5 Reasons Your Defense Is Giving Up Big Plays

1. Misalignment
One of the biggest reasons defenses give up big plays is misalignment. When your defense is not properly aligned, offenses can easily outnumber or out-leverage you to either side, creating instant
advantages. Never allow the offense to outnumber and /or out-leverage you to any side.

Coaching Points:  Practice alignments every day – Ensure players understand leverage and spacing – Alignment should be automatic and fast.

2. Poor Pursuit Paths / Lack of Swarm
Bad angles turn small gains into explosive plays. When defenders take poor paths to the ball carrier, they lose leverage and allow cutbacks, bounce-outs, and extra yards after contact. Contain players need to set the edge, wall players / pursuit players need to run track the near hip of the ball carrier- pursuit inside to out.

Coaching Points: Set the edge and force the ball inside – Pursue inside-out with a near-hip aiming point – Do pursuit drills every single day – Swarm the ball carrier with multiple defenders

3. Too Static / Not Aggressive Enough
If your defense is predictable, offenses will pick you apart. Sitting in the same looks and not applying pressure allows offenses to get comfortable and execute without stress. Don’t stay in the same alignment and don’t attack the same gaps with the same defenders. Mix it up and keep the offensive line guessing.

Coaching Points: Mix up fronts and coverages – Bring pressure consistently – Force the offense to react to you – Use defensive line movement (STEM)

4. Eyes in the Backfield
Getting caught watching backfield action leads to blown coverages. Linebackers and defensive backs bite on play-action and defensive backs lose receivers, resulting in wide open plays.

Coaching Points: – Maintain eye discipline – Read your keys and trust your assignment – Understand down and distance – Don’t get nosy in the backfield. If you’re playing man coverage, eyes on your guy!

5. Not Creating Turnovers
If you’re not taking the ball away, you’re giving the offense more opportunities to create big plays. Turnovers shift momentum and stop explosive drives. Many youth football defense don’t force any turnovers. When I say force turnovers- that means stripping the ball or getting an interception- not receiving a botched snap from the QB/ C.

Coaching Points: Emphasize stripping the football – Attack the catch point aggressively – Turn every play into a takeaway opportunity – Build a takeaway mindset into your defense.

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Youth Football Coaching Guide: Developing Middle Linebackers

1. Role of the Middle Linebacker (MLB)

The middle linebacker (often called the “quarterback of the defense”) is the leader of the defense. They are responsible for:

-Calling plays and adjustments on the field.

-Reading the offense (formation, backfield, linemen).

-Stopping the run by filling gaps and tackling.

-Dropping into coverage (zones, hooks, man-to-man on RB/TE).

-Keeping teammates aligned with correct positioning.

At the youth level, MLBs must be:

-Tough and physical. Your best defender!

-Smart, with good football instincts.

-Vocal leaders who communicate clearly.

-Consistent tacklers.

2. Stance & Alignment

Stance:

-Feet shoulder-width apart, toes pointed slightly inward.

-Knees bent, weight balanced on balls of feet.

-Chest slightly forward, back straight.

-Hands loose in front of thighs, ready to strike or move.

Alignment:

-3–5 yards off the line of scrimmage (closer in goal line situations).

-Directly over the center or shaded depending on defensive call.

-Head up, eyes scanning the backfield and offensive line.

3. Pre-Snap Keys & Reads

A middle linebacker must “read, react, and attack.”

Pre-Snap Checklist:

Identify offensive formation (balanced, unbalanced, trips, tight).

-Find the backs—who’s deep, who’s offset.

-Watch the guards—linemen usually tell the story.

Primary Reads:

Run reads: Watch the near guard’s first step.

-Down block → run to that side.

-Pull → follow puller (trap, counter, sweep).

-High hat (pass set) → drop into coverage.

Backfield keys:

-Fullback → first threat to hole.

-Tailback alignment → likely run direction.

QB drop → pass alert.

4. Responsibilities

Run Defense:

-Fill assigned gap quickly and with force.

-Take on blockers with proper technique (inside shoulder, leverage).

-Wrap up and finish tackles—never overrun.

Pass Defense:

-Drop to hook/curl zone (5–10 yards deep).

-Cover RB or TE if in man assignments.

-Keep eyes on QB but don’t drift out of zone.

Leadership:

-Call strength (strong side of formation).

-Adjust defense (shift line, backers, DBs).

-Keep defense calm and focused.

5. Drills for Middle Linebacker Development

A. Stance & Start

-Linebackers set in stance.

-On coach’s movement (ball snap), practice explosive first step toward read key.

B. Read & React Drill

-Coach lines up with a guard/center dummy.

-Guards simulate down block, pull, or pass set.

-MLB reads and reacts correctly.

