www.TopGunQBacademy.com
Multiple
West Coast Offense
A Comparison in
Terminology
There is a Major Difference in
Terminology between
the Bill Walsh Offense
the Old BYU Offense and the
Multiple West Coast Offense


In Walsh’s offense, the basic offense is built
on series for play-calls. NOTE: a “3” can be
added to the passing series number denoting
that it is a 3-step drop.
A)TEENS: ALL RUNS.
B) 20'S: ALL PASSES WITH SPLIT FLOW
PROTECTION.
C) 30'S: ALL RUNS.
D) 40'S: ALL RUNS.
E) 50'S: ALL PASSES (SLIDE PROTECTION).
F) 60'S: ALL RUNS.
G) 70'S: ALL PASSES.
H) 80'S: OPEN: THIS SERIES IS SELDOM
USED: ONLY FOR SPECIAL PLAYS.
J) 90 'S: ALL RUNS.
2-3 JET PROTECTION: THIS IS OUR #1 PASS
PROTECTION. THIS IS A SIX MAN SLIDE
Walsh Offense




The formation is called by color (Red left
/ right, Orange Left / Right)
Motion is called by letter, then by motion
(Blue Right, F Short (Flanker short
motion)
The protection is called by number (322
Scat)
The primary receiver’s route is called,
every one else has to memorize their
route 72 (protection) X shallow cross
(Primary receiver’s route)
– This can get very difficult when you switch up
formations and the complimentary receivers
now have to switch their routes.
– NOTE: This may be why Notre Dame (under
Willingham) and UCLA had a difficult time
A comparison in
terminology
Walsh’s Offense
and the
Multiple West Coast
Offense
Alert
2
12 yards
1
4 - 6 yards
X
Clear
Backside
3-yds
E
Z
EA
Q
F
7 - step
Finding the Winning Edge p. 502
Walsh Offense Terminology:
"Spread Right Eagle Right 2-Jet E Drive Z Post"
Multiple WCO Terminology:
"Hum Trunk Right 928 Dig - Stop Queen"
In the Edwards BYU / Chow USC
Offense
 The basic offense is built on series
numbers for pass protections.
 In the USC basic dropback passing
game, they have nine passes.

– They call it the 60 Series. They have a
pass for each of the 60 numbers.

Example: 65. The linemen know it is the
basic 60 cup protection. The 5 is the pass
pattern. Everyone has to remember the pass
routes. They have nine basic pass patterns.
2001 C.O.T.Y Clinic Manual p. 58
Chow / USC Pass System



Used colors for formations, (now USC
uses names a lot Dual, Flank etc.)
A) 40-series: The T.E. and both backs
stay in for protection
B) 50 series: Quick Protection
C) 60 series: Backs check release
opposite sides & can be called “HOT” 66
Will / 66 Sam
D) 70 series: Weakside attack - both
backs weak flow – T.E. and FB check
before releasing.
E) 80 series: Strongside attack –
stongside back releases immediately
Chow / USC Pass System




The formation is called by color (Red left
/ right, Orange Left / Right)
Motion is called by ‘Tag” (Red Right Zip)
The protection is called by a series
number (60 - both backs check release)
The primary receiver’s route is called,
every one else has to memorize their
route 66 Y Bench Sam
– The protection is 60, the wide receivers both
run 6 routes (curls) the Tight in now runs a
“Bench” route instead of his normal 66
route, and the F has a free release and is
“hot” if the Sam Backer Blitzes.
Chow / USC Pass System
 Although
not extremely varied,
it is fairy simple to learn and
memorize. However, if you were
going to vary formations and
patterns, it would get
complicated because of all the
memorization involved in the
offense.
A comparison in
terminology
Norm Chow’s Basic
Offense
and the
Multiple West Coast
Offense
1
12 yards
12 yards
3
2
6 yards
4 yards
3 yards
3 yards
X
Y
Z
Q
H
F
5 – hitch
2001 C.O.T.Y Clinic Manual p. 63
USC Offense Terminology:
"Red Right 66 Y-Bench Fred”
MWCO Terminology:
"Split Right 414 Flat -V Max"
Multiple West Coast Offense






Derived from Sid Gilman / Joe Gibbs /
Colorado State University (Sonny Lubick)
Passing offense: Single-side receiver
across – backs routes are called –
protection is called
Run game is set up with Series Number
based on number of backs and position
of backs – helps the line with line-calls
and blocking schemes
Formations are called with descriptive
one-syllable names for easy learning and
repeating
Everyone is told what to do in the play
call (no memorizing)
Each ‘motion’ receiver / back is given a
‘tag’ call to go in motion – we motion into
the called formation
Overview













