After watching Sunday's wildcard match-up between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers it was apparent that the Packers were not going to let Michael Vick beat them with his legs, and if he were to be successful, he would have to throw the football downfield.
The Packers maintained steady defensive line pressure on Vick, had great contain, kept him in the pocket, and collapsed the pocket from the outside and in, to take away his time and space. The defence was set-up to make it difficult for Vick to scramble and run where he is probably the most dangerous. This forced the Eagles to hand the ball off as well as throw downfield where for the most part, the Packers had good downfield coverage.
There was a few times where the Packers did blitz their inside linebackers only to have Vick make a good read on this, and he would put the ball behind the blitzing linebackers for a solid gain. But overall, the Packers played a very patient defensive game, contained Vick in the pocket, took away the big play, and forced the Eagles to grind it out. Now in Michael Vick's defence he was playing injured. But overall you could see what the Packers game plan was, and that was to take away the running ability of Michael Vick.
When you consider game planning for the Eagles you have to consider that they have one of the most explosive offences in the league, behind one of the premier quarterback athletes in the NFL. When you game plan you want to try and disrupt and take away something that is one of their strengths and force them to win by doing or going to something else. Obviously, the Packers decided that this offence begins and ends on the legs of Michael Vick. So take away his running ability, and force him to be more one dimensional. A good strategy that worked well for the Packers!
Cheers!
Showing posts with label defence. Show all posts
Showing posts with label defence. Show all posts
Monday, January 10, 2011
Friday, December 17, 2010
Football Defence:Blitz Attack!
One of the thrills of being a football defensive co-ordinator is the excitement of blitzing your opponent, pressuring the quarterback, and forcing a well oiled offensive machine into turn-over's and mistakes.
A carefully planned blitz attack by an aggressive group of football athletes can throw a wrench into the offence and make the playing field a little more even against teams that are superior in talent and strength.
But it can certainly be your downfall as well!
Blitzing is like rolling the dice play after play, it's a gamble that you take, it can be a lot of fun when you get on a roll, sack the quarterback and create a turn-over. But, from time to time, like any gamble, you're going to roll "snake eyes" and pay the price. It won't take too long for a well coached team to take advantage of your blitz attack, expose its vulnerabilities, and move the football. The better teams know that by being patient when under attack and figuring out where and what players are blitzing that they can expose these players and take advantage of the space they vacate in order to blitz. How many times have you watched NFL teams blitz and sack the quarterback in the first quarter and then get ripped apart in the second quarter?
Game over!
Be patient in your blitz. Don't fire the guns play after play and become predictable. Be aggressive, and then back off. Blitz different personnel. Show blitz, get them to audible to another play, then drop into coverage. Keep the offence guessing. As the game moves along, perhaps you'll expose some weakness or flaw in their schemes. Take advantage of it but be patient with it as well. If you find they are having a hard time with it turn up the heat slowly and be cautious of not being placed in a position where you can be exposed and give up a big play.
There will be times that team's will not be able to stop your blitz pressure. But at the same time the better teams will be able to expose this pressure so it's best to be patient with your blitz and be smart with it as well!
Cheers!
A carefully planned blitz attack by an aggressive group of football athletes can throw a wrench into the offence and make the playing field a little more even against teams that are superior in talent and strength.
But it can certainly be your downfall as well!
Blitzing is like rolling the dice play after play, it's a gamble that you take, it can be a lot of fun when you get on a roll, sack the quarterback and create a turn-over. But, from time to time, like any gamble, you're going to roll "snake eyes" and pay the price. It won't take too long for a well coached team to take advantage of your blitz attack, expose its vulnerabilities, and move the football. The better teams know that by being patient when under attack and figuring out where and what players are blitzing that they can expose these players and take advantage of the space they vacate in order to blitz. How many times have you watched NFL teams blitz and sack the quarterback in the first quarter and then get ripped apart in the second quarter?
Game over!
Be patient in your blitz. Don't fire the guns play after play and become predictable. Be aggressive, and then back off. Blitz different personnel. Show blitz, get them to audible to another play, then drop into coverage. Keep the offence guessing. As the game moves along, perhaps you'll expose some weakness or flaw in their schemes. Take advantage of it but be patient with it as well. If you find they are having a hard time with it turn up the heat slowly and be cautious of not being placed in a position where you can be exposed and give up a big play.
