[Elwayfan]

One of the toughest offenses. What's the best defense to run against it?

[vundy33]

Maybe a 3-4? Any Defense with alot of backers would be good IMO.

[Beef]

I assume they are running this out of the shotgun correct?

I think it depends a lot on the QB. If you have a guy that has speed and can through then I would probably have to go with a dime formation with 6 DBs so you can get some speed out there. If they use a Tight End then you could probably switch to nickel and bring in another LB to cover him. You are going to have to mix up coverage a lot using 'spy' with safeties in man coverage, zones, some cover 2/3 if the situation will be a passing one. As you said, this is probably one of the hardest formations to defend against, especially when ran correctly with some decent players.

But I'll just keep with you will need a lot of speed out there on the defense to cover all of the skill guys -- 3/4 recievers, 0/1 Tight End, RB, and QB.

[Tailback44]

3-5

[EKUAlum05]

One of the toughest offenses. What's the best defense to run against it?

Any defense with fast DE's and LB's who don't overpursue and miss assignments.

Additionally, Safeties have to really be aware in this system not get sucked into play fakes.

I personally would prefer a 4-3 set with your maximum speed at your outside linebackers. The 4 down lineman should help congest the middle of the field with the read option, you can then decide whether you'd rather have 2 safeties or just 1. But once again, if you don't have outside backers with the ability to get sideline to sideline you don't have a chance.

Another defense that is almost perfectly suited for the spread option is the 3-3-5 that West Virginia runs. This particular defense is vulnerable against single back sets when the QB is under center, or any type of pro set (I formation, split backs, etc) that utilize tight ends, but against the shotgun sets it maximizes your athleticism and optimizes the number of looks you can give.

[Elwayfan]

:thumpsup: Sounds like some good ideas and schemes.
I think one of the keys to stopping the spreadoffense is to be able to stop the run game. The most successful spread teams run the ball about half the time, screen about 25% of the time, and pass downfield about 25% of the time.

[DEVIL89]

The best defense against the spread offense is to keep the offense off the field. Running an offense that is designed to run the clock is probably the best.

[barnabus_c2001]

True Devil but just hope that offense doesn't go three and out very often.

The spread creates confusion for the defense and match up problems also.

This is just me but I long for the days when we here at mayfield were a strictly Wishbone power team with some play action thrown in to keep the defense honest.Time changes though to the flavor of the moment but i think the bone will be back one day.

[EkyLb]

Any defense with fast DE's and LB's who don't overpursue and miss assignments.

Additionally, Safeties have to really be aware in this system not get sucked into play fakes.

I personally would prefer a 4-3 set with your maximum speed at your outside linebackers. The 4 down lineman should help congest the middle of the field with the read option, you can then decide whether you'd rather have 2 safeties or just 1. But once again, if you don't have outside backers with the ability to get sideline to sideline you don't have a chance.

Another defense that is almost perfectly suited for the spread option is the 3-3-5 that West Virginia runs. This particular defense is vulnerable against single back sets when the QB is under center, or any type of pro set (I formation, split backs, etc) that utilize tight ends, but against the shotgun sets it maximizes your athleticism and optimizes the number of looks you can give.

I agree wit this defense, the 3-3-5 stack would be your best bet, especially at the high school level, but a lot depends on what type of players you have, and the tendencies the other team has. I think this would be a good starting point though for any team.

[bluegrassballa]

I think a fast defense would work. I think a 4-4 defense would be the best. Defensive end get the quarterback and linebacker get the pitch man.

[EkyLb]

I think a fast defense would work. I think a 4-4 defense would be the best. Defensive end get the quarterback and linebacker get the pitch man.

Only problem with the 4-4 is that it leave you very open to a good passing game also.

[BlackcatAlum]

I would run a 4-3 or 4-4. I believe these formations would be good against a duel-threat quarterback or a good pro-style quarterback, running the spread-option. It would really shutdown anything up the middle and would stop anything from getting around the tackles, and would keep pressure on a quarterback if he decides to pass.

[EASports12]

3-5-3 or 4-2-5 (nickle) with hard hitting db's...anything with speed and guys who aren't afriad to take on a FB or RB

[JUDGE140]

True Devil but just hope that offense doesn't go three and out very often.

The spread creates confusion for the defense and match up problems also.

This is just me but I long for the days when we here at mayfield were a strictly Wishbone power team with some play action thrown in to keep the defense honest.Time changes though to the flavor of the moment but i think the bone will be back one day.

Belfry has won 2 state titles with the bone, so the bone is still doing a good job