The Octopus Engulfs Any Offensive Set by Bob Knight Assistant Football Coach, Preston High School, Kingwood, W.V.

The Octopus Engulfs Any Offensive Set

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© October, 2001

by Bob Knight
Assistant Football Coach, Preston High School, Kingwood, W.V.

IN THE 40 YEARS that I�ve coached high school football, I�ve worked with teams that were undefeated and those that won but a single game. Always, team�s that were strong defensively did exceptionally well in the win-loss column.

Those teams were generally blessed with superior talent. However, from time to time I�ve helped coached teams with mediocre talent that still performed well defensively. To try to bridge the talent gap, we designed a defense called the Octopus. The Octopus, with its eight �tentacles� reaching out in all directions, is predicated on confusing blocking assignments, outnumbering offensive blockers and harassing the quarterback.

Bridge The Size Gap

At its inception the Octopus was developed to offset a tremendous differential in physical size. During the years we used this defense, our front eight averaged less than 150 pounds. Tackles weighing 140 pounds were the rule, rather than the exception.

The element of surprise helps greatly in the success of the Octopus. If your team is undersized and under talented, you might want to give this defense a try. If you don�t want to use it as your basic defense, it would still be beneficial in goal line and shor ...The full article can only be seen by subscribers.
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The Octopus Engulfs Any Offensive Set