Multiple 4-2-5 Monster Defense

Defensive Playbook

Welcome To The Jungle

This play book was organized for bringing you a clear and practical approach
to our system at Blank High School.

If you are to excel, you must learn everything.

Your play book is priceless. It is composed of material that has taken

considerable amounts of time assembling. Guard it carefully and know where
it is at all times.

We expect you to produce it upon request.

Name:
Address:
Phone:
 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 Blank 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 self-
discipline 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
• Hold the other team to 12 or less points.
• Cause 4 turnovers per game.
• Block one kick per game.
• Hold the other team under 200 yards total.
• Hold the other team under 125 yards rushing.
• Allow less than 3 yards per carry.
• Hold the other team under 100 yards passing.
• Allow below 50% completion rate.
• Have 90% stops on third and long and medium.
• Have 50% stops on third and short.
• 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 Goals Continued
• Lift hard in the weightroom. Continue
getting stronger year round including during
the season. Every Defensive Player strive
for 2 x BW for squat, 1 x BW for Power
Clean, and 1.5 x BW for Bench.
• Speed work. Continue getting faster year
round including during the season. DL
should strive to be 4.99 or less, LB should
be 4.89 or less, DB should be 4.79 or less.
 Defensive Alignment

8 9
O O O O O O O
7 2i 3 7 9 8
5 4i 3 2i 1 1 4i 5
6 4 2 0 2 4 6

Defensive Gaps

O O O O O O O
D C B A A B C 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.
• Put your eyes on the ball carrier.
• Leverage is also important. Try to get lower than who you are taking
on. Strike up through the man.
• Don’t get your base too wide. No wider than shoulder width apart.
• Wrap up always.
• When wrapping up the legs roll after you wrap.
 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 - (Monster) Primary job is to make the play. The Monster plays centerfield. Must be a
great reader and a sure tackler. Expected to run the alleys on run plays and cover on
passes.
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.
 Pre-Snap Movement and Shifting

Pre-snap Movement: This is very important to our style of play.

It consists of misaligning or faking a stunt then right before the
snap moving into your proper alignment. This is something that
must be continually worked on. The more movement we can give
the offense before the snap the more confused they will be on their
blocking assignments.
Shifting: This is done by showing one defensive front or another
then just before the the snap a signal “HUSKIE” is given then the
defense shifts to the new front.
 Defensive Fronts
• BASE (4-2-5) Bunch, Squeeze, • EAGLE (5-2-4) Bunch, Double,
Stack, Under, Over Sooner

• COBRA (4-2-5 Monster) • TIGER (3-4-4) Tilt, Flop, Solid,

Heavy Slide, TNT Solid, 77, Bunch,
• BEAR (46) Slide Weak, Under, Tilt Tilt
• BULL (5-1-5) Tilt, Stack • RHINO (6-2-3)
• JYD (5-3-3) Under, Over • GAPS (10-1)

• BUFFALO (5-1-5) • WOLVERINE (3-1-7)

• COUGAR (3-2-6)
• OKIE (3-3-5) Bunch, Tilt
• WEASEL (10-1)
• GATOR (4-3-4) Even, Over,
Under, Wide • PANTHER (3-1-7) Tilt
• HORNET (4-3-4) • SWAN (2-4-6)
 4-2-5 Defense: BASE

TE X X

C B P P B C

S M
$ $

F
 4-2-5 Defense: BASE - BUNCH

TE X X

C B P P B C
S M
$ $

F
 4-2-5 Defense: BASE - SQUEEZE

TE X X

C B P P B C
S M
$ $

F
 4-2-5 Defense: BASE - STACK

TE X X

B P P B C
C
$ S M $

F
 4-2-5 Defense: BASE - UNDER

TE X X

C B P P B C
$
S M

$ F
 4-2-5 Defense: BASE - OVER

TE X X

C B P P B C
$
S M

F $
 4-2-5 Monster Defense: COBRA

TE X X

B B C

P
C
P
S M

F
$ $
 46 Defense: BEAR

TE X X

$ B P M P B C
C

S $

F
 46 Defense: BEAR SLIDE WEAK

TE X X

$ B P M P B C
C

S $

F
 46 Defense: BEAR - UNDER

TE X X

$ B P M P B C
C

F S $
 46 Defense: BEAR - TILT

TE X X

$ B M B C

P
P
C

S $

F
 5-1-5 Defense: BULL

TE X X

C B P M P B C
$
S
$
F
 5-1-5 Defense: BULL - TILT

TE X X

C B M B C

P
P

$
S
$
F
 5-1-5 Defense: BULL - STACK

TE X X

C B P M P B C
$ S $

F
 5-3-3 Defense: JYD (Junk Yard Dog)

