Having a defensive trademark is the foundation of solid football teams. Commitment is defined as a personal pledge, obligation to a course of action, a sense a purpose and loyalty to a cause. Tough times are to be expected but the disciplined player will be tough during these times. Huxtable speaks about the philosophy of putting in "the extra degree" and applies it directly in terms of coaching an excellent run defense. Elements of run defense include the under defense, toss play defense, star support, pursuit angles, force players, fill players and box the ball by Sam. Two back run principles in the under defense, the terms boss, bow and stack in the over defense.

52 minutes. 2008.

The once "new" Spread offense has now become a standard in all levels of football. An expert in engineering the Spread Shot-Wing, Coach Johnston presents his thoughts on how to defend it. Two basic concepts must be understood from a defensive standpoint: the goal of an offensive numbers advantage and which defensive player has duel responsibilities. To determine number advantage, the opposing coach will draw a line down the middle of the field and attack the side of the field with the least amount of defenders. Johnston illustrates his points by using game footage. Using the white board, he shows how an opponent will determine which defender is under duel responsibility. A Spread coach who wants to run will not move away from their base run attack. The FB trap, sweep, HB Power, and Belly/Iso plays are good options in the Spread run attack - and Johnston details keys to stopping them all. Defending the pass will depend on the depth of your corners and the lateral position of your free safety. To conclude, Johnston shares his five key principles to defending the Spread Shot Wing.

56 minutes. 2007.

In this excellent DVD, Coach Shepard shares his "Triple A" (alignment, assignment, attack) defensive system. This system features stunting with a pressure gap defense and formation stunts to 'turn up the heat.' Using a pressure defense results in getting in the gap, blowing up the play before it develops and decreasing the opponent's momentum, all of which disrupts the offense and controls the flow of the game. Shepard uses the overhead projector and game footage clips to illustrate his pressure defense. Specific packages are Easy, Ghost, Stampede and Crunch - each give unique looks that can be added to your pressure attack. If you are looking for a pressure package that works well against passing teams as well as running teams, this DVD is your chance to 'Bring the Heat.'

70 minutes. 2007.

FD-02710B: with Bill Shepard,
former Rockford Christian HS (IL) Head Coach

This unique presentation unfolds a game plan for trick plays that can change the course of a football game. Trick plays, both offensively and on special teams, can change the momentum of the game, give an advantage over superior teams and does not take much practice time to cover. Coach Shepard shares several things to consider when looking at a plan for trick play offense. The plays he covers include 36 Reverse and 36 Reverse Pass, 36 Special, 148 Quick Pass, Wild Cowboy, Speed, Speed Pass and Yo-Yo. The 36 series is effective and each play can be disguised because all plays look similar. The same is true for Speed and Speed Pass. The Yo-Yo is a counter Option series of trick plays. The 148 Quick Pass gets the ball outside and to the corner. The Wild Cowboy play is a trick play to catch a pass in the flat in the corner of the end zone. Multiple game clips reinforce each of these plays and show how dangerous they are. Trick plays can make the difference in a big game. Use this DVD to add a few trick plays to your offensive arsenal.

60 minutes. 2007.

FD-02710C: with Bill Shepard,
former Rockford Christian HS (IL) Head Coach

Building an offensive system can be enhanced by disguising plays that come from a common attack. By disguising plays you can cut down on teaching time, run complementary plays with the same personnel and easily implement the plays because most of the rules are the same. Because players are often confused with detailed playbooks, this philosophy will put players and coaches on the same page. To create a simple offensive package, Coach Shepard uses three formations each season that includes six basic running plays and eight pass plays. The play/complement package includes: 36/47 Power, 18/19 Speed, 34/43 Crossbuck, and various passes for each play. Formations diagramed are Storm, Typhoon, Thunder, Twister, Hurricane, Rain/Lightning, Tornado, Blizzard and Cyclone. All plays/complements and formations are diagrammed and reinforced with game footage. The high school coach has limited time and staff and must devise a compact offensive package. Maximize your time and resources by disguising plays and developing a solid offensive package.

60 minutes. 2007.

FD-02710D: with Bill Shepard,
former Rockford Christian HS (IL) Head Coach

Coach Sheppard presents a passing game package that can be utilized from youth football to college. Components of this package include line base blocking, easy alignment for backs, ownership of pass patterns and numbered patterns. The pass patterns he shows are the fade, curl, zipper and slant. Each pattern is taught with specific footwork and coaching points and demonstrated by Sheppard's players during indoor workouts. All combination patterns are advantageous by putting the secondary in compromising situations and puts at least two receivers in the quarterback's eyesight at all times. Against man-to-man, this attack will focus in on one-on-one coverage, which puts pressure on the opponent's one man to cover his receiver the entire play. Each receiver is asked to block, run hard routes, be in top physical condition, and be physical. Shepard details specialty receiver drills such as hands drill, sideways catch, two-ball catch, hot potato, one hand drill, and the wrong hand drill. Simplicity and versatility are keys to this passing game attack and can help make your offense more efficient!

