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Pawhuska High School: Multiple 4-2-5 Defensive Playbook
Pawhuska High School: Multiple 4-2-5 Defensive Playbook
Multiple 4-2-5
Defensive Playbook
Black Storm Defense
This play book was organized for bringing you a clear and practical approach
to our system at Pawhuska High School.
Defensive Philosophy
Our Defense is Built on Speed and Pursuit.
Play TEAM Defense
Know Your Assignment
Do Your Assignment
Pursue Relentlessly
Be Great Tacklers
Cause Turnovers
Finish The Play
Make No Excuses
Defensive Philosophy
We believe that a great defensive football team is based upon sound defensive
philosophy. The coaches and players must believe in it and stick with it. We will not be a
great defensive team by changing our philosophy from week to week or at mid-season.
You came out for football at Pawhuska High School to play as a winner and be a
championship team. No team will reach this goal unless it commits itself to playing tough
defense!
We believe that our defensive philosophy, if carried out by our coaches and
players, will make us the kind of defensive team necessary to reach that goal. Only
PLAYERS committed to our philosophy will play. If you have the pride and selfdiscipline to do that, then you will be part of a great defensive team and will be a proud
member of the huskie defense.
To be a part of the huskie defense you must take pride in knowing and doing
your assignment and playing within the system. To play the aggressive style of attacking
defense that we do, each individual defensive player must take pride and commit
themselves to always playing full-speed, running and pursuing to the football relentlessly,
and must commit themselves to being great tacklers causing turnovers and finishing plays.
When each individual on defense commits themselves to this we will then have the
caliber of defense that we expect.
Defensive Goals
Give the offense the ball on the +50 or better 5 times per game.
Score points on defense or give the offense the ball on the +20 in each game.
Defensive Alignment
O O O O O O O
7
4i
2i
2i
4i
Defensive Gaps
O O O O O O O
D
Hitting
Keys to hitting:
Coming to balance decelerate, know how, shorten stride, chatter feet, sink
hips to lower your center of gravity, flat back, head and eyes up.
Using same shoulder and same foot on contact. This allows you to have
something to drive through your tackle.
Accelerate through the contact. Great hitters drive there feet through the
contact.
Defensive Positions
P- (Penetrator) Interior Defensive Linemen whose job is to penetrate and disrupt the play.
A Penetrator must NEVER GET BLOWN BACK.
B- (Bandit Linebacker) Plays on the outside of the offensive formation. Their job is to
read and attack the offense keeping contain.
M- (Middle Linebacker) Plays in the middle of the defense on and off the line. Reads and
attacks the offense. Must be able to stand up and run on defense as well as step down to a
nose guard position to penetrate and disrupt.
S- (Sam Linebacker) Plays on the strong side of the offense he is expected to be the best
reader.
$- (Dawg Safety) Plays in the secondary and in the linebacker core. Must be able to cover
the pass as a DB and step up to play linebacker.
F- (Free Safety) Primary job is pass first. Plays centerfield. Must be a great reader and a
sure tackler. Expected to run the alleys on run plays.
C- (Cornerbacks) Primary job is to cover the pass first. Must be able to cover man or
zone and be able to help with secondary contain on the run.
Defensive Fronts
BASE
TE
C
$
P
S
M
$
F
TE
$
F
TE
S
$
$
F
TE
TE
C
$
TE
$
S
TE
P
M
46 Defense: BEAR
RB
FB
QB
TE
P
S
TE
P
S
B
$
TE
M
S
B
$
TE
P
S
P B
$
TE
C
$
M
S
TE
P
$
F
M
S
P
$
TE
C
$
M
S
TE
TE
B
S
M
$
TE
P
S
M
$
TE
$
S
M
$
TE
C
$
B
F
C
$
TE
$
S
C
$
TE
B
$
P
P
B
M
TE
C
$
C
$
RB
FB
TE
Z
C
RB
FB
TE
Z
C
TE
P
M
TE
C
S
P
M
TE
TE
P
S
B
M
C
F
TE
P
S
TE
P
S
TE
P
S
TE
P
S
TE
C
B
M
S
C
B
Z
C
FB
QB
TE
P
B
B
S
TE
C
B
M
S
C
B
TE
P P
S
$
M
$
Defense: GAPS
RB
FB
QB
TE
B
F
Defensive
Stunts
Line Stunts
Jump: Penetrator away from the called side jumps to the called side
B Gap. If there is a nose guard the call goes to the Nose.
