Do not "hodge Podge" it. A few plays here and a few plays there kind of thing.

Do not run plays just to run

them and impress the players and/or parents and people in the stands.
2. Use one play and then build your playbook and blocking schemes base upon answers for defensive
responses.
3. I was once told by a good friend that there is good and bad in this offense. The good is there is a lot
you can do with it. The bad is there is a lot you can do with this offense. BE CAREFUL of allowing
yourself getting caught up into a lot of ideas that look good on paper and in your head and now go out
and try it all and find that you have spent all of this time on something that does not work.
Here is what I mean:
When you put your ladder of success on a wall, make sure it is not on the wrong wall. People are so
anxious to work hard and climb that ladder they do so without realizing that they were climbing the wrong
wall.
4. Follow this process:
a. Understand one play and how to answer all of the problems for that play by keeping the play intact and
not be so quickly to go to another play to hurt the defense
b. When adding plays what is going to cost me and what do I lose or gain by putting it into my offense
c. Spend more time on execution and less on scheming. You will not out scheme most coaches on the
HS level. You beat coaches by making less mistakes, out executing, out-mean and out playing them then
you do by trying to out scheming them.
d. Find ways to be more efficient with practice, installing, drilling and handling mismatches in this offense.
e. Understand and become so good at the "order of football" that it becomes second nature to you.

When you run a bubble concept to a 2x2 the bubble can go to either the B back or the C back coming out
the backfield. Typically offenses will try and get an outnumbered scenario to throw it. How the offense
looks to get these scenarios is how you can defend the play.
HOW DO THEY GET THE SCENARIOS?
1. Sometimes the defense does not fully cover a receiver. This is usually done with alignment or depth.
Offense sees this an attacks it.
2. Outnumber the defense by having 2 on 1 or 3 on 2 games.
HOW TO USE THESE SCENARIOS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE?
1. Bait them into thinking that you are not covering a receiver and then actually cover him. Offense can
not move before the snap, but the defense can. Walking in then out once the call is made. What is the
offense going to call "off" then "on" then "off" and "on".
2. Change who is covering who. For example, if the inside receiver is being covered by a deep defender
this tells the offense that he is uncovered and therefore throw him the ball. Well as soon as the ball is
snapped the outside CB comes up and defends the inside receiver and the deep defender covers the
outside receiver. It is a chess match. Yes the offense can win, but when the defense wins it usually
means one heck of a headache for the player catching the ball.
3. Empty the sand box or give the appearance of it being emptied and then Tampa 2 them. Safety comes
over and you can suicide stunt the back out of the backfield with a blitz by the inside defender. Once he
moves inside what can the receiver do to block him? Not too much.

Re: Anybody ever go unbalanced??

« Reply #4 Yesterday at 4:20pm »

In a state final game I saw yesterday, one team based out of this unbalanced pseudo wing-
t look that was pretty interesting:
---------------------E-G-C-G-T-T-E------------------
-------------------------Q------B--------
---------------------------------------------
-------------------------F----H-------
They liked to run a simple belly give to the fullback going to the heavy side, with B kicking
out, H lead blocking, and everyone else blocking down I believe. They would sometimes
motion B to his spot from a traditional straight T look. Like most T teams, they had a small
series of plays off of this belly action, but there was no question what they wanted to do.
So simple, yet effective.
Re: Anybody ever go unbalanced??
« Reply #5 Yesterday at 8:32pm »

We went to an unbalanced slot (or over slot) a ton this year. We were just not as physically
strong as some of our opponents. This allowed us to run our wing-t plays with only one of
our offensive linemen having to learn something new. We would shift our left tackle to the
right side, and send our right end out wide. The halfback to the call side would align outside
the end. This was our white rhino set.

-------le--lg--c--rg--rt--lt.............re
---------------q---------------------------rh
------------lh-fb--

Our left tackle had to just learn the end's rules (inside trap=1st lb in, b-gap trap=1st lb
inside, offtackle=1st man inside). We would also run this set to the left (white lion). Our
right end would split left and our right tackle would move to the left but inside our left
tackle, and our left end would move to the right end. Easy adjustment for our right tackle
and left end because their assignments are just flipped to other side. Some teams would
send their olb out on the two wide and give us a huge area to run offtackle. We went at a
fast pace on this as well so that the defense did not have time to adjust.

In one game our playside halfback aligned in a wing by accident and it actually gave an
extra blocker that the other team could not account for.

Overall, we will be making it a staple in the playbook from here on out. We hope to
improve on the passing out of this formation for next year as one of our main objectives.

