Stopping the Run

with Ellis Johnson,
University of Arkansas Defensive Coordinator;
former Mississippi State University Defensive Coordinator

Coaches at any level can use this defensive template to help improve defense against the run. Coach Johnson has taken his defensive system and simplified it to fit his players. With consistent and repetitive drill work, you can develop a defensive consistency that will allow fewer yards and fewer points. Coach Johnson uses diagrams and game footage effectively to illustrate clearly his defensive system against the run. The main defensive look in this presentation is an 8-man front, where the weak safety rotates down in the box to become the fourth linebacker. Coach Johnson's emphasis is in practice where repetition is the key to defending many types of running attacks. Basic leads are covered with the use of diagrams and full explanation. Two key terms in Coach Johnson's system are BOS and BOW. BOS indicates backer over strong, as BOW means backer on weak. Against offensive pull plays, getting leverage is the key to stopping the run. The split flow is covered where the linebacker reads "no flow" because of no lead blockers. Excellent use of game footage also enhances Johnson's discussion of the slant look. As you control the run, success will be imminent!

34 minutes. 2006.

This item also belongs to the following series!

• Defensive 2-Pack

You must install Flash Player version 8.0 or higher to view this video.