C. Angle Tackle Drill

-Set ball carrier at 45° angle.

-MLB takes proper angle, breaks down, and wraps up.

D. Gap Fill Drill

-Cones mark gaps.

-Coach or RB runs through random gap.

-MLB fills quickly, squares up, and tackles.

E. Pass Drop Drill

-MLB starts in stance, on ball snap drops 7–10 yards.

-QB/coach passes—MLB reads QB eyes, breaks on ball.

F. Block Shedding Drill

-Offensive lineman (pad or shield) engages MLB.

-MLB uses hands and hips to shed, then makes tackle.

G. Pursuit Drill

-Entire defense runs pursuit angles to ball.

-MLB leads with correct angle, showing hustle and leadership.

6. Coaching Tips for Youth MLBs

Keep reads simple: “Read the guards. Flow to the ball.”

Teach patience: Don’t overrun plays—shuffle, then attack.

Emphasize tackling form: Head up, wrap, drive.

Promote communication: MLB should be loud and clear pre-snap.

Encourage leadership: Give them responsibility for defensive calls.

Build instincts: Film study, walk-throughs, and repetition create smarter linebackers.

7. Common Mistakes to Correct

Over-pursuit: Teach breakdown steps before contact.

Guessing plays: Stick to reads, don’t freelance.

Poor tackling: No arm tackling—always wrap and drive.

Quiet MLBs: Must communicate strength calls and adjustments.

Standing flat-footed: Keep weight on balls of feet, always ready.

8. Daily MLB Development Routine

1. Warm-up: Agility ladders, quick feet.

2. Stance/start reps: 10 reps.

3. Read & react: 10 reps each (down block, pull, pass).

4. Tackling circuit: Open-field, angle, gap.

5. Coverage reps: Hook/curl drops.

6. Film or whiteboard session: Review plays & alignments.

By mastering stance, reads, tackling, and leadership, your middle linebacker will truly become the “quarterback of your defense.”

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Teaching the Rip Move in Youth Football

The thing that allows the Rip move to work is the defenders physicality. In order for the defender to successfully rip through a block he must present enough of a threat of destroying the block the blocker will load up and attempt to throw a physical block. If the blocker doesn’t have to worry about being physical in his block than he will sit back and adjust to the rip. This is why we always talk to our players and tell them that their primary block destruction move must be to press the blocker. By pressing the blocker they control their leverage and set up the rest of their moves.

The other issue that comes from the Rip move is the timing of the move. If the defender rips too early the defender will simply cut off the block and go opposite of where the defender has ripped. Again this is why we teach our defenders to press any blockers and then resort to the rip move when the runner has committed either inside or outside of the block.

We begin our rip move progression by teaching it from a Press position. We have our players take on a block with their inside foot forward and pressing the chest of the blocker with their inside arm. This allows them to keep outside leverage. As they are driving the blocker back they need to get their eyes on the ball carrier. Once he commits they are clear to rip.

Related Content: 10 Fundamentals of Defensive Line Play 

The major coaching point for us to have the rip move start with the non-ripping hand. If the defender is going to be ripping to his left, then his right arm will rip through the blocker. This means that he needs to start the move with his left arm. He must press his left arm first to open a space. Once he has pressed the opposite shoulder he is free to rip through with his arm.

The second coaching point we use is to get the hips through. We want the defender to rip and get his hips clear of the blocker. We teach this by telling the defender that he needs to step with the ripping side foot all the way through to the heel of the blocker. This will put him in a situation where his hips are through and he is in a position to make a play.

The rip move can be an effective move but it’s critical that it is combined with the pressing block destruction. This allows the defender to put the blocker on the back foot and control contact.

Related Content: Coaching Tips for Defensive Line 

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Ideal Characteristics of a Linebacker

When we are looking to determine where players fit we always look at the players strengths and where they will be able to display these strengths. Every player brings a unique collection of strengths that they can use to help the team. We are always looking for four characteristics for the ideal linebacker. While the majority of our linebackers don’t possess all four of these characteristics, we hope for at least three of the four and then count on coaching to develop the fourth to a serviceable level.

The first, and arguably most important, characteristic is leadership. The linebacker is where the defense will naturally look for leadership. This is the player that will be making the call to set the strength and adjusting to any motions of formation changes. This puts them in a natural position of leadership. Leadership can come from different places, but the team will normally look to the linebackers first so it’s important they have some ability to lead the team.

Related Content: Linebacker Drills for Youth Football 

The next characteristic we look for is a knowledge of the game. Here we don’t need them to understand all the intricacies of the defense or the offense we are playing against. While they don’t need to know every detail they should have a good idea of their gaps and how that affects the defensive line and it’s alignment. In addition, they don’t need to know the in’s and out’s of the offensive scheme but they should know the major plays that the offense runs and what some of the predictors are. As a whole when evaluating the knowledge category it’s not as important to see what they know but more are they willing and able to learn not only their assignment but how their assignment is affected by the line and the offense.