Multiple formations are not a factor in your teams execution curve. knowing how they line
up is irrelevent if your team is taught to rule block. They will block in accordance to their
rule.
Finally,
If your concern is the play calling, we only need to know how you defend the B gap and the
perimeter. If reduced we attack outside. If spread then we attack you inside. All I need to
do that is:
1. Have an inside play if I can block you and another if I can not.
2. Have an outside play if I can block you and another if I can not.

Mutliple formations allows us to now dictate how you defend the B gap and if we want to be
a reduced or spread defense. Everything that you should be concerned with should be
focused on execution. EVERYTHING. How you practice and how you play call. The final thing
we have in place is answers for:
3rd and Long
2nd and Long
and for us these are decided before the game in accordance to field location. Design your
playbook around these premises and see where it takes you. What you might discover this
is the place for the counters (XX) jetlags and play-action passes etc. Everything needs to
have its place and contributes to the execution curve of your offense. You playbook is being
built with a rationale based on what is best for you and what your kids can execute.
I you can see that I do not subscribe to series and I am not doing this if you do that. It is
not the best way and certainly not the only way, but it has served us well over the years
and has allowed us to run the Wing in an area where NO ONE else does.
I love ADDING Jet & Rocket, as well as Jet & Rocket Motion, to our base Wing-T. ADDING
them. We win or lose based on how well we execute the Buck and Belly series, and they are
our focus (foci??).

I read a post on either bucksweep.com or coachhuey.com, and the coach said that they will
run Rocket until the other team stops it. In my experience, we could run Jet/Rocket all day
against the more clownish teams we might face (teams we could beat that year with ANY
plays), but that won't make us a better team. We NEED Trap and Belly and Down and
Bucksweep to beat the good teams, because the truly challenging teams have the speed to
get to the edges.

We ran almost exclusively (85%+) out of either Red or 100 or some other TE right
formation this year, and that simplicity helped us execute better.

Every year I tell myself that we are going to run fewer plays than the year before, with the
goal being to execute those plays better. To find my list of plays, I start with
Buck/Trap/Waggle, and then Belly/Down/Keep Pass/Tackle Trap. I always add the rest
"later. The traditional stuff is where it's at

Re: Strength alignment defense?

« Reply #4 Yesterday at 3:47pm »

It's very common for teams to align to strength. If you know a team flip flops personnel
with strength then it's a good idea to TE trade. It just keeps them guessing and working.
Additionally, the defense is thinking alot about flipping when you trade and less about what
is coming.
Another nice little trick is to thrown in a tackle over set. So now the defense is so use to
looking for the TE that they just treat him as the strength side. So now you go tackle over.
The strength actually away from the TE but you can catch them out of position because
they've aligned to TE. Just a little wrinkle to keep in mind when you know a team will flip
flop personnel to strength.

Re: Pass Routes for an Option Flexbone Team

« Reply #5 Today at 2:32pm »

I like to try and make PAP off option look as much like option.The two routes I like best are
all go's. The A back arc releases for the safety (like he does on veer) and sells the block,
then runs a seam. If the safety sees pass and drops deep, the A back slows down and sits in
the hole. The SE pretends to stalk the corner and runs a fade or goes straight for the fade if
he can beat the corner. The other one is basically a wheel concept. Against cover 2 teams,
the corner is the run supporter and the safety is the deep man. The assignment for the A
back on veer is to block run support, so he releases and runs to the corner as if he's going
to block him, then runs the wheel up the sidelines. The SE blocks the deep defender on
veer, so he goes for the safety (Runs a post). If the safety reads pass and drops really
deep, the SE will flatten the route into a dig. If you use TE's, TE dump is the way to go.
Re: Pass Routes for an Option Flexbone Team
« Reply #6 Today at 2:44pm »

I do use TEs...and you are right, the TE dump was probably one of my favorite plays. A lot
of the time I would have a play called, but when the other team puts 11 in the box, I would
just yell out a predetermined call that stood for TE dump...great way to beat 11 in the box.
Another route I've used quite a bit out of my TE/Wing set is I have my TE run a seam, and
my Wing (who is right next to the TE) run a 7 yard corner...Usually I end up with one guy
covering those two receivers, and when the WB splits off on his corner we just throw to the
receiver the safety didn't stay with. That route usually results in at least a couple of TDs a
year.

Re: Bootleg Protection

« Reply #5 on Nov 30, 2010, 3:20pm »

I definitely like your first option. It is pretty much what we do with our boot. One good
coaching point though: Have your FB aim for the outside shoulder of that DE that is
unblocked. He is to hit the DE on the outside shoulder and release to the flat. If he does
this, it will buy your pulling guard just enough time to work that way and log him. Just
make sure your QB knows that sometimes the DE will come too hard and that guard will
have to kick him out. Your QB has to be ready to stop his feet and step up in this case.
Other note: Fake side Tackle is Big on Big with that last man on the LOS.

