What is A Hybrid Position on Defense | FBCP S11E11

A hybrid position on defense can bring something different to the game of football that other positions simply can’t, flexibility. These positions, and the players that fill them, have begun to pop up on both sides of the football and for some of the same reasons. A “jack of all trades” is more versatile in your defensive scheme than a “master of one”. Coaches have quit prioritizing size in an effort to get the best 11 players on the field, and letting their athletes play more positions and techniques.

On this episode, Joe, Daniel, and guest HC Kahn Chace talk about using hybrid defenders in their defensive schemes to better equip them to face the ever changing offenses in High School football.

Why Do You Need the Hybrid Positions on Your Defense?

• Your roster may be the primary reason you need to use a hybrid defender. If you don’t have the personnel to match up with multiple offensive sets, you may find it best to use kids who can do a little bit of everything, rather than a player who is outstanding at one thing.
• You may scheme your defense to utilize hybrid players. Many coaches find it easier to play the “over-hang” positions as multi-skill players. This prevents running kids on and off the field depending on the offensive personnel set.

 

What is A Hybrid Position?

• Generally, a hybrid position is filled by a mid-sized player. Think of a traditional Strong Safety or Outside LB build.
• The player must be able to play multiple roles. Your scheme may have them playing Defensive End on one snap and back up to an Outside Linebacker the next. Or, perhaps they’re a coverage safety who plays on the Line Of Scrimmage in situations that require it. 
• Intelligence may be the most important skill set that a hybrid defender possesses. They must know the ASKA (Alignment, Stance, Key Read, Assignment) of every position you’ll have them playing, and against multiple formations.
• Hybrid defenders, because of the complexity of their position, are hard to replace due to injury or exhaustion. Therefore, they must have an “Iron Man” mentality. They can’t get tired after a drive or two and require a break or show a drop off in performance.

How to Use a Hybrid Position to Solve Problems

• Hybrid players allow you to play more players without a doubt. Once upon a time it was hard to field more than 2 Safety type players at a time. With the hybrid positions, you can get multiple body types in the game throughout a game or season. Game planning can change what exactly you require of your hybrid players, and the personnel that fit there from week to week. This also allows the old style Outside Linebackers to get more reps at Inside Linebacker or on the D-Line. 
• Younger players can also see themselves on the field at an earlier time than years past. The need for the hybrid player lets you work the smaller kids in when they would normally have to wait for their body to catch up with them at internal defensive positions.
• Situational football is an advantage to a defensive scheme that uses hybrid players. Where 4th & 3 used to have you subbing in your run stoppers and praying the Offense didn’t play-action you for an easy conversion, you now have the same personnel in the game in all situations. They’ve been taught to read and react better than a dedicated Nickel back or Outside Linebacker may be. 
• Hybrids can also help with an offense that’s playing If/Then football, because of the ability of a defender to read and react to whatever the offense wants to do.

 

Related Links

• If you’re piecing together your depth chart like many other coaches around the nation right now, you’ll probably ask yourself “Where to Play Your Best Player” at least once. This episode from earlier this season can help you make that decision.
• Do you know who your Best 11 Players are? Do some of them play the same positions? Not only can hybrid defensive schemes like the 4-2-5 help you get your best players on the field, but this episode from Season 10 may have some answers for you to field the best unit as well.
• The “overhangs” or Strong Safety and Weak Safety in the 4-2-5 Defense can become an animal of their own during your first install. Listen to this JDFB Quick Clinic as Joe talks about coaching the Strong Safety in particular.