Youth Flag Football Tutorial | BEST Defense Formation for 5v5, 6v6, 7v7 | Top Defense Techniques

[@stingrizaybarnes3079]

Been running this 3 years now & have added a few tweaks very, very effective defense.

[@CoachD]

Thx for sharing, Coach! Good to hear. What are some of the tweaks you think are most critical?

[@ChrissySmalley]

First yr High school Varsity and JV coach, flying solo for 28 girls. Very helpful thank you!

[@CoachD]

Awesome! Glad this is helpful for you! Thx for doing soooo much out there with them. Love that you’re spending time preparing and leaning in as a coach!! Keep watching. Grab plays, practices, drills, and more here as well: linktr.ee/flagfootballwithcoachd

[@justinmccarthy9159]

Longtime basketball coach adjusting to flag 5 v 5. Thank you for the energy, effort and strategy. Especially with the technique

[@CoachD]

Absolute pleasure! Thx for stepping on the field of flag football, coach! Excited for you to share your wealth of knowledge (even of a different sport) with those kids and the community! Life skills and fundamentals are universal. We’ve got your back here to fill any gaps.

[@svt32vdohc]

Great explanations without all the nonsense!!

[@CoachD]

Thanks! Glad I could break it down. It’s been awesome for us!! 🏈🔥

[@svt32vdohc]

​@CoachD update. I really worked with the boys on this before our last game. 2 kids finally got their first flags each right at the line of scrimmage. We went for a shutout and almost got it. 26-7 in a 5v5 with 1st and 2nd graders! And I played the younger ones the 2nd half. All our TD's were in the first half.😊

[@CINO0816]

COACH D!!! I commented a few weeks ago that I was switching to this defense. After playing man for the last 3 seasons I switched. We won the 1st game 35-6 The 2nd game we played a team that beat us handsomely last season. We won 20-7. So far , So Awesome!!!! I love your videos and have been watching them for a long while. Unfortunately this is my last season coaching. My son goes to 7th grade next year & tackle football. I appreciate all you do. Cannot wait for the short yardage video. Also, another suggestion for content. My kids asked me, "how do I know who to cover when there is multiple people in my zone?

[@CoachD]

This is such a great comment!! Love the execution on the field and your openness to new ideas. Yes, I owe you a video on goal line and short yardage D. On it. I have moved to a 4-1 focusing on coverage and it’s been working really well. The 4 players line up about 2 yards off the goal line and focus on shutting down this quick throws. I’ll get a video out. I’m big on staying home in your zone so when the ball is thrown into your zone you can quickly adjust to the ball to either intercept, knock it down, or quickly pull the flag, even if 2 players enter the zone. I have them cheat towards the higher skills offensive player. For the deeper ball that Safety has to have high field awareness so they can quickly adjust once the ball is thrown and ensure no one is behind them. I’ll cover in more detail in a video. Thx again for all you’re doing and have done for your community! 🏈🔥

[@A_Portengen]

I always tell my players: the first player in your zone, you can leave alone when he exits, the 2nd one in your zone you stick with for the rest of the play. Second concept: if everyone is running away from your zone, scoot one zone up. So, if the first one doesn't leave your zone, you stick with that guy, the other one must have come through another zone already, so in theory the should be a teammate coming. Hope that makes sense.

[@CoachD]

Had to read it a few times (ha!), but I dig it and I appreciate you sharing your insight. Always love new tips. 🏈🔥

[@Thumper42]

First year coaching 6v6 flag football. Wasn’t 100% sure how to go about it since it’s a little different from regular football. Appreciate the ideas and breakdown of this, Coach ! ✌🏽

[@CoachD]

Np! Thx for diving in and committing - you’re making a huge impact. So thx. You can find a ton of resources for new coaches here: linktr.ee/flagfootballwithcoachd Reach out anytime if I can support you.

[@Thumper42]

@@CoachD appreciate it again coach I’ll check it out

[@durendalarcas8209]

Hi there I coach flag football in China. The language barrier sometimes makes things very difficult but I make it work.

[@CoachD]

Awesome! Thx for watching and making it happen out there. Love seeing how fast flag is growing world-wide.