Re: Roll out foot work

« Reply #1 on Feb 3, 2007, 9:22am »

When rolling out, our QB pushes off the big toe of the foot in the direction he is going. He
takes his first step straight back with foot opposite the play (left foot when going right).
Remember - we roll (reverse) out, not sprint (face) out.

His second step is also straight back with foot in direction of roll out (right foot going right).
His lead blocking back has now gotten out in front of him.

On QB's third step he angles about 30 degrees to a spot seven yards behind PST (we put
cones down for him to run through). He needs to get his eyes on PSRB to see if he is open
at this time, too.

When he gets to this spot, he attacks "downhill" towards LOS to run or throw. You must
work with QB on, if RB kicks DE out or runs him upfield, QB must turn up inside this block
but stay on the move (don't stop and set up because off side rush may get there) to run or
pass. We do all the old Tiger Ellison passing drills to teach our QBs to throw on the run.

BTW, don't believe all that crap from TV talking heads about right-handers not being able
to roll out to their left and pass. You can't do it either direction if you're running towards
the sideline. So long as you are going downhill and roll your throwing shoulder back, it's
just as easy either way.
Re: Roll out foot work
« Reply #3 on Feb 8, 2007, 8:37am »

We teach the roll drop in two parts 1. is a drop at 45 degrees from the center it is a four
step drop 2. the second part is what we call making the "J". This is where the qb squares
up on the run to get his chest and shoulders pointing tow the target. The "j" to his armis
three steps then chop feet till he throws, away from his arm the "J" is four steps.

They do not always throw right on the last step but they should be in position to throw the
ball. Before we got this specific with the steps we would get them very wide out of the
pocket and not ready to throw and the defense and the field would choke the patterns.

For defensive coordinators, there is no peskier offensive scheme than the good, old Wing-T. They keep trying to pop
that guard trap over and over. Then right as your linebackers have forgotten what a pass looks like, they go play-
action. Absolutely aggravating. Western Branch High School (Chesapeake, Va.) Head Coach Lew Johnston is a
pesky Wing-T guy. Orchestrated 75-percent of the time out of the shotgun, Johnston’s T really drives D.C.’s crazy.
Pearl River High School (LA) Head Coach Joe Harris is also a pesky Wing-T guy. He actually gets excited calling the
guard trap. “It’s like throwing the bomb,” Harris says. University of Alabama-Birmingham D.C. Wayne Bolt says to
stop those pesky Wing-T guys, you have to throw a change-up at them. Bolt’s Blazers boasted the second best rush
defense in Conference USA.
Amite High School (LA) Head Coach Donald Currier says you need to stay true to your alignments and your
assignments to thwart the Wing-T. All four coaches agree on one thing, though – The Wing-T is an effective and
proven offense and, when executed properly, very hard to defend. “I love coaching the Wing-T,” said Harris, who was
taught the offense by former NFL quarterback Bobby Hebert. “Just the little details with the Wing-T up front, I just
have a ball with them. You could tinker forever.” Harris tinkered his T to back-to-back playoff appearances, a school
first. Delaware’s Tubby Raymond Wing-T-ed his way into the Hall of Fame. Alabama, Oklahoma, Texas and Notre
Dame have all at one time utilized the Wing-T. So why has this time-tested system vanished from the college ranks?
“Most people’s perception of the Wing-T is ‘three-yards and a cloud of dust.’ It’s not glamorous enough,” said Bolt.
“People want to see you throwing it all over the field these days. It’s really a shame, because the Wing-T is a great
offense.”

“I don’t think it’s conservative. I guess it could be if you get up against a team and you just pound it up the middle and
win,” said Harris, as if picturing his dream game. “But the Wing-T can be exciting.” It’s even been suggested that high
school players from a Wing-T system won’t cut it in college. Johnston couldn’t disagree more. Dre Bly and Shyrone
Still are both former Bruins who went on to play in the NFL. Rich Gannon was a Wing-T quarterback at Delaware and
an NFL MVP. These days, the perception that the Wing-T is a grind-it-out, “boring” offense has become much more
of a misnomer. After 50-plus years of yielding to the T, defenses began to increasingly commit to the run, sometimes
throwing as many as eight or even nine players into the box. Now, the Wing-T is evolving right back. Modern
versions, such as Johnston’s “Spread Shot-Wing,” are popping up all over the nation and causing defenses havoc
with the kind of potent aerial attacks once thought to be reserved for spread offenses. It shouldn’t be that surprising
that Wing-T teams are putting the ball in the air, though. After all, Bill Walsh’s West Coast offense comes from Wing-
T philosophies, especially the use of misdirection.

