F O O T B A L L
2000 Offense:
General Information
Table of
Contents
•Trinity H.S. Offensive Philosophy
•“The Unconquerable Soul”
•Huddle
•Huddle Tempos
•Emergency Calls •“6 Second Rule”
•Basic alignments •Cadence
•At the Line of Scrimmage
•Identifying defenses:
Fronts Coverages
•Formations
•Motion & Shifts
11 Group
23 Group
4 Wide
Other Groups/Calls Term Summary
THE TRINITY OFFENSE
The THS Offense is built on three basic principles:
MOVING THE CHAINS
MULTIPLICITY
•Attack with multiple personnel
groups, formations, and movement.
•Gain leverage, create good
matchups and blocking angles.
•Make full use of all skilled players,
showcase what they do best!
•Control and dictate game tempo by
sustaining first down after first down
with consistent, relentless play.
•Use a complete “toolbox” that allows
us to capitalize on any defensive
weakness and play “downhill” with
high-percentage plays
•Understand each situation and play
smarter than our opponent.
RELENTLESS ATTACK!
•Expect to score each time we take possession of the ball!
•Dictate to the defense, make them uncomfortable!
•Use all parts of the field, sideline to sideline, short and deep. Make use of a complete
arsenal that includes Power, Misdirection, Perimeter runs, Screens, Play Action, and Tricks.
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THE
UNCONQUERABLE
SOUL
- a poem about mental toughness & trinity footballOut of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from Pole to Pole,
I thank My God for the Strength in me,
For my Unconquerable Soul.
In the fell clutch of Circumstance,
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the Bludgeonings of Chance,
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me, unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the Captain of my Soul.
INVICTUS
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The Huddle:
“A brief, efficient business meeting”
•How we conduct and break the huddle sets the tone for how we will play
once the ball is snapped…it must be disciplined, focused, and unified!
•The Center sets the location of the huddle, then calls the business
meeting to order by giving the down and distance situation.
•Sprint to it and out of it! Create TEMPO!
•Once the quarterback enters the huddle, he assumes COMPLETE
control of the business meeting. NO ONE else talks!
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The Huddle:
“A brief, efficient business meeting”
1. Center sets the huddle, calls down and distance .
2. Substitutions sent from sideline, incoming subs call out personnel group or name of person being
subbed for. Replaced player exits ONLY when he sees his replacement approach the huddle!
3. Quarterback enters and takes control of the huddle, saying “eyes up.”
All ten men make eye contact with the Quarterback!
11! 11!
4. Quarterback calls formation, motion, and play .
5. QB does NOT give a cadence; it is
Z Y F H X
Standing, shoulder to shoulder, hands behind back.
understood to be on “SET HIT”
unless he calls “False.”
Hands on thigh pads.
R
R
L
L
C G
6. If anyone is unclear on the play at
T
G
T
all, they ask the QB to repeat
himself by saying “Check “.
Q
“First
7. QB prepares to break the huddle .
“Right Out, Z5, 16 Counter Trey ”
and 10”
8. All eleven players break the huddle
on “ROCKS!” and sprint to the
line of scrimmage .
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“Ready...”
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Huddle Tempo
•We have two types of huddle tempo, and also two kinds of no-huddle
tempo! Each do a particular job in certain situations in a game!
•Our HUDDLE tempos are “Normal Huddle,” and “Four Minute Huddle”
–Normal Huddle: Designed to keep us in normal game rhythm. We generally should
be out of the huddle by :15 on the play clock. Brisk, business-like pace.
–Four Minute Huddle: Designed to protect a lead and run clock. Emphasis on staying
in bounds, protecting the ball, making first downs, no penalties! We will be out of the
huddle on normal time, but the QB will slow the pace of getting set, starting the
cadence with approximately :07 on the play clock!
•Our NO HUDDLE tempos are “On the Line” and “Speed.”
–On the Line: All calls are made on the L.O.S., but we’re not in a hurry. We can take
our time and manipulate defenses with the threat of running a play at any time.
Receivers move in to hear the play, then move out to their positions.
–Speed: Used to speed up the game and conserve time. All calls at the L.O.S., NO
dummy calls, NO motion! We can huddle if the clock is stopped if we choose.
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From the Huddle to the Line:
“The Six Second Rule”
•The most important six seconds of a football play happen BETWEEN the
huddle and the line of scrimmage…how you prepare yourself during this
time will determine the success of the play!
•“The Six Second Rule” is a simple mental routine that each position has
that allows them to do their thinking before the play so that they can be
prepared, confident, and aggressive once the play begins, and be ready
for anything that might happen!
•The actual routine varies by position, but its basic elements are:
–WHAT IS MY JOB (or basic assignment) on this play?
–What, if anything, should I do with my ALIGNMENT to help me do this job?
–What is the DEFENSE’s basic alignment?
–Based on the defense I see, what will my FIRST 2-3 STEPS off the ball be?
–What ADJUSTMENTS might I have to make, based on the defense, to get my job done?
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Basic Alignments
##
##
2’ 2’
2’ 2’
X
Z
4 Y
H 4
6 F
“BASE” ALIGNMENTS & SPLITS
•Offensive Line: 2 foot splits!
•X: “Wide Receiver” position on the left, ON the ball, on the numbers
•Z: “Wide Receiver” position on the right, ON the ball, on the numbers
•H: Inside “Receiver” position on left, 4 yards outside T, OFF the ball
•Y: Inside “Receiver” position on right, 4 yards outside T, OFF the ball
•F: “Fullback” position, straight behind QB, 6 yards deep
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The Cadence: Basic Information
•The cadence is a critical way for us to gain an edge! The team that gets off the
ball usually wins each play!
•Basic formula: Number/Number, Number/Number, “Set,” “Hit!”
–Example: “1-22, 4-66…1-22, 4-66…Set, HIT!”
–QB must call each set of numbers clearly to both sides!
–There will be a slight pause between ‘Set’ and ‘Hit’…offensive linemen and backs
must anticipate “HIT” right after set, and get off the ball on the H sound in “Hit!”
–Receivers always move only when they see the ball move!
•We can change or check to plays using a live number in the first digit
–In the above example (“1-22, 4-66”), if “1” were our live digit that week, the play
would be changed to “22”…if “4” were our live digit, the play would be changed to
“66.” If neither were live, then we have made a “dummy” call and the play is
unchanged.
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The Cadence: Types
•Basic cadence:
*Unless we use a “False” cadence (see below), our plays will always be run on “Set Hit!” The
quarterback may use the number call prior to the “Set Hit” either as a dummy call or to change
the play, or he may go without the numbers and simply go on “Set Hit.” These two possibilities
would sound like this:
–Without number calls:
–With number calls (live or “dummy”)
“Set, Hit”
“2-17, 4-64 - 2-17, 4-64 - Set, Hit”
•“False” cadence:
–No play called in the huddle - just the formation and “False”
–We DO intend to run a play, but only after trying to draw the defense offside first!
–QB goes through normal cadence sequence with two “Hit” calls, then starts the cadence over
–QB will then go through a normal cadence sequence, using a live number to call the play.
–Ball is snapped on the first “HIT” of the second cadence!
–Example (Assume “3” is the live number of the week)
“1-65, 4-40 - 1-65, 4-40, Set HIT! HIT!…
“6-21, 3-74 - 6-21, 3-74, Set HIT!”
**Ball is snapped, “74” is run!
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At the Line of Scrimmage
J
C
C
R
E
W
T
S
SS
T E
X
Z
H
Y
F
1a. Offensive Linemen get in their stance and ready to get off the ball immediately!
1b. Quarterback gets to the line quickly, gets hands under center to force the defense to lock into final position
2a. Center calls basic front structure (Even, Odd, Split, Bear); Guards call techniques over them
2b. Receivers make coverage calls
3. Linemen make calls specific to the play being run
4. Quarterback begins cadence
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Gap Identification
Most all defenses base their schemes around the idea that they will defend “gaps,” or potential
holes between offensive linemen. Those “gaps” are labeled using letters, beginning with “A” and
working out in the following fashion:
E
D
D
C
B
“A” GAP “B” GAP “C” GAP “D” GAP “E” GAP - C l I c k
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A
A
E
B C
Between Center and Guard
Between Guard and Tackle
Between Tackle and Tight End
Between Tight End and Wing
Outside the Wing
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Defensive Front “Techniques”
When identifying the location of players in the defensive front, we describe them in terms of the
“technique” they’re playing. Understanding these different locations, or “techniques” is critical to
us for a number of reasons:
*It provides a very strong clue as to what gap a man is responsible for, as well as the defenders around him
*It determines for linemen, in many cases, what their first two steps will be and how they’ll go about doing their job
*Often, it determines which way we’ll “check” a play to insure the best chances of success!
“6” “4” “2” “0” “2” “4” “6”
*Special note: Defenders aligned in a
linebacker position have a “0” added as
a second digit to their technique. For
example, a linebacker aligned 4-5 yds
deep over a guard would be called a
“20” technique, or a “Deep 2”
“8”
“8”
“7” “4i” “1”
“1” “4i” “7”
“9” “5” “3” “Shade“3”
”
“5” “9”
“0” Technique Head up on the Center
“0 Cheat” or “Shade” - Aligned on one of C’s shoulders
“1” Technique Inside shoulder of Guard
“2” Technique Head up on a Guard
“3” Technique Outside shoulder of a Guard
“4i” Technique Inside shoulder of Tackle
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“4” Technique
“5” Technique
“7” Technique
“6” Technique
“9” Technique
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Head up on a Tackle
Outside shoulder of tackle
Inside shoulder of Tight End
Head up on a Tight End
Outside shoulder of a Tight End
Head up on a Wing player
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Defensive “Cores”
The next step in identifying defenses is to classify the front structure in terms of its “core.” The
“core” refers to the how defenders are aligned within the “A” and “B” gaps. There are only four
basic cores, as identified by the Center at the line of scrimmage, and they provide a great deal of
information as to how the rest of the defense is being played around it and how we want to block!
The cores are named and identified as follows:
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
-Center has a down lineman
on him (0 or Shade)
-Either one or both of the
guards does NOT have a
down lineman on him.
-Center has a down lineman
on him (0 or Shade)
-Both Guards also have a
down lineman over them
(usually 2 or 3 tech).
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Core is “Odd”
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V
V
V
V
V
V
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-Center has no down
lineman on him, but both
guards do*.
-There is only ONE player
aligned at LB depth from B
gap to B gap.
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-Center has no down
lineman on him, but both
guards do*.
-There are TWO players
aligned at LB depth from B
gap to B gap.
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Core is “Bear”
Core is “Even”
Core is “Split”
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“Default” or “Base” Formation
and Personnel Group
X
Z
H
Y
F
•Our basic personnel grouping is “4”, meaning 4 wide receivers.
•They line up as follows unless a word tells one of them otherwise!
•X: “Wide Receiver” position on the left, ON the ball
•Z: “Wide Receiver” position on the right, ON the ball
•H: Inside “Receiver” position on left, OFF the ball
•Y: Inside “Receiver” position on right, OFF the ball
•F: “Fullback” position
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“TRIPS” Call
X
Z
H
Y
H
F
Moves H or Y—whichever is away from the call—over to the middle
position on the side opposite their normal alignment
•Example 1: “TRIPS RIGHT” moves H to the middle position on the right
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“TRIPS” Call
X
Z
Y
H
Y
F
Moves H or Y—whichever is away from the call—over to the middle
position on the side opposite their normal alignment
•Example 1: “TRIPS RIGHT” moves H to the middle position on the right
•Example 2: “TRIPS LEFT” moves Y to middle position on left
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“BUNCH” Call
X
H
Y
Z
F
Same as Trips, except the man coming over (H or Y) is ON the ball,
and the outside receiver steps OFF…all three receivers “Bunch”
within 1-2 yards of each other, with the widest man being 4-5 yards
outside the tackle.
•Example 1: “BUNCH RIGHT” H on the ball in the middle on the right, Z off, all
receivers “bunch.”
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“BUNCH” Call
Y
X
Z
H
F
Same as Trips, except the man coming over (H or Y) is ON the ball,
and the outside receiver steps OFF…all three receivers “Bunch”
within 1-2 yards of each other, with the widest man being 4-5 yards
outside the tackle.
•Example 1: “BUNCH RIGHT” H on the ball in the middle on the right, Z off, all
receivers “bunch.”
•Example 2: “BUNCH LEFT” Y on the ball in the middle on the left, X off, all
receivers “bunch.”
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“Default” or “Base” Formation
X
Z
H
Y
F
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“RON” and “LOU” Calls
X
H
Y
Z
Y
Z
F
Moves H or Y—whichever is to from the call—to a position on the
ball, and their partner to the outside (X or Z) off the ball
•Example 1: “RON”--Y aligns ON the ball, Z aligns OFF.
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“RON” and “LOU” Calls
X
H
X
H
Z
Y
F
Moves H or Y—whichever is to from the call—to a position on the
ball, and their partner to the outside (X or Z) off the ball
•Example 1: “RON”--Y aligns ON the ball, Z aligns OFF.
•Example 2: “LOU”--H aligns ON the ball, X aligns OFF.
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“NEAR” Call
X
X
H
H 3
Y
Z
3 Y
Z
F
Moves X the inside receiver position, 3 yards off the tackle but still on
the ball, and H to the outside position, split to the numbers, off the ball!
Moves Y up on the ball, and Z off, while staying in the same relative
positions.
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Moving the Fullback
X
Z
Y
SLIP
STUD SCAT
SLOT
SOFT
F
STRONG
F
•We can also add words that move “F” from his base position
•To move him to an inside WR spot on the right, we say “SCAT”
•To move him down to a wing, 1 yard by 1 yard off the Right Tackle, we say “STUD”
•To move him over to a wing, 1 yard by 1 yard off the Left Tackle, we say “SLOT”
•To move him to an inside WR spot on the left, we say “SLIP”
•To offset him behind the tackle on the left, we say “SOFT.”
•To offset him behind the tackle on the right, we say “STRONG.”
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Tight End Groups / Sets / Calls
X
Y
Z
F
•To substitute a TIGHT END in at the “Y” position, we will call for
“11” personnel group (1 TE, 1 back) prior to the play being signaled
•As a basic rule, this substituted Y will align as a Tight End, ON the
ball, on the RIGHT side
•Z aligns in his normal spot, except off the ball
•F & X are unaffected, unless another word is added to move them
•We call this basic alignment “RIGHT”
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Tight End Groups / Sets / Calls
X
Y Y
Z
F
•To keep everyone in the same place as “RIGHT,” but flex the Y out into a
“Nasty” split position of 8 to 9 feet, we call “ROCK” instead of “RIGHT.”
“ROCK” alignment shown…
Exact same as “Right” for everyone except Y!
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Tight End Groups / Sets / Calls
X
Y
Z
OUTSIDE
OUT
SLOT
UNDER
H
WING
F
WIDE
WIDER
OVER
•We then add a word to tell H where to align:
•If we don’t say anything after “RIGHT,” he lines up right behind the QB, 4 ½ yards deep
•To set him 1 yard by 1 yard off the Left Tackle, we say “SLOT”
•To set him halfway between the left tackle & X, we say “OUT”
•To set him outside of X, we say “OUTSIDE”
•To set him 1 yard by 1 yard off Y, we say “WING”
•To set him halfway between Y and Z, we say “WIDE”
•To set him outside Z, we say “WIDER”
•To put him in the backfield, offset left, 4 ½ yards deep, we call “UNDER”
•To put him in the backfield, offset right, 4 ½ yards deep, we call “OVER”
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Tight End Groups / Sets / Calls
X
Y
Z
FLOP
FLIP
ZIP
CLOSE
F
Z
•We can also add words to move Z...
