Middle School Split 4-4

8/14/2019 Middle School Split 4-4

1/98

Split 4-4 Defense Manual

August 2007


2/98

Split 4-4 Defense

Coaching Philosophy .................................................................................................................................................................4

Why the Split 4-4? .....................................................................................................................................................................5

History of the Split 4-4 ...................................................................................................................................................... ....5

Defensive Philosophy ............................................................................................................................................................5

Learning Progression for All Defensive Positions .................................................................................................................5Defensive Team Goals ...........................................................................................................................................................6

Why the Split 4-4? .................................................................................................................................................................6 Numbering and Alignment Techniques ........................................................................................................................... ...... ....7

Defensive Gaps ......................................................................................................................................................................7

Numbering System .................................................................................................................................................................7

Defensive Calls ..........................................................................................................................................................................8

The Huddle ............................................................................................................................................................................8

When the Offense breaks the huddle .................................................................................................................................9

Pre-Snap Readiness Process ............................................................................................................................................. .....9

Split 4-4 Base Alignment Split 31 Cover 3 .......................................................................................................................10Defensive Keys ........................................................................................................................................................................12

Formation Adjustments ............................................................................................................................................................14

Strength Call ....................................................................................................................................................... ...... ...... .....14Personnel Identification .......................................................................................................................................................14

21 Personnel (2 Backs 1TE) ........................................................................................................................................... .....16

20 Personnel (2 Backs, 0 TE) ..............................................................................................................................................17

11 Personnel (1 Back, 1 TE) ................................................................................................................................................19

12 Personnel (1 Back, 2 TE) ................................................................................................................................................20

22 Personnel (2 Back, 2 TEs) ..............................................................................................................................................21

2 x 1 Formations ............................................................................................................................................................. .....242 x 2 Formations ............................................................................................................................................................. .....25

3 x 1 Formations ............................................................................................................................................................. .....26

Glossary ........................................................................................................................................................................ ...... .....27

Defensive Line Play .................................................................................................................................................................28

General Coaching Points ......................................................................................................................................................28

Principals of good defensive line play .................................................................................................................................28

Defensive Lineman Techniques ...........................................................................................................................................28

Defensive Tackle and Nose Play .............................................................................................................................. ...... .....30Strong Side Defensive End Play - HAMMER .....................................................................................................................36

Weak Side End Play - BUCK ..............................................................................................................................................41

Linebacker Play .......................................................................................................................................................................43

Basics ...................................................................................................................................................................................43

Linebacker Principles ...........................................................................................................................................................43

Shed Techniques ............................................................................................................................................................ ......43

Linebacker Running Back Keys ......................................................................................................................... ...... ...... .....44

Inside Linebacker Play .........................................................................................................................................................46SPUR Linebacker Play ........................................................................................................................................................49

BANDIT Linebacker Play ...................................................................................................................................................51Secondary Play .........................................................................................................................................................................53

Pass Coverage Cover 3 ........................................................................................................................................ ...... ...... .....57 Numbering Receivers ...........................................................................................................................................................57

Zones ....................................................................................................................................................................................57

Under Coverage for the Linebackers ..................................................................................................................................58

Receiver Routes ...................................................................................................................................................................59

Pattern Reads .......................................................................................................................................................................60

Cover 3 .................................................................................................................................................................................63Cover 1 .................................................................................................................................................................................65

Cover 0 .................................................................................................................................................................................67

Robber ..................................................................................................................................................................................69

Invert Cover 2 INVERT ................................................................................................................................................71

Pursuit Angles ..........................................................................................................................................................................74

Stunt Packages .................................................................................................................................................................... .....77


3/98

Split 4-4 Defense

Line stunts ............................................................................................................................................................................77

Dogs ........................................................................................................................................................................ .............79

Blitzes ........................................................................................................................................................... ...... ...... ...... .....84

Zone Blitzes .........................................................................................................................................................................88

65 Goal Line ....................................................................................................................................................................... .....92Tackling Method and Drills ................................................................................................................................................ .....93

Reasons for Method .............................................................................................................................................................93Form Tackling Technique .............................................................................................................................................. ......93

Tackling Drill Principles ......................................................................................................................................................93

Personnel ..................................................................................................................................................................................96

Resources ........................................................................................................................................................................... ......98


4/98

Split 4-4 Defense

Coaching Philosophy

1. Love your players

2. Lead them to become better people Titans built for others

3. Be organized and prepared

4. Be a steward and a student of the game

5. Be positive and enthusiastic

6. Emphasize attention to detail set a high expectations for your players7. Be a man of integrity

8. Focus on what you can control

9. Put the team and Blessed Trinity program first10. Enjoy the journey

be prepared in season and out of season: correct, rebuke, and encourage - with great

patience and careful instruction. II Timothy 4:2

They call it coaching but it is teaching. You do not just tell them...you show them the

reasons." Vince Lombardi

you have no bad habits to break, other than what we allow to exist We either coach

it or are allowing it to happen. Marvin Lewis

If you are prepared, you will be confident, and will do the job. Tom Landry

The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital. Joe Paterno

One of life's most painful moments comes when we must admit that we didn't do our

homework, that we are not prepared. Merlin Olsen

Today's preparation determines tomorrow's achievement. Unknown


5/98


6/98

Split 4-4 Defense

4. You tackle well.

5. You create turnovers...

Defensive Team Goals

1. Win2. Play with enthusiasm and intensity out hustle the offense

3. Hold opponents to 3.0 yards per carry

4. Hold offense to 8 points or less

5. Hold offense to under 25 offensive plays (punts not included).6. Do not allow a rushing touchdown from within our 10 yard line.

7. Score or give our offense field position twice (50 yard line plus)

8. Get three takeaways

9. Intercept 1 out of every 8 passes

10. No big plays - Run > 15 yards, Pass > 20 yards, TDs > 15 yards

11. Win 70% of third down plays and 100% of 4th down conversion attempts

12. Three and out 50% of all drives

13. No TDs in sudden change situations (e.g., turnover, blocked punt, kick return, etc.)

14. Eight minus yardage plays15. Zero mental mistakes, penalties, and critical errors: drive continuing penalties, misalignments, missedtackles

Why the Split 4-4?1. It is strong against the run and contains the pass

2. Provides excellent alignments and angles for stunting and overloading blocking schemes

3. The unusual spacing and alignment creates blocking confusion its not a defense a team sees every

week or on television contrarian

4. Adjusts and adapts easily to counter most problems created by an offense without significant changes indefensive techniques or additional instructional time.

5. Alignments are simple and easy to teach, but difficult to block

6. Especially effective at the lower levels where offenses are 90% run oriented

7. Attacking techniques will force offensive play creating big plays for the defense8. Forces offenses to block against stunting defenses, work under long yardage situations, and throw under

pressure.

9. Stresses quickness, speed, and strength rather than size. Youth and middle school players can adapt and

be very effective in the system.


7/98

Split 4-4 Defense

Numbering and Alignment Techniques

Defensive Gaps

Defensive gaps are designated with letters:

1. A Gap: Center Guard gap

2. B Gap: Guard Tackle gap

3. C Gap: Tackle End gap

4. D Gap: Outside the TE

Numbering System

The following numbering system is used to designate the alignment positions for defensive lineman:

Alignment Technique:

0 Head up center (can shade either side if called) 4i Inside shoulder tackle

S Shade strong or weak side 5 Outside shoulder of tackle

1 Inside shoulder guard 6 Head up end

2 Head up guard 7 Inside shoulder of end

3 Outside shoulder guard 8 Outside end4 Head up tackle 9 Outside shoulder end

Linebackers alignment will use the same number times 10 (e.g., a 40 alignment is three to three to five yards off the ball

head up the Tackle).

T

E

R

T

R

GC

T

E

L

T

L

G

0246 2 4 6

79 5 4i 3 1 1 3 4i 5 7 98 8S S

T

E

R

T

R

GC

T

E

L

TL

G

A A B CBCD D


8/98

Split 4-4 Defense

Defensive Calls

Various defensive calls are used to present the offense with either a split 4-4, 4-2-5 (stack), wide tackle 6, or a 46(Bear) front while keeping the defensive gap control responsibilities simple. The multiple fronts try to create confusion

for the offensive blocking schemes. The defense play call sequence is: Front alignment, Stunt, Direction (i.e., strong orweak), and Coverage. For example: 31 Split Strong Slant MoWer

The front alignment tells the strong side and weak side tackle the alignment technique.

