Va Tech’s “Pad Back” Technique to Defend Zone Read

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

Editor’s Note: The following research was conducted as part of XandOLabs.com special report on “Virginia Tech’s Bear Package,” which can be accessed in full by clicking here.

3-Technique Play (Pad Back Technique):

When studying this package, it’s inherently clear how the presence of two 3-techniques can ultimately disrupt blocking schemes and create chaos on in the backfield. Often times watching tape we were amazed with how unblockable these players were. They were getting penetration in their gap play side and not getting cutoff back side. The reasoning is simple: many times these 3-techinques are reduced defensive ends who are working on offensive guards who don’t have the size or strength to handle them.