44 SWARM DEFENSEUNDERSTANDING THE BASICS

TIM MURPHY

I. Goals of the 44 SWARM DEFENSE: BEND BUT DON'T BREAK!A. Never give up more than 15 yards per play per gameB. 7 or less points allowed per gameC. Create 3 turnovers per gameD. Minimum of 3 players in on every tackle

1. Key components to this goala. Pursuit Anglesb. Aggressiveness

II. PHILOSOPHY OF THE 44 SWARM DEFENSEA. “BOUNCE AND ATTACK”B. EXAMPLE VS BASE ALIGNMENT

E N T E

LW S

R

CCF

Bounce BC

Contain B C

Fill seam to B C

1. Interior 4 (E, N, T, E) “MOVING WALL” - a. Do everything they can to keep the ball carrier from penetrating

inside the DE’sb. Goal: To force BC to bounce to outside to contain personnelc. Force BC to redirect, not allow BC to get vertical up the field

2. Outside LB’s and CB’s = Contain ball carrier, become new sideline.3. Inside LB’s and FS = Fill seam created by DL and OLB.

C. Bounce and Attack vs Power Running PlayGOAL: Demoralize and frustrate the BC by plugging holes and causing the BC to redirect - eventually BC will prematurely start to bounce outside , and will result in tackles for loss by defense.1. DE = JAM TE, make TE release difficult off of LOS

a. Allows SILB to shuffle to outside for fill off of TEb. DE collide with FB kick out block forcing BC to bounce outside

2. ROLB a. Become the new SIDELINEb. First priority is to FORCE BC to inside to the JAWS of the

defensec. Attack BC outside/in

3. SILBa. Fill SEAM created by DL and OLBb. Usually 1st man to make tackle

4. WILBa. Fill SEAM while recognizing CUTBACK

5. FSa. Attack play vertically up to 7 yds from LOS before lateral

movement.6. ALLEY FILL PLAYERS - ILB’S & FS

a. Alley created (2-6 yds. wide) between DE & OLB for BC after being redirected twice, tries to slip into this seam without lead blocker and will be attacked by 3 defenders, in side/out

7. CB’Sa. Secondary Contain

1). If OLB not able to contain, 2). Never allowing BC to get to sidelines

8. SWARMING DEFENSEa. Once BC has been redirect to outside, by DL, then redirected

back inside by OLB/CB, rest of defense will SWARM to BC, driving the BC backwards and stripping BC of ball.

D. OVERVIEW OF PHILOSOPHY1. DL = MOVING WALL

a. Reads of OL and Techniques for block destruction will enable them to bounce BC outside.

2. OLB’S = CONTAINa. Cut down the width of the playing field by becoming the new

SIDELINE.3. CB’S = INSURANCE and SECONDARY RUN SUPPORT4. ILB’S & FS = FILL SEAM (ALLEY) players, usually 1st to BC for initial

tackle.5. DL = Once BC has bounced to outside will pursue and attack

III. BOUNCE AND ATTACK VS PASSA. 3 Deep Coverage

1. Will try to be exploited with underneath routes.2. Flats and short middle routes are targets3. Will allow short curl routes within 5 yards of LOS, deeper than 5 yds.

will defend the route.B. Philosophy of Defending the PASS -

1. Three things have to happen for a pass play to be successfula. Ball has to be thrown correctlyb. Ball has to be caught, not droppedc. DE can not get in the way of pass to deflect

E N T E

LW S

R

CCF

C. Responsibilities1. DL

a. Attack THROWING LANES of the 3 step drop back by QB2. DE

a. Get upfield and into outside throwing laneb. Sees QB pull up and set feet after 3 steps will get hands up highc. QB stays on mid line and has quick release, DE has no chance to

attack QB, get hands up high and jump.1). Will restrict throwing lane and make pass difficult for QB

3. OLB’Sa. Read QB’s front hand on ball

b. When hand is released from ball, OLB’S will break to where QB is looking

c. As dropping to target area, they will break and take proper angle to BC as well as CB’s

d. Attack BC and square up against BC upon tackle4. CB’S

a. Contain BC once pass complete5. PURSUIT

a. DL = Attack BC at proper pursuit anglesb. ILB’S = Break off of drop to zone area (Hook/Curl)c. FS = Break off from drop to deep middle 3rd zone to BC

6. Illustration of Pursuit angles vs CURL ROUTE

E N T E

LW S

R

CCF

7. Illustration of Pursuit Angles vs DRAG ROUTE

E N T E

LW S

R

CCF

D. Goals:1. Vs Run: Redirect BC, bounce BC outside Contain, who will force BC

back into Seam where ILB’S and FS will Fill2. Vs Pass: Restrict and redirect path of BC once ball is caught, and

pursue to BC and arrive violently.