Cut: the Defensive Linemen are to cut the offensive linemen.
Slant: The Defensive Linemen Line up head up and slant strong or
weak.
PSYCHO: The Penetrator and the Bandit Rush hard through their
Gap without worrying about the blocker trying to find the ball.
Tilt: Move the Penetrator to 4i tilts.
Jet: the Defensive Linemen Move Head up and All rush the outside
gap. Or half go on a strong or weak call.
Pinch: The Defensive Linemen move head up and all rush the inside
gap. Or half go on a strong or weak call.
Linebacker Calls
Sam, Mike, Will A-B-C-D: Called player blitzes the called hole. If no hole is
called player blitzes a gap insuring not to put two players into the same gap.
Slam: all players in the linebacker positions that have someone outside of them
blitz.
Lightning: all players in the linebacker positions that dont have anyone outside
of them blitz.
Ambush: all players in the linebacker position blitz.
Dawg: Players read key and blitz at his movement.
Jump: When the Mike is at Nose Guard he jumps either to the strong or weak B
Gap.
Ghost: Called LB or DB lines up in Gap outside of blitz on the line and DL lines
up in the gap to be blitzed. On cadence the LB floats back out of the the line (Blitz
Fake Back Out) and DL moves towards the vacated gap and hits it. The LB then
on the snap hits the called blitz gap.
Wave: Called Strong or Weak. All Linebackers on the called side Blitz.
Base : Will B
RB
FB
QB
TE
P
S
M
$
Base : Sam A
RB
FB
QB
TE
C
$
B
M
C
$
Base : Mike B
RB
FB
QB
TE
C
$
P
S
C
$
Base 0 : Ambush
RB
FB
QB
TE
B
M
C
$
TE
C
$
C
$
TE
P
S
C
$
Base : Shoot A
RB
FB
QB
TE
C
$
P
S
M
$
Base: Lightning
RB
FB
QB
TE
C
$
P
S
B
M
C
$
Base : Gotcha
RB
FB
QB
TE
P
S
B
M
C
$
TE
C
$
C
$
TE
C
$
C
$
Base : Pinch
RB
FB
QB
TE
C
$
C
$
TE
C
$
B
M
C
$
Defensive Coverages
Coverage's
Cover 0 Man
Cover 1 Man
Cover 5 Man
Man Roll
Cover 7 Man
Cover 9 Man
Man to Man with two deep zone behind it. (Tight or Loose)
Cover 2 Zone
Cover 2 Buccaneer
Cover 2 Invert
Cover 3
Cover 4
Cover 6
Zone Roll
Trips Adjustment
Coverage's Continued
Cover 10 Zone / Man
Weakside Rotation
Weakside Rotation
Cover 14 Zone
Robber Zone
Spy
Cover 16 Man
Man Rotation
Man Coverage
Man Coverage allows us to load the Box. Have pride in your
ability to cover man. It gives us a distinct advantage as a
defense.
Play the technique that you are taught. It will put you in the
best possible position.
Never give up on a play even if you are beat or they make a
catch. You can still make something happen.
Attack your receiver, be Physical.
Use your hands.
Play position, know where you need to be and get there.
Accept the Challenge, step up to the plate and dont allow
your man to make a catch. Have confidence in your abilities.
Be an athlete if a ball is thrown your way go get it.
Cover 0 Man
RB
Z
QB
Y
B
RB
P
S
$
F
$ replaces blitzer
B
M
C
$
Cover 1 Man
RB
Z
QB
RB
X
Y
B
C
$
P
S
B
M
F
$ Replaces Blitzed
C
$
RB
QB
Z
B
Y
C
RB
B
C
RB
Z
QB
RB
X
Y
C
P
M
B
$
C
F
Robber
Cover 9 Man
RB
Z
QB
B
$
Y
C
RB
P
S
B
M
C
$
Zone Coverage's
Get to your coverage responsibilities fast, then hunt up receivers, finally find
the QBs eyes.
Run to the football.
Punish the receiver. If a ball is caught our goal is for four people to hit the
receiver as close to the catch as possible.
Intimidate receivers dont allow people to move freely through your zone. Hit
them.
Do not cover grass find a receiver and cover through your zone with out
compromising your zone.
