r s v S S p l i t

7l ?I O
) O O O O -)
\
O
O O O O O O
tH' ry f*
/NA B \ Lt,f
q ,
lI /u A rt Fr,rr
t i )c t.I No o ( I
J
eF,
) I
l H

\l
t
c'u(L Hoo<
I \ u-.,'
c"sr_" u^!-,^ ,
Hooxfcult_ BH
1', \ jS )
,/ l ;
.'t\ / I
t l
,,1 |I
' l ^t lz
ta
M F l o w Weak Z-LorMFIowStronq

O O O O O O
O
LH 4, B
I I (
( ci',,"" BH
\
Gcr Dcerq
KetPtl ,,,t
FR9NT oF
lor^

ilo
 75

ZERO ONE OR EIGHT BANDIT COVERAGE:

Level Halfback: AII Passes - MAC coverage vs. the #l-

rece rver

safety & Boundary: All P a s s e s - Deep r/2 Zone

w: A I I P a s s e s - Drop to t h e f l a t if the #2 or
#3 receiver goes into t h e f l a t area

Al-I Passes - Dl.\r 7 - L o r Z -

Mike: a,

Rover : Al1 Passes Z - L o r z - a

B: A1l Passes Z - I o r Z - 8

NoTE: Bandit is called when the safety feels the #l- receiver has
become overextended and he f eel-s his zone is being
stretched too quickly by the #1rs alignment.

'
\--,/

O
\-/
, /-\ tcc
! c
I .--'-
1 FLA. 4/ U R\
^
Itl H\'\ |
--------rr /.' B
/'/ \ 1 .-'
rlc HAw(\ HooK cqtr.
\ .,ir'","- r---.,,,
I.._n",q,r. D-
\ \
oxttl l\ q
\
\ - . ' t
\ ) ..-'
t/
/ , /
/ /
) tt.
tlz 'L
 76

ZEROI0RSCOMBO:

Level Halfback: All Passes - Aggressive nan-to-man coverage

on the #1 receiver

Safety & Boundary: AII Passes - Deep L/2 Zone

w: ALI Passes - Aggressive nan-to-man coverage

on the #2 receiver

uikes AII Passes - Aggressive nan-to-man coverage

on the #3 receiver

Rover: AII Passes - Aggress j-ve man-to-nan coverage

on the #2 receiver

B: A11 Passes - Aggress j-ve nan-to-man coverage

on the #1 recei-ver

- \ - / ' >1
1 < -Y--\- ./
\--'l

,,,1-\
' | \1--l
I
I
I
I
/-l\
\1)
/--\
\)
/"\
\) O
I
I
I
4 M R B
Lri I
I 2 3 ?
q , - . BH tS + yDs
J ,5 ryos tlL
 77

ZERO ONE (Z-1) OR ZERO ErcHT (Z-8) ROBBER COVERAGE:

Level and Boundary: All Passes - Deep L/2 Zone

safety: vs. Pro set - sink to deep hook area.

12 to 15 yards. Read TE
Vs. Twins Set - Sink to curl area.

w: Vs, Pro Set - Drop to flat with Z-3

Technique.
Vs. Thrlns Set - Drop to FIat

Mike: Vs. Pro Set - Drop to curl area with Z-3

Techn ique .
Vs. Twins Set - Drop to deep hook 12 to
15 yards

Rover: ALl Passes - PIay Z-L or Z-8

B: AII Passes - Plav Z-I or Z-8

PRO SET
O

O
O O O O O O O

Ll1 ,frJr =r.,^rr,o.*

.-{'nu \
0€6P lloo( Ho o x / c u n c
t ,
; ,
\ Voi n
'tz '/z'
TWINS SET
O
O
O
O O O O O O O

FLAT I.II
Y fr/ R\ B.
. +-i CuRr- | \ \
L H \ ' * l c q s A t o ^ r
nooK
I \ Alo*lc'rnu Bn
( \ - ,
s ,!,o )
\ /
t z /
tt)
 7A

Z E R O O N E ( Z - t - ) oR ZERO ErGHT (Z-8) AWAY COVERAGE:

