Episode 122 - How To Coach The 4-3 Defense
The Football Coaching Podcast with Joe Daniel
Release Date: 04/15/2015
The Football Coaching Podcast with Joe Daniel
Watching game film is just like every other skill in coaching, it takes practice to get good at. Unfortunately, we don’t watch enough film when the pressure is off as coaches. We see it as a time-sink and keep that for weekends before in-season games. But, if we commit to a process to improve, we can get more out of those weekends with less time expended. On this episode, Joe Daniel and Daniel Chamberlain are discussing the importance of watching game film, what to look for while watching, and how to put your practice plan into action.
info_outline Game Planning your Defensive CoveragesThe Football Coaching Podcast with Joe Daniel
In the current world of high fly, high movement, “formation them to death” offenses that seemingly have all the rules in their favor, just getting an efficient defense on the field can feel like an impossible task. On this episode Joe and Daniel are joined by Coach Chris Cole to talk game planning an opponent, what adjustments you should or shouldn’t make in your coverages, and how to build a practice schedule to minimize those blown coverages against your opponents best concepts.
info_outline A Deep Dive into Football’s 2-Minute OffenseThe Football Coaching Podcast with Joe Daniel
The 2-minute offense is something that only comes around twice per game, but is used in every game! It’s a fairly special scenario in which your offensive play calling may see a break from all other tendencies to take advantage of a short clock. On this episode, Joe and Daniel discuss what a 2-Minute offense is, why you need to have a plan for it, and what key pieces go into that plan.
info_outline Critical Information for Handling Football ConcussionsThe Football Coaching Podcast with Joe Daniel
Concussions have, unfortunately, been a part of football for as long as we can remember. Even when it was just a statement, “Dude, I got my bell rung,” they were still happening. Today is no different. In the “Arms Race” between safe football equipment and Bigger, Faster, Stronger athletes, there is ample opportunity for concussions to make a devastating impact on your players and team. On this episode, Joe and Daniel are joined by Dr. Samantha Chamberlain PT DPT to talk all about concussions, what they are, what they look like, how we can return to sport, and most importantly how we...
info_outline Coaching a 2-High Safety SchemeThe Football Coaching Podcast with Joe Daniel
In 2023-24 we saw a LOT of football being played out of the two-high safety shell. High School to the NFL, size and league did not matter. What’s this “static” look all about, and how are we coaching our players out of it? Joe and Daniel are joined by University of Tulsa Safety Coach (and friend of the podcast) Dominique Franks top talk differences in 1-high vs 2-high, what coverages fit best, and how safeties are still included in the run fits from their two-high alignment.
info_outline Coaching Quick Game Concepts in your OffenseThe Football Coaching Podcast with Joe Daniel
The Quick Game isn’t some new fangled thing in football. In fact, in the passing game, it may be as old as the power/counter combo. However, it is still extremely effective. The quick game can give you a quick strike game plan to take advantage of what your opponent is giving you defensively. On this episode Joe and Daniel discuss the quick game, what it consists of, why you need it, and how to use it with the offense you already have installed.
info_outline Variations of PowerThe Football Coaching Podcast with Joe Daniel
Power, the backbone of the gap-scheme world. A foundational play for offenses the world around. But, with the evolution of defenses, multiple front teams, and high pressure packages, how can we ensure the Power play stays relevant? On this episode Joe and Daniel are talking variations of Power, what base power is, why you need variations, and how to install it with your team.
info_outline How to Get the Most Out of Clinic SeasonThe Football Coaching Podcast with Joe Daniel
Clinic Season is a FULL GO! But, are you getting the most out of it? Do your coaches disappear to the bar on Friday night and show up to catch the ride home? Are they sitting at the back of the room on their phone? We often take “vacations” for clinics when we should be sharpening our sword for next season. On this episode Joe and Daniel, who was excessively late, are joined by Mike Carter to discuss what you should be taking from this clinic season.
info_outline Promoting a Coordinator on Your StaffThe Football Coaching Podcast with Joe Daniel
Decentralized command is a tenant of leadership for us military members. In football, you just call it hiring a coordinator. But, that task isn’t always as simple as “just hiring a coordinator.” Sometimes you get to hire someone in, and sometimes you have to promote from the guys you have. On this episode Joe and Daniel discuss how to do each of those things, what to do if no one is ready to be the guy, and ways to bring in someone that’s an expert.
info_outline Organizing Your Offensive Coaching StaffThe Football Coaching Podcast with Joe Daniel
As with the Defensive Staff Break Down from two weeks ago, we go through all the ways you can organize your Offensive Staff to get the most efficient coach-to-player coverage. This episode was recorded at the 2024 American Football Coaches Association Convention in Nashville, TN.
info_outlineEarlier in the week I wrote an article about the true nature of the 4-3 Defense. The way I see it, anyway.
The 4-3 Defense has certain rules. A few years ago I wrote about the 8 Laws of The 4-3 Defense.
Block down, step down. Spill the football.
7 Man Front. Mike Linebacker has to be a 2-gap player.
I know a lot of people don't see the 4-3 Defense this way. That's OK for them. For me, the Miami 4-3 Defense as it was designed by Jimmy Johnson and his staff at The "U" is where it's at.
And it is still one of the best defenses in football. So sit back and listen to How To Coach The 4-3 Defense!
Show Links
- My interview with Shap Boyd on Quarters Coverage (includes the link for his video, assuming it's still available)
- Download my Defensive Installation Manual
- Want to learn more about the 4-3 Defense? Check out my eBook, Installing Football's 4-3 Over Defensive Front.