ILB Flow Reads and Techniques in the Run Game

Posted on January 30, 2012 by xandolabs in Defense

116

EmailShare By Mike Kuchar Senior Research Manager X&O Labs

Mike Kuchar is the co-founder of X&O Labs and the Defensive Coordinator at North Brunswick Township High School (NJ). In addition to coaching, Kuchar is also a veteran football writer. His work has been featured in ESPN the Magazine and numerous sports publications. In our first general survey that went out to subscribers earlier this month, we received numerous requests to research linebacker play, particularly reads and block destruction. While we started our spring research block, I figured Id kick things off with some of the things we do at North Brunswick Township High School, in central New Jersey.

As a coordinator, Ive consistently found it difficult to fit my linebackers into gaps. It could become confusing at the high school level to tell LBs to watch gaps and not people. As I started to do this, I began to think I was committing LB blasphemy until I heard esteemed Michigan State defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi talk about how he does some of the same things out of his 4-3 scheme. In true Narduzzi fashion, he quipped about how his diminutive sized frame in high school prevented him from doing anything else but running to the football full speed. Thats exactly what I want my LBs to do, run full speed to the football. If I can teach them about the importance of gaps in the process, thats a bonus. But to me, nothing compromises speed. We operate mainly out of the under front vs. two back sets, but with the advent of spread formations, weve often had to make adjustments. What we try not to adjust is our core, which will primarily be a six-man box with two 30-technique inside LBs. From a philosophical standpoint, our goal is to outnumber offensive backs with linebackers. Well be in a three-linebacker core against any two-back sets, and a twolinebacker core against any one-back sets. For the purpose of this report, well focus on our Mike LB (strong side) and our Will LB (weak side). Quick Note about the Sam (SLB) I should mention that when you run the under front, your Sam LB is treated as a different animal. Against tight end personnel teams, hell play on the line of scrimmage, essentially as a glorified defensive lineman. So when we start our installation, hell go down with the defensive line and work our V of the neck reads (a report for another time). Hell have to spill all perimeter plays to our strong safety. Then when we play spread, no tight end structures, hes a space player. His reads will still be the end man of the line of scrimmage, but usually now hell become the force player. Based on who you have, it may make sense to rotate that player with more of a Nickel type. Like I had mentioned previously, we play the Under front defense against TE personnel teams (Diagram 1). But the premise is simple, we want a six man box. In the words of the prodigious Gary Patterson, dont alter the box. We try to keep our two inside linebackers (Mike and Will) in 30-techniques (outside shoulder of the guards) with our heels at five yards.

We all know you defend what you see, and in our conference, at least 75 percent of the teams we play are two-back teams. We see a variety of 21 personnel pro, 22 personnel pro, Wing T and Option-like structure. When we do see some form of one-back spread, we will play more of a 4-2-5 structure, because we want to keep our core intact (Diagrams 2 and 3).

We are big believers in muscle memory. We want our kids to be comfortable with their line of sight presnap. The Mike and Will linebackers are generally our best defensive players, so we want to just wind them up and let them play. Often times, repetition can override talent, so we continually work to teach the same as theory, many different schemes will look the same to those two players. This is something Ill address later. Surprisingly, we dont talk much about gaps. Sure, we teach our LBs the structure of the defense, but we rely on understanding gaps only during pre-snap. Getting aligned correctly is our first responsibility; it was Bill Belichick who once said Over 90 percent of breakdowns on defense are caused by being out of position pre-snap. But we all know that once the ball is snapped, that technical thinking goes out the window, and organized chaos ensues. We want to get to the ball in a hurry, and the last thing we want to do is slow them down by fitting into a voided gap, particularly if the ball is not there.

