What is the best defensive alignment for youth tackle football (7-8 year olds)?

Answer 1

6-2 base defence is a basic formation. 6 linemen, 2 linebackers

Answer 2

6-3-2

This formation gives you a broad based line to defend against the run, three linebackers to run to the play, and two safeties to prevent breakout plays. If you want, you can go to 7-3-1, which gives you a large line to plug holes, and 3 linebackers to go zone / man to man. Put your fastest kids at R & L DE, their job will be to run around the O line tackles and go for the sacks. The other 5 are on gap plugs, and if they get penetration, that's better. The line backers can be set up in either a zone or man to man coverage. Your single safety should be a fast sprinter who plays deep zone prevent, swap him out with one of the linebackers or DE's who become winded.

Answer 3

I'd say 5-4. 5 lineman, 4 linebackers lining up in the holes behind the lineman, and 2 men to cover the receivers. If the team uses a 3 receiver set, you have one of your quicker linebackers go and cover the extra receiver. Also, MAKE SURE TO COVER THE TIGHT END. The kids can't throw far, the tight end is closest to the QB, no brainer who the easiest guy to throw to is. At least that's my opinion.

Answer 4

The old wide tackle six defense is good, especially if you happen to have a couple of quick kids at defensive end able to help linebackers with containment.

Answer 5

I think an alignment against running will be the best, I think will be hard for that age children to complete a pass.

Answer 6

since 8 year olds can't throuw a football that far, I would go with --3-4-4. (3 linemen, 4 LBs, 4 safeties/CBs) the linemen and 2 of the lbs blitz, 1 LB is on QB spy, and your secondary is on man coverage if you have good coverage cbs. if you don't try zone D

Answer 7

5-3-3. Five lineman three linebackers and three d-backs. With kids this age, you want your defense to play run first.

Answer 8

ya run