[@reddhole3422]

Another awesome video. Great to see that 2-3 Zone and its permutations in action. When I teach Zone (mostly 3-2), I like to use cones to denote each Zone. From there, I run plays to test everyone's Zone discipline.

[@CoachD]

Smart - love that. Will do that tomorrow. Love hearing how others coach and execute…thx for sharing, coach! 🏈🔥

[@janelson38]

This defense is legit. I made a couple of tweaks based on the strengths of our guys, and wow. 7 v 7. Our 5th/6th grade team played man all of last year. Had our ups and downs. I handle the defense on our team and decided this year to implement a zone very similar to this. It took just one practice to install and one more to smooth out the kinks and do a couple of adjustments. Now this is going to be the defense I run probably 90% of the time this season. Our offense can do next to nothing against it. The only big plays are fluky plays or when kids miss flags. Otherwise, if its done properly, the offense really has nowhere to go. The key for me when playing a zone like this is blitzing. If your league allows a pass rusher, you have to do it if you play a zone. What I have found is, with 7 players, playing a 'cover 3' look and blitzing from the middle safety position. That player walks up from his 12-yard back spot to the 7-yard blitz spot as the offense sets and then comes. The remaining two players in the back play cover 2. The other four players play their zones very similar to how you teach this. We scrimmaged this in practice with my #2 defense against our #1 offense (many of our #1 offensive guys play on defense too). We did five possessions, and they ended up this way: INT, TD (which only came because we had two guys miss the flag pull), Turnover on downs, INT, Turnover on downs. My head coach, who runs an amazing offense, looked at me after we ran this a few times and said, "Wow. I got nothing. No chance." The blitzer is on you so quick that no deep routes really have enough time to develop, so the QB is either forced to run or make an ill-advised throw. We have our first big tournament tomorrow and we're stoked to try this. We actually have set a goal of shutting out our first opponent. Thank you for turning me on to this. So many youth teams don't implement a zone for fear that their kids won't pick it up or that its complicated. Its not. My 11 year olds got this in one 90-minute practice. Just explain the responsibilities of each spot and you'll be amazed at what your kids will pick up. It also allows you to play kids on defense who would struggle to play man and it gets them on the field contributing in a positive way.

[@jeremyespinoza279]

Could you draw it up 5on5?

[@CoachD]

Yep - I love what you’ve done with the basic concepts of the 5v5 structure I share. Yes, I like being able to rotate in all players throughout the positions and find areas they can win. It’s also important to make adjustments as the offense picks up some of your zone assignments and rusher skills and techniques. When we are open to exploring new concepts and tips from others we becoming even better coaches. I applaud you being open and bringing this to your team. Keep us posted! 🏈🔥

[@emmettmortgage]

Our league just switched to 6v6. But the last championship we lost to a very good team. They ran a 1-3-1 and shut down our split back and tight run game. My team was not deep on talent and they shut down my best player. That team is the only team I have lost two in 3 seasons. Good competition.

[@CoachD]

Let me know how it goes out there w the 6v6 package. Looking forward to hearing. What D are you running?

[@jdunham521]

We are 5v5 and we just played a 1-3-1 defense. They blitzed every play pretty much. Working on ways to beat the blitz more effectively. I have 4 really good athletes and 4 not so good athletes. We can throw it with solid consistency. Any tips or plays on how to best play the blitz?

[@CoachD]

@@jdunham521 absolutely! I have run a similar 1-3-1 defense called the Husker in the past. Learn more about it here: Youth Flag Football Tutorial | Defense techniques That Work | Fundamentals Strategy Formations Coach kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHm4qmdqnpaDpck For offense strategies against the blitz watch this: Youth Flag Football Tutorial | Offense Strategies that Work against the Blitz | QB scramble drills kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYeog2ecjaZlaqc I also recently released my situational Play Bundles, and one of the 10-play bundles is for Against the Blitz - 10 plays perfect for this situation. Check them out here: flagfootballwithcoachd.com/products/10-new-play-bundles-situational-plays-to-help-win-more-games-print-for-wristbands-import-into-the-play-builder?variant=44047910076710 Hope that helps! Get some!! 🏈🔥

[@KCCoachAllen5]

Great video Coach D!! Was kinda stumped on how I was going to run my defense with the personnel I got.

