Post by Coach Campbell on Jul 7, 2014 17:25:10 GMT
Carlos Fernandez
My defensive philosophy is based on the premise of stopping the run. Thus, like to run a 5-3 with gap control for the 8-man box. I like a simple cover 3 zone that allows for the defensive backs to have their eyes in the backfield to help for run support. This of course is my basic philosophy keeping in mind that we have a very heavy run to pass ratio in our league and even our conference and section. We are in a low division where there are problems with quarterback accuracy and the coaching of the quarterback. Thus, my philosophy is to sell out on the run. I, like every coach, can anticipate adjustments to this "stop the run" philosophy. We are seeing the trend of the spread formation just like everywhere else, but many coaches use the formation to run the football. If an opposing team comes out with a doubles doubles set we like to change to a four-man front and have our fastest backers or biggest defensive backs play those slots, but play them hard inside with the understanding they are still trying to run. I would approximate that on average teams pass 10-15% of the time. Because of this, we can always gamble leaving our defensive backs by themselves against a receiver or even a couple in a zone. I also like to bring pressure from our best athletes and will do so on most passing situations. I don't want to give the quarterback time to throw and I remind the defensive backs that yes they are alone, but they only have to cover their guy for about 3 seconds because of the pressure. I also like to be somewhat unconventional and bring defensive backs on blitzes if the opposing team likes to option a lot or even zone read. Teams usually have their tendencies in running their options to the strong or weak side while others favor running to the short or wide side of the field. It is pretty easy to pick this up. Again, due to the heavy running in our league, I like to stop the run forcing teams to pass and bringing pressure so when they do pass they have to do so quickly. We have automatic defenses for a trips, bunch, or empty formations that will bring pressure from the backside.
In order to solidify our defense, fundamentals is the key. Open field tackling is key to our defense as there is a lot of space out in the perimeter against our defense. Also, understanding pursuit and gap and zone responsibility is something preached every defensive day. Eleven guys need to be in on the tackle in practice and second and third tacklers are taught to take shots at the ball in hopes of getting a turnover. This brings me to my favorite pursuit drill where we have our defense out against three offensive players. We may give a running back the ball on a sweep and all eleven defenders must pursue until they cross the face of the offensive player. This pursuit drill emphasizes to not give up on a tackle because you feel you are too far away to make the tackle.
My defensive philosophy is based on the premise of stopping the run. Thus, like to run a 5-3 with gap control for the 8-man box. I like a simple cover 3 zone that allows for the defensive backs to have their eyes in the backfield to help for run support. This of course is my basic philosophy keeping in mind that we have a very heavy run to pass ratio in our league and even our conference and section. We are in a low division where there are problems with quarterback accuracy and the coaching of the quarterback. Thus, my philosophy is to sell out on the run. I, like every coach, can anticipate adjustments to this "stop the run" philosophy. We are seeing the trend of the spread formation just like everywhere else, but many coaches use the formation to run the football. If an opposing team comes out with a doubles doubles set we like to change to a four-man front and have our fastest backers or biggest defensive backs play those slots, but play them hard inside with the understanding they are still trying to run. I would approximate that on average teams pass 10-15% of the time. Because of this, we can always gamble leaving our defensive backs by themselves against a receiver or even a couple in a zone. I also like to bring pressure from our best athletes and will do so on most passing situations. I don't want to give the quarterback time to throw and I remind the defensive backs that yes they are alone, but they only have to cover their guy for about 3 seconds because of the pressure. I also like to be somewhat unconventional and bring defensive backs on blitzes if the opposing team likes to option a lot or even zone read. Teams usually have their tendencies in running their options to the strong or weak side while others favor running to the short or wide side of the field. It is pretty easy to pick this up. Again, due to the heavy running in our league, I like to stop the run forcing teams to pass and bringing pressure so when they do pass they have to do so quickly. We have automatic defenses for a trips, bunch, or empty formations that will bring pressure from the backside.
In order to solidify our defense, fundamentals is the key. Open field tackling is key to our defense as there is a lot of space out in the perimeter against our defense. Also, understanding pursuit and gap and zone responsibility is something preached every defensive day. Eleven guys need to be in on the tackle in practice and second and third tacklers are taught to take shots at the ball in hopes of getting a turnover. This brings me to my favorite pursuit drill where we have our defense out against three offensive players. We may give a running back the ball on a sweep and all eleven defenders must pursue until they cross the face of the offensive player. This pursuit drill emphasizes to not give up on a tackle because you feel you are too far away to make the tackle.