Free Plays- Defense

(See Also) 5 Reasons Why You Should Run a Stack Defense 

(See Also) 4-4 Defense Blitz Packages 

52 Monster “Storm”

The 52 generally uses the monster back (SS) as an adjuster to counterbalance the strength of the offense. It requires disciplined athletes that can follow their keys precisely, and not get suckered in by misdirection plays. Pass defense is usually zone-based. This ILB loop is a superior play as it causes offensive line confusion and creates pressure on the offense. It’s a run blitz. This youth football defense is effective at protecting the strong side of the field, very simple to install.

(See Also) The 52 Monster Defense

Gap 8

The gap 8 defense features an eight man defensive line, a single player in a middle linebacker/free safety position, and two corners. The defense features six down linemen positioned in the gaps. Two additional players are outside linebackers that are head up to inside shade on the tight ends. This defense uses bump and run coverage to prevent the quick, inside release. By reading the tight end’s movement, they can discern the type of play (pass or run) and the point of attack. This youth football defense is a solid run stopping defense and a tough to block.

65 Goal Line

The 65 Goal line defense is the soundest defense in goal line situations. The 65 covers all 8 gaps while having 3 linebackers ready to read flow. The defense frees up your linebackers to make the stop. Having defenders force all 8 gaps low and hard leaves your linebackers free to roam and get to the ball. You must put your defensive line into a 4-point stance and make sure they fire hard and low and hold their gap! The 65 is the best goal line defense for any level of youth football.

(See Also) Goal Line Defense in Youth Football 

53 Defense- Storm Left

The “storm left” blitz out of the youth football 53 defense is a great way to eat up those common youth football power/blast/off-tackle plays. The defensive tackle slants out to C gap, the outside linebacker slants into the B gap. The nose guard cuts down the center.  Both defensive ends hold containment. The middle linebacker forces A gap.  Backside of the defense has to get into pursue lanes. Cornerbacks will support the containment of the outside. They will also have to read eligible receivers, looking for play action passes. When you blitz, make sure you know where the offense is running the ball. There is an old saying life by the blitz you die by the blitz. Do not blitz your defenders out of the play.

44 Defense “Charger up Left”

The Outside linebacker “Charger up Left” attacks the offense with an outside blitz from the outside linebacker. This play works well against youth football spread and outside attacking offenses. “Charger up left” indicates that the left OLB blitz off the edge of the defense, holding outside leverage. The right inside linebacker loops out and forces A gap. The left inside linebacker forces B gap. Both defensive ends slant in. Defensive tackles force A gap.  The cornerbacks play pass first, reading eligible receivers. The free safety must shift over to the blitz side. This blitz play works the best out of the cover 3. Cover 3 is a 3 deep coverage which is safe in case the defense gets caught in the blitz.