How to Stop the Double Wing Offense: Strategies and Techniques
The double wing offense is a versatile and effective scheme that has gained popularity in recent years, particularly at the high school and college levels. Its unique combination of blocking schemes, misdirection, and play-action passing can be challenging for defenses to prepare for. However, with the right strategies and techniques, teams can learn how to stop the double wing offense and gain an edge on the field.
Understanding the Double Wing Offense
Before we dive into how to stop the double wing offense, it’s essential to understand its basic principles. The double wing offense is a type of run-oriented offense that features two wide receivers and two tight ends or backs aligned on either side of the formation. The offense typically uses a strong running back and a quarterback who can hand off the ball or throw short passes.
Key Components of the Double Wing Offense
Here are some key components of the double wing offense that defenses need to be aware of:
- Power blocking: The double wing offense relies heavily on power blocking, which involves using the linemen to create a hole for the running back to exploit.
- Misdirection: The offense uses misdirection techniques, such as fake handoffs and bootlegs, to deceive the defense and create opportunities for big plays.
- Play-action passing: The quarterback can fake a handoff and then pull the ball back to throw a short pass to the flat or underneath zones.
- Run-pass options: The offense often uses run-pass options, where the quarterback has the option to hand off or pull the ball back and throw a pass.
Strategies to Stop the Double Wing Offense
Here are some strategies that defenses can use to stop the double wing offense:
Contents
Identify and Fill Gaps
- Identify the blocking scheme: Defenses need to identify the blocking scheme used by the offense, whether it’s a power or zone scheme.
- Fill the gaps: Defenders should fill the gaps quickly and aggressively to prevent the running back from exploiting the hole.
- Assign blocks: Assign blocks to defenders to ensure that they are aware of their responsibilities and can react accordingly.
Use Proper Tackling Techniques
- Wrap up and secure: Defenders should wrap up and secure the ball carrier to prevent them from breaking tackles.
- Tackle low: Tackle low to prevent the running back from breaking free.
- Tackle to the ground: Ensure that the defender tackles the ball carrier to the ground to prevent them from gaining extra yards.
Play Action Pass Defense
- Read the quarterback’s eyes: Defenders should read the quarterback’s eyes to anticipate the play-action pass.
- Keep an eye on the tight end: Keep an eye on the tight end, who is often used as a decoy to attract the defense’s attention.
- Rotate to the flat: Rotate to the flat to cover the short pass and prevent big plays.
Use Blitzes and Stunts
- Blitz the quarterback: Blitz the quarterback to disrupt the offense’s timing and create confusion.
- Stunt the defensive line: Stunt the defensive line to create confusion and disrupt the blocking scheme.
- Blitz the edges: Blitz the edges to prevent the running back from breaking free.
Assign Responsibility
- Assign responsibility to each defender: Ensure that each defender knows their responsibility and can react accordingly.
- Communicate effectively: Communicate effectively to ensure that the defense is on the same page.
- Assign blocks to defenders: Assign blocks to defenders to ensure that they are aware of their responsibilities and can react accordingly.
Conclusion
Stopping the double wing offense requires a combination of sound defensive fundamentals, proper tackling techniques, and effective communication. By identifying and filling gaps, using proper tackling techniques, playing action pass defense, using blitzes and stunts, and assigning responsibility, defenses can learn how to stop the double wing offense and gain an edge on the field. Remember to stay disciplined, communicate effectively, and be prepared to adapt to the offense’s schemes and adjustments.
Table: Common Double Wing Offense Schemes
| Scheme | Description | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Uses linemen to create a hole for the running back | Can be stopped by strong defensive lines |
| Zone | Uses zone blocking to create holes for the running back | Can be stopped by defensive backs who can read the zone |
| Trap | Uses a trap block to create a hole for the running back | Can be stopped by defenders who can anticipate the trap |
| Counter | Uses a counter block to create a hole for the running back | Can be stopped by defenders who can anticipate the counter |
Bullets: Key Takeaways
• Identify and fill gaps to prevent the running back from exploiting the hole.
• Use proper tackling techniques to wrap up and secure the ball carrier.
• Read the quarterback’s eyes to anticipate the play-action pass.
• Keep an eye on the tight end to prevent them from becoming a decoy.
• Rotate to the flat to cover the short pass and prevent big plays.
• Assign responsibility to each defender and communicate effectively.
• Use blitzes and stunts to disrupt the offense’s timing and create confusion.
By following these strategies and techniques, defenses can learn how to stop the double wing offense and gain an edge on the field. Remember to stay disciplined, communicate effectively, and be prepared to adapt to the offense’s schemes and adjustments.
