Strong Football’s
Running Back
MANUAL
2009
FORMATIONS
Right
LT
X
LG
Left
RG
RT
Y
Y
QB
Heels @
3 Yds
Heels @
6-7 yds
(I'll tell you if
you can go 7)
J
S
LT
LG
RG
RT
X
Z
QB
Z
J
S
King Right
LT
X
LG
King Left
RG
RT
Y
Y
QB
LT
LG
RG
RT
X
Z
QB
Z
J
J
S
S
Queen Right
X
LT
LG
RG
Queen Left
RT
Y
Y
QB
LT
LG
RG
RT
X
Z
QB
Z
J
J
S
S
Deuce Right
LT
X
LG
RG
Deuce Left
RT
Y
Y
J
QB
Z
Z
LT
LG
RG
QB
S
S
RT
X
J
FORMATIONS
Trey Left
Trey Right
LT
X
LG
RG
RT
Y
Y
QB
J
LT
LG
RG
RT
X
Z
Z
QB
J
S
S
(Alignment for Drive)
Spread Gun
LT
X
LG
RG
Spread Gun
(Alignment for Stretch)
Z
RT
J
LT
X
Y
LG
RG
Z
RT
J
Y
QB
*S Back Aligns to
side that best suits
play (usually
opposite for running
plays)
S
1 yd behind QB,
directly behind
crack of guard
S
Trips Right
X
LT
*S Back Aligns to
side that best suits
play (usually
opposite for running
plays)
Trio Left
LG
RG
RT
Y
Y
Z
QB
Equal Distance w/QB
(about 5 yards),
directly behind
crack of guard
LT
LG
RG
X
RT
QB
J
QB
Z
J
S
S
Right Strong
X
LT
LG
RG
Left Twins
RT
Y
Y
QB
LT
LG
RG
RT
X
Z
QB
J
J
S
S
These are NOT all the formations, just critical ones to our adjustments
Z
MOTIONS
Right J Jump
LT
X
LG
RG
Left J 10
RT
Y
Y
QB
LT
LG
RG
RT
X
Z
QB
Z
J
J
S
S
King Right Gun J Motion
LT
X
LG
RG
RT
Queen Left J Motion
Y
Z
J
Y
QB
S
LT
LG
RG
RT
X
QB
Z
J
S
* Can also be called J-Adjust
* Can also be called J-Adjust
Queen Right J 7
X
LT
LG
RG
Deuce Right J 2
RT
Y
Y
QB
LT
LG
RG
RT
Z
X
J
QB
Z
J
S
S
Deuce Right Gun Z Go/Give
LT
X
LG
RG
RT
Deuce Left Z Seal
Y
Y
J
Z
Z
LT
LG
RG
QB
QB
S
S
RT
X
J
Run Blocking
Run blocking is a difficult concept for most backs, but to be truly effective and help your
teammates and yourself, run blocking is critical. EVERYONE will likely do it on some occasion,
be it set up initially by the play call or as a downfield touchdown block. Understanding the
basic blocks we will install will help you in your efforts.
I.
Lead Blocking
a. Plays:
i. 32/33 Lead (J-Back on Linebacker)
ii. 32/33 Drive BOB (J-Back on Linebacker)
b. Launch:
i. Step w/foot closest to the called hole
ii. First step is 6 inches
iii. Explode low & in control
1. Bend at the knees, not the hips
2. DO NOT STAND UP
c. Approach:
i. “Freeze” Tech on PS Inside Linebacker(isolate and make eye contact)
1. Square him Up, Run him Down
2. Keep elbows tight to body, if seen from the back there is too much
width
d. Contact and Explosion:
i. Drive into the center of the body
1. Head Up on contact
2. Stay in an athletic position
a. Feet shoulder width apart
b. Short Choppy Steps
c. Hands on the chest pads,
i. elbows inside, thumbs up
3. Run through him, not to him
a. Imagine a freight train hitting a compact car – you’re the
freight train, their the car
e. Finish
i. Maintain your presence
1. Don’t allow separation
2. If you knock him back with a big hit, keep running the feet and get
your hands on him, knock him to the ground
II.