Another major characteristic we look for is the ability to tackle. In the end the linebacker is primarily a run stopping player. He must be able to step into a gap and make a tackle on a runner coming through a hole. If he is not able to fill the holes and make a tackle the integrity of the defense goes out the window.

The final characteristic we look for is the players hips. When we evaluate a players hips we are trying to see how easily they can go from stopping the run to covering the pass. This involves them going from a forward facing position to flipping their hips and getting out of the box. The ideal linebacker has the ability to go from defending the run to covering a Tight End on a seam route. This is probably the skill that is least important because the defensive coordinator can make adjustments to put the linebacker in a position where he has help from the secondary if he struggles in this department.

Related Content: Linebacker Reads  vs the Run-Pass Option 

When evaluating players it is always critical to look at their skill set and the tools they bring to the table. Every athlete comes with a set of skills that are unique to their body and personality. As a coach it is our responsibility to find a position where their skills match up with what we are asking them to do. While most linebackers will not be good at all four of the characteristics above, with coaching it is reasonable to expect the starting linebackers to be solid in at least three of the four categories.

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Defending RPOs: Linebackers Reads vs the Run Pass Option

Coaching Linebacker drops is one of the most difficult tasks for a good linebacker coach. Linebackers must be downhill, run first players. If they are not stopping the run first, it is going to be a long game. As a result, the coach has to make sure he linebackers are making their full run read before they vacate the box and get to their drops. This has been made more difficult with the increase in popularity of 7 on 7 where linebackers are flying to their pass zones without ever coming up to make their reads.

To give the Linebackers a clear read on if it is a pass or run the traditional rule has been to read the Guard. If the Guard’s helmet pops up and he moves back, you know that the offense is going to throw the ball, while if he fires out and starts moving forward you could assume it is going to be a run.

Related Content: Now Screen RPO from the Outside Zone 

This worked fine until Run Pass Options started and the offensive line would be run blocking while the Quarterback threw the ball downfield. To counter this we have the Linebacker read through the Guard to the backfield. If he gets a high hat from a Guard he knows that it is a pass, just like in the traditional rules, but if he gets a run read he needs to read to the backfield. He will read the Quarterback’s helmet. If the QB’s helmet is following the Running Back the Linebacker knows it must be a run because the Quarterback can’t be reading a defender. If the QB’s helmet is steady and locked onto something he will look for the ball to guarantee that it is a handoff before flying up to make the stop on the run.

The hard part is finding a way for players to recognize this in the second or two they have to make a play on the ball. To work on this we moved to a drill that builds off the traditional Guard read drill and adds a second layer to it. When we know we are playing a team that uses Read Option we will have the two Guards set up but we will add a Quarterback and Running Back behind them.

Related Content: Defending the Power Play 

Our RPO Read Drill will add a second layer to the Linebackers reads. One thing that is universal is if they see the high hat of a pass protection they will get back to their pass zone. The major difference comes from when they see a low hat run read. If the linemen fire out, instead of coming directly downhill, they will check the Quarterback. If the Quarterback’s helmet is moving they will come down and fill their hole because it is a traditional run play where the Quarterback is not reading anyone. If the Quarterback’s helmet is fixed on a point and steady then the linebacker knows someone is being read and can give the response that the defense has been working for RPOs.

This seems like a complex read for the linebacker, but like anything, with time it becomes second nature. The key is to get players lots of reps so they can build the muscle memory that is required to react to the different reads.

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Drill # 1: Stance 

The stance is a very underrated aspect of playing linebacker. It’s just as important as an offensive line stance is to offensive linemen. You want to really emphasize stances. My linebacker coach will really rip into our kids if they aren’t in a good stance. A good stance will allow your linebackers to take an explosive read step and it will allow them to explode downhill. It will also make them look like they are ready to play football. I’m very big when it comes to body language and posture. Looking like you are ready to play football is half the battle!

Drill Setup

Line the linebackers up across the field on a line. This will save time and allow you to evaluate all the linebackers at one time. You can also make 2-3 lines if you want to really focus on each individual.

Technique Focus

• Feet shoulder width apart.
• Elbows touching knees.
• Keep hands ready to shock and shed.
• Good bend in knees and back straight.

Related Content: Linebacker Read Drills 

Drill # 2: Stance and Pursuit Drill 

This is a great drill because it implements the proper stance technique they were taught in drill # 1 and it also teaches proper pursuit. One of the most important aspects of solid linebacker play is pursuit. Your linebackers have to understands where they are on the field and know how to take a proper angle to the ball carrier.

