This article was originally posted on the Glazier Coaching Blog.
Nick Pelham, Head Coach, White Knoll HS, SC did a study and discovered that 78% of plays originate within five yards of the hash. That dictated some changes to their defense.
The video below is an overview of their strategic approach to defensive football that prioritizes simplicity, versatility, and aggressive play.
You can see his 3-4 Base Specifics: Tags to Base Calls, Read Stunts, & Disguises in more detail by visiting Glazier Drive.
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- Defensive Alignment Philosophy
- Simplified approach to defensive positioning
- Line up with strength to the field
- Reduce complexity of formation calls
- Determine left or right calls based on outside linebacker position
- Coverage Strategy
- Primarily use two coverages: Cover Three and Cover Two
- About 98% of defensive plays use these two coverage types
- Field reduction typically matched with Cover Three
- Boundary reduction typically matched with Cover Two
- Defensive Principles
- Emphasize lateral slants to eliminate vertical seams
- Always maintain two “overhang” players
- Use “squeeze and bounce” technique for C-gap players
- Spill and exchange blocking with inside linebackers
- Unique Approach
- Use Tampa 2 as base defense
- Provides an extra half-box defender
- Helps counter east-west passing games
- Allows more aggressive linebacker play
- Strategic Reasoning
- Simplified approach helps players play faster
- Reduces mental complexity
- Allows for better communication and understanding of defensive roles
