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AFM Magazine

AFM Magazine


The Relentless Pursuit of Excellence

DE, Mississippi State University
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Each year coaching staffs spend countless hours and large amounts of money searching for new and innovative ways to improve their defensive performance. Descriptive phrases such as "swarming defense" and "relentless pursuit" depict the type of play coaches are seeking from their defensive units. While using innovative coaching aids, advanced computer technology, and attending professional clinics can help a coach in his pursuit of these levels of performance, perhaps the most effective tool in preparing an aggressive defensive team is the most fundamental coaching concept of all: practice, practice, practice!

In order to incorporate the "swarming defense" and "relentless pursuit" philosophy in your defensive team, it must be a consistent point of emphasis in all areas of coaching. This type of play must be emphasized in all drills, by all coaches and throughout the entire football program. Pursuit to the football must be discussed and stressed in individual and team meetings. The concept of "running to the ball" will not be accepted by players if it is only given lip serve.

Players must be challenged and rewarded for giving 100 percent effort in pursuing the football. A basic understanding "if you don't run to the ball you won't play!" must be clearly understood by the players. The concept of continual pursuit must be developed and demonstrated on the practice field. Players cannot be allowed to wait "until the lights come on" to show the desire, hustle and understanding necessary to effectively pursue the football.

We have fully incorporated this defensive philosophy at Mississippi State University and it has allowed us to achieve a high level of success. In 1999, the Bulldogs finished 1st in the country in total defense and rushing defense. In 12 games, the defense allowed only two runs of 20 yards or more and held nine of their opponents to less than 100 yards rushing. Mississippi State also ranked 4th nationally in passing defense and 6th in scoring defense and ranked 1st in the Southeastern Conference in all defensive categories. This level of achievement is a reflection of the players and coaches' belief in pursuit being the key to successful defensive football.

The groundwork for developing this "pursuit mentality" must begin in the preseason. At Mississippi State, the pursuit drill is included on the defensive practice schedule from the very first day of fall camp. The drill is part of every morning and afternoon practice during two-a-days. The pursuit drill will remain on the practice schedule until game week of the season opener. When making out the practice schedule, the drill is placed after the individual periods putting the drill half-way through the practice. Generally, the drill is allotted 15 minutes of practice time, but this may be shortened to accommodate other needs. In the morning on the first day of practice, the pursuit drill is given 20 minutes in order to teach and reintroduce the drill to the team. This teaching time is a true walk through. Coaches walk through the drill with all the players, new and old alike. This way, when the team comes back for the afternoon practice, there should be no lack of effort by any player due to confusion or uncertainty about what to do or what is expected. When teaching the drill the themes of relentless pursuit and total effort are continuously stressed.

Field Set-up

1. The pursuit drill should be run from the middle of the field.

2. Place six cones (five with coach B counting as the center), representing the interior offensive line and a tight end, 40 yards out from the goal line.

3. Place two cones on the goal line between the hash marks and the numbers.


Diagram 1. Pursuit vs. Option Right


Diagram 2. Pursuit vs. Option Left

Coaching Assignments

1. The direction coach (A) is in charge of the drill. He will position himself to the right or left of the ball, indicating to the defense, that the offense is running an option play in that direction. The direction coach has the responsibility of blowing a whistle, signaling to the players that they are to hit the ground and do an up/down. The number of up/downs is determined by the direction coach. In addition, the direction coach decides whether the team's performance is satisfactory. If it is unsatisfactory the team will repeat the drill until it is done correctly (without error and with 100 percent effort, stressing speed and an all out sprint to the cones).

2. Coach (B) will snap the ball and ensures that the down linemen perform their assignment correctly.

3. Coach (C), in order to avoid wasting time, must have the next team organized and ready to go when called out by the direction coach.

4. Coaches (D and E) stand at the cones on the goal line and make sure the players at those cones run their feet until the direction coach blows the final whistle. At that time the players hit the ground and run off the field.

Procedure

1. To start the drill, the sideline coach (C) will send the first team out when they are called for by the direction coach (A). They will sprint out on the field and align on the cones in a called defense.

2. The direction coach (A) will stand to the left or right of the ball showing play direction.

3. On the snap of the ball, the defense reacts to the option in the direction indicated, then continues down the field in a full sprint to the assigned cones.

4. Indicating option responsibilities, the play side Strong Safety, End and Backer will hold and buzz their feet until they are released by the direction coach (A). When released, all three will open to the inside and sprint to their cones.

5. Once all the players are at the goal line cones, running their feet, the direction coach (A) will blow the whistle one last time. After the last up/down, the players must run off the field and wait for their next turn.

6. This procedure is repeated for each group. The number of times a group is cycled depends on the time scheduled for the drill. The more time, the more trips down the field.

Key Points

1. To start the drill, all defenders must be in a good stance and aligned properly on the six cones.

2. Position coaches should watch players and ensure that the drill is being run correctly.

3. Emphasize the necessity for speed.

4. Never accept anything less than 100% effort. Praise a job well done.

5. Demand that players get up off the ground as quickly as possible during up/downs.

6. This drill should not be easy, besides teaching pursuit, this drill is great for mental toughness and developing endurance.

7. If factors dictate that you have to ease up on your players (extreme heat, low numbers, etc.) lessen the number and lengthen the time between the repetitions. Do not lessen the intensity of the drill.

8. Never allow an injured player to participate in the drill. Nothing should take away from the speed of the drill.

Because of our constant emphasis and commitment to the idea of relentless pursuit, the defensive coaching staff at Mississippi State always feels confident against any offense or offensive strategy we may see during the season. We firmly believe that, through relentless pursuit and 100 percent effort, we are putting our players in a position to succeed.






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