Get X&O Labs Research Reports Sent Directly to Your Email. Enter Your Email in the Stay Informed Sign

Up Box in the Right Hand Margin of This Page. >>>>>>>>>> Just Above Our Facebook Section. Its FREE!
With that said, everything we do mirrors the steps of the back, regardless of the formation. We talk about path to flow in our reads. Our keys are back to near guard in that order. Weve tried to get on the guards first (and we usually will when playing non-conventional offenses like Wing T or Option) but our kids are looking in the backfield anyway. So why not help them do it the right way? Our two 30-tech backers will mirror the step of that back immediately. If hes downhill, were downhill. If hes lateral, were lateral. If hes tight, were tight. Everything is predicated on that back. If its a two back set, were on the tailback. I realize that many coaches teach their backers to key the fullback in I sets because hes the one that creates the extra gap, but traditionally hes not the one getting the ball. If its a single back set, were on the single back. The only time were on the fullback is when we play unconventional offenses, like Wing T or option schemes, because in those schemes the FB is the featured back. Play Side Guard Reads Once that back gives us our direction, we are able to pick up the flow of our play side guard. We identify what that guard is doing by four movements: 1. 2. 3. 4. Is he gap stepping (blocking away from us)? Is he zone stepping (laterally stepping towards us)? Is he base blocking (vertically stepping towards us)? Is he pulling? 5. Is he pass protecting?

Once we diagnose that, we search for open gaps in the defense, but not particularly the ones we had presnap. Gaps move consistently, so we look for what we call cloudy and clear reads in regards to gaps. If the gap is clear, we take it. If its cloudy, we scrape for the next open gap.

Dont Stop Now! Read X&O Labs Defensive Line Study and Discover How to Beat the 23 Most Popular Blocks. Click Here to Get Access.
Back Reads We classify our path to flow as four potential directions in which I will discuss in detail. For every flow we see, we have a systematic approach to how we are going to handle them. Our progression includes back path, guard flow, post-snap movement and proper block destruction. Our four schemes are the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. Tight flow Full flow Fast flow Split flow

Tight Flow: Potential Play Structure: Dive, Trap, Iso, FB Belly RB Path: Downhill, no lateral step Guard Flow: Play side Base or gap block, Back side Base or gap block LB Post-Snap Movement: Attack step, fill open window with force Block Destruction: Play side Shock. We will shock the opponent by using a near foot, near shoulder technique, meeting him on his side of the line of scrimmage. Back side Compress

This type of flow is common in short yardage and goal line situations. Its a clear read for our backers, but the key is to attack the lead block on his side of the line of scrimmage. Its an aggressive offensive scheme, but we need to be the aggressor. Our block destruction is a shock, which to us is a near foot, near shoulder technique. We dont use our hands; we feel we need to be thicker than that. We try to win outside, forcing the ball in, but as stated previously, we will always have a force player to either side of the front side backer. We emphasize being more physical than anything else. Its a bonus if were able to separate and make a play on it. We just want the ball to bubble out. To see examples of defending tight flow, watch the video tutorial below (make sure your speakers are on):

Get Instant Access to X&O Labs Full Library of Game & Practice Video. Click Here!
Full Flow:

Potential Play Structure: Inside Zone, Power, Sprint Draw RB Path: Downhill with lateral step Guard Flow: Play side Gap step away, Back side Pull away LB Post-Snap Movement: Shuffle and press to next open window Block Destruction: Play side Compress or Shock (based on cloudy or clear), Back side Compress C Play with hands, squeeze (constrict) the gap

We see this type of flow more than anything else. The key to this action is to keep the LBs shoulders square. Again, we need to match the action of the back. If his shoulders are squared, our shoulders are squared. This is essential because potential cutback. Nowadays the inside zone is a cutback play and the power play is hitting in the A gap, so we tell our LBs if the backs in the box, youre in the box. Again, rarely do they have force so they dont need to be over the top. We dont talk about stacking the DL, we talk more about tracking the back. The proper block destruction is a compress technique, which means we will play with our near shoulder and our near hands. The word compress simply means we will shorten, not expand any play side gap. If we cant make the tackle, we will take our blocker and push the hole. The back side LB must play with his hands and try not to come underneath any gap blocks. To see examples of defending full flow, watch the video tutorial below (make sure your speakers are on):

Get Instant Access to X&O Labs Full Library of Game & Practice Video. Click Here!

