RUNNING BACK & HOLE NUMBERING

C 1 3

SE

0 7 5 E 3 T 1 G C 1 2 G 4 T 6 8
SE

3
2 4

FORMATIONS
LEFT/RIGHT (Base) STRONGLEFT/RIGHT

Left |

Left |

X 3 2 4

Y 3 2 4

SLOT LEFT/RIGHT

TRIPS LEFT/RIGHT

Slot Left |

Trips Left | |

X 2 3 4

X 2 4 3

RULE BLOCKING

Because of the many different defensive looks and stunts now used at the youth level one of the major obstacles is teaching the 1st year kid whom to block Most offensive plays have two different identifying calls. The Master calls (Dive, Power, Sweep, etc.) made in the huddle, and the Blocking calls (Switch, TaG, Double, etc.) which the linemen make at the LOS. We start out by creating lanes with imaginary lines drawn vertically out in front of the linemen and past the linebackers. We then give them Rules to use to assist them in identifying whom to block whether aligned on the playside (The side of Center the ball is going.), or the backside (The side of Center away from the play.) Here are the LANES:
CENTER: His lane is defined by lines beginning on the outside of each foot. GUARDS: Their lanes are defined by lines beginning on the outside of the Centers near foot to the outside of their away foot. TACKLES: Their lanes are defined by lines beginning on the outside of the Guards near foot to the outside of their away foot. TIGHTENDS: Their lanes are defined by lines beginning on the outside of the Tackles near foot to the outside of their away foot.

0 5 3 1 2 4 6

Rule Blocking Page 2 Here are the RULES. And, remember!! ALWAYS protect your inside gap first.

CENTER: Man ON, Playside GAP, Backside LINEBACKER. GUARDS: GAP, man ON, most dangerous LINEBACKER, to the play,
and DOWNFIELD in the ball carriers running lane.

TACKLES & ENDS: Same as Guards.

Coaching Points: 1. 2. 3. If you take the 1st letter of each capitalized word you will notice it spells GOLD. That is a great way to get them to remember the blocking Rules. Inside Gap refers to all linemen on both sides of ball. It is the space between you and the next offensive lineman to your inside. REMEMBER: The quickest way for the defense to get to the ball is through the gaps. We always protect them first.

Example Play & Assignments: LEFTTHIRTYTWODIVE

BLOCKING RULES & CALLS

Our offensive scheme has two basic play calls. The first is the Master call sent to the Quarterback by the Coach, and designates the type of play called ( Dive, Power, Sweep, etc.). The second play call is the Blocking scheme used by the offensive lineman on the line of scrimmage at the point of attack (Tag, Eat, Switch, etc.). After the linemen receive the Master call and break the huddle they walk to the line of scrimmage. This gives them the opportunity to get a look at the the defensive alignment and quickly communicate with each other the blocking scheme they might have to employ at the point of attack. As an example, say the Master play is a DIVE. The base blocking for the Dive play is Solid (man) blocking. However, as they walk to the LOS the two offensive linemen at the POA see that a defender has aligned in a position that calls for them to change the blocking scheme to a Switch call . After the play side offensive linemen align on the Center and get into their Ready positions, the play side Tackle at the POA makes the blocking Switch call. The Tackle on the other side of the Center makes false call so the defense cant key on where the play is going. The Tackles must make the calls loud enough so the running backs can hear them and make the necessary adjustments. Example calls:

Switch Guard & Tackle switch assignments

Tag Tackle & Guard cross-block

Eat End & Tackle cross-block

PASS BLOCKING - MAN

TE & SE: Run your assigned patterns. GUARDS: Set up quickly on the LOS and block the man your lane. He is yours all the way. If uncovered stay in your area and Watch out for a blitzing LB. If no one comes, help from the inside out. Remember: The shortest distance to the QB is through the Guard-Center (A) gap. So, protect it first, just like a run play. TACKLES: Same as the Guards. Keep an eye on the LBs in your area and be alert for a blitz. CTR: Set up quickly and block the man on you. If uncovered and no one comes into your area stay home and help protect the Agaps. FB: Sprint to weakside and block the 1st rusher that shows outside the WT. Expect help from the HB if he is not in a pattern. WSHB: Sprint to weakside and help FB block the 1st rusher outside the WT. Aim at his outside jersey number and try to hook him to the inside. If two rushers show the FB takes the 1st one and you have the 2nd. SSHB: Take one play action step toward the FBs near foot then turn back to the strongside with your butt pointed at the QBs launch point. Your primary job is to block the fastest most dangerous rusher to show from the Center out (usually the DE). Be prepared to help block anywhere on the weakside. QB: All of our drop back passes are three step drops. When you receive the snap from Center you immediately bring the ball up to your numbers and sprint to the area directly behind the weak side Guard-Tackle gap. That is your launch point for throwing the ball. If no receiver is open, RUN outside the FB and WSHBs blocks on the outside rusher. Coaching Points: The pass protection responsibilities are identified by odd and even numbers. Odd is pass blocking to the left of Center, and Even is to the right. Rule of Thumb The Fullback always blocks to the Splitend side unless assigned to a specific pattern. To keep them from getting too high on their blocks, make them keep their eyes on the bottom of the defenders face mask.
50/60 Blocking

70/80 Blocking

90 Blocking

MOTION RULES
On occasion a play will require a running back to be in motion to help us gain an advantage over the defense. The running back to be sent in motion, and the motion direction, will be included in the play call. The motion direction is identified by the following: LIZ is motion to the LEFT at speed. RIP is motion to the RIGHT at speed.
Liz

Example Plays Call w/Motion: SLOT RIGHT/LEFT40 LIZ/20 RIP27/28 TOSS

LAZER is motion to the LEFT at full speed. ROCKET is motion to the RIGHT at full speed.

The running backs to be sent in motion will be identified by their number (2, 3, or 4) and proceed the motion direction. For example: 20 LIZ or 40 RIP

COACHING POINTS: The snap count on all plays using motion should be either on 3 or 4 to allow the running back enough time to get to his launch point. Although any of the running backs could be sent in motion, the majority of our plays requiring motion will employ only the 2 and 4 backs.

2
Rip

MOTION RULES
On the majority of our plays the only offensive player to go in motion is the number 4 running back.. Regardless of his alignment within the formation called the direction of motion is designated by the following calls:
LIZ is motion to the LEFT at speed. RIP is motion to the RIGHT at speed. LAZER is motion to the LEFT at full speed. ROCKET is motion to the RIGHT at full speed.
Example Plays Call w/Motion: WING RIGHTLIZ28 TOSS

Li z

If any of the other running backs are to be sent in motion their number (2 or 3) will be designated first. For example: 20 RIP or 30 LAZER

Ri p

RUNNING PLAY(S) COUNTER TRAP

SE: Stalk block the defender on you. PST: Drive block the defender on you. Expect help from TE. We want him at least 3 yards off the LOS. If uncovered, double with PSG at the defender on him. PSG: Drive block the defender on you. Expect help from the PSG. If uncovered, chip the man on the CNTR on your was to the ILB. CTR: Block defender in your shoulderto-shoulder area. If uncovered, block the backside linebacker through the play side A-gap. You MUST protect the backside A-Gap 1st. BSG: Pull and lead through the hole. You have the OLB or the 1st LB to show from the inside. Have aggressive eyes and find him on your 1st step. BST: Cheat on your split from BSG and seal block the A-B gap area. If no one comes get down field and block the ball carriers running lane. TE: Block the 1st defender to the inside on or off the LOS. If a man is on the PST double team him. If not, read up to the 1st inside LB. Avoid contact with anyone on you. FB: Because you are so close to the QB you need to cheat about 6 inches to the backside so you can get out of his way. On the snap take one step to backside & when the QB clears go down the LOS to playside and block the 1st defender outside the TE, usually the DE. Your target is his nearest jersey number. PSHB: Cross right in front of the BSHB & hit the 1st defender outside the BST. Be quick so you dont run into anyone. BSHB: Ball Carrier. Take one counter step to backside to allow the PSHB to clear, then cut back to playside. Take ball from and cut INSIDE the FBs block. QB: Open to playside, give ball to BSHB then run a great roll out pass fake to the backside. Coaching Points: 1. Can go unbalanced by putting SE on TE side & have him stalk block the CB. BST & CNTR must seal the backside A-Gap. 2. Sets up a great play action deep pass to SE on a Fade pattern off a stalk block. TE runs a Delay pattern to the Flat area. QB must do a great job hiding the ball.