•To move him down to a spot 1 yard by 1 yard off Y, we say “CLOSE”
•To move him over to a spot 1 yard by 1 yard off the Left Tackle, we say “ZIP”
•To move him over to a spot halfway between the left tackle & X, we say “FLIP”
•To move him all the way over to a spot outside of X, we say “FLOP”
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Tight End Groups / Sets / Calls
X
Y
TIGHT
BIG
F
•…or X
X
•To put him in a tight end position on the left, in a three-point stance, we say “TIGHT”
•To move him over to the right, ON the line as a Split End “BIG”
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2 Back - 3 Wide Group / Sets / Calls
X
Z
H
Y
•To substitute a RUNNING BACK in at the “H” position, while leaving
a RECEIVER at the “Y” position, we will call for “23” personnel
group (2 back, 3 WR) prior to the play being signaled
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2 Back - 3 Wide Group / Sets / Calls
X
X
X is off the ball
in “Lex”
LEX
REX
Y
Y
Y
Y
Z
LARRY
RAY
Z is off the ball
in “Rex”
Z
•In this grouping, Y is moved with a series of “R” and “L” words:
•To set him in the inside position on the Right, off the ball, we call “RAY”
•To set him in the inside position on the Left, off the ball, we call “LARRY”
•To set him in the inside position on the Right, on the ball, with Z off, we call “REX”
•To set him in the inside position on the Left, on the ball, with X off, we call “LEX”
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2 Back - 3 Wide Group / Sets / Calls
X
Z
Y
H
F
H
F
“Split:”
“Weak:”
F on Y’s side, H away
H on Y’s side, F away
•The two backs (H & F) are then arranged as follows:
•By default (if we don’t give them a word), they align in a “SPLIT” set, with
•F in a “halfback” position to the call (same side as Y) and
•H in a “halfback” position away from the call (opposite Y)
*Halfback position means 4 1/2 to 5 yards deep over the tackle’s inside leg!
•To exchange them and put H on Y’s side with F away, we call “WEAK”
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2 Back - 3 Wide Group / Sets / Calls
Additional calls can move H and F as follows:
*Note: Unlike “Split” & “Weak”, these calls are not relative to Y. They are the same regardless of where Y aligns!
“BLUE” call
H
“UNDER” call
“BROWN” call
F
F
H
“OVER” call
H
H
F
F
•H lines up in Left halfback
position, 4 1/2 yards deep
over the inside leg of the T.
•F lines up directly behind
Center, 4 1/2 yards deep
•Both backs: 2 pt stances!
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•H lines up in Right halfback
position, 4 1/2 yards deep
over the inside leg of the T.
•F lines up directly behind
Center, 4 1/2 yards deep
•Both backs: 2 pt stances!
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•H lines up in left halfback
position, 4 1/2 yards deep
over the inside leg of the T,
uses a 3 point stance.
•F lines up in his norml spot,
6 to 6 1/2 yards deep
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•H lines up in right halfback
position, 4 1/2 yards deep
over the inside leg of the T,
uses a 3 point stance.
•F lines up in his norml spot,
6 to 6 1/2 yards deep
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OTHER CALLS
Example 1: Basic formation with “SQUEEZE” call
·X & H, Y & Z “Squeeze” together. Inside most receivers (H & Y in this case) align at 3-5
yards off the tackle/TE, and X & Z align one yard outside of them.
X
Z
H
Y
“SQUEEZE” CALL
•Tells anyone in a Wide Receiver position
to reduce their split to within 1 yard of
each other starting at 3-5 yards outside
the tackle.
OTHER CALLS
Example 2: Trips Left “SQUEEZE”
·H & Z are the inside most receivers on their side, and align 3-5 yards off the T/TE. X
& Y squeeze their alignment down to within 1 yard of the next guy inside them.
X
Y
Y
H
“SQUEEZE” CALL
•Tells anyone in a Wide Receiver position
to reduce their split to within 1 yard of
each other starting at 3-5 yards outside
the tackle.
OTHER CALLS
Example 3: Right Wing Soft Flop “SQUEEZE”
·X is the inside most receiver, sets 3 yds off tackle. Z squeezes down 1 yard off him.
X
Y
Z
H
“SQUEEZE” CALL
•Tells anyone in a Wide Receiver position
to reduce their split to within 1 yard of
each other starting at 3-5 yards outside
the tackle.
OTHER CALLS
Example 4: Right Wider “SQUEEZE”
·Z is the inside most SPLIT receiver, sets 3-5 yards off tackle. H squeezes down a
yard outside him.
X
Y
Z
“SQUEEZE” CALL
•Tells anyone in a Wide Receiver position
to reduce their split to within 1 yard of
each other starting at 3-5 yards outside
the tackle.
H
MOTION:
Moving Players to Spots on the Field
9
7
5
4
6
COMMUNICATING MOTION
The way we do this is to simply say WHO we want to go in motion
(H, Y, F, X, or Z)
and WHERE on the field we want him to end up.
The “spots” on the field we can send motion men are numbered IN
CONJUNCTION WITH OUR HOLE NUMBERS as follows:
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8
MOTION:
Moving Players to Spots on the Field
H
4
COMMUNICATING MOTION
For example, if the phrase “H4” is added on to the end of a formation, we are
literally saying,
“H, line up as the formation calls, then go in motion to the 4 spot.”
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MOTION:
Moving Players to Spots on the Field
Y
9
COMMUNICATING MOTION
Or, if the phrase “Y9” is added on to the end of a formation, we are literally saying,
“Y, line up as the formation calls, then go in motion to the 9 spot.”
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MOTION:
Moving Players to Spots on the Field
Y
COMMUNICATING MOTION
*Technique note: On most motion, the motion man should use a “shuffle” technique
as he completes his course. In other words, as he gets to the final 2-3 steps prior to
reaching his “spot,” he squares his shoulders to the line of scrimmage and shuffles,
allowing him to attack defenders more effectively and maintain the timing of plays.
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F O O T B A L L
PRIDE. DISCIPLINE.
ACHIEVEMENT. LOYALTY.
F O O T B A L L
2000 Offense:
Running Game
Table of
Contents
•Run Game “Families”
•Assignment Summary
•12-13 Draw
•16-17 Trey
•18-19 Option
•2 Back Blast/Lead Series: 21-22 23-24 25-26
•28-29 Jet
•42-43 Zone
•44-45 Stretch
•46-47 Counter •48-49 Toss
•Perimeter Blocking Calls
WR Calls 1 WR Calls 2 H-B/OL Adjustments
RUNNING GAME “FAMILIES”
•The easiest way to learn the running game is to understand that all of our runs basically
fall into one of 4 “families,” or “schemes,” or basic ways we assign people to block!
•These basic families are: “Gap,” “Zone,” “Reach,” and “Base.” If you know which of
these families a play falls into, you have a pretty good idea how we’re going to get
defenders blocked!
•In GAP family plays, frontside blockers block back one “Gap,” looking for the opportunity to
double team combo on defensive linemen back to linebackers. We will pull one or two blockers
from the backside to kick out and/or lead through the hole frontside.
•46-47 Counter and 16-17 Counter Trey are our “Gap” plays
•In ZONE family plays, covered and uncovered linemen work together to get movement on a
defensive lineman, working up to the nearest linebacker, stepping frontside to do so.
•42-43 and 18-19 Option are our “Zone” plays
•In REACH family plays, all linemen “reach” one gap to their frontside, looking to “Reach and
Overtake” a down lineman in front of him, or “Reach, Rip, and Run” on a wide railroad track to
intersect a flowing linebacker.
•44-45 Stretch, 28-29 Jet, and 48-49 Toss are our “Reach” plays
•On BASE blocked plays, linemen drive block the lineman or linebacker over them. It is
generally a “man on man” scheme. Generally, the H-Back is assigned to block a linebacker
frontside…the lineman whose LB is taken by H blocks backside, potentially using a “Slam and
Slide” on his way.
•12-13 Draw, 21-22 Blast, 23-24 Blast, and 25-26 Lead are ”Base” plays.
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RUN GAME Summary Table
PLAY
FS
Tt End
FS
Tackle
FS
Guard
Center
BS
Guard
BS
Tackle
HB
CALLS
12-13
12-13
DRAW
DRAW
Pass set/
Base
Pass set /
Base
Pass set /
Base
PS/Base
Fold if unc
PS/Base
Fold 1tech
PS/Base
Poss T & G
Rec. rules
Throw & Go
Fold
QB
16-17
16-17
CTR
TREY
TREY
GAP: Arc if
T unc.
Gap – Far
LB
Gap – Far
LB
Gap Far B:
Dead if unc
Long Trap
Pull & Lead
Seal BS E
Arc
Dbl Lock
18-19
18-19
OPTION
OPTION
Rip down
to FSLB
FSLB or
Zone
Zone
Zone
Zone
Zone
Support
Back
Zone Lock
Reach
21-22-23-24
21-22-23-24
BLAST
Base
Base
Base
Base
Base
Base
“Blast”
FSLB
Slam &
Slide
LEAD
Down or
S/S to
FSLB
Base or
Down to
FSLB
Base
Base
Base
Base
Kick EMOL
Slam &
Slide
28-29
28-29
JET
Reach
Reach
Reach
Reach
Reach
Reach
Support
All Perimeter
calls
42-43
42-43
ZONE
Zone
Zone
Zone
Zone
Zone
Zone
Seal BS E
79
44-45
44-45
STRETCH
Reach
Reach
Reach
Reach
Reach
Reach
Support
COUNTER
Gap-Near
LB
Gap-Near
LB
Gap-Near
LB
Dead
Long Trap
Punch
Alert Chop
Seal BS E
Chop
48-49
48-49
TOSS
Reach
Reach
Reach
Reach
Reach
Reach
Support
All Perimeter
calls
BLAST
25-26
25-26
LEAD
JET
ZONE
STRETCH
46-47
46-47
COUNTER
TOSS
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12-13 “DRAW”
“Base” Family
•12 & 13 Draw take advantage of linebackers who get into
their pass drops too deep too quickly, opening up running
lanes in front of them!
•This is primarily a play we will run against 5 defenders in
the box, unless the 6th defender (a LB) really removes
himself quickly!
•The basic rule for all linemen is to show pass for one count by raising their chest and
showing their hands, then to go drive block the DL or LB over them in whatever
direction that defender wants to go.
•Any time we get a 1 technique or a heavy 2 technique, the Center and Guard will
execute a “Fold” block to handle that defender and the Middle or Frontside LB!
•The Draw will be a good 1st down or 2nd and long call against people who play heavy
coverage on those downs!
CALLS/VARIATIONS
KEYS to a successful play:
•The QB does a GREAT job selling pass with his eyes on 1st 2 steps!
•FB stays low and does NOT raise up prior to taking ball!
•Linemen SHOW HANDS to help give LBs the wrong key!
•Linemen use wide splits and good drive blocks to create running
lanes!
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•“Fold” (C & G)
•“Throw & Go” (BST)
•“Bob” (H-B on BSLB)
•“QB”
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12-13 “DRAW”
12 DRAW v. “Split”
“Roadrunner”
technique
C
R
W
E T
“Throw
& Go”
S
T
C
SS
E
“Fold”
Step out low, show pass set
BS Ins:
Release inside, Recognition Stalk. Use
“Roadrunner” technique.
FB: Step backside, staying low, showing a pass set. As the QB
turns to you, give him a good pocket and eye blocks on LBs.
Take ball, press the block on the 1st down lineman, make 1 and
only 1 cut off blocks on LBs, then get North & South!.
QB: Take two full pass drop steps, making eye contact with the
backside LB as you do. As you take your third step, turn to find
the FB, who will be sliding underneath you. Look ball into his
stomach, follow with your eyes, then set up for pass
convincingly.
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FS Outs: Release inside, Recognition Stalk. Use
“Roadrunner” technique to get him upfield past you, then
reset your hips and stalk him.
FS Ins: Release inside, Recognition Stalk. Use
“Roadrunner” technique.
FS TE: Pass set, then Base.
“BASE RULES”
*Block the man on you whichever way he wants to go. If
uncovered, release to the first LB over to inside you. Use
his leverage & movement against him…block becomes an
A, B, or C DRIVE.
*You cannot be wrong unless you LOSE CONTACT!
Drive your feet and finish the block! This is true one-onone blocking!!
FS T: Pass set, then Base.
FS G: Pass set, then Base. MUST dig your man out of the
hole!
CENTER: Pass set, then Base. In an even defense, call
“Fold” with G covered by the 1 or 2 technique, Dead Step
back to seal the 1 while the G “Folds” around to the LB.
BS G: Pass set, then Base. If covered by a 1 or 2
technique, you should get a “Fold” call, which tells you to
step tightly around the C’s block on the DL, keeping your
shoulders square and blocking the first LB frontside .
BS T: Pass set, then Base. If you get a “Split” call, make a
“Throw and Go” call, telling other linemen that you will
club the E after pass-setting and work up to the extra LB
on your side.
BS TE:
Pass set, then Base.
BS Outs: Release inside, Recognition Stalk. Use
“Roadrunner” technique.
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16-17 “Counter Trey”
“Gap” Family
•16 & 17 Counter Trey is a “meat and potatoes” play that
gives us good blocking angles on the frontside and power
through the hole with two pullers from the backside at the
point of attack!
•We generally like to run this play to a 3 technique side to
allow us to get a strong double team to open up the hole!
•This play will always be successful if we do two things: Get MOVEMENT on frontside
double teams, and SHUT OFF backside penetration!
•We can and will use a variety of sets and motion to get different people in a position
to help SEAL the backside!
•This play should be very good on any down, at any spot on the field if we execute!
CALLS/VARIATIONS
KEYS to a successful play:
•Frontside blockers are patient on double teams and get movement.
•The C and backside Slot shut down penetration!
•Pulling linemen run full speed courses!
•The Fullback stays “in the cheeks” of the pulling tackle and makes
a strong “L” cut!
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•“Double” (FS)
•“Double Lock” (FS)
•“Arc” (TE)
•“Solid”
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16-17 “TREY”
BS TE: Punch C gap to EMOL.
FS TE: Gap rules – far LB. 6 or 9 doesn’t count as “covered.”
If T is uncovered call “Arc” (Arc to support player) or “Lock”
to tell G & T to lock on Dbl b/c you’re coming down to LB.
16 COUNTER TREY v. “Split”
C
C
R
W
E T
S
T
SS
E
“Dead” “Gap” “Gap”
“Double”
L cut off outside foot!
“Stay in the cheeks” of the T...
“GAP RULES: Far Backer”
*Frontside linemen responsible for the GAP inside them!
First step will always be a 6” flat step to that gap!
*If I’m uncovered, I call “Double” and look to try to Double
Combo with the lineman inside me to the 2nd LB inside
us! We will stay on the combo until the LB threatens the
hole vertically! If the DL over my man to the inside
disappears inside by alignment or movement, then my
block becomes a Down block to the 2nd LB.
*If I’m covered by an inside shade, I B Drive him down! If
he slants away from me, I work up to a LB!
