3 Ways to Defend Close Split Sets

So you love running and playing man but you hate it when teams do tricky stuff like line up in bunch or with tight splits and run rub concepts. In this video I have posted at the end of this article, I will show three ways to deal with close split sets.

Tightening up the gap between wide receivers in alignment and having them criss cross is one of the best ways for offenses to defeat man coverage especially when they are not as talented as the defense. Causing confusion and getting away with pass interference by “accidentally” bumping a defender off of his man is quite effective and can typically result in a wide out being wide open for the quarterback.

Most of you are aware of the term “banjo” which involves defenders basically playing inside out on a tight group of WRs as they wait for the routes to come to them rather than chase them. Banjo can be very effective but offenses have innovated and have found ways to beat that (of course they did!). Because of that, you must find alternative ways to cover WRs in this situation. Besides, it’s always good to have multiple tools in your toolbox to complete the job.

In this video, along with banjo, I discuss “front to back” technique for stack sets and hard leverage as a means to take on some concepts that banjo won’t take care of. If you have any feedback or questions on the video, feel free to reach out to me via email: cwilson@alleyesdbcamp.com – Thank you for being a member.

• Author
• Recent Posts

alleyesdbcamp

Owner at All Eyes DB Camp

Chad Wilson is the founder of All Eyes DB Camp and a former standout defensive back for the Miami Hurricanes. After an elite collegiate career, Wilson spent a season with the Seattle Seahawks before transitioning into coaching. A 3-time Florida state champion defensive coordinator, he has spent over 20 years developing the "All Eyes" blueprint that has produced NFL All-Pros and stars like Xavien Howard, Patrick Surtain II, Tyson Campbell, Minkah Fitzpatrick and more. His coaching system is proven at the highest levels—his own sons, Quincy and Marco Wilson, both excelled as starters in the SEC before being drafted into the NFL.

Chad is the author of "101 DB Tips"—The Ultimate DB Reference Guide. You can find more information on the manual and how to order your copy in the sidebar and footer of this page.

Latest posts by alleyesdbcamp (see all)

• The Secret to Elite DB Play: Striving for Technique Perfection - March 17, 2026
• The Alien Era: How Defensive Backs Can Win vs Athletic Tight Ends - March 4, 2026
• These 4 Drills Will Drastically Improve Your Off Man Coverage - February 25, 2026