X&O Labs' Coaching Research Report #110403

Teaching the Shade Nose Proper Block Destruction in Even Fronts

Defeating a Reach Block and O-Scheme Defeating a Double-T eam and Power Scoop Loose Scoop and Joker Scheme
By Mickey Mays Researcher X&O Labs mickey@xandolabs.com This week's report focuses on developing the shaded nose guard. Every four-down front plays with a shade nose, and he's usually the anchor of the defensive line. One aspect of our research that we've found interesting is 39.5 percent of the four-down coaches play exclusively with a shade nose and a three-technique. They don't cross train them. This tells us that these positions are specific, and they have to master different techniques. We've also found that they are built in different ways physically. While we often visualize a shade nose guard as a massive defensive lineman always eating up two blockers, the reality is this may not be necessary: our latest survey showed that 39% of defensive line coaches prefer their NG to be 5'10 or shorter and one-third of the coaches would rather play with a quicker, smaller type (under 210 lbs.). The fact is, of the six primary run blocks a shade nose guard must defeat only two are combo blocks. In reality, great nose guards come in all shapes and sizes, but two qualities all coaches agree a great nose guard must possess are not debatable: Physical and Mental Toughness. For the purpose of this report, the six primary blocks and schemes a shaded nose must defeat are below. They will all be clarified later in the report. 1. The reach block by the center 2. O-Scheme 3. Double Team 4. Power Scoop 5. Loose Scoop 6. Joker Scheme

Case 1: Stance, Alignment and Key Our nose guard survey responses included coaches on the college, junior college, high school, junior high school and youth league levels. The majority, or 60 percent of coaches, teach an inside hand down, inside foot staggered stance with a foot to crotch alignment (41.8%). The most frequent visual key being taught is the "V" of the neck, which 56 percent of coaches emphasize. The most effective way to coach each of these three areas is still to be highly debated and sometimes depends upon the individual player. Three outstanding and successful defensive line coaches, one high school, one FCS level college coach, and one professional defensive line coach gives us three different ways to coach stance, alignment and visual key. Get X&O Labs' Coaching Research Reports FREE. Click Here Now! The University of Delaware defensive line coach Phil Petite teaches all of his front to align 15 inches off the ball with their inside hand down and inside foot back. "Because we play against so many offenses that use zone blocking schemes, our first step was up field. But we were always getting our shoulders turned and playing behind the block. Now aligning off the ball allows us to play downhill with force. The first step is still a 6-inch step and the second step depends on the blocking scheme." Petite does give his kids a "jet" call in long yardage which tightens them up so they can get off the ball and get to the quarterback. Even though only 6.5 percent of our coaches teach their players to use a tilted shade technique, it still is prevalent in some levels of football. FormerNew York Jets defensive line coach Kerry Locklin, who spent eight years at Fresno State, gives his nose guards the freedom of playing a true, shoulder-squared shade or a tilt-shade. "Playing a tilt is different and you have to work at it because his visual key is now the back-side guard," says Locklin. "At Fresno State, we worked the nose guards vs. a center and two guards pre-practice for fifteen minutes a day. He has to rep it and develop a feel for each blocking scheme but still attack the center with each block. His tilt is about 45 degrees with his inside hand down and inside foot back. Horizontal alignment may be a little different for each guy, the best alignment for him." While only 14% of defensive line coaches surveyed teach a footwork visual key, Tom Beason, defensive coordinator at Wichita Northwest High School in Kansas, would coach it no other way. "We play exclusively outside shades and key the outside foot. We got this from Kansas University a few years ago, and I love it. The offensive lineman can give us one of only three things: 1. If his outside foot is at me or outside me, I attack the block with outside leverage. 2. If his outside foot stays still, I know now he is releasing inside, so I have to attack his outside half, close down hard and move with my gap. 3. If his outside foot is back, I rush the passer. "Giving them only three things makes it a lot easier to teach and the players understand it. Plus, keying the outside foot keeps them lower on the snap." This Coaching Research Report continues below. . . M ickey M ays Follows Up O n. . .

Holding W ater in the C G ap

It's been over a month since I last contributed, so I would like to address two important points on my last report "Holding W ater in the C G ap" that was published back in early March. We've been getting tremendous feedback, so I'd like to clarify two main points: 1. Contrary to popular belief, many defenses still continue to play a nine technique in 4-3 Overfront with a great deal of success and 2. It is possible to be effective at running the ball without targeting the C gap. As a defensive coordinator, I have witnessed this first hand from the press box. There is not a football coach on any level that has all the answers, but one key to winning is the relentless search to put players in the best position (alignment, assignment and technique) possible for success, which is part of the reason you enjoy sharing your information with us and we enjoy publishing it. Over many years of coaching football, I have learned this: The more you know, the more you realize what you don't know. Case 2: Defeating a Reach Block and O-Scheme The reach block by the center and the O-pull are paired together because these are the two primary run blocks the shade will get from the center only. Block recognition between these two is critical and with repetition the shade will be able to react to either without hesitation. While only 16% of coaches teach the shade to attack and rip up field vs. a reach block, over 40% teach an "attack the center mentality" by controlling the front side A gap and crossing face vs. a cutback into the back-side A gap. Reach Block Definition (Diagram 1): A one-on-one block with the aiming point being the defender's outside armpit to shoulder. Can't see the diagrams? Click here.

