4-4 robber or 4-3 with quarters?

Coach,

With the holidays coming up, I would recommend putting "Coaching Football's 4-3 Defense" by Tim Simons and Mike Freeman on your wish list. Great book that centers around the 4-3 scheme, cover 4 and putting 8 and 9 in the box . It is applicable for high school players and provides info on defending certain offenses and also illustrates practice plans and so forth. Good buy for $18. 95. Better than a tie, some boxers and dress socks now!!!

What you call "G/ROBBER" can give you 9 in the box vs 1 TE/2 WR/2 RB's, and 10 in the box vs 2 TE/1 WR/2 RB.

Vs 3 & 4 wideouts, you are better off in something else!

One back and cougar (or anyone else),

Could you explain the philosophy and constructs of the "G/ROBBER" defense for me. I would really love to hear about it. Was it the defense ran by the WASH. HUSKIES in the early 90's? That's the only thing that is popping in my head right now. Thanks fellas and keep up the great work!!!

Ah hell, I don't have much experience compared to others either, but hey, I am going to learn more by typing questions and replies and getting the proper feedback from those who KNOW the game. So dont be hesitant on typing what you think/know. I was that guy last year. The more info on this site, the better for all of us!

Thanks for your feedback. The 4-2-5 is something that I wish to do more research on and get a better understanding because I would love to add a good Nickel package to the 4-3. A robber scheme is something that interests me, especially with 5 players in the backfield who can cover and force the ball during a run.

I happened to see a clinic done on the 4-2-5 by Jim Knowles, HC @ Cornell. He didnt go too much into robber, however he provided all of us with a great Zone blitz versus one back spread. He called it 'SACK IT" and what it comprised of was a scheme that had the two LB's walk up onto the LOS in a blitz stance, filling the two open gaps that the DL hasnt filled. So say you had an over front (NOSE 1-tech and End in 5 tech with a TACKLE in a 3 tech and an END in a 5 tech on the other side)- the LB's would rush the open B gap and the open A gap to the strength. Now the C gap and B gap players would rush and read the OT's, while the two A gap rushers would read the Center. Who ever the OT looked to block would drop into coverage and the player who wasn't looked at would continue the rush. You can play Cover 3 and 4 behind it, along with any type of DL front. I loved it, especially as a young coach. Could create major issues with a HS O-line. Hope this helps. Keep up the great work!!

I don't have the CW POST stuff. The Robber stuff I refer to is from Virginia Tech and Temple (very similar). Temple's Secondary Coach played at Va Tech.

"Quarters" is fine IF you have two damned good Safeties that can cover 4.4 & 4.5/40 WR verticals deep, AND come up & take on 225 lb. lead blockers on a power sweep at the LOS. NOT TOO EASY TO FIND THAT BREED OF CAT (unless they have a cape & a blue jersey with a red "S" on it)! It draws up good - but WHO do you have playing those positions is more important than putting the "X" on a piece of paper!!!!!

Yes - "G" can be adjusted to run many coverages. It is ESSENTIALLY an 8 man front defense, so going to two safeties takes some adjusting.

It is all way too detailed to discuss via email. I saw a Virginia Tech 44 (G)/46 (Bears) defensive notebook for sale on EBAY under Football Playbook you really need to study this in detail.

I am giving a lecture on "4-4" at Atlantic City (MEGA CLINIC) on Jan. 21, 2006. MOST of my talk will center around the "blitz package". Don't know where you live - but if you are in the northeast, try to come.