Post by Coach Campbell on Oct 6, 2020 0:04:58 GMT
The 3.3.5 Stack Defense is about pressuring the opponent, getting your players to the football and score, or get it back in the offense’s hands. Remember, the game is all about the football: When your opponent has it, get it back, and when you have it keep it until you score. As such, each coach will add his own personality to his defensive approach, which is reflected in the techniques that are taught. The scope of this playbook is not intended to cover these techniques; however we have included a couple short sections, covering Stimulus Response, Defending the Run and Keys to Success.
STIMULUS RESPONSE
Have you caught yourself yelling at players, “You’re too high”? Have you overheard coaches giving verbal dissertations as they correct players? You can be sure that every one of your players wants to do things correctly. So help them perform correctly. Teach them through positives by helping them recognize, and the visualize performing correctly. For example, “you’re too high” can be corrected with “”V of the neck”. The concept is to teach your players how to execute the correct techniques while creating a vocabulary that paints a picture to reinforce them doing it correctly. This allows you to tell them what they need to do, not what they are doing wrong.
A system of “stimulus response” can be used to help reinforce learning and assignment understanding. The technique, read key, and reaction being taught should be a stimulus that triggers a response. The stimulus response is used as a descriptive term by the coach that triggers an alert word from the player; i.e., coach calls out an offensive player’s action, the defensive player should give the appropriate response. It is the player’s response that should trigger the appropriate technique to defeat his opponent.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
This defense is designed to bring pressure, but each player must be disciplined in reading his keys, using his hit or jet technique and get to the football. A system of “stimulus” and “response” has been developed to help players recognize what is happening, and how they should respond – the technique they should use. For example, when a coach says Base (stimulus) he should hear Squeeze from his player (response). This technique aids players by helping then to master, learn and understand what is required on any given situation. A good time to use this type of learning and reinforcement is during team and in warm-ups when the coach has time to walk around and talk with his position players.
The following are the “Stimulus Responses” for the defensive linemen. They can be broken down into three categories:
STIMULUS RESPONSE
COMMON BLOCKS
Base: Squeeze
Down: Trap
Reach: Push / Pull
Pass: Bull
Rush
COMBINATION BLOCKS
Double Hip
Scoop Rip
Pull Collision
Wash Spin
COWARD BLOCKS
Influence Back
Cut Hands
Cut-off COBRA
As you develop your verbal stimulus and responses, the objective is to reinforce and to confirm that your players understand what you are teaching. But, more importantly, it allows you to reinforce proper techniques because the players can visualize doing things correctly. The following tables include X & O Diagrams for the three categories of blocks that defensive linemen will face.
The defensive linemen will always start off playing “Hit Technique”, unless a “Jet” (go get the passer) is alerted. The defensive linemen must get off the ball and lead with the hands and hips getting into the “Dominant Position”. The Hit Technique creates a dominant lean, using a 3-point punch to stay square to the LOS, and only coming off when they see ball. The 3-point punch (dominant lean) puts the defensive linemen in a Dominant Position that allows them to defeat the blocker. The 3-point punch (dominant lean) is:
1. Hands – Thrust both hands to the breastplate just outside the jersey number, striking with the palms, and thumbs up – grabbing cloth. There is a natural grabbing place or handle bars on the shoulder pads, so get the palms with thumbs up, grabbing jersey on the offensive lineman’s pads. This hand placement is critical to defeating a blocker.
2. Hips – The hips must explode forward or up. The hips must be aligned with the defensive lineman’s shoulders, not back. If the butt is behind the shoulders the defensive lineman is not in balance; i.e., weight is forward putting the defensive lineman out of balance.
3. Eyes – The eyes to the “V of the neck”. The eyes should never be higher than the “V of the neck”.
The defensive linemen will always stay square to the LOS until they see ball. They can then rip off to make the play. The rip technique is:
• Grab the back pocket – the defensive lineman reaches the arm back as though pulling something out of their back pocket;
• Rub the body – as the defensive lineman swings the arm through, it should rub the body because this action forces the shoulders to reduce; i.e. the near shoulder points to the ground; and,
• Kiss the bicep – the arm must come violently all the way through the blockers front surface, clearing the blocker. This clubbing action is executed properly if the defensive lineman can kiss the bicep as they clear the blocker.
