CSU-Pueblo Skills and Drills for the 3-4 Defense Series

Paul Creighton has led the Colorado State-Pueblo defensive line attack to back-to-back Top 20 national rankings in rush defense. In this video, Coach Creighton gives an in-depth look at his defensive line development, including philosophy, fundamentals and video examples of drills that will create aggressive, attacking two-way defensive linemen.

In this 3-4 defense, Coach Creighton's players align head-up to create a "two-way go." He teaches his players how to read and destruct blocks, explaining his strategy from philosophy through execution. He does a great job of explaining the reasons why you should or shouldn't do certain things in this defense. Although Coach Creighton's defensive line scheme is quite unique, there are many elements of it that can be used in any scheme you might play.

In the fundamentals section of the video, he teaches the stance footwork and strike that create dominant defensive linemen. He covers:

• The "AAKTF" (Alignment, Assignment, Key, Technique and Finish) thought process for defensive linemen. Creighton explains each component in detail and gives drills to become more efficient in each aspect. A player who understands the "AAKTF" thought process is more likely to play faster with less thinking. This process can be applied to all positions on the field.
• How to use the proper footwork, most importantly the first two steps, to be an effective defensive lineman. Taking the proper first two steps allows defensive linemen to keep their hips square at the line of scrimmage and maintain leverage throughout the play. As Coach Creighton points out, "most battles up front are won in the first two steps."
• How to properly strike the offensive linemen with great hand position and placement. This gives the player the opportunity to create separation and find the ball carrier.
• The importance of understanding how to read your key. Reacting quickly and properly to your key is vital to the success of the play. Coach Creighton thoroughly explains the difference between an aggressive block, non-aggressive block, and a pass set.

Train your line to attack before reacting and force your opponent out of their offensive game plan.

80 minutes. 2013.

Under Hunter Hughes' leadership, the CSU-Pueblo defense played in big part in the 2014 national title. Coach Hughes' squad finished first in the nation in:

• points allowed - 12.8
• defensive touchdowns - 7
• turnovers gained - 43
• interceptions - 29

In fact, the defense has finished in the top 25 nationally in points allowed for seven consecutive years (2009-14), including first in the nation in 2014 and 2011. This DVD offers a look at how they do it year-after-year. Coach Hughes takes you through his drill package for attacking linebacker play and uses game footage to illustrate the key concepts used in the Thunder Wolves' 3-4 Defensive Package.

Listen in as Coach Hughes provides teaching points for turning your linebackers into "heat seeking missiles." His instruction covers:

• Four types of pursuit and proper keys for linebacker play in the 3-4 defense
• Eight everyday drills that teach proper footwork and taking-on and coming-off of blocks
• Open field and goal line tackling drills that force players to be physical and use correct technique
• Tips on how to "play fast" and attack the line of scrimmage through any "open windows" that may appear

Coach Hughes explains the one gap structure of the Thunder Wolves defense and the philosophy behind it. In addition to proper footwork, he discusses the importance of understanding flow to and from the player, as well as inside and outside threats. Hughes explains the importance of coaching linebackers to play deep, move down hill and attack the ball carrier inside/out with the shoulders square to the line of scrimmage.

Using game footage, Hughes explains all of the reads linebackers will see in a game. He also covers communication between linebackers and how it can be used to "play fast."

Any coach running the 3-4-including those who coach eight-player teams-will benefit from the instruction contained in this informative DVD.

Your defense can achieve the next level of competitive play; let Hunter Hughes show you how!

82 minutes. 2013.

In 2014, Donnell Leomiti's defensive backfield was the best in the nation, ranking first in interceptions (29) as the CSU-Pueblo defense held opponents to the lowest points per game figure in the country (12.8). It was the second time in four years Leomiti's defensive backs led the nation in interceptions, as the squad also finished first in the nation in 2011.

Learn the skills that have transformed his defensive backs-including three All Americans since 2011-into some of the strongest and most successful players in the nation. Leomiti covers key principles, including: instilling the right culture/philosophy and emphasizing turnovers, competitions, and drills to improve performance both individually and collectively. You'll learn:

• 11 drills to increase turnover ratio
• The "Be Attitudes of a DB" -Be Here, Be Coachable, Be Accountable, Be Tough, Be Confident, Be Disciplined, Be Optimistic/Opportunistic. Coach Leomiti explains how players demonstrate each attitude and how each attitude enhances a culture of winning.
• The importance of being a great tackler who uses proper technique and communication to enable the secondary to "control the game."
• How to incorporate the entire team in drills that are beneficial to both sides of the ball.
• How different coverages/schemes that provide various strengths and weaknesses contribute to the defensive "vision."

The foundation of Leomiti's highly successful coaching strategy is emphasizing areas that need the most improvement. Using team drills and a discussion of culture and philosophy, Leomiti shows how to get the most from defensive backs-both on and off the field.

39 minutes. 2013.