TE X X

C $ B P P B C

S M
$
F
 5-3-3 Defense: JYD (Junk Yard Dog) Under

TE X X

C $ B P P B C

S M
$
F
 5-3-3 Defense: JYD (Junk Yard Dog) Over

TE X X

C $ B P P B C

S M
$
F
 5-4-2 Defense: BUFFALO

TE X X

C B P M P B C

$ S F $
 3-5 Defense: OKIE

TE X X

C $ B P B C
$
S P M

F
 3-5 Defense: OKIE Stack

TE X X

C $ B P B C
$
S P M

F
 3-5 Defense: OKIE - BUNCH

TE X X

C $ B P B C
$
P
S M

F
 3-5 Defense: OKIE - TILT

TE X X

C P C
B

B
$ $
S P
M

F
 4-3 Defense: GATOR

TE X X

C B P P B C

S M F

$ $
 4-3 Defense: GATOR - Even

TE X X

C B P P B C

S M F

$ $
 4-3 Defense: GATOR - Over

TE X X

C B P P B C

S M F

$ $
 4-3 Defense: GATOR - Under

TE X X

C B P P B C

S M F

$ $
 4-3 Defense: GATOR - Wide

TE X X

C B P P B C

S M F

$ $
 4-3 Defense: HORNET

TE X X

C B P P B C
M

S F

$ $
 5-2 Defense: EAGLE

TE X X

C B P M P B C

S F

$ $
 5-2 Defense: EAGLE - BUNCH

TE X X

C B P M P B C

S F

$ $
 5-2 Defense: SOONER

TE X X

C B P P B $ C

S M

$ F
 3-4 Defense: TIGER

TE X X

C P M P C
B B
S F

$ $
 3-4 Defense: TIGER - (Flop)

TE X X

C $ B P M P C
B
S F

$
 3-4 Defense: TIGER - (Solid)

TE X X

C B P M P C
B
S F

$ $
 3-4 Defense: TIGER - (Heavy Slide)

TE X X

C B P M P B C

S F $

$
 3-4 Defense: TIGER - (TNT Solid)

TE X X

C B P M P C
B
S F

$ $
 3-4 Defense: TIGER - (77)

TE X X

C B P M P B C

S F

$ $
 3-4 Defense: TIGER - BUNCH

TE

X X

C P M P C
B B
S F

$ $
 3-4 Defense: TIGER - TILT

TE X X

C M C
P

P
B B
S F

$ $
6-2-3 Defense: RHINO

TE X X

B S P P M B C
C
$ $
F
Defense: GAPS

TE X X

C $ B S P P M B C

F $
DEFENDING th e S PRE AD
ATTA CK
QUESTIONS to ask about the OPPONENT:
3. What is the opponent trying to accomplish with the Spread?
Is it their way of life?
No Huddle – Fast Break
3rd Down Package only?
Run philosophy – Checked? Interior vs. Perimeter
Pass philosophy – Concepts – Vertical, Mismatches, Sticks
2. What are their reads?
Is the QB reading the middle of the field?
Are they counting defenders in the box?
3. What defenses have hurt them? How are they successful?
Do they have a solid blitz pick-up system? Audible or sight-adjust?
Are their routes geared more for man or zone?
4. Who is their best weapon?
Who do they try to isolate?
Is the QB a running threat?
16. Do they run any form of option?
Identify types and give option assignments in all defenses
Defense: WOLVERINE (Spread Special)

TE

X X

C M C

P
P

B S B

$ F $
Defense: COUGAR (Spread Special) Dime Package

TE

X X

M
P

P
N D
C F S C

$ $
Defense: WEASEL (Spread Special)

TE

X X

M P S B
C $ $ C
B

F
 3-1-7 Defense: PANTHER (Spread Special)

TE

X X

C P M P C
B B

$ S F $
 3-1-7 Defense: PANTHER – TILT (Spread Special)

