The Wisconsin 4-Pack

with Dave Doeren,
University of Wisconsin Co-Defensive Coordinator / Linebacker Coach

Coach Doeren shares the secrets of the base 4-3 and how to stop 2-back run plays. According to Doeren, the key to this system is to be a zone team that can play man. Doeren diagrams and explains the Open Defense and breaks down each player. Twin, Power, Pro, and Lead (strong and weak), zone vs. 8 and 9 man front, and counter strong offer variations for this flexible defense. There are seven specific linebacker goals for the season that are shared by Doeren. The 4-3 Front utilizes Cover 4, Cover 6, Cover 2, and Man Free. Using practice and game football, Coach Doeren is able to explain the details and the nuances of this defense.

99 minutes. 2007.

with Henry Mason,
University of Wisconsin Assistant Coach/Receivers

Developing "complete" receivers is a Coach Mason specialty! Receiver play on the University of Wisconsin football team is based on several keys: Define each receiver's passing tree, master passing tree vs. all looks, read it-see it-walk it-rep it and fitting drills to fit the offense. In breaking down the receiver positions, Mason states that the split end, the X receiver, should be your best receiver and a precision route runner. The Z receiver, flanker, is the fastest and most physical receiver because of his blocking responsibilities. The Z should lead your team in most yards per catch. The adjuster, R receiver, must be smart, moves to formations, and can run good buddy routes. Mason shares a Segment Meeting Itinerary stressing the importance of players seeing and knowing the proper information and goals for that day. This serves as a key to developing communication between players and coaches. Signature speed dig routes include vertical release, stick at 10 yards, roll to 14 yards and setting the course. The burst corner is a burst release at 45 degrees at 5 yards. Others include the speed corner, big angle, stab, Speed 7 and sword. Blocking - extremely important to this passing attack - is covered in great detail as well!

88 minutes. 2007.

with Paul Chryst,
University of Wisconsin Offensive Coordinator

Designing a pass offense is based on the personality of your total offense. Situations to examine in building a playbook are normal down and distance, third down and red zone. Coach Chryst also examines the progression of practicing a pattern using classroom meetings, walk thru, QB spot drills and QB/receiver work. A base play for Chryst is 21 Personnel with two running backs, a tight end and two wide receivers. The intent of the play is to throw the "Z" on the angle and is best against a single high free safety. One of Chryst's goals is to put defenders in a 'conflict of assignment.' Chryst uses game footage to explain pass routes that yield consistent yardage. His analysis concerns his receivers as well as coverage of the defense. Chryst emphasizes that in this system, receivers do no adjust their routes based on the defense. As options are added to this scheme, players are introduced to new material far in advance of when they'll use it, giving them time to learn the play. As a staff, you should always have options against any kind of coverage you may encounter.

101 minutes. 2007.

with Kerry Cooks,
University of Wisconsin Assistant Coach/Defensive Backs

Coach Cooks shows off his defensive expertise in teaching how to correlate the 2-seam with multiple 4-3 defense; this is basically a 5 under, 2 deep zone. This alignment provides solid, underneath coverage that allows a good change to quarters and forces the opponent's QB to throw in a tight window. Play diagrams shown help to illustrate each play and scheme in detail and by adding game and practice footage, Cook's teaching points and strategy are very easy to understand. The fundamental skills of leverage and the slide technique are outlined by Cooks. 'Footwork and jam' are part of the slide technique, which focuses on sliding the near foot in the direction of the release and replacing the far foot. The stutter is used when the WR drops his weight or sinks his hips to break. Other areas covered are the off-man technique and the catch technique. This DVD presents a very detailed look at correlating the 2-seam with the 4-3 defense.

71 minutes. 2007.

See all the items in this series!

• Defending the 2-Back Offense with 4-3 Principles
• Being a Complete Receiver
• Packaging Formations for the Passing Game
• Correlating Cover 2 in the Multiple 4-3 Defense and Man-to-Man Techniques