Jerry Campbell

Clovis, California

Web Site: jerrycampbellfootball.com

E-mail: [email protected]
Cell: 361-571-0463
 Understanding Field Position & Possibilities 2
The following page will give you an understanding about offensive play decisions as an offense moves
down the field coming out of the their end zone and moving the length of the field.

Green Zone Goal Line to the -20

:
Must hold offense to 2 ½ yards or less. Defense can take changes in this area and can get more aggressive, looking to force turnover.

Quick Kick area –20 to the -25 :

Look for quick kick after a penalty. Must practice this as part of your stimulus response.

Three Down Territory –25 to the 50 yard line :

3 down territory in which a defense must hold an offense to 3 yards or less because the offense will probably punt on 4th down.

Open It Up Territory 50 to the +35 :

bread and butter plays and will also use their trick plays.
4 Down Territory from the +35 to the +20
:
Territory in which the offense will probably use all four downs to gain a first down. Look for offense to get ball to the
person that got them there.

Red Zone the +20 to the +5 :

Offense will use play action passes and possible trick plays. Defense must get tuff.
Goal Line Defense the +5 and in :
which an offense may move their offensive formations that give a more heavy look. formations into power "I" or
formations that give a more heavy look.

If you are not privileged to a computer breakdown use the diagram on the following page to write in the
areas mentioned as you break down video or DVD of your opponent’s offense as it moves down the field.
 Offense Coming Out
Must Not Let Them
Get 1st down Understanding 3
Green Zone Defense can get very
aggressive

Hold opponent to
Field
2 1/2 yards or less
Good outside run
area.
Position
Quick Kick Possible
Quick Kick

Defense will probably

punt on 4th down

Hold opponent to
Three Down Territory 2 1/2 yards or less

Open It Up
Territory
Open It Up Territory Use our breadand
butter plays

Trick Plays

4 Down Territory

Play action passes

Red Zone Run Downs here

defense must get

tough

Goal Line Defense Goal Line

Offense
 Front Recognition Based Upon 4

Sam’s Alert Call

z Basic Front Recognition

z The following illustration and personnel description will always us to

communicate defensive recognition of fronts and coverage's. The
following letters are used to identify defensive personnel.
– R - Rover - Outside invert to right side
– W - Will linebacker away from our tight end
– E - Defensive End
– T – Defensive Tackle
– M – Mike linebacker towards the callside
– FS - Free Safety
– S - Sam - Outside Invert towards the callside.
– M - Mike linebacker towards the tight end side
– C - Corner
 Setting The Huddle 5

Left Tackle Has QB If He Throws Int.

Right Tackle Sets The Huddle

Mike Takes
C R FS S C Call From C
E T T E Coach o
Will Gives Down W M a
And Distance c
h

Right Tackle: Sets the Huddle 3 yards from the ball.

Left Tackle: Responsible for blocking quarterback if he throws interception.
Mike Linebacker: Takes call from coach on the sideline
Will Linebacker: Gives down and distance and possible situation.
Setting The Defensive Huddle 6

Will Mike

Will gives the down Mike takes call

and distance and any from Coach on
possible offensive the sideline
tendencies
 Front Recognition Based Upon 7

Mike’s Alignment Call

Even Cover 3
Sam Follows
Rover Always The Call
Aligns Away
From Call

E T T E
W M
C R S C
FS

Mike Linebacker
Follows The Right
Will Always Aligns or Left Call
Opposite The
Right or Left Call
Base Alignment For Sam and Rover 8

31 Cover 3
4

3
Z
1
X T G C G T Y

E T T E
R W M S C
C
Rover
3 Yards FS Sam
3 Yards
Outside the Outside the
Openside Tight End
Tackle
 Base Alignment For Sam and Rover 9

Sam aligns 3 yds. Rover aligns 3 yds.

outside the TE outside the openside
Tackle.

Sam
TE
Base Schemes Based Upon Eight Man Fronts 10
Six Man Box

Sam
End
Tackle Mike
End
Tackle
Will

Rover
Base Schemes Based Upon Eight Man Fronts 10
Six Man Box

Mike Tackle Will

End
End Tackle
Sam Rover
 Must Be Able to Start Defense With a Base Scheme. 11
31 Cover 3 = Base Front
1 Technique
5 Technique 3 Technique
6i Technique
Z
X

E T T E
R W M S
C C
FS
Even Numbers - Head-Up Defenders 12
6 4 2 0 2 4 6 8
8

"O" Technique Head up alignment on the center

"2" Technique Head up alignment on the guard.
"4" Technique Head up alignment on the tackle.
"6" Technique Head up alignment on the tight end.
 Odd Numbers - Shaded Defenders 13

9 7 5 3 1 1 3 5 7 9

8i 6i 4i 2i 2i 4i 6i 8i
"1" Technique Outside shade alignment on the center
"2i" Technique Inside shade alignment on the guard.
"4i" Technique Inside shade alignment on the tackle.
"5" Technique Outside Shade alignment on the tackle.
"6i" Technique Inside shade alignment on the tight end.
"7" Technique Outside shade alignment on the tight end.
"8i" Technique Inside shade alignment on a wing
"9" Technique Outside shade alignment on a wing
 Odd Numbers - Shaded Defenders 14

9 9
7 5 3 1 1 3 5 7
Outside D C B A A B C D Outside
6i 4i 2i 2i 4i 6i

With the illustration below we demonstrate the area of gap responsibility according to
the alignment of the defender.