Introduction
Philosophy of the system
Play-calling Philosophy
How the run game is set up
How the passing game is set up
Basic drop back pass protection
Incorporating two separate sets of
progressions
The formations system
How motions are called
How shifts are called
How the play-calls are made
Practice / Installation Philosophy
How the call sheet is set up and used
Introduction
As a teaching philosophy, this is a
complete offensive system that is very
logical and simple to comprehend by both
players and coaches
 This system allows you to spend quality
time teaching fundamentals, because you
don’t have to spend an inordinate amount
of time running plays to teach the system
as well as specific plays to the players
 Once the language of the system is
learned and installed, the possible playcalls and formations are virtually endless

Introduction (cont)




Easy to understand and easy for players
and coaches to learn
Simple to install in a short period of time
Allows a team to make adjustments at
anytime during a game
Extremely flexible
Note of Interest – It turns out that this is
very close variation of Sid Gilman’s
system. Joe Gibbs (New Redskins Head
Coach) runs a similar system – Extremely
flexible for shifts, motions and multiple
formations!







Philosophy of the System
Use a system where a coach can teach efficiently
with high quality instruction – teaching becomes
a priority
Create a precision-timed passing game with
explosive capabilities, i.e. vertically push the ball
downfield
– We also have to go into any given season
being able to beat the bump & run defender
consistently – we use our own innovative
techniques
Be able to physically run the ball effectively by
double-teaming at the point of attack (the inside
and outside zones are also included)
Have the capability to make immediate
adjustments during a game
Create an offense that is hard to prepare for
because it is so multifaceted
Use multiple formations and a multitude of plays
Take what the defense gives us most all of the
time
Play Calling Philosophy








Make sure the players are fundamentally
sound
Spread the ball around to many players
Call plays that get the players in a position to
succeed – if they make big plays, it’s a plus
Put the ball where the defense is vulnerable
Only audible when absolutely necessary
Do everything we can to put the defense on
their heels
Keep the ball from the defense if necessary (a
ball-control offense)
Push the ball downfield and score points (if
you decide you have to get into a shootout)
How the Run System Is Set
Up
Basic line splits
 The hole numbering


NOTE: The Guard’s and Tackle’s
hands are even with the Center’s
shoelaces.
THE RUNNING GAME
BASIC LINE SPLITS
12”
12” 12”
12”
12”
12”
QB
HOLE NUMBERING
9
7
5
3
10
QB
2
4
6
8
How the Run System Is Set
Up
The master calls
 The line calls


NOTE: The run game is very similar
to Alex Gibbs Tight-zone / Widezone concepts, with isolation /
power plays and draws added to the
mix.
Run System Calls

Blocking Scheme
Master Calls
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
14 / 15 “Zone”
16 / 17 “Stretch”
34 / 35 “Base”
20 / 21 “Lead”
28 / 29“Toss”
41 / 50 “Trap”
2 / 3 “Lead”
How the Run System Is Set
Up

The backs numbering
– Single-back numbering (Teen series)

There is NO lead blocker on the playside
– Two-back numbering (20 series)

There is a lead blocker on the playside
– The back lines up at 7½ yards behind
the LOS
16 Stretch
Does NOT have a lead blocker to the play-side
W
E
LT
S
M
T
LG
E
T
C
RB
RG
RT
Y
26 Stretch
Does have a lead blocker to the play-side
W
E
LT
S
M
T
LG
E
T
C
RG
RT
F
H
Y
How the Run System Is Set
Up
Single – Fullback type plays
 40 series

– Back lines up on the weak-side

30 series
– Back lines up on the weak-side

50 series
– Back lines up on the Strong-side
S e rie s T e rm in o lo g y t o t e ll t h e b a c k
w h e re t o lin e u p in t h e b a c k fie ld
R ig h t F o rm a tio n
Y
Q
40-series from an off-center position
towards the quick-side of the
formation
40
30
50
50-series from an off-center position
towards the strong-side of the
formation
30-series from a position
directly behind the quarterback
20-series with a lead
blocker in the backfield
20/10
10-series with no lead
blocker in the backfield
L e ft F o rm a tio n
Y
Q
50-series from an off-center position
towards the strong-side of the
formation
50
30
40
40-series from an off-center position
towards the quick-side of the
formation
30-series from a position
directly behind the quarterback
10-series with no lead
blocker in the backfield
10/20
20-series with a lead
blocker in the backfield
30 Series
30 Draw
W
E
M
N
S
T
E
Y
Q
F
40 Series
40 Draw
W
E
M
N
S
T
E
Y
Q
H
F
50 Series
50 Draw
W
E
M
N
S
T
E
Y
Q
H
F
How the Run System Is Set
Up