There will be times that team's will not be able to stop your blitz pressure. But at the same time the better teams will be able to expose this pressure so it's best to be patient with your blitz and be smart with it as well!
Cheers!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Defensive Linemen the Neglected Group
One of the most neglected positions in youth football is the defensive lineman. A lot of times we get so busy sorting out the offensive line that we neglect the defensive linemen. We basically set them up as blocking dummmies opposite the o-linemen and as we practice offensive line fundamentals they are told to line up here or line up there and come hard. As a result these players become lost in the shuffle and we wonder on game day why we cannot get a stop on defence.
Usually these players are perhaps slower and not as athletic as your fine tuned O-linemen. So how can we make them into ferocious ball attackers? Its simple my friend. You need to make a commitment to them the same as you do with your offensive linemen. As a lot of smaller programs have both of these groups together because of numbers , its important that all practice their defensive linemen fundamentals as much as offensive line. Everything from stance, footwork, snap explosion, engaging the blocker to block shedding, getting up field to the ball, tackling as well as system assignments should be covered. Another key would be teaching them how to read their blocks . By reading the block of the o-linemen the d-linemen can effectively determine what kind of play the offence is running and make an agressive read to the ball.
All in all, a good run stopping, sacking defensive line starts in practice and is worth the time of investment.
Cheers!
Usually these players are perhaps slower and not as athletic as your fine tuned O-linemen. So how can we make them into ferocious ball attackers? Its simple my friend. You need to make a commitment to them the same as you do with your offensive linemen. As a lot of smaller programs have both of these groups together because of numbers , its important that all practice their defensive linemen fundamentals as much as offensive line. Everything from stance, footwork, snap explosion, engaging the blocker to block shedding, getting up field to the ball, tackling as well as system assignments should be covered. Another key would be teaching them how to read their blocks . By reading the block of the o-linemen the d-linemen can effectively determine what kind of play the offence is running and make an agressive read to the ball.
All in all, a good run stopping, sacking defensive line starts in practice and is worth the time of investment.
Cheers!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Football Defence Discipline
As we have all heard many times, defence wins championships! A solid system with players committed to their assignments with good fundamentals paves the way to defensive success.
Its really very simple!
Do your assignment and do it well within the system, don't try to over play into somebody elses assignment and be disciplined within your assignment. These are the keys to having that championship defence.
The higher the level of competition the more important it is for the football players to be disciplined within their assignments otherwise they are like a fish out of water and are vulnerable to failure. With so many eyes watching these days these are the players that opposing offensives seek out and go after. They're like sitting ducks! An undisciplined defensive player doing his own thing out there will be exposed and manipulated and have you pulling out your hair.
Player selections for your defence are important for a solid disciplined defence. Be carefull of those players that are disciplined all week in practice and then are exposed on game day as they decide to do their own thing. Yea, against the weaker teams they'll be fine but in the championship game will be exposed and cost you possibly the win.
Good discipline equals good defence!
Cheers
Its really very simple!
Do your assignment and do it well within the system, don't try to over play into somebody elses assignment and be disciplined within your assignment. These are the keys to having that championship defence.
The higher the level of competition the more important it is for the football players to be disciplined within their assignments otherwise they are like a fish out of water and are vulnerable to failure. With so many eyes watching these days these are the players that opposing offensives seek out and go after. They're like sitting ducks! An undisciplined defensive player doing his own thing out there will be exposed and manipulated and have you pulling out your hair.
Player selections for your defence are important for a solid disciplined defence. Be carefull of those players that are disciplined all week in practice and then are exposed on game day as they decide to do their own thing. Yea, against the weaker teams they'll be fine but in the championship game will be exposed and cost you possibly the win.
Good discipline equals good defence!
Cheers
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Youth Football Shuffle the Deck
As your youth football team comes together with systems and line-up in place don't be afraid to shuffle the deck a bit. In other words, try a few different looks and combinations with players to see how they respond outside of their normal comfort zone. Try playing your big offensive end on the defensive end side or move one of your defensive players on the offensive side of the ball, give him some carries and see how he does.