Outside D C B A A B C D Outside

E T T E R
S
M W
 Defensive Alignment Recognition 15

9 6 4 2 0 2 4 6 8
8i 7 6i 5 4i 3 2i 1 1 2i 3 4i 5 6i 7 8i 9
TE OT OG OG OT TE

Even Numbers = Head Up Defender / Odd Numbers Outside Shades

I = Inside Shades
Balancing The Defense To Meet The Offensive Threat 17
To determine how to balance your defense to meet the offensive threat draw a
line down through the middle of the formations and count each side of the line to
see if the defense matches up with the offense.

Defense: 13 Tight Cover 3

6 Offensive players
5 Offensive players

S E T T E
C M W R C
6 Defensive players 5 Defensive players
FS
Playing The Numbers Game 17

5 1/2 5 1/2
Offensive Players Offensive Players
1/2 1/2
3
1 1/2 1/2 1
Y 4
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Z T G C G T X
1/2 1/2
5 1/2 5 1/2
Defensive Players Defensive Players
Playing The Numbers Game 18

6 5

5 6

Take play openside

 Five Base Defensive Fronts 19

Base

1. Even S
E
M
T
W
T
R
E
Defensive End to the call side plays an automatic 6i technique and the backside End as a
5 technique.
4 Man Front
Wide

9 Technique E T T
2. Wide S M W
E
R

The Wide alert moves the defense into a 4 – 3 scheme

7 Man Box Tight

3. 13 Tight
Under Front E T T E S

R W M 5 and 9 Technique
 Five Base Defensive Fronts 20

5 Man Box

4. 30 / Odd E T E
R W M S

The 30 or Odd defense is also known as a

3-4 or 50 Defense.
6 Man Box

5. 30 Stack E T E
R W T M S

The 30 Stack defense is also known as a Backside Tackle

3-3 or 3 – 5 – 3 Defense. stack behind
Callside Tackle
Goal Line / Short Yardage Defensive Schemes 21

FS M R
1. Bear E S T W T E

Bear is an alert for the Will Lber

To drop down over the Center with
Automatic 33 alignment by the tackles.
FS M R
2. Bear Weak E S T WT E
Bear aligns the Sam as a standup
6i inside the tight end.

FS M R
3. Bear Strong E S T W T E
Goal Line / Short Yardage Defensive Schemes 22
M W
4. 33 Nose E S T R T E
Nose is an alert for
the Rover to drop down
over the Center

W M
5. 33 Nose Tight S E T R T E

W M R
6. 11 Tight S E T T E
 How The Defense Is Called: 23

Base Defense:

Give defense a number alert

1. First number tells the call side tackle where to align

2. Second number tells backside tackle where to align
3. Third gives Blitz, Dog, or Stunt alert if needed
4. Fourth response is Coverage call
Base Defense
Defensive Front Aligns to 4
Front Called
6i 3 3 1 5
Z
1
Y T G C G T X

E T T E
S R
C C
FS
This Example: Right, Right

31 Cover 3
Establishing Your Base Defense 25

31 Cover 3
4
Defensive Front Aligns to
Front Called
3
Z
1
Y T G C G T X

E T T E
S R
C C
FS
Automatic 6i Tech.
Callside Automatic 5 Tech.
31 Backside
Invert & Secondary Alignment Responsibility 26

31 Cover 3
vs Pro 4

3
Z
1
X T G C G T Y

E T T E
R W M S C
C Inverts
Inverts # 2 receiver Corners
# 2 receiver FS Their Side Have # 1
Their Side Their Side
Corners
Have # 1
Their Side
Invert & Secondary Alignment Responsibility 27

vs Trips or Trey
31 Cover 1
3
4 Z
1
X T G C G T Y

E T T E
R W M S C
C Inverts Corners
Inverts # 2 receiver Have # 1
# 2 receiver Their Side Their Side
Corners Their Side FS
Have # 1 FS # 3
Their Side Receiver
Note...Possible switch between Sam and FS vs.
personnel.
Invert & Secondary Alignment Responsibility 28

