Last month, we talked about our three weapons (eyes, hands, and feet) that we teach each player as a part of our defense at the University of Sioux Falls. This month we will advance in our progression to what we call “The six basics” of defense. We believe that if each player can master these simple principles, then the unit as a whole will be successful. They are the following:
- KEEP YOUR GAP SIDE ARM AND LEG FREE
Each player must know and understand leveraging the football. At USF, depending upon the call, it can vary from your outside arm and leg or your inside arm and leg. Because of this, we say “Gap Side Arm and Leg”. We teach our players never to be nose-to-nose with an opponent. Instead, we want to split every opponent in half in order to ensure we are able to get off of blocks and make plays.
- KEEP A “Z” IN YOUR KNEE
At no time will we allow one of our players to play with straight legs. From the stance to the start, and most certainly the finish, each player must have knee bend. This ensures that we are able to change direction, as well as play with great pad level at all times.
- KEEP YOUR PADS OVER YOUR TOES
Just like #2, keeping your pads over your toes is the primary way we create a forward downhill lean. Our defense is designed to get penetration to create downhill angles. By keeping our pads tilted forward, they will be able to tackle with a high level of velocity and strike blockers with great leverage.
- STAY SQUARE
We believe the game of football is a “Square Man’s Game” on every level of defense. By staying square and not being so quick to turn your shoulders, players allow themselves to be more versatile. Changing direction, increasing eye-speed, and escaping blocks are just a few of many things players can do really well by staying square.
- CROSSFACE
We tell our players to cross a blocker’s face once the ball has been declared without a shadow of doubt. This mainly applies to 1st and 2nd level defenders in the run game. However, DBs can cross-face on any type of wide receiver stalk block or crack block.
- MOTOR YOU FEET ON ALL FORMS OF CONTACT
Whether a defender is engaged in escaping a block or making a tackle, we believe that your feet should never be dead, but always motoring when engaged in any form of contact. The biggest issue players have when engaging with an opponent is upon contact. They stop their feet and try to out-muscle their opponent. That method doesn’t work for us on any level. When feet stop, guys get pushed off the ball, miss tackles, and get out- run by their opponent. We point out on film and in practice every time a player’s feet stops. These are just our everyday beliefs at the University of Sioux Falls. We look forward to sharing more with you in the months to come.