How to Run a Football Defense: 6-2

This is a strong line formation meant to put pressure on the offensive passing game. The center is left uncontested as the nose guard is shifted to a guard position.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Footballs

1. Set a guard at either side of the center, head-up on offensive guards.
2. Position a tackle outside either guard to block head-up on opposing tackles.
3. Place an end outside the left tackle, blocking head-up on the tight end.
4. Set a second end to the outside of the right tackle.
5. Set two corners in your defense secondary, 7 yards off the line of scrimmage and opposite any receivers, usually the split end and flanker.
6. Position a linebacker behind each guard, 3 to 4 yards back from the line of scrimmage.
7. Leave a free safety 9 to 12 yards behind the line of scrimmage, centered between the linebackers.

Tips & Warnings

• Linebackers need their eyes glued to the ball.
• You've removed the strong safety from the backfield to accomplish this defense. The free safety will find himself in the spotlight if the offense breaks through.