Common Blocks
The Common Blocks are those most often faced by the defensive linemen:
Base – Squeeze: The blocker steps directly at the defensive lineman, then use Hit Technique staying square to squeeze the gap down (inside) or maintain your initial alignment position; i.e., start in a 4-technique, stay in a 4-technique.
Down – Trap: The blocker steps down (or crosses the face) without making contact with the defensive lineman, then mirror step to take the down block away protecting the linebackers. This allows the defensive lineman to hide behind the down block and “trap the trapper”. The eyes should go inside looking from the fullback to guard, coming underneath the down block with an outside rip.
Reach – Push/Pull: The blocker is trying to attack the outside shoulder, then the defensive lineman will push the outside shoulder (offensive lineman’s) to lock their arm out, pulling the inside shoulder (offensive lineman’s) to them. This technique will open the offensive lineman to allow the defensive lineman to rip through when they see ball. The defensive lineman will stay square, stretching the block until they see ball, then rip off.
Pass – Bull: The blocker pass sets, then the defensive lineman will use their Hit Technique pushing the blocker back toward the quarterback (“bull rushing”). The defensive lineman will use their dominant lean, keeping the eyes to the quarterback, maintaining their rush lane. They may add a pass rush move once they have determined pass; i.e., eliminated screen or draw possibilities.
Combination Blocks
Combination Blocks are typically when two offensive linemen are working together. Technique is critical to the success of defeating these types of blocks.
Double – Hip: There are two blockers working together to move the defensive lineman, then use Hit Technique on the near blocker, but drive the hip to the ground using the cloth (grabbed) to pull between the blockers. This is referred to as “skinny in the hole”, because you do not give the blockers any surface to block. The defensive lineman must fight to get through, and will keep fighting as long as they are getting penetration. However, when penetration stops (or the momentum is moving backwards) then the defensive lineman will drop to the ground, and push themselves back up, under the blockers; i.e., similar to diving underneath a wave.
Pull – Collision: The blocker pulls behind the LOS in either direction, then be prepared for some type of down block coming from the opposite direction. The eyes must go inside, as the defensive lineman must anchor down (with the outside leg) and blow up (“collision”) the blocker with the forearm, staying square until they see ball.
Scoop – Rip: The block starts off as a reach, but a second blocker gets to the defensive lineman’s inside shoulder, then use the “push/pull” technique described under the reach, rip off as soon as you see ball. The defensive lineman is going through either the “front door” (playside) or the “back door” (behind the play). The difference between a double and scoop is that a scoop starts off as a reach.
Wash – Spin: There are blockers pushing the defensive lineman down the LOS as they step with the down block (feeling pressure from the backside), then the defensive lineman must spin (“ice pick”) to get back into the play. The “ice pick” entails throwing yourself at the backside of the offensive lineman, using your weight to lean against the pressure of being washed down.
Secondary Blocks
Secondary or “coward” blocks are those blocks used least often by your opponents. This third phase deals with blocks that our linemen will face and how they will have to react to each particular situation.
Influence – Back: This is typically used to counteract a pass set, with very little effort (quick strike and release) to pass protect and deep dropping quarterback; i.e., deeper than 7 yards. The defensive lineman must stop and retrace their steps looking for a running back. This Stimulus Response can also be used versus influence trapping teams; i.e., pull occurs with no down block, then the eyes must go “back” ready to collision the trap from the “backside”.
Cut Block – Hands: This is when the blocker attacks the knees (offensive lineman’s head is down) of the defensive lineman, then throw the hands at the offensive lineman’s shoulders driving them into the ground, with the eyes up looking for the play. If the quarterback has a short drop, then get at least one hand up.
