We are nearing Halloween, and chasing ghosts might seem like the seasonal thing to do. Unless you are a defensive coordinator.
Defensive game planning can sometimes feel like chasing ghosts. With countless offensive schemes and potential adjustments, it’s easy to get lost in the possibilities of what the opposition might do. The challenge for coaches is to find a balance between being prepared for every potential scenario and focusing on a few core strategies that are most likely to be effective. Brady Grayvold, the defensive coordinator at Wisconsin-Eau Claire, shares valuable insights on how to find that sweet spot in defensive game planning on the Coach and Coordinator Podcast.
Focus on What Matters Most
One of the biggest traps coaches fall into is overcomplicating the game plan. They often prepare a laundry list of plays and calls to counter every possible offensive look. As Grayvold explains, this can lead to a situation where coaches are trying to anticipate too much, which dilutes the focus on what their players are truly good at.
Grayvold emphasizes the importance of narrowing down defensive calls to a handful of effective plays. “At the end of your Sunday game plan, you’ve got 11 ideas, but are we really going to call all of these things three times? Or do you want to get good at something over the week and call it seven, eight, nine times?” he asks. The answer is simple: pick what works and stick to it.
Efficiency Over Volume
A key aspect of finding that sweet spot is understanding that less is often more. Coaches shouldn’t feel the need to use every call they’ve prepared. Instead, they should focus on mastering a few core calls that players can execute flawlessly. According to Gayvold, it’s better to have four or five calls that you feel really good about rather than 11 calls that are less practiced and understood.
This approach not only simplifies the game plan but also allows players to build confidence. When they know what to expect and have had multiple reps in practice, their ability to execute on game day improves dramatically. Grayvold’s philosophy revolves around efficiency: “If you’ve got nine calls on the sheet and only call three of them during the game, but you end up winning, who cares?”
Staying Flexible Within a Framework
While it’s a best practice to focus on fewer calls, Grayvold also stresses the importance of adaptability. The goal is to have a set of core calls that can be adjusted based on the game situation. For example, if the defense finds success with a particular call early in the game, there’s no need to move on to the next option just because it’s part of the plan. Stick with what’s working and force the offense to adjust.
Grayvold’s advice is clear: “If something is working, why go away from it?” This approach prevents unnecessary complexity and allows the defense to maintain control. By fine-tuning their strategies and making slight adjustments to what’s already effective, defensive units can stay ahead of the offense without reinventing the wheel each series.
Chasing Ghosts vs. Preparing for Reality
It’s natural for coaches to want to prepare for every possibility, but Gravel warns against “chasing ghosts” in the game plan. Instead of planning for every scenario, he suggests breaking down how many plays a defense will realistically face in a game and focusing on the most probable offensive strategies.
For example, in an average college football game, a defense might see 38 to 40 base first- and second-down plays. The goal should be to have a few reliable calls that can counter the most common offensive looks in those situations. This laserlike-focus allows players to concentrate on execution rather than being overwhelmed by a myriad of potential calls.
The Power of Simplicity
The sweet spot of defensive game planning lies in simplicity and focus. By honing in on a few core strategies and sticking with what works, a defense can perform with greater confidence and precision. Brady Grayvold’s approach at Wisconsin-Eau Claire is a testament to this philosophy—fewer calls, more reps, and better execution.
In the end, it’s not about having the most complex or varied game plan; it’s about putting your players in the best position to succeed. And often, that means simplifying, focusing, and trusting in the calls that have been practiced to perfection.
D3 Defensive Coordinator of the Week
Brady Grayvold was named the Week 6 Coach and Coordinator D3 Defensive Coordinator of the Week, presented by Hansen Ratings. The Blugolds shut out Stevens Point 41-0. The head coach is Rob Erickson, and Ricky Lang, Tim Hoover, Tysen Wink, and AJ Colvin are the defensive assistants.
Notable Stats
Brady Grayvold | UW-Eau Claire | 41-0 vs. UW-Stevens Point
- Less than 150 yards allowed on 2.8 yards per play
- Forced three turnovers
- Only two plays of >10 yards allowed
- Only 3 TFLs – didn’t need them
- Twenty-two different players registering a tackle
- Only one first down allowed in second half