If a stunt is called, it is called after the alignment. If no stunt is called, play your base assignment. Stunts can be

called to the strong or weak side. If a stunt is called without a strong or weak direction, it is run on both sides.

The coverage tells the defensive backs and linebackers coverage responsibilities on pass plays. We have five

types of coverage: base (cover 3 three deep), inverted cover 2, robber, dog (cover 1 man under with a freesafety), and blitz (cover 0 man to man with no free safety)

In the above example, the strong defensive tackle aligns in a 3 technique, the weak defensive tackle is aligned in a

1 technique, the tackles are slanting to the strong side (declared by the SPUR linebacker), the inside linebackers

are blitzing (Mike and Will), and the secondary is in man to man blitz coverage.

The Huddle

Procedure

1. The SPUR calls the huddle by raising his hands and the defense aligns on him. He sets the huddle two yards off

the line of scrimmage.

2. While MIKE gets the defensive call from the bench, WILL declares down and distance followed by the Free

Safety declaring field position (i.e., middle or hash)

3. MIKE makes the defensive call one time4. MIKE will give a Ready call, everyone responds Hit, claps and hustles into position.

a. Tackles/Nose go to a knee on their side of the ball

b. The secondary will go to their normal area of the field.

c. Everyone should be looking at the offensive huddle

d. When the tight end and the other receivers break from the huddle SPUR and MIKE give the strength call.

e. Everyone sprints to their alignment

Remember.1. Stand with feet shoulder width apart, relaxed, and looking at the signal callers

2. Nobody talks in the huddle except MIKE, WILL, and Free Safety,

3. Hustle in and out of the huddle. It is important to get the defensive call quickly so that additional adjustments andcalls can be made when the offense breaks their huddle

4. If you do not hear the call, call check, and the call will be repeated.

M

W

NTH B

F BC C

S


9/98

Split 4-4 Defense

When the Offense breaks the huddle

Tackle and Nose go to one knee on their side of ball

SPUR moves between the Tackle and Nose

Secondary goes to their area of the field

All eyes are on the offensive huddle

Position Procedure

1

.

SPUR Declares strong side with a right or left call: SPUR Right or SPUR Left. The

strong side is the Tight End side. Formation strength progression:1. Tight End

2. One receiver side (no TE)

3. Quarterbacks throwing hand (double tight ends)

2.

MIKE Repeats right or left call (e.g., Right-Right!) to set the Tackle and Nose on theoffensive guards. MIKE aligns to strong side call.

3.

WILL Aligns away from MIKE

4.

FRED Makes any formation and coverage call

5.

BANDIT andBUCK (weak end)

Aligns to weak side away from SPUR

6

.

Tackle/Nose Align on offense guards based on the strength call and front call.

7

.

HAMMER (strong

end)

Aligns to strong side call

Pre-Snap Readiness Process

1. Know down and distance.2. Get the call in the huddle.

3. Recognize the offensive formation.

4. Take the correct alignment.

5. Take a great stance. Be ready.

6. Read and know your keys.

M W

NTE E

F

C C

S

R


10/98


11/98

Split 4-4 Defense

Position Stance/Alignment Technique Key/Progression vs Run vs Pass

MIKE 2 pt gap foot slightly staggered10 tech (outside foot splits thecrotch of the guard 4 yards offthe ball).

Read step towards gapresponsibility

Near back through G andCenter

Flow to fill A/B gapFlow away cross key far back fortrap and counter. Scrape downhilltowards weak side A/B gap filling

cutback lanesFlow outside scrape downhilltowards C/D gap. Fight through Tdown blockOption 1st threat

Hook/curl

WILL 2 pt gap foot slightlystaggered30 tech (inside foot splits thecrotch of the guard ) 4yards ofthe ballRead step towards gapresponsibility

Near back through G andCenter

Flow to fill A/B gapFlow away cross key far back fortrap and counter. Secure strongside A gap. Scrape downhilltowards weak side A/B gap fillingcutback lanesFlow outside scrape downhilltowards C/D gapOption 1st threat

Hook/curl

BANDIT 2 pt inside foot upWalk alignment - 4x4 of endman line of scrimmage -split

distance between Tackle and X

Near back through T Flow to force D Gap, maintainoutside leverageFlow away cross key far back,

check for bootleg, counter, forreverse. Pursuit down LOS lookingfor cutbackFlow outside force D gapOption pitch

Checkslantpattern;

drop toFlats

Corner 2 pt inside foot back.Align 5 yards off and 1 yardoutside #1 receiver to open side; take an inside shade to aclosed side; align 5 yards offand 2 yards outside the TE if heis the widest receiverBack pedal until run or pass isread

Nearest uncovered linemanBackfield flowBall levelQB#1 receiver

Flow to close play outside inFlow away take pursuit angle tocut of play in case in it breaks.Option - pitch

Deepoutside

Fred (Free

Safety)

2pt. - foot to wide side is back

Split difference between outsidereceivers 8 yds off the line ofscrimmageNever align outside the guardtowards a two or three receiverside

Key ball to the receiver

who poses immediatethreat to the middle

Secondary Force alley support

Option quarterback to pitch

Deep

middle


12/98

Split 4-4 Defense

Defensive Keys

We are able to accomplish quick recognition of offensive plays by using a series of keys. On most offensive plays we willonly need one or two keys to know what the play is We use five different keys to determine where the ball is going before

and during the play:

Formation & Alignment

Pre-Snap Key

Backfield Action

Blocking Schemes

Level Of The Ball

FORMATION & ALIGNMENT

Offenses can be very predictable with their formation and alignment. We will form a game plan around these offensive

tendencies. An example of a team's tendencies would be; only passing out of split backs or running ball out of the "I". Theindividual positions in an offensive formation can tip a play. A split receiver taking a wider split than normal when he is

going to run the "post" pattern. An offensive lineman sitting flat in his stance when he is going to pass block or pull. A

running back aligned deeper when he is getting the ball.

PRE-SNAP KEYS

Each position is given one of three pre-snap key - foot of the "near back", the helmet of the player you're aligned on and an

uncovered lineman. We will key the ball for movement. At the snap of the ball this key will get us moving in the right

direction to make the play or defeat any immediate block.

BACKFIELD ACTION

We will read this key while we are on the move to the ball. Backfield action will determine the direction, type of play and

give us a RUN/PASS read. All positions must know what their responsibility is for flow to, flow away, and flow outside.

BLOCKING SCHEME

Run or pass, there are only a few different ways the offense can block a play. So blocking schemes can be a good key in

determining the offensive play. There will be times when you will able to determine the play before you pick up thebackfield action just by whom and how you are being blocked. We must learn and understand the offensive blocking

schemes, if not, a player is going to have a hard time playing our defense. (Backfield action and blocking scheme will be

picked up by the defender in no set order the player may see blocking scheme first then backfield action or backfield action

then blocking scheme.)


13/98

Split 4-4 Defense

BALL LEVEL

The depth of the ball during the play will indicate what type of play the offense is running.

The keys should be used to find ball and get you moving to it. Think of the keys being in two groups: FORMATION &

ALIGNMENT and PRE-SNAP, these will give you a good idea where the play is going and get you moving in the right

direction. BACKFIELD ACTION, BLOCKING SCHEMES and BALL LEVEL will take you to the ball. We cannot stand

around looking for the ball, we must read on the run!