TE

X X

C B M P C
P
B

$ S F $
 2-4-5 Defense: SWAN (End of Game / Half No Long Score)

TE

X X

P
P

B S M B

C $ F $ C
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.
•Bunch: Penetrator move to double 1’s without a Nose guard. Penetrator move to
double 3’s with a Nose Guard.
•Bump: Moves the Bandit inside one Gap. Example from a 9 to a 7.
•Read: Attack Offensive lineman in front of you put your hip in your gap and read play.
 Line Stunts Continued
•Stack: Move the Penetrator to 2 techniques.
•TIE: Twist with the Bandit and the Penetrator on his Side the Penetrator goes first the
Bandit loops around him.
•EAT: Twist with the Bandit and the Penetrator on his Side the Bandit goes first the
Penetrator loops around him.
•Slide: Slides everyone on the defensive line over one gap.
•Bandit Screw: Bandit locks up man to man on TE.
•Spy: Bandit on Penetrator engage linemen in front of them then drop to replace blitzing
Linebacker taking away QB throwing lane.
•Shield: Bandits drop into coverage hook curl to flat.
•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.
•Celina: 45 Degree Step Out then Penetrate.
 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 don’t 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.
 Defensive Back Stunts
•Fire, Shoot, A-B-C-D: Called player blitzes the called gap.
•Cocky (Strong), Crazy (Weak): Called Corner blitzes the outside.
•Hammer: All Safeties Blitz.
•Gotcha: Both Corners Blitz.
•Invert: CB and $’s Trade Positions and Assignments.
•Cathy: CB line up and show tight man then bail out right before the snap.
•Bar: Safeties and corners line up 7 yards deep to disguise the coverage moving into
coverage assignments upon the snap.
•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.
 Base : Will B

TE X X

C B P P B C

S M
$ $

F
Base : Sam A

TE X X

C B P P B C

$ S M $

F
 Base : Mike B

TE X X

C B P P B C

S M $
$

F
 Base 0 : Ambush

TE X X

C B P P B C

$ S M $

F
 Base: Slant Weak Cocky

TE X X

C B P P B C

S M $
$

F
 Base : Slant Strong Crazy

TE X X

C B P P B C

S M $
$

F
 Base : Shoot A

TE X X

B P P B C
C

$ S M
$

F
 Base: Lightning

TE X X

C B P P B C
$ $
S M

F
 Base : Gotcha

TE X X

C B P P B C
S M
$ $

F
 Base: Slant Strong

TE X X

C B P P B C

S M $
$

F
 Base: Slant Weak

TE X X

C B P P B C

$ S M $

F
 Base : Pinch

TE X X

C B P P B C

S M
$ $

F
 HORNET:Hornet Hot Slam Also Hornet Hot Cut Slam
Also Hornet Hot Free Sam Lucy (Cut)

TE X X

C B P P B C
M
S F

$ $
Hornet Hot Slam, Run Mike A Lucy, on Mike’s backpedal
for reposition, Sam & Free take sidestep and blitz A Gap.
Bandits and P’s flare taking guard and tackle with them.
Base : Hammer – Bandit Screw

TE X X

B P P B
C
C
S M
$ $

F
Defensive Coverage’s
 Coverage's
Cover 0 Man Man to Man (Tight)

Cover 1 Man Man to Man With FS Free (Tight or Loose)

Cover 5 Man Man Roll

Cover 7 Man You Call It Man

Cover 9 Man Man to Man with two deep zone behind it. (Tight or Loose)

Cover 2 Zone Zone Coverage 2 Deep (Tight or Loose)

Cover 2 Buccaneer Mike or Free Robbing Post

Cover 2 Invert Zone Coverage with safeties and corners trading responsibilities.

