SOUTHFIELD RAVENS

RAVENS FEEDER
PISTOL CLINIC
Presented
by
COACH TD FAIRMAN
COACH LYNN SANDERS
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
• Philosophy/Scheme • Passing Game (TD)
(Sanders/TD) –Pass Protections
• Mechanics of the Offense (TD) (Sanders)
– Personnel Groups –Route Tree (TD)
– Huddle Procedures –Quick Passing Game (TD)
• Formations and Alignments –Drop Back Passing Game
(TD) –Play Action Pass Game
• Motions (Sanders) (TD)
• Run Game Mechanics (TD) –Screen Game (Sanders)
– WR Blocking Rules
(Sanders)
– Zone/Stretch OL Footwork
– (Sanders)
– QB/RB Mesh Points
(Sanders)
SOUTHFIELD RAVENS

RAVENS FEEDER
OFFENSIVE PLAYBOOK
TD FAIRMAN
 Learning The Offense

“If You Have A Systematic Way To

Teach An Offense, Your Kids Will
Have A Systematic Way Of Learning
The Offense”
 Ravens Pride! Get Some!

ALIGNMENT!
STANCE!
ASSIGNMENT!
EXECUTION!
 RAVENS OFFENSIVE SCHEME
Built on 3 Principles

Moving the Chains

Multiplicity
•Attack with multiple personnel
groups, formations, and movement.
•Gain leverage, create good
matchups and blocking angles.
•Make full use of all skilled players,
showcase what they do best!
•Control and dictate game tempo by
sustaining first down after first down
with consistent, relentless play.
•Use a complete “toolbox” that allows
us to capitalize on any defensive
weakness and play “downhill” with
high-percentage plays
•Understand each situation and play
smarter than our opponent.

Relentless Attack
•Expect to score each time we take possession of the ball!
•Dictate to the defense, make them uncomfortable!
•Use all parts of the field, sideline to sideline, short and deep. Make use of a complete
arsenal that includes Power, Misdirection, Perimeter runs, Screens, Play Action, and
Tricks.
 Why We Run The Pistol

• Allowed us to eliminate some tendencies with our

zone read game
• We could balance up and force defenses to do the
same
• We could run our entire option package!
• We could flip plays without flipping our running back
• Allowed us to run our base two back offense from
the gun
• Created conflict within the defense
 Offensive Mindset
Offense Philosophy
Five Goals of the Offense
•Know Assignments
•Play Every Play Like It’s Your Last One
•Win
•Score
•Have Fun
The Offensive Philosophy
1. Live by the run. (Not die)
2. Use the run to set up the pass.
3. Be a highly explosive offense by forcing the defense into 1 on 1 situation.
4. Attack the defense both horizontally and vertically.
5. Throw high percentage passes.
6. Confuse the defense by formations and motions.
7. Force the defense to cover the whole field and run to the football.
8. Have an explosive, exciting running attack.
9. Always win the fourth quarter.
10. Play smash-mouth football using multiple formations to Spread and Shred Em.
 It’s All In a State of Mind

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

Wayne Gretzky

It's not necessarily the amount of time you spend at practice that counts; it's what you put
into the practice.
Eric Lindros

Ask not what your teammates can do for you. Ask what you can do for your teammates.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson

A good coach will make his players see what they can be rather than what they are.
Ara Parashegian

I never thought about losing, but now that it’s happened, the only thing is to do it right.
Muhammed Ali

A winner never whines.

Paul Brown
THE CENTER: THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT
The feet parallel -- left foot should be slightly ahead of the right to facilitate a first choppy step to be used on blocking
assignments.

Heels -- will be slightly off the ground. As you reached for the ball, weight will be transferred to the balls of the feet.

Legs -- spread legs as far apart as is comfortable. Then, the center reaches for the ball, approximately one half of the
ball will be under his head. This will vary according to the length of the snapper's arms.

The Butt -- may be slightly higher than the shoulders and the back should be fairly straight. The tail should not be
inordinately high. As the season progresses work to get the tail of your center lower, this will aid him in not having the
high snap or bad pass.

The Head -- the head may be dropped enough to see the target between his legs.

