what is the best defense to use for 6-8 year olds

7-4 DEFENSE (Simple defense for youth ball & very hard to run on (like 6-5 in previous post above):


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NOSE: Line up head up with the Center in a low four point stance. As the ball is snapped, charge hard into the center, being positive he cannot raise you up or drive you back. You must be lower than he is in order to knock him into his own backfield.

TACKLES: Line up on the line of scrimmage in the gap between the offensive guard and tackle. As the ball is snapped, charge low and hard through the gap. Penetrate fast enough to stop the handoff if it comes to your side.

LINEBACKERS: Line up on the line of scrimmage in the gap between the offensive tackle and end. As the ball is snapped, shoot the gap moving on a slight inward angle. Work for penetration. Play the ball.

ENDS: Line up on the line of scrimmage about 1 ½ yards outside the offensive end. As the ball is snapped, charge hard through the hip of the offensive end on an inward angle for a spot 1 ½ yards in front of the fullback. Charge fast and hard enough to stop any play to your inside. You have no outside responsibility. If the ball goes away from you, deepen your course and become the leverage man. If the ball goes back for a forward pass, deepen your angle of pursuit. Keep leverage on the passer.

CORNERBACKS: Put yourself in a position so you can look through the offensive end to the quarterback. Key the end. If he blocks, come up fast on the outside being sure you can turn the ball-carrier in. If the end comes downfield, drop back with him maintaining outside and deep position so that you can cover him if he breaks into your zone on a forward pass.

SAFETIES: Line up just outside the offensive guards about 2 yards behind the line of scrimmage. Key the offensive guards. If the guards block out, fill the gap between the guard and center quickly. If the guard makes any other move, react rapidly to the ball.

ADJUSTMENTS:

A) CORNERBACKS: If the end or any back flankers to your side, adjust exactly as in 6-5.

B) SAFETIES: If a back flankers to the opposite side, make no adjustment. If a back flankers to your side, deepen one step, and if a pass shows, drop quickly to your outside. Be sure that the end does not cross in front of you. You must cover the end from the inside. If the guard makes a pass protection block, drop quickly to the hook zone. Be in a position to cover the end if he hooks or if he breaks on an angle to the inside.

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GAP 8-3 (CLOSE TO GOAL LINE):

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GUARDS: Line up on the line of scrimmage in the gap on either side of the center. Charge low and hard through the gap. You must get penetration. Charge hard enough to stop the quarterback sneak.

TACKLES: (SAME AS 7-4) Line up on the line of scrimmage in the gap between the offensive guard and tackle. As the ball is snapped, charge low and hard through the gap. Penetrate fast enough to stop the handoff if it comes to your side.

LINEBACKERS: (SAME AS 7-4) Line up on the line of scrimmage in the gap between the offensive tackle and end. As the ball is snapped, shoot the gap moving on a slight inward angle. Work for penetration. Play the ball.

ENDS: (SAME AS 7-4) Line up on the line of scrimmage about 1 ½ yards outside the offensive end. As the ball is snapped, charge hard through the hip of the offensive end on an inward angle for a spot 1 ½ yards in front of the fullback. Charge fast and hard enough to stop any play to your inside. You have no outside responsibility. If the ball goes away from you, deepen your course and become the leverage man. If the ball goes back for a forward pass, deepen your angle of pursuit. Keep leverage on the passer.

CORNERBACKS: (SAME AS 7-4) Put yourself in a position so you can look through the offensive end to the quarterback. Key the end. If he blocks, come up fast on the outside being sure you can turn the ball-carrier in. If the end comes downfield, drop back with him maintaining outside and deep position so that you can cover him if he breaks into your zone on a forward pass.

SAFETY: Line up head on the quarterback. Adjust your depth depending on the position of the ball. React to the ball. On running plays, you must be in position to be able to react fast enough to meet the ball carrier at the line of scrimmage. If the play goes wide, move laterally and be ready to move and fill the gap between your end and your cornerback. If no linemen are downfield, you should move laterally and backwards since a pass probably will develop.