The secret to successful offensive game planning is to discover what you can do to attack the opposing defense while staying within the framework of your offensive strengths. It starts with proper video break down of the opponent's defense.
Defensive Checklist
- Diagram each formation used by the defense
- Diagram the defense's most-used blitzes.
- Keep track of defensive alignments pertaining to situations (down and distance, and field position, e.g.)
- Track the instances of the secondary moving into a Cover 3, Cover 2, Man coverage, etc.
Discover the Answers to These Questions
- What is the base defense?
- Does the defense substitute players for a specific reason?
- Are defensive linemen responsible for one gap or two gaps?
- Is there a defender directly over the center?
- Is the defensive line slow off the ball?
- What is the blitz ratio on specific downs?
- Does the defense stem to get into a new alignment, or is movement just to confuse the offense?
- Does the defense disguise pass coverage well?
- What goal line defensive tendencies are there?
Player Focus
- Who is the best player?
- Who is the weakest player on the line?
- Do any linemen have a tendency to stand up instead of firing forward?
- Do the players align quickly? (If not, snap on quick count or silent count, e.g.)
- Is there a standout cornerback in pass coverage?
- Does the secondary supply run support quickly? (Install play-action pass to combat.)
Situation Specifics
- Favorite short yardage/goal line blitzes?
- Is the defense better at defending pass or run?
- How many defenders are in the box at the snap of the ball?
Game Plan Suggestions
- If there is a 'stud' lineman/linebacker, devise double-team blocking situations.
- If the defense blitzes a lot, use screen and draw plays to slow down the aggressive defense.
- When the video shows offensive plays which cause the defense problems, run similar plays within your offensive strategy.