Viking 33 Defense: Concepts & Strategies

with Joe Woodley,
Drake University Head Coach;
Grand View University Head Coach from 2019 to 2024;
2024 NAIA National Champions;
In 2024, was named in ESPN's "Coaches Who Will Define the Next Decade" of College Football (the only NAIA level coach to receive the recognition):
2023 North Division Conference Head Coach of the Year;
North Division Conference Head Coach of the Year in 2019, 2020, 2022;
Grand View University Defensive Coordinator from 2008 to 2017;
2013 NAIA National Champions;
2013 Football Scoop Coordinator of the Year;
2011 Mid-States Football Association Midwest League Champions;
2009 Mid-States Football Association Assistant Coach of the Year;
played college football for Iowa State University

Joe Woodley's Viking 33 Defense helped Grand View football grow from a start-up program to an NAIA playoff contender in just four years. The Grand View Defense has averaged as low as 14.7 points per game (2010), 245 total yards per game (2011), 91.0 rush yards allowed per game (2011), and 132.9 pass yards per game (2010). By adding that to the impressive 81 turnovers in the past three years, Coach Woodley's philosophy and scheme are adding up to success for the Vikings.

This instructional football video gives insight into the Grand View defense. Coach Woodley begins by sharing a variety of reasons why he made the transition to the 3-3 defense, which include adding more speed on the field, being able to adapt to what other teams do more easily, and simply having more LB/DB types of players available to play defense. Woodley then describes the body types and skill sets they are looking for at each position. From the nose tackles to the safeties, physical attributes combined with the correct position will lend itself to a highly effective defense.

Before Coach Woodley explains any of the specifics of the Viking Defense, he discusses the key points of their defensive philosophy. Woodley discusses mental toughness briefly and then lists the five things a Viking player must know before each play.

Woodley covers the three most important areas of his defense: Tackling, Turnovers and Third Downs. Tackling fundamentals are shared along with how they are implemented into each practice. Woodley shares his Turnover Circuit that develops ball hawking skills to help immobilize high octane offenses.

You'll then see 12, 3rd down specific plays run every day to prepare for success on Saturdays. The ability to defend different third down scenarios will instill confidence in your defense during critical game time situations.

Finally, Coach Woodley shares five focal points of what the Grand View 3-3 is all about before sharing the six base fronts the Vikings carry into each game. The staff uses these fronts interchangeably against various styles of offense including the Spread, Pro Style and Triple Option. Woodley concludes by sharing some key statistics that back up the improvement and rationale behind running this defense at Grand View.

Coach Woodley shows how the 3-3 has improved the Grand View football team, and shares many other coaching points that will improve your defense.

45 minutes. 2012.