[@CoachD]

Glad this will work for you! It’s a great one. Let me know how it goes out there. 🏈🔥

[@KCCoachAllen5]

@@CoachD I ordered one of those football boards from you as well! I don’t think you can find a better one on the market! Implementing a lot of your work into my practices. Appreciate the effort you put out for all of us. Hell of a scenery from your back yard btw

[@CoachD]

@user-uj4zj6we4g ha! Thx and I agree I created this after not finding one that had everything I needed. We’ll get it in your hands asap! Great job prepping, coach! Going to be an awesome season. 🏈🔥

[@chrisspenard7845]

So, I tend to run Cover 2 with a full-time rusher. In our league, we have a rush cone that is continually set at 7yds off the LOS and the rusher can’t blitz until the ball is snapped. This year I am coaching a league that is grades six through eight combined. Our next game, we are going against a team that has two exceptionally tall eighth graders. My friend said that they basically throw to these two kids 70% of the time for High Point passes. my two tallest players are twins, they are insanely athletic, but they’re probably only 5’4”. When the two taller kids are covered, they are favoring 5 to 8 yard passes to the center. I feel like we match up well with anyone, except we are at a size disadvantage. I want to blitz and stay aggressive, because in our league, the quarterback has an infinite amount of time to hold the ball. So, I am in a quandary as to what I should do? Any suggestions from anyone, would be helpful.

[@CoachD]

I’m not sure how this slipped through with a reply. Let me know what you decided and how it went. As long as your 5’4 players are in a solid position behind the WRs, they can make a play on the ball or jump up and “scoop” the ball out of the air as the taller receivers go to catch it. Practice making a “scooping” play on the ball while simultaneously being able to keep a hand on the flag in case they are beat. Make sure they know their zones and assignments so they only way they get beat is from a contested catch - otherwise they aren’t beat because of zone assignment or the WR being behind them. What did you decide and how did it work out?

[@davidmelvin6717]

Thanks Coach D! 1st season as a head coach. I'm in the Littleton, CO Flag Football. What part of CO are you in?

[@CoachD]

Awesome. Welcome to the sport! I’m in the Springs, neighbor. Enjoy and reach out anytime. 🏈🔥

[@1kalireem]

This was a major help. S/o to Coach D!!!!!! 🔒

[@CoachD]

Yes!! That’s what I was hoping for. Thx for sharing.

[@jonnyangel1591]

Great video. I love the play

[@CoachD]

Thx for that! I appreciate you watching. Get some!! 🏈🔥

[@jmwaters76]

First year coach here. Best advice? Thank you.

[@CoachD]

Thx for stepping in and coaching! I’d recommend consuming as many videos as you can here (I have it organized by position in Playlists). Then if you want practice schedules, templates, drills, plays, and equipment, I’d check out the new coach bundle. I put it together so you could walk out on the field w confidence: flagfootballwithcoachd.com/products/new-coach-bundle-bootcamp-200-offense-plays-24-defense-plays-40-drills-32-practices-10-wristbands-coaches-kit-40-exclusive-videos-more-bundle

[@michaelbriggs1422]

Good defense. A question though. What do you do when the center keeps running hooks in the middle of the field ?

[@adamharrington706]

Coach, I don't hear you talking a lot about blitzing in this video. Do you ever blitz in 5v5 or do you just play coverage on pass plays? If you do blitz a LB, do you creep the safety up to fill that hole, and then tell your CBs to play soft because they don't have help over the top?

[@CoachD]

Check out these other videos that show you my strategies for the rusher/blitz. We blitz often in these formations. Plus, I released a defense playbook that tells you exactly when to blitz and how to cover that gap when you rush. Check these out: Youth Flag Football Tutorial for First Time Coaches | 7 Secrets of a Safety | Defense FUNdamentals kzbin.info/www/bejne/hp-TkpRvlrF7qLs kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3LJZ6ygapp0grMsi=51M0QSG8-Q1jBKiz Defense playbook: flagfootballwithcoachd.com/products/coach-ds-complete-coach-defense-playbook-new-and-popular

[@CINO0816]

Coach D. I run a man to man with a blitzer/safety in 5v5. If I switch to a zone do you have any short yardage / goalline videos?

