Handling Tempo through Practice Planning, Game Planning & One Word Calls

with Drew Sanders,
Vandegrift (TX) High School Head Coach;
Texas 6A Div. II Regional Semi-Finalists, 12-1 final record (2018); Undefeated District 13-6A Champions;
#1 Ranked Defense in 13-6A; Most interceptions in school history (12)

With offenses operating faster than ever, how do you prepare your defense to keep up and get off the field? Drew Sanders, Vandegrift High School's (TX) head coach, breaks down his approach to combating up-tempo offenses and gives you some of the calls that he uses with his own team to quickly get them into position even when the opponent goes no-huddle.

Philosophy of Up-Tempo Defense

Sanders starts with an explanation on his philosophy of defending tempo offenses. He believes that preparing your team for tempo takes a specific approach that is different than what most veteran coaches have done for a number of years. You will see examples of how Coach Sanders structures each day of practice with an emphasis on the pace necessary for defending tempo. Additionally, he shows examples of his unique wristband system for his scout teams, which allows the scout team to simulate the pace of a tempo offense.

Defensive Calls

The presentation continues with Sanders explaining several calls that he uses when defending tempo offenses. You'll learn why it is important to have one-word calls that your team can execute in the event of defending tempo offenses. Coach Sanders explains why it's essential to have calls for a base defense, a run stopping defense, a pressure package, and an all-out blitz. Finally, you'll see Sanders diagram each of these calls and show game footage examples to illustrate his coaching points.

This video should be required viewing for all defensive coordinators. In the age of fast-paced spread offenses, defensive teams must be willing to adapt. With the help of Coach Sanders, your team will be better prepared to dominate the opposition this fall!

63 minutes. 2019.