1 to 2 yards deep = OPTION2 to 3 yards deep = RUN

4 to 7 yards deep = PASS


14/98

Split 4-4 Defense

Formation Adjustments

Number one priority is not to get beat by a formation. Responsibilities and alignments may be adjusted further based on

game plan and scouting reports

Strength CallSPUR declares strong side with a SPUR Right or SPUR Left call. The strong side is the declared to the Tight End

side. Formation strength progression:

1. Tight End

2. One receiver side (if the offense has no TE)

3. Short side (if two TEs),4. QB throwing hand (if two TEs)

Personnel IdentificationPersonnel groupings are identified by a two digit number where the first number represents the number of backs in the

backfield and the second number is the number of TEs

1) 10 PERSONNEL (1 BACK, 0 TES)

a) 4 wide receiver set use to spread the defense, creates open areas and cutback lanes for ball carrier

b) Pass emphasis, offense will read the box

c) Protection problems for the offensed) We can outnumber the protection, they cannot block everyone

e) We will pressure the passer

f) Expect hot routes, 3 step routes (fade/slant/out), screens

g) Running game is zone, trap, counter, option

2) 11 PERSONNEL (1 BACK, 1 TE)

a) 3 wide receiver set used to spread the defense

b) Because of TE, offense can still run the ballc) Better pass protection than 10 personnel

d) We will outnumber the protection, offense can protect with a maximum of 7 people

e) The QB should not be able to hold the ball or throw it down field

f) Expect boot, 3 step routes (fade/slant/out), screens

g) Running game is zone, trap, counter, option


a) Two TE/Two wide receiver set used to balance-up the defenseb) With two TEs, think more run than pass

c) Offense can max protect with 8 people

d) Difficult, but not impossible to outnumber the protection

e) Expect boot, 3-step routes (fade/slant/out), deep passes to wide receivers

f) Running game is stretch, trap, counter, option


a) Three wide receivers, no TE

b) Used by teams to get defense out of 5 man fronts

c) Offense trades TE blocking strength for an additional receiving threatd) Spread the defense

e) Remove a run defender from the box

f) Pass protection can be outnumbered

g) Expect play action, sprint out, 3 step routes (fade/slant/out)

h) Offense has 2 backs in the backfield and therefore can run all I/Power plays


15/98

Split 4-4 Defense

5) 21 PERSONNEL (2 BACKS, 1TE)

a) Pro personnelb) Base personnel

c) Run or Passd) Tough to out number protection, offense can protect with 8

e) Expect play action, boot, 3 step routes (fade/slant/out/hitch/smash), deep throws with max protection


a) Run emphasis, power game

b) Only one wide receiver

c) Passing game is based off play action, fullback or TE out weak, throw to the post/post corner with max protection

d) We will not outnumber their pass protection, offense can protect with 9 if they choosee) Offense has 2 backs in the backfield and therefore will run all I/Power plays

7) 32 PERSONNEL (3 BACK, 2 TE)a) Run emphasis, Power game

b) Passing game is based off play action to fullback or TE

c) We will not outnumber their pass protection

d) Expect all power running plays


16/98


17/98

Split 4-4 Defense

20 Personnel (2 Backs, 0 TE)

WIDE

CC

F

YX

QQ

F

H

Z

E N T E

S M W R

Coaching

Points

SPUR declares strength to 1 receiver side


18/98

Split 4-4 Defense

10 Personnel (1 Back, 0 TE)

CoachingPoints

SPUR declares strength toBoundary

QB throwing hand

YX

QQ

F

H Z

E N T E

R W M SC C

FACE -SPREAD

YX

QQ

F

H Z

E N T E

R W M S

CC

F

ACE -

LOOSE

YX

QQ

F

H Z

C

F

E N T E

R W M S

C

ACE -

QUADS

YX

QQ

F

H Z

E N T E S

R W M

CC

F

ACE -

FLEX

QQ

WAVE

YX

F

HZ

E N T E

R W M S

CC

F

YX

QQ

F

H Z

C

F

E N T E R

S M W

C

JACK BUNCH

YX

QQ

F

H Z

E N T E

S M W R

CC

F


19/98

Split 4-4 Defense


Coaching

Points

YX

QQF

H

Z

E N T S E

W MR

CC

FACE

E N T S E

DUEC

E

YX

QQ

F

H Z

C

C

F

W MR

E N T S E

DOUBLE

WING

YX

QQ

F

H Z

C

C

F

R W M

YX

QQ

F

H Z

E N T E

R W M S

CC

FTREY TRIPS

KING

C

C

F

YX

QQ

F

H Z

E N T S E

R W M

QUEEN

YX

QQ

F

H Z

C

F

E N T S E

W M

C

R

E N T S E

C

F C

YX

QQ

F

Z H

R W M

(Flats) (Hook/Curl) (Middle) (Flats)


20/98

Split 4-4 Defense


Coaching

Points

YX

QQF

H

Z

E R N T S E

W M

CC

FACE

ACE -

Twins

E R N T S E

DOUBLE

WING

YX

QQ

F

H Z

CC

F

W M

KING

C

C

F

YX

QQ

F

H Z

E R N T S E

W M

QUEEN

YX

QQ

F

H Z

C

F

E R N T S E

W M

C

YX

QQ

F

H Z

E R N T S E

M WC

C

F


21/98

Split 4-4 Defense

22 Personnel (2 Back, 2 TEs)

YX

QQ

F

H

Z

E R N T S E

W M

C

C

F

PRO Tight(Check to

60)

YX

QQ

F

H

Z

E R N T S E

W M

C

C

F

WING Tight(Check to

60)

YX

QQ

F

H

Z

E R N T E S

W M

C C

F

SPOT /NASTY(Check to60)

ZX

QQ

F

H

Y

E R N T E S

W M

C

C

F

YO (Check to60)


22/98

Split 4-4 Defense

32 Personnel (3 Backs, 2 TEs)

YX

QQ

F

H

E R N T S E

W M

CC

F

POWER I(Check to60)

YX

QQ

F

H Z

E R N T S E

W M

CC

F

WISHBONE / T(Check to60)

F


23/98

Split 4-4 Defense

Gun Formations

YX

QQ

H

H

Z

E N T S E

W MR

C

CF

Gun Twins

YX

QQ

F

H Z

E N T E

R W M S

C C

FGunSPREAD

E N T S E

Gun Trips

YX

QQ

F

H Z

C

CF

R W M

YX

QQ

F

H Z

E N T E

R W M S

C

C

FGun TripsOpen

Gun

SplitCF

Y

QQ

FH

Z

E N T E

R W M S

C

R

YX

QQ

F H Z

E N T S E

M W

C

C

F

Gun

Empty

X


24/98

Split 4-4 Defense

2 x 1 Formations

YX

QQ

F

H

Z

E N T S E

W MR

C

C

FPRO

YX

QQ

F

H

Z

E N T S E

W MR

C

C

FWING

WIDE

CC

F

YX

QQ

F

H

Z

E N T E

M W

RS

YX

QQ

F

H

Z

E N T E S

W MR

C C

FSPOT /

NASTY

SLOTC F

YX

QQ

F

H

Z

E N T S E

W MR

C

YX

QQ

F

H

Z

CF

E N T S E

W M

RC

TWINS

ZX

QQ

F

H

Y

E N T E S

W MR

C

C

FYO


25/98

Split 4-4 Defense

2 x 2 Formations

YX

QQF

H

Z

E N T S E

W MR

C

C

FACE

YX

QQ

F

H Z

E N T E

R W M S

C C

FSPREAD

E N T S E

DUECE

YX

QQ

F

H Z

CC

F

W M

R

YX

QQ

F

H Z

E N T E S

R W M

C C

FFLEX

SING

LEC F

YX

QQ

F

H Z

E R N T S E

W M

C

YX

QQ

F

H Z

C F

E R N T S E

W M

C

DOUBLE

R

YX

QQ

F

H Z

E N T E

W M

C

C

FFLOP

S

YX

QQ

F

H Z

CF

E N T E

R W M S

CQUADS


26/98

Split 4-4 Defense

3 x 1 Formations

TREY

KING

C

C

F

YX

QQ

F

H Z

E N T S E

W MR

YX

QQ

F

H Z

C

F

E N T E R

S M W

CJACK F

Y X

QQ

F

H Z

C

E S N T E

M W R

CLOAD

BUNCH

YX

QQ

F

H Z

E N T E

S M W R

C

C

F

QUEE

N

YX

QQ

F

H Z

CF

E N T S E

W M

C

R

QQ

WAVE

YX

F

HZ

W E N T E

M S

C

C

F

R

TRIPS

YX

QQ

F

Z H

R W M

E N T S E

C

FC

YX

QQ

F

H Z

E N T E

R W M S

CC

F


27/98

Split 4-4 Defense

Glossary

Closed formation The widest receiver is a tight end

Backside The side of the offensive formation away from you

Bend Redirect your body to the point of attack

Flow The second linebacker to the point of attack. Takes a slightly deeper route to avoid any wash of players. Do not

over run the play.