[@CoachD]

I don’t, but I’ll make one in the next week. Good recommendation. You want to have that defense planned and practiced well. I have a lot of coaches try to wing goal line or switch on the fly and it doesn’t work. Have a few packages ready depending on what you see from the offense. Then your players should know immediately what to switch to in the red zone/goal line/short first down yardage because you’ve practiced it over and over. Video coming soon.

[@CINO0816]

I switched from Man defense which I've played for the last few seasons to this Zone defense and my 1st game of the Spring season which was last Saturday, it was 35-6 at halftime. 2 pick 6's Coach D has been the best videos I've seen on flag football. Thanks for all you do coach

[@CoachD]

What an adjustment! Congrats coach! Incredible job. I appreciate you saying that. I’ll keep them coming - way to lead and execute out on the field! 🏈🔥

[@GtwogamingYT]

Hey coach thanks for all your help. I just purchased your defensive playbook so I can use going into the fall season (first time defensive coach by the way) so my question is, I’m planning to use your Husker defense as my base defense for run heavy teams or teams with a weaker QB. I want to use 3-3-1 as my base defense for teams with solid qb’s who like to go deep. Does this sound like a good strategy or am i not understanding your formations correctly?

[@CoachD]

For teams with strong QBs that like to go deep I’d recommend having 2-3 safeties depending on the strength of your team. So that would be a 2-3-2 or 1-3-3. In my 7v7 defense playbook I give specific recommendations for 7v7 for those different situations. I hope that helps. Let me know how it goes out there.

[@GtwogamingYT]

@@CoachD thank you, I appreciate everything you do

[@joefryfry]

I tried this STUPID defense today and it worked. We held our opponents to 8 pts, our lowest of the season. I came to realize this is a bend but don't break defense. Give up a little, but not the long plays. We won 18-8.

[@CoachD]

I love hearing that - not sure what the stupid is (ha - maybe it’s a good thing) but glad it worked for you! I agree about bending - smart! Thx for sharing 🏈🔥

[@joefryfry]

@@CoachD By STUPID I meant that I thought it may be okay under certain situations, but I thought it would cause us to lose. Our Man D was doing pretty bad so we couldnt do worse. I tried this not expecting too much but it helped. Granted, it may not work versus next team, but it really helped versus tonights team

[@joefryfry]

It is an option and not so STUPID with the right kids, under the right circs.... going to use it again next game and see if same results

[@CoachD]

Awesome. Keep me posted. Make adjustments for sure. I like moving 5 up to middle linebacker at times to either cover mid-range slants, ins, and other short routes. I also like to rush 5 while still getting containment from the 2 LBs up front and moving the 2 CBs back a bit deeper to ensure we don’t get beat deep. Just some thoughts depending on what you see out there.

[@joefryfry]

Season ended yesterday. We did much better on D when we used man coverage less. A version of this D I liked also was move the two guys on the line to side by side in the middle at 7yards and blitz one.

[@iambrianmac]

I’m going up against a team that favors 4-1 defense, any tips to prepare my offense?

[@CoachD]

Take advantage of the sidelines and then go over the top if you can to beat the line of 4 defenders. My fav is doing progressions where I do a few runs to pull them up, then throw a cross pattern away from the safety, then a deep post if possible. Also, identify their weak point in the front line and run there.

[@YayoRocha]

coach, how do you adjust the second QB? who is the one blitzing post snap?

[@CoachD]

What do you mean by the second QB? Happy to help…

[@YayoRocha]

@@CoachD thanks coach, you know when a lineup WR goes down from the line of scrimmage and he can throw the ball too

[@CoachD]

One the ball is handed off anyone can cross the line of scrimmage. I would continue to have my rusher pursue that person while maintaining full coverage in the field. Just make sure the LBs are staying home so they can contain the sidelines and force the second QB inside in case they run.

[@0jason]

Thanks coach

[@CoachD]

Pleasure! Np. 🏈🔥

[@xq8152]

What about 1-3-1? I have one heavy kid I want at the "nose" and one kid that can cover everything will be fs and another kid who is tall and can cover and he will be my mlb. My corners are tall too. This is for 7-9yo.