IV. PURSUIT DRILLA. Purpose: Practice against the weaknesses of the defense scheme, and

plays that could exploit the defense scheme weaknesses.1. Should put @ 75% of defensive practice time into defending your

defensive schemes weaknesses.B. Weaknesses:

1. Swing pass area - @ 3 yds. behind LOS2. Curl pass area - @ 5 yds. off of LOS by receiver #13. Seams between Zones in Cover 3 between the hash marks

a. 17 - 20 yds deep with 4 vertical routes4. Middle Hook Zone - 5 yds. off of LOS over Centers alignment.

C. DRILL DIAGRAM & EXPLANATION:Goal is to see how fast Defense can get to BC after pass completed

E N T E

LW S

R

CCF

RB-6

S-3

S-3

C+5

C+5

M+5

S+17

S+17

C

1. RB = Fastest player, no matter what kind of athlete2. Players are located at each position

a. RB = Running Back - Fastest playerb. S -3 yds. = Swing pass areac. C +5 = Curl pass aread. M +5 = Middle Hook Pass areae. S +17 = Seam pass areas

3. On movement play begins with Coach as QBa. QB / C can do either of the following

1). Toss to RB for sweep2). Swing Pass 3). Curl Pass4). Middle Pass5). Seam Pass

b. DL = Reacts with Up/Downc. Defenders read QB and drop to appropriate zones and then react

to ball being either tossed to RB or pass to various areas, with proper pursuit angles and coverage by DB’s.

4. All DB’s drop to zone coverage areas and attack BC once pass completed.

5. When 1st defender arrives at BC and stops BC with a square hit & wrap (no tackle to ground), Coach blows 1st whistle, BC stops but all defenders continue pursuit to BC.

6. 2nd whistle blown once all defenders are at BC, a. Defenders chop feet and break group with group clap.

7. Repeat drill to the other areas on the field.

D. Illustration vs Swing pass

E N T E

LW S

R

CCF

RB-6

S-3

S-3

C+5

C+5

M+5

S+17

S+17

C

C

V. 4 CORNER DRILL (DEFENSIVE TACKLING CIRCUIT)A. All stations going simultaneously

1. 10 minutes for each drill at start of season, gradually decreasing time as season progresses, eventually to @ 3 minutes each session.

2. Fast past drills with one coach at each station and one coach on the clock and whistle

1. ANGLE TACKLE

2. GATOR TACKLE

3. STRIP BALL DRILL

4. PROFILE TACKLE OR

SPLATTER DRILL

B. Drills1. ANGLE TACKLE DRILL

B C

T

3-5

YDS.

5 YDS.

a. 2 players - 1 = Ball Carrier, 1 = Tacklerb. BC runs at 45 angle to conec. T attacks BC at 45 angle,

1). Hit and wrap up BC2). Drive BC straight backwards3). Do not tackle to ground

d. T hit, wrap, drive BC backwards, strip ball.2. GATOR TACKLE

T

5 YDSCOACH WITH

DUMMY

3 YDS

a. Type of tackle used when defender not in position to make straight upfield tackle, and defender will have to dive at BC.1). Simulates tackler wrapping BC legs and rolling/twisting BC

to ground.b. Coach holds Dummy 5 yds away from Tacklerc. Defender runs at dummy, and 3 yds away from dummy Tackler

dives at dummy, wrapping up and twisting/rolling.3. STRIP, SCOOP & SCORE DRILL

B C

T

B C

T

T

T

T

Ta. Two lines of BC & T

1). Line One - Strip by punching2). Line Two - Pull ball out over top of BC

b. PUNCH BALL TECHNIQUE1). Punch up on ball with one hand/arm, while wrapping other

arm over top of BC collar bone to insure tackle by fist on the BC’s number to play side

2). Keep punching ball out of BC grasp.3). Once ball is stripped tackler will scoop and score with ball.

c. PULL BALL TECHNIQUE1). Tackler secure tackle with arm over top of BC collar bone2). With other hand pull over top of ball to strip BC3). Scoop and Score fumbled ball.