Since implementing a spread shotgun attack into his Delaware Wing-T base philosophy four years ago, Johnston’s
Bruins have won three straight district titles and ran off 32 consecutive regular season victories a few years ago.
“The teams that take it to another level are the ones that throw the ball out of the Wing-T,” says Currier, fresh off of
winning the Louisiana Class 3A state title. “So many teams that run the Wing-T are very disciplined and run-oriented.
When you play somebody that switches things up and throws the ball effectively out of the Wing-T, that’s when you’re
really going to have trouble.” Enter Johnston. While strictly maintaining the Wing-T’s principles, the 21-year veteran
has shifted his tight end and wingback outside. In the Spread Shot-Wing, the tight ends are lined up approximately 7-
10 yards from the offensive tackle, with the wingback split 12-15 yards outside the tight end. The quarterback is five
yards behind the center, and the fullback and halfback are aligned behind the offensive guards. “This has really
allowed us to keep defenses off balance,” said Johnston. “Now, they can’t just worry about preparing for the Wing-T;
they also have to be ready for the spread offense.”

Seventy-five percent of the time, the Bruins start out of the shotgun, using some of Delaware Wing-T’s base plays
sprinkled with a series of play-action passes. The terminology is the same as the traditional Wing-T, as are the
blocking schemes and various pass routes. Harris’ Rebel offense is much more traditional. Pearl River throws the ball
only 20 percent of the time. Yet, heading into his fifth season, Harris stresses that the 20 percent is vital to the
Rebels’ success, especially when facing a defense with fast, athletic linebackers. “Sometimes we’re asking an
offensive tackle that weighs 270 pounds to try and block a fast, 200-pound linebacker,” he said. Harris was an
assistant at Slidell (LA.) High School under head coach Wayne Grubb, who, after Wing-T-ing his way to the Class 5A
state championship game in 1986, scrapped the offense in favor of a spread attack. “Coach Grubb said, after he got
out of the Wing-T, that he was tired of making all-district linebackers for everybody else,” laughed Harris.
“Linebackers can give it a hard time. If you’re going to run the ball that many times down inside, that’s what
linebackers do, they plug the run.”

Grubb says one of the best ways to aid your linemen and slow down the linebackers, is by the use of misdirection
and ball fakes. “You have to be conscious of your technique, especially when carrying out your ball fakes,” the 21-
year veteran Slidell coach said. “That’s very important in the Wing-T.” In practice, the Rebels spend a lot of time
teaching escape techniques and routes, trying to get their linemen past the defensive line and onto those
troublesome linebackers. “We have our linemen do head-fakes,” he said. “If we’re facing a 50-tech, two-gap football
player – they’re taught to squeeze down and jam you up to keep you off the linebackers – we’ll give a little head fake,
and it’ll work twice a game. We try to teach them techniques to escape. Turn your shoulders, keep their hands off
your numbers.” Still, the buck sweep, belly and guard trap are the heart of the Wing-T. Harris’ Rebels once made T-
shirts that read, “Put eight in the box and we’ll still run the football.” Pearl River has produced 1,000 yard rushers in
four of the last five seasons. “We believe that the system of the Wing-T will take care of whatever front they’ll give
you,” said Harris, who is a district rival of Currier’s Warriors. “If we can run it down their throats and beat them, I won’t
put in the air once. But you’re not going to run it down the throats of Amite. They can take on blocks, they can shed
blocks and then get to the football.”
Currier says his defense’s success against the Wing-T is centered on keeping his players’ assignments consistent.
Amite held St. James High School, which features a similar attack to Johnston’s, to only 20 points in last year’s
semifinals. St. James entered the game averaging 34 points a game in the playoffs.Currier will rarely vary from their
traditional 4-3 alignment. “You don’t want to make too many changes to your base defense,” he explained. “You want
to keep the same alignment and assignment, especially assignment, to keep it simple so your kids are reacting not
thinking.” “You’re not supposed to be able to defend the Wing-T with Cover 3,” said Harris, “but they do it every year.”
When preparing his team for the Wing-T, Currier will lay out hoses on the field to form a lane in which the defenders
are to attack. “When they run the buck sweep, their backs aren’t running to daylight,” he said. “They’re running to a
point and making a cut. We’ll put those hose pipes down to simulate where that cut is. We want our kids to attack
down that hose pipe.”