Drill Set up

Break the linebackers up into two groups. Each group goes twice. Coach/RB goes right, then the kids reset then the coach goes left. You will need a few cones. If you don’t have enough coaches have one of the players play the running back.

Technique Focus 

• Coach is the ball carrier.
• Linebackers line up 10 yards away.
• Coach goes either right or left.
• Linebackers start in a good stance and take a downhill path to the ball carrier.
• It’s important to work inside to out and the aiming point is the inside hip of the ball carrier.
• Focus on stance taking a good pursuit angel to the ball carrier. This is very important, they cannot chase laterally!

Drill # 3: Shock and Shed 

The shock and shed drill is a very good drill that will teach your linebackers how to destruct blocks and make a tackle.  This drill will take the techniques learned in the first two progression drills and put it all together. It’s important that your linebacker coaches really focus on stance, pursuit angle, shock and shed, and a solid form tackle.

Related Content: Tap the Hip Linebacker Drill 

Drill Setup 

Technique Focus

• Good stance, get downhill.
• Shock offensive linemen.
• Extend arms “shock the blocker”, hands inside, get separation, find the ball carrier, shed the block, and then form tackle.
• Execute this drill exactly like the video.

(See Also) Linebacker Drills for Youth Football 

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Cloud Coverage Cornerback Drill

In this drill the Cornerback will start about 5 yards in front of the player that is acting as the receiver. The Coach will line up behind the CB and tell the receiver which way he will be going. As the player releases off the line, the Cornerback will look to keep outside leverage and collision any outside release while keeping his eyes in at the Quarterback.

There are a couple of key points that the coach needs to watch out for to ensure that athletes are getting the most from the drill. The first is the technique of the Cornerback when the ball is snapped. Most Defensive Backs get the idea that they must backpedal right at the snap of the ball pounded into their head. In this drill though, the CB actually wants to maintain his ground. Because he is responsible for the Flat he does not need to backpedal at the snap of the ball. While he doesn’t need to backpedal out he does need to get his feet moving slightly. We tell our Cornerbacks to get into a position where they have the balls of their feet lightly on the line. This gives them a reference point on where to stay, while also teaching them the proper technique.

Related Content: Understanding Cover 2 Zone 

The second major coaching point is based on teaching the players how to make contact with the Cornerback. The goal is to reroute any receiver to the inside. When the receiver releases outside the Cornerback will use his feet to get into a position to keep the receiver between himself and the Quarterback. As the receiver continues to push towards the outside the Cornerback will take two shuffle steps before returning back to his zone. If the receiver makes an in breaking route the CB will stay with him for two shuffles before returning to his zone. This helps ensure that if it is a double move the Cornerback still has the ability to collision him and help the Safety get over the top of any vertical route.

The final coaching point is getting the Cornerback back into a position to defend his passing zone. After the Cornerback shuffles with the receiver for two steps he will get back into his passing zone and look for the next potential threat. The key here is to give the receiver a last shove before settling into the passing zone and getting his eyes on the Quarterback.

Related Content: Cover 3 Cloud Zone vs. Trips Formation 

One of the things that makes this drill so great is that there can be as many groups going at once as you need. As long as they all are assuming they are on the same side of the ball and the receivers are running the same route you can space these out every 5-7 yards. This makes it a great drill to work on installing any coverage where the Cornerback will be working Cloud coverage.

The Cloud Corner Cover Drill is a great tool to work with the Cornerbacks to ensure that they are correctly reroutes all receivers. In the installation portion of the season it will get every player the necessary reps to learn the technique. During the heart of the season you can use the drill to go over the top route combinations of the opponent and prepare your players for the upcoming opponent.

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3 Things We Need To Do Better On Defense

1. Pursuit /Swarm to the Ball Carrier 

Last season we worked a ton on pursuing to the ball carrier and instilling the mentality that when we play defense all our defenders must be able to get to the football. We gotten a lot better at our pursuit, but it’s an area we still need to get better at if we want to play championship defense this season. As coaches, we have to do a better job of making sure the kids understand the importance of maintaining pursuit lanes and gang tackling the ball carrier. If we are able to get numbers to the ball carrier we will deter big plays, demoralize offense, and naturally generate turnovers. The fact of the matter is that if a player doesn’t have the ability and/or desire to get to the football then they will not be playing defense for us.  Pursuit angles are important, but the kids have to want to run to the ball carrier, a lot of it has to do with effort. This season we will be holding the kids accountable for their effort.

