Though we all have our unique backgrounds, coaching styles, and personalities, I think there’s at least one thing every defensive coach shares: a desire to get pressure on the Quarterback.
Here are a few thoughts on creating a weekly pressure plan heading into a game.
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Opponent Scout
As with every other aspect of your gameplan, you will want to begin by scouting your opponent.
Just as we want to know about their key run plays, favourite route combinations, and play calling tendencies, we’ll also want to dig into their Pass Protection schemes.
There are a few different Pass Protections you might see in your scouting report, including Big on Big, Half Slide, Full Slide, Max Protection, Play Action, Roll Out, etc.
Do they use ALL these types, or a small handful? WHEN are they using each type of Pass Pro? Do they have tendencies as to which side they’re Sliding to? How do they use the Running Back in pass protection?
A few key questions to get you started.
Can you find a CHECK?
This can be a goldmine when it comes to your gameplan:
Is there a certain CHECK that your opponent uses versus a certain look?
Does one type of FRONT get them into the same Pass Pro every time they see it?
If so, you might be able to find a way to take advantage of this information.
It’s always nice when you have the ability to dictate what your opponent is doing.
A word of caution, however, that those offensive coaches are watching film too. If they change their tendency during the week of practice, you could find that your “check” tendency has gone out the window early in the game.
Personnel
It almost always comes down to this, doesn’t it?
Personnel.
As you get to know your opponent, you might find a matchup that you really like when it comes to rushing the passer.
Finding a way to manufacture this matchup – and create a one-on-one situation – might be a big part of your pressure plan.
This is sometimes easier said than done, however, as offences do a great job of providing help where it’s needed.
Again, it’s all part of the chess match. The game within the game.
Creating the Plan
Once you’ve gone through the scouting process, you’ll have a pretty good idea of your opponent.
The first key question:
What do we already have in that would work well against this team?
Sometimes your toolbox already contains everything you’ll need.
When this happens, you can spend the week honing your blitzes and stunts and pass rush techniques to get after the QB.
Other times, you’ll want to do some install.
Perhaps there’s a new Blitz – or, even better, a tweak to one of your existing Blitzes – that you might want to install to take advantage of a tendency.
Great, that’s what practice is for.
Draw it up, install it, and drill it in practice.
Obviously, you don’t want to overload your players with too many new things in one week. But a well-designed blitz meant to take advantage of a pass protection tendency can be a worthwhile use of practice time.
Example Plan
Your scouting journey will take you in many different directions.
One common tendency to look for would be against teams who use Half Slide Protection. This means they’ll use a Zone Slide to one side, and Big-on-Big Protection (essentially Man to Man) to the other side.
Both sides have three blockers, but on one side you have the Centre as the additional blocker, and on the other side you have the Running Back.
If you can find a tendency that tells you which side will be Slide and which side will be Big on Big, you might want to attack the Big-on-Big side with your Stunt or Blitz.
Depending on your opponent, there is sometimes about 100 pounds less protecting that side.
Be Ready to Adjust
As I said before, those offensive coaches are a tricky bunch.
Sometimes, your plan will work great, and you’ll generate some good pressure on game day.
Other times, the offence will have adjusted during the week, or perhaps they’ll adjust early in the game to take away your plan.
No problem. That’s when it’s time to make your next adjustment, and to keep rolling.
The game within the game.
All the best,
Jon Svec
Defensive Coordinator
St. Francis Xavier University
X-Men Football
IG: @jonsvecx
Twitter: @jonsvecx
Jon Svec is the author of the e-book Canadian Football Chalk Talk: Defensive Basics.
Thanks coach. Really appreciate you!