Fast Flow: Potential Play Structure: Speed Option, Jet Sweep, Toss, Outside Zone (Stretch) RB Path: Ear hole look, shoulder perpendicular to L.O.S. Guard Flow: Wide zone step, bucket step or pull LB Post-Snap Movement: Open shoulders, get out of the box Block Destruction: Play side/Back side LB Dip, rip and run (no contact zone)

Again, well mirror the back. If the back is out of the box, were out of the box, its that simple. Some teams pull that front side guard on these schemes (which make it easier for us) but some do not. Either way we are trying to cross face all blocks, constrict our front shoulder level and get running. We try not to use our hands. This is the easiest scheme to diagnose. Our two interior backers can run and not worry about cutback. Were mainly a quarters coverage team, so the cutback responsibility will be handled by our back side safety. To see examples of defending fast flow, watch the video tutorial below (make sure your speakers are on):

Get Instant Access to X&O Labs Full Library of Game & Practice Video. Click Here!

Split Flow: Potential Play Structure: Counter Trey, HB Counter, FB Counter, Split Belly, Wing T Sally RB Path: Misdirection step Guard Flow: Play side Gap step away, Back side pull away LB Post-Snap Movement: Shuffle then rock step Block Destruction: Play side/Back side compress

Finally, split flow is the flow we see least of unless playing a Wing T team. Pro teams have gotten away from the traditional Redskin counter trey, but instead they are pulling an H-back or full back off the ball. To us, its the same read. The key to diagnosing this scheme is what we call seeing color. To the back side of the play (usually the Wills read) its a simple identification if his guard pulls. If that guard doesnt pull and the offense still runs misdirection, he looks for any color opposite the play. As soon as that color flashes, hes tacking his rock step and pressing the next open window (gap) just like he would in a full flow scheme. The front side or play side backer is still working his compress technique with his hands and constricting and open gap. Perhaps the biggest concern weve toiled over the last few years is whether or not we will allow our LBs to come underneath gap blocks. Staying with the principle of playing fast, well tell them if they can press quickly enough, constrict their pads and flatten out then go make a play. I realize this is nowhere near remarkable coaching, but youll find some kids can do it and some cant. In any case, cant chew him out for making a play.

To see examples of split flow, watch the video tutorial below (make sure your speakers are on):

Get Instant Access to X&O Labs Full Library of Game & Practice Video. Click Here!
Concluding Report: One of the best things Ive done as a coach, and Im not sure where I got this, is film each of these path/flow concepts from the perspective of each of those linebackers. For example, I would have our kids line up as an offensive line and I would stand as a linebacker and film all of those concepts as the Mike and as the Will. Now they can actually see what each play concept looks like coming at them. I would give them a copy of the film so they can study it. We did this early in the pre-season. One of the major advantages of predominantly running one front is that you know how teams are going to block it. You just need to classify your run game into two and three man surface blocks. If we ever get Y trade (which we do a ton because of how we play) we will just switch the Mike and Will pre-snap and bring the Sam over. Now, that Mike is still seeing three man surface blocks and the Will is seeing two man surface blocks. In my opinion, nothing gets players to play faster than comfort ability. I learned that one the hard way. When you put your players in a spot they are used to playing, you have a greater chance of success because theyve seen it all and youve repped it all. Now when things go wrong, its a matter of execution, not scheme. Hope you enjoyed the report. Again, feel free to contact us with any research ideas you may have in the future. Those clinic reports are coming in by the dozen. Would love to see what youre doing. Questions or Comments? Mike Kuchar will be available to answer your questions. Just post your question or comment in the Comments section below and Kuchar will respond shortly. Copyright 2012 X&O Labs

Get X&O Labs' Latest Research and Videos!

Your Name: Your Email: Powered by WPSubscribers Tags: Featured, ILB Reads, Under Front

17 Responses to ILB Flow Reads and Techniques in the Run Game

1. Zach 31 January 2012 at 9:34 am #

is there any way to get a copy of the path/flow concepts film? Reply

o Mike Kuchar 31 January 2012 at 7:48 pm # Zach, Reach out to us on our email, would be glad to help with any questions you may have. Reply

2. Anthony stone 1 February 2012 at 12:35 am # Can I get a copy ilb flow films ? Reply

o Mike Kuchar 2 February 2012 at 10:27 am # Anthony, All of the cut-ups were done manually with a voice-over. If you want a copy of specific game cut-ups, email me at mikek@xandolabs.com Reply

