© October, 2008
No-Huddle Defense

by Rich Jahner
Defensive Coordinator, Bemidiji State University
A few years ago, our defense was preparing to open our season against a team that employed a “no-huddle” offense.” As we contemplated ways to prepare our players for a quick-paced attack, a thought occurred, “If the offense doesn’t need to huddle before each play, why do we?” This, in turn, lead to even more discussion as to the real purpose of the defensive huddle; that is, what is actually gained from huddling and what would we lose by not huddling?

There are certainly good reasons for defenses to huddle prior to each snap. For one, all personnel are together in one spot on the field, which can lend to team unity. If the defense begins to become rattled, a l ...The full article can only be seen by subscribers.
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