[Hook'em Horns]

Allow me to break it down for you. What makes it tough to stop is having less time to set up. There is nothing else mystical and magical about it. Time is what you're playing against. Here are the keys to playing against the hurry up offense...

Step 1 - Most impotantly you must at all times be organized on the sidelines. If you can't locate your personell you're in trouble from the word go! Most people during hurry up schemes go with 5 wide outs, some go with a traditional set. Either way you must be able to get the personell onto the field to defend the situation. If he goes 5 wide you need to be able to locate your nickel and dime defenders quickly.

Step 2 - Don't panic. Relax. When you're calm it is much easier to locate your personell and get your angles right. When you panic and you're nervous the position of the players that you do place on the field is vital and a nervous hand more times than not gets the angle wrong and as a result a big play!

Step 3 - At the end of each play I normally gather my players in sequence (i.e. lineman, then defensive backs, the linebackers, etc.) instead of just pulling them all back randomly. This is vital to do in case a hurry up offense hits you. In most cases, depending on what league you play in, "hurry up" offense has to be announced. If you hear it and you've gathered your guys in sequence then you can pretty much line up man for man. It is important that all receivers are covered and you have maximum heat on the QB. No pressure, no chance! Becuase you are in a vulnerable position it is important that you force the opposition to shut the set off as soon as possible because it is most likely that you've missed something. So maximum pressure is critical so that whatever you've missed causes you minimal damage.

Step 4 - Utilize your timeouts appropriately. Never get caught in a position where the hurry up offense is going to provide points for the other team. Call a timeout if you have to, gather yourself and be prepared for it the next time.

The hurry up offense is geared to catch you off guard. That's all! It's much like the old saying in boxing "Protect yourself at all times". If you can do that then you're ok. I know that sometimes we get caught up in the action and hearing the words "hurry up" just puts you psychologically in over drive, we still have to figure out a way to manage those emotions. If you can do that then you can defend the hurry up offense.

One key item to remember is this...Just because you're on defense does not mean that the offense always has the advantage. They are rushing as well. Even the most experienced coaches forget to turn a dial, or forget to switch in mobile for stationary and even at times their angles are off. Pay close attention to how they are setting up. Maybe you can find something to exploit in the hurry up offense while they are setting up.

Good luck!