4-3-4

GAM-Gap Air Mirror

There's a big difference between a 9 and 12 year old team. No real threat of passing at 9. a 5-2 would work well at a younger age. a 4-3-4 probably nore appropriate at 11-12.

Zero passing (certainly no meaningful completions) means gap control and sweep contain. I would run a 5-2 or 6-2. 6-2 if the opposing team doesnt have a star 2back (tailback). If they do, rotate into a 5-2 with stud defensive ends and blitzing corners. If those DE's get across the line and contain, and the corners blitz the backfield, they wont get 2 first downs all day.

I agree that at the 9-10 yr level there is not nearly the likelihood of a decent passing game.. it is a raire exception, so I prefer the 5-4 defense, with 2 CB's playing man-up on any wide receivers. I line my DL head up on the OL, and blitz 2-3 LB's in odd combinations on everyplay, with one LB playing for the open Gap.

At the older 11-12 range, we tend to see 5 to 10 passes per game, so now you have to get geared up to play a wide field defense and understand depth as well. We use a 5-3 "Monster" which is basically using a very talented group of LB's to fill gaps, and the "monster" to use his instincts to wreak havoc whereever he can. We play man-up on the outside with very fast agile CB's who don't have to be great tacklers, but they have to be very smart and aware, and ready to close on sweeps. Our Safety is a stong runner who can diagnose plays, and fill any holes as needed.

I don't favor the 4-3-4 because it is too hard to get a decent pass rush with just 4 linemen, as even on pass plays the offense usually keeps in 6-7 players to block. The 4-4 is a little better because you have more ability to fill gaps and blitz the passer, but in 5 years of championship football in a highly competitive league, you can't convince me not to rely on our 53 monster!

Coach Keith
Colts - 6th Grade Div.
Plano, TX

Evaluated your talent, don't predetermine you Def. then force your assigned team to play it, unless you draft your players accordingly. Do you have speed, size, athletes? What ever Def you select will be fine as long as you practice it. To often Def. doesn't get the necessary reps.