Cover 3 Zone Coverage 3 Deep

Cover 4 Zone Coverage 4 Deep

Cover 6 Zone Roll

Trips Adjustment Rain and Snow

 Coverage's Continued
Cover 10 Zone / Man Loaded Zone Coverage

Cover 11 Zone / Man Strong Side Rotation Coverage

Cover 12 Zone / Man Weakside Rotation

Cover 13 Zone / Man Weakside Rotation

Cover 14 Zone Robber Zone

Cover 15 Zone / Man 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 don’t 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 (RED)

Z
Y X

C B P P B C

$ S M
$
F

$ replaces blitzer
 Cover 1 Man

Z
Y X

C B P P B C

$ $
S M

F
$ Replaces Blitzed
 Cover 5 Man Roll (Green)

Z
Y X

C B P P B
C
M
$ S $

F
 Cover 7 You Call It Man

Z
Y X

C B P P B C

S M $
F
Robber

$
 Cover 9 Man (PURPLE)

Z
Y X

C B P P B C

S M $
$

F
 Zone Coverage's
• Get to your coverage responsibilities fast, then hunt up receivers, finally find
the QB’s 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 don’t 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 (WHITE)
(Pattern Read Zone)

Z
Y X

C B P P B C
M
S
$ $

F
 Cover 2 Pattern Read Notes

Purpose of Cover 2
2. Disrupt the timing and placing of receivers and QB.
3. Give the rush more time to reach the QB.
4. Take away the speed of the receiver.
5. Protect the cornerbacks ability.
Base Reads Keys
FS – Read Crossers to #3 2. Reroute your receiver.
MLB / SLB – Read #2 to #1 3. Know your reads.
C – Read #2 to #1 4. Run to the football.
$ - Read #2 to #1 5. Be physical.
6. Use your hands.
 Cover 2 Pattern Read Basic Rules
• Two Verticals Both Corner and Safety are Vertical
• When one erases then corners settles on the erase.
• Corner continues to zone turn and sink until he is
threatened by a route deeper than 5 yards to his flat.
(Jump no route less than 5 yards unless the ball is in
the air.
• Corner always has the Wheel route.
• All defenders break on ball when the QB takes his
second hand off the ball.
 #2 Vertical #1 Vertical
Release Release

#1
#2

LB – Deny Vertical Release of #2, Widen his Route, Run On his inside hip.
CB – Deny the Vertical Release of #1, Zone Turn, Stay Outside of him, prepare to settle at 15
yards Comeback Route Continue to run until you either #1 or #2 Erases.
$ - Split the two verticals until the ball is in the air.
 #2 Vertical #1 Inside
Release 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
Floating in 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. Do not jump a route less than 5 yards continue to
sink slowly until the QB takes his 2nd hand off of the ball. Watch for Wheel (sucker) route and
run with it.
$ - Stay deeper than the deepest receiver. Stay on top of a #1 Post 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 – Sink back on #2 (unless #1 is deeper than five yards) prepare to break on the throw.
Keep hips facing QB so you can play either route.
$ - Stay on top of #2’s Route.
 #1 Any
Release
#2 Inside Release
Release or Blocks

#1
#2

LB – Drop to Hook Curl hunt up #1’s Route. Find the Check down back.
CB – Reroute #1 Deny the Vertical trail of #1 unless you have a flat threat to the Hook Curl
Zone Check for a flow screen.
$ - Stay on top of routes in zone, jump a deep crosser or post, cover the post hole.
 Cover 2 Zone Hook (WHITE HOOK)
(Pattern Read Zone)

Z
Y X
B P P B
C C
M
S
$ $

F
Corners Jam then work Hook to flats instead of flats.
 Cover 2 Buccaneer (WHITE BUCK)
(Spot Drop)

Z
Y X

C B P P B C

S M
$ $

F
 Cover 2 Buck Invert
(Spot Drop)

Z
Y X
B P P B $
$

S M
C C

F
 Cover 3 Zone (BLUE)
(Spot Drop)

Z
Y X

C B P P B C
$ $
S M

F
 Cover 3 Zone Hook (BLUE HOOK)
(Spot Drop)

Z
Y X

C B P P B C
$ $
S M

F
 Cover 4 Zone (ORANGE)
(Pattern Read)

Z
Y X
B P P B

C S M
$ $ C
F
 Cover 4 Reads
• Safety Reads • Corner Reads
– Read #2 to #1
– Squat on #2 if he runs a
vertical lock up with
him.
– Don’t break short until
the Ball is thrown
– Always Stay Deep.
– Bail out on snap.
– Read #2 to #1
– Squat High on a #2
Outside Breaking Route.
– Do Not Break up on a
Route until the Ball is in
the Air.
– Very Similar to Cover 2
but Don’t Funnel
 Cover 42 Zone (¼, ¼, ½)
(Pattern Read)