Like in most traditional Cover 3’s, Currier’s free safety plays centerfield and is responsible for pass until he identifies
run. Amite’s linebackers react to the run first, and then drop back in pass coverage. At UAB, Bolt prefers to get his
safety more involved in the running game when facing an option-based offense. He also changes up assignments to
try to keep the offense off-balance. “If somebody starts moving the ball on us consistently, we’ll maybe switch two
linebackers’ responsibilities, just trying to give them the same look,” Bolt said. The Wing-T’s Long Bomb The fullback
dive or guard trap is anything but the most exciting play in football. Harris disagrees. The guard trap is one of the
seven base plays in the Rebels’ version of the Wing-T. “When I call the guard trap, to me it’s like throwing the bomb,
because there’s always that chance that you’re going to pop that trap,” he said. “You can stick that guy out there and
run that go route and just throw it down the field, and he might catch it two out of 15 times. But I can run that guard
trap 15 times, a couple times it’s going to pop for six or seven yards.”

The Rebels set up the trap through a variety of slight adjustments. “We’ll try to influence the linemen by faking a buck
sweep,” Harris said. “Sometimes we don’t even have to block the trap guy. Anything that indicates a false read—we’ll
trap to the motion and catch people slanting toward the motion; we’ll gut it, switch it up already.” Along with the guard
trap, the buck sweep has to be established in order for the Wing-T to really get rolling. The keys to a successful buck
sweep, according to Harris, are getting the guards ouside to form the cutback lane for the back. “A lot of the down
blocks are right in front but the main thing is getting those guards out there,” he said. “We’ll run the buck sweep out of
three different formations, sneak an unbalanced look in there or just outnumber them on one side. You can get away
with it one or two times before they catch on. Lombardi’s power sweep is the same thing. It’s just a good football play
that’s lasted over time.” That’s what Dave Nelson had in mind when he invented the Delaware Wing-T over 50 years
ago.

One of the most intriguing formations that I have seen in recent years is the Bunch Package. This formation offers
such a wide variety of plays, advantages and mismatches that force a defense to defend drop back, screens, quick
passes, strong side and weak side running game as well as play action. This package causes a defense to reduce
to your formation and therefore creates more field space and key blocking angles. By being able to do a wide
variety of plays you will be able to take advantage of certain match-ups and misalignments. One thing we try to do
with our Bunch Package is incorporate as many of our base plays into that formation. This allows us to spend less
time teaching about what bunch causes a defense to work on plays out of multiple formations and gives us another
option in play calling. In years past we have also packaged certain Bunch plays in order to attack the team we are
facing that week. An example would be: package the toss play with weak side counter and the play action pass.

The base rule for the QB would be:

1. Run the toss strong unless outnumbered

2. Run the weak side counter unless outnumbered

3. Run the play action pass if outnumbered or safeties down in the box

Formation and splits: A cluster of three players will align approximately two yards apart and one yard for the OT.
The inside player will be two yards from the OT and off the LOS one and a half deep. The middle of the three
players will be on the ball one to two yards from the inside player. The outside layer will be one to two yards from
the middle player and deep enough to have daylight showing between him and OT’s hip (See Diagram 1).

Diagram 1: Bunch Alignments

(1)The Boom-Boom Screen

The Boom-Boom Screen is a Crack-Arc scheme that enables you to get the ball on the perimeter fast without a lot
of blocking schemes. The base rules for this play are simple and you can use motions and different personnel to
change things up a bit. The widest receiver to the play is the crack guy; he must crack the number two defender
from outside in and seal him to the inside. The middle receiver is the person getting the ball; he must back up at a
45-degree angle and let the lead blocker get in front of him. He then will stretch the defense by gaining width and
set up the arc block. The arc blocker is the third man to the play side; he must gain width and try to control the
outside pad of number one (counting from outside in).

The offensive line will execute a zone-type blocking scheme through their gap and up to LB level. The play side
tackle must cut the DE or make sure his hands are down so the QB can make an easy throw. The RB will seal the
backside gap away from where we are throwing the ball; that is just off the hip of the offensive tackle. The back side
WR away from the ball will take a couple of steps up and then three steps back behind the line of scrimmage which
is a dump off for the QB. This can be run from the shotgun as well as under center (See Diagram 2).

Diagram 2: The Boom-Boom Screen

Coaching Points:
Wide Receiver to the Call
• The crack receiver must be under control in order to make the block and seal the defender. You cannot allow
penetration.
• The #2 receiver to the ball must allow the arc blocker to get in from of him in order to make the block and then
stretch the field.
• The #3 receiver to the ball must try to gain leverage by attacking his outside pad in order to stretch him. Be ready
to cut if necessary.

Running Back
• Must seal off the tackles hip (it will disappear)

Offensive Line
• Know where the ball is going and use a zone principle to get there. Run and cut the defensive players.

Quarterback
• Execute quick two-step drop if under center or turn and throw if in the shotgun
• Make an accurate throw to the WR’s up field shoulder.

Offensive Lineman
• Slide protect away from call. Eliminate penetration.