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RUNNING PLAY(S) CROSSBUCK SE: Stalk block the defender on you. PST: Wide splits & block your lane. Be prepared for Fan or TAG call. PSG: Same as PST. CTR: Block your lane. If uncovered, block the backside linebacker through the play side A-gap. BSG: Block your lane. BST: Block your lane, but try to get downfield and block the ball carriers running lane. TE: Same as the PST & PSG. FB: Run a good Dive fake. PSHB: Attack the first defender that shows outside the PST. If no one shows, run a good fake pattern to flat area. BSHB: Ball Carrier. Take a quick jab step with the outside foot toward to allow the PSHB to clear, then run hard at the PSGs area. QB: Open to backside, fake to FB, give ball to BSHB, then run a belly fake deep and outside the TEs area.

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Coaching Points: 1. Versus an over-pursuing linebacker the playside linemen can either Fan (kickout) block, or the PSG & PST can TAG block. 2. Can also run throw play action pass (Out & Up or Stop & Go) pattern to SE, or Delay patterns to FB & BSHB on weakside.

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RUNNING PLAY(S) DIVE SE: Stalk block the defender on you. PST: Wide splits & block your lane. PSG: Same as PST. CTR: Block your lane. If uncovered, block the backside linebacker through the play side A-gap. BSG: Block your lane. BST: Block your lane, but try to get downfield and block the ball carriers running lane. TE: Same as the PST. FB: Ball Carrier. Hit the hole fast and get four tough yards. PSHB: Run an arc route past the TE position. BSHB: Same as PSHB. QB: Open to playside, give ball to FB then drop back and do a fake pass.

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Coaching Points: 1. If the defensive OLBs, or the defenders responsible for pass defense in the flat area, dont go with the faking HBs consider play action off Dive and throwing to HBs. 2. Can also throw fade pattern to SE.

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RUNNING PLAY(S) Fullback TRAP

SE: Stalk block the defender on you. PST: Double team man on PSG or block 1st inside LB. Avoid man on you by going inside or outside him. DONT TOUCH HIM! PSG: Double team w/PST man on you. If uncovered, double man on CNTR. CTR: Double team w/PSG man on you. If uncovered, block the backside linebacker through the backside A-gap. BSG: You are pulling to play side. Your target is the PSCB, but block anyone that tries to cross you face to make a tackle. BST: Shorten the split between you and BSG. Cut block any defender on BSG. If he is uncovered, get downfield and block running lane. TE: Block your lane. If uncovered, block 1st inside LB. FB: Ball Carrier. Cheat about 6 inches toward the backside. On the snap STAY LOW, take the ball, wait for BSG to cross your face then run to daylight on play side. PSHB: Run a good fake outside the BST position. If BSHB: Run right at the BSDEs inside number and block him if he crashes. If comes up field run a scheme pass pattern to the flat area. QB: Open to 6 Oclock, give ball to sitting FB, fake handoff to BSHB, then make a good boot fake past the PSDE.

Vs. 53 Eagle

Coaching Points: Double team must get the defender at least three yards off the LOS. FB has to stay low for the handoff. BST must seal & cannot allow any defender into the backfield. Shoeshine anyone on the BSG.

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RUNNING PLAY(S) GEE

SE: Stalk block the defender on you. PST: Block 1st defender to the inside on/off the LOS. Do not let anyone cross your face into the backfield. PSG: Pull to play side and block the 1st defender that shows outside the TE toward the sidelines. If no one shows, turn up field and block the closest defender to you from the inside out. Get your helmet in the hole. CTR: Block your lane. If uncovered, block the backside linebacker through the play side A-gap. BSG: Block your lane. BST: Block your lane, but try to get downfield and block the ball carriers running lane. TE: Same as the PST. FB: Ball Carrier. Open toward play side and cut inside PSGs block. PSHB: Run an Arc route to playside and stalk block the defender responsible for outside contain (usually the CB). BSHB: Run a great fake option route to playside. QB: Open to playside, give ball to FB and continue outside the TEs position with a good belly fake.

Vs. 52

Coaching Points: 1. TE and PSTs 1st step aiming point is the ball. They cant allow anyone into cross their face and get into backfield. If no one is on the LOS to their immediate inside, they read-up to the 1st LB to the inside. 2. PSGs aiming point is the closest number on the defenders jersey. 3. If the HBs and the QB run great fakes they should draw the OLB and CB upfield which will give the FB a great running lane.