3 4 Y
1
Z
X T G C G T

E T T E
R W M S
C
Inverts Inverts C
Corners # 2 receiver # 2 receiver
Have # 1 Their Side FS Their Side
FS # 3 Corners
Their Side Have # 1
Receiver
Their Side
Note...If we want to stay in Cover 1, will must walk out Will and then Rover
must rock to the Free Hitter position.
Invert & Secondary Alignment Responsibility 29

vs Quads 31 Cover 0

1
Y 4 3

Z T G C G T X

E T T E
S W M
C R C
Inverts FS
# 2 receiver
Their Side FS # 3
Receiver
Note...If we want to stay in Cover 1, Will must walk out Will and
then Rover must rock to the Free Hitter position.
 Chase, Collapse and Check Counter: Ball Away 30

Chase defenders are responsible

The Chase defender will chase by for Reverse's, Bootleg's and or any
getting as deep as the ball and then, run coming back at them.
keeping the ball carrier on his inside
shoulder. 4 3

Chase
Ball Away 1
Z
Y T G C G T X
E T T E
C S M W C
R
Collapse (Sweeper)

Pursuit
FS
Chase, Collapse and Check Counter: Ball Away 31

Ball Away

Check Counter

Chase
Chase Responsibility
1. Bootleg Collapse
2. Counter
Collapse Responsibility
3. Reverse
1. Cutback
Chase, Collapse and Check Counter: Ball Away 31

Ball Away
Check Counter Collapse

Collapse
Chase
Chase Responsibility
1. Bootleg
2. Counter Collapse Responsibility
3. Reverse 1. Cutback
Chase, Collapse and Check Counter: Ball Away 32

Ball Away

Check Counter
Collapse

Backside edge player will Chase

Always have chase on ball
Away.
Defensive Tackles, Ends, and Outside Inverts: Ball To 34

Defense: 31 Cover 3

4
Ball To
Contain
3
Force/Pitch C-Gap B-Gap
Z 1
Y T G C G T X

E T T E
C S M W R C
FS
 Ball Away & Ball To 35

Chase Contain

Collapse

Collapse

Check Counter

Pursuit
 Mirror Step: Three Step Escape 36

Base Block
As an example the reaction by a defender using a mirror step vs a Base block
when aligned as a three technique would be to step with the inside foot mirroring
the outside straight ahead step by the offensive blocker. The defender should
react to the type of play being run by his third step, the third step is an escape
step.
oo

Reach Block
When defending against the reach block the defensive lineman would step with his
outside foot first and then followed by the replacement step by the inside foot.
oo

Down Block
When reacting to an inside release (down block) the defensive lineman will first
step with his inside foot mirror stepping the outside foot of the offensive blocker.
The second step will be the placement step.
o
 Mirror Step: Three Step Escape 37

In this illustration both the Defensive End This illustration shows and inside
and Defensive Tackle would mirror step release by the offensive line.
with the outside foot first keeping thier Whenever you receive and inside
outside arm and leg free. release you will first mirror step with
the inside foot and then replace with
the outside foot.
3 3
1 1

C T N E T N
B B

Whenever faced with the reach block your Whenever getting an inside release
first step would be with your outside foot the defensive lineman will mirror step
with a second replacement step with the getting his eyes inside.
inside foot.

3 3

1 1

T E T E
B
B
 Create Movement and Speed With A Mirror Step 38

1st step will

mirror the step
by the offensive
blocker.

We will ask our defensive lineman Your goal is to be in the same

to key feet to the belt buckle of position you were in prior to
the offensive person they are the snap of the ball.
aligned on for movement.
 Keep Your Eye 39
Punch & Lock out Mirror Step 3 Step Escape On The Prize

3 Step Escape 3 Step Escape Over: Get Skinny How many defenders
Under: Kiss Throw the arm to the in The Hole can you get in the
Your Bicep stars & screw you hip frame?
to the blocker, elbow
to the kidney
Run Block Stimulus Response Defensive Tackles and Ends 40

A. Stimulus ( Coach ) A. Response ( Player )

1. Base Block 1. Squeeze
2. Down Block 2. Trap
3. Reach Block 3. Push Pull
4. Pass Set 4. Bull Rush

B. Stimulus (Coach ) B. Response ( Player )

1. Squeeze 1. Base Block

2. Trap 2. Down Block
3. Push Pull 3. Reach Block
4. Bull Rush 4. Pass Set

Definitions
1. Base Block - Offensive lineman blocking straight ahead.
2. Down Block - Inside release by offensive lineman.
3. Reach Block - Offensive lineman working to get his helmet to the outside of the defender.
4. Pass Set - Offensive lineman giving a high hat read.
5. Trap - a long pull that crosses the center to block an over penetrating defender.
6. Push Pull - A technique used by a defender to escape the block of an over extended blocker.
Run Block Stimulus Response Defensive Tackles and Ends 36

