Establishing a New Defense with an Effective Dime Pass Rush

At the Colorado School of Mines, our defensive staffs have run the same 3-4 pressure defense since 1988 and have made the necessary changes and adjustments to have success against constantly evolving offensive schemes.

    During my tenure as the Head Coach at Georgetown University, we had some successful defenses including the #1 I-AA defense in the nation in 1995 and 1996, as well as one of the top 25 defenses in 2005. During my two years at Towson University, we were able to reduce the defensive points per game by 13 from the previous season in 2006 and finished the 2007 season ranked in the top three of most defensive categories in the very rigorous Colonial Athletic Association.  

    Throughout the last two decades, we have maintained some very basic and consistent philosophies. We have simple goals that the players understand and relate to and we do not get caught up with the world of misleading statistics. 

2010 MINES DEFENSIVE GOALS

    1. Perfect communication.
    2. Play physical.
    3. Number one rushing defense in the Rock Mountain Athletic Conference.
    4. Best turnover ratio in the conference.
    5. No big plays.
    6. Win the fourth quarter.

    We believe if we can achieve all of these goals, we will be in a good position to win the football game and have a great season.

    Another consistent philosophy over the past twenty years has been the “Full Court Press Defense”. This philosophy is comprised of five basic concepts that include the mental, emotional, and intellectual aspects of the game. We utilize these five components in some of the following areas.

1. Stop the run - have success on first down.
2. Pressure, confuse, and punish the QB for         the entire four quarters.
3. Punish all ball carriers and force turnovers.
4. Harass and disrupt WRs – collision routes.
5. Wear down and confuse offensive linemen.

    In addition to these concepts, we have also instilled a belief in our players that we only unleash our defense 11 times a season (hopefully more).  We attempt to create a sense of urgency and focus that is only allowed to be let out of the “cage” on game day. We do this by:

1. Being very strict with our tempo in practice, we respect our offensive players and do not take them to the ground.

2. Always be in control of our body - be an athlete.

3. Short practices with a high level of intensity throughout.

4. Tackling is a technique - we work on it every day, but do not go overboard (balance).

5. Be a play counter in practice - we want to do everything possible to have the right guys in good health and playing on game day.

6. Understand the opponent. We spend as much time watching film in the classroom and walk-throughs as we do on the practice field.

7. We urge coaches to become great teachers - practice the art of public speaking and classroom presentations. Work at the preparation needed to be an effective educator. Remember, we do not want long meetings.

8. Breakdown each practice and make a comment on every play for every player. Players want feedback. It all goes back to communication and being an effective teacher.

9. Successful teams are great listeners.

    In addition to the above concepts, we incorporate other components into our defense that make it a little more fun and easier to learn. They include:

1. We are an audible defense - very multiple. Lots of different looks. Make the offense prepare.

2. We are a big disguise defense and we pressure from all over.

3. We incorporate a very elaborate nickel and dime package. We can get more people on the field and involved in a game plan. Again, make the offense prepare.

    The Mines Dime Package incorporates our best pass rush personnel with two additional defensive backs. This package allows us to get the best third down pass defense on the field while giving the offense another front and personnel package to prepare for. Our dime package gives us great flexibility with our pressure and disguise and we incorporate this with just enough man blitz. (See Diagrams 1-6).

4. We utilize terminology like “circus”, “carnival”, “schoolyard”, “recess” in our teaching - make it fun for them to learn. We instill a belief that the finished product is truly a work of art.

    Finally, we believe you have to create an attitude through your approach and belief as a coach. Our slogan for our defense over the past two decades has always been:

“Pride and Poise”

“Knock ‘Em Back”

    Our players need to know it is their football team and they should take great pride in everything they do representing the Colorado School of Mines.  We believe that we must stay poised in all situations of a game and not get caught up in a roller coaster of emotion that can occur during the four quarters of a football game. We truly believe nothing will phase us and we look forward to every opportunity that may impact a game. We are going to play physical football, gang tackle, and run to the ball for the entire four quarters.

    You are probably already implementing many of these tactics.  We believe in the quality of practice reps combined with a high level educational approach in the study of our opponents. I urge you to evaluate your practice sessions and remove whatever dead time might currently exist. It will not only enhance the quality of your practice, but perhaps allow your coaches to spend more time in all aspects of recruiting.