[@CoachD]

Watch this video that details the Husker formation of 1-3-1. I’ll provide details about who to put in which position. Good call. Youth Flag Football Tutorial | Defense techniques That Work | Fundamentals Strategy Formations Coach kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHm4qmdqnpaDpck If you want to go even more in depth you can grab my defense playbook where I break down all the defense formations, positions, and when and why to use them: flagfootballwithcoachd.com/products/defense-plays-and-clipboard

[@terrytio8982]

HI Coach, great stuff, I"m a subscriber and big fan. My 11-12 (5v5) team is off to a rough start, 1-2, allowing almost 30 points per game. For the first time we practiced the formation above last night, along with the position depth chart. What we were unsure of though, are the shifting of the positions either pre or post snap. For example, if there was a trips right with 3 fly routes, the right side cb and safety obviously will pick up 2 of the WR's, who would pick up the 3rd? Obviously 1 thorough 4 needs to stay "home" in the case of reverses, etc., but wondering how far they should be straying from their pre snap position.

[@CoachD]

Good question. If you have 3 flys on the right side that would be up to 3 and 5 to drop back and cover those routes if 4 is rushing. But if I see trips I’ll likely keep 4 in coverage dropping back with those deep routes so we have even match up, but I would likely keep them closer to the middle (far right edge of their zone, but deeper) in case one fly turns into a deep post. I like to keep 1 & 2 up at 5-10, maybe 15 yards so they can contain either the reverse/handoff/slant/dump off - that short yard game. If they pull everyone back then they could easily get 20 yards on a short game strategy, so I keep them home, with their focus on 5-10, may 15 yard zones. I make adjustments along the way depending on what the offense is calling, who their strong players are, rotations, etc. Hope that helps! 🏈🔥 Let’s turn this thing around! Get some!!

[@terrytio8982]

@@CoachD thanks and sorry for the late reply. Our league promotes playing all players as much as possible which is great, and I'm sure most leagues are like that. For D, I want to have 2 of our more skilled players on the field at all times....I assume you'd recommend them in 5 & 1/2. Assuming as much, would you put your weaker players in 3/4 or 1/2?

[@CoachD]

Yes, my less experienced, or players who can’t defend the pass go in 1 & 2. 3&4 are my fast cover CBs who can go deep with the WRs - usually taller and can win the jump ball (contested catches). For 5 I’ll either have them as a deep safety - field awareness, speed, etc for teams that go deep often, but more recently I’ve moved that position to a MLB and that has become my rusher. If we can disrupt the QB we rush all day with that MLB (7 yards off the ball in the middle). If not, they stay in coverage and guard that crossing route, mid range slant, in route that usually crushes. So it’s an adjustment depending on the offense we are facing. Hope that helps.

[@reddhole3422]

Do you tell your corners to play on the outside or inside shoulder of the receiver or head on? Also, I remember an earlier video you did with different defensive formations for various ages. Does that still apply or have you evolved to thinking 2-2-1 is ideal for all ages?

[@CoachD]

I like the 4-1 for my younger teams that run most of the time. At 2-3rd grade, I drop 2 CBs back to watch for the pass, but they aren’t deep. Then at 4th I go straight to this 2-2-1 or I might use the other version of the Husker with 1-3-1. If we are getting crushed in the middle I use that 1-3-1. I also like to use this if I’m going to mixing up my rusher and I want to keep the QB guessing. If I have a safety in the back in can push my CBs to the outside so they can win the sideline and contain. If I see posts or deep ins or slants I’ll have them cheat in more to get the inside edge. Hope that helps.

[@reddhole3422]

@@CoachD Very helpful! We are playing this season with Gridiron rules (10U) that have a 10 yard rush line. I think using the 2-2-1 or 1-3-1 with that longer rush line might be difficult if I want to make the QB guess the rusher (i.e. safety could be 13 yards back). Will probably use 3-2 and 2-3 with the occasional man to man (if our match-ups are good, especially in short yardage situations).

[@CoachD]

Smart adjustments. Let me know how it goes.

[@hugolapitz227]

hi coach, I'm coaching an adult team and I saw a defense (I don't know the name haha) that the 5 players stop at the 7-yard line and at the moment the snap is made the def goes to a 2 -2, or 3 -1 or man to man. any advice? I would like to apply it for this year. thanks!

