In our 4-2-5 defense we don't see many two back offenses. When we do, the blocking schemes are pretty much the same. If our Anchor End, Tackle and Middle Backer execute properly, it is very difficult to have an effective running game to the strong side. For that reason, I have omitted isolation blocking and other double team blocking schemes. However, I have included a play that we see fairly often. We call it the Power 'G' and I describe how it is blocked three ways. (Diags. IV, V, VI) As for the Strong Safety on this play, he is focusing on the Tight End. and wants to know if he is blocking or releasing off the line of scrimmage.

In this article, You will notice I have only diagrammed the defense against a few run plays. In a later article I will discuss thoroughly our "Quarters" pass coverage. In that article, you will readily see how crucial the play of both our strong safety and weakside linebacker is.

Probably the most common play we see is the outside zone play. (Diag. I) A major reason is because the offense doesn't have to change the blocking between one and two back sets.

The Power Sweep play is another play we see very often. (Diag. II) This play is basically a race to the boundary. The blocking scheme is designed to create running lanes for cutback.

The play we see most often to the weakside is the Inside Zone play. (Diag.III) This play is designed to get the defensive linemen moving laterally and creating seams that the running back can run through. The Strong Safety must constantly be looking for the cutback. What makes it doubly difficult is the "Naked Boot" play off the same action with a delayed release by the Tight End in the flat.

It should be obvious that our Strong Safety has to be a real player. He is a combination between a defensive lineman, linebacker and defensive back. That takes an exceptional athlete. He must be intelligent and a good student of the game and he should be in the film room studying tapes more than anyone.

I hope I have given you something you can add to your coaching repertoire. Please feel free to ask questions or leave comments. Thanks for your interest..........