Boundary: AII Passes - Irnpede the #1 receiver & leve} in

the flat area

Safety & Level: Al-I Passes - Deep 1/2 Zone

w: AII Passes - cushion - curl

Itike: Flor./ to coverage cal] - cushion in the middle

hook areas,
Dropback or flow a$/ay - F/S curl

Rover : Fl-o9, to coverage call - Drop to curl area

Flow away - Drop to flat area

aW'oefie.n

CoNrAtN
- \

l, I
cCoo.e-C)
7,4 P€OE
, \ / \ B L€YC'-
M\ R \ - t , t f
H t-l ,/

Ln
i
CuSHtoN
\) , ,
rtooK
\.,o.
\,/

S
'/z
 79

ZEROlORSAWAY:

Flow Away
From Level

4i:i" -a wLoe
eri"rd
-'1
'(-

O
\
O
7-..\
d \
C-oNt^ta

O O O O O O O
':::;i4 n fr 1-
t
O ' O C

LH- J
/,V '^ d\, L€V€L
'11ED.t
J
r
7
L H I
CURI Hoo(

S
^ L
(qsr,o/v \ t
y'r,tr.
'lG€t
a D.nr
cis,,on
l : *
tl o0l(
d/
V
(
' lz )
/
I \/z S
4tlz
VS OUT CUT VS SAFETY READ
o/
?\ -"t,: -,f
e(\ O.{TAr^.1

oo^r?-? 4 r \ O
/ \ \
\ C
I
? O O O O O O ai
ln\f M Jo \ . , . . \ (
4 M) R\
B
\^ l - r ' "
l-Erttr
tH 1 t \ ) R l_l o(r
-ffiotxx
( ...1r,,o^.tt'.
-\
J V^" Cu ttl, oF c"o*oK
C l
Y.
l I \ \
-'/z ,/a /!,,. t- yt I l r
VS SPLIT FLOW VS SE BACKSIDE
tl
//-,
lz,/'
/ol oNf4 +{
r-___( .1\_
\
l *
O IO O 1 \
O O(D O O r-r ]
O O O O O O
cf
fl LEveL
? M x \ -D AT
A/ M) R\ -u--2F A A T
R
LH l
co:NroN
R6AbF2
I
4 00( aup,r
LH
(
t
c u 5lr of.l
t
L
/
HOoK
\
\ -
cuRL
R F-.1
(
S "cne.x 3
I $ \
i,l,
\rb
\
I
( \
J
'13
ll-
t )
 80

LOCK-ON-ZONE COVERAGE:

Level Ha I fback : AII passes - z-L or z-8 Technique

Safety & boundary i Al-L Passes - Align on your hash marks. z-

1or Z-8 Techniques

w: AII Passes - Z-L oY Z-8 Technique

l,rike: All Passes - Z-l or Z-8 Technique

Rover: AII Passes-Drop to Backside curl

B: AI1 Passes - Drop to Flat Zone

(t,

O
A

t.rr p€ D€ + /t\A B(-r/

.-etaL I
r 1
HooK
\."..
FLAt

ILH
Bf1 ,s'ror
q ,s+yo5
(
l /
, t )
MAC COVERAGE:

Level and Boundary: All Passes - Man-to-Man on widest #l-

rece rvers

Safetv: AII Passes - Man-to-Man on the #2

receJ.ver

w: AI1 Passes - Man-to-Man on the #3

receiver if not involved in the stunt

Mike 3 AlL Passes - l,lan-to-Man on the #3

receiver if not involved i-n the stunt

Rover: All Passes - Man-to-Man on the #2

receiver if not invol-ved in the stunt

B: AII Passes - Man-to-Man on the #2

receiver if not involved in the stunt

,7\!vo:'
\J__./ | r-)
I
I
I
'@cc O
I
I'l2yo9

I
r-\L/
^
6 vol
l qi oA Itz I
#3 o4 I 5.rvrr ST!1a.r 5t'lr{f"a
I 5 Tq.{, I iStot
I I roto5 I
I
I I
I ! r I
l,_tt I
L
S
Bn
 MAC HAWK COVERAGE:

Level and Boundary: A1l Passes - Man-to-Man on the widest #1,

rece lver

safety: All Passes - Deep centerfield: Deep as

the d e e p e s t recei-ver, PLAY THE FoOTBALL!

w: All Passes - Man-to-Man on the #2

recei-ver

Mike : AII Passes - Man-to-llan on the #3

rece iver

Rover: Al-1 Passes - l4an-to-Man on the #2

receiver, or stunt
responsibi I ity

B: All Passes - Man-to-nan on #2 receiver,

or stunt responsibi I ity

NOTE : Motion o r D e u c e s : Check Zero 3

Check Zero 3 o r Z e r o 1 o r 8

I'lz,p\
r\1, r--) STUNT

Svrt
rG\
\*z-l
/-\
\,
/-\
\, O d''l'"'
'tr5 4Z 8 vos
I

Ir ry M P

tJn

- FREE
S
 DROP ZONE COVERAGE:

Level, Boundary, and safety: AII Passes - z-3 Technique

w : Al l- Passes - Inpede 11 & drop to the

Flat Area

Frontside End (F): AII P a s s e s - Impede #2 & drop to the

CurI Area

Mike : AI l- Passes - Z-3 Technique

Rover : AII Passes - z-3 Technique

B: Al-I Passes - Z-3 Techn j-que

( l

C
O CC
4 F B
I
Ftar .UP,L
N
I
-\
K\
\ -L
HooK cttRL FLAI

Lrt BH
I S I
'l! I,t3 '/t
 a4
DROP MAN COVERAGE:

Level, Boundary, and safety: All Passes - Z-3 Technique

w: A 1 1 P a s s e s - Aggressive Man-to-Man
on the #1 receiver
Frontside End (F): A l 1 P a s s e s - Aggressive Man-to-Man
on the #2 receiver

Mike : AIl P a s s e s - Agqressive Man-to-Man

on the #3 receiver

Rover: A 1 I P a s s e s - Aggress ive l,lan-to-Man

on the #2 receiver

B: Al-I Passes - Aggressive Man-to-Man

on the #1 Receiver

. ,i

@cc O
n
*l
F*z B
+
M R
+3 +z

LH BH
I I
,/s rl3
S
I
tl3
 85

GOALLTNE ZERO

Level and Boundary Ha I fbacks : Dropback - cover I/5 zone

FIow to - cover L/4 zone
FIow anay - cover l/4 zone

Safety: Must know W's positron.

w: Dropback - cover L/5 zone

Ffow to - cover flat area
Flow away - cover I/4 zone

H: Dropback - cover I/5 zone

Flow to - cover L/4 zone
Fl-ow away - cover I/4 zone
E|. Dropback - cover I/5 zone
Flow to - cover flat area
FIo$r away - cover L/4 zone

R: Must know Mrs and Brs posj.tions

r-\ \
t
./a \
' I

l,
OOO
<,t F T T T E g$
I
'ls
M t .
'ts / ls
'/s

Vs F!a.. FLow O'.' {g Fur-r- Fror.r

.1
.'t
"---L
\-.O
\A
3a;
4
O O O O O O O O O I ' O O
Ll1 'u'---n (/Y
M 9$ i,\ M Bjif; 9\^
I
J tloc4 T ) t") e,r.{ re- \
I \n""v( r.t4( ]
J
n"P cq(L 5Ouea26 0€€P
Zou6
(rar< , ,t -:\ ooRNi4
26rc5
 60

XICKING GAI,TE
FIELD GOAL BLOCK:
O
Rush Left Alignment:
' O
/I
r
/...l
\r-'l \/n\
p o o p qt o \ to \
I
r \-\
\
i' E N T F^
BH o
t r*rz r- r r * .?; ^o-R< - . , <-r-x -/ "/ LH
#r
. *-----^-i> z.
)
1. F - Align (blockside) in a 3-point stance on the inside leg
of the TE. Take the i.nside leg of the TE with you on
your rush.

2. w - Align (blockside) in a 3-point stance on the inside leg

of the wing. Take his inside leg with you on your rush.

3. R - Align (bJ-ockside) in a :-point stance on theoutside leg

of the wing. Skin the wingrs leg and arn for a point 1.5
yards in front of the tee. Run through the ball with
your arms extended and your thumbs locked.
':
4. N+T - Align in a 3-point stance on the shoulder of your nan.
Penetrate the gap and go for the block with your arms
extended and your thumbs locked.

5. E - Align in a 3-point stance head-up on the TE. Contain

rustr.

6. U - Align approximatel-y 3 yards of f the LOS. Pla\' I .,.rL^tri

contain blockside, vs raxe---ii"v"xi.x.i
without the ball). "i^nira"i"ii"i
7. B - PIay backside #2 receiver nan-to-nan.

8. S - Play blockside #2 recej-ver nan-to-nan.

9. LH - Pl-ay blockside #1 receiver nan-to-nan.

10. BH - Play backside #1 receiver nan-to-nan.

Note:1) If kicked is blocked: the closest nan to the bal-I should

pick it up and return it.
Everyone else should turn and
block above the waist.

