First down: the most important play in football.

One of the most important considerations in defensive or offensive play selection is down and distance. The offensive play calls must be tailored to meet the different down and distance considerations.

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Defensive coaches must understand the offensive coordinator's thought process in order to match a defensive call with a particular down and distance situation.

What we would like to do here is break down commonly used offensive precepts and possible defensive responses to first-down situations.

Many offensive and defensive coaches feel that this is the most important down in a series. It is also the most numerous call in a game. National Football League statistics reveal that there are 23 to 25 first-down calls per game, and 45% of open-field calls will be first-down calls.

Most offenses seek to gain four or more yards on first down. This will keep the offense in a makeable third-down situation.

First-down success will enable the offensive coach to call plays that match his personality and philosophy. Offensive objectives usually range from getting a first-down, gaining successive first downs, position for a convertible third down call, score, or call an explosive play to gain a score or good field position. Statistics indicate that 65% to 75% of a team's first downs are generated on first and second down. Third-down success rates range only from 25% to 35%.

Many offensive coordinators feel first down is the best time to dial up an explosive type play because the defense is stretched with multiple concerns. There really isn't a way to make a bad offensive call on first down.

Statistics show that teams with a +2 advantage in explosive plays will win the game 80% to 85% of the time. An explosive play is defined as a play that gains 20 or more yards.

Statistics also show that the ability of teams to successfully sustain drives is only 15%-20%. Explosive plays are paramount. Chances of executing a big play is greater on early downs, especially first. Obviously defenses seek to keep the offense off schedule and force them into third and long situations.

Defensive objectives include holding offenses to three yards or less on first down. Sound defensive scouting techniques will reveal the offense's favorite first-down run plays. Prudent defensive coordinators will also expect play-action passes from these run actions. Defensive coordinators should break down run plays into inside and outside categories.

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Other important questions to be asked are how much drop-back passing does your opponent use on first down? Are draws and screens a prominent part of the offensive package on first down? If the odds on draw or screen are minimal, your pass rushers can lay their ears back whenever they read pass.

Pressure can be applied without stunting by using a delayed type lane exchange up front whenever pass is read. An example would be a delayed pick call. On this call, linemen will play the front call vs run blocks, but will lane-exchange whenever the offense shows pass protection blocks.

DIAG. 1, DELAYED PICK. LANE EXCHANGE VS PASS:

Another great way to get pressure vs pass and an eight-man front against runs is the Bear or 46 Defense.

DIAG. 2, BEARS--46 DEFENSE:

Defensive coaches must be very careful not to allow the offense the luxury of locking in vs a base front and coverage on first-down calls. Offenses will have a distinct advantage if all they see on first down is a base or vanilla look. Defenses should mix fronts and ensure quick run support.

Run stunts are beneficial if good run support is supplied. Care must be taken to match defensive personnel with different personnel packages the offense may employ. It might be unwise to play base personnel vs three or four wideout personnel.

Within the framework of first-down situations are special situations that have to be explored and planned in a defensive game plan.

SUDDEN CHANGE:

How does your opponent respond to the loss of the ball by interception, recovering a fumble, or blocking a kick? Some offensive coaches see this as a great opportunity to hit with an explosive play. A stunned defense might be vulnerable to the bomb. They should be prepared for a home-run type play. Play-action passes, reverses, or double passes are distinct possibilities.

The defensive coach must discern his opponents in this situation and forewarn his charges. He should also include sudden-change situations in his play script during the week's practice.

FIRST AND MEDIUM:

Defenses should also be prepared for first and five situations. This usually happens on offside calls on a first down.

What kind of approach can you expect from your opponents? Some offensive signal callers will see this as a free down. An incomplete pass will produce a very manageable second and medium call.

Other coaches may approach this as a normal first-down play and get the yards they can.

FIRST AND 10+:

This situation usually entails an offensive penalty on the prior play. For example, an illegal procedure call on first down puts the offense in a first and 15 situation. A holding call on first down may place the offense in a first and 20 hole.

In this painful scenario, most offenses will run a play to get some positive yardage and get into a second and nine or ten situation. Other teams will run a base play in which they have a lot of confidence. The worst scenario is to throw incomplete and be faced with a second and +10 call. However, a passing team may approach this as makeable and try a couple of completions.

A well-prepared defense will understand their opponents' offensive philosophy on various down-and-distance scenarios, and prepare accordingly.

By Kenny Ratledge, Defensive Coordinator

Sevierville (TN) County H.S.