How to Stop a Halfback Toss

Stopping the halfback toss can be accomplished, but it takes smart defensive tackles, athletic linebackers and hard-hitting defensive backs, and a defiant commitment to stopping the run. Several defensive alignments can be used, but no matter what scheme is used, the defensive coaching staff must be bold and willing to risk getting beat by the deep ball. While there are a few alignments that work against the run, the 5-4 with the defensive backs rolled up tight is sure to shut down any teams' halfback toss. If you lack athletic linebackers, the 5-3 Monster is a good option, too.

Things You'll Need

  • Athletic linebackers
  • Smart defensive linemen
  • Hard-hitting cornerbacks
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Instructions

  1. Defensive Linemen

    • 1

      Line up your defensive linemen slanted in toward the strong side (the side most teams run the toss) or, if the scouting report or game tendencies dictate otherwise, slant them toward the weak side.

    • 2

      Ensure that the nose tackle penetrates and disrupts the flow.

    • 3

      Ask the ball-side defensive linemen to penetrate and string the play out, while the weak-side defensive linemen should pursue to the ball and watch for the cut back or reverse.

    • 4

      Ask your strong-side defensive end to fight off the block from the tight end, fullback or pulling guard as he slow plays the halfback staying square to the line of scrimmage and on the outside shoulder. If he can't make the tackle, he strings the play out, staying as wide as possible.

    • 5

      Command the weak-side defensive end to maintain containment by staying deeper than the ball and being alert for the reverse around end.

    Linebackers

    • 6

      Coach your strong-side outside linebacker to fight off blocks, most likely from the fullback or pulling guard, as they pursue the ball carrier. Playing the outside shoulder in, the outside linebacker should make the tackle with the assistance of his teammates.

    • 7

      The strong-side inside linebacker should read and react to the play and then pursue to help clean up on the tackle, while trying to strip the ball away.

    • 8

      Make sure that your linebackers read the flow of the play and don't lose sight of the football.

    Defensive Backs

    • 9

      Teach your cornerbacks to read the play and engage the wide receiver at the line of scrimmage. When they determine that the ball is being run to their side, they must disengage from the block and stop the halfback from turning the corner by making the tackle, or forcing the play back toward the pursuit.

    • 10

      Tell the weak-side cornerback that he must maintain his coverage by staying deeper than the receiver and shading toward the ball side.

    • 11

      Ensure that the lone safety knows that he is responsible for being the last line of defense and must stay deeper than the deepest offensive player.