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Southern Pride

Southern Mississippi\'s Blitz Package
by: by Dave Wommack
Defensive Coordinator, University of Southern Mississippi
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BLITZ SYSTEM

At Southern Mississippi, we are a multiple front defense. When we are in 50 defense, we refer to this as Okie. This is our Okie blitz system.

1. Each of our players are described by a letter:

Linebackers

B - Bandit
M - Mike
S - Stringer
W - Wolf

Def. Line

T - Tackle
N - Nose
E - End

Def. Backs

FC -Field Corner
R - Rover
F - Free Safety
BC - Boundary Counter


Diagram 1

2. Numbering System for Gaps to Blitz:

Even numbers go to call side (Field) 2/4/6/8.

Odd numbers go away from call side (Boundary) 1/3/5/7


Diagram 2

3. Name Lettering System for designated blitzes. With this system, we can take any combination of players and designate them as blitzers.

2. The shoot route also has the numbers as it's landmark. Running backs must check their blitz responsibility before releasing. They begin as if stealing second base and after clearing the defensive end their angle is such that when they reach the numbers their depth should be 3 yards maximum past the LOS. They should look over their outside shoulder once they have cleared the defensive end and are nearing the LOS. It is crucial that they release and run with speed toward the numbers and continue with speed until they reach their landmark. If they haven't received the ball when they reach the numbers, they may turn back to the QB facing up field. (See Diagram 5.)


A: BAM: Bandit and Mike.
B: BASS: Bandit and Stringer.
C: BOW: Bandits and Wolf.
D: SAM: Stringer and Mike.
E: SAW: Stringer and Wolf.
F: MOW: Mike and Wolf.

By taking the Numbering System (Diagram 2) and the Name Lettering System, we design our blitzes for a particular game plan. We simply take the name (Example: BOW) and designate what gaps we want them to rush (Example 87).


Diagram 3


Diagram 4A


Diagram 4B


Diagram 4C


Diagram 4D

The defensive Front call would be BOW 87. The B in BOW corresponds with the first number in 87, the 8. So, the B-Bandit runs the 8 gap rush. The W in BOW corresponds with the second number in 87, the 7. So, the W-Wolf runs the 7 gap rush. This simple system allows us to be descriptive and efficient in training our players.

As you can see, our Okie blitz system allows us to be very multiple with combinations of letters and numbers. This system is very effective for modifying game plans as well as promoting creativity and change on a weekly basis.

For other examples of the Okie Blitz System, see Diagrams 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D below.

4. Containment and Gap rules for the Tackle, Nose and End:

A. Tackle:
1. When you don't hear the number 8, then you have contain responsibility.
2. When you hear the number 8, you have a free rush on the offensive tackle.

B. Nose:
1. Rush the 2 gap unless you hear the number 2.
2. You have a free rush if there is no 1 or 2 gap called.

C. End:
1. When you don't hear the number 7, then you have contain rush responsibility.
2. When you hear the number 7, you have a free rush on the offensive tackle.

There may be special situations, depending on your creativity or scheme, where these tackle, nose, end gap rules may need to be adjusted. But, this would be on a rare occasion. Again, this depends on your creativity or scheme.

The beauty of the scheme is that it also allows for carryover in our other defensive fronts and defensive personnel packages. So, you can see how multiple, yet simple, the scheme is.

5. Stems and Prowls

This is where the defense gets fun. Moving our front and linebackers is called stems and prowls. By adding a key word, example nob, our nose stands up and gets off the ball at 2 to 3 yards. The call would be Bow 87 Nob. (See Diagram 5.)


Diagram 5

This forces a different look for the offense, as well as forcing the offensive linemen to step on a different tract for blocking. We have several individual key words that can be added to a particular front. This will cause organized confusion for the offense when taught and practiced properly. With stems and Prowls, we teach to never crossover step or get very far from your gap responsibility. Obviously, when you give your defensive players this kind of freedom, it promotes ideas for different stunts and rushes. One such example is Bow Tun 87.
(See Diagram 6.)


Diagram 6

In this look, our defensive players execute Bow 87, with the exception of our nose and tackle. They run tackle/nose twist from a nob position. Again, more creativity that is effective, simple and unique to the offense.

6. Coverage

In our defensive system, colors denote man coverages. With the Okie blitz system, it is obvious that we are bringing five rushers. So, we have six players to use in coverage. With Bow 87, the coverage is black. The rules for black coverage are quite simple:
(See Diagrams 7A, 7B and 7C below)


Diagram 7A


Diagram 7B


Diagram 7C

A. Corners have man-to-man responsibility on the No. 1 receiver on their side.

B. Our 2 Safeties (rover and free safety) work together. Their responsibility is to make a directional call Rip/Liz to the second most dangerous pass threat. In most cases, this is a WR. Sometimes, it's a TE or RB. The other safety that doesn't have the second most dangerous is responsible for the deep middle. A true free safety.

C. In Bow 87, we know that the bandit and wolf have rush responsibilities. So, black tells us that Mike and Stinger have coverage responsibility. Here are their responsibilities.

1. Mike has the one RB or the FB.

2. Stinger has the TB vs. two-backs; Vs. one-back sets his rules are to take number 3 in a 3-by-1 set (Tripps); Vs. a balanced one-back set (2 Receivers on either side), take No. 2 away from the Rip/Liz secondary call. This coverage allows us to be multiple, yet it allows for disguise.

Another call for us is Bass 68 Brown. Bass 68 tells us to run the front called Bass 68. Now, the Bandit and Stinger are running their respective rushes. Brown coverage tells our players that we are running the exact same coverage as black. Exception: the Wolf now has the Stinger rules in Black. Here you can see that we are getting carryover teaching for the entire secondary, the only difference is the Wolf takes the Stinger rules (above) in coverage. In short, we have carryover for the secondary. Different colors allow us to have multiple rushes. With our Bandit, Stinger, Mike, Wolf (Okie blitz system), two of the four will rush, and two of the four have coverage responsibility. This is a simple but very effective way to blitz and cover. (See Diagram 8 below)


Diagram 8

7. Philosophy

The most important principle of our defense is to prevent our opponent from scoring. The bottom line on the effectiveness of our defense is measured by the number of points we allow.

You can be successful with almost any type of defense. Because there are many good systems of defense, with probably no one system better than another execution and belief in a defensive system are vital.

Individuals play and individuals coach, but it takes a TEAM to win a championship. Individual achievements are great, but nothing matches the thrill of doing something great as a team. To be a part of a winning team is something everybody wants. Accountability starts at the top and we, as coaches, must be willing to take full responsibility for our team, how they mature and develop and how they perform on the field.

To have a great defensive team certain standards, practices and priorities must be set in place. These values work for a team, but the individual has to buy in first. The leaders of the team, whether it be players and/or coaches, must communicate these standards clearly and often. These values must be made a part of your everyday life. The coach and the players should think and believe that their role is to serve the TEAM. When that happens, everybody wins!






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