Linebacker Play-Reading Windows To Stop The Run

Stopping the run is always the number one concern of any defense. At O’Fallon Township High School, we have developed a scheme that allows linebackers to make an initial read and attack the ball carrier. We utilize good pursuit angles and have an understanding of the opponent’s blocking scheme that is simple to learn for the players and allows the coach to use the offense’s blocking scheme against them. At OTHS, we are a single gap, block react defense. We are counting on the front seven to work together in order to make tackles, or bounce the play to our unblocked player. There are two key terms that we use in the run game: “Hammer” and “Spill.” In fact, in our defense, when we talk run game, there are only two types of players on the field, “hammer” players and “spill” players. I have been on both sides of the issue of terminology many times in my career, but I