Z
Y X
B P P B

C S M
$ $ C

F
 Cover 24 Zone (¼, ¼, ½)
(Pattern Read)

Z
Y X
B P P B

C S M
$ $ C

F
 Cover 6 Zone Roll (BLACK)
(Spot Drop Rotation)

Z
Y X

C B P P B C

M
$ S $

F
 Cover 6 Zone Roll (BLACK)
(Spot Drop Rotation)
Vs. Straight Dropback

Z
Y X

C B P P B C

M
$ S $

F
 Cover 6 Zone Roll (BLACK)
(Spot Drop Rotation)
Vs. Play Action Strong

Z
Y X

C B P P B C

M
$ S $

F
 Cover 6 Zone Roll (BLACK)
(Spot Drop Rotation)
Vs. Play Action Weak

Z
Y X

C B P P B C

M
$ S $

F
 Cover 6 Zone Roll (BLACK)
(Spot Drop Rotation)
Vs. Bootleg

Z
Y X

C B P P B C

M
$ S $

F
 Cover 8 Zone Roll (BROWN)
(Spot Drop Rotation)

Z
Y X

C B P P B C

M
$ S $

F
 Cover 8 Zone Roll (BROWN)
(Spot Drop Rotation)
Vs. Straight Dropback

Z
Y X

C B P P B C

M
$ S $

F
 Cover 8 Zone Roll (BROWN)
(Spot Drop Rotation)
Vs. Play Action Strong

Z
Y X

C B P P B C

M
$ S $

F
 Cover 8 Zone Roll (BROWN)
(Spot Drop Rotation)
Vs. Play Action Weak

Z
Y X

C B P P B C

M
$ S $

F
 Cover 8 Zone Roll (BROWN)
(Spot Drop Rotation)
Vs. Bootleg

Z
Y X

C B P P B C

M
$ S $

F
Combination Coverage’s

Man & Zone

Packages
 Trips Adjustment “Typhoon”

Z
Y X
B P P B
$ C
S M
C F
Run with first crosser
Tango

$ Run with second crosser Cover 2

Check #3 Vertical
 Trips Adjustment “Snow”

Z
Y X
B P P B
C
$ C
M S
F
$

Backside $: Checks #3 Vertical if he goes then He Plays Center Field.

If #3 Runs in He picks him up.
If #3 Vertical Goes Out He Helps With #1 Backside
 Trips Adjustment “Ice”

Z
Y X
B P P B
C
$ C
M S
F
$

Backside $: Checks #3 Vertical if he goes then He Plays Center Field.

If #3 Runs in He picks him up.
If #3 Vertical Goes Out He Helps With #1 Backside
 Trips Adjustment “Tornado”

Z
Y X
B P P B
C
$ C
M S
F
$

F Checks The Middle Hole and picks up #3 Vertical

 Trips Adjustment “Sleet”

Z
Y X
B P P B
“Bump” $ C
S M
$
C

F
 Cover 10 Zone / Man - Loaded Zone

Z
Y X
B P P B
$
C S M $ Cut Technique C
Outside the #’s Dropper

Hash Dropper
F
#’s Dropper
Second Crosser First Crosser

1/4 1/4
 Cover 11 Strong Side Rotation

Z
Y X

B P P B
Swipe Technique

$ S M $

C C
F
1/2 1/2
 Cover 12 Weak Side Rotation

Z
Y X

Swipe Technique
B P P B
S M $
$
C C
F
1/2 1/2
 Cover 13 Weak Side Rotation

Z
Y X

B P P B
Swipe Technique

$ S M $

C C
F
1/2 1/2
 Cover 14 Robber

Z
Y C X
B P P B
#’s Dropper
$ S M
$ #’s Dropper

C Hash Dropper Hash Dropper

C
Robber Technique
Rob the Post Hole.
F
1/3 1/3 1/3
 Cover 15 Spy

Z
Y C X
B P P B
S M
$ $
Cut Technique Cut Technique
C C
F
Free
 Cover 16 Man Roll

Z
Y X

C B P P B
C
S M $
$

F
 Cover 17 Man Three Deep Zone (Prevent)

Z
Y X

C P M P
C
S
B B
$ $

F
Position Assignments
 Penetrator
• Penetrate gap 1yard then find the football.
• Learn to read the Gap shoulder of the inside
offensive lineman.
• NEVER, NEVER, NEVER get driven back.
• Cause a pile or penetrate.
• Must always keep feet / hands moving.
• Learn to play double team with (hip in hole &
Knee Get Skinny.
• Must know alignment and stunts.
 Bandit Linebacker
• Read the end man on the line of scrimmage’s shoulder as
you attack.
• Outside shade maintain contain. Inside shade penetrate and
find the football.
• 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.
 Mike and Sam Linebacker

• Read the triangle of Fullback to flow side guard.

