How to Improve Your Offense with a Solid Defense – Flag Football Tips From the Ninja

Dear Ninja,
I have a 7 on 7 touch football team and we do not have a defense in place.  Our offense is not that strong and I think that having a stronger defense might help win games. What would be the best defense to IMPLEMENT?  I have thought of putting the CB’s in man coverage and the rest of the team in zone. This is my first season as manager and I am USUALLY an offensive guy and no one to help with defense.  Thanks!
                                                                                                                                                             Sincerely,
                                                                                                                                                             Anthony

“The best offense is a good defense.”

   – Very Original Saying Invented by the Ninja in his Wisdom

Anthony,

Your issue is a common problem in flag football.  The limited extra attention devoted to the team strategy is spent on offense, trick plays or updating stats.  But developing a consistent defensive scheme and flexible formations is key to taking your team to the next level.

A blend of man and zone defense can work great if you have the right personnel.  If the offense is showing a three receiver set, and if you have the athletes to man up on all three receivers, it gives you a lot of options to cover the dump off, run or scramble.  In that type of formation, lock down your corners and a safety an man coverage and use two rushers and two linebackers.  To give your team an edge, work on a blitz and rush scheme that mixes up the linemen and linebackers, occasionally sending three.  Be aware of leaking linemen (assuming they’re eligible) and a scrambling QB. 

Shadow Cover 3 Defense

Also consider what the Ninja calls “Shadow Cover 3” – A less aggressive true zone option with corners starting in the flats and drifting back into deep third coverage with a middle safety and two backers and two rushers. 

This is just a start to what you can do in a 7man league on defense.  If you haven’t already, visit my Dojo and pickup a 7man playbook. These all come with the Defensive Handbook and the Ultimate Strategy Guide which will propel you and your team to the next level.

“No mistakes. No mercy.”

                                -Ninja

Got Questions? Ask the Ninja.