Defending the veer

Coach K,
First thing any DC wants to do to defend the veer, is to ascertain WHO IS THERE BEST RUNNER and then scheme to keep the ball out of that players hands. The easiest way to do this is by alignment in the PSL.
Example; If you decide the Dive back (FB) is the best runner, then by aligning your T in a 4i technique (inside shoulder of the OT) it becomes an automatic pull for the QB as you have taken the running hole away from the dive back. If you decide the QB is the best runner, you would then align your T in a 5 technique (outside shoulder of the OT) as that then becomes an automatic give to the dive back. If you decide the RB is the biggest threat you can keep your tackle in the automatic give alignment (5 tech) or you can have your PSDE really crash hard and force the quick pith to the RB who will be covered like white on rice by the force player in your scheme. He should never get out of the backfield if your pressure guy is a player. If you want to force the QB to read it, have your T align in a 4 tech (straight up on the tackle) grab cloth of the OT in front of him and don't let him escape. If the QB gives to the dive back, have your tackle release the OT and step directly into the B gap and cream the Dive back! DT who can really play in a 4 tech is worth his weight in gold against an option veer. These examples are for the inside veer, of course, against a 50 front. You read the 4 front the same way by just teaching your QB that the rule of thumb is you always read the first man outside of the B hole. In an even front, teams like to walk a LB'er up in there sometimes and he now would become the read if he is the first man outside the B hole. So, make your defensive schemes around this information and you will be fine. An option QB is taught to read the EMOLOS (end man on line of scrimmage) when running the outside veer. It's as simple as that. Whoever is the last guy on the LOS is the QB's read. QB's are taught that there is only 3 things a DE can do to them; 1. play hard and make him pitch right now 2. play soft and string out the play 3. go directly to pitch! So, in order to change up the rules a bit and confuse the QB, change up assignments by having your E go directly to pitch and your pressure guy take the QB. The rule of thumb here, coach, is the outside guy always takes pitch, the inside guy takes QB. If we are facing an OSV attack, I widen out my PSDE and have the pressure guy come and align inside of him. The DE then goes to pitch and pressure takes QB. I'll leave the alignment the same but by defensive huddle call will change up the assignments between the DE and the pressure guy, see how it works? A few really important coaching points are; when facing the option of any kind, DISCIPLINE AND ASSIGNMENT FOOTBALL ARE ABSOLUTE PREREQUISITES FOR SUCCESS. BACKSIDE DISCIPLINE MUST BE MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES, BY HAVING THOSE PLAYERS REMAIN IN THEIR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY UNTIL THE WHISTLE BLOWS!!! If they bail and go chasing the ball carrier on the opposite side, they will get their lunch eaten by any OC worth his salt who is looking expressely for this backside pursuit which gives him clear sailing to where they have just vacated from. YOU MUST ALWAYS EXPECT COMPLIMENTARY PLAYS LIKE POWER, COUNTERS, ISO'S, ETC. FROM A GOOD OPTION TEAM!!! Also, have your backside personnel on full alert for the inside veer coming their way at any time! It is a great play! MAKE CERTAIN YOUR LINEMEN, YOUR DE'S, AND YOUR PRESSURE GUYS AND LB'ERS know exactly WHO TO look for and the most expedient way to shut down his progress! Make certain, in other words, if your have your T in a 5 tech.
make sure your Mike knows here comes the dive back in the B hole! You can't verbally communicate it, he must read it and get ready! Theres lots more to cover but rather than tie up the board with any more on this post, you have my email. Hope this will help you get ready.

Coach Easton

Zexx14,

My Email is: jerryeaston1@aol.com or coacheaston@hotmail.com if you would like to chat some more on this topic

Mike backer in most schemes has the dive back (FB) verses the veer. Put your PSDT in a 5 and have him pinch. That way the QB will see him in a 5 in the PSL and anticipate give. If the QB falls for it, you have both your 5 tech and the Mike on the dive. DE will have QB, Sam or SS will have pressure Guys that really know how to run midline don't run to the 3 tech (imo) they prefer the backside 2i and with a shaded nose in your 50, I would guess you won't see it much at all.

Coach Easton