The 4-3 Defence An Athletes Defence

The 4-3 football defence seems to be a popular choice these days among many players and football coaches. But there are issues with it and for the most part a youth football coach should avoid it. First of all it’s a pro-style defence, that being, you need to be athletic and versatile in order to effectively play this defence. In other words you’re strong at every position and you’re not hiding anyone. The 4-3 can look intimidating with its 4 interior linemen and three hulking linebackers but its vulnerability begins versus the outside run game. If your contain players are not strong football players teams will run around the end all day. Usually your contain assignment in this defence would be your Defensive Ends and Strong Safety’s and if they’re not athletic enough then you’re in trouble. At the youth football level you’d be hard pressed to find four of these types of players that are athletic enough to step up and contain, and that’s where the problems begin. I refer to the 4-3 defence as the Athletes Defence, and with an athletic line-up it can be a very effective and dangerous defence to play against. However, the reality of it is that we don’t get these types of players all the time at the youth level. Cheers!

The Key Blocking and Tackling Element

Blocking and tackling skills are the key components to any great football players no matter what level or age. Players with great tackling and blocking skills play the game with ease and confidence and are fun to watch. But what is the main correlation between the two skills? Its easy my friend! The key component in both key fundamentals is hip rotation.Thats right, hip rotation! Players that sink their hips and then explode up on contact rotating their hips upwards are great blockers and outstanding tacklers. Hip rotation is football! You heard it here! To take the time with your youth football players early in their developement and to emphasize hip rotation on every contact drill will develope them into outstanding contact players that run over players,make great blocks, and are heavy hitters! Cheers!