A. Stimulus ( Coach ) A. Response ( Player)

1. Double Team 1. Drop

2. Shaded Play To 2. Front Door
3. Shaded Play Away 3. Back Door
4. Wash Down 4. Spin

B. Stimulus ( Coach ) B. Response ( Player )

1. Drop 1. Double Team

2. Front Door 2. Shaded Play To
3. Back Door 3. Shaded Play Away
4. Spin 4. Wash Down
Run Block Stimulus Response Defensive Tackles and Ends 42

A. Stimulus (Coach ) A. Response ( Player )

1. Arc (DE) 1. Close

2. Veer Release 2. Eyes Inside
3. Influence 3. Trap
4. Deep Set 4. Eyes Inside
5. Short pull 5. Eyes Inside
6. Long Pull 6. Hip Pocket

B. Stimulus ( Coach ) B. Response ( Player )

1. Close 1. Arc (DE)
2. Eyes Inside 2. Veer Release
3. Trap 3. Influence
4. Eyes Inside 4. Deep Set
5. Eyes Inside 5. Short pull
6. Hip Pocket 6. Long Pull

Definitions

1. Arc - Outside release by a Tight End.

2. Veer Release - An inside release by an Offensive Tackle.
3. Influence - Technique used by an offensive lineman to get a defender to react.
4. Eyes Inside - The reaction by a down defender vs an inside or veer release.
5. Short Pull - Guard drop stepping an pulling outside and not crossing the center.
6. Hip Pocket - Term that describes a defender following a pulling offensive lineman.
7. Long Pull - The pulling of an offensive lineman that crosses the butt of the center.
Defensive Front and Playing The Trap 42

31 Cover 3
F
In this illustration the
three technique is being
C C trapped. The defensive
R W M S tackle will wrong arm the
trapper attempting to
E T T E SPILL
X T G C RG T Y
Z

Wrong Arm SPILL

Odd Cover 3 Weak Any time a defender is

R F being trapped he will use
C the wrong arm
C technique when he has
S W M another defender aligned
on his outside.
E T T E
X
After throwing the
LT G C G T Y
Z wrong arm to the up
field knee of the puller
the defender will bounce
Wrong Arm SPILL TB back up with shoulders
parallel to the L.O.S.
 Wrong Arm The Trapper 44

Whenever Trapping the trapper squeeze the down block then take
your outside arm and throw it to the up field knee of the trapper.
In order to keep the defender down, pick grass with the outside
Arm as you throw it to the up field knee.

Level Two Puller

Level One Puller

Contain Defender Playing Trap or Kick-out Block 45

Contain technique requires the

contain defender to take the trap
or kick out block on with the
inside arm, keeping the outside
arm and free.

Level One Puller

Level Two Puller
 Keys and Reads For Inside Shaded Alignments 46

Whenever aligned on an inside shade defender should key near hip inside
For block reaction. If hip goes away close, if hip comes to you push pull
Get skinny in the hole.

6i keys near hip of 2i keys near hip of

offensive tackle center
Teaching Pass Rush and Reducing The Frame 47

How fast can

You get to the
QB?

What Stance will you teach

And why?

What drills will

you use to create
the end result?
 Attacking Drop Back Protections 48

Tackles push width.

What technique will
you teach your Ends
off the edge?

Centers & Guards maintain depth.

How will you attack the aggressive
pass sets by the Center and Guards?
Tackles in a drop back scheme are responsible for pushing the width of the
pocket and the center and guards are responsible for maintaining the depth of
the pocket. Thus, think out how you will attack pocket protection, what drills
will you use and what technique will you coach?
Establishing Your Pass Rush Alleys 49

.....
Five Pass Rush Landmarks On The Quarterback:
1. Nose
2. Near Ear (2)
3. Outside Shoulder Tip (2)
 Establishing Your 3 Man Pass Rush 50

The outside pass rushers With a 3 man pass rush

will use the outside shoulder the “0” technique will use
Tip of the QB as their pass the nose of the QB for his
rush alley rush alley

T G C G T
E T E
“5” Tech. “0” Tech. “5” Tech.
Three Man Pass Rush Responsibilities 45

Outside Shoulder Tip

Nose On

Outside Shoulder Tip

Establishing a Four Man Pass Rush 44

The outside pass rushers With a 4 man pass rush

will use the outside shoulder the “3” technique will use
Tip as their pass rush alley Near eye of the QB for his rush
Alley as well as the 1 technique.