Cut-off – COBRA: This is an inside release by the blocker with the offensive flow away, then the defensive lineman must look for cutback, boot or reverse. This is used in conjunction with our “chase or collapse” technique.
INSIDE LINEBACKERS
This section will focus on the different run reactions that inside linebackers must key and understand. When we talk inside linebackers for the 30 Stack, we are talking about the most defining characteristic of the defense – SAM, MIKE and WILL. The run stimulus provided in this section should carry right into our drill work at practice. Depending upon the area the offense is attempting to run the ball the linebackers should know what type of play they are defending. As you execute drills and verbal commands SAM, MIKE and WILL should always give a verbal response. The following will illustrate the different run reactions the linebackers should focus on when the running back to their side receives the ball. The stimulus response is diagramed below.
The inside linebackers read a triangle. SAM and WILL key the tailback – guard – quarterback, and MIKE keys the fullback – guard – quarterback. On the snap of the football, the linebackers will take shuffle (step – replace) to the heels of the defensive lineman and react to the backs initial movement when run comes to them. When initial movement is away from the linebackers, they will freeze step to secure counter action, and then react to back's movement. The “Collapse” technique will be discussed in the next section, “Defending the Run”, however, in certain situations, when flow is away, the Stud linebacker will not only check counter, but have cutback, boot and reverse responsibilities.
A running back's movement is determined by the angle of his running lane and by the way he receives the ball. A running back's flow is broken down into 5 types of movement as shown above: dive, iso, power, toss and counter. The different angles and the way they receive the ball will effect a linebacker’s reaction. The information below makes up the run reaction situations based upon backfield movement.
TECHNIQUES RUN TO RUN AWAY
Stay - A Gap – Dive
Slow - B Gap - ISO
Scrape - C Gap - Power
Speed - Outside – Toss
As noted above, the inside linebackers key a triangle, which includes the guard. The inside linebackers will take an inside track. The following are the basic guard movements.
OUTSIDE INVERTS
The outside inverts or linebackers are BANDIT (“B”) and ROVER (“R”), or collectively referred to as “Eagles”. BANDIT aligns to the boundary (“short”) and ROVER aligns to the field (“Wide”). As such, either BANDIT or ROVER can be aligned to the strength call (“callside”) or the side away from the call (openside or “open”). These linebackers / strong safety type players will typically align
• Openside – off the EMOL (typically an offensive tackle) 3 yards outside & 6 yards deep
• Tight End – off the tight end 2 yards outside & 5 yards deep
• Slot Receiver – off the slot receiver at 7i, this is 7 yards off, with the Eagle’s outside foot aligned to the receiver’s inside foot.
The Eagles, however, will “prowl” (moving back and forth) to disguise their alignments, or can have different alignments based upon “Variation” calls, such as Tight, Load, Open Load or Level. However, on the snap, they will always step with the inside foot keying the first uncovered lineman (“UL”) through to the backfield. Once they take their first step, they will bounce until they get a clear picture of the play. They are looking at the blocks of the UL and backfield flow. Their stimulus responses are very simple.
UNCOVERED LINEMAN BACKFIELD FLOW
STIMULUS RESPONSE STIMULUS RESPONSE
Down Anchor Direct Flow Iso
Reach Outside Outside Flow Sweep
Away COBRA Away Flow COBRA
Seal Collapse Split Flow Bounce
Release Pass
Pass Set Back
Uncovered Lineman
Down – Anchor: When the UL down blocks, the Eagle must close hard, at full speed and anchor down. Anchor requires the linebacker’s backside leg stretched at an angle to provide a brace and to get their pad level down to use the hips and forearm to blow-up the blocker. The Eagle must keep the outside arm free – make a play!
Reach – Outside: When the UL reaches, or if EMOL arch releases, the Eagle must close hard one gap outside. However, if the quarterback is off, the Eagle must be aware of pass and ready to handle their coverage responsibilities, if any.