You may find a diamond in the rough!
The only way you'll know is just to try it out. This is your responsibility to get the utmost out of your team. Its like car racing, you know what a guy can do on the quarter mile but as a coach you're curious to see what he can do on the oval.
At least you will know.
Try this at times perhaps when you have a good lead on your opponent or when you are behind at times by a large margin and just want to get something going.
It could spark your team or it could make you better. As a football coach you'd be selling yourself short if you didn't take the opportunity to try. Probably one of your team goals is to improve every day and this might be a way to compliment that goal. But, it could also blow up in your face, keep in mind though nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Some of the best moves have come out of these shuffles. You'll get comments like" How did you ever know? or "We never imagined they were capable" but also as well "What were you thinking? Ha-Ha.
Cheers
You may find a diamond in the rough!
The only way you'll know is just to try it out. This is your responsibility to get the utmost out of your team. Its like car racing, you know what a guy can do on the quarter mile but as a coach you're curious to see what he can do on the oval.
At least you will know.
Try this at times perhaps when you have a good lead on your opponent or when you are behind at times by a large margin and just want to get something going.
It could spark your team or it could make you better. As a football coach you'd be selling yourself short if you didn't take the opportunity to try. Probably one of your team goals is to improve every day and this might be a way to compliment that goal. But, it could also blow up in your face, keep in mind though nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Some of the best moves have come out of these shuffles. You'll get comments like" How did you ever know? or "We never imagined they were capable" but also as well "What were you thinking? Ha-Ha.
Cheers
Friday, March 26, 2010
Defending the Zone Blocking Scheme
A lot of programs have implemented the zone-blocking scheme as part of their football system at the youth level. Its easy to implement and a very effective football blocking scheme. The philosophy behind the scheme is that the offensive line will block down in unison to the play side and effectively block the defensive linemen in their zone. The offensive line in blocking their zone will work in tandem and look for the double team on the defensive linemen, scoop him, and then one of the offensive linemen will chip off and go down and get one of your linebackers. The idea is to zone block to play side, look for the double team chip to middle-linebacker, maintain and drive your man, all to the play side and the running back will get the hand-off, take some steps to play -side and look for a seam for cut-back while the defence gets "washed down".
It's a very effective scheme versus a 3 man front especially if you don't have a natural nose-tackle.
But how do you defend it?
Well, my experience taught me that against an effective zone blocking scheme I would have to switch into a 4 man front and play either a gap or stack front. In the 4 man gap front, the defensive linemen would align in the gaps and shoot through on the snap; this is an aggressive counter attack that takes away the double team, and penetrates up field making it difficult for the offensive line to get to the linebackers. It creates a more one on one battle for your defensive line and they are taught to get straight up field on the snap and not get "washed down".
The other option is to stack it up, align your four man front straight on covering the OG and OT and leave the center open. On the snap the defensive line are coached up to latch on their man, not get scooped, find and rip to the ball. By latching on their man it takes away the double team chip and leaves your middle linebackers free to flow to the ball.
Both alignments can be effective against the football zone blocking system. I have found that the defensive linemen have preferred the gap alignment more especially when battling a larger offensive line. Either or, it gives you a couple of options to consider when facing a zone blocking scheme in youth football.
Cheers!
It's a very effective scheme versus a 3 man front especially if you don't have a natural nose-tackle.
But how do you defend it?
Well, my experience taught me that against an effective zone blocking scheme I would have to switch into a 4 man front and play either a gap or stack front. In the 4 man gap front, the defensive linemen would align in the gaps and shoot through on the snap; this is an aggressive counter attack that takes away the double team, and penetrates up field making it difficult for the offensive line to get to the linebackers. It creates a more one on one battle for your defensive line and they are taught to get straight up field on the snap and not get "washed down".
The other option is to stack it up, align your four man front straight on covering the OG and OT and leave the center open. On the snap the defensive line are coached up to latch on their man, not get scooped, find and rip to the ball. By latching on their man it takes away the double team chip and leaves your middle linebackers free to flow to the ball.
