with Lew Johnston,
Western Branch HS (VA) Football Consultant/Assistant Coach (former Head Coach);
5x District Champions, 4x District "Coach of the Year";
former Nansemond-Suffolk HS (VA) Head Coach;
2015 VISAA Division III State Champions
The zone blitz was popularized by the Pittsburgh Steelers and has now worked its way down to the high school level. In this video, Lew Johnston shares his high school version of the Virginia Tech zone blitz he adapted after consulting with Bud Foster.
Using an informative slide show with detailed instruction and game film, Johnston demonstrates how to dominate offenses with zone blitzing. A favorite of the NFL and of college teams, this sophisticated defensive blitz is easily modified for the high school 4-2-5 defense.
Zone Blitzes
Coach Johnston teaches the best defensive fronts for zone blitzes. You'll learn the best "areas" or sides of the offense to attack. Additionally, Johnston provides eight zone blitzes out of multiple formations and gives you the techniques that linemen, linebackers and defensive backs need to find success using the zone blitz.
Be Aggressive!
Johnston covers multiple zone blitz packages and even some stunts to keep opposing lineman guessing. These include coverages that will sometimes produce "big man touchdowns" when defensive ends intercept quick game passes. With this multiple front defense, you can install zone blitzes out of:
- Odd fronts
- Even fronts
- Three deep coverage
- Three under coverage
You'll also see Coach Johnston use a well-designed slide show presentation to break down each zone blitz in his arsenal with diagrams and discussion.
Any coach wanting to learn an effective zone blitz will quickly become knowledgeable knowing where to begin by applying Coach Johnston's main points in this video!
61 minutes. 2018.