This article was originally posted on the Glazier Coaching Blog.
North Central College’s run to the national championship run wasn’t just about talent – it was about solving the most challenging offensive formations in modern football.
In this exclusive breakdown, Defensive Coordinator Shane Dierking reveals the exact adjustments and techniques that neutralized the increasingly popular 10 Trips Bunch formation, a scheme that had been giving defenses fits across all levels of football.
Coach Dierking has three clinics on Glazier Drive. This video is an excerpt from Defending Snug, Stack, & Bunch Sets out of a 4-2-5 Defense.
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Main Coverage: “Box” Coverage
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Nickel Defender Responsibilities:
- Lines up with inside leverage on the point man
- Primary responsibility for bubble/now screen defense
- Gets physical with #2 receiver
- Makes “wheel” calls to alert other defenders
- Takes curl/flat drop after initial contact
Field Corner Position & Responsibilities:
- Lines up 5×2 to 7×2 yards (depending on formation)
- Matches first outside vertical route
- Positions toes about 5 yards deep, 2 yards outside #1
Field Safety Role:
- Positions 10×1 inside normal bunch
- Uses “bounce technique” – reading for now/bubble screens
- Matches most inside vertical route
- Responsible for clearing cleats and reading screen game
Mike Linebacker Duties:
- Maintains flat position through 5 yards
- Takes first inside/underneath route
- Uses “low hold drop” technique
Boundary Side Options:
- Can run Cover 2
- Can use “lock principle” (similar to 2-man under)
- Boundary corner plays match technique on #1
- Will linebacker matches #2 weak
- Weak safety plays deep half with “bonus” responsibilities
Variations Mentioned:
- “Bingo” coverage variation
- Strong rotation coverages (Cloud strong, Sky strong)
- Quarter-quarter-half against vertical stretch teams
- Adjustments based on bunch width/alignment
The presentation includes film study examples showing these concepts in action, with particular attention to screen defense and handling vertical route combinations from bunch formations.