Reach Block Philosophy: With the growing popularity of the inside zone in high school football, a shade nose guard must no longer only defeat a reach block vs. an outside run like a toss sweep or stretch play. He must also be able to defeat the center's reach block vs. inside zone, which is often followed by a reverse wheel, which is a turnout block with the center turning his hips. "The most important thing is to drive the center's reach block back into the backfield," says Locklin. "The running back wants to make a cut as far up into the line of scrimmage as possible. The nose guard's job is to knock the center back and force the ball carrier to make a decision deep in the backfield, thus making a horizontal cut." Reach Block Destruction: Attack and whip the center; knock him back. Play with feet in the neutral zone. Reach block recognition is quick. Press and separate and find the ball through the center's outside hip

and leverage the ball. If hips are not outside, dip the inside shoulder. This will throw the hips into the outside gap. Verse an outside run, shed with a jerk and rip, pursue down the L.O.S. and make the tackle. If the ball threatens my gap downhill-press, jerk, and rip, and tackle the ball carrier. If the center converts the reach block into a wheel (turnout) pound the outside foot into the ground, press back into the block with inside hand and hip. Square the center's shoulders and cross the block vs. a cutback. A good change up is an "Olay" call so the shade nose guard can beat the center on the snap with a swim or rip, get vertical and at worst force an immediate cutback . The danger for a penetrating shade nose guard vs. the inside zone is getting wheeled up the field and outside, creating a big cutback lane front side of the original snap point. Reach Block Drill: Fit a defender up with outside leverage on a blocker with his eyes to outside number, inside hand down the middle, and outside hand on outside shoulder pad with both elbows bent. The blocker will fit up with hands on the defender's shoulders. Stand a manager, or another coach, five yards deep and inside with a football. The drill begins when the blocker presses the defender's outside shoulder and runs through his outside half. On first movement, the defender steps with his outside foot, presses, separates, and rolls his elbows under to lockout the blocker. Once he has driven the blocker back and established outside leverage, the defender will pound his outside foot into the ground, dip his inside shoulder to ensure his hips are outside and search for the football through the inside or outside hip of the blocker. If the coach points the football outside, the defender will press again, jerk and rip off the block. If the coach points the ball inside, the defender will press back with his inside hip and hand and cross the blocker's face. Definition of O-Scheme (Diagram 2): A back-block by center with an inside pull by the shaded side guard. Can't see the diagrams? Click here.

Philosophy of O-Scheme: When a shade nose guard recognizes O-scheme, he immediately knows the point of attack is opposite the center's back-block. The linebackers may recognize fullback trap, Power "O" or Counter "O-T," but the only thing the nose guard recognizes is "O-scheme." Regardless of the offensive play, the shade nose guard's initial reaction should be the same. O-Scheme Block Destruction: Attack and whip the center. Recognize the O-scheme and drive the center

into the opposite A gap at a 45-degree angle by shifting the body weight to the inside hip, squaring the shoulders up, and keeping the outside hand free for the cutback. Work to play with feet in neutral zone by pounding the inside foot. Stay low and square and play the cutback into my back-side A gap first. After the cutback has been ensured, cross the center's face or back door the center. This will collapse the running lane vs. quick trap and make a quicker spill for the 3-technique. Also, if the front side A gap is canceled by the center's body, the linebacker responsible for that gap can play over the top of the double team vs. Power "O" or Counter "O-T." This is typically known as a gap exchange. Researcher's Note: If the nose guard's first reaction crosses the center's back-block, the quick trap, downhill Power "O" or Counter "O-T" may hit behind the defense in the vacated back-side A gap. A quick "Olay" or "Hop-around" is a good changeup if the nose can beat the center's back-block off the snap. The danger of running up field is getting washed outside and opening up a wide front side A gap running lane. Drill for Defeating the O-Scheme: Fit the nose guard with outside leverage up on a center, eyes to outside armpit, inside hand down the center's middle, and outside hand to the center's outside shoulder. The center's shoulders are turned at a 45-degree angle. The center will start the drill, attempting to drive the nose guard outside and off the ball. The nose guard will shift his weight to his inside hip, pound his inside foot and drive the center back at a 45-degree angle, square his shoulders and keep his outside arm free. Case 3: Defeating a Double-Team and Power Scoop Initially, these two blocks look almost identical because both combo blocks begin with a drive block by the center. There are two main differences: (1) the center's aiming point and (2) the angle of the offensive guard. Through in season and off season key drill repetition, defensive linemen can convert recognition into reflex. The goal is to knock the drive block into the backfield, hold both blockers off at the point of attack and let the linebackers run free to tackle the ball carrier. Double-Team Definition (Diagram 3): Drive block by the center and down block by the shade side guard. Can't see the diagrams? Click here.

