DEFENDING SPEED OPTION

I ASSUME the Slots are about 5-6 yds out?

OLB: Play him in an 8 technique (ON the LOS just inside the Slot). Va Tech calls this "UP-G". Cock him in at 45 degrees if necessary - the cracker will hit him in the back as he crosses the LOS on an inward angle to intersect the path of the pitch man - 3-4 yds behind the original align of the TE/Slot. OLB READ THE QB: If ball is in "lane 1" (down the line towards you) - ATTACK the pitch (don't sit & wait on it). If the ball is in "lane 2" (45 degree angle to his side), or "lane 3" (dropback) it WON'T be an option!

MANY great 4-4 teams do the above with the OLB (VA TECH; Florida when Spurrier was there, ETC.). IF the WR attempts to crack - it will be HARD TO DO.

The 7 tech. DE LOOKS at the OT. If the OT blocks down on your 3 tech - the 7 tech. BENDS inside right away & will smack the QB in the mouth!

The ILB (we have him in a "30 technique" - 4+ yds off the ball directly behind the 3 technique) will quite possibly be unblocked, & can work from QB TO Pitch!

F/S must fill TOUGH in the ALLEY to the side of flow. Corners STILL try to get up on cracks - but you will have everything covered anyway. Nick Rapone (Secondary Coach at Delaware) has a great technique tape with the ":CRACK/REPLACE" drill - which must be repped. Contact him about that drill.

Nick Rapone is at the University of Delaware. 302-831-2253 or: football-office@udel.edu

You CAN play the OLB 1-2 yds INSIDE the Slot (if he is out 6+ yds) & 3 yds deep - COCKED in at 45 degree angle (if he can't see the slot without turning his head - the slot can't block him if he crashes inside as soon as he sees QB in lane 1 at the snap). WE go ahead & play him on OR off the LOS according to D& D, & what works best!

couldnt agree with you more about communication. i feel we have more than stressed this point for years and for some reason our kids just dont react to the play quick enough and our olb get killed. what do you have your corner read from the snap. i mean exactly where should there eyes be so they can read the quickest. we have generally taught them to look at the emlos to get a pass/run read and keep the w/r in his peripherial. it just hasnt seemed to work real well. also heard something recently on a post that said to read first uncovered man on los to get a better run/pass read as he will either attack off the line agressivley or stand and protect. any thoughts on which is best would be helpfull.

the only difference in formation is they are in a "I" with twins to either side away from the TE. you are correct as they shouldnt be able to get a block on the 5tech. though. our end hasnt been able in the past to get upfield quick enough to take away the pitch.

I would be careful about loosening the 5 if they are an option team that will run inside veer to the twins side. Maybe you don't have to worry about that.

CUI

I think you are OK with a loose 5 tech. vs. inside veer because it should be a give read for the QB and the WLB should be unblocked to make a play on the dive back. Do you see it another way?