Here is something to get the discussion started:
1- Do you prefer to use multiple fronts, Ie, do you use some 34, 44, 43, 46 or do you strictly sit in the 353 ...and why?
Multiple fronts but only when not stunting and against certain formations. We do not consider the TE a #1 therefore when no SE or WO shows the CB is free. If a #1 shows but is a SE then the Spur is free. In these scenarios the CB or Spur will play on the LOS and becomes the force player from that side.
The reason is that position playing force from the LOS has no one to immediately block him. He takes on lead blocks or creates havoc in the backfield.
2- Do you prefer to use various alignment techniques up front or do you always play in one particular shade? What alignments shades do you use and why? ( lets call head up , 4 tech, outside shade 5 tech, inside shade 4i for consistency in the discussion)
Two TE’s or no TE’s we play 404. One TE we play 513 to the strong side. When one or more of the backers is playing taps and not on a delay that D Linemen will always play an even tech. Full taps 404…both outside stacks playing taps 414…..one outside stack playing taps 514 or 413 depending on the side. When we delay blitz its base rules 404 or 513 tot eh strong side. The reason being is we want the DL not showing sameness and attacking a gap straight up if not involved in a stunt. We have calls for the DL when they are playing a 404 and not involved in a stunt….slant, fan, pinch.
We will also tilt the DT’s and play a 505 at times. This combined with a double outside stack delayed blitz is a favorite call.
3- Do you play mostly man to man or mostly cover 3 or other? Do you mix up your coverages - why?
Man.
4- What is your favorite drill for the front three? why?
Any drill that promotes them getting off the double team. Learning to Rip and Swim is a must. We don’t have one in particular but rather a series they all run through weekly. We will avoid at all costs playing minimum players at the TNT positions.
5- What is your favorite drill for your second level and why?
Any drill that promotes flow, keeping the outside arm free and playing cousins while filling. Your Bermuda Triangle Drill is one of these drills.
6- what is your favorite drill for your corners/safety and why?
Bump and Run drills. Mirror drills. Pursuit drills.
7- how often are you sending 4, 5, 6, 7 or even 8/9 rushers?
Never more than 6, never less than 3. It really depends on the opponent but I believe that sameness is death but you have to mix things up with some reasoning behind it and not to stunt just to stunt.
8- what have you identified as problem areas for your own particular flavor of the 353? what do you do to remedy those issues?
Contain. Playing the CB’s bump and run means they can get run off so they never have contain when a #1 shows. With all of the multiple moving pieces parts this D incorporates you have to be coaching up the kids when they have contain.
DL or stacks blowing by the football. This D can be overly aggressive with defenders running right past the football. When that happens its typically a very big play for the Offense. Not much you can do about that except to train all of them that when unblocked they must breakdown.
9- Whats your favorite comment from players, parents or opponents who have faced your stack defense?
A 3 man front? At the youth level? Hahahahhhaaaahhahhahhhhaaaaa ! Yer gonna get killed.
10- What do you look for in terms of player characteristics when it comes to placing your athletes in positions?
Smarts with an unselfish attitude. Lots of things going on so the faster they learn to play football as a unit the better. This is not a one-man show. Everything affects something and there is little room for error. I do not look at this philosophy as bend but don’t break. Its break the Offense every play.
Happy Holidays.
Ditto !