Away – COBRA: When the UL pulls, or TE inside releases, the Eagle must bounce and execute “Collapse” techniques. The next section, “Defending the Run” will discuss this is greater detail, but the Eagle must be aware of Cutback, Boot and Reverse Action – COBRA.
Seal – Collapse: When the UL inside releases to seal, with flow away, the linebacker has “Collapse”. The Collapse defender will then begin to collapse down the LOS looking cutback, boot and reverse action. Once he reaches opposite A-gap he will take his proper pursuit angle to the ball carrier.
Release – Pass: When the tight end is the UL, and uses a release technique (swim, rip through) to escape off of the LOS with the quarterback “off”, then the linebacker must execute his pass coverage responsibilities.
Pass Set – Back: When the UL pass sets (“high hat”), then the linebacker must execute his pass coverage responsibilities.
Backfield Flow
Direct Flow – Iso: When the back(s) are headed in a downhill direction, the Eagle will play Iso from an outside–in leveraged position. The Eagle cannot get caught inside incase the back bounces to the outside.
Outside Flow – Sweep: When the back(s) flow is wide, the Eagle will play sweep, which is one gap outside.
Away Flow – COBRA: The Eagle will execute a bounce technique after taking a read step with the inside foot. He must be aware of cutback, boot and reverse.
Split Flow – Bounce: The bounce gives the Eagle an extra second to get his reads. However, the techniques main benefit is that it keeps the Eagle in position to execute “Collapse” technique.
The combinations of UL and Backfield flow must be drilled daily. This will allow the Eagle to get proper reads off his keys, and put him in position to make plays. A more detailed description of “Chase” and “Collapse” will follow in the “Defending the Run” section, however, in certain pressure packages and / or variations, the Eagle will be in a “Chase” technique following the ball. In these situations, the Stud linebacker will secure Collapse.
SECONDARY
The secondary defenders include the Corners and Free Safety. These secondary players can be aligned in different “techniques”, however in zone coverage situations they will key the quarterback for moving down the line of scrimmage (“on”) or away from the line of scrimmage (“off”). The following are the stimulus responses:
STIMULUS C – RESPONSE FS – RESPONSE
QB On Hands Alley
QB Off Coverage Coverage
On – Hands: When the Corner reads the quarterback moving down the line of scrimmage, he must get his “hands” on the nearest receiver. The corner must work into position to attack the ball carrier once he has passed the line of scrimmage. The corner away from flow will use “last man in pursuit” technique. See the next section on “Defending the Run” for a detailed explanation.
On – Alley: When the Free Safety reads the quarterback moving down the line of scrimmage, they must run the alley. The alley is lane just outside the end man on the line of scrimmage. The Free Safety will work from and inside-out leverage position. The Free Safety has the quarterback on option.
Off – Coverage: When the secondary players read the quarterback moving away from the line of scrimmage, they must execute the “Coverage”. A secondary stimulus and response comes into play with a pass read. These secondary stimulus responses are meant to assist the secondary players with pattern recognition. Chapter V, Defending the Pass will discuss the secondary players’ reactions and keys in greater detail. The following are the Corners’ and Free Safety’s stimulus response for pattern recognition with a “coverage” response.
STIMULUS RESPONSE
Quick Middle
Push Slide
Deep Top
Straight Bang
Quick – Middle: Receivers running 3-step routes will typically use a quick release, so the stimulus is quick, and the response is “middle”. The reason is that on the quick routes (hitch, slant, and flat) the “middle” of the receiver is the secondary players aiming point. This aiming point is the optimum spot because receivers can spin in or out.
Push – Slide: When a receiver releases to push (stimulus) a corner, the corner will attempt to maintain their cushion with a slide (response) and backpedal. When a corner is able to maintain their cushion, they think “push – slide” with routes such as the out, dig or curl. The receivers shoulder height will give the defender clues as to which route is coming at them.
Deep – Top: When a receiver closes the cushion, with their head down, the stimulus is “deep”, and the defender is thinking stay over the “top”; i.e., don’t get beat deep. The defender is thinking fade, post, go (seam) or corner.
