Why Stopping the Run is so Important in Defensive Football

In preparing a team for success at any level requires sound defensive preparation. This begins with stopping the run. whether the team one is playing is run oriented or pass oriented the running game is the most constant factor in offensive football. Because a team can control so many factors of the game with solid running, its crucial for defensive staffs to stop every aspect of a teams ability to run the football.

The philosophy behind stopping the run is such that a team should be willing to do whatever necessary stop it and make the opposing team throw whenever possible. If a team is forced to throw the ball, it is believed that 66% of the time it will be in favor of the defense. Reason being, that the pass will either be incomplete or intercepted. 33% of the time, a team will complete the pass. This of course depends on the teams ability to throw the football and how proficient they are in the passing game.

Another theory is that good defensive teams make the offense do what they are not comfortable doing, for example if a team rolls out to the right make them do so to the left. If a team is a great short passing team, make them throw deep. Most teams believe that in order to play great defense, ons must stop the run and control the pass.

How does one go about preparing a team to stop the run? This is done by breaking down the opposing teams offense. Taking the 10 best running plays, and practicing these plays over and over. Unfortunately it is not that simple, one must also take into account the formation these plays are run out of and what personnel is used. Teams then devise a game plan as to determine how these plays are run and how they will be stopped. Furthermore, teams must also determine if personnel mismatches will effect the running game. For example, if a team has a huge well coached offensive line, how will an undersized defensive line stop the run? On the other hand, is our defense faster than the opposing offense, If so what angles can a defensive team use to attack the running game. Finally, what defensive front would best put the defense in a position to stop them. As you can see, many factors are involved in stopping the run and preparing a football team to be successful on game day. I hope this article was informative and beneficial to you.