The document provides 7 strategies for 7-on-7 football: 1) Versatility favors quickness over size, with fast tall players exposing defenses; 2) Defend quick passes by stacking middle backers and jumping short routes, pressuring the quarterback; 3) Smaller athletes up front can disrupt blocking and passing with quickness and low centers of gravity.

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7 Strategies for 7 on 7 Football

2. Versatility
• Size is not necessarily going to be as important as quickness
and agility, but if your team boasts some athletes that are
long and also fast, those are going to be weapons that can
expose a defense vertically and at the sideline
• Defensively, these guys can be even more dangerous
rushing the passer and defending over the middle…

3. Defend the
Quick Pass
• Many 7 on 7 teams play defense using 2-deep safeties, but his is really only
necessary on 3rd
or 4th
and long plays needing bulk yardage
• You should stack backers over the middle, tell corners to jump short out
routes, and pair these looks with a successful pass rush scheme
• Take away the five-yard pass and make the quarterback uncomfortable with
his reads (Unless you’re getting beat deep consistently…

4. Smaller
Is Better
• Most teams don’t think to put undersized athletes up front because this
is contrary to real football strategy - 7 on 7 is a completely different sport
• In many ways, quickness to get around blockers, and a low center of
gravity to change direction will allow your D-line to control the offensive
blocking scheme, and disrupt the check-down and downfield passing
game…

5. Blitz
Mix-Up
• With 2 defenders on the line and 2 standing up as backers,
there are endless options to confuse the opposing backfield.
• Make the offensive linemen choose who to
pick up by stunting your linemen and backers.
• Defensive ends can drop out and release backers up
the middle, forcing the quarterback to choose one side,
cutting the field in half for your secondary…

6. Size + Speed =
Matchups
• Obviously speed is most important, but not in every
situation – Each defense you face will have different strengths.
• Red zone and 4th
down offense can be greatly improved
down the seams and in the corners by splitting out your
tallest athletes (if they have reliable hands).
• Think about the Patriots – Welker, Branch and Edelman used to eat
teams alive using crossing routes and screens, while their tight ends
exposed the defense vertically on big downs and near the endzone…

7. Lineman
are Weapons
• It’s easy to forget about your boys up front, but think
outside the box – Placing athletes on your O-line can create
mismatches on short-yardage downs by slipping their block
and releasing into the flats.
• If the end follows them on the route, you eliminate a
pass rusher - If they pinch down and come at the
passer, it’s an easy completion for 6-8 yards before the
middle defender can reach the ball…

8. “Hot Route!”
• Audibles are your best friend in 7 on 7
• Have a few great, go-to audible options for the quarterback to hand
signal to receivers based on different looks that defenders could give
• They can be especially beneficial in the red zone to expose corners
that play off or press their man, or to release linemen just across the
goal line for quick, easy scoring opportunities.

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