56 minutes. 2007.

Coach Valesente's expertise is developing the complete linebacker against the run and pass. He believes that great technique and angles can make up for talent - good players are always in position to make the play. Pad level and leverage are two main points made by Valesente. Good linebackers recognize the run, identify the blocker and sting him, shed and go to the ball. Drill work for linebackers is a big part of this DVD. He begins with drills that should be run every day in practice. In teaching man-to-man coverage, Valesente stresses speed, aggressively pursuing angles and building a wall. Four keys to coaching linebackers include formation, distribution, responsibility and technique. Distribution comes down to flare, flow and flood. Using an overhead, Valesente diagrams coverage, reads and finer points of successful linebacker play.

51 minutes. 2007.

FD-02770B: with Bob Valesente,
Green Bay Packers (NFL) Defensive Backs Coach (from '95 - '98, included Super Bowl XXXI win in '96)

To demonstrate his defensive philosophy he uses NFL game footage from the Green Bay Packers. The basic 4-3 defense run by the Packers presented a balanced defense and attack. This allowed the Packer to take advantage of the talent they had on their defense. Building a championship defense begins with teamwork with everyone on the same page. Other aspects are fundamentals, technique and knowing where players fit into the team. Goals are important and provide a roadmap for winning defense. Average number of possessions, takeaways and limiting opponents to three scores are key defensive goals. The philosophy of pursuit states that pursuit is a burning desire for all 11 players to get to the ball. Teaching elements of how to pursue and what to do when players arrive at the ball are covered. Developing a swarming defense is all about creating an attitude. Coach Valesente's 42 years of football coaching at all levels is wrapped up in this information-packed DVD!

46 minutes. 2007.

National championships come few and far between for college coaches. Mike Hankwitz experienced this once-in-a-lifetime feeling as he lead the Colorado defense to the 1990 National Championship. His experience as a 21-year defensive coordinator is unparalleled. This DVD will proclaim Coach Hankwitz's knowledge of the blitz and how it can be used to success. There are 7 Blitz Principles that form the foundation for aggressive football. Some of the key principles are blitzes out of various fronts, using your best blitzer, creating mismatches with your personnel and the scheme, and disguising the blitz. The disguise will make your blitz look like zone. Ultimately, you want your best coverage match-ups, allowing for your best players matched with your opponents best. Because Coach Hankwitz's scheme includes 25 percent zone blitz, the man blitz is an excellent compliment to their overall defensive attack. Complimented with video clips, a total of 18 different blitz looks are broken down. Each element of the blitz is unique yet effective in the overall defensive scheme. Some of the looks include 45 Strike Red & Hammer, 53 Blitz Black & Blood Blue. The 53 Cowboy Blue implements the psycho technique. In the Dime Crash, 6 defensive backs drop back into coverage. Two backers are sent up the middle in Dime Raider Blue and Nickel Arrow Blue. The N Attack Green is a 7-man overload look, and Dime Fire Green is used against spread offensive teams. Dime Sable Green gives a different look as defensive pressure comes right up the middle. The 3-man linebacker cross is seen on video in the 30 Blood Blue and the man blitz with free safety is utilized in 53 Fade Red. The advantage of this presentation is the variety of blitz looks that are possible. A coach can pick the blitz formations that fit his team and defensive philosophy. Calling a blitz at the right time could be a major turning point in a big game. Add needed weapons to your defensive arsenal with this superb DVD!

64 minutes. 2006.

FD-02556B: with Mike Hankwitz,
University of Wisconsin Defensive Coordinator

Coach Hankwitz's accomplishments as a coach are incredible. In his 21 years as a defensive coordinator he has experienced 18 winning seasons, 15 bowl games and seven conference championships. As the defensive mastermind behind the 1990 Colorado national champions, Hankwitz knows what it takes to win at the highest collegiate levels. This presentation focuses on the base defense that Hankwitz has installed at his last four schools; Wisconsin, Colorado, Arizona, and Texas A & M. His experience has helped him blend 4-3 defenses into the 3-4 defense. Multiple formations such as Field, bench, Strong and Tight are discussed. This base defense is strengthened by executing zone blitz's 25 percent of the time. Hankwitz impressively covers the Field Cover 4 defense and its adjustments. Variations of this base defense illustrated are vs. double width formations, 3 x 1 formation to the field, 3 x 1 formation to the boundary, unbalanced and empty. Also shown is Field 4 Press where the corners press up on the outside. Segments of the base defense are the Cleo, stunts to take away blocking angles and Field Storm. In addition, the safety blitz, field fade and the weak side "field cobra" blitz are used to fortify this basic defense. Hankwitz's no-nonsense approach to defensive football can be witnessed on this DVD. Successful teams from youth to the NFL begin with a solid, fundamental defense. Take the lead from the master of the base defense and lay the defensive groundwork in your program. This impenetrable base will keep opponents out of the end zone year after year!

67 minutes. 2006.