2) Rush right (Ieft) W out - W pull out out on snap and

defend the flat area. M - rush
A gap
 XICKOFF

iITRECKERSII

a v

Note: we will- also

onside ki,ck
fron this
huddle
a I ignment .

1. Kicker - You will set the baII.

2- #3 - You ltill call the huddle 5 yds off the baII

(everyone else will be standing tall!)

3. Kicker wilt take whistle frorn huddle, next he wiII give

'rreadyrr call. Front line wil-I snap down hands on knees.
Backline wilI align squarely behind the front 1ine. Kicker
wi 1l finish the call.

Example: "Kickoff 5" (r i ghts ide )

"Kickoff 5'r (Ieftside) "Ready break!rl

Kickoff 5 = right
Cross : Ieft
Open = open area
 88

ALTGNI\.IENT

#lO - 2 yds fron sideline

# 7 - 2 y d s f r o n h a s h

#9 & I - Spl-it the difference between each other and #rs 10 & 7

#6-2ydsinsidehash

# 5 - 5 yds inside offside hash

# 2 - L yd outside the offside hash

# L - 5 yds outside the offside hash

#3 & 4 - sp)-it the difference betlreen each other and #rs 2 & 5

K - is our safety

#2 & 9 - are our contain men

#1 & 10 - are our second l-evel hit men when the ball cornes
upf iel.d. If the ball comes t o y o u r s i d e l i n e . work to
con!.aln.

3o

3S

K r < < or c' 5 "

RuIes:

1. Always work to stay in your lane. NEVER CROSS If ITI{

ANOTHER I{RECRER!

2. Avoid blockers early to the ball or cal-l side.

Run thru blocks Late.

Always naintain outside leverage based on where the baII

is. Keep you outside shoulder (the one between the
bal"lcarrier & the sideline) free.
 89

KICK RETTJRN
XPAI DERSII

Uiddle Return

Lrs - Align
kick.
in a 2-point
6
stance, open hands ready for the short
Once the ball is kicked, drop back 20 to 25 yards to
cross & block your man above the waist.

Brs - Align in a 2-point stance, open hands ready for the short
kick. Once the ball is kicked, B* will set the wedge 5
yards in front of the returner. Al-I B's get shoulder-to-
shoulder in the wedqe, l,love forvard on nGO" call from
returner.
Ats - The right returner makes the call, 'tMe, Me, Merr or rrYou,
You, Yourr, to indj-cate who is getting the ball. The other
returner becomes wj-ng man on the v,/edge. The returner gives a
rrcorr call & gets up into the wedge. Look for daylight & break
for paydirt. DON'T DANCE IN TI{E I{EDGEI!
 90

KICK-OFF RETURN - RIGHT (LEFT)

a
3,J
l

G
Lrs - Sane alignrnent as in Middle Return, Once ball is kicked,
drop back 20 Lo 25 yards and block your assiqnment above
the waist.

B*rs - S a r n ea l i g n m e n t a s i n M i d d l e R e t u r n . Once ball- is kicked.

move together and doubl-e tean #2.

B (away fron slde called) - Sane alignment as in Middle Return.

Once ball is kicked, drop back 20 to
25 yards and #3.

B (to call side) - Sane alignnent as in Middle Return. Once ball

j.s kicked, run over and kick out block #1.
DICKINSON PUNTTNGGAI'{E:
A. COACHINGPOINTS
1. How punts hrill be called:
1. NORII{AL : on center I s snap
2. POOCHER : on centerr s snap from opponent's 35
yard line or closer.
3. BACKEDUP : on centerr s snap fron inside our 4
yard line
2. Stance and splits
1. Everybody wiII assume a Z-point stance vJith hands on
the knees & elbolrs locked.
2. cuards : 2 foot spl-its
3. Tackles and Ball Men : 3 foot splits
4. Up Backs : align in center/guard
gaps 1 yard deep
5. Fullback : 5.5 vards behind RT
gr,.,..1
5. Punter : 14 vards behind center
3. Snap
1. Everybody nil-l watch the ball out of the corner of
their eye.
2. FB will make a "readyrr call.
3. Center wiII snap the ball anytine after the ready
caII.
4. In case of a poor snap, the punter must field the
ball without qoinq to a knee.

4. Poocher Punt
1. Inside the opponent's 35 yard lj,ne,
2, Bal-l shouLd bounce around the 5 yard line.
3. UBrs should make the play before the ball travels
into the endzone.

