Introduction to the 10-1 defense:

By: Zach Santangelo

History
10-1 was created as short yardage/goal line
package by G.A Moore and Butch Ford at
Celina High school.
10-1 was then used in situational downs then
used full time.
10-1 and the ideas I will share aren't entirely
my own. I thank Butch Ford for the
conversations and all the insight.

Basics
Its personnel is based on the 26 a 4-3
defense with 2-6 technique defensive ends
and 2-2 technique defensive tackles.
Once in the 10 the linemen are moved into
gaps along with linebackers depending on the
call.
The entire secondary is either cover 1 (safety
in deep center) or cover zero (no safety help).
Simplicity + aggressiveness= 10-1 defense

Defensive line
Once in the 10 the tackles are in A gap
Depending on the call, with the ends in C gap.
These players are in a LOW 4 point stance, inside
leg up, elbows flared out. They are LOW!
They are told to mid point the GAP they are not
in a technique they are in the GAP.
Once the ball is snapped the player launches
himself through the gap scrapping the shin of the
down lineman to his outside while getting in the
backfield as quick as possible.

Defensive Line

Linebackers
There are 3 linebackers in a 4-3, 2 of them in the
10 are gap players like the defensive line.
When on the line they use the same shin
scrapping technique the defensive lineman use.
In base they are in the B gap.
The middle linebacker is head up on center with
an arms lengths distance from the defensive line.

Defensive Line + Linebackers

Mike Linebacker
This linebacker is the Key to the 10.
He must be your best player on the defense.
He is responsible for clean up between the
Tight ends.
When he is alone in Base 10 he is a flow
player.
READ AND GO! DO NOT HESITATE!

Cornerbacks
This begins the coverage group.
The base rule is align to the number one receiver
closest to the sideline.
They are press man mirroring the depth of the
receiver they cover.
Versus a wide receiver they are to use inside
leverage.
Versus a Tight end they are in a 9 technique with
the responsibility of 1. Jamming and covering the
tight end, and 2. involvement in outside runs.

Defensive Line + Linebackers + CBs

Safeties
The strong safety is to the Strong side of the
formation designated by game plan.
The Weak safety is opposite.
Same rules apply as the corners in terms of inside
leverage , matching depth of a wide receiver, or a
9 technique on the defensive ends.
In Base 10 if number 2 eligible receiver from
the sideline is in the backfield they are on the line
of scrimmage keying first back to there side.

Defensive Line + Linebackers + CBs +

SS and SS

10 v.s various formations

The WS will notice number 2 is in the backfield and the Defensive standing up, he
is now a linebacker player and will Key Number 2 eligible receiver from his side of
the field and follow/mirror him.

10 v.s various formations

When a defensive end is on the open side of the formation (no tight end) they are in
a stand up 2 point stance with the outside foot back, 2 steps out from the offensive
tackle. This player is now responsible for back out of the backfield to his side just
like a safety.

10 v.s various formations

In the even of trips the opposite safety has the 3rd

receiver.

10 v.s various formations

This defense is TOAST!

Any defense is toast if the players are not
coached with proper technique and
awareness.
Any defense is toast if you are a slave to one
front or look.
Any Defense is toast if you do not make
adjustments.
Any defense is toast if youre defense is not
aggressive!

Adjustments
Weak safety- converts to Free safety. (man
free)
Add another Linebacker, by taking one out of
B gap. (special/Deuce)
Playing the cover guy in a 7 technique and
the end in the 9 technique. ( Buddy/ split)
Base/no call Backer in B gap, Cat- Backer in C
gap, Animal Backer in A gap.
Play with combinations.

10 Man free

Now the free safety is playing

cover 1. He aligns 7-9 yards off
the Line of scrimmage
depending on ability and reads.

10 Split/Buddy Man free

The end when ever on 2 feet

has back out of the backfield.
Spill or contain depending on
game plan. If he is crack able
he must widen to not be crack
able.

10 Split/Buddy special/deuce Man

free

When in Deuce/special the

linebackers are on a man. Mike
has #3 from strength, extra LB
has # 2 from weak side.

10 Split/Buddy special/deuce

10 Man free Bear Cat

Bear

Cat

Oh I see!
The 10-1 is a base but like every defense has
adjustments. It self was an adjustment from a
4-3 (26)
Do you have to have all these adjustments?
NO! But it helps to be able to have them in
your mind for half time / in game
adjustments.
By game 1, I have Animal, Cat, and Man free
practiced and installed.