Pursuit Drill 

Related Content: Utilizing the Pursuit Drill in Youth Football 

2. Forcing Turnovers

Championship defenses do an excellent job of forcing turnovers. If we can generate 3 or more turnovers in a game we will have a great chance of winning that game. Creating turnovers is something that needs to be practiced. The art of creating turnovers is a combination of effort, technique, and mindset. First off, the kids need to understand the importance of turnovers. You have to make sure that the kids understand the importance of turnovers and put forth the EFFORT required to generate those turnovers (like getting to the ball carrier!). Secondly, there are several different techniques that can be used to force a fumble, techniques like the punch and club/rip. These are techniques that will be practiced daily. Lastly, the kids have to have the mindset that they will force a turnover this drive. They have to come into every game thinking that they will generate at least 3-4 turnovers. Every game that we generated 3 or more turnovers are games that we won.  Our goal is to generate 3 or more every single game.

3. Block Destruction/Beating Blocks

Block destruction is just as important as tackling. If you can’t beat blocks, you won’t be able to get to the ball carrier and make a tackle. As a team, we need to do a better job of beating blocks. We need to do a better job of maintaining leverage as we physically beat the block. We have to teach our defenders that they have to be violent with their hands. They just can’t try to go around the blocks, they must destruct them. We want our defensive linemen to dip and rip and we want our linebackers to shock and shed, while pursuing inside-out. Our linebackers understood how to shed the block, but we didn’t do a good enough job SHOCKING and then shedding the block.

Shock and Shed Drill

(See Also) 4 Things Championship Defenses Do Well 

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Linebacker Zone Drop Drill

In traditional defensive coverages the linebackers are told they are responsible for shutting down the middle of the field. In this scenario, the players would drop back to their spot and look for the first person to come into their zone. Once this player enters their zone they would cover him until he left their zone. The problem with the majority of linebackers they would drop into their zone and be looking everywhere to find a receiver. By the time they located the receiver he would be coming across the field at full speed and the linebacker never stood a chance to cover him.

Related Content: Linebacker Drills for Youth Football 

The solution for the problem of teaching linebackers to cover the middle of the field is to adapt a Pattern Match technique that has become popular across all levels of football. This technique is based around the concept that the defenders will be playing man to man coverage on the route unless the receiver breaks away from them. The effect is that the linebacker has a much cleaner set of rules that they need to master. This allows them to actively find the receiver they are responsible for and shut them down.

Linebackers first responsibility is to defend the run, as a result they must first ensure that the offense is going to be throwing the ball before they break out to defend the pass. Once they do determine that the offense will be passing, they need to immediately snap their eyes to the most inside receiver on their side of the ball while they gain depth and width. The mistake many linebackers will make is that they will look for the receiver before starting to gain depth. This will put the linebacker a step behind a player who is already faster than him.

Once the linebacker has started gaining depth and has his eyes on the most inside receiver he will assume that the receiver is going to go vertical. This would be the most dangerous route so we always prepare for the worst case scenario to make sure we are safe against it. If the receiver goes vertical the linebacker will track his inside hip and look to make the throw more difficult and possibly make a play on the ball. If the ball is thrown to the receiver as long as the linebacker is chasing from the inside hip and there is a Safety over the top the Quarterback has to make a great throw and the receiver has to make a catch in traffic.

The Pattern Matching concept versus a vertical is pretty much man, it’s only when the most inside receiver starts making breaks that the coverage looks a little different. If the receiver makes a cut going to the outside, the linebacker needs to look for any threat coming back inside. He will never be able to keep up with the receiver to the outside so he is better served looking for a threat coming back inside or a route coming from the opposite side. If the receiver makes a cut in, the linebacker will continue to defend him and carry him across the the formation. This is a little bit different than traditional coverages that pass receivers off when they go across multiple zones. When these receivers get passed off is when they normally become uncovered. To combat this we will just keep our defender on the receiver.

When coaching linebackers in pass coverage it’s important to give them a clear set of rules that they can master. By using the Pattern Matching techniques the linebackers can significantly cut down their learning time and focus on refining their skills, not only in pass coverage, but in defending the run as well.

(See Also) Guide for Coaching Linebackers 

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Developing a SWARM Mentality on Defense

It’s important to understand that it is getting getting players to the ball carrier is a fundamental aspect of successful defense, but gap integrity and pursuit lanes are just as important. You can’t just have your defense disregard their gap and pursuit lanes by just recklessly chasing the ball carrier. We want our players to get to the ball carrier through their pursuit lanes. We try to be disciplined and aggressive at the same time. We aggressively get to the ball carrier through our pursuit path. If our players take the proper angles and pursuit paths to the ball carrier they will be able to get to him.

Accountability: We demand at least 5 or more defenders around the ball carrier every play. We hold the kids accountable during film sessions, the tape doesn’t lie. I count how many plays in the game that we had 5 or more defenders around the ball carrier. It’s important that we track this so that we can see if we are getting better at swarming. This season we will great incentives for our defense, if 70% or more of our defensive snaps we had at 5 or more defenders around the ball we will do one less suicide on Friday (for example). I’m still trying to figure out some incentive ideas, so if you have any suggestions please comment below.