*If I’m covered by a head-up player or an outside shade, I
expect a “Double” call from the man outside of me! He
and I will Double Combo to the first LB inside us! If my
man slants inside, it becomes a B Drive block for me!
**If I also have a DL on my inside gap, I must call “B, B, B !” to
the man behind me to wave off the Double and tell us both to B
Drive the man inside us!
*The Center, if uncovered, will always DEAD block with a
flat step back to Backside A gap. He must ensure that the
1st DL backside does not get penetration!
FS Outs: Inside stalk man on. Alert for “Bomb” call!
FS Ins: Inside stalk man on.
BS Outs: Convoy, cut off deep middle 1/3 saf. TD Block!
BS Slot: By alignment or motion, seal off E.M.O.L. backside!
FB: Step laterally backside, gather on 2nd step, take handoff
deep over top of QB and get in phase with pulling tackle. “L cut”
and explode off kickout, make final break if needed off T’s block
on LB, get North & South as quickly as possible.
QB: Step 5 or 7 o’clock opposite call, get depth, turn and hand
ball to FB. Follow handoff with eyes 1-2 steps, boot out and find
E.M.O.L. backside!
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FS T: Gap rules – far LB. 4 or 5 doesn’t count as “covered.”
FS G: Gap rules – far backer
CENTER: Gap rules. If covered, can stay part of Dbl
Combo unless A or B gap is threatened by a DT or DE. If
gap is threatened, make “Down” call to FSG & Dead block.
BS G: Pull through hip of C,“Long Trap” E.M.O.L. frontside.
Use inside-out head position & DIG HIM OUT of the hole.
BS T: Pull and lead through first available hole on the
frontside to frontside LB. Should maintain a 1 x 1
relationship with G to keep from being knocked off.
Eyeball LB on your course for run-throughs. Keep
shoulders on an angle through hole, do not square up!
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18-19 “Option”
“Zone” Family
•18-19 Option is an all-purpose, simple Option play that
allows us to improve our blocking angles by “optioning” a
defender (the End Man On the Line of Scrimmage) instead
of blocking him!
•This is a very useful play against any type of man-under
coverage, and will be one of our #1 checks at the line of
scrimmage away from an overloaded side…it gives us an
easy way to take advantage of defensive mistakes!
•We can use 18-19 in a number of situations depending on what we’re seeing
defensively, but it can certainly be an effective Red Zone play, Goal Line play, and is a
great tool on any blitz down!
CALLS/VARIATIONS
KEYS to a successful play:
•“Crack”
•“Door”
•“Reach” (Block just like 44-45,
option support defender)
•Penetration is shut off from the frontside guard back!
•The FS Tackle or TE gets a good rip & takes a good angle to seal
the FS LB!
•The QB gets depth and takes a good attack angle at the DE!
•The Fullback stays in pitch phase on his “Tether”!
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18-19 “OPTION”
18 OPTION v. “Split”
C
C
R
W
E T
“Team”
“Lock”
S
“ZONE RULES”
*If I’m covered, and the next man back is covered, I call
“SOLO” and drive block the man over me. My first step
will be 6 inches!
*If I’m covered, and the next man back is uncovered, I call
“TEAM”... he & I work together to block the down lineman
on me and the nearest LB. My first step will be 6 inches!
*If I’m uncovered, I expect a “TEAM” call from the man in
front of me! My first step will be 12 inches!
SS
T
FS Outs: Outside stalk man on. Alert for “Bomb” call!
FS Ins: Outside stalk man on. KEY block! Must maintain!
FS TE: Rip inside E.M.O.L., waddle up, pick off 1st LB inside
you. If you think you’ll have trouble cutting off his pursuit,
call “Back” to tell FS T/G that you’re going to the 2d LB back!
E
“Team”
*TEAM blocks stop penetration!
*Frontside TEAM blockers must combo to the first LB behind
the one the TE is blocking! Be alert for a BACK call which puts
you on the frontside most LB!
4-5 yd
“TETHER”
FS T: If no TE is outside you, rip through DL over you, pick
off first flowing LB that shows insde you at the 2nd level.
Alert “BACK” call v. wide or fast 1st LB (see TE rules).
If you have a TE outside you, use Zone rules, alert “BACK.”
BS WR:
Convoy, cut off deep middle 1/3 saf. TD Block!
BS Slot: Inside cut off the man over you..
FB: Pause, get in and stay in option phase with QB, as if tied to
him on a 5 yard “tether,” slightly out in front. Upon getting pitch,
think “hash-numbers-sideline” off the block on the CB. If you
don’t get it early, stay in pitch phase until the whistle blows.
QB: Pre-read E.M.O.L to know where your option key is.
Check step back, getting depth on 1st step, then attack
downhill to outside shoulder of E.M.O.L. We WANT to pitch
the ball! If you get him pinned or drawn to you, step off the
impact line, make a good pitch with eyes and wrist snap. If
he feathers, turn N/S decisively, cover ball, drop shoulders.
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FS G:
Zone rules. Alert BACK call!
CENTER: Zone rules. If TEAMING w/BSG, call “LOCK” if
no LB to combo back to and stay on the double team!
BS G:
Zone rules, alert to make or receive a LOCK call.
BS T:
Zone rules, alert to receive LOCK call.
BS TE:
Zone rules, alert to receive LOCK call.
H (BF/Wing/Slot): Get on the next RR track outside the T /TE
and block support. Attack his outside shoulder, maintain
contact, drive to sideline if he widens .“Crack” tells you to
block the CB.
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21-22-23-24 “BLAST”
25-26 “LEAD”
“Base” Family
•21-22, 23-24, and 25-26 are all hardball plays that employ
man-on-man drive blocking, and allow us to control the
game physically! They are run from 2-back sets or singleback sets where a man in motion acts as the second back!
•21-22 and 23-24 are referred to as “Blast” plays because the H-Back leads up on the
frontside Linebacker; 25-26 is known as a”Lead” play because H kicks out the End
Man on the Line of scrimmage.
•We will run 21-22 to a 3 technique; 23-24 to a 1 technique; 25-26 anytime we feel a
Def. End is playing too wide and/or upfield and giving us a good “kick out” angle.
•Anyone whose normal “Base” assignment is taken by a Blasting or Leading H-Back
works back to the first LB backside!
•Anyone working back to a LB can “Slam” a DL on his way back to help his buddy!
This is NOT a combo as he “Slides” off to the LB after one good punch!
KEYS to a successful play:
CALLS/VARIATIONS
•The offensive line makes this play a very personal matter and
drives each of their men downfield until the whistle blows!
•The leading H-Back takes the proper course, plays with a low pad
level, and gets movement with his Lead or Blast block.
•The Fullback picks his hole, lowers his pads, and finishes the run!
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•“Fold”
•“Slam & Slide”
•“Wham” (Y takes on H’s job)
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25-26 LEAD d I a g r a m -
21-22 23-24 “BLAST”
FS Outs: Inside stalk man on. Alert for “Bomb” call!
FS Ins: Inside stalk man on.
FS TE: Base.
21 & 23 BLAST v. “Split”
“BASE RULES”
ONE cut,
DROP your pads,
FINISH the run North & South!
C
C
SS
W
E T
S
T E
R
Possible
“Slam &
Slide”
*Block the man on you whichever way he wants to go. If
uncovered, release to the first LB over to inside you. Use
his leverage & movement against him…block becomes an
A, B, or C DRIVE.
*If the man in your Base rule happens to be the man the
H-Back is blocking (FSLB in 21-22-23-24; E.M.O.L. in 2526), work back to the next LB backside!
*Any blocker working back to a LB should take a 6” step
inside first! If the lineman inside you has a head-up or
outside down lineman on him, Slam that lineman and
Slide off to your LB! This is NOT a Combo for movement!
*You cannot be wrong unless you LOSE CONTACT!
Drive your feet and finish the block! This is true one-onone blocking!!
LEGEND
Courses for 21-22
Courses for 23-24
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FS G:
Base.
BS T:
Base.
BS TE:
Base.
BS Outs: Convoy middle 1/3. Alert for “BOMB” situations.
QB: Get the ball to the FB as deep as possible, look it into
his pocket, follow for 1-2 steps, boot out. Steps on 23-24 are
the same 5’oclock/7 o’clock steps you use on 43-42; on 2122, step almost straight behind you to 7:30 or 5:30 to clear a
path along the midline for the H-B and FB.
h e r e
Base.
CENTER: Base. Can call “Fold” to a Backside 1
technique if you think the angle is better.
BS G:
Base. Can request a “Fold” from the Center if
you’re having a tough time digging the 1 technique out.
FB: Deepen as much as your speed allows. Follow the course
of the H-B into the hole, make one cut off his block on the LB,
drop your pads and finish the run North & South. Do NOT get
cute. Steps for 23-24 are exactly like 43-42. First step for 21-22
is a drop step in place with your frontside foot.
- C l i c k
FS T:
BS Ins:
Inside stalk the man over you. Cut him off.
H: BLAST the FS LB out of the hole! Course on 21-22 is
right off C’s hip; off G’s outside hip in 23-24. Lower pads,
deliver a blow through your hips, finish with your feet!
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25-26 “LEAD”
FS Outs: Inside stalk man on. Alert for “Bomb” call!
FS Ins: Inside stalk man on.
FS TE: Base. Your man could well be the H-B’s.
25 LEAD v. “Split”
“BASE RULES”
Possible
“Slam &
Slide”
C
W
T
SS
E
•Man in base
rule is H’s!
•Go to LB!
C
S
T E
R
Possible
“Slam &
Slide”
L cut off H’s block just
as you would on 46-47!
FB: Deepen as much as your speed allows. Lateral step,
crossover, attack H’s inside leg, eye block on FSLB as you do.
Make a strong L cut off H’s block up into the hole, cutting
straight up if no one crosses your face, or back one lane if
FSLB crosses you. Explode through the hole & finish the play!
QB: Get the ball to the FB as deep as possible, look it into
his pocket, follow for 1-2 steps, boot out. Steps on 23-24 are
the same 5’oclock/7 o’clock steps you use on 43-42; on 2122, step almost straight behind you to 7:30 or 5:30 to clear a
path along the midline for the H-B and FB.
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*Block the man on you whichever way he wants to go. If
uncovered, release to the first LB over to inside you. Use
his leverage & movement against him…block becomes an
A, B, or C DRIVE.
*If the man in your Base rule happens to be the man the
H-Back is blocking (FSLB in 21-22-23-24; E.M.O.L. in 2526), work back to the next LB backside!
*Any blocker working back to a LB should take a 6” step
inside first! If the lineman inside you has a head-up or
outside down lineman on him, Slam that lineman and
Slide off to your LB! This is NOT a Combo for movement!
*You cannot be wrong unless you LOSE CONTACT!
Drive your feet and finish the block! This is true one-onone blocking!!
FS T:
Base. Your man could well be the H-B’s.
FS G:
Base.
CENTER: Base. Can call “Fold” to a Backside 1
technique if you think the angle is better.
BS G:
Base. Can request a “Fold” from the Center if
you’re having a tough time digging the 1 technique out.
BS T:
Base.
BS TE:
Base.
BS Outs: Convoy middle 1/3. Alert for “BOMB” situations.
BS Ins:
Inside stalk the man over you. Cut him off.
H: LEAD the play through the inside earhole of the E.M.O.L!
Take a tight course right off FST/TE’s outside hip, keep
inside leverage on EMOL, kick him out, finish with feet, work
your butt out of the hole!
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Slot Rt Split (Gun) 26 Lead
v. Split Right Wide Y5 25 Wham
J
J
C
C
M
WE T
S
T E
Z
S
C
T
Lex Under 23 Alley
M
N
W
R
T W
C
R
E
J
C
C
S
E T N T
R
J
C
v. Bear
R
S
M
E T
v. Odd “I” Larry 21 Blast
W
T
C
E
v. Even
28-29 “Jet”
“Reach” Family
•28-29 Jet is a FAST way to attack the perimeter and get an
athlete running in open space! The pace of the play makes
blocking for frontside linemen much easier! The angles
involved make pursuit for enemy linebackers much harder!
•Ball carriers must recognize that, while blocked like other
“Reach” family plays, this is different for them because it is
a true SPRINT to the corner! We do not want to cut up on
this play until we’ve reached the edge of the field!
•We can use a number of formation variations and perimeter blocking adjustments to
“shorten” the defensive edge and help the outside blockers do their jobs more
effectively! “Crack,” “Door,” and “Ed” schemes are examples of this, as are different
types of “Squeeze” sets.
•Anytime we face a team that relies on interior blitzes, doesn’t pursue well, or has
limited team speed, we will run this play heavily. It can be used from Goalline to
Goalline, and on virtually any down and distance up to 3rd and Long!
CALLS/VARIATIONS
KEYS to a successful play:
•“Crack”
•“Door”
•“Ed”
•“Cross”
•“48-49” (Jet to F)
•The FS Tackle or TE takes a GREAT 1st step and shuts off any
upfield push by the E.M.O.L.!
•Perimeter blockers time blocks and maintain contact!
•The QB times his motion and snap effectively!
•The ball carrier trusts his speed and doesn’t try to cut up early!
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28-29 “JET”
FS Outs: Outside stalk man on. Alert for “Bomb” call!
FS Ins: Outside stalk man on. KEY block! Must maintain!
FS TE: Reach rules!
29 JET v. “Split”
C
C
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S
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E
“REACH” RULES
*Basic premise is to REACH one gap in front of us!
*If I’m uncovered, I plan to REACH and OVERTAKE the down
lineman in front of me. If that man slants away to the railroad
track of the blocker in front of me, I stay on MY wide railroad
track and RUN up to a linebacker.
*If I’m covered, I first identify whether there’s a down lineman
the gap in front of me…if he is, then I plan REACH and
OVERTAKE him. If not, then I will REACH, RIP through the man
over me, and RUN on my railroad track up to any 2nd or 3d level
player that first shows up on my course!
*COVERED linemen should cut their split if possible!
*All linemen: LOSE ground to GAIN an angle!
*Stay on your RAILROAD track on a wide angle!
FS T:
Reach rules!
FS G: Reach rules!
CENTER: Reach rules!
BS G:
Reach rules!
BS T:
Reach rules! 5 tech doesn’t count as covered!
FB: Run a 42-43 course right through the inside leg of the
offensive tackle. Roll over the ball HARD as the QB passes
you, get tackled. YOU must adjust your course to the QB, not
the other way around. If Offset to playside in “Strong,” “Soft,”
or “Split,” use H’s Backfield arc blocking rules!
QB: Give BS slot the heel, time up snap so that he’s getting
to the BST as the ball is snapped. Step to 6 o’clock with
backside foot, look ball into Slot’s stomach, step tight to FB
then set up behind FS guard exactly as you would for play
action, eyeing the Dig and Post area.
- C l i c k
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BS TE:
Reach rules! 9 tech doesn’t count as
“covered.” Get downfield!
BS WR:
Convoy, cut off deep middle 1/3 saf. TD Block!
Ball Carrier: Jet motion on QB’s heel, get to full speed by
the snap. Take handoff and SPRINT for the corner…TRUST
YOUR SPEED! Read block on CB. May use “dip” to set up.
*Ball Carrier is the inside most receiver off the ball by formation.
Jet motion is understood and doesn’t need to be called!