Force The fist linebacker to the point of attack. Take on any lead blocker on the blockers outside hip and force the

running back to the inside or force him to bounce to the outside. If no lead blocker, tackle therunning back with head across the man, driving for his outside hip.

Front side The side of the offensive formation you are aligned

Gap The area between two offensive lineman measured from the nose of one lineman to the nose of the next lineman

Outside Leverage Keep outside arm, leg, and hip free. Keep ball on inside shoulder.

Strong side Side of the strength of the offensive formation. Strength is determined by which side the Tight End

aligns.

Stunt A defensive call where a player executes something other than his responsibility in the base defense (e.g.,

linebacker blitzes, defensive ends crash or pinch, etc.)

Weak side Side away from the strength of the offensive strength


28/98

Split 4-4 Defense

Defensive Line Play

General Coaching Points

1. Always know your technique, your key, and your responsibility. If you dont know ASK! There is no excuse fornot knowing. If a coach says something you do not understand, ASK!

2. Take the proper stance: knees bent, back flat, foot up to gap responsibility with approximate heel-toe relationship,

toes pointed straight ahead, opposite hand down three inches in front of face mask on the line of scrimmage, eyes

focused on your key. Keep ball in your peripheral vision as the ball is the primary movement key.

3. Be precise in your alignment to insure success

4. Be DISCIPLINED! Play your gap responsibility and believe in your teammate that he will play his.

5. Be enthusiastic! Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. Encourage your teammates.

6. You will play like you practice. Everything you do in practice must be done to the best of your ability. Careabout what you are doing, and come to practice to work and get better. Develop good habits.

7. Never use your head as a primary contact object. This includes spearing and butt-tackling or nay action that will

bring contact with the top of your head8. Always keep your shoulders parallel to the line of scrimmage. Keep shoulder pad level low for maximum control

and leverage.

9. Fight to stay on your feet to get to the ball. Great players remain on their feet and make plays.

10. Take pre-snap read of offensive lineman stances and splits to indicate possible blocking schemes and run/pass

tendencies. Communicate to teammates:

a. Offensive lineman setting up high in stance with very little weight on down hand, with eyes zeroed in on

you, or leaning back on heels indicates pass blockb. Offensive lineman setting down low in stance with a lot of weight on down hand, and leaning forward on

toes indicates a run block

c. Offensive lineman leaning left or right with little weight on hand and back on heels indicates pulling

d. If the center has the nose of the ball pointed up indicates pass. If the center has the nose of the ball flat or

down indicates run.

e. Offensive lineman has a narrow split to close you down indicates a running play to the outside, possibly adouble team or scoop blocking scheme.

f. Offensive lineman has a wider than normal split to widen you out indicates run inside or away.

Principals of good defensive line play

1. Know your assignment

2. Know your alignment

3. Take the proper stance

4. Attack the line of scrimmage (do not catch blocks)

5. Play the proper technique

6. Do not allow your self to be blocked escape, pursuit, and tackle

EFFORT + DESIRE = SUCCESS

Defensive Lineman Techniques

There are several techniques that can be used to get to and control a gap. We will use an attack technique as our base

technique. The attack technique aggressively attacks the blocker. The focal point of the charge is the V of the neck of the

offensive lineman. In the attack technique, the first step is to the near shoulder of the blocker through V of the neck. Thehit focus of the hands is directed towards the edge of numbers. Knock the offensive lineman backwards and establish new

line of scrimmage with your feet in the neutral zone. The gap side arm, leg, and hip must be kept free, and the shoulders

are kept square to the line of scrimmage. The defensive lineman works to lock out elbows and separate from the blocker so

he can escape, pursuit, and make the tackle. Never attack past the offensive linemans heels until you see the football.


29/98

Split 4-4 Defense

We will use a rip technique in addition to an attack technique based on specific calls or coaching adjustment. The rip

technique is an aggressive penetrating charge into the gap. In a rip technique, the first step is always a 45 step to the hipof the next offensive lineman towards the gap. The gap side arm, leg, and hip must be kept free. Rip the forearm away

from the gap through the outside edge of the chest plate to under the armpit of the offensive lineman. Always stay squareto the line of scrimmage.

The third technique is the pinch technique. The technique is used as an adjustment to the trap and inside lead play. The

tackle aligns at a 45 angle to the inside (tail out and head in). On ball movement, drive through the near neck of theguard, caving him into the "A" gap while occupying the "B" gap with their body. They must shut down the inside trap and

keep the guard off our inside linebackers, chasing him if he pulls. The cardinal sins in this technique are (1) don't let the

guard off easy; (2) don't get trapped; (3) don't get hooked by the guard; (4) don't get cut off by the tackle on plays away; (5)

don't get driven back by a double-team ("grab grass").


30/98

Split 4-4 Defense

Defensive Tackle and Nose Play

Defensive Tackle and NoseAlignment 1 technique inside shoulder of Guard. Align with outside knee on the inside number of the Guard.

2 technique head up Guard (STACK alignment)

3 technique - outside shoulder of a Guard. Align with inside knee on the outside number of the Guard.

Keys Near back through guard

Stance Knees bent, hips slightly higher than the shoulder, shade hand down 3 inches in front of face mask, toes pointed

straight ahead, gap foot up with approximate heel-toe stagger. Keep gap arm, leg and hip free (inside hand

down, outside foot up). The eyes should focus on the V of the guards neck. Keep ball peripheral vision as the

ball is the primary movement key.

Pressure on fingertips (they should change color)

Should be able to fit egg in the palm of down hand (dont break it)

Raise butt slightly above head (roll ball down the back)

Bull neck; look through eyebrows

Opposite hand should be two inches off ground to square shoulders

Technique The first step is with the near foot to the near shoulder of blocker through V of the neck. The hit focus of hands

directed towards the edge of numbers and the V of the neck. Knock the offensive lineman backwards andestablish new line of scrimmage with your feet in the neutral zone. The gap side arm, leg, and hip must be kept

free, and the shoulders are kept square to the line of scrimmage. Keep pad level below Guards. The

defensive lineman works to lock out elbows and separate from the blocker so he can escape, pursuit, and make

the tackle. Cardinal sins for a defensive tackle

Get turned out by the guard

Get base blocked 1 on 1 (must create double teams)

Get reached, hooked , or scooped

Coaching points:

Attack - get off on ball movement

Power step with near foot, snap hands from the ground to the target , and explode hips

Knock the blocker back create a new line of scrimmage with your feet in the neutral zone keep

your feet buzzing and the shoulders square

Squeeze and separate grab cloth and lock out. Get separation by locking out the elbows.

Keep pressure on offensive blocker until you locate the ball carrier.

Escape Getting off block to make play

3 point fit near hand on the V of the neck, gap side hand is on tricep, and face is on top of theshoulder pad (ear hole to ear hole)

Must squeeze trap and wrong arm trapper

Responsibilities Read progression is near back through the guard and tackle

Run at you

1. 3 tech - secure B gap

2. 1 tech secure A gap

Run away pursuit down the line of scrimmage looking for cutback

Run outside bend towards C Gap look for cutback

Pass rush gap to QB. Landmark is QBs near number

Make them double team you with the tackle


31/98

Split 4-4 Defense

Defensive Tackle and Nose

Blocking

Schemes Vs

The 3Technique

DRIVE BLOCK

Guard drive blocks Near back at you1. Attack through the V of guards neck and secure B Gap

2. Fight pressure with pressure

3. Squeeze and separate grab cloth and lock out. Get

separation by locking out the elbows.

4. Escape and bend to football

5. You cannot be based blocked 1 on 1.

TURN OUT

Guard drive blocks Near back inside or away1. Attack through the V of guards neck and secure B Gap

2. Control the guard and squeeze the A gap with the blockers

body.