Quarterback movement
Single – Digit
QB series – “Zero Draw” / “1 Draw”
W
E
M
N
S
T
E
Y
H
Q
F
Single – Digit
QB series “2 Lead Draw”
M
W
E
S
E
T
N
Y
Q
F
Play-side Line Calls
CAVE
Center and Backside Guard combination block
LG
Cave
Cave
N
N
C
C
DEN
Center and Playside Guard combination block
C
CAVE
Center and Backside Guard combination block
DEN
Center and Playside Guard combination block
Den
Den
T
T
RG
RG
LG
C
Play-side Line Calls
cub
Playside Guard and Tackle combination block
RG
Cub
Cub
DE
DE
RT
BEAR
Playside Tackle and Tight-end combination block
RT
cub
Playside Guard and Tackle combination block
LT
LG
BEAR
Playside Tackle and Tight-end combination block
Bear
Bear
DE
DE
Y
Y
LT
Play-side Line Calls
T.O. (Turn-out)
T.O. (Turn-out)
A call used when your linemen are going to push the defenders
wide. This in not exclusive to the Tackle / Tight-end combinaion
A call used when your linemen are going to push the defenders
wide. This in not exclusive to the Tackle / Tight-end combinaion
RT
T.O.
T.O.
T.O.
T.O.
DE
S
S
DE
Y
Y
RT
Backside Line Calls
Slug
Backside Tackle and Guard combination block
LT
Slug
Slug
NT
NT
LG
Sly
Backside Tight-end and Tackle combination block
Y
Slug
Backside Tackle and Guard combination block
RG
RT
Sly
Backside Tight-end and Tackle combination block
Sly
Sly
DT
DT
RT
RT
Y
How the Passing System Is
Set Up

Receiver routes are called singleside receiver across
PASS PLAY CALLING SYSTEM
8-route
6-route
2-route
X
Y
Q
SPLIT RIGHT 628
Z
8-route
6-route
2-route
Y
X
Z
Q
SLOT RIGHT 628
The Wide Receiver Route
Tree
9
SLICE
7
BENCH
8 Skinny
6 (Dig)
DRIVE
6 (Square-in)
8
5
3
2
1
DART
4
STAB
(MOTOR DOWN)
DRAG (non quick 2)
QB
0
SPOT
SMASH
Tight-end
Inside Receiver Route Tree
TIGHT-END / INSIDE RECEIVER
PASS ROUTES
7
9
8
DRIVE
6
5
4
2
1
0
STAB
QB
3
SHAKE
STICK
Running Back’s Route
Tree
CALLED PASS ROUTES
FOR RUNNING BACKS
CORNER
UP
WHEEL
POST
"M"
CREASE
SWING
STAB
CUT
QB
"V"
SNEAK
STOP
FLAT
SHOOT
Quarterback Drops
Drops from Under Center
Drop Type
1 – step
1 – step
3 – tap
3 – tap
3 – quick
3 – roll
3 – big, (hold)
5 – quick
5 – roll
5 – hitch
Depth from LOS
3 yards
3 yards
3.5 yards
3.5 yards
4 yards
4 yards
4.5 yards
6 yards
6 yards
7 yards
Route Example
Bubble screen
≤ 5 yard goal line Fade
Quick Flat
Quick Slant (dbl. slant)
Quick Hitch, Slant – Flat Key
Quick Speed-out by WR
Stick
Spot & Quick Switch Routes
Speed-out by WR
Curls
5 – big, hitch
7 – quick
7 – quick, hitch
7 – big hitch
Sprint action
Play action
7.5 yards
8 yards
8 yards
9 yards
5 yard minimum
9 yards
7 – step comeback by WR
Drags, Smashes
Digs, Square-ins & Switch Routes
Post-corner routes by WR
Sprint Right Option
Add 5 yards to normal route depth
Drops from Under Center
Examples
Line of Scrimmage
QB Toes @ 1 yard
3 – Tap @ 3.5 yards
3 – Big @ 4.5 yards
5 – Big with a hitch @ 7.5 yards
7 – Big with a hitch @ 9 yards
Q
Y a rd s
LOS
1
2
1 – Step @ 3 yards
3
3 – Qk or 3 – Roll @ 4 yards
4
5
5 – Qk or 5 – Roll @ 6 yards
6
7
7 – Qk with a hitch @ 8 yards
8
Play-action depth
9
Drops from Shotgun
Drop Type
1 – step
1 – step
3 – tap
3 – tap
3 – quick
3 – roll
3 – big, (hold)
5 – quick
5 – roll
5 – hitch
Turns into
Must be under center
Must be under center
Catch, punch-step, throw
Catch, punch-step, throw
Catch, punch-step, throw
Catch, punch-step, throw
Catch, punch-step, hold, throw
Catch, punch-step, 3 – quick
Catch, punch-step, 3 – roll
Catch, punch-step, 3 – hitch
Route Example
Bubble screen
≤ 5 yard goal line Fade
Quick Flat
Quick Slant (dbl. slant)
Quick Hitch, Slant – Flat Key
Quick Speed-out by WR
Stick
Spot
Speed-out by WR
Curls, corners by inside rec.
5 – big, hitch
7 – quick
7 – quick, hitch
7 – big, hitch
Sprint action
Play action
Catch, punch-step, 3 – big, hitch
Catch, punch-step, 5 – quick
Catch, punch-step, 5 – quick, hitch
Catch, punch-step, 5 – big, hitch
9 yards minimum
9 yards minimum
7 – step comeback by WR
Drags, Smashes
Digs, square-ins
Post-corners by the WR
Sprint Option
Add 5 yards to normal route depth
Drops from Shotgun
Examples
Line of Scrimmage
QB Toes @ 4.5 yards
Q
Y a rd s
LOS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Special Situation
Throwing from a balanced
four or five-wide receiver set
Special Situation:
Throwing From a Balanced
Four or Five-receiver Set