Adjustments
• Can tag the slant side with a slant and go, hitch, quick out or fade (QB can signal these at the line). Can tag the
hitch with a hitch and go to the Bunch side.
• Can send the protection away from call (game plan or read blitz)
• You can read this route strong to weak and reverse the order with the slant being a pure take it read.

(2) Spacing Route – Green Bay

Green Bay is a quick five-step quick pass that is very simple to teach, run and execute. Based out of the bunch
formation it can cause some confusion for the defense and end up leaving some large holes to throw the ball. The
widest receiver to the play will run a six-yard hitch. Push vertical (slightly outside your alignment) to six yards. Plant
and open to the QB. This route does not convert; it is locked.

The #2 WR will run a six-yard spot route. Release inside and push up field to six yards directly over the ball. Plant
and open to the QB. Create your own space with your body and this route is also locked against all coverage. The
#3 WR will run an arrow route. Run a straight line aiming for four yards on the sideline. Get wide as quickly as
possible! Stretch the defense in a hurry. You must get your head around for his is the HOT throw for the QB.

The backside WR will run a three-step slant. Push for three steps and then cross the DB’s face. The WR must settle
versus zone coverage and stay on the run versus man coverage. This route is a yes/no read for the QB. If pre-snap
coverage shows the route will be open, we will throw the ball here. He will know on his first two steps of his drop.

The QB will scan the field starting with the slant and then work across the field (slant, spot, flat, hitch). The arrow is
the hot route if blitz is recognized. The running back will block off the edge towards the play side; stay tight to the
tackle and block first one through the show off the edge. He must get the man’s hands down so the QB can throw
the ball. The offensive line will slide protect; the QB will direct them to the most dangerous edge. Every lineman will
take a gap and protect that gap in the direction of movement. Eliminate penetration! (See Diagrams 3 and 4).

Diagram 3:Green Bay Spacing Route

am 4: Green Bay Slide Protection

Wide Receiver to the Call

• The outside runs a hitch (does not convert). Find a window and don’t drift.
• #2 must find a window over the ball. Settle and don’t drift.
• #3 must gain width in a hurry. If blitz, expect ball quickly.

Running Back
• Protect off the hip of the tackle. Take first off edge and get hands down.

Quarterback
• Check slant first and then work to spot the hitch. Arrow is the quick or hot throw.

Time to Call
• Any time you feel you have leverage on the defense and feel you can get outside

Adjustments
• Man to man causes a number of problems – might have to check out of it
• Combo this screen with other runs or passes for best results

By getting the ball in the WR’s hands on the perimeter, we will always have a chance for a successful play. For us,
we consider this an outside run but it goes down as a pass. This play can be run alone but might need to be
checked versus certain looks. You can combo this play with another for better results.

(3) Run Outside – Alley Toss

Aligning in a bunch formation can create some very favorable angles for an offense. The alley toss play is one that
really takes advantage of those angles. This play is designed to get outside while the defense is sealed in by using
a double crack – arc-blocking scheme. The outside receiver on the lay side will crack the first defender inside of him
regardless of leverage (can be the DE or LB). You can cut here because you are a part of the box.

The #2 WR will crack the first defender inside of him regardless of level (can be DE or LB). You can cut here
because you are part of the box. The #3 WR (can be an FB/WR or TE) arc-block on the support player outside
(usually the CB). Try and reach the outside pad so we stretch the hole. If defender comes across the LOS then you
may have to kick him out. You can cut here also.

The QB reverse pivots and tosses ball to the RB and then boot fakes. The RB open steps on a flat course, secures
toss and stretches the defense to the outside. Find an alley and explode through it. The OL will execute a zone
scheme with the FST pulling for the alley player (MLB/Safety). You can vary the rules based on front side tackle and
guard being covered or uncovered. If the FST is uncovered he will pull (gain depth to avoid the double crack) and
block alley defender. The FSG will zone block and cut in the process. If FST is covered then FST and FSG will
switch responsibilities. The C, BSG and BST will run their zone paths and cut in the process. This would be based
on personnel that you have and personnel preference (See Diagrams 5 and 6).

Diagram 5: Alley Toss (A)

Diagram 6: Alley Toss (B)

Coaching Points:
Wide Receiver to the call side
• Outside WR crack / cut on first inside. DO NOT get beat over the top.
• #2 WR crack / cut on first inside. DO NOT get beat over the top.
• #3 WR arc for the support player. Stay under control; must secure this block!

Running Back
• Catch the toss!
• Stretch to the outside and force defense to stretch with you. Read your blocks and find a seam.

Quarterback
• Reverse pivot and give soft toss to the RB. Make sure pitch is caught before you boot out.
• We can game plan a check off if out-lever- aged or outnumbered to the play side with a weak side run or a
different run play side run or a play action pass.