Stretch Blocking
a. Plays:
i. 38/39 Stretch
b. Launch:
i. Step w/foot closest to the called hole
ii. First step is 6 inches – find aiming point and aim toe at it
iii. Explode low & in control
1. Bend at the knees, not the hips
2. DO NOT STAND UP
iv. Aiming point is 1 yard behind, and 3 yards outside the Tight End (Y) OR the
imaginary Y
v. BE PREPARED TO HELP OUR EMOLOS (end man on the line of scrimmage)
and give just a hand if he needs it to push the defender inside
c. Approach:
i. “Freeze” Tech on Linebackers (isolate and make eye contact)
1. Square him Up, Run him Down if possible
2. Keep elbows tight to body, if seen from the back there is too much
width
3. If he scrapes outside, aim to kick him out, aiming to hit his inside
number
4. If he stays tight to the EMOLOS, turn and wheel, aiming to hit his
outside number and pin him inside
d. Contact and Explosion:
i. Drive into the center of the body if possible, if not take him where he
wants to go
1. Head Up on contact
2. Stay in an athletic position
a. Feet shoulder width apart
b. Short Choppy Steps
c. Hands on the chest pads,
i. elbows inside, thumbs up
3. Run through him, not to him
a. Imagine a freight train hitting a compact car – you’re the
freight train, their the car
4. This block does not need to be devastating, the S back will cut off
your block
III.
IV.
e. Finish
i. Maintain your presence
1. Don’t allow separation
2. If you knock him back with a big hit, keep running the feet and get
your hands on him, knock him to the ground
Lead Blocking
a. Plays
i. 32/33 Lead
ii. 32/33 Drive BOB
b. As the J-back, you need to insert on the linebacker
c. Use the shoulder pad when blocking here. Our goal is to clear the linebacker out
of the hole
d. Stay low and in control, don’t bend the knees before contact, they should
already be bent
e. SEE the defender as you make contact, don’t close your eyes
f. On contact, hit with the inside shoulder, drive the feet (don’t stop them). Roll
over your knee on the 2nd step and explode the shoulder up into the defender.
You shouldn’t stand, but your block should work on a 45 degree angle up, like it’s
going on a ramp. You should work your eyes to the sky on contact.
Edge Blocking
a. Plays
i. 32/33 Drive
ii. 36/37 Counter
b. Launch:
i. Step w/foot closest to the called hole
ii. First step is 6 inches – Aim at DE
iii. Explode low & in control
1. Bend at the knees, not the hips
2. DO NOT STAND UP
iv. Aiming point the inside shoulder of the defensive end
v. Aim to make contact on his inside shoulder with your outside shoulder
1. 32 Drive, J back hits with his left shoulder
2. 33 Drive, J back hits with his right shoulder
c. Approach:
i. Inside Leverage
1. Fight hard inside
2. Keep elbows tight to body, if seen from the back there is too much
width
3. On Drive, it needs to be a collision, intimidate the end
a. He may be bigger but we have the advantage
i. We know the snap count
ii. We know the play call
iii. We know the direction
iv. We know who we’re going to hit
v. We’ll hit harder and lower
vi. We are faster
b. He’s at a disadvantage
i. He has to read the linemen and react
ii. He has to find you and then read and react to you
iii. He is slow and big, and will probably stand up
d. Contact and Explosion:
i. Make contact with outside shoulder on the defender’s outside shoulder
1. Head Up on contact
2. Stay in an athletic position
a. Feet shoulder width apart
b. Short Choppy Steps
c. Get a hand on the center of his body, but don’t hold
i. elbows inside, thumbs up
3. Run through him, not to him
a. Imagine a freight train hitting a compact car – you’re the
freight train, their the car
4. This block in counter doesn’t have to be devastating
a. We can’t risk knocking the tackle off course because we
are reckless
b. We can’t have a DL follow and knock him off course
c. HOWEVER, our Launch/Approach needs to sell action to
your direction
5. IF your guy is already being blocked, move onto the next threat
a. DO NOT STAND AND LOOK AROUND
e. Finish
i. Maintain your presence
1. Don’t allow separation
2. If you knock him back with a big hit, shorten the steps to quicken
them and bench press him up and out, role the hips as you
accelerate to pancake him
3.
Pass Blocking
Pass blocking is essential to our success. Often times, defenses will bring one more than
we can protect with our O-Line alone, so we need excellent help and effort from our backs.
Pass blocking is an art, not a science. It takes long to perfect, and many College and NFL players
never master it, even against far weaker opponents. However, size is not an excuse is pass
blocking. Maurice Jones-Drew (5-7, 200lbs) and Edgerrin James (6-0, 215lbs) are renowned for
their ability to protect the passer, and that earned them considerable respect throughout the
league.
V.