When we get into a balanced, four or fivereceiver set such as Dallas, Houston, or
our Island Package, and we are running
“mirrored routes”, we will call the routes
as if they are a strong-side route
combination call (the inside receiver’s
route will be called first, followed by the
outside receiver’s route).
An example of this type of play-call
would be “Dallas Right, 39 F Stab Jack”.
The protection call (Jack) will alert the
linemen that the play called is a pass
play, and not a thirty-series run play.
Stab
Jack Protection
X
9
H
3
QB
F
“Dallas Right, 39 F Stab Jack”
Y
3
Z
9
Tagging Mirrored Routes
 When
we are in a balanced
set running mirrored routes
and we want to change one
of the receiver’s routes in
the pattern, we “tag” it.
Stab
Jack Protection
X
9
H
Post
QB
F
“Dallas Right, 39 H Post - F Stab Jack”
Y
3
Z
9
Special Situation:
Throwing From a Balanced
Four or Five-receiver Set (Cont.)

Another example would be “Maui
Right, Rub - Dart, F Juke Gone”.
The protection call “Gone” tells the
line to block away from the call side
“Right”.
Gone Protection
H
X
Dart
Rub
QB
Y
F
Juke
“Maui Right, Rub - Dart, F Juke Gone”
Rub
Z
Dart
Switch Passes
(with Mirrored Routes)

We’ll call Dallas Right Switch Left
(or Right) Quick 22
– The “left-side” receivers will run the
‘switch’ quick-2’s, and the other side
receivers will run the regular quick-2
routes.
1
2
5 yards
1
5 yards
2
3-steps
1-3-steps
X
Z
Y
H
Q
F
3-tap
5-quick
Example: Dallas Right, Switch Left, Quick 22, Jack
Switch Passes
(with Complimentary Routes)
Perhaps when going no-huddle


We’ll call
“Dallas Right Switch Right 88-Dig,
Queen”
– Now the “right-side” receivers will run the
‘Switch’ 8-routes, and the other side receivers
will run the regular Square-in / Dig routes.

You’re going to do this in no-huddle type
situations when you don’t want to “flip”
the formation.
2
1
2
15 yards
15 yards
1
10 yards
10 yards
Z
X
H
Y
Q
F
7-quick, hitch
Example: Dallas Right, Switch Right, 88 Dig, Queen
Switch Passes
(on both sides)
We’ll call
 “Dallas Right Switch Spot – 7 F
Choice Jack”

– Both sides will run “Switch” releases and
run their respective routes. The outside
receivers are always HOT and peak into
the backfield as they run their routes.
– We call the pattern exactly like we would
if we were in a mirrored route situation
where we go inside out with the
numbers.
1
1
10 yards
10 yards
2
2
5 yards
X
Z
Y
H
Q
F
7-quick, hitch
Example: Dallas Right, Switch, Spot – 7 F Choice Jack
Horse Passes
(H and Y Switch)
We’ll call
 “Press Right Horse 826 H Chase Jack”

– Everyone does their route called except
not the H and the Y are “Switching”.
Alert
3
15 yards
7-steps
1
2
5 yards
5 yards
X
Y
H
Q
F
5-hitch
7-quick, -hitch
Example: Press Right Horse 826 H Chase Jack
Z
Haze Passes
(H and Z Switch)
We’ll call
 “Press Right Haze 863 H Shoot
Queen

– Everyone does their route called
except not the H and the Z are
“Switching”.
Alert
2
7-steps
11 yards
1
3
X
Y
H
Q
F
5-quick, hitch
7-quick, hitch
Example: Press Right Haze 862 H Chase Jack
Z
Seam Releases
We’ll call
 “Dbl. Stack Right Seam 787 H Dig
Jack