Double-Team Philosophy: Two common runs a shade nose will get double teamed are a two-back isolation and a one-back scheme that pulls the back-side offensive tackle for the front side linebacker. The point of attack off a double-team is the B gap outside the offensive guard's down block. The first offensive objective is to get vertical movement on the shade nose by knocking him off the ball and chipping up to a linebacker with either the center or the guard. In a perfect offensive world, the offensive guard will block the nose into the offside A gap, the center will take him over, and the guard will chip up to a linebacker. This gives the combo block a better angle and higher odds of chipping up and sealing a defender at the second level. "We're going to 'shock-and-lock' the drive block. That is the first term my players learn," explains Matt Martin who coaches at Merritt Island High School (FL). "Then we sit in the lap of the down block-the Santa Claus technique." Double-Team Block Destruction: Attack and whip the center's drive block. Knock him back with hips, feet and two hands. Play with feet in neutral zone. Recognize down block by the shade side guard (the pressure key), release the inside hand, flip shoulders, and hip hard into the down block. Drop the outside knee and continue to hip into the down block. Use momentum to pull the center into the down block with the outside hand. If either blocker chips up, it must be the drive block. The down block must not chip up to the second level! If the down block is soft and tries to chip up, penetrate, split the double team, and make the tackle. If any ground is given up, drop outside knee and shoulder and sink both blockers to the ground. Double-Team Drill In Season/Off Season: Align defensive linemen in a three or four-point stance on the outside pad of a sled. Align an offensive blocker with a hand shield one foot outside the sled. On ball movement, the defender attacks the sled with a two hand blow. The player holding the shield simulates a down block and the defender releases his inside hand and hips hard into the down block. Initial emphasis is on the two hand strike to the sled. Researcher's Note: The best drill is live 2 on 1 work. Power Scoop Definition (Diagram 4): A drive block by the center and a cutoff block by the shade side guard. Can't see the diagrams? Click here.

Power Scoop Philosophy: Two common runs where a power scoop is used verses a shade nose are fan scheme at isolation away and inside zone away. Initially, a power scoop will look almost identical to a double team, but the center's aiming point is closer to the inside armpit instead of outside armpit. Also, the nose must recognize the guard's block (the pressure key) as a cutoff block instead of a down block. The guard's angle with a power scoop overlaps the outside hip of the center so the center can push the up to the second level. The combo block's goal is four fold: to get vertical movement, turn the nose guard's shoulders, chip the center up to a linebacker, and overtake the shade nose with the guard's cutoff block. Power Scoop Block Destruction: Attack and whip the center's drive block. Knock him back. Play with feet in neutral zone. Recognize power scoop, run feet and fight to stay square by pressing inside hand and hip. Do not try to find the football. Do not attempt to separate and lock out. Use power of the inside hip and leg to hold the point and drive the center flat down the line and into the backfield. If the guard overlaps the center's hip, keep driving the drive block down the L.O.S. Do not allow the center to chip up on a linebacker! Power Scoop Drill In Season/Off Season: Fit a defensive lineman up on the center: eyes to outside armpit, inside hand down the middle, and outside hand to outside shoulder pad. The center's outside forearm is in the defender's chest. Overlap a guard on the center's outside hip with the guard's hands on the center's back. The guard will start the drill by pushing the center into the defender. The defender will run his feet, press with inside hand, arm and hip, and flatten the center down the L.O.S. Lockout only after the cutoff block leaves the combo. The emphasis is on running the feet, staying square and flattening the center. Case 4: Loose Scoop and Joker Scheme These two are taught together because the shade side guard is the blocker in both blocking schemes. For many nose guards, the joker scheme is the toughest to recognize because he may initially get a false loose scoop read by the play side guard with the center working up field for the linebacker. It may cause

the nose to get washed down the line of scrimmage and up field. Loose Scoop Definition (Diagram 5): 45-degree release by center and cutoff block by shade side guard. Can't see the diagrams? Click here.

