Cracking the Wing-T

We have always made certain to understand what the Wing-T opponent's favorite plays are out of certain formations and practice our defense against those looks and plays over and over again.

More technically, we do not make a very big deal out of it. The key is to have your defense designed to counter the blocking schemes of the Wing-T, not the backfield action. Our base LB play dictates reading the guards anyway, so we are all set here, but basically we have our LB's play standard depth and read the first step of the offensive guard. The LB has a pre-programmed attack angle based on this. As he is reacting DOWNHILL and IMMEDIATELY to his key, he is keying under to the backfield. But, the over key of the guard should get you heading in the right direction. It is also important to train your LB's, as they take the aggressive downhill angle, to get UNDERNEATH the downblocks from the playside combo schemes that are sure to come.

The DT's job is to force a double team. It's just that simple. Slant however you want, but train the DT's to occupy as many blockers on the LOS as possible by feeling the pressure of the combo block and working INTO it. If they are slower getting off on your LB's, you will make a lot of plays.

The DE's job is to meet any kick-out blocks immediately and violently by pushing through the outside hip of the TE, aiming for a point 1 yard directly behind the butt of the offensive tackle. This constricts the off-tackle hole quickly and causes a traffic jam with any full back, counter trap scheme, or G scheme headed their way. And, don't worry about the motion sweep (Jet, fly, whatever). Your DE (if properly coached) will be in good position to bounce the play or make a tackle for a loss. We played 3 Wing-T teams last season and the motion sweep did not net positive yards against us when you add all the attempts against us up.

Also, we have an invert aligned on the outside shoulder of each WB if they are in a 2-WB look. We read down block (buck sweep), hook block / scoop (motion sweep), action back inside (counter), or release (pass) and react accordingly. Because of this alignment, we will eagle down on the SE side (OT in a 3 tech, DE in a 6 tech outside shoulder of the OT).

I will say this...the Wing-T is an offense that uses blocking schemes designed to get superior leverage and angles on your defensive front. If your techniques and game plan are designed around countering that idea, you will be in good shape. If you are trying to key motion, counters, and all those other silly things...you are playing right into their hands. That's "smoke and mirrors" for the most deadly aspect of the Wing-T, which is the blocking schemes. We had a very good defense last year, so some of our success was in the "Jimmys and Joes" more than X's and O's, but we feel our scheme is sound. We stopped some very talented teams.

Also: with regards to the LB keys and reactions. Don't worry about "false pulls". If they want to play pawns and use one of their guys to decoy one of yours, it's just 10-on-10 football, and it all evens out.

Good luck.