– Seam tells the X and the Z to run Seam
Releases.
– Everyone does their route called and
now the X and the Z use Seam
Releases, while the H and the Y use
Burst Releases.
1
2
2
1
12 yards
12 yards
10 yards
X
Y
H
Z
Q
F
7-quick, hitch
Example: Dbl. Stack Right Seam 787 H Dig Jack
Burst Releases
We’ll call
 “Dbl. Stack Right Burst 45 F Choice
Jack

– Seam tells the X and the Z to run Burst
Releases.
– Everyone does their route called and
now the X and the Z use Burst
Releases, while the H and the Y use
Seam Releases.
2
2
14 yards
1
1
12 yards
12 yards
X
Y
H
Z
Q
F
7-quick, hitch
Example: Dbl. Stack Right Burst 45 F Choice Jack
14 yards
Play-action System

Names of animals / reptiles will be used
to tell the offense what “action” is to be
performed in the play-action passing
game.
– FOX 2 / 3 = Lead (ISO) action
– COUGAR = Counter action with Waggle
action by the quarterback
– ZEBRA = Outside Zone action with boot
action by the quarterback
– SPRINT = Move the pocket
– NOTE: The corresponding numbers after the
Name will tell the offense the aiming point of
the fake
1
2
20 yards
15 yards
3
8 yards
8 yards
Outlet
X
Y
Q
F
H
9 yard depth
Example: Near Right Fox 2 - 628
Z
1
3
18 yards 2
20 yards
16 yards
8 yards
Outlet
5 yards
X
Y
Q
F
9 yard depth
Example: Far Right Fox 3 – 786 Chow
H
Z
2
20 yards
15 yards
3
1
8 yards
8 yards
X
Y
Q
F
H
9 yard depth
Example: Far Right Cougar 6 – 528 F Flat
Z
4
2
20 yards
20 yards
3
8 yards
10 yards
1
X
Y
Q
F
H
9 yard depth
Example: Far Right Zebra 6 – 526 F Flat
Z
Outlet
15 yards
3
1
5 yards
X
Y
2
3 yards
Z
Q
F
5 yard depth
H
Outlet throw
launch point
Example: Near Right Sprint Right Option
Pass Protection
Pass Protections
Max – Oh
Stay
Max
Man – 8 man protection scheme
Man – 7 man protections scheme
Man – 7 man protection that can get all 5 receivers out
OH
Turn back – 6 / 7 man protection that can get 6 / 7 into
the pattern
Turn back – 6 man protection that can get all 5 receivers
out
Turn back – 6 man protection that can get all 5 receivers
out
Turn back – 5 man protection that can get all 5 receivers
out (Queen with built-in HOT routes)
Queen
Jack
Gone
Pass Pro Line Calls
Base / Solo
Lou / Roc
Liz / Rip
Lion / Ram
Laser / Rifle
Loco / Recon
Man
3 – man turn back protection 3 on 3 – back double reads
3 – man turn back protection 3 on 4 – back single reads
4 – man turn back protection 4 on 4 – back double reads
4 – man turn back protection 4 on 5 – back single reads
5 – man turn back protection – backside tackle starts the
slide to wash down everything and the back is
responsible for the backside now
Basic pass protection
“Jack” and “Queen” calls – if we
want to get both backs out and
still employ a six-man
protection scheme.
Direction of release by the
backs



The pass protection calls tell the backs
which side the release from
This allows for a great deal of diversity in the
offense
Examples
– Near 839 H – V Queen: The back behind the
QB will release to the Strongside due to the
protection call
– Near 639 F – V Jack: The back behind the QB
will release to the Quickside due to the protection
call
Alert
7-steps
1
10 yards
Outlet
4 yards
X
Y
Z
Q
2
F
H
5 - hitch
Example: Near Right 839 H – V Queen
Alert
2
15 yards
Outlet
4 yards
10 yards
1
X
Y
Q
F
H
7 – quick, hitch
Example: Near Right 639 F – V Jack
Z
Jack

A “Jack” call free releases the
Back on the Strong-side.
– The other back will check release
to the “Quick-side.”


The Center, Strong-side Guard,
and Tackle will block to the
strong-side.
The Quick-side Guard and
Tackle will block to the Quickside, and the back will check
release to the Quick-side.
Jack (Right)
Jack (Left)
Two-back
Jack tells the line to zone or slide to the
strong (Jack) side – the back on the strong side
has a free release. The other back has a check
release.
Y
Q
H
Check release with eyes
Slide or zone to
strength call
F
Free release (usually HOT)
Two-back
Y
Slide or zone to
strength call
F
Free release (usually HOT)
Q
H
Check release with eyes
Queen

A “Queen” call free releases the Back on the
Quick-side.
– The other back will check release to the “Strongside.”