• Fill read responsibilities hard. Do not side step
blockers take them on. Turning the play back into
your help.
• Never step laterally always run down hill.
• If you read pass take down shallow crossers.
• If QB breaks the tackle box on your side attack his
far shoulder.
 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 Guard Center Triangle.
• 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

Reads and Keys for Mike, Sam, and

Dawg Safeties
 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.
 Reading the Line
(Bubble Backer)
• First step 6 inch read step. Take step same as first
read key. Read linemen on outside first step (i.e..
Tackle).
• Read inside linemen on second step.
• Read the Door (hole) as open or closed. Is your
door open or closed.
• If you see the same color jersey in your gap
exchange gaps. (i.e.. Linemen gets hooked).
 Zone To
Gap
Responsibility

T G
C

B P

LB
 Zone Away
Gap
Responsibility

T G
C

B P

LB
 Lead Isolation
Gap
Responsibility

T G
C

B P

LB
 Trap
Gap
Responsibility

T G
C

B P

LB
 Deeper Pull
Gap
Responsibility

T G
C

B P

Must read the

LB backfield
flow
 Base
Gap
Responsibility

T G
C

B P

LB
 Pass
Gap
Responsibility

T G
C

B P

LB
 Reading the Line
(Covered Backer)
• First step 6 inch read step. Take step same as first
read key. Read linemen on outside first step (i.e..
Tackle).
• Read inside linemen on second step.
• Read the Door (hole) as open or closed. Is your
door open or closed.
• If you see the same color jersey in your gap
exchange gaps. (i.e.. Linemen gets hooked).
 Zone To

T G
C

B P MLB

LB
 Zone Away

T G
C

B P MLB

LB
 Pull Away

T G G
C

B P MLB

LB
 Pull To

T G G
C

B P MLB

LB
 Pass

T G
C

B P MLB

LB
 Float Backer or Reader

• Read the Guard and Tackle.

• First two steps backward read steps.
• Read Tackle for Run/Pass Read.
• Read Guards for direction of play.
• Third read backfield flow.
 Keying the Backfield
On your 3rd step you will read backfield flow.
After you read the line Read the shoulders of the
Backs
All Offensive Plays Can be Classified into the
following Backfield Flows.

Full Flow
Fast Flow
Counter Flow
Divide Flow
Full Flow
TB

FB

QB

C
Fast Flow
TB

FB

QB

C
Counter Flow
TB

FB

QB

C
Divide Flow
TB

FB

QB

C
 Notes on Reading Keys
• On zone plays if linemen aren’t coming after LB’s
then it is a pass
• TE Read, Low Hat = Run / High Hat = Pass
• When in pursuit on flow away always be able to
play the cut-back try to keep your shoulders
square.
• Be Fundamentally sound. ALWAYS know, your
stance, alignment, assignment, and your
technique. This is your responsibility.
 Basic Option Responsibilities

•Dive – Penetrator / Bandit

•QB – Free / Mike / Sam
•PITCH – Cornerback / Dawg
Punt Block / Return
Punt Return Alignment

TE X X

$ C B P P B C $
S M

F
Outside Block

TE X X

$ C B P P B C $
S M

Block comes Opposite Personal Protector.

$, B and P on Protector Side try to Drive Protector Into Punter

F
Outside Block

TE X X

$ B P P B $
C C
S M

Block comes Opposite Personal Protector.

$, B and P on Protector Side try to Drive Protector Into Punter

F
 Outside Block

TE X X

$ B P P B $
C C
S M

Block comes Opposite Personal Protector.

