Defending the Spread Run Game with the 3-4 Defense

with Cody Day,
West Hardin High School (TX) Head Football Coach;
rebuilt West Hardin HS, ranked at the bottom of 2A football in Texas, into: a playoff team, best win total in 7+ years; gave up over 120 fewer regular season points using Trap Coverage than the previous season

With the growth of the spread offense at the high school level, developing a simple yet effective defensive scheme to counter the spread has been difficult - until now.

In this video, West Hardin (TX) High School's Cody Day shares his defensive philosophy and the importance of keeping keys and reads simple so your defense can swarm to the football and play fast.

Simple Adjustments to Various Schemes

Coach Day explains how the 3-4 defense can easily adjust to the offensive scheme from week to week and deliver a numbers advantage at the point of attack on the Power Read, Counter, Inside and Outside Zone run game out of spread offensive sets. You'll learn how to stop the run while maintaining sound pass coverage at the same time. The 3-4 defense provides you with the opportunity to get more speed on the field; this is a necessity when going against offenses that utilize the entire field because your players need to be able to close on the ball quickly.

Alignment, Eyes and Effort

Day coaches the basic alignments, assignments, and key reads for each position in the 3-4 defense using a white board presentation. Game film follows up each segment, and Day reviews key coaching points as he shows each defensive call in action.

You'll see how to:

• Teach pursuit for a championship defensive effort.
• Create quick reacting linebackers that fill downhill with lightning quickness.
• Adjust to trips to outnumber the offense in the run and passing game.

Tools for Shutting Down Spread Offense Concepts

Spread offenses can vary depending on specific formations and players. Coach Day shows you his "Longstick" technique that specifically focuses on shutting down the Power Read scheme. He also touches on "Trap" coverage to force a hard edge on perimeter offensive plays. Finally, you'll get his "Louie" stunt that helps secure the backside and create a false read for the QB on a backside zone read.

This video will give you a simple blueprint for success against any spread offensive scheme. Coach Day's 3-4 techniques are sure to help you find success on game day!

81 minutes. 2019.