Wide Receiver to the backside

• Hustle across the field looking for a block. Turn back on your man if you can’t reach another defender.

Offensive Line
• Puller must gain depth to avoid the double crack. Lock on and maintain your block. Keep eyes on alley defender.
• Run zone tracks and cut to avoid pursuit.

Adjustments
• Use multiple personnel groups. Using FB’s and TE’s will help with blocking.
• Run the same play out of gun with your QB as the ball carrier. You gain an extra blocker with your RB.
• It is possible to run the halfback pass back to the QB and go with the outside WR.

Weak Side Run Counter

This is an off-tackle run to the open-end side with veer / gap blocking scheme at the point of attack and counter
backfield action. The Backside Guard will pull for the end man of the line and either kick or cut. The FB will follow
the Guard and lead on the playside LB.

Diagram 2. Counter (variation)

• The first Backside WR will release inside and cut off the first, second level defender inside.
• #2 Backside will release inside and cut off first defender inside.
• #3 Backside (FB or TE) follows the pulling guard and read his block; Leads on the first defender in the box (usually
a LB).
• QB reverse pivots opposite playside and fakes the ball to the RB. Stay off the midline so ball carrier can see the A
Gap; Naked away on fake.
• The RB aligns at seven and one half yards; he takes a short shuffle away. Plant and aim at inside leg of playside
tackle. Look at A Gap first (if open, take it). Follow lead blocker and read his block (inside and outside). Find seam
and explode through it.

The OL will vary:

1. FST – If FST is covered, tag defender to BSLB with vertical movement. If FSG is uncovered, veer to first LB
backside and protect FSLB run through. You can flash set to insure a good trap angle with a shade and a five tech.
he won’t flash set if there is a three tech to his side.
2. FSG – If covered, tag defender with FST to BSLB with vertical movement. If uncovered, block back on nose
tackle with cover call or gash with Center to BSLB versus 30.
3. Center – Block back through A to B gaps to first down defender backside. If blocking back is covered with DL,
cover call to FSG to also block back.
4. BSG – Pull to point of attack and kick out end man. Get downhill and inside out with leverage. Log defender if he
tries to wrong arm the block.
5. BST – Protect backside B gap threat with funnel call to the center or gap/hinge technique; then wall backside end
man.
6. TE/FB – Get in a one by one phase with the pulling guard so you can read the block. Key the block on the
EMLOS – underneath or around. Block first LB outside in off the LOS.

Coaching Points:
Wide Receiver Backside
• Don’t allow anyone to cross face
• #2 – don’t allow anyone to cross face

Running Back
• Hit the A Gap if it shows. Read pullers after looking at A Gap
• Hit downhill with speed

Offensive Line
• Pulling Guard work inside out
• Eyes up for run through
• Must get vertical movement at POA

Adjustments
• Can run play action off this
• Use motion and multiple personnel groupings
• Align FB in a Near-I set to cheat him to the play
• CP – Alert with TE runs for four weak problems
• CP – Hit the play downhill with speed
Play Action – Sting Route
This is a play action pass to attack leverage downfield; it has the potential to be a big time play. You will need a QB
who can throw on time and with some zip on the ball.

Diagram 3. Sting vs. 1 high safety

Diagram 4. Sting vs. 2 high safeties

Diagram 5. Sting vs. play action protection

Outside Receiver to the playside will release towards outside shoulder of coverage defender. Take a good angle
outside to create separation between you and the second receiver. On fifth step, plant and take three steps to the
corner. On that third step, plant the outside foot and drive vertical up the field. Expect ball quickly.

#2 receiver to the call will run a skinny post. Versus one high safety: on seventh step, plant and stay skinny. Try to
occupy the single safety. Versus two high safeties: on seventh step, plant, stay skinny while trying to split the
safeties (versus two high). He must get a free release off the line. If he gets jammed then the play is not as
successful.
#3 receiver (usually a FB/TE in play action) will show run then settle three by five outside the OT. If the coverage is
man, break outside and stay on the move. Check playside LB for blitz first. The FB/TE and the RB are safety outlets
for the QB.

The backside WR will run a comeback route (18 back to 16 yards) versus soft coverage. If facing cover two, convert
to a corner route at 26 yards deep. The QB will run the play fake and then on the seventh step set his feet and
throw a strike. He should be looking for the #1 WR to the play side first and then to the FB/TE to the RB. The ball
must be thrown on time and not hung up so the safety can redirect and make a play. The RB will fake the run (he is
most responsible for run action) and then proceed over the ball at six yards (safety outlet). If the RB reads blitz, give
a token fake and protect. The RB is responsible for the MLB. The OL will execute play action protection. The center
will set the protection on the third LB of the defense to the weak side. The line is responsible for the four linemen
and the Will LB.