Straight - Bang: When a receiver release straight (stimulus) at a secondary defender, they will begin to chop their feet as they maintain a direct path. The defender must attack the receiver aggressively and punch (response) them by getting their hands in leverage position remaining square to the line of scrimmage position. This is the optimum position for the defender to play run.
STIMULUS RESPONSE
Have you caught yourself yelling at players, “You’re too high”? Have you overheard coaches giving verbal dissertations as they correct players? You can be sure that every one of your players wants to do things correctly. So help them perform correctly. Teach them through positives by helping them recognize, and the visualize performing correctly. For example, “you’re too high” can be corrected with “”V of the neck”. The concept is to teach your players how to execute the correct techniques while creating a vocabulary that paints a picture to reinforce them doing it correctly. This allows you to tell them what they need to do, not what they are doing wrong.
A system of “stimulus response” can be used to help reinforce learning and assignment understanding. The technique, read key, and reaction being taught should be a stimulus that triggers a response. The stimulus response is used as a descriptive term by the coach that triggers an alert word from the player; i.e., coach calls out an offensive player’s action, the defensive player should give the appropriate response. It is the player’s response that should trigger the appropriate technique to defeat his opponent.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
This defense is designed to bring pressure, but each player must be disciplined in reading his keys, using his hit or jet technique and get to the football. A system of “stimulus” and “response” has been developed to help players recognize what is happening, and how they should respond – the technique they should use. For example, when a coach says Base (stimulus) he should hear Squeeze from his player (response). This technique aids players by helping then to master, learn and understand what is required on any given situation. A good time to use this type of learning and reinforcement is during team and in warm-ups when the coach has time to walk around and talk with his position players.
The following are the “Stimulus Responses” for the defensive linemen. They can be broken down into three categories:
STIMULUS RESPONSE
COMMON BLOCKS
Base: Squeeze
Down: Trap
Reach: Push / Pull
Pass: Bull
Rush
COMBINATION BLOCKS
Double Hip
Scoop Rip
Pull Collision
Wash Spin
COWARD BLOCKS
Influence Back
Cut Hands
Cut-off COBRA
As you develop your verbal stimulus and responses, the objective is to reinforce and to confirm that your players understand what you are teaching. But, more importantly, it allows you to reinforce proper techniques because the players can visualize doing things correctly. The following tables include X & O Diagrams for the three categories of blocks that defensive linemen will face.
The defensive linemen will always start off playing “Hit Technique”, unless a “Jet” (go get the passer) is alerted. The defensive linemen must get off the ball and lead with the hands and hips getting into the “Dominant Position”. The Hit Technique creates a dominant lean, using a 3-point punch to stay square to the LOS, and only coming off when they see ball. The 3-point punch (dominant lean) puts the defensive linemen in a Dominant Position that allows them to defeat the blocker. The 3-point punch (dominant lean) is:
1. Hands – Thrust both hands to the breastplate just outside the jersey number, striking with the palms, and thumbs up – grabbing cloth. There is a natural grabbing place or handle bars on the shoulder pads, so get the palms with thumbs up, grabbing jersey on the offensive lineman’s pads. This hand placement is critical to defeating a blocker.
2. Hips – The hips must explode forward or up. The hips must be aligned with the defensive lineman’s shoulders, not back. If the butt is behind the shoulders the defensive lineman is not in balance; i.e., weight is forward putting the defensive lineman out of balance.
3. Eyes – The eyes to the “V of the neck”. The eyes should never be higher than the “V of the neck”.
The defensive linemen will always stay square to the LOS until they see ball. They can then rip off to make the play. The rip technique is:
• Grab the back pocket – the defensive lineman reaches the arm back as though pulling something out of their back pocket;
• Rub the body – as the defensive lineman swings the arm through, it should rub the body because this action forces the shoulders to reduce; i.e. the near shoulder points to the ground; and,
• Kiss the bicep – the arm must come violently all the way through the blockers front surface, clearing the blocker. This clubbing action is executed properly if the defensive lineman can kiss the bicep as they clear the blocker.
