What system do you run? Does it matter really? Honestly, it shouldn't matter which offense or defense you run because it's all about how you run it.
Many coaches are a single-system coach. They have and will only run one type of offense and one type of defense and won't change. Unless you are looking to try something new, or it's just not working for you, then stick with what works.
But what if you aren't sure what defense works, or you know that you will face a bevy of offenses on your schedule? Let's take a look at the standard youth defenses, the 4-4 and the 5-3.
The 5-3 is a perfect defense to face against a run-first, pound the box offense. As long as you have a tough nose guard, the 5-3 is the go-to shutdown run defense. You have the flexibility to shade your outside line backers outside of your ends for secondary run-support, or keep them inside the end to blitz the middle. A spread team that utilizes multiple receivers will often attempt to spread the defense out, then attack the middle where the single backer lies.
With four down linemen, the 4-4 gives you an opportunity to get another skill player on the field, compared to a fifth lineman. The 4-4 can be used to cover any offense, but allows better coverage against balanced pass/run, and spread teams, which grow more and more every day.
Both defenses require good pass coverage by your corners since you only have a single high safety. However, the 4-4 allows for flexing a linebacker into halves coverage, while you are more limited (based on on-the-field personnel) when running the 5-3.
The advantage has to go to the 4-4, simply because you can create more movement with it. Ultimately, you need to have a base defense that you can create different looks out of. That's why I like the 4-4. It allows you to drop a linebacker as a deep defender, and the ability to walk a backer up to the line to form your 5-3.
It all comes down to knowing your kids. If you only have 5-6 lineman or linemen who can't contain an edge, then the 5-3 isn't for you. On the flip-side, the 4-4 requires some additional athletes who can move in space.
I love the 4-4 because I can be multiple and give the offense fits. Think about your o-line having to figure out who they are blocking on a play when the defense keeps changing. If you have a banger at one of the inside backers, you can blitz him to give that 5-3 edge up from, while not sacrificing anything on the back end. Give different looks, but coach your kids up to keep the same assignments. Make it simple to make it multiple. Only change gap assignments with your inside defenders, and counter any gap-attacks by the offense with blitzes.
Whichever D you go with, make sure you rep it out, and that kids know their responsibilities. Create a defensive identity, stem from it to keep the offense guessing, and then go hard.
Dedicated to growing coaches to grow better players.
