The X Factor

Shutting down your opponent\'s best player.
by: Brad Burton
Head Coach, Otay Ranch High School, Chula Vista, CA
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Defensive football coaches, from Pop Warner to the professional level, often encounter the same challenge: stopping the single dominant player on the opponent’s offense. This may be a running back, a scrambling quarterback or a top receiver. Often the outcome of a game will be determined by shutting down this individual – the go-to guy. Using the principles of the X Factor, defensive coordinators can keep their game plan simple, yet still adjust to stopping the opponent’s main threat.

The concept is very simple. Ten of the 11 defensive regulars align in a traditional 52 front (See Diagram 1).

Diagram 1: 52 frontThe full article can only be seen by subscribers.
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The X Factor