Zone Defense is an ATTITUDE set the tone when playing it.
All Zones are spot drop except Cover 2.
Cover 2 is a pattern read.
Cover 2 Zone
(Pattern Read Zone)
RB
Z
B
Y
C
QB
RB
Keys
FS Read Crossers to #3
1.
2.
C Read #1 to #2
3.
$ - Read #2 to #1
4.
Be physical.
5.
#1 Vertical
Release
#2 Vertical
Release
#1
#2
LB Deny Vertical Release of #2, Widen his Route, Run On his inside hip.
CB Deny the Vertical Release of #1, Stay Outside of him, prepare to settle at 15 yards.
$ - Split the two verticals until the ball is in the air.
#2 Vertical
Release
#1 Inside
Release
#1
#2
LB Deny Vertical Release of #2, Widen his Route, Run On his inside hip. After 12 yards sit
down and hunt up #1 in the Curl Zone
CB Reroute receiver, Give IN/IN/IN Cal. Drop back at a 45 degree angle . 15 yards deep
looking to close any windows. Can Close on #1 in no other threat.
$ - Stay on top of #2
#1 Any
Release
#2 Quick Outside
Release
#1
#2
LB Drop to hook curl, Hunt up #1.
CB Reroute #1 deny vertical sink to flats. Watch for sucker route and run with it.
$ - Stay deeper than the deepest receiver. Stay on top of a #2 Smash Route.
#1 Stop
Release
#2 Quick Outside
Release
#1
#2
LB Deny Vertical Release of #2. Widen His Route. Run on his inside hip until he breaks to
the corner then undercut his route.
CB Sit on #1s Route.
$ - Stay on top of #2s Route.
#1 Any
Release
#2 Inside Release
Release or Blocks
#1
#2
LB Drop to Hook Curl hunt up #1s Route. Find the Check down back.
CB Reroute #1 Deny the Vertical sink to the flats at 12 15 yards.
$ - Stay on top of routes in zone, jump a deep crosser or post, cover the post hole.
Cover 2 Buccaneer
(Spot Drop)
RB
Z
B
Y
C
QB
RB
P
S
RB
QB
Z
B
Y
$
RB
B
M
$
C
Cover 3 Zone
(Spot Drop)
RB
QB
Z
B
Y
C
RB
B
M
C
$
Cover 4 Zone
(Spot Drop)
RB
Z
B
$
Y
C
QB
RB
B
M
C
$
RB
QB
Z
B
$
Y
C
RB
B
M
C
$
RB
RB
QB
Z
B
C
$
Y
P
B
M
C
$
RB
RB
QB
Z
B
C
$
Y
P
B
M
C
$
RB
RB
QB
Z
B
C
$
Y
P
B
M
C
$
RB
Vs. Bootleg
RB
QB
Z
B
C
$
Y
P
B
M
C
$
RB
QB
Z
B
$
Y
C
RB
B
M
C
$
RB
RB
QB
Z
B
C
$
Y
P
B
M
C
$
RB
RB
QB
Z
B
C
$
Y
P
B
M
C
$
RB
RB
QB
Z
B
C
$
Y
P
B
M
C
$
RB
Vs. Bootleg
RB
QB
Z
B
C
$
Y
P
B
M
C
$
Combination Coverages
Man & Zone
Packages
RB
QB
RB
Z
X
Y
P
B
S
P
M
C
Tango
Check #3 Vertical
Cover 2
RB
QB
Y
RB
Z
X
C
P
B
$
Bump
C
F
RB
Z
$
C
Y
B
QB
RB
B
M
#s Dropper
Second Crosser
1/4
Hash Dropper
First Crosser
F
1/4
Cut Technique
RB
Z
QB
Y
B
$
RB
P
S
Swipe Technique
C
F
1/2
1/2
RB
Z
Y
Swipe Technique
QB
RB
P
S
B
$
C
F
1/2
1/2
RB
QB
Z
B
$
C
Y
Swipe Technique
RB
F
1/2
1/2
Cover 14 Robber
RB
Z
#s Dropper
P
S
$
Hash Dropper
Hash Dropper
Robber Technique
Rob the Post Hole.