90 Protection – This is our 3 step passing game. We want to get the ball out quickly
and protect the QB from the Inside first. Never get beat inside.
a. Plays:
i. ALL 90’s/190’s
1. 90’s = right
2. 190’s = left
b. Protection:
i. Protect the C gap
ii. If no threat in the C-Gap, look to help linemen, who are protecting their
inside gaps
iii. In any split back set (i.e. King or Queen), each back protects the side
closest to their alignment regardless of the play call
1. For instance, in King Rt, the J back goes to the Rt, the S back goes
to the left, with no regard to a 90/190
2. The ONLY time this changes is if one of the backs is tagged with a
route (i.e. S Swing/J Arrow), the non-tagged back goes to the
STRONG SIDE without interfering with the QB’s drop
iv. In any straight back set (i.e. Right or Left) the J-Back goes to the call side,
and the S-Back goes to the weakside
VI.
1. This occurs because the J-Back is closer to the POA, which is the
call side
2. Example: Left 191 would have the J back helping the left side, and
the S back protecting the right side
v. If in Singleback, the S back goes to the CALLSIDE
1. Example: Deuce Right Gun 93 – the S back would go to the right
c. Technique
i. Launch
1. Open step to your assigned C Gap and crossover with second step,
which should be aiming at the outside leg of the tackle
2. Come low and in control
ii. Approach:
1. Square up as much as possible to the Line of scrimmage, don’t turn
your shoulders unless you have to
2. Aim to meet the defender with authority, favoring your inside
a. DO NOT GET BEAT INSIDE – take a path that prevents this
if you’re worried
iii. Contact and Explosion:
1. Keep a flat back
a. Bend at the knees
b. NO FORWARD LEAN – Sit in your chair
2. Make contact with hands, NOT SHOULDER PADS
a. Elbows inside, thumbs inside
b. Keep your INSIDE leg up, outside leg staggered back
slightly
3. If the defender works outside, work to keep him out of the play
and throwing lanes (widen him and run him past the QB if needed
– he should step up if this occurs)
4. If you feel him bull rushing you (hands inside of yours, driving you
backwards) lower your rear end, and slow your feet while getting
them underneath you – knock his hands down and regain the
inside presence on HIS chest
5. DON’T GET BEAT INSIDE
6. DON’T GET BEAT INSIDE
7. DON’T GET BEAT INSIDE
City Protection – Cities are our half roll. We are trying to make the defense over
pursue outside.
a. Plays:
i. ALL Cities (i.e. Chicago, Seattle, ect . . .)
1. Red = Right
2. Black = left
b. Protection:
i. Protect the Perimeter - But check any linebacker past the “B” Gap and
read point (inside) to Hang (outside). 99% of the time, you will be working
to the outside. This applies for both frontside alignment and backside,
which may be used out of I or split back.
ii. If there is no threat, help the tackle seal the edge and work back looking
for rushers
iii. In any split back set (i.e. King or Queen), each back protects the side
closest to their alignment regardless of the play call
1. For instance, in King Rt, the J back goes to the Rt, the S back goes
to the left
2. The ONLY time this changes is if one of the backs is tagged with a
route (i.e. S Swing/J Arrow), the non-tagged back goes to the
STRONG SIDE without interfering with the QB’s drop
iv. In any straight back set (i.e. Right or Left) the J-Back goes to the call side,
and the S-Back goes to the weakside
1. This occurs because the J-Back is closer to the POA, which is the
call side
2. Example: Deuce Rt Chicago Black would have the J back helping
the left side, and the S back protecting the right side
v. If in Singleback, the S back goes to the CALLSIDE
1. Example: Deuce Right Gun Seattle Red – the S back would go to
the right
c. Technique
i. Launch
1. Open step to your assigned gap and crossover with second step,
which should be aiming at the outside leg of the tackle
2. Come low and in control
3. If there is NO immediate threat to your gap, take DRIVE steps as
indicated below. Split flow will get the LB’s thinking run if you are
there key. If there is an immediate threat, or ANY concern about
penetration, sprint to the LOS
ii. Approach:
1. Square up as much as possible to the Line of scrimmage, don’t turn
your shoulders unless you have to
2. Aim to meet the defender with authority, favoring your inside
a. DO NOT GET BEAT INSIDE – take a path that prevents this
if you’re worried
iii. Contact and Explosion:
1. Keep a flat back
a. Bend at the knees
b. NO FORWARD LEAN – Sit in your chair
2. Make contact with hands, NOT SHOULDER PADS
a. Elbows inside, thumbs inside
b. Keep your INSIDE leg up, outside leg staggered back
slightly
3. If the defender works outside, work to keep him out of the play
and throwing lanes (widen him and run him past the QB if needed
– he should step up if this occurs)
4. If you feel him bull rushing you (hands inside of yours, driving you
backwards) lower your rear end, and slow your feet while getting
them underneath you – knock his hands down and regain the
inside presence on HIS chest
5. DON’T GET BEAT INSIDE
6. DON’T GET BEAT INSIDE
7. DON’T GET BEAT INSIDE
VII.
