Football Theory Final

A complete set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering all 66 questions from the football quizzes, focusing on defensive techniques, offensive schemes, and special teams.

Defensive Line Read Case

To determine if it is a run or pass play, the defensive linemen must read how the offensive lineman is coming out of their stance.

Offensive Lineman Pass Block Stance

During a passing play, the offensive lineman will usually have their upper body and head more upright to keep balance to pass block.

Escape a Block Technique

To escape a block, the defensive lineman must make initial contact on the blocker with his hands.

Key Elements of Pursuit

The three key elements are position, pursuit angle, and speed (with course notes often substituting speed with leverage or effort).

Cornerbacks Defensive Priority

A defensive position that usually must play the pass first, and then the run.

Spot Dropping

A type of zone coverage where the defender drops back to a depth of $10$ to $12$ yards, aiming at a specific spot on the field related to his responsible pass zone.

Pattern Match Dropping

A type of zone coverage where the defender drops back to a depth of $10$ to $12$ yards, aiming at a specific spot related to the nearest receiver threat to his zone.

Zone Coverage Drop Mechanics

During a drop, the defender should always keep his head and eyes turned so he can see the quarterback.

Break Towards the Ball Anticipation

A defender can anticipate the pass by seeing the quarterback's eyes, shoulders, and hands.

Pass Deflection Technique

To knock the pass away from the receiver, the defender should reach with the hand closest to the quarterback.

Deep Zone Defender Mistake

The biggest mistake a deep zone defender can commit is to allow a receiver to get behind him in his zone.

Blitz Man Coverage Strategy

The defender must force the receiver to the outside, away from the quarterback.

Man Free Coverage

A type of coverage featuring an extra defender located in the deep middle third of the field.

Man Under Coverage

A type of coverage featuring an extra defender located in the deep half of the field.

Leg Lock in Kicking

The kicking foot contacts the ball with the leg fully extended to transmit the maximum amount of force from the leg to the ball.

Avoid Blocked Kick Timing

It should take $1.3$ to $1.4$ seconds from the snap to the kick.

Punting Success Factor

The most important step in punting is a consistent ball drop.

Goal of a Pooch Punt

To put the ball as close to the goal line as possible without going into the end zone for a touchback.

Offensive System Selection Factors

A coach looks at personal philosophy, team personnel, and offensive systems they understand rather than what others are using.

Basic Types of Running-Game Offenses

Gap Scheme, Zone Scheme, and Option Scheme.

Gap Scheme

A running-game scheme that uses blocking rules spelling out exactly who each lineman will block.

Isolation Play

A type of gap scheme running play where the offensive line blocks the defensive lineman at the point of attack, leaving the nearest linebacker for the lead blocker.

Toss Play

A type of gap scheme running play attempting to get the ball carrier outside the perimeter of the defense with lead blockers on the linebackers and defensive backs.

Counter Play

A type of gap scheme running play that reverses the direction of the play to catch the defense off guard.

Zone Scheme

A running-game scheme where offensive blockers at the line of scrimmage are assigned an area rather than a specific man to block.

Inside Zone

A type of zone scheme running play where the running back looks for an open gap as he prepares to attack the line of scrimmage.

Zone Read

A type of zone scheme running play giving the quarterback the option to hand the ball off or keep it himself.

Zone Read Quarterback Key

The quarterback reads the defensive end to determine whether to hand the ball off or keep it.

Option Scheme

A running-game scheme where the quarterback's reads are based on the reaction of the defense to each phase of the play.

Triple-Option Elements

The primary elements are the dive, the quarterback keep, and the pitch.

Horizontal Pass Concept

A basic concept where more receivers are run into a specific zone or across under zones than the defense can stop.

Vertical Pass Concept

A basic concept that tries to stretch the pass defense either within a specific zone or throughout the entire coverage.

Curl-flat Concept

A passing game concept where the quarterback reads the outside linebacker defending the flat zone and throws to the uncovered receiver.

