Post by galdrapann on May 27, 2003 17:08:11 GMT
Coaches,
I coach at the Pop Warner "A" level (mostly 8th and 9th grade ages). There is a 145 pound weight limit for this league. Last year I was a QB and secondary coach and OC, however, this year I have been made the DC and I have a few questions about the type of defensive line scheme to employ.
Last year our D tackles were kids who were not strong or fast enough to be LBs. They tended to be somewhat fat and therefore have less muscle than some of the other players on the team despite the weight restrictions. I would like to go with a 40 front and use the outside linebackers in a 44 set to occasionally squeeze down into a 9 tech to create a five man line. My intention is for this to be a gap control defense. I can teach these guys how to club/rip and slant into their gap responsiblity, and I also have read drills ready to go for different types of run and pass blocking.
Since these kids are not likely to be fast, I don't feel they can master the mirror step technique because this puts them into a situation where they are reacting to a player who may be stronger and faster then they are. I am skeptical that they will be able to sqeeze and control an O lineman who may be bigger and stronger than they are on a game to game basis, or even a sub to sub basis for that matter. What I would like to do is teach these players some moves, e.g., club/rip, that they can use at the snap of the ball to get penetration either into the gap or actually past the O line. The questions are, (1) how much penetration is too much?, (2) if they are attempting to get penetration, they will have a tougher time reading the blocking because they are concentrating on beating their man, so do they read the fullback?, (3) I would like them to make plays, but does this scheme let the O line into the LBs too much?
Thanks for your help guys.
I coach at the Pop Warner "A" level (mostly 8th and 9th grade ages). There is a 145 pound weight limit for this league. Last year I was a QB and secondary coach and OC, however, this year I have been made the DC and I have a few questions about the type of defensive line scheme to employ.
Last year our D tackles were kids who were not strong or fast enough to be LBs. They tended to be somewhat fat and therefore have less muscle than some of the other players on the team despite the weight restrictions. I would like to go with a 40 front and use the outside linebackers in a 44 set to occasionally squeeze down into a 9 tech to create a five man line. My intention is for this to be a gap control defense. I can teach these guys how to club/rip and slant into their gap responsiblity, and I also have read drills ready to go for different types of run and pass blocking.
Since these kids are not likely to be fast, I don't feel they can master the mirror step technique because this puts them into a situation where they are reacting to a player who may be stronger and faster then they are. I am skeptical that they will be able to sqeeze and control an O lineman who may be bigger and stronger than they are on a game to game basis, or even a sub to sub basis for that matter. What I would like to do is teach these players some moves, e.g., club/rip, that they can use at the snap of the ball to get penetration either into the gap or actually past the O line. The questions are, (1) how much penetration is too much?, (2) if they are attempting to get penetration, they will have a tougher time reading the blocking because they are concentrating on beating their man, so do they read the fullback?, (3) I would like them to make plays, but does this scheme let the O line into the LBs too much?
Thanks for your help guys.