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RUNNING PLAY(S) LEAD

SE: Stalk block the defender on you. PST: Double team man head up on PSG. If he is uncovered block your lane. PSG: Double team w/PST man on you. If uncovered, double man on CNTR. CTR: Double team w/PSG man on you. If uncovered, block the backside linebacker through the backside A-gap. BSG: Block your lane. BST: Block your lane, but try to get downfield and block the ball carriers running lane. TE: Block man on you or 1st man you your outside away from the play. FB: Lead through the play side B-gap and block the first defender to show from the inside. Usually the inside LB. PSHB: Lead through the play side C-gap and block the 1st defender to show from the outside. Usually the outside LB or Cornerback. BSHB: Ball Carrier. Use a crossover step with the away foot. On your 2nd step turn into the hole and read your blocker. Run to daylight. QB: Reverse pivot and handoff to BSHB, then make a good boot fake past the PSDE.

Vs. 53 Eagle

Coaching Points: Double team must get the defender at least three yards off the LOS. FB scrapes the double team and seals the inside. BSG cannot allow any defender into the backfield. TE is the Key block. PSHB helps TE if defenders jersey number shows in Cgap.

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RUNNING PLAY(S) POWER

SE: Stalk block the defender on you. PST: Double team the defender on you with the TE. If uncovered, double team with PSG the man on him. PSG: Double team the defender on you with the PST. If uncovered, double team with the CNTR the man on him. CTR: Block defender in your shoulderto-shoulder area. If uncovered, block the backside linebacker. Expect help from PSG BSG: Pull to play side and lead through C-gap. Scrape the double team block and get the closest defender from the inside out, usually the MLB. BST: Cheat on your split from BSG and seal block the A-B gap area. TE: Double team with PST any defender on him. If he is uncovered, block the 1st inside LB. FB: Kick out on the 1st defender to show outside the TE. If no one shows turn upfield and block the closest most dangerous defender to the hold. PSHB: If the SE is on the play side help FB block the defender responsible for outside contain. If SE is on the backside, scrape the DEs outside shoulder and block the CB. BSHB: Ball Carrier. Open with play side foot and on 3rd step turn up into hole and follow the BSG. Read his block and run to daylight. QB: Open to back side at 6 Oclock. Give ball to BSHB and do a great belly fake outside the BST. Coaching Points: 1. Can go unbalanced by putting SE on TE side & have him stalk block the CB, or run a Scheme route away from the play. 2. Ball carrier should not be in to big a hurry to get into the hole. He should stay at least an arms reach plus 12 inches from BSGs back to read his block. His MUST stay inside the FBs block on the DE.

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RUNNING PLAY(S) X Reverse

SE: Take a quick jab step at the man on you with the outside foot, then turn and run toward play side. Your aiming point is 1 yard behind the nearest HBs original position. He is coming at you, so run under him, take the toss from the QB and run fast. PST: Take two quick steps to the inside as though you were going downfield to block, then turn back outside, run around the TEs original position and block the 1st different color jersey. RememberDONT CLIP! If you cant block a front jersey number, let him go and block someone else. PSG: Block anyone in your lane for one count, then release and block the outside defender on play side. Usually the CB. CTR: Block defender in your shoulderto-shoulder area. If uncovered, block the backside linebacker. BSG: Block your lane. However, if uncovered get downfield and into the ball carriers running lane. Block anyone that tries to cross your face to make a tackle. BST: Same as BSG. TE: Release to the inside as for the first few steps then turn up field and stalk block the deep defender. Usually the FS. FB: Run a good Belly fake off the BSGs butt then be a great blocker. BSHB: Run to backside and hit the 1st defender that shows outside the BST. PSHB: Run a great Option fake to backside behind the BSHBs original position. QB: Flash fake at the FB, take two steps and (soft) toss the ball to the SE. Protect yourself.

Vs. 53 Eagle

Coaching Points: Timing is everything on this play. Adjust the SEs split from the BST until he is in the right position to get the toss. The SE watches the QBs hands for the toss. If he doesnthe will fumble the ball. This is a great Red Zone play when a fumble would still give you good field position.

