Creating a Structure for Multiplicity on Defense - Mike Giancola, Defensive Coordinator, Bridgewater College

On today’s episode of Coach and Coordinator, host Keith Grabowski is joined by Mike Giancola, defensive coordinator at Bridgewater College to discuss creating a system for multiplicity on defense. Bridgewater is able to do a lot in what they utilize with fronts and coverages, but it is built on a structure of simple language and the best teaching practices.

The Bridgewater defense shined in the 2022 season as they led all divisions of the NCAA in turnovers as the team paced the nation in turnover margin for a majority of the year. Prior to Bridgewater, Coach Giancola was the defensive coordinator at Westfield High School in Chantilly, Va. in 2016, where he helped lead the Bulldogs to their second consecutive Virginia High School League 6-A state championship.

In this episode, he shares how they’ve evolved their system as well as the tools and methods they use to teach it. There are plenty of takeaways in this one that apply to all phases of the game at every level, especially in the way that Coach and his staff teach their system. Be sure to listen to our Winning Edge Takeaways after the interview.

Show Notes:

• Determining needs
• Changes during the pandemic
• Capitalize on what our guys do well
• Two important questions - Is this too much? Can our players handle it?
• Creating a structure that allows for more
•  Starting with a base 4-2-5
• General concept to specifics
• Having an anchor and then building
• A system of answers
• Backward planning
• Technology that drives learning
• Checks for understanding
• Flipped classroom model,
• Transparency in what you do and why

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Go to coachandcoordinator.com for enhanced show notes with links to related episodes, resources, and articles, and our winning edge takeaways detailed in text. 

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Twitter:

@CoachGiancola

Related:

Scott Lemn - Flexibility and Creativity to Stay Ahead of the Defense

https://chrt.fm/track/EFGCF3/traffic.megaphone.fm/CCML9467758208.mp3?updated=1681296110

Coach Giancola’s Course: 3x1 coverage Adjustments from 3 Safety Alignments:

https://coachtube.com/course/football/3x1-coverage-adjustments-from-3-safety-alignments-mike-giancola/11813848

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