Loose Scoop Philosophy: Like a power scoop, the shaded nose is a back-side defender vs. a loose scoop, but the point of attack on the loose scoop is normally C gap or wider. The center's goal is to block a second level defender without making contact with the shade nose, releasing up 45-degrees or flatter. The shade side guard's cutoff block may be high or it may be a true cut block. The majority, or 42 percent of defensive line coaches teach a "rip and run" technique which promotes fast play, but can come with potential problems. "The reason we align 15 inches off the ball," explains Delaware's Petite, "is because we face so many zone blocking offenses. Against the scoop block we want the nose guard's inside hand under the chin and outside hand to the A.C. joint of the center." We cannot discuss the loose scoop without devoting a paragraph to the zone scheme designed specifically to cut back between a shaded nose guard and a 5-technique. The shade initially reacts to loose scoop because the center is releasing at 45-degrees and up or even 90 and up (as on a full zone). Instead of trying to cut off the shaded nose, the shade side guard drives and washes the nose guard down the line of scrimmage, allowing a straight downhill path for the ball carrier into the back-side B gap, making a lot of ground to cover for the 5-technique. As Jacksonville Jaguars' defensive line coach Joe Cullen explains, "When the nose guard feels himself getting washed down the line and in front of the cutback, we teach him to 'pad back' into the blocker and restrict the running lane." Loose Scoop Block Destruction: Attack and whip the center. Recognize loose scoop and punch through the center's outside hip with the inside hand and knock him off balance. Square up and shuffle twice, jam the guard's cut block with the outside hand, and pursue down the L.O.S. and tackle the ball carrier. Loose Scoop Drill In Season/Off Season: Align the nose guard in a shade on the center with a shade side guard. The drill begins with the center releasing away from the shade nose at a 45-degree angle. The guard will bear crawl at a flat angle to tie up the defender's legs. The nose guard will attack the center,

punch through his outside hip, shuffle twice, jam the cut block and pursue down the L.O.S. Joker Scheme Definition (Diagram 6): A flat away by center with a down block by shade side guard and an inside pull by off guard. Can't see the diagrams? Click here.

Joker Scheme Philosophy: Two runs in which the shade nose guard will get a joker scheme are Power "O" and Counter "O-T" run to his side. The nose guard may initially get a false loose scoop read from the center, thus the name "Joker." If he chases the center, the guard's down block will wash him inside and create a wide A gap seam for the downhill Power "O" and Counter "O.T." Through in-season and off- season key drills, he will recognize the center's back-block and off-side guard pulling behind the center. "This is the toughest block," says Tom Beason, "because we teach our nose guard to get hands on the center, and he is moving laterally when the guard makes contact." Joker Scheme Block Destruction: Attack and whip the center. Recognize "Joker," dip and flip outside shoulder (give the down block your back number), penetrate up-field (get vertical) and slip the shade side guard's down block with pad under pad. Get in the hip pocket of the puller; pursue flat down the L.O.S. and tackle the ball carrier. If you start getting washed down the L.O.S. by the guard's down block, hit an inside knee, make a pile, and cancel the gap. As Locklin points out, the joker scheme is easier to recognize from a tilted alignment. "Keying the back-side guard lets the nose guard see the puller on the snap. We teach him to get vertical underneath the down block and when he sees the pull, play the cutback. I've worked for some coordinators who wanted the 3-technique to cross the center's back block and others that wanted the 3-technique to stay back-side. But regardless, the nose guard had to play the A gap inside the guard's down block." Two common mistakes can happen with quick block recognition: (1) turning into the down block and attacking with hands. The shade is setting himself up to get pancaked; (2) crossing the down block into the front side B gap opens up a downhill running lane unless this technique is part of the defensive structure.

Joker Scheme Drill: Rep the joker scheme drill in an either/or drill with a loose scoop because full zone teams will 90-degree release their center to the 3-technique in case the 3-technique spikes inside to the A gap. The shade must recognize the difference between the two schemes, and after multiple reps, he will see the off-side guard pulling inside behind the center. Concluding Report: We hope this report has opened up some discussion and answered some questions about coaching the shaded nose guard position. It all starts up front, and a defensive nose guard has the first chance of disrupting an offensive blocking scheme. The better your nose guard understands possible blocking schemes and how to destruct them, the better chance he has of converting Recognition into Reaction and finally into Reflex, which is his ultimate technique goal. Want to continue the discussion on the shade nose guard? Email Mickey Mays at mickey@xandolabs.com. To recommend a research report topic, please email X&O Labs' Senior Research Manager, Mike Kuchar, at mikek@xandolabs.com. All other questions, comments or requests can be sent to research@xandolabs.com. ATTENTION: X&O Labs will not be releasing a new Coaching Research Report next week. We are continuing our work on The Zone Read Study (to be released this summer). We'll release a new report on Tuesday, May 3rd. Copyright 2011 - X&O Labs You may not reprint/repost this Coaching Research Report without written consent from X&O Labs.