1/3
Y
B
QB
RB
#s Dropper
F
1/3
1/3
Cover 15 Spy
RB
Z
$
C
QB
Y
B
RB
P
S
B
M
$
Cut Technique
Cut Technique
F
Free
RB
Z
QB
B
$
Y
C
RB
P
S
B
C
M
RB
Z
P
B
Y
C
QB
RB
P
C
$
F
Position Assignments
Penetrator
Cut the gap leg of the offensive linemen in
front of you then crab through and find the
football.
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER get driven back.
Cause a pile or penetrate.
Bandit Linebacker
Read the end man on the line of scrimmage.
If he tries to reach you fight outside keeping outside arm
free taking keeping contain or taking out blockers.
If he steps down step down and take on blockers (Fullback
or pulling lineman) turning play back inside. Do not get
kicked out attack the blocker.
If play is away check for Bootleg Counter Reverse (BCR).
Then pursue down the line taking away cutback lanes.
If you read pass check backs for screen then rush the
passer.
Dawg Safety
Read the Guard and Tackle on your side to
near back or I back.
If your Bandit LB gets hooked come up for
contain. If the Bandit get kicked out come
inside for the run.
Pass drop to your coverage responsibilities.
Play away take an angle looking to take
away cutback lanes.
Free Safety
Read and Cover Pass First.
Read the Field side Guard and Tackle.
Find the inside running Lane and fill any
holes in the defense pursuing inside out.
Pass drop to coverage responsibilities.
Cornerback
Read and Cover Pass First.
Help keep contain on runs.
Flow away take an angle taking away
cutback lanes.
Pass execute coverage responsibilities.
Linebacker Play
Linebacker Classification
Inside the offensive formation Linebackers and
Dawg Safeties are either a Bubble Backer (Over
an Uncovered Linemen) or a Covered Backer
(Stacked behind a Lineman).
Free Safeties Should Read Both Guards.
When outside the formation the backers and
safeties are called Float Backers and Readers.
Zone To
Gap
Responsibility
C
P
LB
Zone Away
Gap
Responsibility
C
P
LB
Lead Isolation
Gap
Responsibility
C
P
LB
Trap
Gap
Responsibility
C
P
LB
Deeper Pull
Gap
Responsibility
C
P
LB
Base
Gap
Responsibility
C
P
LB
Pass
Gap
Responsibility
C
P
LB
Zone To
T
B
G
P
LB
C
MLB
Zone Away
T
B
G
P
LB
C
MLB
Pull Away
T
B
G
P
LB
C
MLB
Pull To
T
LB
C
MLB
Pass
T
B
G
P
LB
C
MLB
Full Flow
TB
FB
QB
C
Fast Flow
TB
FB
QB
C
Counter Flow
TB
FB
QB
C
Divide Flow
TB
FB
QB
C
FB QB
X
TE
$ C B
P
M
B C $
Outside Block
P
Z
FB QB
X
TE
$ C B
P
M
B C $
FB QB
X
TE
$ C B
P
M
B C $
Inside Block
Z
FB QB
X
TE
$ C B
P
M
B C $
FB QB
X
TE
$ C B
P
M
B C $
Safe Return
Z
FB QB
X
TE
S
$
Punt
Spread Punt
C
SN
S
B
M
F
PU
Tight Punt
C
SN
S
B
M
F
PU
Trips Punt
C
B SN B
$
S
M
PU
WB
X
C $
P
M
P
S
F
B $ C
Side Block
K
H
WB
WB
X
C $
P
M
P
S
F
B $ C
WB
X
C $
P B
M
B P
S
F
$ C
Safe Block
K
H
WB
WB
X
C $
P
M
P
S
F
B $ C
Kickoff
Kickoff
Regular Deep
Angle Deep
Worm Burner
Bounce Hop Onside
Kick Pass to Own Player
Short Pooch
Deep Pooch
Cluster Kickoff
1 = Gunner
2 = Contain
3 = Wedge Buster
K
1113
2
3 1
11
Hash Kickoff
1 = Gunner
2 = Contain
3 = Wedge Buster
K = Kicker
1
2
1
Swinging Gate
FB
RB
TE
C
$
$
C
Award Stickers
10, 20, 30 Tackles
Tackle for a Loss (TFL)
Sack
Interception (INT)
Pass Break-Up (PBU)
Big Hit (BH)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Tackling Circuit
Turn-over Circuit
Pursuit Drills
Individual
Group ie. 7 on 7, Inside Run, or Dawg Alley
Team
Punt
Punt Block
Kick Off
Field Goal and XP Block