3. Tommy Acklin 2 February 2012 at 1:42 am # Hello Coach, How would you handle Trips(bunch) to one side and TE away? Would you declare strength to the Trips or the TE? The second part of this question is if you declare run strenth to the TE, and Pass strength to the Trips, how would you handle motion to the TE? Reply

o Mike Kuchar 2 February 2012 at 10:41 am # Tommy, We set our strength in the following ways: Tight side, split side, field side or boundary side depending on film study. But, day one we call strenght to three-man surface. If we have any motion to the TE side we will expand with our corner in zone or run with it in man. Hope this helps. Reply

4. Tommy Acklin 2 February 2012 at 1:48 am # I felt that the coverage of this topic was very detailed, and covered all phases of how a Backer should to react to what he sees.. Reply

5. jerry loftis 2 February 2012 at 7:28 am # Coach , do you use the under alignment for your d.t.s as your primary , or only set , & if so , why so & what does it do for your D. ? ( I thought most teams use over align . toward t.e. and / or to strength determination ) . Also , I noticed in 2 x 2 formations , that left inside w.r. is pretty much uncovered , which maintains your 4 2 box . How do youcover / account for him in your coveerage ? Thanks alot , J L . Reply

o Mike Kuchar 2 February 2012 at 10:46 am # Jerry, Good question. Well play Under against most two back structures. The only time we wont is against non-conventional offenses that are not run laden to the TE side. In this case, yes we would play some over front. But Im not a big fan of changing our line of sight with my backers. In 22 we will play a Quarters or Robber concept to the field or passing strength and a man or quarters concept to the boundary. So in the diagram above, our FS would be on the slot. He would have to leverage any run game inside. We dont

get too much run into the boundary in 22, but we would make that adjustment. Hope this helps. Reply

6. Daryl Taaffe 5 February 2012 at 8:57 pm # What is your preferred coverage in the 4-3 Under vs the 22 and 31? I see in the illustrations above you have the backside slot uncovered (22) and the H back uncovered (31). What are your thoughts of using a Cover 2 Robber versus those packages? Reply

o Mike Kuchar 13 February 2012 at 8:46 pm # Daryl, As I mentioned above, we will generally play either a 4-2-5 structure and rob to the field vs. 31 or 22 sets or we will play a 3-4 structure with quarters coverage behind it against those formations. Our goal is to keep our core intact with six. We adjust everything with our third level players. Hope this helps. Mike Reply

7. Jeff 23 February 2012 at 12:55 pm # Coach. What is your reasoning for using an Under front vs an Over front as your base alignment? Reply

o Mike Kuchar 23 February 2012 at 8:58 pm # Jeff, I like the Under vs. 2 back sets or against three-man surfaces. But Ive found that you really need to have a physical Sam backer to play that overhang on a tight end. While

some teams support with that Sam we support everything with our safeties, so he has to be able to get his hands and squeeze the tight end. He really is a glorified D-lineman for us. Hope that helps. Reply

Jeff 24 February 2012 at 2:53 pm # Mike, We play a Sam on the outside also but will play him off the LOS 44 yards outside a TE. This way he reads the TE and can come down hard with speed if he releases to block him. This way he doesnt have to be as strong, just quick to react. He also can play flats or jam a slot receiver from this position. We do this regardless of Under or Over. I am still interested in why an Under front vs 2 back sets. Thanks. Reply

Mike Kuchar 24 February 2012 at 5:52 pm # To me, it all depends on whether or not you are strong enough with your C gap defender. If you have a DE that can play on the inside shade of the tight end and hold water against down and combo blocks the over is sufficient. Otherwise you need to take a defensive lineman and put him in a 5-techniue and train him to be a single gap control player. When you face two back sets, there is no threat of a slot receiver- if there is you can travel the corner. This way you still have a five man front by playing the Under. We dont play much flats with the Sam in Under. Well either play man free to drop the Safety to his side and play 3. Reply

8. Kevin Smith 10 April 2012 at 7:57 pm # Coach:

Do you have any cutups of your LB run fits vs. Wing-T? Weve struggled in the playoffs the last two years vs a strong Wing-T opponent..would love to get our coaches and players some good film to watch. Reply

o Mike Kuchar 10 April 2012 at 9:28 pm # Kevin, Well be uploading this video to our website within the next month. Check back then. I would teach Wing T reads the same way I would teach any other offense- they all fit into tight, full, fast or split flow. Reply

Read more: http://xandolabs.com/2012/01/ilb-flow-reads-and-techniques-in-the-run-game/#ixzz23jPl8F5o