T G C G T
E T T E
“5” Tech. “3” Tech. “1” Tech. “5” Tech.
Four Man Pass Rush Responsibilities 53

Outside Shoulder Tip

Near Eye
Near Eye

Outside Shoulder Tip

 Establishing a Five Man Pass Rush 54

The outside pass rushers With a 5 man pass rush

will use the outside shoulder the “0” technique will use
Tip as their pass rush alley the nose of the QB for his rush
alley

The 3 techniques in
This illustration have
Near eye to their side
As their pass rush
T Alley.
T G C G
E T N T E
“5” Tech. “3” Tech. “0” Tech. “3” Tech. “5” Tech.
Five Man Pass Rush Responsibilities 55

The outside rushers must contain

the quarterback.

Outside Shoulder Tip

Near Eye
Nose On
Near Eye
Outside Shoulder Tip
Pass Rush: Hands up Through The Middle 56

Keep your eye

on the prize

Get your hands

up in the throwing lanes.
Run Block Stimulus For Linebackers 57
Run Block Stimulus For Linebackers 58
Running Back

Outside C B
1 Outside
A A B C
X T G C G T Y Play
Defended

P I D D I P
T S S T
o o O i i O o o
s w v v w s
s e e e e s
r r
Technique
Used

Speed Scrape Slow Stay Stay Slow Scrape Speed

Mike Will
 Run Block Stimulus For Linebackers 59

1. Stay The 4 ‘ S
2. Slow
3. Scrape
4. Speed

Speed Scrape Slow Stay Stay Slow Scrape Speed

Outside C Gap B Gap A Gap A Gap B Gap C Gap Outside

Toss / Sweep Power ISO Dive ISO Power Toss / Sweep

 Inside Linebacker Alerts 60

Sugar Alerts the Mike & Will

Co
31 “Sugar” linebackers to move up and
back into the L.O.S. Make the
movement look like blitz.

3
Z
1
Y T G C G T X

E T T E
C S M W R
C
FS
 Outside Linebacker Alerts 61

Show talks to Sam & Rover and brings

31 “Show” them up and back and into the L.O.S.
Make the movement look like blitz.

3
Z
1
Y T G C G T X

E T T E
C S M W R C
FS
Outside & Inside Linebacker Alert 55

The alert word “Up” talks to both the Sam,

31 “Up” Rover, Mike and Will Linebackers. Up tells
all four to work up and back and into the L.O.S.

3
Z
1
Y T G C G T X

E T T E
C S M W R C
FS
 Defensive Scheme Recognition 63

Defense Called: 31 (Even)

3 4
Chase / Contain
Chase / Contain
Z 1
Y T G C G T X
E T T E
S M W R
C C
FS
 Defensive Scheme Recognition 64

Defense Called: Odd

Possible rush End with a 30

Chase / Contain
3 4 Tight call
1 Chase / Contain
Z
Y T G C G T X
S T T E
M W R
Possible personnel change
C C
FS X
 Defensive Scheme Recognition 65

Defense Called: 31 Tight

3 4
Tight = 5-9 to callside
1 Chase / Contain
Z
Y T G C G T X

S E T T E
Chase / Contain
M W R
Secondary Contain
C C
FS
 Defensive Scheme Recognition 66

Defense Called: 31 Wide

3 4
Wide Chase / Contain
Z 1
Y T G C G T X
E T T E
S M W R C
C Chase / Contain
FS
 Defensive Scheme Recognition 67

Defense Called: 30 Stack

3 4
Chase / Contain Collapse Chase / Contain
Z 1
Y T G C G T X
E T E
S M T W R
C C
FS
 Defensive Scheme Recognition 68

Bear drops the Will Lber down

Over the center. Bear equals one
Lber.
Defense Called: Bear Cover "O"

3 4
Chase / Contain

Z 1
Y T G C G T X Chase / Contain

E S T W T E R
Depth of the Mike
Linebacker dictated
C FS M C by yardage needed.
 Defensive Scheme Recognition 69

Defense Called: Bear Strong Cover "O"

3 4
Chase / Contain

Z 1
Y T G C G T Y Chase / Contain

E S T W T E R
Depth of the Mike
C FS M C Linebacker dictated
by yardage needed.
 Defensive Scheme Recognition 70

Defense Called: Bear Weak Cover "O"

3 4
Chase / Contain

Z 1
Y T G C G T X Chase / Contain

E S T W T E R
Depth of the Mike
C FS M C Linebacker dictated
by yardage needed.
 Defensive Scheme Recognition 71

33 Nose drops the Rover down over the

Center. Nose equals two Lbers.

Defense Called: 33 Nose Tight Cover "3"

3 4
Chase / Contain
Chase / Contain
Z 1
Y T G C G T X
S E T R T E
Collapse Depth of the Mike
C M W Linebacker dictated C
by yardage needed.
FS
 Defensive Scheme Recognition 72

Goal Line: 22i Tight Cover "5"

Depth of the Mike and Will

Linebackers dictated by yardage needed.
4 3
Chase / Contain
Chase / Contain
Z 1
Y T G C G T X
S E T T E R
M W
C FS C
 Tight Side Tackle and End Stunt: Thunder 73

Defense Called: 31Thunder

3 4
Chase / Contain
Chase / Contain
Z 1
Y T G C G T X
E T T E
S Thunder is a
callside stunt M W R
between the
C callside end and
tackle only. FS C
Open Side Tackle and End Stunt: Lightning 74

Defense Called: 31 Lightning

3 4
Chase / Contain Chase / Contain

Z 1
Y T G C G T X
E T T E
S M W R C
C
FS

Lightning is an openside stunt away from the right or left call.