3. Keep shoulders square and work to cross the face of the

blocker do not run around the block

4. Take a flat angle of pursuit down the line of scrimmage and

watch for cutback

REACH BLOCK

Guard reaches and near back outside

1. Attack through the V of guards neck and secure B gap

2. You can not get reached. Make every tackle to the outside until they

double team you. Your main job is to draw a double team and keepoffensive linemen off of the MIKE and WILL linebackers.

3. Make good contact with hands and extend outside arm as you move up

field and lateral with the blocker

4. Keep pressure on until you are ready to shed and make a play

5. If you are getting reached, you are not getting a good take off6. Defeating the reach block:

a. With gap side hand (long arm) we lock it out.

b. With shade hand (short arm) we pull it towards us open the gate.

c. Our head stays underneath the armpit of the OL.

d. Our near foot must work up field.

e. We escape with a rip move

G SCHEME

Guard pulls outside and Tackle blocks down on your hip (G scheme)

1. Attack through the V of guards neck and secure B Gap

2. Get penetration and get behind Tackles hip

3. Chase guard to ball

4. If tackle blocks flat (his face in the hole), cross his face and bend to the

football

T

T

T

T


32/98

Split 4-4 Defense

Defensive Tackle and NoseBlocking

Schemes Vs

The 3

Technique(continued)

DOUBLE TEAM

Guard drive blocks and Tackle blocks down (double team) near back

outside1. Start with same technique as drive block - attack through the V of

guards neck and secure B Gap. Grab cloth of the drive back

2. Once you feel pressure from tackle get penetration by sinking hips as low

as possible back should be turned to the block of the down lineman.

3. Continue to grab cloth of drive block and work body through the gap4. If you start to give ground, grab jersey, sit down, and make pile, or

5. Spin out in the direction of the down block from the Tackle, but you cannot give up ground!

COMBO (KISS)

Guard drive blocks and Tackle blocks down through the gap and onto the

front side linebacker near back outside1. Attack through the V of guards neck and secure B Gap

2. Once you feel pressure from tackle get penetration

3. Defeat the reach block of the guard

4. Do not get knocked backwards, must hold ground and create true double

team.

5. Do not let the guard work his hips in front of you

6. When tackle weaves to go up on the LB, shed and make play

7. If they can not reach you, the guard may try to wash/run you to thesideline. Once you feel this, sit and work back across his face.

FOLD BLOCK

Guard pulls or folds around down block of tackle near back outside

1. Attack through the V of guards neck and secure B Gap (stab hands and

explode hips)

2. Get penetration if he has beaten the tackles head across the line of

scrimmage and pursuit

3. If tackle blocks flat (his face in the hole), cross his face and bend to the

football

INFLUENCE TRAP

Guard sets in pass block or pulls to the outside, center blocks away and near

back goes vertical (influence trap).1. Attack through the V of guards neck and secure B Gap

2. Once you feel the trap, bend to the trapping area. Key to reading trap is

the absence of pressure from the Tackle.

3. Squeeze the trapper back into the hole

T

T

M

T

M

T


33/98

Split 4-4 Defense


Schemes Vs

The 3


VEER TRAP

Guard blocks down, center blocks away and back goes vertical (veer trap).

1. Attack through the V of guards neck and secure B Gap2. If guard releases to the inside, bend to near back squeezing A gap, and

anticipate trap. Do not allow the guard up to the next level.

3. Take on trapper with near shoulder. Stay low, keep shoulders square

facing up field, and squeeze the trapper back into the hole.

4. Some game plans will call for the tackles to trap the trapper:a. You must meet him as far back inside as possible and stuff him

into the hole.b. Attack trappers inside shoulder with your outside shoulder (rip)

and work up field

c. Bounce the ball carrier outside

SCOOP

Guard releases inside to linebacker and tackle steps flat into B Gap (scoop):1. Attack through the V of guards neck and secure B Gap

2. Step inside with guard and squeeze A Gap.

3. Jam the guard and do not let the guard release to the second level

(linebacker)

4. Rip the outside arm through the tackles head, pursuit flat down the line of

scrimmage away from the tackle and play cutback.

5. DO NOT GET SCOOPED

TRAP

Guard pulls across center and center blocks back trap1. Attack through the V of guards neck and secure B Gap

2. Get in the hip pocket of the pulling guard and react to the centers block

3. If the center blocks your hip, get behind his hip and chase the guard to

the ball.

4. If the center puts his face in the hole, cross his face and work down theline of scrimmage in the direction of the guard

Blocking

Schemes Vs

The 1

Technique

DRIVE

1. Attack on snap. Stab hands and extend hips

2. Push/pull, rip A gap secure A gap

3. Keep gap arm and leg free.4. Locate ball, escape, run to football

T

T

T

N


34/98

Split 4-4 Defense


Schemes Vs

The 1


REACH

1. Attack blocker and step in direction on the block

2. Make good contact with hands and extend outside arm as you move upfield and lateral with the blocker

3. Keep pressure on until you are ready to shed and make a play

4. Defeating the reach block:

a. With gap side hand (long arm) we lock it out.

b. With shade hand (short arm) we pull it towards us open thegate.

c. Our head stays underneath the armpit of the OL.d. Our near foot must work up field.

e. We escape with a rip move

5. If you are getting reached, you are not getting a good take off

COMBO

1. Attack on snap. Stab hands and extend hips

2. Rip A gap and work to turn your back in the direction of the block.3. Use other hand to punch center tie up center and make them double

team you

4. Do not let the guard work his hips in front of you

5. When center weaves to go up on the LB, shed and make play

6. If they can not reach you, the guard may try to wash/run you to the

sideline. Once you feel this, sit and work back across his face.

DOUBLE TEAM

Guard drive blocks and Center blocks back (double team)1. Start with the exact same technique as defeating the drive block - attack

through the V of guards neck and secure A gap. Grab the cloth of the

drive block.

2. Make sure you put the second foot on the ground.

3. Once you feel pressure from center turn hips and sink them as low aspossible - back must be turned to the second lineman

4. Continues to grab cloth of the original drive block and work body in thegap.

5. If you start to give ground, grab jersey, sit down, and make pile

FOLD BLOCK

Guard pulls or folds around back block of center near back away

1. Attack through the V of guards neck and secure A Gap2. Get in the hip pocket of the pulling guard and react to the centers block

3. If the center blocks your hip, get behind his hip and chase the guard to

the ball.

4. If the center puts his face in the hole, cross his face and work down theline of scrimmage in the direction of the guard

N

N

N

N


35/98

Split 4-4 Defense

Defensive Tackle and NoseAlignment /

Technique

Adjustments

PINCH/TRAP

Adjustment made to help against traps and powers up the middle

1. Take normal 3 technique stance and alignment except align hips outsideso that you are at a 45 angle to the guard (tail out and head in). Down

hand on outside foot of guard and feet outside hand. Crowd the ball.

2. Drive through the near neck area of the guard.

3. Use the guards body to squeeze A gap and your body to control B gap.

4. Look for trapper and squeeze the trap.

TILTED NOSE (30 Shade)

1. Alignment align tilted at 45 on the center. Ear to ear relationship on

the center. Crowd the ball.

2. Stance three point stance. Inside foot is back and your inside hand isdown. The inside hand should be on the centers near foot.

3. Technique step with the inside foot on movement. Play through the ear

hole of the center

4. Responsibility run to you: A gap on your side. Run away: squeeze

center to the far A gap and keep him off the linebackers.

Base block get off, step with inside foot, extend hips; control A gap

Reach block get off, step with inside foot. As the centers head widens to

reach you, widen and press up field. Push, pull, and rip A gap.

Scoop block get off, step with up field foot. As you read the center trying

to scoop and work to the next level, squeeze him into the opposite A gap fortwo steps keeping him off the linebacker. Make sure the backside guard does

not scoop you. Stay on the backside of the center playing cut back. If thescoop block is too wide, go underneath the block

Double team get off, step with up field foot. Defeat the block of the center

first. As you feel the down block of the guard, fight hard to keep your head in

the crack and get up field. If you start to give up ground grab cloth and sitdown.

Down block get off, step with up field foot and squeeze the center. As youfeel the guard begin to seal you inside, rip your arm thru the guards face

penetrate and flatten down the line of scrimmage.