H (Backfield): Cheat alignment up & outside; arc to block
support. On “Crack” call, arc to block Cornerback
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42-43
“Zone” Family
•42-43 is a true “Inside Zone” play in which covered and
uncovered linemen “team” to double and get movement on
a down defensive man, and step off to a linebacker late!
This allows us to push the line of scrimmage back and give
the ball carrier running lanes!
•This is a persistence play…it forces the linebackers to be
perfect every time. Many times it will go for 3, 4, and 5
yards a number of times in a row, then suddenly start to
break for big chunks as we wear people down!
•The ball carrier must be patient initially to let the play develop! The longer he can
“press” the play into the L.O.S., the longer the double teams have to get movement,
and the more the LBs will move and create running lanes! However, once he makes
his cut the running back must explode into another gear and get through the hole!.
•The simplicity of the blocking rules allows us to run this play against any front we
see with minimal adjustments…it also means we can run it from any formation!
KEYS to a successful play:
•OL talks at the L.O.S. & gets “married up” to defenders properly!
•Linemen get movement on down linemen and don’t step off double
teams too early!
•FB presses the L.O.S., has great vision, is patient to the L.O.S.,
then explodes through the hole!
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CALLS/VARIATIONS
•“Team”
•“Solo”
•“79”
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42-43
FS Outs: Inside stalk man on. Alert for “Bomb” call!
FS Ins: Inside stalk man on.
FS TE: Zone rules.
Alert to “79” call: Block out to the 9, bring T to 7
43 v. “Split”
“ZONE RULES”
EXPLODE through it!
C
C
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“Solo” “Team”
S
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“Team”
*If I’m covered, and the next man back is covered, I call
“SOLO” and drive block the man over me. My first step
will be 6 inches!
*If I’m covered, and the next man back is uncovered, I call
“TEAM”... he & I work together to block the down lineman
on me and the nearest LB. My first step will be 6 inches!
*If I’m uncovered, I expect a “TEAM” call from the man in
front of me! My first step will be 12 inches!
*COVERED linemen: Reduce split! Aiming point is outside
armpit! MUST maintain contact!
*TEAM blocks get movement, stay on double team until LBs
threaten the window vertically up into the hole!
*BACKSIDE linemen must WALL down defenders & not let them
cross your face!
SLOW
to the hole...
FS T: Zone rules. Alert “79” call by TE, telling you to
inside drive block the 7 technique.
FS G: Zone rules.
CENTER: Zone rules. If covered, maintaining contact is
the key…drive man past hole if you cannot reach him!
FB: Align at 6 1/2 yds. Lateral step with your frontside foot,
crossover, then step and attack the inside leg of the offensive
tackle. “Slow to the hole, explode through the hole. Cut back
one lane for each man that crosses your face, but don’t cut
until you’re up into the line of scrimmage.
BS G:
Zone rules. Backside blocks are a BIG deal!
They can be the difference between 4 yards and 20!
BS T:
Zone rules. 5 tech doesn’t count as “covered.”
QB: Front out to 7 or 5 o’clock, get ball to FB DEEP. Look
the ball in, you are responsible for the mesh. Hesitate &
follow ball with your eyes, then boot out hard, snap head to
find EMLOS as you do for possible Boot/Naked.
BS Outs: Convoy middle 1/3. Alert for “BOMB” situations.
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BS TE:
BS Ins:
Zone rules: 9 tech doesn’t count as “covered.”
Inside stalk the man over you. Cut him off.
H (Backfield/Slot): Hard fill in backside C gap right off OT’s
cheek; Seal the end defender on the L.O.S. inside out
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44-45 “Stretch”
“Reach” Family
•44-45 is one of our “core” or “bread and butter” plays! It
gets us to the edge of the field with a lot of power!
•The basic premise of the play is to get our entire backfield
and line on a wide railroad track, force the defense to
stretch quickly, then either beat them to a corner with a
show of force or cut up into a lane that they create when
they pursue incorrectly!
•We can use a number of formation variations and perimeter blocking adjustments to
“shorten” the defensive edge and help the outside blockers do their jobs more
effectively! “Crack,” “Door,” and “Alley” schemes are examples of this, as are
different types of “Squeeze” sets. We can also use special “Wing” calls with the HBack to help secure the End Man on he Line to get the play started (“Clamp,” “Chip”)
•44-45 is effective to wide field or the boundary, and if we find a DE or perimeter force
player that’s weak, we will pound him with this ball play over and over!
CALLS/VARIATIONS
KEYS to a successful play:
•Perimeter calls: Door, Crack,
Alley, Bomb, etc.
•Uncovered linemen “overlap” their partner in front of them to
keep from being split by penetrating defenders!
•Linemen stay on WIDE railroad tracks!
•The FB SPRINTS to his sprint spot and stretches the defense!
•Wide blockers make good use of different calls, maintain contact!
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44-45 “STRETCH”
FS Outs: Outside stalk man on. Alert for “Bomb” call!
FS Ins: Outside stalk man on. KEY block! Must maintain!
FS TE: Reach rules!
45 STRETCH v. “Split”
“REACH” RULES
C
C
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S
T
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E
2 yds
outside TE
*Basic premise is to REACH one gap in front of us!
*If I’m uncovered, I plan to REACH and OVERTAKE the down
lineman in front of me. If that man slants away to the railroad
track of the blocker in front of me, I stay on MY wide railroad
track and RUN up to a linebacker.
*If I’m covered, I first identify whether there’s a down lineman
over the man in front of me…if he is, then I plan REACH and
OVERTAKE him. If not, then I will REACH, RIP through the man
over me, and RUN on my railroad track up to any 2nd or 3d level
player that first shows up on my course! I only run once my
buddy from behind takes over and yells “GO”!
*COVERED linemen should cut their split if possible!
*All linemen: LOSE ground to GAIN an angle!
*Stay on your RAILROAD track on a wide angle!
FS T:
FB: Lateral step & sprint to a spot 2 yds outside where the TE
is or would be…key the blocks on E.M.O.L & support. Stay on a
sprint to the sidelines unless he “skates” across your face. If
he crosses face, plant sharply on outside foot and cut up North
& South. This is a cut up play, not a cut back play!
QB: Depart at approximately 4 o’clock or 8 o’clock, sprint to
meet the FB, ball extended. YOU are responsible for the
exchange so he can eye his read…look it in and follow his
path 1-2 steps before you set up behind the OT as you would
on play action.
- C l i c k
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Reach rules!
FS G: Reach rules!
CENTER: Reach rules!
BS G:
Reach rules!
BS T:
Reach rules! 5 tech doesn’t count as covered!
BS TE:
Reach rules! 9 tech doesn’t count as
“covered.” Get downfield!
BS WR:
Convoy, cut off deep middle 1/3 saf. TD Block!
BS Slot: Inside cut off the man over you..
H (BF/Wing/Slot): Get on the next RR track outside the T /TE
and block support. Attack his outside shoulder, maintain
contact, drive to sideline if he widens .Can act as a lineman &
use zone rules at times from Wing & Slot. “Crack” tells you to
block the CB. “Clamp” tells you to double with T/TE on the
outside shoulder of the E.M.O.L.
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46-47 “Counter”
“Gap” Family
•46-47 Counter is our ATTITUDE play! It is the run that we
will establish against any defense each game no matter
what they try and do to us! We will be so good at this play
that we can impose it on any defense!
•The basic idea of the play is to block down one gap on the
frontside to get good angles and create a wall, and pull
from the backside to kick out the defensive end to divide
the defense! The running back must set up the block on
the end, use the down blocks on linebackers, and make a
strong cut North and South through the hole!
•Because of the angles involved, we prefer to run this play to the 1 technique!
•This is a goalline to goalline play! It is most effective against LBs who overreact to
their initial key, and D Ends who play too far upfield. We can run it from virtually any
of our sets, 1- or 2-back!
KEYS to a successful play:
•Frontside linemen take a GREAT 1st STEP to their gap to shut off
penetration!
•The pulling guard runs a full-speed course INTO THE LINE and
digs out the E.M.O.L.!
•The FB sets up the trap block, sees lanes, & makes a great L cut!
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CALLS/VARIATIONS
•“H”
•“Bob”
•“Chop”
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46-47 “COUNTER”
FS Outs: Inside stalk man on. Alert for “Bomb” call!
FS Ins: Inside stalk man on.
FS TE: Gap rules–near LB. 6 or 9 doesn’t count as “covered.”
47 COUNTER v. “Split”
If BSLB causes
problems, C calls
“CHOP”
C
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C
S
SS
T
“Gap” “Gap”“Dead”
E
“Punch”
L cut off
outside foot!
“GAP RULES: Near Backer”
*Frontside linemen responsible for the GAP inside them!
First step will always be a 6” flat step to that gap!
*If I’m uncovered, I call “Double” and look to try to Double
Combo with the lineman inside me to the 1st LB inside us!
We will stay on the combo until the LB threatens the hole
vertically! If the DL over my man to the inside disappears
inside by alignment or movement, then my block
becomes a Down block to the 1st LB.
*If I’m covered by an inside shade, I B Drive him down! If
he slants away from me, I work up to a LB!
*If I’m covered by a head-up player or an outside shade, I
expect a “Double” call from the man outside of me! He
and I will Double Combo to the first LB inside us! If my
man slants inside, it becomes a B Drive block for me!
**If I also have a DL on my inside gap, I must call “B, B, B !” to
the man behind me to wave off the Double and tell us both to B
Drive the man inside us!
*The Center, if uncovered, will always DEAD block with a
flat step back to Backside A gap. He must ensure that the
1st DL backside does not get penetration!
BS TE:
Punch C gap to EMOL. See BST technique.
BS WR:
Convoy, cut off deep middle 1/3 saf. TD Block!
BS Slot:
Inside cut off the man over you..
FB: Turn your shoulder & pick up your BS leg to simulate fake
backside, keeping FS foot anchored…take handoff from QB
deep, press block of Guard, then “L cut” off outside foot
suddenly to get under block and explode N/S through hole!
QB: Step 5 or 7 o’clock opposite call, get depth, turn and hand
ball to FB. Follow handoff with eyes 1-2 steps, boot out and find
E.M.O.L. backside!
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FS T: Gap rules – near LB. 4 or 5 doesn’t count as “covered.”
FS G: Gap rules – near backer
CENTER: Gap rules. CHOP call to T if you need to work
up to BSLB after your initial Dead step.
BS G: Pull through hip of C,“Long Trap” E.M.O.L. frontside.
Use inside-out head position & DIG HIM OUT of the hole.
BS T: “Punch” block…cut your split & step FLAT inside
to stop B gap penetration. If a DL from either direction or
stunting LB shows in that gap, lock & cut him. If nothing
shows, ¼ turn back to pick off the E.M.O.L. Alert for a
“Chop” call which tells you that you must clip the 3 tech.
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48-49 “Toss”
“Reach” Family
•The “Toss” is an effective companion to the 44-45 Stretch
play. The blocking is exactly the same up front, but the
method of delivering the ball different! It allows us to
challenge the edge of the defensive front just a bit quicker!
•This play is an excellent way to attack LBs who do not fast
flow and/or read keys well!
•Like 28-29 Jet, Toss can use a number of formation variations and perimeter blocking
adjustments to “shorten” the defensive edge and help the outside blockers do their
jobs more effectively! “Crack,” “Door,” “Cross,” and “Ed” schemes are examples of
this, as are different types of “Squeeze” sets. Receivers must make use of these for
the play to be successful!
CALLS/VARIATIONS
KEYS to a successful play:
•“Express”
•“Ed”/”Eddie”
•“Crack”
•“Door”
•RB gets ON THE EDGE in a hurry!
•Linemen stay on a wide railroad track and get to flowing
linebackers!
•Receivers match the best perimeter blocking scheme to what they
see and EXECUTE it!
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48-49 “TOSS”
FS Outs: Outside stalk man on. Alert for “Bomb” call!
FS Ins: Outside stalk man on. KEY block! Must maintain!
FS TE: Reach rules!
48 TOSS v. “Split”
“REACH” RULES
C
C
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S
SS
T E
2 yds
outside TE
*Basic premise is to REACH one gap in front of us!
*If I’m uncovered, I plan to REACH and OVERTAKE the down
lineman in front of me. If that man slants away to the railroad
track of the blocker in front of me, I stay on MY wide railroad
track and RUN up to a linebacker.
*If I’m covered, I first identify whether there’s a down lineman
over the man in front of me…if he is, then I plan REACH and
OVERTAKE him. If not, then I will REACH, RIP through the man
over me, and RUN on my railroad track up to any 2nd or 3d level
player that first shows up on my course! I only run once my
buddy from behind takes over and yells “GO”!
*COVERED linemen should cut their split if possible!
*All linemen: LOSE ground to GAIN an angle!
*Stay on your RAILROAD track on a wide angle!
FS T:
FB: Pre-read alignment of E.M.O.L. and support. “trapper’s
arc,” look toss in & sprint to a spot 2 yds outside where the TE
is or would be…key the blocks on E.M.O.L & support. Stay on a
sprint to the sidelines unless he “skates” across your face. If
he crosses face, plant sharply on outside foot and cut up North
& South. This is a cut up play, not a cut back play!
QB: Reverse out tightly and make a soft, end-over-end toss
into the FB’s outside armpit, following the toss with your
eyes until the back has secured it and taken a step. Boot out
deep, find E.M.O.L.
- C l i c k
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Reach rules!
FS G: Reach rules!
CENTER: Reach rules!
BS G:
Reach rules!
BS T:
Reach rules! 5 tech doesn’t count as covered!
BS TE:
Reach rules! 9 tech doesn’t count as
“covered.” Get downfield!
BS Outs: Convoy, cut off deep middle 1/3 saf. TD Block!
BS Ins:
Inside cut off the man over you..
H (BF/Wing/Slot): Get on the next RR track outside the T /TE
and block support. Attack his outside shoulder, maintain
contact, drive to sideline if he widens .Can act as a lineman &
use zone rules at times from Wing & Slot. “Crack” tells you to
block the CB. “Clamp” tells you to double with T/TE on the
outside shoulder of the E.M.O.L.
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RECEIVER BLOCKING (1)
Basic “STALK”
“BOMB” adjustment
C
3.
3.
2.
“1/2way
rule”
R
“CRACK” call
“CROSS” call
*If man you’re cracking
disappears, work to safety level.
S
C
C
S
C
2.
2.
R
R
B
1.
1.
1.
INSIDE Stalk shown
*Basic job is to block man
over you inside or outside.
*Only possible v. a two safety
look (0, 2, 4) Used by outside
receiver normally assigned a
1. Release hard on an angle to
Stalk block to “blow up” a
gain the inside or outside
leverage you want.
run supporter filling from the
safety position.
2. “HALFWAY RULE.” Break your
1. ID 2-safety look pre-snap.
hips down when the defender has
Possible “BOMB” situation.
closed 1/2 the distance between
you. Anticipate this! Keep
2. Release at C as normal. If he
adjusting your course to keep the
sits/closes, Stalk him!
leverage you want.
3. If C retreats, it often means the
3. FINISH the block…deliver a
Safety is supporting. Break off
blow up through your hips,
your course, find safety as you
maintain with good choppy steps! do, come inside and blow him up!
- C l i c k
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*Recievers block the short
defender on or inside the next
man inside them.
1. Push up 1-2 steps if possible
to soften the man over you. How
far you can push up depends on
how tight & how fast the guy is
that you’re cracking..the
tighter/faster he is, the quicker
you have to turn inside!