Benefits of the SWARM Mentality

Prevents Big Plays 

The more defenders that are able to get to the football the less likely a running back will break tackles and gain big yardage. One on one tackling is difficult on any age level of football, so it’s important that defenders get to the ball carrier to help their teammates out. When you get a bunch of defenders to the ball carrier it will close down field space and you to smother the ball carrier.  When you are getting 5 to 6 defenders to the ball carrier every play, the defense will prevent the offense from gaining big plays. Developing the SWARM mentality on defense isn’t just about stopping the run, whether it is a run or pass, we demand all of our players run to the football. I don’t care if it is a 20 yard pass downfield, we want our players hustling to the football. The best way to deter big plays is having relentless pursuit to the ball carrier. 

Pursuit Drill (executed every practice) 

Pursuit Drill- Blitzes and Slants 

We also practice execute our blitz and slants during our pursuit drill.

(See Also) The Pursuit Drill in Youth Football

Frustrates the Offense

There is nothing more demoralizing for an offense than having a defense that is flying around are swarming your ball carrier. It not only frustrates the players, it frustrates their coaches as well. It’s not a good feeling when every single play there are 5 + defenders around your running back. It isn’t hard to frustrate kids and once they are demoralized they will not play well.  In youth football, so many offenses rely on big plays. The likelihood of an offense going 10+ plays and scoring is slim. When you make the offense have to drive the field it will only be a matter of time before they take a penalty, fumble, or make a mistake.  Don’t give anything easy.  

Generates Turnovers

The more defenders you have around the football the better chance you have at forcing a turnover and or recovering a fumble. When you have 5 defenders around the ball carrier you have defenders to secure the tackle, force a fumble (rip at the football), and recover the fumble. Generating turnovers is a numbers game. The team with more players around the football will have a better chance at recovering a fumble or getting an interception off of a tipped pass. How many times have you seen a tipped pass in youth football that falls on the ground or an offensive player is able to catch it? A lot I bet . A youth football offense will give you at least 4 chances (per game) to get a turnover because of a mistake they make (unforced turnover). If you instill the mentality to get to the ball carrier, swarm the ball carrier, and rip the ball out, then you will generate a ton of turnover. If you win the turnover battle, you have great chance to win the football game.

It’s Fun

The SWARM mentality is something that your players can own. It’s fun to play defense, it’s fun flying to the ball carrier, it’s fun forcing turnovers, and it’s fun frustrating offenses. It’s important to make the pursuit drill fun, have the kids flying around with energy. It’s important that all coaches share that same energy and enthusiasm. Celebrate plays that you had 5 or more players around the football. Celebrate the pursuit drill in practice, overtime it will be a drill the kids will actually look forward to doing.  Playing defense is fun and every player should want to get to the ball carrier and be involved in the play.

(See Also) 3-5-3 Stack Playbook

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Linebacker Read Drills for Youth Football

The Guard Read Drill is the perfect drill to practice this skill and can be done every day so the linebackers naturally read their guards without thinking. This drill requires two Linebackers, two Guards and two Running Backs. The linemen who are not going fill in as the Guards and Running Backs and then rotate. This drill can be tailored to fit both your defense and the offense that you will be going against. The other offensive line players will be simulated by cones.

For this drill the Guards and backfield can do four different things that the linebackers must respond to. The options are Trap, Iso, Pass or Sweep. On a Trap the playside guard will block down and the backside Guard will pull to kick a defensive lineman and the Fullback will run through the playside A Gap. For Iso the playside guard will block down and the backside guard will step to protect his gap while the backs will both run through the B gap with the Fullback leading the Tailback. On Pass the Guards will both step back and the backs will go out on a swing route in opposite directions. For sweep the Playside Guard will be pulling around and the Fullback will be leading the Tailback to the outside.

These plays should be tailored to fit your opponent. If the team you are playing against is more of a Wing-T team they might pull both Guards and the Fullback goes to the backside on Sweep. Other times teams run Iso as a FB play and have a Wing lead through the B gap. The specifics of who is doing what can change but the idea is for the Linebackers to group plays together that they will have the same response to.

Reading Trap

The response by the Linebackers will be dictated by the play that they read from the Guards and the backfield. When they encounter a trap the playside linebacker will read a down block so he should step down into the B gap. The backside linebacker will read the pull and should follow the pull to the ball carrier. One thing he has to aware of is that the Guard will probably be trying to seal off his playside shoulder so he can’t get too far downhill.

