I ran the 10-1 defense two years ago with a 95 pound team. We went 4-3 and made the playoffs for the first time. I disagree that it it is a bad defense. Couldn't coach this year. What I see is people do not study the defense and assume the 10-1 means putting ten men on the line of scrimmage. I coach in a small association and we can't just line up and play. We have to find an edge. After years of ineffective 6-2 and 5-3's i decided to try the 10-1. Unfortunately we got rocked on some key blitzes that cost us a few games.

If you plan to run the 10-1, which I will in 2003 observe these lessons learned.

1) Do not box your ends against teams with strong pulling lines. This year I am going to try straight contain to the sidelines.
2) Don't blitz. If a player makes a mistake or the coach calls it at the wrong time, your toast. The exception is a cornerback on an obvious decoy wr.
3) The LB's should be man up with an O player not just filling holes. Many times I had a formation that looked like a power-t.

Remeber football rule number 1: Speed Kills, if you are playing superior speed teams as we do the best defense is an offense that controls the ball.

Last word, coach the kids the fundamentals and build them up. It's not about your X's and O's. Learned that one on my own unfortunately.

Very good input! Thanks for the knowlegde!