I always found it to be extremely important and helpful in my game day preparation if our blitz package was clearly broken down and taught as two distinct packages. We had a designed blitz package to stop the run and a separate blitz package to stop the pass.

CLINIC SUMMARY

In our game planning, based on our opponents tendencies, we would pre-determine which blitz we would use in run situations. We designed these blitzes to disrupt the play before it had the opportunity to get started up the field. We also wanted, wherever possible, to redirect the running lane of the ball carrier.

In all instances, it was imperative to us that we get penetration across the line of scrimmage. We wanted one or more of our defensive players to be playing defense on the offensive side of the ball. Every run blitz that we put in had to have this feature, quick penetration by one or more players.

Because our goal on run blitzes was to penetrate, disrupt and redirect the path of the running back, the movement of our defensive players was more straight line and did not feature elaborate stunts or looping. It was also important to us that we achieve this style of defense while using all of our coverage packages; two deep, three deep and man to man.

TWO DEEP ZONE

When we were in our two deep coverage package and in our three down defensive line configuration, we incorporated sending any one of the linebackers at any time. With four down lineman and 3 linebackers and sending a linebacker, we chose to either vacate a zone or run what is commonly called today a zone blitz.

THREE DEEP ZONE

In our three deep zone run blitz package we felt that we had greater flexibility especially when we were in our three defensive linemen front. In this alignment, we would bring any one of the four linebackers at one time or we could drop all four linebackers and allow a safety or corner back to be the blitzer. With our four man front and staying three deep, we once again had to void a zone or drop a defensive lineman into coverage.

MAN TO MAN COVERAGE

When we moved into our man to man coverage, we now had all the possibilities open to us and it did not matter if we were in a four or three down linemen alignment. In this situation we would use five man blitz packages using outside backers, using inside backers or a combination blitz using an inside and an outside backer.

Next in our design would be a six man blitz package using any combination of linebackers and defensive linemen to be committed in the blitz to stop the run.

Finally with our man to man coverage, we would have a six man run blitz which used a combination of defensive linemen, linebackers and defensive backs.

I hope this summary gives you a good feeling and insight into the written text and diagrams which will be included in the detailed In- Depth Clinic material. Each of the areas in this summary will be fully covered and developed in the In -Depth Clinic material. The bound clinic material that you will receive for your reference library and for your immediate personal use will include diagrams in addition to complete and thorough explanations. The clinic will provide you with new innovative ideas, specific techniques, plans for implementation and valuable insights that will make you a better teacher and coach.

Good luck this season and please use e-mail at CoachBass@AOL.com for any questions you may have,

Coach Bass.