 Full Line Tackle and End Stunt: Storm 75
Storm involves using both
Thunder and Lightning calls,
This is a full line stunt.

Defense Called: 31 Storm

3 4
Chase / Contain Chase / Contain

Z 1
Y T G C G T X
E T T E
S M W R
C C
FS
 Inside Tackle Stunt: Twist 76
Twist involves
both Tackles

Defense Called: 31 Twist

3 4
Chase / Contain
Chase / Contain
Z 1
Y T G C G T X
E T T E
S M W R C
C
FS
 Openside Tackles and End Stunt: Psycho 77

Defense Called: 31 Psycho

3 4
Chase / Contain Chase / Contain
Z 1
Y T G C G T X
E T T E
S M W R
C C
FS
Inside and Outside Stunt System Of Movement 78
Sam, Rover, and Defensive Ends

Jam, Pinch, and Tango deal with Ends and Outside Inverts (Sam and Rover).

1. Jam: Both Ends and Inverts execute stunt

2. Jam Weak: Backside End and Rover execute stunt
3. Jam Strong: Callside End and Sam execute stunt
4. Pinch: Both Ends and Inverts execute stunt
5. Pinch Weak: Backside End and Rover execute stunt
6. Pinch Strong: Callside End and Sam execute stunt
7. Tango: Both Ends and Inverts execute stunt
8. Tango Weak: Backside End and Rover execute stunt
9. Tango Strong: Callside End and Sam execute stunt
 Inverts and Ends: Jam 79

Defense Called: 31 Jam

Chase / Contain Collapse 3 4

Chase / Contain
Collapse
Z 1
Y T G C G T X
E T T E
S M W R C
C
Outside invert call it off on your side FS Jam is a defensive end and
outside invert stunt.
if you are removed by formation or
coverage reasons.
 Inverts and Ends: Weak Jam 80

Defense Called: 31 Wide Weak Jam

3 4 Chase / Contain
Chase / Contain Collapse
Z 1
Y T G C G T X
E T T E
S M W R C
C
FS
 Inverts and Ends: Pinch 81

Defense Called: 31 Pinch Cover "5"

3 4
Chase / Contain
Chase / Contain
Z 1
Y T G C G T X
E T T E
S M W R C
C FS
 Callside Inverts and Ends: Pinch 82

Defense Called: 30 Strong Pinch (Odd)

3 4
Chase / Contain
Chase / Contain
Z 1
Y T G C G T X

E T T E
S M W R
C Play coverage called
C
FS
 Backside Inverts and Ends: Weak Pinch 83

Defense Called: 31 Tight Weak Pinch

3 4
Chase / Contain
Chase / Contain
Z 1
Y T G
C G T X

S E T T E
M W R
C FS Play coverage called C
 Inverts and Ends: Tango 84

Defense Called: 31 Tango

3 4
Chase / Contain Chase / Contain

Z 1
Y T G C G T X
E T T E
S M W R
C
C FS Sam and Rover work off backside
Outside invert call it off on your side
If you are removed by formation or c
hip of defensive ends.
overage call.
 Inverts and Ends: Strong Tango 85

Defense Called: 30 Strong Tango

4 3
Chase / Contain Chase / Contain
Z 1
Y T G C G T X
E T T E
S M W R
C C
FS
 Inverts and Ends: Weak Tango 86

Defense Called: 31 Wide Weak Tango

3 4
Chase / Contain
Chase / Contain
Z 1
Y T G C G T X
E T T E
S M W R
C FS Play coverage called C
Getting Started Alignment Responsibilities 87

Defense: 31 Cover 1

3 4
#1
Z #2 1
Y T G C G T X
E T T E
C S M W R C
#1 #2 #3 #3 #2 #1
3 way
FS
Getting Started Alignment Responsibilities 88

Defense: 31 Cover 1

3
#1
Z #2 1 4

Y T G C G T X
E T T E
C S M W R C
#1 #2 #3 #3 #2 #1
3 way
FS
Getting Started Alignment Responsibilities 89

