PREDETERMINED ROTATION
When identifying our different defenses, we decided to number all of our 4-spoke defenses in the 40 series as far as the secondary was concerned. I mentioned in a previous chapter that we have a defensive signal caller for the secondary, as well as for the defensive line. We decided that 4-spoke and 40 had something in common (the 4’s), and would be easy for our players to remember. Consequently a 4-spoke defense is in the 40 series.
In addition, we gave our right and left corner men numbers. Our objective was to eliminate indecision as the second digit, when called, gave the corner man a definite responsibility, as will be illustrated shortly. Therefore, it was possible for the secondary to do a good job of rotation merely by watching the flow of the offensive backs.
As an example, let’s assume our defensive signal caller says, “40,” which is our regular 4-spoke defense. Therefore, our secondary will revolve according to the flow of the offensive backs, and the corner men will read the end and halfback nearest to them in order to ascertain whether they go up or drop back.
However, we will do more than play a straight 40 defense. By numbering our corner men, we can predetermine the rotation. Our right corner man is given the even numbers 4 and 8, and the left corner man the odd numbers 5 and 9. Therefore, we can call 44, 45, 48 and 49 defenses from the 4-spoke alignment. Now 44 and 48 mean two different things, as does 45 and 49. However, 44 and 45 are the same, only to opposite sides of the line, and the same holds true for 48 and 49.
Defensive Calls 44-45 for Secondary Rotation
When our defensive signal caller calls, “44,” our secondary will have a predetermined rotation to our right, unless the flow of the offensive backs is to our left. Then we will play regular and disregard the predetermined call. Let’s assume 44 was called and the flow of the offensive backs was to our right. We have already predetermined our rotation. Regardless of whether it is a pass or a run, our defensive right corner man must come across the line of scrimmage and contain the passer quickly, as illustrated in [Figure 73]. Our defensive right inside linebacker knows the corner will contain quickly, so he is now responsible for the short one-quarter area the corner man usually covers on a flow pass toward him ([Figure 73]). If the corner man was hesitant before, he need not be under these conditions as he knows he will contain without fail on a 44 predetermined call when the flow is toward him.
Figure 73
If the flow was away from him on a 44 call, as illustrated in [Figure 75], the predetermined call is “off,” and he revolves back and covers his regular position. Both situations would be reversed if the call was “45.”
Defensive call 44 is also good versus a straight back pass, as illustrated in [Figure 74]. The same is true of defense 45. The only thing that erases the predetermined call is when the flow is away from the second digit called, i.e., away from 4 or 5.
Figure 74
Figure 75
Defensive Calls 48-49 for Secondary Rotation
We use the call 48 and 49 when we want a sure rotation, say, to the wide side of the field. When our right corner man hears “8” and the left corner man hears “9,” he knows he must go across the line of scrimmage regardless of the flow of the play. If the flow of the play is away from him, as illustrated in [Figure 76], he will trail the play. If the play is a straight back pass, as illustrated in [Figure 77], he will rush the passer hard. [Figure 78] illustrates the flow of the play coming toward the right corner man. His job is to contain the play then. The remaining three backs know they are going to go to a 3-deep secondary regardlessly.
We ordinarily will use such a stunt only toward the wide (right) side of the field ([Figure 76-78]). The element of surprise is very good, and it eliminates indecision on the part of the secondary.
Figure 76
Figure 77
Figure 78
Defensive Calls 38-39 for Secondary Rotation
Another predetermined rotation is 38 and 39, and is similar to 48 and 49, respectively, as one corner man rushes regardless of the situation. We use 38 or 39 when we do not wish to call 48 or 49. If the offense sets a flanker to one side, and we want our secondary to revolve toward the flanker and the corner man who is now up on the line of scrimmage to rush regardlessly, we would call 38 or 39. The first digit, “3,” tells our secondary to revolve to a 3-deep toward the flanker. The second digit, “8” or “9,” indicates the right or left corner man, respectively, is going to fire into the offensive backfield. [Figures 79-80] illustrate call, “38,” versus a running play and a straight drop back pass, respectively.
Figure 79
Figure 80