Common Blocks
The Common Blocks are those most often faced by the defensive linemen:
Base – Squeeze: The blocker steps directly at the defensive lineman, then use Hit Technique staying square to squeeze the gap down (inside) or maintain your initial alignment position; i.e., start in a 4-technique, stay in a 4-technique.
Down – Trap: The blocker steps down (or crosses the face) without making contact with the defensive lineman, then mirror step to take the down block away protecting the linebackers. This allows the defensive lineman to hide behind the down block and “trap the trapper”. The eyes should go inside looking from the fullback to guard, coming underneath the down block with an outside rip.
Reach – Push/Pull: The blocker is trying to attack the outside shoulder, then the defensive lineman will push the outside shoulder (offensive lineman’s) to lock their arm out, pulling the inside shoulder (offensive lineman’s) to them. This technique will open the offensive lineman to allow the defensive lineman to rip through when they see ball. The defensive lineman will stay square, stretching the block until they see ball, then rip off.
Pass – Bull: The blocker pass sets, then the defensive lineman will use their Hit Technique pushing the blocker back toward the quarterback (“bull rushing”). The defensive lineman will use their dominant lean, keeping the eyes to the quarterback, maintaining their rush lane. They may add a pass rush move once they have determined pass; i.e., eliminated screen or draw possibilities.
Combination Blocks
Combination Blocks are typically when two offensive linemen are working together. Technique is critical to the success of defeating these types of blocks.
Double – Hip: There are two blockers working together to move the defensive lineman, then use Hit Technique on the near blocker, but drive the hip to the ground using the cloth (grabbed) to pull between the blockers. This is referred to as “skinny in the hole”, because you do not give the blockers any surface to block. The defensive lineman must fight to get through, and will keep fighting as long as they are getting penetration. However, when penetration stops (or the momentum is moving backwards) then the defensive lineman will drop to the ground, and push themselves back up, under the blockers; i.e., similar to diving underneath a wave.
Pull – Collision: The blocker pulls behind the LOS in either direction, then be prepared for some type of down block coming from the opposite direction. The eyes must go inside, as the defensive lineman must anchor down (with the outside leg) and blow up (“collision”) the blocker with the forearm, staying square until they see ball.
Scoop – Rip: The block starts off as a reach, but a second blocker gets to the defensive lineman’s inside shoulder, then use the “push/pull” technique described under the reach, rip off as soon as you see ball. The defensive lineman is going through either the “front door” (playside) or the “back door” (behind the play). The difference between a double and scoop is that a scoop starts off as a reach.
Wash – Spin: There are blockers pushing the defensive lineman down the LOS as they step with the down block (feeling pressure from the backside), then the defensive lineman must spin (“ice pick”) to get back into the play. The “ice pick” entails throwing yourself at the backside of the offensive lineman, using your weight to lean against the pressure of being washed down.
Secondary Blocks
Secondary or “coward” blocks are those blocks used least often by your opponents. This third phase deals with blocks that our linemen will face and how they will have to react to each particular situation.
Influence – Back: This is typically used to counteract a pass set, with very little effort (quick strike and release) to pass protect and deep dropping quarterback; i.e., deeper than 7 yards. The defensive lineman must stop and retrace their steps looking for a running back. This Stimulus Response can also be used versus influence trapping teams; i.e., pull occurs with no down block, then the eyes must go “back” ready to collision the trap from the “backside”.
Cut Block – Hands: This is when the blocker attacks the knees (offensive lineman’s head is down) of the defensive lineman, then throw the hands at the offensive lineman’s shoulders driving them into the ground, with the eyes up looking for the play. If the quarterback has a short drop, then get at least one hand up.
Cut-off – COBRA: This is an inside release by the blocker with the offensive flow away, then the defensive lineman must look for cutback, boot or reverse. This is used in conjunction with our “chase or collapse” technique.