T

M W(20) (30)


36/98

Split 4-4 Defense

Strong Side Defensive End Play - HAMMER

Strong Side Defensive EndAlignment Wide 9 technique one yard outside shoulder of a strong side TE.

Keys Outside foot of the near back through the Tight End

Stance Two-point stance with the inside foot slightly up and feet shoulder width apart.

Technique Take two read steps across the line of scrimmage and squeeze down inside. The read steps should

be on a line that is at a 45 angle to the line of scrimmage through the stance of the near back (nohalfback key fullback). Do not attack beyond the heels of the TE. On his second step, he should

have his outside leg and arm free and his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage.

Responsibilities The primary responsibility of the strong side end is contain. He has responsibility for the D Gapand must squeeze everything down from the outside in. If flow is to him, the end attacks the kick

out block with his inside shoulder through the outside shoulder of the blocker keeping outside leg

and arm free. If flow is outside, fight to keep outside leverage and keep contain. DO NOT SPILL

SWEEPS. If the play is option (QB shows his numbers to you), immediately attack the QB to

force the pitch.

By attacking the lead blocker on the sweep and off-tackle plays and attacking the QB on the

option, we are forcing these plays inside and before they have a chance to develop.

If the play is to the opposite side, trail as the deepest back looking for bootleg, reverse, or a broken

play.

On pass, rush the QB outside in targeting QBs near number/shoulder

E SE S


37/98

Split 4-4 Defense

Strong Side Defensive EndBlocking

schemes

1. Take read steps keying near back through TE

2. If the TE kicks out, take on block

with near shoulder while keeping shoulderssquare and squeeze the line of scrimmage

3. Keep outside leverage (outside leg

and arm free) and look for the play to bounce

outside.

4. If the play bounces outside, keeprunner on inside shoulder, work outside, and

force back inside

POWER/SPRINT DRAW (C GAP)

1. Take read steps keying near back

through TE

2. If the TE blocks SPUR, attack block

of fullback or near back with near shoulder whilekeeping shoulders square and squeeze the line of

scrimmage

3. Must drive runner back into the

hole.

4. If the play bounces outside, keep

runner on inside shoulder, work outside, and

force back inside

POWER/SPRINT DRAW (D GAP)

1. Must maintain contain by fighting

outside2. Keep ball carrier on inside shoulder,

while keeping shoulders square (numbers should

be pointing up field)

3. Get up field quickly to avoid being

cracked

SWEEP/CRACK SWEEP (D GAP)

E S

E S

E S

E S

E S


38/98

Split 4-4 Defense

Strong Side Defensive EndReading Near

Back

As HAMMER takes his read steps, he is looking at the flow of the near back. In split backs this is the

halfback. Versus the I formation, he keys the first back that comes his direction. If both backs come hisdirection, he keys the fullback (lead back). There are 5 primary moves the near back can make:

#1 Near back goes away

Immediately think in order: inside counter, bootleg, and reverse. HAMMER should think systematically: (1)

squeeze the counter inside by adjusting charge angle down the line of scrimmage look for pulling linemanand squeeze the kick out block keeping outside arm and leg free do not spill the trap; (2) attack the

quarterback bootleg path if he has the ball; (3) trail the play going away as deep as the deepest back expectingreverse or quarterback reverse scramble

15

4

23

E

E


39/98

Split 4-4 Defense


Back

#2 Near back dives straight ahead

If the near back dives inside, HAMMER adjusts his charge as described above for closing down the counter.

HAMMER should look for in order: (1) off tackle trap and (2) dive option. Versus the trap he squeezes theplay inside, taking on the trap block with a low inside shoulder keeping his outside arm and leg free do not

spill the trap

If the quarterback opens up and shows his numbers, HAMMER attacks the quarterbacks numbers, working

his head to the up field armpit. The end should hit the quarterback at the mesh point (B gap) attacking hardand fast.

If the TE blocks out on HAMMER, SPUR reacts to his visual key back inside and attacks the quarterback.Essentially, SPUR switches options assignments with HAMMER. HAMMER must read the kick out block by

the TE and momentarily jam the TE and then jump to the pitch. The safety needs to fill the alley playingquarterback to pitch on the option and covering any delayed release by the TE.

#3 Near back kicks out

When the near back takes an inside-out approach, the end should expect an off-tackle play. HAMMER attacks

all kick out blocks by attacking the block with the near shoulder while keeping shoulders square and

squeezing the line of scrimmage. Keep outside leverage (outside leg and arm free) and look for the

play to bounce outside. If the play bounces outside, keep runner on inside shoulder, work outside,

and force back inside.

E

Reaction to trap or G scheme

E S(QB) (Pitch)

Reaction to dive option

Reaction to dive option if TE

blocks defensive end

E S(QB) (Pitch)

F

(QB-Pitch)


40/98

Split 4-4 Defense


Back

#4 Near back sets for pass protection

When the near back set for pass protection, HAMMER should expect a drop back pass or draw. Rush the

quarterbacks near number and maintain contain.

#5 Near back flows outside

If the near back moves laterally, HAMMER should read sweep, sprint out pass or sprint option. The end mustkeep contain or force the play deep. If the near back is responsible for blocking the end, the end must defeatthe block. To defeat the lead blocker, the end must keep his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage andtake on the block with his inside shoulder and forearm keeping his outside leg and arm free.

Split Rules vs. a strong wing split of

0 1 yard play outside shoulder

2 3 yards play head up wing

> 3 yards normal alignment be weary of down block by wing

vs. nasty split by TE

> 2 yards switch call with SPUR and align on outside shoulder of tackle.


41/98

Split 4-4 Defense

Weak Side End Play - BUCK

Weak Side Defensive End

Alignment Wide 5 technique one yard outside shoulder of a weak side tackle.

Keys Outside foot of the near back through the tackle.

Stance Two-point stance with the inside foot slightly back with most of the weight on the

front outside foot. Feet should be inside shoulders about 6 to 10 apart. The stance

is not a contact stance; therefore, upper body should be relaxed and ready for

movement.

When in a three point stance, the gap responsibility foot should be slightly up (heel-

toe relationship) with the weight on the front foot and finger tips. Back should be

flat.

Technique Take two read steps across the line of scrimmage and squeeze down inside. The

read steps should be on a line that is at a 45 angle to the line of scrimmage throughthe stance of the near back. Do not attack beyond the heels of the tackle. On his

second step, he should have his outside leg and arm free and his shoulders square to

the line of scrimmage.

The defensive end should focus on the hip of the tackle. If the hipdisappears, it is a running play. If the hip retreats, it is a pass. If the hipopens, the play will be a quick toss or other outside play.

Once the hip tips the play, the defensive end reads the action of the near

back. The direction of the play is determined by the ball and the near back.

If Tackle release inside, bend to near back. Always think kick-out, option,

play away. Squeeze inside and read for near back or puller coming at you.

Responsibilities Run responsibility for the weak end is C gap (off tackle hole). He should close

everything from the outside in. Take on any blocker with the inside shoulder

keeping the outside leg and arm free. On the option, if the QB shows his numbers,

attack the QB working the head to the QBs up field armpit. The defensive end

should engage the QB behind the guards initial alignment.

If the play is to the opposite side, check for bootleg, reverse, or a broken play, and

trail play as deep as deepest back looking for cut back or a broken pla.

On pass, rush the QB outside in targeting QBs near number/shoulder.

N E N E


42/98

Split 4-4 Defense

Weak Side Defensive EndBlocking schemes BLAST/ISOLATION

CRACK SWEEP (Twins of Tight Slot)

TRAP WEAK

BLAST/ISOLATION (Cross Block)

POWER SWEEP

POWER

N E

N E

R

N E

N E

R

N E N E


43/98

Split 4-4 Defense

Linebacker Play

BasicsThe linebackers need to know the following for each defense:

1. Call in the huddle and at the line of scrimmage

2. Alignment be exact

3. Stance focused, alert, and ready to react;

4. Key both movement and direction

5. Responsibility Force, dive and flow responsibilities

6. Execution play the proper technique

7. Pursuit take the proper angle to the ball8. Tackle terminate the play

Linebacker Principles

1. Attitude

a. Play with intensity and enthusiasm

b. Great work habits off and on the field

c. Coach me, Coach

d. Big hitters

e. Toughness and leadershipf. Unselfish

2. Responsibility

a. Know and execute your assignments and responsibilities

b. Use the proper technique

c. Eliminate big plays

d. Hit, tackle, take away, produce

e. Communicate, communicate, communicate

3. Produce

a. Takeaways: cause and recover fumbles, interceptions

b. Make big plays: tackles for loss, sacks, 3rd down stops, break up pass plays, BIG HITS

Shed TechniquesThe success of any defense is dependent on the ability of its players to defeat and shed blockers and get to the football.