Defense: 31 Cover 1 vs Empty

Possible Rover Over
Vs Empty Formation

#2 #3 #2
#1 #1
4 1 3 Y
X T G C G T Z

E T T E
W M S
C #2 C
R #2
#1
#1 #3
FS
 Defensive Back Stance 90

The stance of our defensive backs will vary depending on the type of
coverage called (man or zone). In general, our defensive backs will stand in
a two point ready position at a point of alignment defined by the type of
coverage called.
Our defensive backs stance should be with knees dropped and knees flexed
and weight over the forward foot or knee. The feet should be narrower than
the width of the shoulders, approximately 12 inches. Weight should be
placed on the balls of the feet, never on the heels.
The feet should be positioned to a toe-instep stagger. Whether they are
balanced or staggered our defensive backs should always push off the front
foot as he begins to backpedal or shuffle.
The hands, arms, and shoulders should be relaxed and hanging free in a
natural position. The arms should be bent slightly at the waist with the head
relaxed and hanging free in a natural position. Bend slightly at the waist
with the chin over the knee with head relaxed and always pushing off the
front foot. Don't force the body too low forcing it in an unnatural low
stance.
 Outside Alignment Position 91
Anchor the outside foot at the alignment point and drop the inside foot with
hips and shoulders square to the L.O.S. or slightly facing inward. Focus
the eyes to the total picture of keys with vision on the quarterback,
receivers, and backfield.

The anchor point is determined by ability and assignment. It may be

outside eye, outside shoulder, or 1 to 2 yards outside of the wide receiver.
The depth depends on the coverage called and the ability of our defensive
backs. As an Example, a cover 2 Corner may align two, four, five or seven
yards off of a receiver, or on the L.O.S. on a press look. A man corner
likewise will align at a depth he feels comfortable with.

Our defensive backs may disguise their coverage by alignment or stem to

their alignment timing their movement with the quarterback's cadence.
Our defensive backs may show press coverage and the bail to the actual
coverage called. The strategy of the game becomes apart of the alignment
bluff, keep this in mind when determing our drills.
 Inside Alignment Position 92

Whenever aligned inside of a receiver anchor the inside foot

at a point and drop the outside foot slightly. The anchor
point will be determined by the coverage and ability of the
defensive back. One reason for the inside alignments is to
establish leverage on the receiver.

Inside alignment is used in man coverage or into boundary

with restricted horizontal yardage. Outside leverage is
generally used in zone coverage or man with inside bracket
responsibility.
When playing zone coverage our defensive backs must know and understand their area of
responsibility and where their help is coming from, if any, field position, strength of 88
formation, etc. Pass drops should always be controlled by the secondary personnel, so they
can read patterns and be ready to break and drive on the ball.
Secondly, when the quarterback sets up and is ready to throw, the defensive back should get
depth and be ready to react. Always be under control, so that so that you can break on the
ball when it is thrown. Our defensive back s should try and keep their shoulders square
when reading the quarterback's eyes, shoulders, and arm motion, you then can tell the
direction the ball is being thrown.

Reaction and breaking on the ball is the ability to move at the proper angle in order to break
up or intercept the ball. Don't round corners or angles when breaking on the ball and
receiver. Our secondary drills must emphasize the ability to break on the ball and intercept it.
Make the interception at its highest point. After intercepting the football we should get to the
nearest sideline, and if in traffic cover up the ball. Whenever a teammate intercepts the
football the closeest defender to the defensive back making the interception should then
attempt to block the intended receiver.

Whenever our underneath coverage has a receiver running through their zone area they
should attempt to collision the receiver if the ball is not in the air. After making colision on the
receiver the defender needs to get his eyes back on the quarterback and squared up to the
football. Keep shoulders squared to the line of scrimmage.

Understanding When The Ball May Be Thrown.

1. Linemen sitting back on their heels with less weight on their down hand.

2. Quarterback's nervous habits - licking fingers, toweling his hands, etc.

3. Receiver's splits, stance, and release.

4. High hat, low hat of the offensive linemen.

 Defensive Schemes 94

Scheme Recognition
z Coverage's
z 1. Cover 0 (Fire)
z 2. Cover 1 (Red)
z 3. Cover 2 (Blue)
z 4. Cover 2 Man (Blue Cat)
z 5. Cover 3 (Green)
z 6. Cover 3 (Green Combo)
z 7. Cover 4 (Black)
z 8. Cover 5 (Orange)
z 9. Cover 7 (Brown)
Pattern Reading Receiver Releases and Routes 95
Pattern vs Spot Drops

#3 #2
#1 Hook Hook to Curl
Flat 3 4
#2 #1
Z
Curl 1 Flat
Y T G C G T X

E T T E
S M W R
#2 #3
Curl Hook
C C
#1
#1 FS Flat
Flat
Pattern read puts the secondary and Lbers reading receivers
To signal designated drop. Spot drop puts them drop to an area
Instead of reading receiver releases.
 Cover 0 (Fire) 96

