Defending Quads Formations
Some tips on defending this classic Canadian football formation
The Quads Formation (4x1) is a classic alignment in the Canadian game. Here are a few general thoughts when it comes to defending Quads.
Starting Points
There are several factors that will go into your decision when it comes to defending Quads in any given week. As always, you will first want think about HOW your opponent is trying to attack defences out of this formation. You will also want to look at the AMOUNT of Quads you expect your opponent to run. (This will help you decide whether or not you’ll need some QUADS CHECKS that week.) Finally, you will need to decide how many different OPTIONS you want to take into the game when it comes to defending the 4x1.
“Two Over One” to the Boundary
Sometimes you may choose to leave two defenders over the one eligible receiver to the boundary side. Within this alignment you could still be versatile when it comes to the TECHNIQUE that your extra defender is using on the play. Is he “Cross Reading” the field side? Is it a true “Bracket” (Double Team) on the Single Receiver? Is the extra defender blitzing? These options are all live with this alignment. The obvious disadvantage to this alignment is that you risk being light in numbers on the four-receiver side.
Boundary Half Travels to Field
This alignment ensures you will have sound numbers to the Field, but you are now in a one-on-one situation to the Boundary. You may be forced into this if you are in a man-to-man (Cover 1) situation. You are also potentially light against the Boundary Run in this alignment.
Light Box
If you are looking to guarantee numbers in Coverage to both the Field and Boundary, you may consider going to a Light (5-Man) Box. Obviously, this opens you up to the Run, but the situation (ie. 2nd and Long) might allow for this.
Other Considerations
Several other factors should go into your Quads Plan, including:
-Your opponent Motioning in and out of Quads
-A Tight End to either side of the Quads
-The Running Back Leaking into a Route
Summary
Defending Quads is another exciting component to coaching defence in the Canadian game! Obviously your specific play calls and coverages will need to fit within these (and other) various alignment options.
Hopefully you have found this helpful! Feel free to reach out to me with any feedback.
All the best,
Jon Svec
Defensive Coordinator
St. Francis Xavier University
X-Men Football
IG: @jonsvecx
Twitter: @jonsvecx