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RUNNING PLAY(S) SWEEP

SE: Stalk block the defender on you. Be prepared to play the strong (TE) side and crack down on OLB/SS. PST & PSG: You two are responsible for the A-B gap DT and/or the play side outside contain defender. Communicate! When in doubt, stay home and block your lane. CTR: Block defender in your shoulderto-shoulder area. If uncovered, block the backside linebacker through the play side A-gap. BSG: You are responsible for the A-B gap DT. If uncovered pull around CNTR and block the BSLB. BST: Cheat on your split from BSG and seal block the A-B gap area. If no one comes get down field and block the ball carriers running lane. TE: Square block any defender head up on you & turn him inside. If uncovered, get the 1st defender to your outside. FB: You have the play side ILB. He is yours all the way, so get your eyes on him and go where you need to go to get him. PSHB: Clip the outside contain man (usually the DE) while enroute to block the outside deep defender (usually the CB). BSHB: Ball Carrier. Read TEs block and cut off it. QB: Reverse pivot, toss ball to BSHB and either lead and help block or run a great roll out fake to the backside. Coaching Points: 1. Can go unbalanced by putting SE on TE side & have him stalk block the CB or block down on the OLB or SS. DONT CLIP!!! Also, the BST is an eligible receiver so dont forget a QB Boot pass. 2. Best ran against a team that plays their defensive Ends head up or to the inside.

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RUNNING PLAY(S) SWEEP/TOSS (Weak)

SE: Stalk block the defender on you. Be prepared to Switch block with the PSHB & crack down the defensive contain man (OLB/DE). PST & PSG: You two are responsible for the A-B gap DT and/or the play side contain man, usually the DE. Communicate! CTR: Block defender in your shoulderto-shoulder area. If uncovered, block the backside linebacker through the play side A-gap. BSG: Same as the strong side Sweep. You are responsible for the A-B gap DT or BSLB. If necessary (& uncovered) pull around CNTR to the BSLB. BST: Cheat on your split from BSG and seal block the A-B gap area. If no one comes get down field and block the ball carriers running lane. TE: Release inside. Chip any defender on you and get downfield and block the ball carriers run lane. Block anyone that tries to cross your face to make a tackle. FB: You have the play side ILB. He is yours all the way, so get your eyes on him and go where you need to go to get him. PSHB: You have the far contain man (usually the DE or OLB). Be prepared to help the PST/PSG or Switch block with the SE. BSHB: Ball Carrier. Read PST/PGSs block and cut off it. QB: Reverse pivot, toss ball to BSHB and either lead and help block or run a great roll out fake to the backside. Coaching Points: 1. SE can stalk block the CB or block down on the OLB or SS. DONT CLIP!!! . 2. Best ran against a team that plays their defensive Ends head up, inside, or crashing.

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DEFINITIONS
MAN BLOCKING: Specific area blocking assignment the linemen in the Run attack. DOUBLE-TEAM BLOCK: When two players on offense are assigned to block one defender. CHIP BLOCK: When a player on offense makes a high partial shoulder block on one defender to help a teammate before going to block another defender. SWITCH BLOCK: An exchange in blocking assignments between to linemen on offense. This call is normally made when a lineman that cant reach a defender that is too far outside/inside to block. TAG: A cross-block with the Tackle And Guard on offense. EAT: A cross-block with the End And Tackle on offense. KICK-OUT BLOCK: When a player on offense blocks the first defender on his outside shoulder away from the play. DOWN BLOCK: When a player on offense blocks the first defender on his inside down toward the Center. READ-UP BLOCK: When a lineman is DOWN blocking and no defender is on the LOS to his inside, he reads up and blocks the first inside LB. SEAL BLOCK: When an offensive lineman occupies space vacated by another offensive lineman to prevent a defender from crossing the line of scrimmage. CUT (Shoe Shine) BLOCK: When a lineman on offense blocks down toward the Center and forces a defender to trip over him. REACH BLOCK: When a lineman on offense blocks a lineman on defense that is positioned on his inside or outside shoulder. FIRE BLOCK: A pass blocking technique used by the linemen on offense where they cross the line of scrimmage and low block at the defenders knees. STALK BLOCK: A blocking technique used by a wide receiver on a deep defender during a running play. SCHEME PATTERN: A fake pass pattern executed by a wide receiver to take a defender away from a ball carrier. COMBO BLOCK: When two linemen work together to block a defensive lineman and a linebacker in tandem alignment.