*SCOOP TECHNIQUE: Tackler will approach ball on ground sideways and scoop up ball sideways, preventing the ball from being kicked while defender is trying to scoop up the ball.

4. PROFILE TACKLING DRILL (SIDE LINE TACKLE)

B C

T

Side

Lin

e

Correct AngleAttack inside armpit of BC

B C

a. Purpose: To prevent Cutback by BCb. Goal: Defender to chase and tackle from inside to out, attacking

the BC inside armpit, which will prevent over pursuit by defender and cutback by BC.

5. SPLATTER DRILL (Will replace Profile Tackle Drill)

B C

Splatter BC onto mat

T

a. BC hugs hand shield dummy against body with top under chin.1). Shield dummy will protect BC from full impact of hit

by Tackler.b. Tackler lines up 3-5 yards away from BCc. Tackler attacks BC at full speed, driving BC back towards

mat and planting BC on mat.d. 4 groups are aligned around the mat, one line on each side.

VII. TACKLING PROGRESSIONA. Progression

1. Chest to Chest2. Hit on the Rise, Eyes Up3. Drive forearms thru the armpits of the BC4. Drive BC backwards

B. Defenders Feet, Legs, Hips & Upper Body are used similarly to that of the

action of blocking.C. Tackling Progression Drills

1. Knees - Hips & Arms2. 2 Point - Hips, Arms & Legs3. Wrap & Drive - Hips, Arms, Legs & Feet4. Full Hit Drill - All aspects used together in full hit

D. KNEE DRILL - Purpose: To teach the use of Hips and Arms in tackling

1. Start in kneeling position - Pre loaded, with hands as low as they can be to hips and torso bent forward as low as possible without falling

over forward.2. Chest over knees, hands/arms cocked & loaded by glutes/hips3. Head up4. On signal swing forward as hard as possible bringing hands/arms angled

above head.a. Signals for drill

1). Ready, Hit, Reload5. Do with such speed and force as to raise the knees off of ground.

6. Coaching points of drilla. When raising arms keep them parallel, don’t cross over in front

of body.b. Emphasize that the tackler is hitting up with arms thru the

armpits of the BC, trying to take the shoulder pads off of BC.

E. 2 POINT DRILLGoal: To create SYNERGY, using multiple muscles simultaneously which will create more power.

1. Start in 2 point stance on feet, with arms loaded2. Drive arms above head and extend legs so feet are on tiptoes.

a. No bend in body at full extension of body.b. Full extension = Full power of body used.

F. WRAP AND DRIVE DRILL1. Same as 2 pt. drill with the addition of the tackler driving legs high and

wide with feet stepping outside the torso of BC body.

G. FULL HIT DRILL

1. 1 player holding shield dummy2. Tackler starts 5 yds away from BC3. On signal “Ready” Tackler gets into breakdown loaded position

4. On signal “Go” Tackler attacks BC full speed, breaks down position 1 yd from BC.

5. Tackler explodes into shield with arms up and thru armpits of shield6. Drive legs & feet7. BC twist, pull, turn shield away from Tackler while tackle is being made8. Coaching points:

a. Hit thru shieldb. Tackler grasp shield with ELBOWS tightc. Drive legs and feet.

VIII. FORMATION ADJUSTMENTSA. Pro Set

1. Running Backs: Not very concerned about backfield alignment (I formation, or Split backs)a. Will call it out just as recognition of set.b. RB aligns outside last man on LOS, ie Wing Back or Slot, then

adjust to.2. TE: “Y” call3. Receivers: Strength call to most receiver side of formation