Reading Iso 

When the Linebackers read that an Iso is coming at them they must prepare for a physical football play. In the Iso the FB will be leading directly up on the playside linebacker. The linebacker must come forward and collision the Fullback in the gap while keep his outside arm free. The backside linebacker should slowly come over and is responsible for any cutback. While the backside linebacker plays a critical role, it’s the front side linebacker stopping the Fullback in the hole that makes the defense successful on this play.

Reading Pass

When the linebackers read pass they need to bail and get to their pass responsibilities. Depending on the defense and the coverage these pass responsibilities can vary so we won’t go into too much detail except to say that they should be looking to identify any potential receivers coming into their zone from the outside.

Reading Sweep 

The final read is a sweep read. Whenever the linebackers read a sweep they want to follow the Guards to the playside. The playside linebacker will flow to the outside but must be careful not to get caught up in the wash of any double team that may be taking place on the edge. The backside guard will be coming through the playside A gap and pursuing the ball down the line of scrimmage to eliminate any potential cutback.

(See Also) Guide to Coaching Linebackers 

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Making the Strip Drill Applicable to All Positions

The heart of the strip drill is that the defender is going to try to pry the ball away from the offensive player. This will stay the same regardless of the position group doing the drill. The other thing that has to be emphasized is that they must secure the tackle before going for the strip. Many times defenders will sell out trying to get the strip and allow the runner to break the tackle and gain more yards. It must be clear to the players that they only go for the strip once the tackle is guaranteed.

Defensive Line

The first strip drill is for the Defensive line. In this drill the linemen will execute a pass rush move on a coach or player. After they complete their pass rush they will come to a coach or player positioned like a quarterback looking down the field. The position of the quarterback can vary depending on the skill you are working on.

The most common way is for the quarterback to be in the wind up portion of his throw. For this the lineman must chop aggressively downward with the arm that is closest to the ball while wrapping up and taking down the quarterback with the other arm. It is critical that the lineman takes the QB to the ground. By taking him to the ground he will not be able to recover and the offense will have to rely on offensive linemen to recover the ball. Many times the linemen aren’t looking at the ball which gives the defense a huge advantage.

The other scenario to work with the Defensive line is when the QB has not started the process of throwing the ball. Here the QB is holding the ball in front of his chest with both hands. In this scenario the lineman should come over the throwing shoulder and chop down and away from the QB’s body. The goal of this is to not only get the ball out and deeper in the pocket where the defenders have a better chance of recovering it. Again the lineman must make sure he secures the tackle with the hand that is not chopping.

Linebackers

The strip drill for the linebackers can take a variety of different forms but the majority of times it will not be in a pass rushing situation. Instead linebackers make the majority of their tackles in a confined space. As a result when they are working on strip drills they will use the stick and strip drill.

In the Stick and Strip drill there will have a ball carrier running at the linebacker. Once they fit up on the tackle they will look to get a hold of the tip of the ball and rip it back towards them. The important part of this drill is that the linebackers keep their feet moving through contact and while ripping for the ball. By keeping their feet moving they will continue to drive the ball carrier backwards and allow more defenders to join in on the tackle.

An important note on this drill is to make sure to use a progression. The best way to introduce the drill is when the defender is already fit up on the ball carrier in a heads up tackling position. As they begin to master the leg drive and rip from a fit up position slowly start moving them out of the fit up so they can work on making the tackle while getting the strip. Another important thing is to never run this drill full speed. By running the drill full speed technique suffers and both players are only focused on running the opposition over which increases the potential for injury.

Defensive Backs

Defensive Backs going for a strip is one of the most dangerous attempts at a turnover. This is because they make the majority of their tackles in open space where, if the ball carrier breaks free from them, there are no extra defenders to make the tackle. The other part of defensive backs is that they are normally the second man to the tackle on most run plays. So instead of working on a Stick and Strip they will practice the Second Man Strip.

In this drill the ball carrier and the original tackler will be fit up in a tackle with the DB about 5 yards away. The DB’s relationship to the tackle can vary as he will find himself in multiple different situations. As the DB arrives to the tackle he wants to use one arm to secure the tackle while grabbing for the ball with the other arm. Once he reaches the ball or the hand of the ball carrier he should rip outward to try and pry the ball loose. The phrase that we use is to “start the lawn mower.”

There are a few key coaching points with this drill as well. The first is that the second man wants to, if at all possible, join the tackle in a way that will force the runner backwards. This helps eliminate any extra yards. The second one major coaching point is for the second defender to make contact and keep running their legs. By continuing to run their feet they are hopefully pushing the runner back to their own end zone but also opening up the potential for a strip as the ball carrier has to fight harder to gain ground.

These drills are far from the only strip drills but they serve to teach position specific skills for situations that each position group will find themselves in. In the end each of these drills can be used for each position group but the key is to tailor the situation so that it fits what the players will be seeing in the game. The Second Man strip should look a lot different for the DB’s than the Defensive Line so that they can apply it to the game.