5. Backed Up Punt
1. Everybody uUsT block until the baII is kicked.
Inside the 4 yard 1ine.

6. Coverage
1. K E E P B A L L I N S T D E & I N F R O N TA T A L L T I M E S .

B. COUNTTNGCALLS

l-. Our punt protection is based on a MANprotection. The

UB's & Fullbacks must l-earn the different cal-Is & the
counting system,

2. The nose guard wj.ll A L W A Y Sb e c o u n t e d a s l R i g h t . On a

nose stack, it wiII be counted as 1 Right & 1Left.

3. When naking count calls, count any defender at LBer depth

or cl-oser.
 92

4. UB's will nake a MAN cal-l if there are .3__.9I__1e.S-g

defenders to their side. ( sornebody vill always be free
to cover inrnediately in a l.tAN call).

5. UBrs nust make a COUNTcall if there are 4 or more

defenders to their side. You count stacks as tlro
defenders to your side except for a nose stack.

6. FUII back vill nake a 5 call when there are 5 defenders

to one side. He wil-l then block #3 to the side of the
call-. Now the tackle will then block #4 and the ball rnan
nill block #5.

7. If there are 6 defenders to one side or 10 defenders on

the LOS, the FUII back will rnake a ZEBRA call & all
positions zone block,

C. RULES AND ASSIGNMENTS

1. Center: Make perfect snap & sprint directl-y to the baIL

If covered by a NGr release to your left so as to force
him to rush to your right.

2. Up Backs: Block #1 to your side on a count call. On nan

caII, block the nearest defender to you. UBrs must make
a man or count call on every punt.
Technique - Point to your man & yeII, rrl I ve got #_.
This wilI prevent us from blocking the wrong
defender. On the snap: Step & JoIt; face on
nunbers, bring your man to a halt, release
him to your outside, & sprint to your
Landmark,

3. Guards: Bl-ock #2 to your side on a count call. on man

cal-l-, block the nearest defender.
Technioue - same as for UBrs.

4. Tackles: Block #3 to your side on a count call. (*If FB

makes a 5 Ca1l, bLock #4 to your side.) On nan
cal,l., block the nearest defender.
Technique - Same as for UBrs.

5. BaIL l,len: Block #4 to your side on a count cal], (*If

Fullback nakes a 5 caII, block #5 to your
side.) On man calI, block nearest defender.
Technioue - for UBrs, except you go right to the
;:li.as

6. Fullback: On count or man caL], block the most dangerous

rusher (check inside out) , If you nake 5 call
block #3 to your side.
Technique - Block rnan high in the #'s. stop his charge,
 93

and release. If they set up a wall, get

outside of it and qo for the ballcarrier.
1 Punter: catch the ball. Get it off in 2.0 seconds.
Technique - 2-step punter. You then becorne the safety.
on backed up punt, your heels wil-I never be
closer than 1 vard to the end zone line.

D. F A N AND COVER

1 Center & Ba 1I l.len ni rp.-t I v to baII

Tack l es R we r.l q f rnrn side

line: ball never
rrpf q ..|rrtq i.lp Vou

Guards 4 yards outsided

your hash

Up Backs 3 yards inside

your hash

Fu I Iback cet into wall

Punter : Safety

NN fF .
R e g a r d l e s s o f o u r f i e l d p o s i t i o n your landmark wilf NEVER
change. NEVER foll-ow one of your oltn nen.

KEEP THE BALL INSIDE AND IN FRONT

PUNT FARES:

1. Overload: Fullback wiII rnake the call, "overload 6,

overload 5, (points to a man to his side) ,
I I ve got _. rr The Tackle and Ball Man to the
side called will also recount as in the 5
call. once this is done, the Ful-lback will
give a I'Readyrr caII, and the center will- snap
it to hin.
RULES I
The backside !/iII scoop.
Frontside !riII block down.
Near UB w i l - I k i c k out. Far UB will lead through
& seal the L B .
FB v,rill get snap & follow Far UB through the
hole and SCORE.
Punter wiII fake like the snap has gone over his
head .
center wiII snap ball to the FB 6 scoop.
 94

DEFENAIVE PI'NTING GAUE

Punt Return - Punt Block

The success of the block or return depends on the exact

execution of all- individual-s involved. This is one phase of the
garne in which the defense now has the opportunity to SCORE! It
is the responsibiJ-ity of aIl personnel to know your exact
assignrnent. often tines we wil-l want to disguise our intentions
as the kicking team approaches the football, But then upon their
prelininary call, you must be in your positions and ready to
execute your assignrnent.