The Center, Quick-side Guard, and Tackle will
block to the Quick-side.
The Strong-side Guard and Tackle will block to
the Strong-side, and the back will check release
to the Strong-side.
Queen (Right)
Queen (Left)
Two-back
Queen tells the line to zone or slide to the weak
(queen) side – the back on the weak side has a
free release. The other back has a check
release.
Two-back
Y
Slide or zone away
from strength call
H
Free release (usually HOT)
Y
Q
Q
F
Check release with eyes
F
Check release with eyes
Slide or zone away
from strength call
H
Free release (usually HOT)
Other protections
“Gone” gets both backs out of
the backfield using a five-man
protection scheme. You need to
build in HOT routes to one side
of the formation, while blocking
three to the other side.
“Gone” is just “Queen”
Protection for the linemen
Gone (Right)
Gone (Left)
No-back
Gone tells the line to slide or zone away from
the strength side, and that there won’t be any
backs or receivers tied into the protection
scheme. The quarterback must now throw HOT
off the 3rd defender.
No-back
Built-in HOT route to
strength of formation
Slide or zone away
from strength call
Q
Built-in HOT route to
strength of formation
Q
Slide or zone away
from strength call
S p lit R ig h t
J a c k P ro t e c t io n
W
E
2
1 32
N
M
S
1
1
3
1
2
T
31
2
3
X
E
2
Y
Z
Q
H
F
S p lit L e ft
Q u e e n P ro t e c t io n
E
2
S
M
1
1
3
2
T
1 3
3
W
N
21
2
3 1
E
2
X
Y
Z
Q
F
H
Pass Protection
Line Call Examples






Roc (Lou)
Rip (Liz)
Ram (Lion)
Rifle (Laser)
Recon (Loco)
Base
Roc Call
Line has a 3 on 3
scheme – the back
double-reads and
then goes
W
E
M
S
T
T
E
B
Rip Call
Line has a 3 on 4
scheme – the back
checks one man and
then goes
W
E
M
T
S
T
B
E
Ram Call
Line has a 4 on 4
scheme – the back
double-reads and
then goes
W
M
E
S
E
T
T
B
Rifle Call
Line has a 4 on 5
scheme – the back
checks one man and
then goes
W
E
M
S
T
T
B
E
Recon Call
W
M
Line has a 5 on 6
scheme – the back
takes what’s left off
the edge
E
S
E
T
T
B
Base Call
Line has a 1 on 1
scheme – the backs
also have a 1 on 1
scheme
W
M
E
T
B
S
T
E
B
Pass Play Examples



SPLIT RIGHT 414 F- V QUEEN
FLANK RIGHT 17 – F CHOICE JACK
HULA RIGHT DRIFT – 6 F SMASH GONE
1
1
6-steps
2
Outlet
4 yards
X
Y
Q
2
H
F
5-Hitch
SPLIT RIGHT 414 F "V" QUEEN
6-steps
Z
3 yards
1
1
11 yards
11 yards
5 yards
3 yards
2
2
3 yards
F
Y
X
Z
Q
7-quick, hitch
H
FLANK RIGHT 17 F CHOICE (UP) JACK
1
1
15 yards
2
15 yards
Outlet
6 yards
2
6 yards
H
Y
X
F
Q
5-quick, hitch
HULA RIGHT DRIFT – 6 F SMASH GONE
Z
Incorporating Two Separate
Sets of Progressions

Similar to having two separate pass plays in
one play-call
– The QB comes to the line and decides which two
- three progression read to go with

Examples:
– Split Right 414 Swing / “V” Queen
– Gun Far Right Trick 680 Corner / Cut Gone
– NOTE: HOT routes are built into each pattern

Designated by R
Darkened Circle
1
1
2
Outlet
X
Y
Q
2
H
F
5-hitch
SPLIT RIGHT 414 F - "V" QUEEN
Z
Alert
1
1
2
2
X
Y
H
F
Q
5-hitch
GUN FAR RIGHT TRICK 680 CORNER / CUT GONE
Z
The Formation System

When counting both right and left
formations, we have over 100
distinct formations that we can run
plays from.
– But because we are telling each player
(X, Y, Z, H, and F) specifically what to
do, we can move players to any of 5
different positions, giving us the
illusion of over 500 different
formations.