2. Come inside under control, find
your man, square him up with
shoulders perpendicular to L.O.S.
Deliver a blow up through your
hips & light him up!
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*Recievers “Cross” and take
the other’s guy. Outside
receiver cracks defender over
inside receiver, inside man
tries to “hook” CB. A good
way to get the ball outside.
c o n t e n t s -
RECEIVER BLOCKING (2)
“DOOR” call
C
“ALLEY” call
*Secure the block on the low
man before you step off!
S
2.
R
“ED” call (2 man)
“EXPRESS” call
“EDDIE” call
C
C
2.
C
R
V
1.
*”EDDIE” call tells
outside man to Inside
Stalk instead of Crack!
“ED” (3 man)
R E
E
*”EXPRESS” tells receivers the
exact same thing as “EDDIE.”
The only difference is for TE/OL!
1.
*Combination block by two *Same idea as “Door,” applied to
*Inside man, from 2-3 yard
*Inside man, often from
alley safety support. Can be
receivers to “get the play
split, steps flat and seals
motion, blocks CB, middle
done with the two outside
started” by double teaming
E.M.O.L., outside man cracks. receiver executes “ED” on DE,
receivers
or the middle & inside
the force defender initially at
Often used from Squeezed
outside receiver Cracks.
receiver in Trips. Double the
the point of attack.
sets to “shorten the edge.”
Outside man cracks, Middle man
steps flat to block E.M.O.L...
1. DOUBLE THE FORCE: Inside man over inside receiver, step
Inside man: Step flat, shoulders
off to safety when he fills.
receiver inside stalks the man
should be perpendicular to L.O.S.,
over him, insures against inside
penetration. Outside receiver
comes down to his outside
shoulder to secure & move him.
2. Both blockers eye CB. As one
takes over the block on the force
man, the other steps off to block
CB when he closes up.
- C l i c k
1. DOUBLE THE LOW MAN: Inside
rec. inside stalks the man over him,
insures against inside penetration.
Outs. receiver comes down to his
outside shoulder to secure him.
2. Blockers eye near safety; the
one not taking over the block
steps off, blocks him when he fills.
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“shield” E.M.O.L., don’t allow
upfield penetration or pursuit
underneath you. Use his
momentum against him.
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Inside man (can be stationary or
in motion to 4-5), step tightly
around Crack block, eyeing CB as
you do. If you can get outside
leverage on him, “Hook” him as
you would in “Cross...”
If CB keeps outside leverage,
“kick” him out, drive him out of
hole with short, choppy steps!
c o n t e n t s -
H-BACK & OFFENSIVE LINE
PERIMETER ADJUSTMENTS
**Perimeter blocking adjustments by the Wide Receivers, whether made in the play call or at the line, can have an
impact on the assignments of other players, particularly an H-Back in a Backfield, Wing, or Slot position, as well as
frontside linemen! Following are illustrations of receiver calls that also change the jobs of other people.
Alerts for H: “BONUS”
“EXPRESS” call
S
3
C
2
1
C
B
R
B
R
E
T
TE T G
H
H
*When you’re assigned is to block “Force”
*TE blocks down to first down
from the backfield or motion, AND two other lineman inside him. Step flat &
receivers are on that same side, you can
redirect him!
sometimes become a “BONUS” player.
*T pulls around TE & WR block to
“Bonus” means that, since the outside 2
kick out first thing that shows
WRs are blocking the 2 outside defenders
outside the DE.
(“Stalk,” “Door,” or “Cross”), your original
assignment is being blocked.
*G pulls deep, turns inside T’s block,
stays on wide RR track to pick off
*As a BONUS player, take a course to
the outside leg of the support player,
first pursuing LB.
cleaning him up if he beats his block.
*H, from the backfield or motion,
Continue on your course, looking next
arcs around the block on the DE,
for pursuing LB or filling safety inside,
becomes a “BONUS” player!
then looking for a CB outside.
- C l i c k
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H-BACK & OFFENSIVE LINE
PERIMETER ADJUSTMENTS
**Perimeter blocking adjustments by the Wide Receivers, whether made in the play call or at the line, can have an
impact on the assignments of other players, particularly an H-Back in a Backfield, Wing, or Slot position, as well as
frontside linemen! Following are illustrations of receiver calls that also change the jobs of other people.
“CRACK” call
“ALLEY” call
S
S
C
“EDDIE” call
“ED” call
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*CRACK leaves CB
unblocked, so H now leads
off hip of the outside Crack
block and blocks the CB!
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H
*ALLEY leaves CB
unblocked, so H now leads
off hip of the outside Crack
block and blocks the CB!
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T
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H
*ED scheme accounts for the
*EDDIE accounts for DE, but
man the T would normally
not the next man outside. T
reach, as well as the next
deepens around the block on
defender outside the DE, so T
the DE and looks to kick out
widens/deepens his RR track
the next defender outside
slightly, blocks CB or whomever
along his RR track.
shows first off the outside of the
*If we also had H leading from
widest Crack block!
the backfield, he would
*If we also had H leading from
become a “bonus” player
the backfield, he would
leading for whatever shows
become a “bonus” player
inside T’s course!
leading for whatever shows
outside T’s course!
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F O O T B A L L
PRIDE. DISCIPLINE.
ACHIEVEMENT. LOYALTY.
F O O T B A L L
2000 Offense:
Passing Game
Table of
Contents
•Terminology/Play Calling
•Backside Rules
•Pattern Summary
•0 Route
•3 Route
•6 Route
•9 Route
•1 Route
•2 Route
•4 Route
•5 Route
•7 Route
•8 Route
•Structural Tags
•Named Route Series
•90 Series
•Play Action (Frontside) •50 Series: Boots
•90 Green/Gold
•80 Series: Screens
•Scramble Rules
•Protection -Summary- -50- -60/70- -90-
“ASSEMBLING A PASS PLAY”
Protection
Modifier(s)
(“Tags”)
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•Protection
•QB Drop
•Frontside
& Backside
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Route
Package
Number
Route
Modifier(s)
(“Tags”)
Assigns
Receivers
their routes
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“ASSEMBLING A PASS PLAY”
0 “Vertical”
1 “Go”
2 “Smash”
3 “Read”
4 “Option”
5 “Bend”
6 “Choice”
7 “Switch”
8 “Snag”
9 “Slant”
60
Half roll Right
Frontside Right
70
Half roll Left
Frontside Left
90
3 step drop
Protection
Modifier(s)
(“Tags”)
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•Protection
•QB Drop
•Frontside
& Backside
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STRUCTURAL
TAGS:
Switch - Swap Special - Mirror Opposite
Horn - Utah
INDIVIDUAL
TAGS:
I.e., “X Post”
Route
Package
Number
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Route
Modifier(s)
(“Tags”)
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“ASSEMBLING A PASS PLAY”
0 “Vertical”
60
STRUCTURAL
1 “Go”
Half roll Right
TAGS:
EXAMPLE
#1: “64”
2 “Smash”
Frontside
Right
Switch - Swap 3 “Read”
70
•“6” tells QB to use half-roll4drop
to right,
Special
“Option”
Half roll Left
5 “Bend”
•ReceiversFrontside
on the right
frontside, and INDIVIDUAL
Left that they are
6 “Choice”
TAGS:
•Receivers on
backside.
90 the left that they7are
“Out”
I.e., “X Post”
3 step drop
9 “Slant”
•“4” tells all players that we will use the rules for the “4” or “Option” package:
Frontside Outside - “Go Pocket” Frontside Middle - “Seam to Thin” Frontside Inside - “Out”
Backside Outside - Go Read
Backside Inside - Seam Read
EXAMPLE #2: “75”
Protection
Protection,
Route
Route
tells QB to use
drop to left, Modifier(s)
Package
Modifier(s) •“7”
Direction
of half-roll
on the left that theyNumber
are frontside, and (“Tags”)
frontside
(“Tags”) •Receivers
•Receivers on the right that they are backside.
•“5” tells all players(Even-Right)
that we will use the rules for the “5” or “Bend” package:
(Odd-Left)
Frontside Outside - “Go”
Frontside Middle - “Arrow”
Frontside Inside - “Bend”
Backside Outside - Seam Read
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Backside Inside - Go Read
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“ASSEMBLING A PASS PLAY”
THE KEYS:
•Receivers must know all assignments/rules within a given route package,
because you may be asked to execute any part of it!
•Receivers must know in any given formation whether they are the Inside,
Outside, or Middle (if there are 3 on a side) receiver, and whether they are
on the frontside or backside! They must also realize that MOTION by
themselves or others can change their position!
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BACKSIDE ROUTES
##
12-14 yds
Make break
(if any) here
S
•On the backside of any route, we will
always have one player working the
NUMBERS area of the field...
..and a player working the HASH area.
(2 yards on either side of the hash)
S
•The player working the Numbers is
assigned a “GO READ,” and the
player on the hash is assigned a
“SEAM READ.”
C
8-10 yds
Make your decision here!
•The GO READ bases his break on
what the Cornerback does...
..and the SEAM READ works off the
nearest Safety, whether he starts in the
middle of the field or near the hash.
•The KEYS:
•Be DECISIVE--make a decision and
go! (Don’t give the QB a “no read!”)
•Stay out of the other receiver’s area!
•Great Backside routes are critical!
BIG plays happen on the back side!
Rules / Reads
GO READ: Attack the outside leg of the CB over you, break his cushion, and plan on beating him deep...
…at 8 yards, if you determine that you can’t get deep, break back inside, working toward QB’s vision,
but NEVER crossing the hash! (Rule: “If you’re even, you’re leavin’”...go by him deep)
SEAM READ. Must release cleanly & avoid underneath LBs. Regain “verticality,” read S & make decision between 8 & 10 yds
…if the safety rotates away from you, leaving the middle, stay on your vertical course!
…if the safety stays deep over top of you, break flat across the middle (“DIG”) at 12-14, look for a hole
…if he opens quickly to you & crosses your face (most likely f/ hash), cross his--break to a Thin Post inside him
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BACKSIDE: Who Does What
##
S
•The LAST digit of a play call tells the
backside receivers which one has the
GO READ and which has the SEAM
READ!
S
•If the last digit is EVEN,
(e.g., 60, 70, 62, 72, 64, 76, etc.),
the OUTSIDE receiver has the
GO READ...
..and the INSIDE receiver has the
SEAM READ.
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Rules / Reads
GO READ: Attack the outside leg of the CB over you, break his cushion, and plan on beating him deep...
…at 8 yards, if you determine that you can’t get deep, break back inside, working toward QB’s vision,
but NEVER crossing the hash! (Rule: “If you’re even, you’re leavin’”...go by him deep)
SEAM READ. Must release cleanly & avoid underneath LBs. Regain “verticality,” read S & make decision between 8 & 10 yds
…if the safety rotates away from you, leaving the middle, stay on your vertical course!
…if the safety stays deep over top of you, break flat across the middle at 12-14, look for a hole
…if he opens quickly to you & crosses your face (most likely f/ hash), cross his--break to a Thin Post inside him
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BACKSIDE: Who Does What
##
S
•The LAST digit of a play call tells the
backside receivers which one has the
GO READ and which has the SEAM
READ!
S
•If the last digit is EVEN,
(e.g., 60, 70, 62, 72, 64, 76, etc.),
the OUTSIDE receiver has the
GO READ...
..and the INSIDE receiver has the
SEAM READ.
C
•If the last digit is ODD,
(e.g., 61, 71, 65, 75, etc.),
the INSIDE receiver has the
GO READ...
O
I
..and the OUTSIDE receiver has the
SEAM READ.
Rules / Reads
GO READ: Attack the outside leg of the CB over you, break his cushion, and plan on beating him deep...
…at 8 yards, if you determine that you can’t get deep, break back inside, working toward QB’s vision,
but NEVER crossing the hash! (Rule: “If you’re even, you’re leavin’”...go by him deep)
SEAM READ. Must release cleanly & avoid underneath LBs. Regain “verticality,” read S & make decision between 8 & 10 yds
…if the safety rotates away from you, leaving the middle, stay on your vertical course!
…if the safety stays deep over top of you, break flat across the middle at 12-14, look for a hole
…if he opens quickly to you & crosses your face (most likely f/ hash), cross his--break to a Thin Post inside him
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PATTERN Summary Table
PATTERN
FS
Inside
0
0
VERTICAL
VERTICAL
Seam
11
GO
GO
Arrow
22
SMASH
SMASH
Seam /
Thin
33
READ
READ
10 yd
Curl
44
OPTION
OPTION
Flat
55
BEND
BEND
Go
Seam
Read
Go Read
Corner
Post Curl
Go Read
Seam
Read
Arrow
Post Curl to
Sm Read
Corner
Smash
Seam
Read
Go Read
Smash
Corner to
Seam/Thin
Go
Drag
Divide
Seam /
Thin
Go Pocket
Seam
Read
Go Read
Flat
Go Pocket
OR Sm Read
Bend
Arrow
Go
Go Read
Seam
Read
Arrow
Bend to
Backside
66
CHOICE
Choice
Choice
7
7
SWITCH
Corner
8
8
SNAG
Arrow
SWITCH
SNAG
9
9
SLANT
SLANT
Corner
Slant
(Lookie)
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Seam
Read
BS
Outside
QB:
5 step
BS
Inside
Drag
BS
Middle
QB:
3 step
FS
Outside
CHOICE
FS
Middle
Sm Read to
Go Read
FB Flat to
Curl to Drag
Go Read
Choice to
Sm Read to
Drag
Out to
Corner to
Backside
Out
Go Read
Seam
Read
Snag
Seam
Read
Go Read
Arrow
Slant
Slant
(Lookie)
Slant
Slant /
Lookie
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Snag or
Corner
0 Route:
“VERTICAL”
•The basic premise of this play is to attack deep coverage
with the threat of four people running vertical along four
evenly-spaced landmarks across the field (2 hashmarks, 2
sets of numbers)…in general, this allows us to outnumber
deep coverage!
•It is one of our favorite plays against any single safety
look, particularly Cover 3, because it gives us a two-on-one
situation against the Free Safety!
•Generally, the QB works to influence the nearest safety to the frontside, which serves
to isolate the backside receivers, allowing them to beat the man they work off of!
•We will use this route heavily in conjunction with Play Action, to hold linebackers
underneath, influence the safety, and open voids for vertical receivers to run in!
•The 0 Route can be used anywhere, but is particularly effective as a Play Action route
on first down, and an excellent all-around call on the outer edge of the Red Zone!
KEYS to a successful play:
TAGS/VARIATIONS
•Inside receivers avoid contact underneath & get vertical!
•Receivers take good splits and attack along their landmark!
•Backside Receivers make good reads and make them decisively!
•QB does a great job with his eyes, is decisive, and makes his throw
on time and with authority!
•FB Slow
•F Slot Split
•42-43-44-45 Play Action
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0 ROUTE: VERTICAL
##
##
S
C
C
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“60” Shown
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•Work hard to MOVE the safety
toward the frontside hash…
…work the backside Seam Read
•Backside Go Read is an outlet
BS OUTS: GO READ. Normal even-numbered backside rules. Be decisive, NEVER come inside the hash!
BS INS:
SEAM READ. Normal even numbered backside rules. Pre-read safety, attack and be decisive!
FS INS:
SEAM. Widen your alignment, release cleanly, go HARD up the field vertically 2 yards outside the hash.
