GAME SITUATIONS
Its 4th down and the offense needs 2 yards. What should the defense be thinking about?
Stopping the offense before they gain the 2 yards.
What is the main job of the offensive line?
Block and create space/time for the play.
What is the defense trying to prevent?
The offense from scoring and gaining yards.
What is a "KEY" in football?
A player or movement you watch to help determine what the play is.
Why do football players need to communicate?
So, everyone knows their assignment and can adjust together.
Your team is winning late in the game. Is every defensive play automatically the same?
No. Down, distance, time, field position, and score matter.
If the defense is giving you a lot of room outside, what might the offense want to attack?
The outside/edge.
What does it mean to "set the edge"?
Keep the ball from getting outside the defense.
A linebacker sees the offensive lineman fire straight forward. What might that tell him?
It could indicate a run, but he must continue reading his assignment/key.
What should you do if you don't understand the defensive call?
Ask for clarification before the play.
It's 3rd-and-long. What does the defense need to be especially aware of?
The sticks/first-down marker, routes beyond the sticks, and preventing an easy conversion.
Why does a running back need to read his blocks instead of simply running to a predetermined spot?
The defense can change the running lane, so he needs to follow the best available block/opening.
If you're an outside linebacker and the ball goes away from you, what is your responsibility?
Maintain your backside responsibility, pursue the ball, and prevent a cutback.
The running back goes toward the outside. Should the linebacker immediately abandon his assignment?
No. He should read the play and maintain his responsibility while pursuing.
Your teammate is lined up incorrectly. What should you do?
Communicate and help get him aligned.
Your teammate misses his assignment, but you recognize it immediately. What should you do?
Adjust, if possible, communicate, and help prevent the big play.
You're running outside and the defensive end crashes hard inside. What might that create?
An opportunity to get outside around the edge.
Why shouldn't every defender immediately chase the football?
Everyone has an assignment/responsibility that they must maintain so that the offense can't exploit a GAP.
Why is watching the quarterback's eyes sometimes dangerous for a defender?
The quarterback can use his eyes to manipulate defenders.
Why is communication especially important when the offense changes formation?
The alignment can change everyone's responsibilities.
You're on defense. The offense shows the same formation they've used all game, but something looks different. What should you do?
Don't assume. Read your key, communicate, react to what actually happens.
The defense is crowding the box with extra defenders. What should the quarterback recognize before the snap?
There may be fewer defenders in coverage and/or opportunities for a quick pass, depending on the defensive alignment.
The offense keeps running outside successfully. What should the defense consider changing?
Alignment, leverage, force player responsibility, pursuit angles, or the defensive call.
You recognize the formation, identify your player, read your key, and recognize the play. What should happen next?
React quickly while staying within your assignment.
You see something the rest of the defense hasn't recognized before the snap. What should you do?
Communicate it clearly and quickly, then execute your assignment.