Both alignments can be effective against the football zone blocking system. I have found that the defensive linemen have preferred the gap alignment more especially when battling a larger offensive line. Either or, it gives you a couple of options to consider when facing a zone blocking scheme in youth football.
Cheers!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Key Elements to Football Defence
As a youth football coach when you begin to plan and put the dynamics of your defence together you should consider the following: Pressure, Contain, Filter, Force, and Cover.
With these elements in mind and within your defensive system make sure that you have these areas or keys covered and that your players know their assignments within the keys. Let's cover each item: Pressure- it's important that you pressure the offence into hurrying in order to take away their time and space and possibly put them in a position with your pressure that they make mistakes and as a result create turn-overs.
Contain: - its important that within this pressure that you have good contain so that they cannot get outside the pocket or the box and that everything is contained or bracketed inside. Filter- it's important that within the Pressure and Contain that every play is filtered back inside where you have your strength and more help. Force- it's important that within this filtration that you have solid run support and that your players come in force, aggressive to the ball, some coaches refer to this as gang-tackling. Finally, Cover- it's important that within the keys of your football defensive system that you have good downfield coverage.
Regardless of the front or defensive football system that you want to play these elements are the keys and your players should know their assignments within the defence.
Cheers!
With these elements in mind and within your defensive system make sure that you have these areas or keys covered and that your players know their assignments within the keys. Let's cover each item: Pressure- it's important that you pressure the offence into hurrying in order to take away their time and space and possibly put them in a position with your pressure that they make mistakes and as a result create turn-overs.
Contain: - its important that within this pressure that you have good contain so that they cannot get outside the pocket or the box and that everything is contained or bracketed inside. Filter- it's important that within the Pressure and Contain that every play is filtered back inside where you have your strength and more help. Force- it's important that within this filtration that you have solid run support and that your players come in force, aggressive to the ball, some coaches refer to this as gang-tackling. Finally, Cover- it's important that within the keys of your football defensive system that you have good downfield coverage.
Regardless of the front or defensive football system that you want to play these elements are the keys and your players should know their assignments within the defence.
Cheers!
Friday, February 26, 2010
The 6-2 Defence
If you want to have a solid run stopping defence one of my favourites is the 6-2 defence. This defence puts 8 men in the box and with outside linebackers gives you good contain. For youth programs that face teams that like to run the football the majority of the time, it's the defence you' want to play.
The defence is basically designed to pressure the offence into making mistakes by filtering the running back into the middle where you have lots of help to stop the run. Basically to sum it up, you coach your two outside linebackers to line up about two yards from the outside shoulder of the OT. On the snap of the ball they explode straight up field about 5 yards or to ball depth, their job is to contain and force the running back to cut back inside. Your two DTs line up in the A gaps and are coached up to shoot the gap hard on the snap of the ball. By doing this they pressure the center and two guards to stay in and block which means you have two of your defensive linemen occupying three of their offensive linemen.
That's a good trade off!
Your two DE's will align straight up on the OT's in a three point stance and on the snap of the ball will play two-gap responsibility, jam the OT, read and rip to ball side. The defence is set-up to protect your two middle linebackers which means they are able to flow to the ball and punish the running back. I like the secondary to play man to man and read their receiver. If they release cover them, if they stay in and block step up for run support.
This defence gives you solid inside protection against the run, as well as good contain.
The problem with this defence is that you are vulnerable to give up the big play from time to time. If they do bust through the Line of Scrimmage it's usually for a big gain. Excellent defence to run against teams that like to zone block.
Cheers!
The defence is basically designed to pressure the offence into making mistakes by filtering the running back into the middle where you have lots of help to stop the run. Basically to sum it up, you coach your two outside linebackers to line up about two yards from the outside shoulder of the OT. On the snap of the ball they explode straight up field about 5 yards or to ball depth, their job is to contain and force the running back to cut back inside. Your two DTs line up in the A gaps and are coached up to shoot the gap hard on the snap of the ball. By doing this they pressure the center and two guards to stay in and block which means you have two of your defensive linemen occupying three of their offensive linemen.
