How to Develop a Football Game Plan for Defense

Football coaches have many jobs, with one of the most important being to develop a game plan against the opposing team. Coming up with a defensive game plan for a high-powered offense can be quite perplexing at times, but there are a few things that every coach should remember before trying to figure out how to shut down the opponent's star running back.

Things You'll Need

  • VCR or DVD Player
  • Game Tape of Opposite Team
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Instructions

  1. Making a Defensive Game Plan

    • 1

      Study your opposition. Watch game tape of who your next opponents to get a feel for their tendencies, plays they like to run on first downs, plays they turn to in 3rd and short situations, etc.

    • 2

      Plan to combat their strengths. If a team has a strong inclination to pass, plan to use more cornerbacks and safeties. If a team prefers to establish the run before going to the air, include more plays that have you "stacking the box" to stop the run.

    • 3

      Contain the star play maker for the opposition. No matter how much you plan against the opposing offense's passing game, not accounting for the team's star receiver can lead to your team being down in a hurry. No matter what style of offense they use, you must plan for their star players.

    • 4

      Exploit their weaknesses. If a team is known for a weak offensive line protecting their quarterback, blitz them. If they have a young quarterback, try to confuse him by changing plays at the line using audibles and fake formations.