It is the time of year again where everyone is looking for something to give them an edge going into next season. I don’t know how many times I have gone to clinics and read articles looking for that little something and left thinking if I had those athletes or had two and a half hours of practice time, then I could make it all work.
Well, running to the football is one thing that every defense can do no matter what their scheme or level of talent. It does not take a great athlete to run to the football. Before we ever talk about scheme to our players, we discuss relentlessly pursuing the football. Most coaches believe their defense runs to the football and most do, but very few run with relentless pursuit. We define relentless pursuit as ceaseless and intense, never slacking, but continuing always at the same demanding, and punishing level.
If a player cannot be counted on to run to the ball, then how is that kid going to be counted on to perform the right technique when things get tough? We are constantly preaching to our kids that a player’s value to his team can be measured by his distance from the ball at the end of the play. This concept is easy to reinforce when we are watching video with our kids. Players may think they are running to the football until they see themselves on video. We are always pointing out plays that display exceptional effort. We focus on pursuit during practice in three different ways: position drills, two whistles, and loafs. All three concepts are simple to implement and an easy way to hold kids accountable. We have found that holding kids accountable in practice is the key.
Just like anything else that happens on the football field, everything starts and ends with coaches. In order for any scheme to work, all coaches must be on the same page and believe in the process. The same thing goes for pursuit. Placing importance on pursuit during practice does not take time away from teaching the different techniques and schemes. It only requires coaches to set up practices and drills that stress relentless pursuit. This must start with position drills. We demand that our players finish all drills. Our coaches do a great job setting up drills that require our kids to finish with a burst. Obviously, there are going to be drills in which we are not going to be able to incorporate “bursting”, but whenever possible we want to coach our kids to finish on the run.
The next way we try to hold our kids accountable is by using two whistles during all drills when we go against the offense. The first whistle tells everyone the ball carrier is down but all defensive players must run through the second whistle. We assign one coach to be responsible for blowing the second whistle and for watching to see if everyone is running. If there is one player who does not run through the second whistle, one coach will call all players up and they will all do up-downs until the offense comes out of the huddle for the next play. This might sound like it will slow down practice but there is almost always time to get a few up-downs in between plays. This has a duel benefit. First, it gives our kids instant feedback on whether they are running full speed to the football. It will also put pressure on our kids to get lined up quickly and play the next snap when they are tired. It does take time to train the players to run through the second whistle but after a few up-downs kids catch on quicker than you would think.
Finally, each position coach will grade every snap each player has in a game or scrimmage situation. We will grade them, like most people, on assignment and effort. This can be done with a simple +/- for each play. The effort part of the grading system is pretty easy. Did that player run full speed through the whistle? At the end, we will get a percentage for both the assignment and effort. We demand that all players grade out at 90% or more on their effort. If they fail to get a 90, they will have to run “loafs” following the next practice. A “loaf” is similar to running lines in basketball. They must start in a three-point stance with their hand behind the line. Once the whistle blows, they will sprint five yards, touch the line with their hand, and sprint back. As soon as they get back to the start, they must immediately get back into a three-point stance with their hand behind the line. We emphasize touching the line and making sure they are behind the line when they get down each time. This is just another way we try to make our players concentrate when they are tired. They will run five and back, ten and back, and then 15 and back. After they run each one, they will get into a stance. Each time they will begin on the whistle. This is a formula that we use to determine how many “loafs” a player will run:
85%-89% - 2 Loafs 80%-84% - 4 Loafs
70%-79% - 8 Loafs Below 70% - 12 Loafs
The players that scored a 90% or more do not have to run but must be vocal supporters. We have found that this helps us form a TEAM mentality. Also, guys tend to run a little harder when their teammates are watching. We have found that after games kids don’t care how many tackles they got. All they want to know is what their effort grade was.
About the Author: Ty Pattrick recently completed his third season as Defensive Coordinator at Plano East HS (TX). He previously had been the Defensive Coordinator at both Mansfield (TX) and Keller Central HS (TX). Pattrick also coached at Tarleton State University as well as at two other Texas high schools, Midlothian and Red Oak.