INSIDE LINEBACKERS
This section will focus on the different run reactions that inside linebackers must key and understand. When we talk inside linebackers for the 30 Stack, we are talking about the most defining characteristic of the defense – SAM, MIKE and WILL. The run stimulus provided in this section should carry right into our drill work at practice. Depending upon the area the offense is attempting to run the ball the linebackers should know what type of play they are defending. As you execute drills and verbal commands SAM, MIKE and WILL should always give a verbal response. The following will illustrate the different run reactions the linebackers should focus on when the running back to their side receives the ball. The stimulus response is diagramed below.
The inside linebackers read a triangle. SAM and WILL key the tailback – guard – quarterback, and MIKE keys the fullback – guard – quarterback. On the snap of the football, the linebackers will take shuffle (step – replace) to the heels of the defensive lineman and react to the backs initial movement when run comes to them. When initial movement is away from the linebackers, they will freeze step to secure counter action, and then react to back's movement. The “Collapse” technique will be discussed in the next section, “Defending the Run”, however, in certain situations, when flow is away, the Stud linebacker will not only check counter, but have cutback, boot and reverse responsibilities.
A running back's movement is determined by the angle of his running lane and by the way he receives the ball. A running back's flow is broken down into 5 types of movement as shown above: dive, iso, power, toss and counter. The different angles and the way they receive the ball will effect a linebacker’s reaction. The information below makes up the run reaction situations based upon backfield movement.
TECHNIQUES RUN TO RUN AWAY
Stay - A Gap – Dive
Slow - B Gap - ISO
Scrape - C Gap - Power
Speed - Outside – Toss
As noted above, the inside linebackers key a triangle, which includes the guard. The inside linebackers will take an inside track. The following are the basic guard movements.
OUTSIDE INVERTS
The outside inverts or linebackers are BANDIT (“B”) and ROVER (“R”), or collectively referred to as “Eagles”. BANDIT aligns to the boundary (“short”) and ROVER aligns to the field (“Wide”). As such, either BANDIT or ROVER can be aligned to the strength call (“callside”) or the side away from the call (openside or “open”). These linebackers / strong safety type players will typically align
• Openside – off the EMOL (typically an offensive tackle) 3 yards outside & 6 yards deep
• Tight End – off the tight end 2 yards outside & 5 yards deep
• Slot Receiver – off the slot receiver at 7i, this is 7 yards off, with the Eagle’s outside foot aligned to the receiver’s inside foot.
The Eagles, however, will “prowl” (moving back and forth) to disguise their alignments, or can have different alignments based upon “Variation” calls, such as Tight, Load, Open Load or Level. However, on the snap, they will always step with the inside foot keying the first uncovered lineman (“UL”) through to the backfield. Once they take their first step, they will bounce until they get a clear picture of the play. They are looking at the blocks of the UL and backfield flow. Their stimulus responses are very simple.
UNCOVERED LINEMAN BACKFIELD FLOW
STIMULUS RESPONSE STIMULUS RESPONSE
Down Anchor Direct Flow Iso
Reach Outside Outside Flow Sweep
Away COBRA Away Flow COBRA
Seal Collapse Split Flow Bounce
Release Pass
Pass Set Back
Uncovered Lineman
Down – Anchor: When the UL down blocks, the Eagle must close hard, at full speed and anchor down. Anchor requires the linebacker’s backside leg stretched at an angle to provide a brace and to get their pad level down to use the hips and forearm to blow-up the blocker. The Eagle must keep the outside arm free – make a play!
Reach – Outside: When the UL reaches, or if EMOL arch releases, the Eagle must close hard one gap outside. However, if the quarterback is off, the Eagle must be aware of pass and ready to handle their coverage responsibilities, if any.
Away – COBRA: When the UL pulls, or TE inside releases, the Eagle must bounce and execute “Collapse” techniques. The next section, “Defending the Run” will discuss this is greater detail, but the Eagle must be aware of Cutback, Boot and Reverse Action – COBRA.