State Protection – States are our full roll-out passing attack that may be combined
with some play action fakes. In either case, we are attacking the perimeter of the
field and the QB has a run/throw option.
a. Plays:
i. ALL States (i.e. Washington, California, ect . . .)
1. Red= Right
2. Black = left
3. Green = Play action to the S Back
b. Protection:
i. Protect the Perimeter - Open flat to gain outside leverage on the
EMOLOS. You must get on top of the outside force defender and force him
inside, without giving up depth. This applies for both backs. Both backs
always go to the callside.
ii. If there is no threat, help the tackle seal the edge and work back looking
for rushers
iii. In any backfield set (i.e. King, Right, or Queen), both backs work the call
side perimeter – working any perimeter defenders inside
1. For instance, in King Rt, the J and S back both go Right
2. The ONLY TWO times this changes is if one of the backs is tagged
with a route (i.e. S Swing/J Arrow), or if we tag it with a running
play – this will be explained later in the year
iv. If in Singleback, the S back goes to the CALLSIDE
1. Example: Deuce Right Gun Washington Red – the S back would go
to the right
c. Technique
i. Launch
1. Open step to your assigned gap and crossover with second step,
which should be aiming at the outside leg of the EMOLOS for the J
Back, and a yard outside of that for the S back. If in singleback, the
S-Back aims for the outside leg of the EMOLOS
2. Come low and in control, but don’t be slow
ii. Approach:
1. Square up as much as possible to the Line of scrimmage, don’t turn
your shoulders unless you have to
2. Aim to meet the defender with authority, forcing him inside
iii. Contact and Explosion:
1. Keep a flat back
a. Bend at the knees
b. NO FORWARD LEAN – Sit in your chair
2. Make contact with hands, NOT SHOULDER PADS
a. Elbows inside, thumbs inside, aiming for his outside
number
3. If the defender works outside, work to keep him out of the play
and throwing lanes (widen him and run him past the QB if needed
– he should step up if this occurs)
4. If you feel him bull rushing you (hands inside of yours, driving you
backwards) lower your rear end, and slow your feet while getting
them underneath you – knock his hands down and regain the
inside presence on HIS chest
Running the Ball
Running the football is a key essential to the success of our offense. Making sure we take
proper steps and have correct aiming points is critical.
I.
32/33 Drive
a. This is our inside zone, our bread and butter
i. Under Center S-Back Rules:
1. Steps:
a. 1st Step: Open step (flat side step, foot aiming at sideline,
not the hole) – we do this to make the linebackers over
pursue
b. 2nd Step: Cross over Drive Step (Crosses infront of the first
leg, toe should be pointing at the outside leg of the guard
which is conveniently the 2/3 hole) – you also need to
explode in this step low and hard
c. Note: You must chase the GUARDS leg as he is moving
d. DO NOT CUTBACK UNTIL YOU ARE AT THE LINE OF
SCRIMAGE!
e. Press the line!
f. Slow to – Fast Through
2. Reads
a. First man past the Guard
i. If the defensive tackle works into A gap, press
forward but do not bounce it, run to your hole
ii. If the defensive tackle works the B gap, cut back at
the line of scrimmage
iii. If you feel the linebackers pursuing hard, look for
cutback, but DO NOT DO IT UNTIL YOU GET TO
THE LINE OF SCRIMAGE – Cutting back early will
give the linebackers time to adjust
ii. Shotgun S-Back Rules:
1. Alignment:
a. You need to align directly behind the crack of the rear end
of the guard
b. You need to be a yard behind the QB’s alignment, which
will likely mean you are 6 yards back
2. Steps:
a. 1st step: Inside Step with foot almost parallel to the line of
scrimmage aiming towards the point of attack (1 yd behind
and 3 yards outside Y or Imaginary Y) – the QB will move
out of your way
b. 2nd Step: Cross over drive step working towards the same
aiming point as under center (outside leg of the guard)
c. QB will read backside end and may pull the ball away, if he
does pull it away, run path and block backside pursuit
3. Reads: This has a tendency to go more north and south then the
under center version of drive.
a. You need to feel backside pressure as you perform your
normal under center read, the backside end cannot arm
tackle you, press to the playside before cutting back
b. If you feel heavy backside pressure towards the playside,
cutback, but at the line of scrimmage
b. DO NOT DANCE IN THE BACKFIELD
c. DO NOT CUTBACK UNTIL AT THE LINE OF SCRIMAGE
II.