High-low Concept

A passing game concept that attacks the depth of the cover defender, usually in an underneath zone.

Three Level High-low Concept

A passing game concept that attacks both the under cover defender and the deep cover defender.

Backfield Action Selection Factors

The choice depends on the down and distance situation, offensive/defensive personnel, and the type of play.

Defensive Scheme Selection Criteria

A coach considers player abilities, opponent offensive schemes, and their own knowledge of the defense.

Characteristics of a Good Defense

Stopping or slowing the opponent's running game, adjusting to offensive formations, and player capability to execute the scheme.

1-gap Technique

A run-gap technique where each player is responsible for only one gap once the play develops.

2-gap Technique

A run-gap technique where the defensive lineman protects his gap while preventing the offensive lineman from releasing to the linebackers.

$4$-$3$ Scheme Personnel

A defensive scheme involving $4$ down linemen, $3$ linebackers, and $4$ defensive backs.

$3$-$4$ Scheme Personnel

A defensive scheme involving $3$ down linemen, $4$ linebackers, and $4$ defensive backs.

$4$-$3$ Stack

A flexible $4$-$3$ variation allowing linebackers to adjust alignments against $3$, $4$, and $5$ wide receiver sets.

$4$-$3$ Eagle

A type of $4$-$3$ scheme that most commonly uses a $2$-gap defensive alignment.

$3$-$3$ Scheme Disadvantage

This scheme does not allow a lot of line movement.

$3$-$4$ Scheme Selection Rationale

This can be a good alternate to the $4$-$3$ if it is difficult to find enough good defensive ends.

$5$-$3$ Scheme

A defensive scheme designed to stop the running game but lacks flexibility for modern passing games.

Three-Deep Zone Secondary Advantage

There is always a free safety aligned over the ball to help stop long running plays.

Four-Deep Zone Key Technique

Under-zone cover men reroute receivers attempting to run into vacant middle or outside deep zones.

Two-Deep Zone Usage

Good in long-yardage situations or when the defense accepts the offense completing short passes.

Main Objective of a Blitz

To get to the quarterback quickly and tackle him before he gets the pass off.

Critical Punting Team Responsibilities

Covering downfield to prevent returns and protecting the punter during the kick.

Tight Punt Alignment

A punt alignment where $3$ players line up $5$ yards behind the line of scrimmage directly in front of the punter.

Punt Team Gunners

Players with no blocking responsibility who release immediately downfield to get to the returner before or during the catch.

Man Blocking Advantage in Punt Formations

The blocker might recognize earlier if his man is rushing or dropping into coverage.

Keys to a Successful Punt Return

Defenders preventing coverage men from reaching the returner, returner skills, and the ability to catch and hold the ball.

Punt Catching Safety Rule

A returner should never back up inside their own $10$-yard line to catch a punt.

Kick Block Critical Point

The get-off is the most critical point in blocking a punt.

Main Purpose of Kickoff Team

To cover downfield to minimize the return, give the return team poor field position, and allow minimal gaps.

Kickoff Cover Man General Rule

If more than $10$ yards away from the returner, the cover man should avoid the blocker and return to his lane.

Kickoff Team Focus Points

Successful kickoffs focus on the get-off, speed covering downfield, and the tackle of the returner.

Pooch Kick

A specialty short, high kickoff landing near the opponent's $20$- to $25$-yard line by the numbers.

Squib Kick Technique

The kicker imparts overspin by kicking the top half of the ball to cause a large hop at about $10$ yards.

Kickoff-Return Scheme Keys

Aligning to field any kickoff, blockers executing with correct timing, and maintaining blocks to create running lanes.

FG and PAT Synchronization

The holder, snapper, and kicker must work in sync to ensure a quick and smooth kick.

Keys to Blocking Field Goals and PATs

Rushers pushing the offensive line, defenders getting off blocks quickly, and keeping hands as high as possible.