Stack backers vs 20 and 40i

plus and minus your linebackers based on formation and run tendency. This is something that teams like Va-tech, CW Post, and JMU have done for years.

We flip and slide ours. To the 7/3 tech side he is protected so he can be more of a "runner/scraper". To the 5/1 tech side we need more of a plugger our (10-tech LB).

We flip the scraper (40i) to the passing strength so that he is the LB who adjusts to #3 in trips formations. Doing that DOES mean that the 40i may end-up on the 5/1 tech side. When that happens, the LB's are standing over the "bubbles" (open gaps).

Formations that require that (Twins w/TE backside or 2 x 2 w/TE backside) have other issues that make these bubble alignments desirable.

BUT...looking at it from purely a Pro-I standpoint, our even front has favorable numbers to the offense's weak side. We use the FS as the robber to counter the "strong side deficit" but this is also why we feel like it is okay to slide the LB's strong.

Being in a 40i allows that strong side LB to scrape outside or fill back to the A-gap easily. Being in a 10 (essentially stacked on our 1-tech) allows the 10-tech LB to plug EITHER the strong side A gap or weak side B-gap easily. Note: we actually want our 10-tech plugger to be the guy who mashes the FB if they Iso EITHER of those bubbles.

Hope this makes sense without some diagrams.

Jeff is SPOT ON with the way we think! I never understood why everyone wants their LB's shifted weak - just so they are standing in the bubbles...doing so shifts you even more away from where you need the help in a "balanced" defense...the strong side.

And for those of you who are afraid of spilling plays because you think your talent/speed is less than your opponent...don't be! Man-for-man that may be true but if you preech pursuit (proper fits/angles, etc.) you will not have a problem. I love the way we play defense BECAUSE over the years we have usually been less talented but can almost always compete.

Jeff,
I'd love to hear more about your approach to the 42/44 G...sounds like we have similar thoughts about defense.

Ringo

Coach - does weakside trap every give you a problem with this alignment?

Weakside trap. You are trapping the 5 tech right? or the 1 tech?

I will assume you are trapping the 5 tech not the 1 because 1 is a very hard trap just be alignment. 5 can be easy to trap when you have a DE that flys up the field every play.

Tackle blocks down, 5 tech. bends down the heels to wrong arm the trap, spills it to the OLB that is unblocked AND the FS coming hard inside out. MIke is workign his natural X the the DE. DE bends down the heels, MIke scrapes to C. Tackle reaches the 5 tech, Mike fills just like their option fill keys.

Mike has to BLAST the Tackle but its nothing different than if he was in a 30.

Teach the D-linemen the keys and they will destroy traps all day. If they get upfield you are in for a long day, just as anyone would be.

Its real easy and it works with EVERY offense. MABY not Zone Read teams but thats apples and oranges.

What we do in Zone Read teams with the 5 tech is one of two things. First thing is we cross key. If the back is to you, play the QB, back away, play the back. Early in the game and the back is to you, I tell my 5 tech to absolutly destroy the QB. I could care less what happened to the ball. I want my kid in pretty boy's grill. I tell my kids to take away the read. No more read he will just give the ball, end of option.

NOW..... If they have a MAN at QB and he keeps getting up and keeps his composure or a back that can really wine it back to the 5 tech, I tell my 5 tech to stop at the LOS when the tackle blocks down. JUST STOP. No more read, no more cutback. The QB won't have any idea what to do and hopefully he gets laid out from behind.

DT's should read sucker trap by one of two thing.

1. OT does NOT block back on you.
2. Guard pulls, look right to the FB

If the OT tries to block back, you know to stay on the heels of the pulling guard. OT blocks back the 5 tech should be on his heels anyway and the MIKE goes to C.

There is a reason why not may big time colleges and certainly not the pros make a living off of traps and pullig a ton of people. Too easy to read and spill. IMHO.

If you have a disciplined defense, you should never get trapped bottom line.

If you have an undisciplined team you will get your lights trapped out. IMHO.

I sent you you some stuff yesterday.

Let me know if you got it.

Jeff