Coaching Points:
Wide Receivers
• Playside #1 attack leverage of DB. Force him to widen so you can cross his face
• #2 read one high safety or two-high safeties. Versus one, high stay deep and occupy safety. Versus two, high stay
thin and cross face of near safety (let the ball lead you)

Running Back
• Be able to react to blitz and abort the fake

Fullback
• Protect against playside LB blitz and be ready for the ball. You are the check down WR

Quarterback
• Think #1 WR to the call. Read the near safety. Versus two high, #2 has a chance at being open
• QB may have to get the ball over LB defenders and in front of safeties
• Timing, Timing, Timing, Timing!

Offensive Line
• The protection is set by the center
• Center points out focal point and the rest of the OL works its way out

Adjustments
• This route can be run out of several formations.
• You can switch the responsibilities of the FB and RB
• Motion to bunch by bringing #1 across the ball.
• Tag the backside WR with another route.

One of the most effective run option, pass series used at Delaware State University is our 80’s series to the tightend.
This series can be run from a one or two back set. It may be used against any front and is very effective against
blitzing defenses. In red zone and short yardage situations, the 80’s series has proved to be an effective scoring
weapon. Our blocking schemes for the 80’s series are primarily area based. Because of the area-based rules,
defensive fronts that commonly stem should not affect the execution of this series.

First, let’s talk about the run portion of our 80’s series. The play that we use in this portion is called “down.” This play
may be executed from a one or two set. Depending on the front, the point of attack is the “C” gap between the
offensive tackle and tightend. The particular play incorporates the same backfield movements and quarterback steps
as the option and pass portion of the series. The linemen to the playside will execute a “down, down, kickout
scheme,” using angles and spacing to create running lanes for the fullback. When a midrange amount of yardage is
needed (10 yards or less), this play may be run on first or second down situations.
“DOWN”

FRONTSIDE BLOCKING RULES

FSWB - Gap, Down, Backer
FSTE - Gap, Down, Backer
FST - Gap, Down, Backer
FSG - Pull, Kick-Out 1st Defense on L.O.S.
Center - Step and Protect Playside “A” Gap

BACKSIDE BLOCKING RULES

BST - “Rip Scoop”
BSG - “Rip Scoop”
BSWR - Cut Off Backside Safety
BS Slot - 3 Step Motion, Carry Out Pitch Fake
FB - Stretch Step to Inside Leg of TE
QB - Reverse, Pivot-Hand Off to FB - Fake Opt

OFFENSIVE LINE ALIGNMENTS

Because we are a Wing-T Offense, our offensive linemen use 2 to 21/2 foot splits, to create blocking angles, and to
weaken the core of the defense. We also align our offensive guards and tackles as far off the ball as legally tolerated.
This assists our line in recognizing any line movements or stunts and allows our linemen to execute their
assignments.

DOWN OPTION
The second phase utilized in the 80’s series is the down option. The down option forces defenses to play assignment
football. It is a good choice in second, third and long situations. The blocking scheme for this particular play is area
based. The point of attack is the outside perimeter of the defense. We are trying to attack the flank as quickly as
possible. The down option play looks exactly like our down play. The difference is a subtle variation in the
quarterback’s steps and the path of the frontside guard.

FRONTSIDE BLOCKING
FSTE - Gap, Down, Backer
FST - Gap, Down, Backer
FSG - Pull, Cut, Log, or Kick Out
Center - Set Playside, Work to Second Level
FSWB - Block Backer to FS

BACKSIDE BLOCKING
BST - “Rip Scoop”
BSG - “Rip Scoop”
BSWR - Cut Off
FB - Run for Inside Foot of Tackle & Block Safety
HB - Leave in Three Step or Back Step Motion Sprint at 1
QB - Reverse Pivot - Fake to FB - Run Option

KEEP PASS

The third and final phase of the down series is the Keep Pass. The Keep Pass offers the quarterback four possible
options. Three of those options are pass and the final threat is the quarterback becoming a run threat. We try to
incorporate a play action pass threat while attacking the perimeter defenders with the pass. Variations in patterns and
alignments may be implemented depending on what you as a coach intends to accomplish.

Diagram 3

BLOCKING ASSIGNMENTS OFFENSIVE LINE

FST - Block on or Reach First Down Lineman
FSG - Block on, Turn Back
Center - Block on, Turn Back
BSG - Turn Back
BST - Turn Back

BACKFIELD ASSIGNMENTS
WB - Sprint to Flat (Look Immediately)
FSTE - Seam Route Inside Release
FB - Bend path for outside foot of guard, Block first man in area
HB - One step motion or three step motion, Block 1st man off corner
QB - Reverse pivot, ride ball to FB, option run or pass
BSWR - Post (15 Yards)