38/39 Stretch
a. This is our outside zone
i. Under Center S-Back Rules:
1. Steps:
a. 1st Step: Open step (flat side step, foot aiming at the
sideline, toe aiming at 1 yd behind and 3 yds outside the
tight end (Y)OR imaginary Y)
b. 2nd Step: Cross over Stretch Step (Crosses infront of the
first leg, toe should be pointing at the aiming point 1 yd
behind and 3 yds outside the tight end) – you also need to
explode and sprint
c. DO NOT WAIT FOR THE FOOTBALL – SPRINT! QB HAS TO
GET IT TO YOU! DON’T MOVE FOR HIM! HE’LL GET IT
THERE!
d. Cut up inside the first available alley
i. If you see any defensive color on the outside of the
fullback, cut inside his block unless you can our run
him (aka you can only see the shoulder pad, if you
see numbers work inside the block) If you try to out
run, dip the shoulder and explode outside to setup
the block
ii. Use this same read for any outside blocks past the
fullback … if we’ve reached the player, you should
see no fabric
iii. If you break contain, punch it to the 2nd level to the
hash. use same reads for blocks as mentioned
above
iv. If you break the field numbers, punch it up the field
and use a stiff arm to avoid the sideline. Only
cutback inside at this point if you can see the
outside of the shoulder pad of the tackler, he is
over pursuing. Use a quick juke and get back north
and south asap after cut
e. DO NOT CUTBACK UNTIL YOU ARE AT THE LINE OF
SCRIMAGE!
f. Press the line!
ii. Shotgun S-Back Rules:
1. Alignment:
a. You need to parallel (even) with the QB – which will be
about 5 yds
b. You need to be even with the BS guards rear crack
2. Steps:
a. 1st step: Inside Step with foot parallel to the line of
scrimmage aiming towards the point of attack (1 yd behind
and 3 yards outside Y or Imaginary Y)
b. 2nd Step: Foot crosses over and also goes parallel to the
LOS (line of scrimmage) working towards the same aiming
point
c. QB will read backside end and may pull the ball, if he does
pull it away, block backside pursuit after carrying out fake
3. Reads: Read the EMOLOS and the fullback’s block
III.
20/21 Trap and 30/31
a. This is our J-Back trap
i. The QB will give you a hand off underneath his position, which is different
from our other plays. Make sure you have the proper arm up for the
hand off - aka Elbow the QB’s chin
ii. Steps: J Back (20/21)
1. 1st step: Lead Block Step away from the call
2. 2nd Step: Redirect behind the pulling guard’s kickout block. Have a
general idea when the block will occur by looking at the defense
(or listen for the line’s short or long call). He will kick out the first
man outside the other guard on the playside that is on the line of
scrimmage (likely a linemen, may be a walked up linebacker)
iii. Steps: S Back – (30/31)
1. 1st Step: Take take a quick counter step the opposite direction of
the play
2. 2nd Step: Step playside and come down the line of scrimmage
hard, aiming at the near hip of the playside guard
b. Notes: Back needs to get inside and follow the alley created by the blockers.
Once you hit linebacker depth (4-5 yards past the LOS) then go north and south
IV.
32/33 Lead
a. This is our hard hitting play
i. Follow 32/33 Drive STEPS, except the aiming point is the inside leg of the
tackle
ii. Follow the J-Back and he will lead you to daylight
iii. J-back needs to read hi
V.
36/37 Counter
a. This is our main misdirection play
i. Steps:
1. 1st Step: Long Counter Step: Step with backside foot away from
the play call, toes pointing perpendicular (straight at) the line of
scrimmage
2. 2nd Step: Follows the other counter step. For a moment, you have
simply stepped fully to the side gaining NO depth. Click the heels
3. 3rd step or “movement”: Drive off the original first step, but move
the inside foot first and follow the pulling linemen. Really, your
second step shouldn’t hit the ground. It should click and then
after the click you DRIVE with the first step foot towards the
playside.
4. If we are running 37 Counter, your first step would be with your
right foot, second step with your left foot, then the third
movement would be again with your left foot
5. Slow to quick through
ii. Notes: Eyes should be downhill for the first few steps, not looking at the
point of attack. We need to sell that we are running away
iii. Slow To, Quick Through
iv. ONCE AT LB DEPTH, look for the cutback, drive late, or bounce, but not
before
CONCLUSION
Guys this manual is subject to change. Being at practice will allow you to know these changes
before game week. A number of things can change based upon the opponent and whatever
else. However, these basic rules should hold up well for the majority.
Come into August ready to buckle up the helmet because it is full go from that moment
forward. DO NOT LOSE THIS MANUAL, they are numbered and I know who has which. I
expect to see it throughout the season.
Coach Peterson