FS OUTS:
GO. Outside release, accelerate vertically along the bottom of the numbers, get deep, stay on your landmark!
QB: 5-step progression Backside Seam Read to Backside Go Read as an outlet. Work hard with your eyes to try and move a
single safety frontside so that you can throw the backside Seam. By game plan or game adjustment, we could potentially
throw the frontside Seam as a 3- or 5-step progression if a single Safety just won’t move.
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1 Route:
“GO”
•The 1 Route is our basic Curl/Arrow combination that
allows us to put pressure on the flat defender in a zone
defense!
•The basic idea behind the play is to widen the flat defender
with an “Arrow” route from the inside, then throw to the
outside receiver, who gets into the void left by that
defender with a “Post Curl” route. A “Corner” route can be
inserted into the middle to create a “triangle” and keep the
cornerback off the back of the Post Curl!
•The built-in Switch rule on the backside gives us an important outlet, as well as a big
play possibility should any safeties over-commit!
•We will use this route heavily in conjunction with Play Action, to hold linebackers
underneath, influence the safety, and open voids for vertical receivers to run in!
•The 0 Route can be used anywhere, but is particularly effective as a Play Action route
on first down, and an excellent all-around call on the outer edge of the Red Zone!
KEYS to a successful play:
TAGS/VARIATIONS
•Post Curl creating space with a good, wide split!
•The Arrow route getting width quickly to force the flat defender to
make a decision!
•The Post Curl must make great breaks and work himself back to
the QB through an open lane!
•Squeeze/Bunch Concept
•26-27-42-43 Play Action
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1 ROUTE: GO
##
S
S
12 yd
CLEAN
break!
MUST see LB in
front of Post Curl!
Danger player!
C
4 yd Speed
break to 12
10
V
•Accelerate through break!
•Gain depth!
SPRINT
to 8!
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•3d step: Drill the Arrow through the shoulder
pad if he pops open at all…
“61” Shown
•Work the Post Curl off the 5th step to the BS Seam Read
BS OUTS: SEAM READ. Normal odd-numbered backside rules. Pre-read safety, attack and be decisive!
BS INS: GO READ. Normal odd-numbered backside rules. Be decisive, NEVER come inside the hash!
FS INS: ARROW. Attack defender’s outside shoulder, break downhill off 2d/3d step, gain depth. Look for ball quickly!
FS MID: CORNER. Push hard to a depth of 12, engaging the safety with eye contact. When you get to your depth, make a
sharp, clean break to the corner, looking for the ball over your outside shoulder.
FS OUTS: POST CURL. Split to the bottom of the numbers. Sprint to 8, make a 4 yard speed break toward the Post, & at 12
yards drumroll your feet and accelerate through the open lane back to a depth of 10 yards.
QB: 3-step progression to the Arrow on time. Rip it through his outside shoulder if he gets any clean air at all. If the short
defender runs with him, a void should open up for the Post Curl. Be alert of the LB in front of the Post Curl! Backside Seam
Read is your 3rd option. By call or game plan, can throw the Corner off 5th step if CB is getting nosy on the Post Curl.
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2 Route:
“SMASH”
•The “Smash” route is a very versatile route that, like the 7
route, puts intense pressure on the Cornerback by placing
a receiver in front of him at 6 yards (the “Smash” by the
Outside Receiver) and a man breaking behind him to the
“Corner” (Middle Receiver). It also allows us to control
rotating or hash safeties through the use of a “Seam/Thin”
by the Inside Receiver!
•This is a great package for us against any Cover 2/Cover 4 shell, as well as having
excellent possibilities against various forms of man coverage because of the
mismatches we can create on the inside!
•The 2 route is a solid answer for a number of situations, including 3rd and medium, 2
minute, and Red Zone!
KEYS to a successful play:
•Good release, eye contact, and snap from Corner route!
•QB must be persistent about throwing the Smash on time! Don’t
force the Corner route!
•Smash route uses smart splits and makes big plays after the catch
through a sudden spin & attacking movement upfield!
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TAGS/VARIATIONS
•Horn
•Squeeze/Bunch package
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2 ROUTE: SMASH
##
S
S
12 yd
CLEAN
break!
Break “THIN” across
safety’s face if he crosses
yours
C
C
O
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•Smash on 3d step unless
CB really jumps it!
•If you feel C sit on Smash,
“EYE HIM DOWN 2-3 steps…
…and throw the Corner
•“Flatten” him w/ throw to most open area
I
“62” Shown
6
yd
I
M
•Seam/Thin should be available if Saf overrotates to harass
the Corner. See in FRONT of it before you throw!
BS OUTS: GO READ. Normal even-numbered backside rules. Be decisive, NEVER come inside the hash!
BS INS:
SEAM READ. Normal even numbered backside rules. Pre-read safety, attack and be decisive!
FS INS:
SEAM/THIN. Push vertically straight up the field, avoiding underneath coverage. Stay on the Seam to hold the
safety as long as he’s over top of or inside you. If he opens and crosses your face, break the Thin Post off inside him.
FS MID:
CORNER. Push hard to a depth of 12, engaging the safety with eye contact. When you get to your depth, make a
sharp, clean break to the corner, looking for the ball over your outside shoulder. Be prepared for the QB to “flatten” you with
the ball depending on where the hole is.
FS OUTS: SMASH. Push to 6 yds, plant on your outside foot, and snap your head inside. Hard shoulder dip/spin for R.A.C.
QB: Pre-read depth of CB. 3-step progression is Smash…throw it if you have any doubt. If the CB climbs all over him “eye
him down” for 2 steps, throw the Corner off the 5th step, taking him to open air. Look Seam/Thin if Safety over-rotates.
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2 ROUTE from 90 SERIES
6-7 yd
CLEAN
break!
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“92” Shown
6
yd
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•Read defender over Seam...
•If he backs up at all, hit the Smash on
time on the outside shoulder
•If he opens and widens, rocket the
ball past his earhole to the Seam.
M
•If you have a press CB who sits on the Smash, throw the
Quick Corner over his head.
FS/BS INS: SEAM. Push vertically straight up the field, avoiding underneath coverage. Stay on the Seam to hold the safety
as long as he’s over top of or inside you. If he opens and crosses your face, break the Thin Post off inside him.
FS/BS MID: QUICK CORNER. MUST gain outside leverage on the man over you. Once you’ve done this, push vertical to a
6-7 yds, locking eyes with any hash safety. Snap, make a clean break at 7 yds, take an angle that will get you over top of CB.
FS/BS OUTS: SMASH. Push to 6 yds, plant on outside foot, and snap your head inside. Hard shoulder dip/spin for R.A.C.
QB: Pre-snap pick a side based on furthest danger player, softest corner, wide side of field in that order. Read key is the flat
defender (over Seam). If he backs up at all, drill the Smash on time right to his outside shoulder pad. If he opens his
shoulders quickly, throw the Seam route on a rope right behind his earhole as he leaves. Vs. a press CB, throw the Quick
Corner if that CB sits on the Smash. Check out v. a Press CB if you don’t have the Quick Corner route to control him.
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4 Route:
“OPTION”
•The 4 route is an ATTITUDE play! That means that we are
going to impose this play on the defense and make it work
regardless of what the defense does!
•This play takes advantage of the fundamental mismatch
between an inside receiver and a LB/SS, isolating him, then
breaking away from underneath coverage with room to run
after the catch.
•The other frontside receivers play critical roles! The outside man must recognize if
his CB is falling off him to cover the Flat route and exploit the “Pocket” for big plays if
he does! The middle receiver must create an effective rub/barrier to help the Flat get
open, then look for an open crease in the Seam!
•Again, we can literally use this route anywhere on the field, but it will be particularly
emphasized for sure completions on 1st down, to move the chains on 3rd & 6 or less,
going into the End zone, and even as a “4 minute” possession pass to protect leads!
TAGS/VARIATIONS
KEYS to a successful play:
•The man running the Flat must gain outside leverage, and must
work vertically before sticking his man!
•The QB must throw on time & in such a way that the Flat can run!
•Frontside middle and outside receivers must do their jobs well to
exploit big-play opportunities when defenders overreact to the flat!
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•Utah!
•Motion to, motion away, “Crazy”
•“Solid” protection from 23 pkg.
•Squeeze concept
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4 ROUTE: OPTION
##
S
S
MUST attack short
defender’s outside leg!
C
4-6 yd
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Then, BEAT him. Drumroll
feet, lean on him & stick him
if he’s tight.
“64” Shown
If a squat C leaves
you, settle into the
‘Pocket’ behind
him away from S
Backside on 5th step
BS OUTS: GO READ. Normal even-numbered backside rules. Be decisive, NEVER come inside the hash!
BS INS:
SEAM READ. Normal even numbered backside rules. Pre-read safety, attack and be decisive!
FS INS:
FLAT. You MUST capture the outside shoulder of the widest short defender & break flat at 4-6 yards, or whenever
you get the leverage you want. Snap flat out of your break & expect ball early. Drumroll your feet, push vertical, and/or lean
on him prior to your break if he’s pressed & hip to hip with you. If you get within 5 yd of sideline without ball, turn up sideline!
FS MID:
SEAM/THIN. #1 job is to pin/rub off the short defender over you…attack outside his outside hip, don’t be in a
hurry to clear him. Once past, accelerate up the Seam, bending to a “THIN” Post if the near safety crosses your face.
FS OUTS: GO ‘POCKET’. Outside release C and run him off. If he’s squat & you feel him leave, settle in the “Pocket’ behind
QB: Pre-snap alert for a rolled CB. 3-step progression to Flat on time, alert for POCKET v. rolled CB. 5-step progression to
backside Seam Read, backside Go Read outlet.
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5 Route:
“BEND”
•The 5 Route is a form of a “Flood” pattern that is used to
overload zone coverages, but is also useful against Man
coverage as well!
•A “triangle” is created to stress the defense both vertically
and horizontally with a Go route (outside receiver), a Bend
route (inside receiver) and an Arrow route (middle receiver).
The result of this triangle, if we space ourselves properly, is
that 2 defenders are forced to cover 3 of us!
•Spacing is the key! The Go must create width with a wide split, and then push the
top off the defense by clearing out full speed! The Arrow must also create width
quickly and force a decision by the underneath coverage! The Bend must use a short
split and good angles to work into voids!
•This is a tremendous route to convert 3rd and long situations…it is also useful at
certain times in the outer to middle portions of the Red Zone!
TAGS/VARIATIONS
KEYS to a successful play:
•SPACING!!! (See above)
•The QB must be willing to drill the Arrow quickly if it opens! This
will open the rest of the route up!
•The right type of release, leverage, and break by the “Bend”! He
must have a great feel for the defense and how to beat it!
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•Motion to
•42-43 Play Action.
•Squeeze concept
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5 ROUTE: BEND
##
S
##
S
10-12 yd
C
If you feel someone chasing,
stick them, make a sharp break,
and accelerate away…
C
Vs. zone, roll out of your break,
into the dead area
V
O
O
I
I
M
•Accelerate through break!
•Gain depth!
•3d step: Drill the Arrow through the shoulder
pad if he pops open at all…
“65” Shown
•Work the Bend off the 5th step to the BS Seam Read
BS OUTS: SEAM READ. Normal odd-numbered backside rules. Pre-read safety, attack and be decisive!
BS INS: GO READ. Normal odd-numbered backside rules. Be decisive, NEVER come inside the hash!
FS INS: BEND. Tighter split, push vertically, get defender on your inside hip, and break outside at 10-12 yds. The type of
break depends on the coverage you feel. If you’re being chased (Man), make a quick stick inside, & a sharp break outside. If
you feel people dropping (zone), make a controlled roll out of your break into the dead part of the zone, about 15-18 yds deep.
FS MID: ARROW. Attack defender’s outside shoulder, break downhill off 2d/3d step, gain depth. Look for ball quickly!
FS OUTS: GO. Outside release, accelerate vertically along the bottom of the numbers, must clear your area!
QB: 3-step progression to the Arrow on time. Rip it through his outside shoulder if he gets any clean air at all. If the short
defender runs with him, a void should open up for the Bend. See whether he’s being chased, so you know what type of throw
to make on your 5th step. Work BS Seam Read as your 3rd option..
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5 ROUTE: “PRESS” Call
##
10-12 yd
C
If you feel someone chasing,
stick them, make a sharp break,
and accelerate away…
Vs. zone, roll out of your break,
into the dead area
V
O
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I
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M
•Accelerate through break!
•Gain depth!
•3d step: Drill the Arrow through the shoulder
pad if he pops open at all…
“95” Shown
•Work the Bend off the 5th step to the BS Seam Read
BS OUTS: SEAM READ. Normal odd-numbered backside rules. Pre-read safety, attack and be decisive!
BS INS: GO READ. Normal odd-numbered backside rules. Be decisive, NEVER come inside the hash!
FS INS: BEND. Tighter split, push vertically, get defender on your inside hip, and break outside at 10-12 yds. The type of
break depends on the coverage you feel. If you’re being chased (Man), make a quick stick inside, & a sharp break outside. If
you feel people dropping (zone), make a controlled roll out of your break into the dead part of the zone, about 15-18 yds deep.
FS MID: ARROW. Attack defender’s outside shoulder, break downhill off 2d/3d step, gain depth. Look for ball quickly!
FS OUTS: GO. Outside release, accelerate vertically along the bottom of the numbers, must clear your area!
QB: 3-step progression to the Arrow on time. Rip it through his outside shoulder if he gets any clean air at all. If the short
defender runs with him, a void should open up for the Bend. See whether he’s being chased, so you know what type of throw
to make on your 5th step. Work BS Seam Read as your 3rd option..
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6 Route:
“CHOICE”
•The Choice Route is one of the primary ways we have to
isolate an outside receiver! He then has the freedom to
choose one of two routes (Slant or Out) that give him the
best chance to get open based on what his CB does!
•The 6 route provides an excellent “counter attack” vs.
defenses that overload to three receiver sides!
•Backside receivers are critical to this play…they are very much in the QB’s thought
process and must use good splits and make good decisions to make themselves
available!
•Play action is a tremendous way to vary this play, causing hesitation by the frontside
linebacker(s) we’re attacking and opening up throwing lanes for the frontside Choice
and the backside Drag!
•This is one of our top ways to convert 3rd and long situations with easy throws! The
backside routes also make it a viable Red Zone option!
TAGS/VARIATIONS
KEYS to a successful play:
1.
2.
•
Smart pre-snap work and splits by the frontside receiver.
The BS Drag must release, beat LB coverage, and get in the
QB’s vision!
The QB must have his hips ready to throw the FS route on
time, & then see the BS receivers clearly as they come to him
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•42-43 Play Action!
•66-76 “Horn”
•Bunch concept: Weakside!
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6 ROUTE: CHOICE
##
S
Keep coming into QB’s
vision! Replace far LB!
10 yd
C
C
Can “stair step” if being chased
4-6 yd
V
O
O
M
O
Vs. Press CB (4-)
Vs. Soft CB (5+)
GO.. Attack his
Cut split; OUT.
outside leg,
Attack outside leg,
straighten, look for
& push vertical
before your break! ball over outside
shoulder.
I
Pre-read CB to know what WR will run!
“66” Shown
C
Out or Goon 5th if LB doesn’t invade...
…Seam Read to Drag (5th) if he does
BS OUTS: GO READ. Normal even-numbered backside rules. Be decisive, NEVER come inside the hash!