$, B and P on Protector Side try to Drive Protector Into Punter

F
Double Team Return

TE X X

$ C B P P B C $
S M

F
Inside Block

TE X X

$ C B P P B C $
S M

F
Zone Bail Out

TE X X

$ C B P P B C $
S M

F
 Safe Return

TE X X

B P P B
S M

C $ $ C

Bar with Cover 4 / FS Dropped Back For Return

F
Punt
 Spread Punt

C $ B SN B $ C
S F

PU
 Tight Punt
C $ B SN B $ C
S F

PU
 V Punt

C $ B SN B $ C
S M
F

PU
 Doubles Punt

C $ B SN B $ C
S F
M

PU
 Trips Punt

C $ B SN B $ C
S F
M

PU
Field Goal Extra Point Block
Field Goal & XP Block

X X

C $ B P P B $ C
S M
F
Side Block

X X

C $ B P P B $ C
S M
F
Sell-Out Block

X X

C B P P B $C$
S M
F
Middle Heavy Block

X X

C $ B P P B $ C
S M
F
Safe Block

X X

C $ B P P B $ C
S M
F
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 3 1 11
2 2
 Hash Kickoff

1 = Gunner
2 = Contain
3 = Wedge Buster
K = Kicker

1
1
2 2
1
1 1
K 3 3 1
Swinging Gate
 Swinging Gate Defense: Base Gate

TE X X

B P P B S M C

$ $

C F
 Award Stickers
•10, 20, 30 Tackles •Defensive Player of the Game
(DPG)
•Tackle for a Loss (TFL)
•Defensive Score (DS)
•Sack
•Defensive Shut-out (SO)
•Interception (INT)
•Meeting all Defensive Goals
•Pass Break-Up (PBU)
(DG)
•Big Hit (BH) •Taking Out Two or More
•Blocked Kick (BK) Blockers on a Play (BB)
•Caused Fumble (CF) •Quarterback Hurry (QH)

•Recovered Fumble (RF) •Great Play (GP)

 Elements of Defensive Practice
1. Tackling Circuit
2. Turn-over Circuit
3. Pursuit Drills
4. Individual Fundamentals
5. Individual Reads
6. Group – ie. 7 on 7, Inside Run, or Dawg Alley
7. Alignment Session
8. Blitz Session
9. Team
10. Punt
11. Punt Block
12. Kick Off
13. Field Goal and XP Block
14. County Fair Movement Fundamentals and Conditioning
 Coach Breakdown
• DL Coach – Coaches the Bandit Linebackers
and works with the Bandits as Penetrators also.
• LB Coach – Coaches the Sam the Mike also
works with the Free some and does some
Penetrator work with LB’s.
• DB Coach– Coaches the Cornerbacks and
Safeties.
• Defensive Coordinator– Coaches the
Cornerbacks and Safeties.
 ADDI TI ON AL NOTES ON
1. DEFEN
DO NOT LOSE SIGHT OF SE
THE FUNDAMENTALS! – If your players can not RUN, are not
TRAINED TO DEFEAT BLOCKS and TACKLE, the best schemes in the world are
worthless!!

2. Use 2-a-days to master physical techniques – majority of the playbook should already be
installed before you put on the pads

3. Create a fast practice tempo – No wasted time!

Shortens practices, increases functional conditioning, maximize reps

4. Conduct more “walk-thru” type meetings versus on the board

Review tougher looks – Empty, Unbalanced, Bunches, etc.

5. Quiz your players on alignment / assignment – oral & written -- see how good a teacher
you are!

6. Use a Coach as the Scout Team Quarterback – critical position on the staff!

7. Coach effort! Never accept anything less than great effort! Reward hustle / Punish
loafing!

8. Emphasize importance of individual roles within framework of defense

DO YOUR JOB AND GOOD THINGS WILL HAPPEN!
 2007 Adjustments
• Improve Cover 2 Pattern Read
• Add a Loose Man Coverage With Techniques I Like.
• Hash out a Good Cover 4 System
• Add Cover 42 (¼, ¼, ½)
• Work on Read Technique with DL two hands on O-Line two
eyes in Gap.
• Add Drill Segments for All Positions
• Add Celina Technique on Line (45 degree step out then play)
• Add Full Special Teams Section To Defensive Playbook.
Include Drills.
• Add Zone Blitz
• Expand 3-3, 3-4, 4-3 Sections of Playbook.
• Put All Blitzes in Playbook. Package Blitzes with Fronts and
Coverages.