This gives us the ability to take
advantage of specific match-ups.
EXAMPLE:
– We can move our X receiver to the F position,
and have one of our best receivers coming
out of the backfield matched up with a
linebacker.
– We can move our F back to the X position,
giving us a good blocker on the perimeter
matched up against a cornerback.
Scripting Our Formations
We will script the first 15-plays with
15 different formations / (motions)
 We can tell what formations they
have not had time to prepared for,
and then attack them with those
formations
 Because of our stable terminology,
we can run the same play out of a
multitude of different formations
giving us a distinct advantage over
our opponents

Personnel Groups & Formations
Island (Zero)
MAUI
FIJI
City (10)
DALLAS
HOUSTON
Posse (11)
ACE
STUD
Flank (12)
QUAD
FLANK
Spread (20)
SPREAD
FLEX
Regular (21)
I
SPLIT
Tank (23)
I
SPLIT
BALI
BAJA
DENVER
BOSTON
TREY
TRICK
GROOVE
STACK
NEAR
FAR
NEAR
FAR
STONE
TAMPA
CRUSH
PRESS
DBL. STACK
3-STACK
SMOOSH
TREX
TRUNK
TRIPS
BUNCH
DUAL
DEUCE
STRONG
WEAK
WING
SLOT
TWIN
HUG
HANG
FIB
FOB
(TRADE)
STRONG
WEAK
DANCE
POWER I
The Formation System

Two backs
– Split, I, near/far, strong/weak
X
Y
Z
Q
H
F
SPLIT RIGHT
X
Y
Z
Q
F
SPLIT LEFT
H
X
Y
Z
Q
H
F
SPLIT RIGHT
X
Y
Z
Q
H
F
WING RIGHT
NOTE: If you don’t hear a backfield call when you normally would, line up in
“Split backs”
X
Y
Z
Q
F
H
I RIGHT
X
Y
Z
Q
F
H
I LEFT
X
Y
Z
Q
F
H
NEAR RIGHT
X
Y
Q
F
H
FAR RIGHT
Z
X
Y
Z
Q
H
F
STRONG RIGHT
X
Y
Q
H
WEAK RIGHT
F
Z
The Formation System

Tight-end “flex” type formations
– Flex and Spread
X
Y
Z
Q
H
F
FLEX RIGHT
X
Z
Y
Q
H
SPREAD RIGHT
F
The Formation System

T – Formations (One-back)
– Trey, Trex, Trick, Trunk
X
Y
H
Q
Z
F
TREY RIGHT
X
Y
Q
F
TREX RIGHT
(Y is Flexed)
H
Z
X
Y
H
Q
Z
F
TRICK RIGHT
X
Y
Q
F
TRUNK RIGHT
H
Z
The Formation System

Bunch Type Formations
– Crush, Press
X
Y
Q
H
Z
F
CRUSH RIGHT
X
Y
Q
F
PRESS RIGHT
4-yards
H
Z
The Formation System

Stack Type Formations
– Stack, Double Stack, 3 – Stack
X
Y
Z
Q
STACK RIGHT
H
F
X
H
DOUBLE-STACK RIGHT
Y
Q
Z
F
X
Y
Q
Z
H
3 – STACK RIGHT
F
The Formation System

Moving backs within the formation
X
Y
H
Q
Z
F
FAR RIGHT TREY
X
Y
H
Q
F
NEAR RIGHT TREY
Z
X
Y
F
Q
Z
H
WEAK RIGHT TREY
X
Y
F
Q
H
STRONG RIGHT TREY
Z
The Formation System

Two backs
– Split, I, near/far, strong/weak

Single backs
– Regular, ace, near/far, strong/weak

Special formations
– Close, flex, open (trick) and under
Shifting

Shifting is a tactic used to either confuse
the opposition, or force them to run a
“base” defense, by showing a particular
offensive set, and then radically changing
that set before the snap of the ball.
Shifting (Cont.) 2

We will call a predetermined shift by
calling the formation that we want to shift
from first, followed by the formation we
will be shifting to, second. An example
would be “Tank, Trey Right”. In this case,
the term “Tank” would tell the players to
line up in a “Tank Left” formation, and
then shift to a “Trey Right” formation
when the QB yells “Go”.
Tank, Trey Right
Y
X
Z
QB
H
F
X
QB
F
Y
H
Z
Shifting (Cont.) 3

Another example would be in the
play-call “Dance – Maui Right”. In
this case, the eligible receivers will
line up in a “Dance Left” formation,
and then sprint to a “Maui Right”
formation when the QB yells “Go”.
Dance, Maui Right
Y
Z
QB
X
H
F
X
H
QB
F
Y
Z
Motions
Position
X
EXIT
Z
ZOOM
Y
JET
F
FLY
H
HUM
Go into formation
ENTER
ZIP
JAM
FLEW
HIP
Start 1-way, then
come back
EASY
ZIG
JEL
FLIP
HACK
Start in backfield
and go out
ESCAPE
ZAP
JAZZ
FLOAT
HOP
Go across
formation
How to Call Motions
Every eligible receiver has a specific
“tag”call.
 The “tag” occurs at the beginning of
the play call to alert the specific
player.
 We motion to the called formation.

Z Receiver Motion
ZOOM: “Z” goes in motion across
the formation.
 ZIP: “Z” goes in short motion into
the formation.

