Defending the Spread Shotgun Wing-T Offense

with Lew Johnston,
Western Branch HS (VA) Head Coach,
5x District Champions,
4x Time District "Coach of the Year"

The once "new" Spread offense has now become a standard in all levels of football. An expert in engineering the Spread Shot-Wing, Coach Johnston presents his thoughts on how to defend it. Two basic concepts must be understood from a defensive standpoint: the goal of an offensive numbers advantage and which defensive player has duel responsibilities. To determine number advantage, the opposing coach will draw a line down the middle of the field and attack the side of the field with the least amount of defenders. Johnston illustrates his points by using game footage. Using the white board, he shows how an opponent will determine which defender is under duel responsibility. A Spread coach who wants to run will not move away from their base run attack. The FB trap, sweep, HB Power, and Belly/Iso plays are good options in the Spread run attack - and Johnston details keys to stopping them all. Defending the pass will depend on the depth of your corners and the lateral position of your free safety. To conclude, Johnston shares his five key principles to defending the Spread Shot Wing.

56 minutes. 2007.

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