[@CoachD]

I’ve got your back. Check out this video: Youth Flag Football Tutorial | More Defense techniques That Work | Fundamentals Strategy Coach kzbin.info/www/bejne/foeopZmKorGXg8k

[@mj6rings2000]

Hey coach. I coach 10U. What’s your best advice for playing a against a heavy passing team that plays 5 wide a lot. It’s 6 v 6 and I normally run 2 3 1 zone with rusher in middle. Problem is my LBS are the weak links on my team and I feel like I’m playing 4 v 6. We played 8U in summer and were 8-0 and 2 players turned 9. So we moved to 10U In fall and are 0-6 and have been blowed out half of the games.

[@CoachD]

Wow, this is one of the only comments I missed. Let me know how it turned out. I would drop back and maybe even go 1-5. I’d want to try to match up my players with them in almost a man coverage, but just providing strength with my best players in the middle covering any deep crossing or posts, while also keeping an eyes on the sidelines. I want my weaker players protecting the sideline to force passing on the inside. If you have the right matchups and can keep up with them, I’d also consider implementing man coverage, staying within an arms length so they can make a play on the ball. Again, sorry for not responding. Let me know how it turned out and what you’re planning for this season.

[@mj6rings2000]

@@CoachDthank you for the reply. I ended up rushing 1 and playing a deep zone 3 yards beyond rush line allowing everything to be kept in front of them and just reading and reacting. We did lose but the game was kept closer allowing us to compete.

[@natethomas6879]

Thanks again for the great advice Coach. I do have a question: What is your opinion on the 2-1-2 Zone Defense? I coach in the 9-11 Division in my Flag League in Florida, and that defense seems to work, but you need a veteran defense to run it to it's max potential.

[@CoachD]

Yeah, I like it as well. Depending on the age group and type of offense I can see having 2 deep and bringing up your safety to be more of a middle LB. I’ll play with it this season based on who we are facing and keep you posted. Thx Nate!

[@natethomas6879]

@@CoachD Can't wait to hear how it works for you

[@J08Beats]

You dont sell anything outside the bundles? Just Need 7 on 7 stuff for a specfic age

[@CoachD]

Right, this is what I have for 7v7: www.flagfootballwithcoachd.com/collections/7-on-7-flag-football-plays

[@DanteLBC]

No rusher?

[@CoachD]

My son is our rusher and many times I will put him up front at a LB, then have him cheat back to the 7 yard line, then rush. When he rushes I pull my other LB closer to the middle. Depending on the offense, you could also alternate your CBs rushing as well.

[@bankroll8966]

Ran this defense last season in the 9/10 NFL flag league. Played 6 games and had 7 interceptions. So yea 😂😂😂😂

[@CoachD]

So yeah! This stuff works!! Get some. 🏈🔥

[@Bodybydubs]

What formation for a rusher. In 6-8 grade we have to rush or get destroyed

[@CoachD]

I’m a big fan of the Husker or 2-1-2/2-2-1. Check my recent video and you can grab my defense bundle where I break down all the formations and when to use them and where to place each player: bit.ly/DEFENSEPlaybookBUNDLE Get some! 🏈🔥

[@brettkendall8649]

Seems like you're giving 6 yards to the offense having your lineman start 3 yards off the ball and then they back up 3 more

[@CoachD]

I’m all about containment with those LBs. but if they are doing 80% run I may move them up to shut it down. It depends on what I’m seeing from the offense early in their possessions. Good call - always appreciate you speaking up. Thx!

[@hazysativa3045]

If your opponent has a quick RB... You get burned on the run...

[@CoachD]

Right, so then you make an adjustment and bring up your MLB to shut that down on the line.

[@TheAj0323]

​@CoachD what if your middle LB is as athletic as a fence post?

[@702_smoov]

@@TheAj0323😂😂😂😂😂

[@juananibalbarronreyes9646]

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[@juananibalbarronreyes9646]

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[@TheAj0323]

The whole defense relies on a child understanding the game?

[@CoachD]

And that’s our duty to help them understand…takes time and patience, but they’ll get it. Keep working at it.

[@bdizz1188]

Yup the kid must be intelligent