Seal – Collapse: When the UL inside releases to seal, with flow away, the linebacker has “Collapse”. The Collapse defender will then begin to collapse down the LOS looking cutback, boot and reverse action. Once he reaches opposite A-gap he will take his proper pursuit angle to the ball carrier.
Release – Pass: When the tight end is the UL, and uses a release technique (swim, rip through) to escape off of the LOS with the quarterback “off”, then the linebacker must execute his pass coverage responsibilities.
Pass Set – Back: When the UL pass sets (“high hat”), then the linebacker must execute his pass coverage responsibilities.
Backfield Flow
Direct Flow – Iso: When the back(s) are headed in a downhill direction, the Eagle will play Iso from an outside–in leveraged position. The Eagle cannot get caught inside incase the back bounces to the outside.
Outside Flow – Sweep: When the back(s) flow is wide, the Eagle will play sweep, which is one gap outside.
Away Flow – COBRA: The Eagle will execute a bounce technique after taking a read step with the inside foot. He must be aware of cutback, boot and reverse.
Split Flow – Bounce: The bounce gives the Eagle an extra second to get his reads. However, the techniques main benefit is that it keeps the Eagle in position to execute “Collapse” technique.
The combinations of UL and Backfield flow must be drilled daily. This will allow the Eagle to get proper reads off his keys, and put him in position to make plays. A more detailed description of “Chase” and “Collapse” will follow in the “Defending the Run” section, however, in certain pressure packages and / or variations, the Eagle will be in a “Chase” technique following the ball. In these situations, the Stud linebacker will secure Collapse.
SECONDARY
The secondary defenders include the Corners and Free Safety. These secondary players can be aligned in different “techniques”, however in zone coverage situations they will key the quarterback for moving down the line of scrimmage (“on”) or away from the line of scrimmage (“off”). The following are the stimulus responses:
STIMULUS C – RESPONSE FS – RESPONSE
QB On Hands Alley
QB Off Coverage Coverage
On – Hands: When the Corner reads the quarterback moving down the line of scrimmage, he must get his “hands” on the nearest receiver. The corner must work into position to attack the ball carrier once he has passed the line of scrimmage. The corner away from flow will use “last man in pursuit” technique. See the next section on “Defending the Run” for a detailed explanation.
On – Alley: When the Free Safety reads the quarterback moving down the line of scrimmage, they must run the alley. The alley is lane just outside the end man on the line of scrimmage. The Free Safety will work from and inside-out leverage position. The Free Safety has the quarterback on option.
Off – Coverage: When the secondary players read the quarterback moving away from the line of scrimmage, they must execute the “Coverage”. A secondary stimulus and response comes into play with a pass read. These secondary stimulus responses are meant to assist the secondary players with pattern recognition. Chapter V, Defending the Pass will discuss the secondary players’ reactions and keys in greater detail. The following are the Corners’ and Free Safety’s stimulus response for pattern recognition with a “coverage” response.
STIMULUS RESPONSE
Quick Middle
Push Slide
Deep Top
Straight Bang
Quick – Middle: Receivers running 3-step routes will typically use a quick release, so the stimulus is quick, and the response is “middle”. The reason is that on the quick routes (hitch, slant, and flat) the “middle” of the receiver is the secondary players aiming point. This aiming point is the optimum spot because receivers can spin in or out.
Push – Slide: When a receiver releases to push (stimulus) a corner, the corner will attempt to maintain their cushion with a slide (response) and backpedal. When a corner is able to maintain their cushion, they think “push – slide” with routes such as the out, dig or curl. The receivers shoulder height will give the defender clues as to which route is coming at them.
Deep – Top: When a receiver closes the cushion, with their head down, the stimulus is “deep”, and the defender is thinking stay over the “top”; i.e., don’t get beat deep. The defender is thinking fade, post, go (seam) or corner.
Straight - Bang: When a receiver release straight (stimulus) at a secondary defender, they will begin to chop their feet as they maintain a direct path. The defender must attack the receiver aggressively and punch (response) them by getting their hands in leverage position remaining square to the line of scrimmage position. This is the optimum position for the defender to play run.