How to Defend Outside Runs

Understand the Goal

The objective is to force the ball carrier back toward your help.

Defenders should:

• Keep outside leverage.
• Eliminate the sideline.
• Funnel the runner inside.
• Allow pursuit to arrive.

A runner trapped between defenders has far fewer options.

Set the Edge

Your edge defender has one of the most important jobs on the field.

They should:

• Stay outside the ball carrier.
• Avoid getting sealed inside.
• Keep shoulders square.
• Force the runner to hesitate or cut back.

Losing the edge often results in the biggest defensive breakdowns.

Pursue from the Inside Out

Interior defenders should never assume the edge defender will make the tackle alone.

Coach players to:

• Pursue immediately.
• Take proper angles.
• Stay under control.
• Close cutback lanes.

Team pursuit finishes the play.

Watch Offensive Clues

Before the snap and during the first steps of the play, look for indicators such as:

• Wingbacks or receivers tightening splits.
• Motion toward the formation edge.
• Pulling offensive linemen.
• Running backs taking a wide path.

Recognizing these clues helps defenders react more quickly.

Practice Contain

Include drills that teach:

• Outside leverage.
• Pursuit angles.
• Sideline tackling.
• Team pursuit.

Rotate players through multiple positions so everyone understands how contain works.

Diagnose the Real Problem

If an offense consistently reaches the edge, ask:

• Did we lose contain?
• Did pursuit arrive too late?
• Did someone leave their assignment?
• Were we blocked out of position?

Fix the breakdown before changing your defense.

Common Mistakes

Avoid:

• Chasing inside too early.
• Overrunning the ball carrier.
• Diving near the sideline.
• Assuming another defender will make the tackle.
• Ignoring pursuit after the runner turns upfield.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for contain?

Usually the outside defender, but every defensive system defines contain responsibilities differently.

Should linebackers flow immediately?

Yes, while maintaining proper pursuit angles and trusting the edge defender.

Why do outside runs become big plays?

Contain is lost, pursuit breaks down, or defenders overcommit inside.

Key Takeaways

• Protect the edge first.
• Force runners back inside.
• Pursue together.
• Read offensive clues.
• Diagnose execution before changing schemes.