SPLIT 4-4

We don't run it but we do see it quite a bit, we have been successful running at it out of power I and doubling the 3 tech with the two lead backs, guard goes to sam, center to will, PST to OLB, and TE to DE, we also saw it quite a bit with the OLB on the LOS in the C gap, then we double PSG and PST to the Sam, center to will, TE to EMOL, and double w/ lead blockers to the OLB. We also had a lot of success with gun option w/4 wide. The teams we see run it usually put their best defenders at the c gap OLB players loading up for the run, and moving them out of the box to play in space seemed to make them uncomfortable. It was tough to run against w/just a pro I backfield, we always had lots of trouble getting to the 2 ILB.

Coach Easton, thank you for your response. We run cover zero, cover one, cover 2-man under, and cover three. The split 4-4 is our base set; however, like most staffs, we also spend large amounts of time breaking down film and doing our best to uncover tendencies (pretty simple given the ability of our scouting system). We adjust our front (over and under) given the tendencies of the opponent.

I AGREE WITH COACH GREENOUGH WHEN IT COMES TO 2 LEAD BACKS IN SHORT YARDAGE AND GOAL LINE. WE RUN OUR POWER PAK IN THOSE SITUATIONS BUILT AROUND THE POWER "I", THE STACK I"
THE BONE, FULL HOUSE, SINGLE WING!!! ALL FEATURE TWO LEAD BACKS PLUS PULLING GUARDS AT THE POINT OF ATTACK.

Coach Easton-TIGER ONE

Coach, I completely understand your input in regards to leaving ourselves vulnerable to the slant on the strong side of the formation. What I don't understand is your comment about being vulnerable to off-tackle runs. On the strong side we have a, b, c, and d gaps covered. Where is our weak spot? Again, I appreciate your input, as it helps me to think through the flaws in my system.

Coach Curtis

2 techniques can EITHER "2 gap the Guard", OR, line up in a 2 & play the 1 technique (inside shoulder) responsibility.

Vs. WING-T - ILBer reads on the Guards are GOOD! If you care to PHONE me at 804-378-0116 (from 6 PM to 10 PM/EDT) - I'll explain the ILBers reads vs. Wing-T in detail.

PS: Here is a "SPECIAL" defense we have had GOOD success withg vs. Wing-T:

“4-3 LIGHTNING/COVER 0” (vs. Wing-T):


-------------O

O-----------O-------O
----O-O-O-C-O-O---------------O
R-E----T----T---E—W

SS---------M

-----C--------------FS-----------C


ROVER = Line up in gap between Wing & TE. On the movement of the ball - shoot inside off hip of TE & then flat down the LOS behind the heels of the O-Line. D Gap responsibility. Wrong shoulder any inside/out block. NOTE: If Wing motions away – contain rush (no wrong shoulder).

DE (Wing Side) = 6 technique head up on TE. On the movement of the ball - shoot off hip of OT & then flat down the line behind the heels of the O-Line. C Gap responsibility. Wrong shoulder any inside/out block.

DT (Wing Side) = Conventional 3 technique – outside shoulder of OG. B Gap responsibility. Wrong shoulder traps.

DT (SE Side) = Conventional 1 technique – inside shoulder of OG. A Gap responsibility.

DE (Split End side) = 4 technique head up on OT. On the movement of the ball – shoot off hip of OG & then flat down the line behind the heels of the O-Line. B gap responsibility. Wrong shoulder any inside/out block.

WILL = line up on outside shoulder of TB (on the LOS). Go through outside shoulder of TB. Contain technique. C Gap responsibility.

S/S = line up on Wing at a depth of 3-4 yds. Squeeze-Contain if Wing blocks Rover. Cover Wing M/M on all passes UNLESS he motions away – then you have the FB M/M.

Mike = Line up 3 yds deep straddling Center’s leg to Wing/TE side. You have strongside A gap on plays to you (stay at home if you lose sight of the ball thru mis-direction). If the play goes away – cautious inside/out pursuit. Cover FB M/M on show pass (you may tackle him on his fake on waggle pass).

Corners = line up 7 yds deep on inside shoulder of TE & SE. Cover him M/M. NOTE: Corner on TE side fills vs. run if TE blocks.

F/S = Line up 7 yds deep on inside shoulder of TB. Cover him M/M UNLESS he goes to opposite side – then you have the FB M/M. NOTE: Fill vs. run if TB blocks.

My high school team ran this defense (the split 4-4). We were EXTREMELY successful against wing-t teams. 10-0 going into the second round of the playoffs. Our philosophy was to force everything inside to the ILB's. It was PERFECT for stopping sweeps, option, etc...anything outside. And good enough to stop the inside run. Against ONE-BACK SETS, that is.

The FIRST time we played a descent I-formation team, we got beat. Nothing we could do. College talent at all 11 positions. Just NOTHING we could do. Guards force out the DTs (usually in a 2...straight up...or 3...outside shade). Center takes one ILB. FB takes the other ILB. TB gets 3-5 yards EVERYTIME.

We had all these great athletes on the field...but the only 4 who mattered were our two DTs and our two ILBs. And those 4 were in a no-win situation.

Thinking back, I really wish our defensive coordinator had taught us a 46 package. We played nothing but the 4-4 all season long (with the exception of an occassional 4-3 in BLATANT passing situations). We knew it like the back of our hands. Adding an old-school package wouldn't have been too much for that talented and hard working bunch.

If you're gonna use this defense as your base, please, for the sake of the athletes busting their butts for you...TEACH THEM THE 46!!!

BILL,

One of the first things we discovered against the split 4 look, QB run!!!


Coach Easton-TIGER ONE

Email me at: billmountjoy@yahoo.com & I can explain it better. Lou Holtz used that concept & it really screws up pulling guards!!!!!!!

PS: Vs. "I" formation - use F/S "ROBBER" Coverage. gets 9 in the box on the run!