Linebackers should take pride in not getting blocked.

1. Forearm shiver used when the ball carrier is behind the blocker

a. Take on square slightly outside blocker

b. Deliver from good low hitting position

c. Step with same foot delivering the blow (inside foot and arm)

d. Strike the blocker pad under pad hitting on the rise

e. Keep feet moving

f. Stay square do not get turned

g. Use the off hand to disengage the blocker (push or pull)


44/98

Split 4-4 Defense

2. Fit & Hands - Use this protection when the ball carrier is behind the blocker and has a two-way go.

a. Low shoulder pad/hide your numbers.

b. Dont punch until you can smell his breath or step on his toes.

c. Punch the blocker on the breasts plates with your thumbs up, elbows in to your midline.

d. Do not look for the ball until you locked the blocker out and have separation.e. Reduce the back shoulder and rip across in the direction of the ball.

3. Rip - When you know the direction of the ball carrier and you need to scrape over the top of the OL.

a. Reduce the back shoulder.

b. Throw an uppercut through the outside armpit of the blocker.

c. Hug the blocker with your neck (do not leave an unoccupied gap to your inside arm)

d. Square your shoulders back up.

4. Hand shiver used when the ball carrier is not behind the blocker or when a linebacker is getting chopped blocked or

scrambleda. Eye blocker staying square to the line of scrimmage (low target)

b. Keep outside arm and leg free. Do let the helmet or shoulder to get to outside knee

c. Lock hands and wrists on blockers helmet or pads forcing him down and awayd. Give ground if needed, keep feet moving

e. Stay square

5. Cage used when aligned on the line of scrimmage in a head up technique (e.g., SPUR aligned on a TE or BANDIT

aligned inside eye of a tight slot or wing)

a. Explode up and through the blocker with proper leverage (keep pad level low).

b. Stay square on the blocker, meet the block as close to the line of scrimmage as possiblec. Focus on the V of the blockers neck

d. Explode hands into the breast plate, grab cloth, and extend arms.

e. Keep feet moving, shed blocker away from area of responsibility. Pull arms down and away across

blockers face

Linebacker Running Back Keys

IFormation

SplitBacks Strong I Weak I Wishbone Power I Wing T

SPUR Tailback Far back Fullback Tailback Cross key

to far back

Tailback

thru power

back

Fullback

BANDIT Tailback Far back Tailback Fullback Cross key

to far back

Tailback to

power back

Halfback

MIKE Fullback Near back Fullback Tailback Fullback tonear back

Fullback Fullback

WILL Fullback Near back Tailback Fullback Fullback to

near back

Power

back thrufullback

Halfback

Primary key

Cross key


45/98

Split 4-4 Defense

I Formation Split Backs

Strong Weak

Wishbone Power I

Wing-T

F

C C

R W M

E N T S E

F

C C

R W M

E N T S E

F

C C

R W M

E N T S E

F

C C

R W M

E N T S E

F

C W M C

R E N T E S

F

C C

W M

R E N T S E

F

C C

R W M

E N T S E


46/98


47/98

Split 4-4 Defense

Inside Linebackers (MIKE & WILL)

Blocking schemes (continued)

FB TRAP

Near back dives on the midline and guard crosses face:

Play side linebacker when the guard crosses your face to block the

backside linebacker, fill strong side A gap. This should allow the LB to

avoid the block of the tackle and make the tackle in the backfield.

Backside linebacker attacks the guard with an inside forearm rip,squeeze the play inside maintaining outside leverage.

INFLENCE TRAP

Near back dives midline and guard pulls around tackle:

Playside linebacker steps toward B gap. When he reads that the scheme

is not a fold because the tackle is blocking on him, he should immediatelyfill back toward A gap.

Backside linebacker attacks center and squeezes play inside

C GAP POWER

Near back leads through C Gap

Playside linebacker take read step. On second step flow to B-C gap

mirroring near back flow. Read block of tackle and guard. If tackleblocks down on tackle, attack guard with inside forearm rip and squeeze

play inside. If guard base blocks on the tackle, scrape to the outside

shoulder of the tackle and attack with inside forearm rip. Keep shoulders

square to the line of scrimmage

Backside linebacker take read step, on second step flow to play side A

gap mirroring near back flow. Penetrate any open window; otherwise,

scrape down line of scrimmage checking for cutback and counter. Keep

shoulders parallel to the line of scrimmage and maintain inside out

position on the ball carrier.

E S T N E

M W

T N

M W

E S T N E

M W

T N

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Split 4-4 Defense

SPUR LinebackerBlocking schemes (continued)

TE kicks out End and near back comes at SPUR:

1. If the TE blocks out, check near back immediately.

2. Take on any kick-out block with your inside

shoulder to his outside shoulder.

3. Secure C Gap.

C GAP ISO

TE hooks SPUR and near back goes outside

1. If the TE tries to hook SPUR, work acrossthe TEs face and pursuit inside out.

2. Pursue using a 45 angle to the ball. Do notover run the play.

SWEEP

TE releases inside to MIKE linebacker and near back comes atSPUR:

1. Controls TE and do not allow him to releaseinside

2. Checks inside for pulling guard

3. Maintain position on line of scrimmage.

4. Attack pulling guard with inside shoulder

keeping shoulders square5. Maintains outside leverage preventing the

play to bounce outside

G SCHEME

TE releases inside to MIKE linebacker and near back goes

away:

1. Controls TE and do not allow him to releaseinside

2. Cross key far back and maintain position online of scrimmage

3. Attack pulling guard with inside shoulder

keeping shoulders square

4. Maintains outside leverage preventing the

play to bounce outside

TRAP/COUNTER

E S T N E

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Split 4-4 Defense

BANDIT Linebacker Play

BANDIT Linebacker

Alignment Alignment is dependent on the offenses formation: Split end (X)/pro walk alignment 4x4 off of tackle (splitting difference

between X and tackle

Slot (> 5 yards from tackle and > 2 yards inside X) split the difference

between slot back and tackle 4 yards off the ball

Tight slot (< 5 yards from tackle) inside eye 3 yards off the ball

Wide/Twin (within 2 yards of X) split difference between the slot and

tackle at a depth of 4 yards

Trips inside eye of #2 receiver

Double TE 9 technique (outside eye on TE away from SPUR)

Keys Primary key is near back through the tackle. If the near back goes away, cross key

far back.

Stance Two point stance with the outside foot slightly staggered, knees bent, hands are

positioned slightly outside of knees with palms facing inside in a relaxed and

comfortable position. Weight is evenly distributed on the balls of the feet so that theheels clear the ground. Legs should be in a squat position by getting good flexion in

the hips, knees, and ankles. The back is flat and flexed at the hip driving the

shoulders slightly forward and over the feet. Head up and eyes open looking at your

key.

Responsibilities Versus the run BANDIT is responsible for the D Gap, and he should close it down

from the outside in. Does not pursue inside until he is certain the play is not

bouncing outside. Versus the run away, he should sink his hips and cross key the far

back checking for counter and reverse. When he is certain that he is not threatened

by these plays, he should take a cut-off pursuit angle and look for cutback. If optionshows, he has the pitch back. On pass plays he is responsible for the flat.

Techniques 1. Take read step with outside foot.

2. Read near back through the tackle3. If the tackles hip disappears, it is a running play. If the hip

retreats, it is a pass. If the hip opens, the play will be a quick toss or other

outside play.

