Warrior General Games

Just looking for opinions. I'm a new DC and trying to figure out this Def AI.
What are you guys opinion on how best to set it up. Based on your opponent's formation/ # of WRs or on situation, ie: 2nd down 6 yards, 3rd Qtr down by 7?

I start with the formation and use situational subsets, i.e. Strong 'I' - 3rd and long. I have a couple playbooks, though, based around running or passing.

if you go by situation you still have to go by formation.

I base it on down and distance + number of wide receivers. If I notice they only run/pass out of certain formations I add those for that opponent.

Originally posted by seanb1979
I base it on down and distance + number of wide receivers. If I notice they only run/pass out of certain formations I add those for that opponent.

Do not base it on number of WR's.

You don't want your Singleback defense the same as your Shotgun defense.

Originally posted by seanb1979
I base it on down and distance + number of wide receivers. If I notice they only run/pass out of certain formations I add those for that opponent.

2-wide:
Weak 'I' - 8 plays [2 run/6 pass]
Strong 'I' - 21 plays [10 run/9 pass/2 QB Draws]
Standard 'I' - 29 plays [16 run/13 pass]
Pro Set - 11 plays [6 run/5 pass]

I have no idea how you can game plan all that with a handful of plays.

I have some formation based plays, some down/distance based plays. The most important thing to do is know what your opponent likes. Those singleback up the middle teams really hate seeing you trot out 4-3 on them.

You have to develop strategies for stopping each type of play:

Interior power rush
Interior speed rush
Offtackle power rush
Offtackle speed rush
Outside rush left
Outside rush right
WR Screen
Deep to WR
Midfield Pass
Medium to WR

Then you have to piece your strategies together in response to what your opponent likes to do. For instance, Cover 1 is good for anything in the middle of the field (including most rushing), but it increases your exposure to Deep WR passes. Of course, if you can get to the QB, deep WR passes may not be an issue for you, so you blitz a guy to make sure your DEs are one-on-one.

Does your opponent max-protect? Don't bother blitzing much, then - drop your guys into coverage for a greatly increased INT chance. Or maybe your opponent never uses check downs. In that case, bring the house down on his head. Let the LOLB or SS take the TE, the CBs take the WRs and everyone else comes after the QB. You have to scout, there's no getting around it.

Originally posted by Deathblade
Originally posted by seanb1979

I base it on down and distance + number of wide receivers. If I notice they only run/pass out of certain formations I add those for that opponent.

Do not base it on number of WR's.

You don't want your Singleback defense the same as your Shotgun defense.

i forgot to say i have a seperate input for shotgun

Originally posted by Billy Corman
Originally posted by seanb1979

I base it on down and distance + number of wide receivers. If I notice they only run/pass out of certain formations I add those for that opponent.

2-wide:
Weak 'I' - 8 plays [2 run/6 pass]
Strong 'I' - 21 plays [10 run/9 pass/2 QB Draws]
Standard 'I' - 29 plays [16 run/13 pass]
Pro Set - 11 plays [6 run/5 pass]

I have no idea how you can game plan all that with a handful of plays.

i watch their games and see what they tend to run, and tailor my ai to that

One thing too: don't get TOO complicated. Once you start getting comfortable with the AI, it can create a snowball effect. I try to keep mine from getting overly-complicated. Don't put in multiple inputs/outputs that duplicate, things like that.

Originally posted by bigtony2tone
One thing too: don't get TOO complicated. Once you start getting comfortable with the AI, it can create a snowball effect. I try to keep mine from getting overly-complicated. Don't put in multiple inputs/outputs that duplicate, things like that.

The progression of programmers tbh.

Start out small because you can't do anything else.
Work up and up and up as you learn more code.
Use your knowledge of code to make it shorter than your original code you started with.

I do formation then I set up situational things like 3rd & long or 3rd and 1. Also I run different D's in the Redzone. I then look for tendencies of my opponent and add those per game or even per quarter.

I would suggest this:

Start out with a basic def for each formation and add situations as you watch more and more film. There is a basic guide on wiki for this suggestion.

http://www.glbwiki.com/index.php?title=Defensive_Playbook

Then you can tweak to your desired results.

Good luck!

Originally posted by mdkaden
I do formation then I set up situational things like 3rd & long or 3rd and 1. Also I run different D's in the Redzone. I then look for tendencies of my opponent and add those per game or even per quarter.

Exactly what I do.

Thanks guys that helps a lot.

Like everyone else said, start small and build during the season(s). The one thing I can't stress enough is scouting. Next season I'll have 2 guys dedicated to just scouting opposing teams. Also follow the forums close because there are a bunch of guys on here that understand defense and are willing to discuss strategies.