E N T EL

W SR

CC

F

“Y” RIGHTSTRONG RIGHT

A B

5 yds

4x4EMLOS

7-10 ydsI/O shade7-10 yds

I/O shade

4x4EMLOS

Split Rec’s10-12 yds

5 yds

Y

B. Alignments1. DE: Head up on EMLOS2. DT: B gap “Y” side of formation3. NG: A gap away from “Y”4. SILB: 5 yds off LOS, over guard on “Y” side of formation5. WILB: 5 yds off LOS, over guard away from “Y”6. OLB’S: 4 X 4 off of EMLOS7. FS: 10 - 12 off of LOS, split difference between two widest

receivers8. CB’s: 7 - 10 yds off of #1 receiver, depending on speed of receiver

and speed of CB.a. Inside / Outside shade depends on width of receiver splits and

proximity to sideline.1). Receiver within 7 yds. of side line, CB aligns to inside2). Receiver within 15 yds. of side line, CB aligns to outside

C. Twins Formation

E N T E

W SR

C CF

“Y” RIGHTSTRONG LEFT

A B

5 yds

2x4-5EMLOS

2x7#1 Rec.7-10 yds

I/O shade

2x5Inside

#2 Rec.

Split Rec’s10-12 yds

5 yds

Y

L

D. TRIPS FORMATION

E N T E

W S R

C CF

“Y” RIGHTSTRONG LEFT

A B

5 yds Slide to TRIPS 1-2 yds

2x7#1 Rec.

7-10 ydsI/O shade

2x5Inside

#2 Rec.

Split Rec’s10-12 ydsMay cheat

to trips

Y

L

2x5Inside

#3 Rec.

If offense is strong to running towards TRIPS SIDE SILB can slide towards trips side of formation, (1-2 yds) as well as ROLB,

E. TWINS SPREAD

E N T E

W SR

C C

F

STRONG LEFT

5 yds

7-10 ydsI/O shade

7-10 ydsI/O shade

2x5Inside

#2 Rec.

Split Rec’s10-12 ydsMay cheat

to trips

Y

L5 yds

4x4EMLOS

1. No “Y” Call2. DL: All aligned HEAD UP

F. TRIPS SPREAD

E N T E

W SR

C C

F

STRONG LEFT

5 yds

7-10 ydsI/O shade

7-10 ydsI/O shade

2x5Inside

#2 Rec.

Split Rec’s10-12 ydsMay cheat

to trips

Y

L

4x4EMLOS

2x5Inside

#3 Rec.

G. EMPTY SET

E N T E

W SR

C C

F

STRONG LEFT

5 yds

7-10 ydsI/O shade

7-10 ydsI/O shade

2x5Inside

#2 Rec.

Split Rec’s10-12 ydsMay cheat

to trips

Y

L2X5

#2 Rec.

2x5Inside

#3 Rec.

1. In “EMPTY SET” - DE widen for hard aggressive pass rush to QB2. Can also ZONE Drop DE to TRIPS side to get extra defender into the

FLATS zone.

H. QUADS - Anytime offense shows 4 potential receivers going vertical

E N T E

W SR

C C

F

DOUBLE TIGHT ENDS

5 yds

7-10 ydsI/O shade7-10 yds

I/O shade

Split Rec’s10-12 yds

L 4x4EMLOS

2x5Inside

#3 Rec.

4x4EMLOS

1. DL: All align head up on guards and TE’s

2. If offense very run oriented N & T go to A & B gap alignment, with bigger ILB down on LOS over OT, remaining ILB go to A gap alignment.

E N T EW

SR

C C

F

DOUBLE TIGHT ENDS

5 yds

7-10 ydsI/O shade7-10 yds

I/O shade

Split Rec’s10-12 yds

L4x4

EMLOS4x4EMLOS

I. SPREAD QUADS

E N T E

W SR

C CF

DOUBLE TIGHT ENDS

5 yds

7-10 ydsI/O shade7-10 yds

I/O shade Split Rec’s10-12 yds

L2x5

#2 Rec.2x5

#2 Rec.

J. DOUBLE TIGHT END POWER RUNNING FORMATION

E N T EW

S

R

C C

F

DOUBLE TIGHT ENDSSTRONG RIGHT

4-5 yds

1X6EMLOS1X6

EMLOS

Split Rec’s10-12 yds

L2X2

EMLOS2X2

EMLOS

K. WING T SET

E N T E

W SR

CC

F

WING TY RIGHT

STRONG RIGHT

5 yds

1X6EMLOS7-10 yds

I/O Shade

Split Rec’s8-10 yds

L2X2

EMLOS4x4

EMLOS

Y

IX. CONCLUSION