Select the right defense for your players' skills

By Jeff Hemhauser | Posted 8/19/2014

When selecting a defense for your football team, you must have an understanding of the talent you have to work with. Also, you should select a defense that you have experience with. 

The first step is to evaluate the overall ability of the kids you have to work with. You must choose a defense that plays to the strength of your athletes. Let's say you have a team that has decent size but just a few kids who can really run. If that is the case, then you should choose a 53 or 52 defense. The 53 defense and the 52  put five defensive linemen on the line of scrimmage. This will occupy all the offensive linemen, ultimately allowing your linebackers to run to the ball and make plays. The 62 defense also is a decent defense if you have a surplus of defensive linemen. 

If you lack some size but have speed, the 44 defense might be for you. The 44 defense will allow you to do more slanting, stunting and blitzing to confuse the offensive line. This will help to neutralize the offense's size advantage. The 44 defense will keep the opposing offensive linemen thinking instead of just reacting. 

Understanding of the defensive scheme you choose is essential. You need to know how to implement the drills and the responsibilities for each position. Being familiar with the system you choose to run will maximize your ability to teach and coach it up to the kids.

Here is what it takes to be a successful defense, regardless of scheme: 

  • Beating blocks
  • Sure tackling
  • Discipline 
  • Creating turnovers
  • Pursuit 
  • Do not give up big plays 

Offense sells tickets. Defense wins championships.

 

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