X
Y
Z
Q
F
H
Zoom, Far Right
X
Y
Z
Q
H
Zip, Split Right
F
X Receiver Motion
EXIT: “X” goes in motion across the
formation.
 ENTER: “X” goes in short motion
into the formation.

Z
Y
H
X
Q
F
Exit, Bunch Right
Z
X
Y
H
Q
F
Enter, Bunch Right
(Y) Tight-end Motion
JET: “Y” goes in motion across the
formation.
 JAM: “Y” goes in short motion into
the formation.

Z
X
Y
Q
F
H
Jet, Near Right
X
Z
Y
Q
F
H
Jam, Near Right
H Back Motion
HUM: “H” goes in motion across the
formation.
 HIP: “H” goes in short motion into
the formation.

X
Y
Z
Q
H
F
Hop, Crush Right
F
Y
X
H
Q
Hip, Flank Right
Z
F Back Motion
FLY: “F” goes in motion across the
formation.
 FLEW: “F” goes in short motion into
the formation.

X
Y
Z
Q
F
H
Fly, Near Right
X
Y
Z
F
Q
H
Flew, Far Right
How the Play Is Called




Shift (possible)
Motion (possible)
Formation
Play-call
– Blocking (master call in run game)
– Pass pattern (in passing game)
– Protection (in passing game)

Snap count
– Red (on one), white (on two), blue (on three)
What the Call Would Sound
Like If It Were a Run Play

Fly – near right – 24 slam – on white, on white
– ready break.
– “Fly” would be the motion.
– “Near right” would be the formation we want to end
up in.
– “24 slam” tells the HB (2) to go through the 4 hole
and the blocking scheme is slam.
– Vs a 50 front, the probable line call would be “Den”.
– “On white” tells everyone the snap count is on two.

If a player forgot the snap count at the line of scrimmage,
he would say “check – check” and he would be told
“white”.
X
Y
QB
F
H
FLY NEAR RIGHT 24 SLAM
Z
What the Call Would Sound
Like If It Were a Pass Play

Zoom – split left – 414 swing / v - queen,
on blue, on blue – ready break.
– Zoom tells the Z receiver to go in motion
across the formation.
– Split left means we want to end up in a split
left formation.
– 414 tells the single receiver (X) to run a curl
route, the inside receiver on the two-receiver
side (Y) to run a flat route, and the outside
receiver on the two-receiver side to run a curl
route.
What the Call Would Sound
Like If It Were a Pass Play
– F - V” tells the F back to run a “V” route.
– Because the H did not hear a route called for
him, he will automatically run a Swing route.
– Queen tells the line to zone the quick-side
and man the strong-side. This will release
the back on the quick-side into the pattern
right away. The remaining back on the strong
side will check release into the pattern.
– “On blue” tells everyone the snap count is on
three.

If we wanted to audible to a different play, blue is
the live color since we called the count on blue.
1
1
6-steps
4 yards
Outlet
X
Y
Z
Q
2
H
F
5-Hitch
ZOOM SPLIT RIGHT 414 F - "V" QUEEN
6-steps
2
3 yards
Practice / Installation
Philosophy

Teach incrementally rather than solely using a
holistic approach.
– Teach each player individual mechanics and
techniques.
 QB – Drops, WR – Routes, RB – Paths and Routes,
Line – Run block / Pass protections.


Once each player knows exactly what to do, bring
groups together – then the entire offense
together.
This saves a great deal of time down the road and
leads to better execution of the offense.
– Start with 40 minutes of individual teaching time, which
can be reduced to 15 minutes as the season
progresses.
Practice / Installation
Philosophy
 This is the foundation of this offense.

Once each player knows exactly where to be and
what to do based on what he is told in the playcall, the play will be executed as it was intended
every time.
– Using only the holistic approach (just running plays
and coaching “on the run”) will lead to individual
player breakdowns, and the offense will never be
precise.
 For example, a receiver will run the same route at
different depths, or the QB will take different drops
for the same pass.
 This will cut down drastically on the productivity of
the offense.
The Call-sheet (Side One)

No huddle
offense
– Kill the clock
– Last three plays




Base plays
– Run game
– Quick passes
– Base passes

Play action
Screens and
Draws
Four minute
offense
Check list for
Time-outs
The Call-sheet (Side Two)


Openers
Situation offense
– Open field
situations
– Long yardage




Backed up plays
Rhythm plays
– Just for the
quarterback


Situation offense

Special coverage
section
Protections
Red zone offense
– Red zone field
position
– Two point plays
– Two-point chart
Personnel groups
How the Call-sheet Works

How the call sheet works
– The importance of the hash marks
– Area for motions
– Play-calls
– Formations
– Protections
A Working Version
of the Call Sheet
Example #1
A Working Version
of the Call Sheet
Example #2
No Huddle Wrist
Band
The Multiple
West Coast Offense
www.TopGunQBacademy.
com