That's a good trade off!
Your two DE's will align straight up on the OT's in a three point stance and on the snap of the ball will play two-gap responsibility, jam the OT, read and rip to ball side. The defence is set-up to protect your two middle linebackers which means they are able to flow to the ball and punish the running back. I like the secondary to play man to man and read their receiver. If they release cover them, if they stay in and block step up for run support.
This defence gives you solid inside protection against the run, as well as good contain.
The problem with this defence is that you are vulnerable to give up the big play from time to time. If they do bust through the Line of Scrimmage it's usually for a big gain. Excellent defence to run against teams that like to zone block.
Cheers!
Officials
One of the most frustrating things to deal with as a coach is poor officiating. Things can unravel pretty fast when the officials are having a bad game. A big gain can be nullified; a score can be called back, non-infractions called infractions, non-calls turning into points for the other team, player and coach ejections.
At some point, we've all seen it!
I have come to the conclusion that referee's are like our players. There are days when they look great and days when they are going to miss calls and look terrible. There are poor officials and officials who are outstanding. Same as coaches.
But what do you do when you get poor officiating?
My experience has taught me to roll with the punches. To be patient, and to try and make your point as quietly as you can without embarrassing the official or yourself. Remember, your players will look to you to be rock solid when things go bad. Yelling at the official doesn't help. I must admit I was at one time one to let the officials know what I thought! I learned the hard way that they will soon let you know who's in control! You'll never win that battle!
A few tips that have helped me over the years:
Try to make your point with the official by using your captains to question, politely, of course, their call or non call. Or, perhaps after a score when the official lines up in between the benches for the kick-off you can quietly ask him whether or not he saw an infraction that you felt led to the score against. If not, ask him to please watch next time. Don't publicly embarrass them!
I was told by an official that screaming and yelling is a sign of the coach not understanding the game or as last resort when things are not going well, blame the officials. Use the linesman to your advantage; he's always in front of your bench. Ask him to watch a certain player or play or to relay your message to the Head Official for them to discuss at half-time.
Attend an officials Rules meeting and get into some discussions on interpretation. Most leagues have these meetings. Attend and build respect. You'll find that you'll get this respect back especially on the playing field during game day. Question the calls based on good knowledge of the rules. Don't grasp at straws and vaguely only know. Know the rule inside and out! I always am flipping through the rule book.
Once you get the reputation within the officials circle as being knowledgeable and under control I find they communicate, approach the bench more, and are more willing to engage you in discussion through-out the game.
Cheers!
At some point, we've all seen it!
I have come to the conclusion that referee's are like our players. There are days when they look great and days when they are going to miss calls and look terrible. There are poor officials and officials who are outstanding. Same as coaches.
But what do you do when you get poor officiating?
My experience has taught me to roll with the punches. To be patient, and to try and make your point as quietly as you can without embarrassing the official or yourself. Remember, your players will look to you to be rock solid when things go bad. Yelling at the official doesn't help. I must admit I was at one time one to let the officials know what I thought! I learned the hard way that they will soon let you know who's in control! You'll never win that battle!
A few tips that have helped me over the years:
Try to make your point with the official by using your captains to question, politely, of course, their call or non call. Or, perhaps after a score when the official lines up in between the benches for the kick-off you can quietly ask him whether or not he saw an infraction that you felt led to the score against. If not, ask him to please watch next time. Don't publicly embarrass them!
I was told by an official that screaming and yelling is a sign of the coach not understanding the game or as last resort when things are not going well, blame the officials. Use the linesman to your advantage; he's always in front of your bench. Ask him to watch a certain player or play or to relay your message to the Head Official for them to discuss at half-time.
Attend an officials Rules meeting and get into some discussions on interpretation. Most leagues have these meetings. Attend and build respect. You'll find that you'll get this respect back especially on the playing field during game day. Question the calls based on good knowledge of the rules. Don't grasp at straws and vaguely only know. Know the rule inside and out! I always am flipping through the rule book.
Once you get the reputation within the officials circle as being knowledgeable and under control I find they communicate, approach the bench more, and are more willing to engage you in discussion through-out the game.
Cheers!
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