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
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W
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“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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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.
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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
R
W
E T
S
T
SS
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”
m a I n play d I a g r a m -
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
R
W
E T
“Solo” “Team”
S
SS
T E
“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.
- C l i c k
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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
R
W
E T
S
T
SS
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”
m a I n play d I a g r a m -
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
R
W
E T
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!
- 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. 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
R
W
E T
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
S
C
S
C
C
R
B
R
V
R
E
E
T
H
*CRACK leaves CB
unblocked, so H now leads
off hip of the outside Crack
block and blocks the CB!
- C l i c k
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
H
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.