DC-Advice on Defense

DC,

We are a smaller church program in a large urban area. At younger levels, we are always outnumbered in terms of the number of studs. However, we overcome this disparity at older age groups since we all run Wing T and kids have played in same system for years. The imbalance in number of players also lessens, helping out as well. And yes, trust me, it is a real challenge at the younger level. This is why I am putting in all of this effort.

Your analysis of the I with twins is close to what happened to us in a game. You were right on the money. Unfortunately, we did not have the 5 studs.

BTW, I have coached mainly 5-3 at older ages (I also played for years in that defense). That is what I know best. Unfortunately, it is very susceptible to OT stuff at this age level.

Now, for next year’s 10-11 team, I like these defenses in the following order:
1) Wide Tackle 6 (moving to 6-5 in short yardage);
2) 6-1 cover 2;
3) 6-1 monster (please explain role of monster);
4) 4-6; and
5) 5-2.

My chief concerns are the C gaps (isolation plays), sweeps, reverses, and 10 yd out passes (or your Pass Right/Left type equivalents). Also, I tried the GAM; but got frustrated by being burned on passes and OT runs (if they broke through). I also do not like the Split 6 because both backers are positioned too far inside.

Questions
*Where would you place your studs in a WT-6?

*Would you be inclined to mix up your defenses during a game, say rotating occasionally (based on what the offense is doing) between WT-6, 6-1, & 6-1 monster? I’m interested in your thoughts here.

*Am I being too much of a standard youth coach here with 6-man fronts?

*If playing a 4-6; how would you align the D and what are the players assignments?

*What is your philosophy on blitzing?

Cheers;
JohnnyB