BS MID:
SEAM READ. Normal even numbered backside rules. Pre-read safety, attack and be decisive!
BS INS:
DRAG. MUST gain inside leverage quickly, explode across the field at a depth of about 4, avoiding and running
past any LB traffic. Your job is to replace the far LB, so keep running, working to the QB’s vision.
v. “Soft” CB: OUT. Cut split, attack outside leverage, straighten, and snap back to QB at 10 yards.
v. “Press” CB: GO. Must attack and gain outside leverage right now. Once inside, straighten and accelerate, look
for ball over outside shoulder. WIDEN only when the ball is in the airno later than 5 yards.
QB: Pre-snap read CB; know what your FS receiver will do. First part of progression is FS WR; Slant off 3rd step, Out off 5th
if throwing lane isn’t invaded. If LB gets in your vision, work back to Seam Read, then Drag off 5th step.
FS OUTS:
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7 Route:
“SWITCH”
•This route gives us an excellent way to attack the edges of
the field by putting one man in front of the CB (an Out
route) and another behind him (Corner route).
•This is one of the best ways we have to attack man
coverage, because both frontside routes are difficult to
cover, and we can create mismatches by formation!
•This is a great 3rd and Long package, and an excellent scoring route in the Red Zone
all the way down to approximately the 10 yard line!
KEYS to a successful play:
1.
2.
3.
4.
TAGS/VARIATIONS
Smart splits by the Out and the Corner.
Sharp, “clean” breaks by both frontside receivers.
Correct spacing by the frontside receivers so that the CB
cannot be allowed to play both of them!
Smart assessment by the CB and a throw on time!
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7 ROUTE: SWITCH
##
S
S
12 yd
10 yd
Clean break!
Get over top of the CB!
C
C
Potential DANGER!
Must gain outside leverage
on the man over you!
V
O
O
I
“67” Shown
I
•Read the CB on your 1st three steps…
•Drill the Out on your 5th if CB is retreating at
all, alert for danger…
Must cut split, attack outside
leg, and push vertical 1-2 steps
before your break!
•If CB is squatting or has good leverage, eye him down &
hit the Corner in the void behind, then backside.
BS OUTS: SEAM READ. Normal odd-numbered backside rules. Pre-read safety, attack and be decisive!
BS INS: GO READ. Normal odd-numbered backside rules. Be decisive, NEVER come inside the hash!
FS INS: CORNER. MUST gain outside leverage on the man over you. Once you’ve done this, push vertical to a depth of 12,
locking eyes with any hash safety. Snap & make a clean break at 12 yds, taking an angle that will get you over top of the CB.
FS OUTS: OUT. Cut your split, attack the CB’s outside leg right now. Straighten and work vertical to a depth of 10 once
you’ve done that, then stab, stick your inside foot in the ground, throw your elbow through and snap your head around to the
outside. Ball should be right on top of you, have your hands ready! Try to lose depth back to QB on break!
QB: Pure 5 step progression…use your 1st three steps to read the CB and let him tell you where to throw it. If he’s retreating
at all, drive the Out into the outside receiver on time at shoulder height. OLB is a potential danger player! If CB really closes,
eye him down, deliver the Corner on the 5th step. If neither open up, go to backside Switch.
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7 ROUTE from 90 SERIES
6-7 yd
Clean break!
Get over top of the CB!
C
5 yd
Potential DANGER!
Must gain outside leverage
on the man over you!
V
O
O
Must cut split, attack outside
leg, and push vertical 1-2 steps
before your break!
•Thorough pre-snap look, 3 step drop…
•If CB is squatting or has good leverage, shuffle up and
throw the Corner behind him. Trajectory depends on
“97” Shown •Drill the Out through shoulder pads off 3d step
(no Hitch) if CB retreats at all, alert for danger...
coverage.
FS/BS INS: QUICK CORNER. MUST gain outside leverage on the man over you. Once you’ve done this, push vertical to a 67 yds, locking eyes with any hash safety. Snap, make a clean break at 7 yds, take an angle that will get you over top of CB.
FS/BS OUTS: QUICK OUT. Cut your split, attack the CB’s outside leg right now. Straighten and work vertical to a depth of
10 once you’ve done that, then stab, stick your inside foot in the ground, throw your elbow through and snap your head
around to the outside. Ball should be right on top of you, have your hands ready! Try to lose depth back to QB on break!
QB: Most important part of play is pre-snap. First, ID coverage. If CBs are soft, choose the side with the least threatening
danger player (1st short defender). If CBs are tight and head up to inside, go to the side where the safety help is furthest away,
wide side of field if in doubt. If the CBs are tight and outside (Cover 2), work the short side unless you have a compelling
reason to do otherwise.
Drop is normal 90 drop, three steps. Read is CB regardless of coverage. If he backs up, hit Quick Out on 3d step without a
Hitch up. If CB closes/sits, hitch up and hit Corner behind him. Throw will be FIRM v. 2 or 4, LOFTED against 0, 1, 3.
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8 Route:
“SNAG”
•The “Snag” route attacks the underneath edge of a
defense very rapidly, often from a “squeezed” environment.
•The middle receiver is used to clear things out while the
outside and inside receivers cross paths and distribute
themselves to pressure the flat defender inside and out, or
to create a natural pick for one or the other.
•A wide variety of “tags” or small adjustments can be made to different receivers in
the pattern to take advantage of defensive overreaction, or to make the Mesh useful in
different situations! It can also be employed from almost any pass action in our
offense (Play Action, Bootleg, etc.)!
•The “Snag” and its variations will be one of the most useful routes we have
throughout the Red Zone and against any type of man coverage! It is also an
excellent “move the chains” play on 3rd and anything up to 7.
KEYS to a successful play:
TAGS/VARIATIONS
1.
2.
•25-26-42-43 Play Action
•“Cross” for BS Outside
•“Stem” for FS Middle
•“Angle” for FS Inside
•“Wheel” for FS Inside
3.
4.
Receivers execute their "traffic rules" of release properly.
The Arrow comes out at the proper angle so he ends up
breaking at the right depth.
The #2 receiver avoids getting jammed at ALL COSTS
The QB gets the ball to the Shoot QUICKLY!
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8 ROUTE: SNAG
##
S
12 yd
CLEAN
break!
He leaves, you sit
& replace…
He sits or looks you up,
attack across him, pivot,
and break out
C
C
7
V
V
O
O
I
“68” Shown
I
•3d step: Drill the Arrow through the
shoulder pad if he pops open at all…
•If Arrow is covered inside out, find Snag on
5th
step
M
•Accelerate through
break!
•Gain depth!
Attack LB over inside rec
to a depth of 7…
•If Arrow is covered outside in or top down, throw the
Corner on 5th step (eye down optional).
BS OUTS: GO READ. Normal even-numbered backside rules. Be decisive, NEVER come inside the hash!
BS INS: SEAM READ. Normal even numbered backside rules. Pre-read safety, attack and be decisive!
FS INS: ARROW. You go 3rd, off the Snag’s hip. Break downhill off 2d/3d step, gain depth. Look for ball quickly!
FS MID: CORNER. Must avoid jam, take best release to a vertical course, make a clean break at 12 yards to the Corner!
FS OUTS: SNAG. You go 2nd. Pause to allow the middle receiver upfield, come right off his rear, aiming for a point 7 yards
deep over the inside receiver’s initial alignment. Attack & read the LB over the Arrow.
QB: 3-step progression to the Arrow on time. Rip it through his outside shoulder if he gets any clean air at all. If he gets
covered, you must feel where the coverage comes from. If it comes from inside out, find the Snag on your 5th step, and put the
ball on a shoulder away from pressure. If coverage comes from outside in or above, throw the Corner route in the hole behind
on your 5th step. Pre-snap read the CB to see if this scenario is possible!
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9 Route:
“SLANT”
•The “Slant” is a versatile route that allows us to isolate an
outside LB/SS in a two-on-one situation and hit receivers
on the move! It is generally used from a “90” action,
meaning it will be mirrored most of the time.
•The Inside & Outside Slants on both sides must use good
spacing, both through their pre-snap splits and the angle of
their break, to ensure that we get our 2 on 1 (in other
words, so the man we’re isolating can’t cover both), and to
help the QB get a clear view of his read!
•The Slant is designed to hold up against all coverages, but it is especially effective
against Cover 2, Cover 1, and can be a deadly weapon against Blitz Cover 0!
•The Slant is a good way to convert 3rd and medium, get us back on schedule in 2nd
and long, has potential for use near the Goalline, and can even be a way to challenge
for a first down on 3rd and long without having to hold the ball!
KEYS to a successful play:
TAGS/VARIATIONS
1. Receivers get good spacing starting with their splits!
2. Inside WR attacks his man decisively & forces him to commit!
• The outside receiver gets a clean release, good leverage, and
accelerates out of his break on a good angle!
• The QB makes a good pre-snap decision & throws on time!
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•“Horn”
•Off “Green” & “Gold”
•F Shoot
•F Snake
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9 ROUTE: SLANT
“THIN” v. outside C!
Flatter release, break v. inside C
C
V
V
V
“Lookie” adj if
your man leaves
C
C
V
O
O
I
I
Can use a head &
shoulder nod here
“99” Shown
OUTSIDE: 2 step SLANT. Must attack the INSIDE LEG of the DB over you. Adjust angle of break based on alignment of CB.
INSIDE:
1 step SLANT. Must attack the INSIDE LEG of the man over you. LOOKIE adjustment if man over you widens!
QB:
Pick a side - generally work wide side or side with least threatening “DANGER” player. 3 step drop, read defender
over #2 (1st short inside CB). If his hips hang at all, hit #1 on rhythm. If he widens, snap hips & eyes to Lookie, hit
him AHEAD of the danger player. Vs. PURE Cover 0, can think Lookie first & wait for him to separate!
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“NAMED”
Route Packages
•We have a series of passes that are not assigned a
number, but rather, a “Name.” thus, we call them “Named
Routes.” To call them we will say 60 or 70, to indicate the
protection, then call the name of the route! In addition to
the name, we will also add a word to tell H what to do!
•All Named Routes have certain things in common:
CLICK FOR A DETAILS ON ANY
NAMED ROUTE:
Over Drag Dig
Curl
Back to
T of C
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1. They are most often, but not always used with “23” personnel,
and most frequently from “Gun Split Rex” or “Gun Split Lex”
formations!
2. The initial route “NAME” tells Y what to do! So, for example Y
knows that on “60 Over,” he has the Over route!
3. Routes have locked definitions for H, Y, and F. They do not
change for these players no matter where the formation takes them.
X and Z have to simply know whether they are frontside or backside
to determine their route.
4. The FB will always check his protection responsibility, then
Swing in any of these named routes!
5. The QB’s drop is more nearly a straight 5 step drop as opposed
to a half-roll! His progression will always start with H’s route!
6. PROTECTION changes slightly in technique, while 60-70
assignments stay the same. The FRONTSIDE T can give ground
and kick-slide, while the BACKSIDE G must be much firmer than he
is in normal 60-70 because of the QB’s set up point!
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NAMED ROUTE Summary
H
PATTERN
FS X/Z
Y
BS X/Z
F
H
OVER
Dig
Over
(to 18)
Post
Check
Swing
Shoot
Flat
Angle
H to Over to F
DRAGS
DRAGS
Drag
Drag
Post Crn or
Post (mot)
Check
Swing
Shoot
Wheel
H to Y to BS Drag,
can peek at Post
DIG
Go Clear
Dig
Go Clear
Check
Swing
Shallow
CURL
Post Curl
Curl
Post
Check
Swing
Shoot
variations
QB
H to Y to F
Wheel
H to P-Curl to Y to
F
CLICK on the route name
to go to a detailed diagram!
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“90” SERIES:
Key Ideas
•The “90” Series is a series of quick patterns that use a 3step drop! These routes should be thrown in 1.5 to 1.7
seconds! They allow us to attack defenses on fast rhythm!
•The pattern rules we use for the 90 series are the same as
in our 60-70 package, with some key considerations:
1. A “90” pass means that all routes are mirrored. In other
words, both sides use “frontside” rules, and there are no
backside “Seam” or “Go” Reads!
2. Many breaks are shortened because the ball is being
thrown quicker. Any break that happens at 12 yards in the
60 and 70 series (e.g., a Corner), is run at 6 or 7 yards in the
90 series. Breaks that happen at 10 yards in 60-70 are
shortened to 5 in the 90 series. Breaks normally 6 or
shorter stay the same!
CLICK FOR A DETAILED
DESCRIPTION OF ANY 90 ROUTE:
98
92
95
97
99
Back to
T of C
•Following are the primary routes we will adapt to the “90” Series:
–92: Outside receivers Smash, Inside receivers run Seams, possible Middle receiver Corner @6
•(Also 92 “Horn” or “Smash & Go”)
–95 “Press”: Outside receiver Go, Middle receiver Arrow, Inside receiver 6 yard “Press”
–97: Outside receivers run Out @5-6, Inside receivers run Corner @6-7
–98 “Swap”: Outside receivers run Snag at 4, Inside receivers run Corner @6-7
–99: Outside receivers run Slant, Inside receivers run Slant with a “Lookie” adjustment
•(Also 99 “Horn”)
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90 “Green” & “Gold”
BACKSIDE:
Use Slant rules!
FRONTSIDE:
Inside most WR/SLOT Flares,
everyone else Blocks!
“FLARE BOX”:
Area from 1 yd inside Flare man
to 1 yard outside 2nd to last blocker
C
V
If defenders outnumber blockers,
know pre-snap that you’ll work
the Slant side
1
2
C
V V
B
O
I
I
B
In this example, there is 1 blocker
in the box, sothrow the Flare if 1
or fewer defenders are there.
“90 Green” Shown
BS OUTS: 2 step SLANT. Must attack the INSIDE LEG of the DB over you. Adjust angle of break based on alignment of CB.
BS INSIDE: 1 step SLANT. Must attack the INSIDE LEG of the man over you. LOOKIE adjustment if man over you widens!
FS INSIDE: FLARE. Split at least 5 yards off T/TE, deepen slightly, because ball must be caught behind L.O.S. Push off
inside foot (“Speed skater step”), keeping shoulders parallel to LOS, gain width fast. Turn head to QB on 2nd
step, keeping shoulders square, find ball. R.A.C. course is just like Sweep--trust your speed, stretch it to the
outside, cut up only off the block of #1! MUST FALL ON INCOMPLETE PASS - POSSIBLE LATERAL!
FS OTHER: STALK. Identify the man ON to INSIDE you and stalk his OUTSIDE SHOULDER. Break down EARLY! Vs. an
outside press CB (Cov 2), use quick “Roadrunner” technique. Can “Crack” across the board v. man coverage.
QB:
Pre-snap read the “Flare Box.” If blockers are equal to or greater than defenders in the Flare box, throw FLARE
off 2nd step--firm ball 6” in front of Flare man. Pedal backward right after the throw. If your Flare man is covered
down, work the backside Slant(s) off a 3-step drop as you normally would in 99.
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50 SERIES
Bootlegs
CLICK FOR A DETAILS ON ANY
BOOTLEG:
52-53
56-57
Back to
Table of Contents
•All “50” Series passes are “Bootlegs,” meaning we are
going to fake a run in one direction, and roll the QB
opposite the fake! These are excellent plays against LBs
who overpursue against our best running plays!
