DiscoverThe Board Drill PodcastPinch Front with Coach Dean Young
Pinch Front with Coach Dean Young

Pinch Front with Coach Dean Young

Update: 2025-12-17
Share

Description

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: @CoachDeanYoung

Read 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!

Comments 
loading
00:00
00:00
1.0x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

Pinch Front with Coach Dean Young

Pinch Front with Coach Dean Young

Kyle Bradburn, Matt Dixon