AFQ X's and O's

Free football coaching strategies, play diagrams, X’s and O’s for coaches at all levels

Defense



Common Blocks Against the D-Line

As we all prepare for training camp and put together our technique boards and drill menus, we must stay conscious of the different types of blocking patterns that our front people will see given our schemes. This is the next…

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Effectively Disguising Coverages (Part I)

 This past off-season I spent more time than normal listening to offensive coaches discuss their strategies. Not just at clinics, but also in our office because this year we had an offensive coordinator to hire. This gave me a great…

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Linebacker Change of Direction Drills

The first day we taught the fundamentals of linebacker play. In building a base, we stressed playing great technique – stance, read steps, playing low, angles, reading the triangle, reacting to flow for run or pass, gap responsibilities, option responsibilities…

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Linebacker Fundamentals – Day 3

On day 1 we taught the fundamentals of linebacker play. In building a base, we stressed playing great technique (stance, read steps, playing low, angles), reading the triangle, reacting to flow for run or pass, gap responsibilities, option responsibilities and…

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Defensive Line Movements, Stunts, and Games Menu in the Base 3-4

Happy New Year to all as we embark on the 2015 off-season and the preparation for this fall’s contests.   With about a month left in recruiting, we are all searching for ideas to create positive plays in whatever phase…

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Using Half-Field Coverage to Double Team a Single WR

Facing a great WR who can exploit one-on-one matchups can be a difficult challenge for a defense. Coordinators are often faced with the challenge of assigning more than one player to cover just one offensive weapon, which becomes particularly problematic…



The University of Sioux Falls Six Basics of Defense

Last month, we talked about our three weapons (eyes, hands, and feet) that we teach each player as a part of our defense at the University of Sioux Falls.  This month we will advance in our progression to what we…

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3 Quick Drills for LBs – Man Coverage

This month, in keeping with the theme of my last few posts, I’d like to share three quick drills I use to work on man coverage with my linebackers. This is interesting for me to share, because this is one…

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A Variation of “The Pit” in Daily D-line Drills

  In my May article in American Football Monthly, I outlined the everyday drills I use to prepare my d-linemen to read offensive blocks. I sometimes find that they do become robotic in their approach to “The Pit”. So, I…

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Linebacker Fundamentals – Day 2

Day one we taught the fundamentals of alignment, stance, read step, reacting to run/pass, proper angles, and zone drops.  Day two we want to review the fundamentals you taught on Day 1. Asking your players questions not only allows you…

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