The four don'ts of the kickinq qame nust be striclv adhered

to:

1. Donrt rouqh the kicker!

2. Don't be offside!
3. Donrt clip!
4. Donrt let the ball hit the qround!

soroe additional points must also be followed by the

indivj.duals responsible for fielding the baI1.

l-. Dontt field the ball inside the 10 yard line unl-ess they
are kickj-ng from their 40 yd. Line or deeper.
2. If the fair catch signal is given, don't block; however,
you can decoy alray fron the baIL
3. The kicking tearn rnust faI1 on the ball to kiII it.
Touching doesnrt down the baII, it is stil alive!

In the event of nishandling the ball, fake kick, or blocked

k i c k , a r r F I R E r rc a l l v i l L b e g i v e n t o a l e r t a l l d e f e n s i v e
personnel that we have to react to the part.icular situatj-on.

LETIS SCOREEVERY GAMEI

 95

91 RETI'RN
\ , ,
# 1 Play end man-to-man. force hirn wider in coveraqe and &
release at 15 yds, to peel back inside.

#2 Rush & force the punt. Engage the Fullback & waLl- hin ar^/ay
f rorn the ca I l- .

#3 Engage & pin Tackle to the inside. Shadow hirn down field with
outside leverage.

#4 Engage & pin Guard to the inside. Shadow hin dor4rnfield with
outside l-everage.

#5 Engage & pin Up Back to the inside. Shadow hirn down field
with outs j,de leverage .

#6 Engage and pin Up Back to the outside. Shadow hirn down field
with inside leverage.

#7 Rush & force the punt. chech punter, if he covers shadow &
screen hin away from the return al-ley.

#8 Pop out on snap & check for a fake. Shuffle for depth & see
the ball- punted. cet as deep as the short safety to glt a good
angle to kick out the contain man.

#9 PIay end nan-to-man. Force hin outside & rnaintain inside

leverage.

#10 Short safety wil-l direct the deep safety & make aII calls.
He wiII fair catch aII short kicks. If the ball is going deep,
position yourself to protect the deep safety. cive a co,, call &
Iead the deep safety to the 91 side. cive ',Fair,' caII if th
coverage is pressuring the catch.

#11 Deep safety will handle aII kicks over 35 yds. He vill go
with the return on a IGor caII & signal for a fair catch on a
rrFairrr caII.
 96

Sr.ritch call on contain - The #1 and #9 nust be aware of the end

nan releasing inside to Hawk the ball. When he crosses inside
pin & shadow hinr down field, The #3 rnan will engage the Tackle &
stretch hin for 15 yards before releasing hirn to be kicked out.

98 RETURNis the opposl-te of 91. The #1 & #9 switch roLes; #2 &

#8 switch roles; #3 &#7 switch rolesl and the #ts 4,5.& 6 men go
to the right to leverage cover nan,
 97
\
95 Middle Return

'7
ra\
1 4 5
T7
I
AJl

#1 PLay end man-to-man. Shadow hirn alt the way down field.
#2 Rush and force the punt. Shador+'the FB down f j.eId.

)
#3 Engage and jarn the guard. Force hin to rel-ease outside and
shadow him down field with inside J-everage.

#4 Engage and jan upback. Force him to release outside. shadow

hi.rn down f ield with inside J-everage.

#5 Engage and jam the upback. Force hin to release outside.

Shadov hin downfield with inside leverage.

#5 Engage and jan the guard. Same technj-que as #,s 3-5.

#7 Rush and force the punt. Shadow the punter down field.
Screen hin frorn the play.

#8 eop out, shuffle back checking for the fake. Once the ball j-s
punted, get your depth and trap the center down field. Shadow
hi"n down f ield.

#9 Play end nan-to-nan. Engage hirn and force hin ousid.e. Shadow
hj.m down field with inside Ieverage.

#10 Control and make al-l cal-Is. Fair catch aII short kicks.
S e c u r e a n d m a k e I ' G o r rc a l l s . Look inside between the quards
to lead the deep safety to an opening, Make a 'rFair call if
coverage rs pressuring the catch.

#1L Deep safety $/i]I handle alL kicks over the short safety head.
Listen for cal,I. secure the catch. Look for lane.