Defending the Pin and Pop/Stick Draw RPO

By Mike Kuchar
Senior Research Manager
X&O Labs
Twitter: @MikekKuchar

Introduction

The following research was conducted as part of XandOLabs.com special report on “Defending RPO and Triple Option.” Continue reading for more details on this brand-new special report.

Coverage: Robber

Constraints Defended: 3x1 Stick Draw, 3x1 backside X routes

Defending 3x1 Sets:
Coach Didier teaches his secondary defenders to use a walkout square, shoulder technique, rather than a foot fire. “This helps to keep inside alignment,” said Coach Didier. “It’s always three walkout steps and than a transition into either a pedal, a man turn or into a zone turn or driving it down into a hitch stick or bubble. It’s based upon that demeanor. We do get a lot of gives to the back (in RPO’s) because of how that safety uses the three walkout steps back. He isn’t tied into support. The walkout steps are used because we use split coverage. It also activates their feet. I’m not a fan of firing feet. I want them moving one direction or the other because I want them being able to run with anything vertical.”