(See Also) Football Philosophy – Defense 

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Chase the Chicken Youth Football Drill

The setup of the drill is very simple. There is one chicken (normally a DB or another fast player) and three defensive players. The chicken is lined up in the middle and 10 yards away from the defensive players. On the coach’s whistle or command the Chicken is free to run anywhere from sideline to sideline in a space of 10 yards. While the Chicken is running wherever the goal of the defenders is to get all three of their hands on him at the same time. While it is a very simple drill to set up and learn it teaches many skills that players use on defense and special teams.

From a coaching perspective you should be focused on the defenders, the chicken is just there to make the drill work. The defenders start the drill with great leverage and they must maintain it to corral the chicken. As the chicken takes off running the defender who is on the side he is running must expand to keep the chicken on his inside. He should do this using the Inside In Front technique that we work on in our Special Teams drill time.

The defender opposite of the side the chicken runs has a very important and tricky job. He must work to shrink the area that the middle defender must cover while still maintaining leverage on the chicken. He needs to pursue the Chicken and close space but he has to stay in an athletic position in case the Chicken changes directions. If the Chicken changes directions and is able to get outside of the pursuit man the defenders are in trouble. This leaves the pursuing contain main with a difficult assignment, he must quickly shrink down the space the chicken can run while still maintaining leverage to stop the Chicken from running outside.

The final defender is the middle defender. His job is to move forward and cover the area between the two leverage defenders. If the two leverage defenders are doing a good job this man will make the majority of tackles by wrapping up the chicken and letting the two pursuit men touch him. The difficult part of the middle defender is that he is responsible for all of the area between the two leverage defenders. If they are doing a good job eliminating space this makes for an easy wrap up, but if the leverage defenders aren’t able to squeeze the space, the middle defender is forced to cover a large area and make a tackle in space.

If the chicken does get away from the initial alignment of the defenders, either by breaking contain or through the middle, the drill keeps going. When this happens the defenders must work together to establish leverage and corral the chicken into a tackle.

While this drill seems very complex in the description the best part of the drill is the minimal amount of coaching that is needed. While it’s important to show the players Inside In Front position and how they must maintain leverage, many of the other ideas they learn on their own. They use the drill to quickly figure out about maintain leverage angles and working together. It is an incredible process to watch because they learn from the drill and do not even realize they are improving.

(See Also) Tricking Youth Football Players into Hard Work 

(See Also) Tap the Hip Linebacker Drill 

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Tap the Hip Linebacker Drill for Youth Football

The “Tap the Hip” drill is a great drill to get any defender, but especially linebackers, to learn how to cut the field in half and force the ball carrier to a side. In the Tap the Hip Drill the linebacker and ball carrier start on cones 15-20 yards apart from each other. 5 yards in front of the runner is one cone called the cut cone and there are two cones on a 45 degree angle from that cone (the set up is demonstrated below).

Tap the Hip Linebacker Drill for Youth Football Set Up

The drill should start with the coach saying go or blowing a whistle. When the drill starts the ball carrier should run at the point cone and make a cut to either cone. The defender will start on the go of the coach and cover ground coming forward. As the runner approaches the point cone the defender should be watching the hip of the ball carrier while moving forward to limit the open space. When the ball carrier gets to the point he should plant either foot and cut towards one of the two cones. When the ball carrier does this the defender must get on his inside hip and continue to close ground on the ball carrier. To simulate the tackle the defender will touch the inside hip of the runner as he runs behind him.

The Touch the Hip drill is designed so that defenders can work on taking the proper angle to make open field tackles in a non-contact setting. There are a couple of key points that coaches need to make sure they are watching to make the drill effective.

The most important coaching point is making sure that the defender gets in, and maintains, a great pursuit position when the ball carrier makes his cut. We define a great pursuit position as inside leverage with an angle to make the tackle. We stress inside leverage so that the ball carrier cannot make a cut to the inside. A great pursuit position forces the ball carrier to continue his line and which brings him either to the sideline or an easy angle tackle. Many time the defender will lose this inside leverage which allows a ball carrier to make a cut back. We use the phrase “don’t get over the top” to tell the defender to be patient and maintain his inside leverage.

The other main coaching point is to make sure the defender continues to move forward. When defenders do not move forward they give the ball carrier more room to make a move and also gain more yards. Instead as the ball carrier is moving forward the defender must be moving forward in control and eliminating the potential room for the ball carrier to make moves.

The best part of this drill is that it tends to be a self-correcting drill. Many times the players can feel when they lose inside leverage. When the players can feel themselves make mistakes they are able to get immediate feedback into what works which allows them to make the necessary corrections.

Related Content: Linebacker Drills for Youth Football 

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