•All receivers use the same route rules for all 50 series
passes (Post, Over, Pin Flat, Go Pocket)! Frontside
receivers are those lined up to the side of the fake (right on
even last digits such as 52 and 56, left on odd last digits);
Backside recievers are those aligned away from the fake
even though the QB will be working in their direction!
•52-53 is a fake of the 42-43 Zone play! QB & FB will carry
out a great 42-43 fake! All linemen will REACH to the call!
•56-57 is a fake of the 46-47 Counter play! QB & FB will
carry out a great 46-47 fake! All linemen except FSG & FST
will REACH to the call! FSG pulls and “logs” the backside
End, while the FST executes a Punch technique!
TAGS/VARIATIONS
KEYS to a successful play:
•56-57 “H”
•52-53-56-57 Snag
1. GREAT fakes! RB rolls over ball & sells it, QB follows w/eyes!
2. Linemen PREVENT PENETRATION across the board!
3. PIN FLAT is patient and handles the BSDE before releasing!
- C l I c k
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52-53 BOOT
FS Outs: POST. Break at 10 yards
FS Ins/TE: OVER route..clean inside release, go under LB if
needed, get over 2nd LB, get into QBs vision at 12-14 yds.
IF there are 2 receivers outside you, run a 5 yard DRAG.
FS Mid: OVER route..12-14 yards. See above.
53 BOOT v. “Split”
C
C
R
W
E T
S
T
SS
E
1001
1002
QB: Step to normal 42-43 course, extending ball after first
step. LOOK at RBs numbers where you would hand the ball,
PAUSE slightly to follow the FB’s course as he passes you.
Snap head around and gain quick width and depth, find Pin
Flat, seeing E.M.O.L.’s rush course as you do. If Flat is open,
give it to him RIGHT NOW for maximum R.A.C. If flat
defender widens with him from inside out, Keep escaping
outside, find OVER through a clear lane. If Pre-Snap look
tells you Cover 2, be aware of CB squashing Flat from
outside-in; if this happens, be ready to hit the POCKET!
- C l i c k
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“REACH” RULES
*Basic premise is to REACH one gap in front of us!
*If I’m uncovered, I plan to REACH and OVERTAKE the down
lineman in front of me.
*If I’m covered, I first identify whether there’s a down lineman
the gap in front of me…if he is, then I plan REACH and
OVERTAKE him. If not, then I will REACH, RIP through the man
over me, and RUN on my railroad track once I get a “GO” call
from behind!
*COVERED linemen should cut their split if possible!
FS T:
Reach rules…don’t go downfield!
FS G: Reach rules…don’t go downfield!
CENTER: Reach rules…don’t go downfield!
BS G:
Reach rules…don’t go downfield!
BS T:
Reach rules…don’t go downfield!
BS Outs: Top of #s split. Run GO POCKET.
BS Ins/TE: “PIN” FLAT. Pin E.M.O.L. 2 counts, working to
outside shoulder, then release to Flat 4-5 yards deep. Get
head around!
H (BF/Slot): You will be used as a backside player. Use
Inside receiver rules (PIN FLAT).
FB: Same steps as 42 (52) or 43 (53). SELL the run by
rolling over the ball on the fake, bottom hand flat! As you
come out of the original fake, spy for penetrators along your
course. If you see none, continue a convincing 42-43
course, bending E-W to stay behind the L.O.S.
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56-57 BOOT
57 BOOT v. “Split”
C
C
R
W
E T
“Punch”
S
T
SS
E
1001
1002
FS Outs: POST. Break at 10 yards
FS Ins/TE: OVER route..clean inside release, go under LB if
needed, get over 2nd LB, get into QBs vision at 12-14 yds.
IF there are 2 receivers outside you, run a 5 yard DRAG.
FS Mid: OVER route..12-14 yards. See above.
FS T:
PUNCH. Step B gap, engage any penetrator,
Hinge back to E.M.O.L.
FS G: Pull and LOG B.S. E.M.O.L. Deepen course slightly.
CENTER:
Reach rules…don’t go downfield!
“REACH” RULES
*Basic premise is to REACH one gap in front of us!
*If I’m uncovered, I plan to REACH and OVERTAKE the down
lineman in front of me.
*If I’m covered, I first identify whether there’s a down lineman
the gap in front of me…if he is, then I plan REACH and
OVERTAKE him. If not, then I will REACH, RIP through the man
over me, and RUN on my railroad track once I get a “GO” call
from behind!
*COVERED linemen should cut their split if possible!
BS G:
Reach rules…don’t go downfield!
BS T:
Reach rules…don’t go downfield!
BS Outs: Top of #s split. Run GO POCKET.
QB: Step to normal 46-47 course, extending ball after second
step. LOOK at RBs numbers where you would hand the ball,
PAUSE slightly to follow the FB’s course as he passes you.
Snap head around and gain quick width and depth, find Pin
Flat, seeing E.M.O.L.’s rush course as you do. If Flat is open,
give it to him RIGHT NOW for maximum R.A.C. If flat
defender widens with him from inside out, Keep escaping
outside, find OVER through a clear lane. If Pre-Snap look
tells you Cover 2, be aware of CB squashing Flat from
outside-in; if this happens, be ready to hit the POCKET!
- C l i c k
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BS Ins/TE: “PIN” FLAT. Pin E.M.O.L. 2 counts, working to
outside shoulder, then release to Flat 4-5 yards deep. Get
head around!
H (BF/Slot): You will be used as a backside player. Use
Inside receiver rules (PIN FLAT).
*56 or 57 “H” tells you and FB to change jobs!
FB: Same steps as 46 (56) or 47 (57). SELL the run by
rolling over the ball on the fake, bottom hand flat! As you
come out of the original fake, spy for penetrators along your
course. If you see none, continue a convincing 46-47
course, bending E-W to stay behind the L.O.S.
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v. Cov 0 Bunch Left H Crazy 56 Snag
Right Tight Outside 52
v. Cov 1
J
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W E T
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C R W
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T E
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N E
Brown Larry 57 “H”
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v. Cov 2
Right Slot 53
W
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v. Cov 3
“UTAH” tag
•Tells inside
receiver to fake his
normal route and
break up the
sideline after
showing his hands.
•Also tells all
frontside receivers
middle or outside
to run a Thin Post.
“HORN” tag
J
J
C
C
V
V
V
“74 Utah” Shown
•Tells outside
receiver to fake his
normal route and
break up the
sideline after
showing his hands.
•Also tells all
frontside receivers
middle or inside to
run a Thin Post.
“62 Horn” Shown
“SWITCH” tag
“SWAP” tag
J
•Tells inside and
outside receivers to
“SWITCH” jobs.
J
C
C S
W
C
•Tells the inside
receiver to take the
job of the middle
receiver, and vice
versa.
W
*Inside man normally has
“Over” on 53. SWITCH
tells outside rec. to take it!
“53 Switch” Shown
*Outside man’s route does
not change!
*Outside man normally has
“Post” on 53. SWITCH
tells inside rec. to take it!
*Middle receiver normally has
a “Corner” in any 8 route.
Inside man now takes that job!
“98 Swap” Shown
86-87 “SHOVEL”
FS Outs: Inside stalk man on. Alert for “Bomb” call!
FS Ins: Inside stalk man on. Split must mirror BS ins in
case of a check.
FS TE: Gap rules–near LB. 6 or 9 doesn’t count as “covered.”
87 v. “Split”
C
C
R
W
E T
S
SS
T
“Gap” “Gap” “Dead
& Up”
L cut off
outside foot!
E
“Base”
“GAP RULES: Near Backer”
*Frontside linemen responsible for the GAP inside them!
First step will always be a 6” flat step to that gap!
*If I’m uncovered, I call “Double” and look to try to Double
Combo with the lineman inside me to the 1st LB inside us!
We will stay on the combo until the LB threatens the hole
vertically! If the DL over my man to the inside disappears
inside by alignment or movement, then my block
becomes a Down block to the 1st LB.
*If I’m covered by an inside shade, I B Drive him down! If
he slants away from me, I work up to a LB!
*If I’m covered by a head-up player or an outside shade, I
expect a “Double” call from the man outside of me! He
and I will Double Combo to the first LB inside us! If my
man slants inside, it becomes a B Drive block for me!
**If I also have a DL on my inside gap, I must call “B, B, B !” to
the man behind me to wave off the Double and tell us both to B
Drive the man inside us!
*The Center, if uncovered, will always DEAD block with a
flat step back to Backside A gap. He must ensure that the
1st DL backside does not get penetration!
BS Slot: Deepen off the ball by alignment, split according to
your speed. Come flat down the line, look pitch in, find G’s block
and make a strong L cut up into the hole inside him. Get N/S at
the first opportunity!
FB: Your job is to fill for the guard and blow up the first down
lineman backside. Pre-read whether your man is a Shade, 1, 2,
or 3 so you’ll know how tight a course to take. Meet him and
expect a collision.
QB: Sell 60-70 action opposite the play 3 steps, flip the ball from
your chest to a spot 1 foot in front of his. See the lane in front of
the man you’re pitching to! Pre-snap alert for “Riverside” call if
an overhang exists, or numbers are better opposite.
- C l i c k
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FS T: Gap rules – near LB. 4 or 5 doesn’t count as “covered.”
FS G: Gap rules – near backer
CENTER: Gap rules. If uncovered, use a “Dead and Up,”
insuring A gap first, then working up to BSLB.
BS G: Pull through hip of C,“Long Trap” E.M.O.L. frontside.
Use inside-out head position & DIG HIM OUT of the hole.
BS T: Base the man over you.
BS TE:
Punch C gap to EMOL.
BS WR:
t o
Convoy, cut off deep middle 1/3 saf. TD Block!
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88-89 “QUICK SCREEN”
FS Outs: Screen man. Take two very quick steps upfield,
come back three steps behind the line of scrimmage, come
and meet the ball. Build momentum and cut up into the
first vertical running lane you see, North and South.
Trips Left 89 v. “Split”
C
C
R
W
E T
S
T
SS
E
All other FS receivers/FS TE/Offset H-B: Inside-out block
the defender over the next receiver outside. Kick him out
of the running lane, finishing with your feet! Push up two
steps if possible to get the man over you into his
backpedal!
Line/BS TE: Block 90 protection. Low hats! Shut off inside
penetration.
BS Rec: Fake Toss to your side.
FB: Fake the Toss play opposite the call. Sell it!
QB: Reverse pivot to a quick but exaggerated pitch fake to
freeze LBs temporarily. Pivot quickly around to throwing
lane, throw a firm ball to the upfield shoulder pad of the
screen receiver.
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v. Cov 0 Right Slot H6 88
Right Tight Wider 88
v. Cov 1
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W
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S
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E T N T R E
T E R
E T
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Y7 89
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Larry Under 89
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60-70
Half Roll Protection
•60-70 is our basic, half-roll protection. The QB will
ordinarily set up 6 yards deep behind the inside leg of the
frontside tackle!
•The basic premise of the protection is to be “Big on Big”
with “Back on Backers.” In other words, as much as
possible, we want linemen assinged to block defensive
linemen, and back(s) assigned to linebackers!
•Technique-wise, this is a “Reach and Hinge” protection. In other words, the frontside
linemen must reach to the frontside pec of their man and be firm to give the QB a
clear throwing lane…backside linemen “Hinge” back using a 1/4 turn because the
QB’s set-up point allows them to give ground as long as they maintain inside
leverage! The Center acts like a frontside lineman if covered (Reach), or a backside
lineman if uncovered (Hinge)!
CALLS/VARIATIONS
KEYS to a successful play:
•Solid
•“Zone Across”
•“Pocket”
•Tied to 42-43, 25-26, 28-29 action
•The QB gets to his proper set-up point at the proper time!
•The frontside stays firm and does not give ground!
•The Center and BS players take great first steps to insure against
Slants and Stunts and establish proper leverage!
•The FB does a great job with his eyes and is physical.
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60-70 PROTECTION
FS TE: Route
FS T: Aggressively reach the man over you.
60 ACTION v. “Split”
C
C
W
M
E T
S
R
T E
“HINGE”
“REACH”
FB: You are responsible for the 9 technique to the FS LB. “9
technique” means that if anyone rushes outside the tackle’s
man, you have him. Pre-read before the snap to locate any
potential “9 technique” threats. Attack on a course right off the
outside leg of the FS tackle, aggressively block the 9 technique
rusher. If, by the 2nd step, you see no threat, break off your
course to the frontside LB, getting up INTO the gap to take him
on. If you get no rush out of either responsibility, help on any
rusher that comes free, but DO NOT try to help an engaged OL!
H-B: Run a route as the formation and play dictate. If “SOLID”
is called, you do the same job as the FB, but on the backside!
- C l i c k
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FS G: Aggressively reach the man over you. If uncovered,
step and stab frontside to insure B gap first, eyeing the LB
over you. If nothing shows, maintain your B gap presence
while waiting for any stunt by your LB or into your area.
CENTER: You are responsible for man on to LB over you
to LB backside. If covered, take a hard frontside step and
lock on; you must protect vs. a frontside A gap slant. If
uncovered, eye LB while stepping/stabbing toward most
immediate DL threat to A gap….1/4 turn and hinge for
depth once A gap is secured
If you get a “Zero” call from QB, call “Zone Across,” step
frontside A gap regardless and protect that gap!
BS G: Block the man on/over you inside out. First step
should be a hard step to frontside A gap regardless, ensure
against/lock on any slanter/stunter to that gap! If you get
nothing to lock onto, 1/4 turn backside to create a wall as you
block your assignment. Continue to punch and disengage a
down lineman in your rule; if a LB is in your rule, eye him and
get faster depth. If your man leaves your route via stunt,
shove him to the tackle (if a DL), call “Switch,” force the
switch and continue getting depth as you take your eyes to
the man coming to you.
“ZONE ACROSS” call from Center means that you have no
help from him, particularly on a BSLB in a “Split” look, and
that you are strictly responsible for A gap, not necessarily
the man over/on you (though it often works out the same).
BS T: Block the man on/over you inside out. First step
should be a hard step to frontside B gap regardless,
ensure against/lock on any slanter/stunter to that gap! If
you get nothing to lock onto, 1/4 turn backside to create a
wall as you block your assignment.
“ZONE ACROSS” call from Center means that you have no
help from him, particularly on a BSLB in a “Split” look, and
that you are strictly responsible for B gap, not necessarily
the man over/on you (though it often works out the same).
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v. Split
60 with SOLID call
M
R E T
S
v. Bear
70 action
W
R
T E
W
FS #1
S
E T N T
FS #2
E
FSTE
FST
FSG
C
BSG
BST
BSTE
M
W
60 action
T
Z
N
S
BSWR
T S
E
v. Odd
70 action
M
T
T E
v. Even
0 ROUTE: FLARE
APPLIED TO VARIOUS SETS
“SPREAD 380 FLARE”
“9 LEFT 390 FLARE”
2 receiver version
2 receiver version w/ TE
C
C
0 blockers in
the box…can
throw Flare
if no
defenders in
this area.
B
B
I
“8 EMPTY 380 FLARE”
4 receiver version
3 blockers in
the box…can
throw Flare
if 3 or fewer
defenders in
this area.
C
V
V
B
I
B
B
0 blockers in
the box…can
throw Flare
if no
defenders in
this area.
I
V
TE to frontside does
not count in
determining the
“Flare” receiver
F O O T B A L L
PRIDE. DISCIPLINE.
ACHIEVEMENT. LOYALTY.