The Board Drill Podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by Coach Dean Young, DC at Midlothian HS (TX), to break down his unique “Pinch Front” concept and the back-end coverage he calls “Texas Two and a Half.” Coach Young explains how his team adapted through adversity, simplified their rules, and developed a system that mixes Tampa 2 and three-cloud principles with aggressive front play. If you’re looking for a flexible, sound way to adjust your defense to your personnel, this episode is a must-watch.Topics include simplifying coverage rules, adapting Tampa 2 principles, how to cancel gaps with the DL, and why Coach refuses to call anything Cover 3.Timestamped Topics:0:00 - Intro & Guest Welcome1:19 - Origin of the “Pinch Front”2:44 - Adapting to Injuries & Personnel Issues3:45 - From Quarters to Tampa 2 to Base Defense4:32 - Simplifying Rules with Pinch Front6:05 - Explaining “Texas Two and a Half”9:20 - Techniques & Coverage Leverage Details12:50 - Adjusting to 2x2 vs. 3x1 Formations17:10 - Why Coach Hates Cover 320:55 - How the Front Marries the Coverage26:10 - Game Planning Tips & Weekly Adjustments30:42 - Q&A: Coaching the Overhang Player33:05 - Blitz Rules and Complementary Pressures36:30 - Scouting Considerations for This Defense40:18 - Favorite Situational Calls44:00 - Building Confidence in the System47:12 - Final Thoughts & Twitter Fights Over Cover 3Follow Coach Young on Twitter: @CoachDeanYoungRead the original Hex Front article: https://www.boarddrill.com/p/hex-front-theory-can-4-down-defensesLike, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth conversations on modern defensive football. Stay tuned for more from The Board Drill!

S3E2 – Run Fits with Zach Capehart (Silverdale Academy DC)This week, Coach Zach Capehart joins Kyle and Matt to break down run fits from a multiple front structure. Capehart brings a small-school lens — limited practice time, tempo offense, lots of two-way players — and explains how to stay sound without being overly complex.Key Topics (Timestamps in episode):02:30 – Silverdale program context06:15 – Why be multiple with two-way kids?12:10 – Installing fits in short practice windows22:45 – Front variation without overhauling teaching32:00 – Advice for coaches dealing with roster constraintsIf you're a defensive coach looking to simplify without sacrificing soundness, this episode is built for you.

In this episode, Coach Joey Wiles breaks down how head coaches can use the offseason to intentionally grow their staff through college visits. From setting a structured plan to building long-term relationships with college coaches, Wiles provides a roadmap for turning your assistants into future leaders.Episode Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & introduction02:08 – The purpose behind offseason college visits05:15 – Creating a developmental plan for your staff08:40 – Building relationships: The Bob Stoops story12:00 – Why trust matters when visiting college programs16:25 – Coaching your assistants on how to approach a visit21:00 – Getting the most out of clinics with intentional roles25:10 – Head coach’s responsibility to elevate staff30:00 – Long-term value of structured visits35:45 – Encouragement for coaches at any stage41:00 – Final thoughts on mentorship and legacy

This week on The Board Drill Podcast, we dive into the heart of the Flexbone offense with special guest Coach Jose Licon, OC at Hugeton High School in Kansas. Coach Licon brings an authentic, no-nonsense look at midline concepts out of the Flexbone, and how they’re applying it to attack defenses.Timestamps:00:00 – Intros & How This Episode Came Together01:20 – The Triple Option Cult & Kansas Football Culture02:15 – Coach Licon’s Background: From Flexbone QB to OC03:00 – Overview of Hugeton HS & Their Offensive Identity04:10 – Why Midline? Simplifying Reads for the QB06:30 – Split-Back Veer Influence vs. Modern Defenses09:15 – Midline Variants: Midline Lead, Midline Read, Trap Option12:50 – Handling 4i Techniques, Slants, and Squeeze Reads17:10 – Film Breakdown: Key Midline Plays from 202322:40 – How They Use Motion to Window Dress the Same Concept26:05 – Answering “Is Midline Dead?” in Spread Offenses29:40 – Coaching Points: QB Footwork, Mesh Timing, and RB Path35:00 – Installing Midline: Drills, Progressions & Scout Prep40:20 – Q&A: Listener Questions from Twitter📚 Related Read: Dive deeper with our companion article — Kansas State's Midline Twist on Outside Zone — where we break down how KSU married Midline with Spread principles to punish static defensive fronts.Don’t forget to:🔔 Subscribe to us on YouTube📬 Subscribe on Substack → boarddrill.com🐦 Follow on Twitter @boarddrill

Coach Preston Troyer joins Kyle on this episode of the Board Drill Podcast to unpack what it really means to build a system on offense. The Tonganoxie HS head coach and author of Coaching Football Insight shares lessons from 17 years in the profession, including how to refine your scheme, evolve your identity, and stay grounded in player development.Whether you're a new OC or a vet reworking your playbook, this one’s packed with wisdom.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & Coach Troyer’s Journey04:15 – Building a System: What It Really Means15:30 – Self-Scouting & Adjusting Over Time28:45 – Developing Your Coaching Voice40:00 – Advice for Young CoachesHit follow and don’t miss future episodes.