4. Once the hip tips the play, BANDIT reads the action of the near

back. The direction of the play is determined by the ball and the near back

5. Pick up backfield action, blocking scheme and level of the ball

6. Must be aware of the crack block by the split end. Work up field

quickly to avoid the block.

Blocking schemes


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Split 4-4 Defense

BANDIT LinebackerTackle blocks down and near back flows to:

1. Attack ball carrier from the outside in

maintaining outside leverage

2. Attack the base block of a slot with a cagetechnique:

a. Explode up and through the blocker with

proper leverage (keep pad level low). Stay square on

him and meet the block as close to the line of

scrimmage as possibleb. Explode hands into the breast plate, grab

cloth, and extend arms. Keep feet moving. Shedblocker away from area of responsibility. Pull arms

down and away across

3. Control D Gap and maintain outside

leverage

OFF TACKLE PLAY

Blocking schemes (continued)

Tackle blocks down (or reaches end) and near back goesoutside:

1. Take on block of slot or lead blocker with inside forearm

shiver.

2. Work up field at 45 pursuit angle to maintain outsideleverage

SWEEP

Tackle blocks down, near back goes away:

1. Take read step, sink hips and cross key far back

2. Pick up the backside lineman pulling play side

3. BANDIT is the extra man, attack ball carrier outside in

COUNTER/TRAP

T N E

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M W

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M W

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Secondary Play

CornerbackAlignment Align inside eye on widest receiver to their side of the formation. They are positioned at least

five yards off the line of scrimmage and never more than seven. Corners never lined up

closer than five yards to the sideline. If the formation is closed (the widest receiver is the

tight end), align five yards off the ball and two yards outside. If a corner is aligned on theone receiver side, he can align on the outside eye since he has inside help from BANDIT on a

three step route from the outside receiver.

Numbers rule: when the widest receiver aligns on or outside the numbers, align one yard

inside the receiver

Keys Order of keys:

1. Nearest uncovered offensive lineman (usually the tackle)

2. Backfield action

3. Level of the ball

4. Quarterback

5. Receiver

Play the pass first and the run second. If the nearest uncovered lineman releases downfield,

the backfield action and ball level will give the run read. If the uncovered lineman sets forpass blocking, or if backs are blocking and releasing, the ball level, quarterback and receivers

will give a pass read. When a pass is recognized, key the receivers and the quarterbacksrelease of the ball.

Stance 2 point stance with inside foot slightly staggered back. Weight should be on the front foot,

and the knees should be bent and squeezed together. Hips should be high, and the chin out

over the toes. Feet are approximately six inches apart (inside shoulders).

Responsibilities Responsible for pass first and run second:

Pass: Primary responsibility is outside third (cover three). Play over the top of the deepest

route in the outside third and break up on routed in the under zones.

Run towards: Secondary contain - stay outside and close the play from outside in

Run away: check for bootleg and reverse then take a pursuit angle to cut the play off in case itbreaks

Option: Pitch

Techniques 1. At the snap of the ball, execute a short shuffle to protect the inside of thefield. Take away the quick post first.

2. As play begins eye to quarterback. Read the quick three step route (slow

backpedal / eyes from quarterback to wide receiver / drive on tackle).

3. No three step. Eye control to No. 2 receiver. Begin to play in a zone turn

technique

4. As long as #2 goes vertical, continue to drop to outside third, but be able

to break one-third the distance to the reception area on intended receiver. Safety needsto pick up vertical route. Disregard No. 1 receivers route but be able to make the play

on any deep throw in your outside one-third zone.

5. Maintain three to four yard cushion until receiver breaks his cushion then

drop their hips and turn up field (zone turn butt towards sideline facing QB)

6. Play through the outside shoulder of the receiver on run support


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Cornerback


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Split 4-4 Defense

Fred (Free Safety)Alignment The safety's alignment will depend on the offensive formation. A simple rule that

will put you in the best position to make the play is ten yards deep on the "mid-

point" between the widest receiver to each side. Think of you and the widestreceivers forming a ten yard high pyramid with you at the top of the pyramid. Most

of the time this rule will put you in the proper position, however there are exception.

If a wide receiver's alignment is greater then twelve the safety alignment should be

as deep as the widest receiver is wide. When there are two or more split receivers to

one side the safety may have to cheat beyond the "mid-point" if the receivers stretchthe field. How far the safety must cheat his alignment will depend on the position of

the ball (middle or hash ) on the field and the wide receivers alignment. Remember,cut down the space the receivers have to run routes in by your alignment be in

position to make the play on the inside route if all receivers go vertical. An example

of when to cheat alignment and when not to: two receivers split into the sideline,

stay on the field mid-point, the sideline will cut down the space. Two receivers split

to the open side of the field, cheat your alignment to the receivers.

Verse trips cheat over to offensive tackle to the passing strength.

Keys Order of keys:

1. Release of #2 to passing strengh

2. Backfield action

3. Level of the ball

4. Quarterback

5. Receivers (inside out) receiver who poses most immediatethreat to middle third

Have a pre-snap awareness for alignment of #2 (Tight or Wide)

Key the uncovered offensive lineman to get a run or pass read as you take read steps

in your back peddle. Think pass first! If you don't know what the play is stay in your

back peddle.

Read the quarterback and his drop. Pickup the receivers while looking at the while

QB. Read receivers from the inside out. Key the none throwing hand of the QB forthe release. Hand drops prepare to break on the ball.

If you are having trouble finding the ball stay in your back peddle and stay deep.

Stance Feet; inside foot back (heel to toe) and the feet inside of the shoulder. Weight on the

front foot and heels up. The foot to the wide side should be kept back.

Knees and Hips; Knees bent and hips high, the hamstring should not be parallel tothe ground.

Arms and Hands; Elbows in and even with the player's back. Hands outside the legs,

with the thumb on the outside of the knee.

Head and Shoulders; Head and shoulders out and over the toes.

Responsibilities Run: Work up the "Alley" from the inside to the outside.

Pass: deep middle third


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Fred (Free Safety)

Techniques Take a 6" directional step back with outside foot. Use 3(Walking) read steps for lane

of ball recognition and the block/ Release of #2.

Time is on your side, keep the game in front of you, be as deep as the deepest

receiver verse pass.

Verse the run:

Insure pass responsibility of #2 to passing strength

Verse Sweep: Alley inside out to the ball verse unbalanced formation,

insure the block of #2

Verse Option: Level through the dump pass lane, anticipating dump pass,

insure pass, insure block before rallying to ball. Play QB to pitch

Verse Base Block: Anticipate ball coming off LOS and post/ slant by

flanker insure pass until the ball breaks LOS, judge the speed of the ball

Verse the pass: When he reads pass, he must adjust his drop so that he is midway between

the two corners

Read receivers inside out

If #2 gets vertical jump the route

If threatened deep by two routes to the middle third, must stay on top andbetween the two routes and read the QB

If #2 runs a short or intermediate route, look for #1 to run deep inside route

Read QB's intentions (eyes) and melt on the front shoulder of QB. Break

on ball when QB drops non-throwing hand.

Verse anticipated deep routes: Post or takeoff, open hips for depth. Verse

Post/ Dig: Play post through the dig keying shoulder level of QB

Ball in the 2 Lane. Open hips to flow for depth.

o If QB, exposes back numbers and bends at waist, anticipate the

throwback post.

o Verse curl flat: Play curl from over the top. Verse drag: Play post

through the dig. Verse Throwback: Utilize man turn for depth

Vs. sprint out or bootleg open hips to flow for depth and level. Maintain

inside leverage on #2 vertical and don't over run the ball. NOTE: Verse

bootleg, squeeze the deep drag

Verse 3 Step: Open hips for depth and width, anticipate up route, helping

play side corner over the top


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Split 4-4 Defense

Under Coverage for the Linebackers

The linebackers are responsible for the under coverage. MIKE and WILL are responsible for hook, curl, seam, and holezones to their side. SPUR and BANDIT are responsible for the outside flats. The base coverage is a man to man match up,

pattern read, and zone coverage defense. It is important for the linebackers to know whether they are on the one receiver or

two receiver side. They should think of the two receiver side as the work side because of the number of routes that can berun to that side. The one receiver side is the help

Middle School Split 4-4

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