Forcing the Offense to Throw Deep

Last week, we show how to user catch on defense. This week, we want to apply this technique to defensive scheme to force our opponents to throw deep.

In the past, most players on defense have liked to control safeties to defend the deep pass. Normally, that strategy is a sound one. However, with the underneath pass routes so effective in NCAA Football 09, you may consider taking away the short stuff underneath and forcing your opponent to throw deep to so you can snag a few passes.

Note: For more NCAA 09 Strategies, please visit www.ncaa08tips.com .

The Quarter 3 Deep Cover 3 is a solid defense for defending most areas of the field.

One scheme we like to run to force our opponent to throw deep is to hot route the two DEs into QB Contain.

Next, we hot route the NT into QB Spy. Before the snap, we stay in control of the NT.

Once the ball is snapped, we drop the NT over the short middle and watch for receivers coming over the middle. The DEs will stay near the line of scrimmage, so if a pass is thrown in their area they will be positioned to make a tackle. However, they won't be there if the QB tries to roll out. Then they will go after the QB, which is fine.

With the field covered underneath, our hope is that our opponent will try to throw deep.

If he does, we take control of the defender closest to the receiver who the pass is being thrown to.

We use the rocket catch on defense to snag the ball.