How to Coach Defense for Pop Warner Football

Established in 1929, Pop Warner Football has been a mainstay in youth sports activities. Many young players have gone on to the NFL. The program was created to give kids a positive alternative to getting in trouble on the streets. Coaching youth football can bring young men to great things with guidance, understanding and patience. Defense is a key element in the game. Several schemes can be used to confuse opponents.

Things You'll Need

  • Playbook
  • Rulebook
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the level of talent of the players on your team. Even at an early age, some athletes will display a certain amount of skill at different positions. Knowing which player to put in what position is the key to creating a defense that can work against any offense they may face.

    • 2

      Teach the players each of the various defensive schemes and the differences among them. This is going to help you better understand which players grasp the concept of each scheme. By studying the players, you can best determine which players to put in on the defensive scheme you plan to use. Sswitch out players to fit the different schemes.

    • 3

      Utilizing what is called a "3-4" defensive alignment entails having three down linemen and four linebackers. This defense is designed to stop an offense that uses the short passing, ball control type of offense. This defense is not effective against a team that likes to run the ball a lot. The positions on the defense in this scheme are the nose guard and two down linemen. You can make the other two players either tackles or ends, with the four linebackers spread to cover the short passing routes.

    • 4

      Describe what each of the defensive schemes is to your players. Example, a 3-4 defense represents there are three players on the line of scrimmage. A scheme of 4-3 defense means four players are on the line of scrimmage. The first number in any scheme represents the number of players on the line of scrimmage.

    • 5

      Hold teaching classes during the week and after practices. This will help the players come to ease and understanding of the various defensive schemes. Remember, although there are several types of schemes you can utilize during a game, you maybe only need a select few schemes at this level of play.