Fire Force Fire Force

4 3

Z
1
X LT LG C RG RT Y

E T T E
R W M S
C
C FS

Secondary all Man

Fire Force Fire Force

3
4 Y
1
X LT LG C RG RT Z

E T T E
R Baca W M S
this side
FS
C C
Coverage: Cover 0 (Fire) 97

Secondary All Man

Outside rush will rush read
which, means the outside
defender will come off his
Blitz and jump the flare back.
Rush Read

Rush Read
 Cover 1 (Red) 98

Backer Force Backer Force

4 3

Z
1

X LT LG C RG RT Y

E T T E
R W M S
three way

FS C
C

Free Safety Free for run support or coverage

Backer Force Backer Force

3
4 Y
1

X LT LG C RG RT Z

E T T E
R Wtwo way M S
lock
FS
C C
Coverage: Cover 1 (Red) 99

Man Free

Outside rusher in rush read.

Cover 1 allows your Safety

the opportunity to help
over the top with the passing
game and the ability to run
the alleys as run support.
 Cover 2 (Blue) 100

Cover "2" is a five underneath coverage with two deep safeties. Both safeties can
play deep or can be replaced by corners deeping on how we want to disguise our
coverage.

Cloud Force Cloud Force

4 3

Z
1
X LT LG C RG RT Y

E T T E
Flat W M S Flat
C Curl Hook Curl C
R FS
Deep 1/2 Deep 1/2

Corners have flat responsibility and should align to the outside of the receiver funneling
the release of the receiver too the safeties. Make the receivers release inside.
4 3

Cloud Force Cloud Force

to Shoot Force 1 to Shoot Force Z
X LT LG C RG RT Y

E T T E
W M S
C R FS C
If receivers can get an outside release, the corner then will run man with the receiver.
Force becomes Safety .
 Coverage: Cover 2 (Blue) 101

2 Deep 5 Under

Cover 2 is best run with an

Odd front along with 31 Wide. Funnel 5
Cover 2 is a good run support
coverage.
4

3
Corners have flat responsibility
unless receiver takes outside
2
release if so, run man with Zone
receiver.

1
Man
 Cover 3 (Green) 102

4 1 3
Sky Force Sky Force
Z

X LT LG C RG RT Y

E T T E
Flat R W M Curl S Flat
C Curl C
FS

Deep 1/3 Deep 1/3 Deep 1/3

Three Deep Zone Coverage

Sky Force 3 Sky Force
4 1 Y

X LT LG C RG RT Z

E T T E
R W M S
Curl C
C Curl
Flat FS Flat

Deep 1/3 Deep 1/3

Deep 1/3
 Coverage: Cover 3 (Green) 103

3 Deep 4 Under

1/3
1/3
1
Crossing 2
Routes
1/3
3

4
Must understand in 3 deep coverage
you must defend 4 wides and look
for crossing routes inside.
 Coverage: Cover 3 (Green) 104

4 Wides vs 3 Deep

FS split the
difference
Corner split
the difference
 Coverage: Cover 4 (Black) 105

4 Deep 3 Under

Out
Could run Stack with Route 1/4
4 Under and 4 Deep
1/4
3
2
1/4
1

1/4
 Cover 5 (Orange) 106

Backer Force Backer Force

4 3

Z
1
X LT LG C RG RT Y

E T T E
R W M S C
C FS

Linebackers are free to play and cover any back to their side.

Backer Force Backer Force

Z
4 Y
1
X LT LG C RG RT Z

E T T E
R W M S
FS
C C
 Coverage: Cover 5 (Orange) 107

Linebackers Play Screen and Draw, Have Back Out Their Side

Cover 5 allows the LBers

to play screen, draw, and cover
any back out to their side. All
other cover defenders play man.
Coverage: Cover 7 (Brown) 108

Quarter, Quarter, Half

4 1/2 Coverage

3
2
1/4 Coverage
1

1/4 Coverage
Pass Coverage and Field Identification 109

6 yds.

L.O.S.
Underneath Underneath
Coverage Flat Dump Delay Dump Flat Coverage
5
15 yds.
Out Route Curl Hook Hook Curl Out Route
10
Cover 3

15
Outside Void Inside Void Outside Void

20
Cover 2

25
15 yds.
30 or
9 yds. 9 yds.
Deeper
 Red Zone Territory 110

End Zone
G G
Red Zone

FS
C C
S M W R
E T T E
Y LT LG C RG RT X
Z 1

3 4
 When Does Your Opponent Go Into 111
Their Goal Line Offense

Must understand when does the offense go into

goal line mode, and this could be bringing in an
extra lineman and bringing out a secondary
defender.
 Red Zone Territory Responsibilities 112

FS C
FS
C C
G R G
S M W R
E T T E
Y LT LG C RG RT X
Z 1

3 4

In the Red Zone secondary must stay in front of

their receiver if not it’s 6 points
20 20