OUR SYSTEM
•1 Back is Quarterback (1 Back)-Orange
•2 Back is Tailback (2 Back) -Blue
•3 Back is Slot-back(3 Back)-Gray
•4 Back is our Flanker(4 Back)-Purple
•5 Back is Split End (5 Back)-Green
•6 Back is TE/SE (6 Back)-Red
 Offensive Huddle
Huddle

LT LG C RG RT

5 3 2 4 6

1
•How we conduct and break the huddle sets the tone for how we will play
once the ball is snapped…it must be disciplined, focused, and unified!
•Huddle is 7 yards from the line of scrimmage.
•The Center sets the location of the huddle, then calls huddle to order by
giving the down and distance situation.
•Sprint to it and out of it! Create TEMPO!
•Once the quarterback enters the huddle, he assumes COMPLETE control.
NO ONE else talks!
 How We Call Plays

 First Word = Formation and backfield (with any special adjustments)

 Second Word = 2 Digits
 First Digit tells the series of the play
 Second Digit tells the hole the play is going and the play itself
 Third Word = tells you the play as well as the blocking rules and the
direction the play is being run
 Fourth Word = tells which back will motion
 EXAMPLE
Base -------- 20 --- Midline ------ 4 Mo

Formation 2 Back The ball is Tells you your Motion

run going to the 0 blocking
series hole and is an rules. As well as the
Zone direction of the play
 The Snap Count
In order for us to keep the defense off balance we will use one of the following
varying snap count.
1.Ready—Bluuue—Set—Hit
2.Black 85 -- Black 85 -- Set -- Go (first go) -- Go (second go) -- Go (third go)

Different snap counts

On first sound -- Get to the LOS and snap the ball on “Go”
On Set -- Plays with no motion can be on set (following color #, color #)
On one -- On the first go
On two -- On the second go
On three -- On the third go

We have to be able to use different snap counts to not let the defense tee off on
our snap counts. No snap count needs to be used or should be used more than
the others. This requires discipline from our team.
 Holes

The second number in the two number running plays

generally indicates the point of attack. We run all even
numbers to the right and odd numbers to the left.

5 6

9 7 5 3 1 0 2 4 6 8

Holes 8 and 9 are wide running plays to the

right (8) and left (9).
 Offensive Line Terminology

When the plays are drawn up on the following pages, you must know how your blocking scheme is
set up as well as what position you play.

Backside refers to the part of the OL away from the play. Playside is the side the play is run.

PSG - Playside Guard

PST - Playside Tackle
C - Center Backside Playside
BSG - Backside Guard
BST - Backside Tackle

T G C G T

1 2
 Tight End Blocking

1. Hook -- On the snap take a short step straight upfield with your inside foot. If the DE is coming
hard lock onto him and cave him down the LOS. If he is not coming hard, rub your outside arm
and shoulder through the DE working from low to high. You should almost be scrambling upfield
with your eyes on the LB. Step on the LB's toes and get to the upfield side and push him back to
the LOS. If you miss the LB make him come underneath you not over the top. Do Dad 100% of
the time on short yardage, goal line or keep.

2. Quick Veer Release (QVR) -- In most cases when you have a QVR you will be double teaming
the LB with your OT. When executing this block, the TE MUST get outside leverage. As you
make contact, maintain this outside leverage, keep the LB and get movement. The OT is your
backside partner, it is his responsibility to step to you so the double team doesn’t get split.

3. Veer Release (VR) -- On the snap your first step is a lead step with your outside foot. Continue
to pull outside to spot the man who has force. As you pull, it is crucial that you GET WIDTH -
NOT DEPTH! Do NOT turn upfield until you are 1 yard outside the force man. Keep outside
leverage on the defender and hook him by attacking his outside armpit. We want this block to
occur about 2 or 3 yards from the LOS. Make contact by sticking your facemask into the
defender’s outside armpit; attack the defender high and run over him by accelerating your feet.
(Make sure you keep your feet) If you lose the defender, lose him underneath you - DO NOT allow
him to go over the top of you.
 Wide Receiver Blocking

1. Stalk Block -- On the snap come off the line hard in a fly pattern. Do not get bumped
inside. Take your man as deep as he will go. When he reads run, he will stop. STOP
WHEN HE STOPS AND NOT BEFORE. When he plants in his backpedal, you should
breakdown and backpedal 3 steps. Stay square to the defender and mirror him by
shuffling from side to side. Wait for the DB to close on you, then attack him and stay
high.

Keys:
•Come off the line hard - sell the fly pattern
•Stop when the defense stops - breakdown
•Make the DB come to you

2. Crack Back -- On the snap of the ball take two hard steps downfield as if you were
running a fly pattern. Then take a sharp angle to the inside, and head for the outside
armpit of the outside LB or strong safety. As soon as he turns to face your direction, put
your shoulder into his stomach, and accelerate through him. Do NOT hit him in the
back. If you miss him, make him go underneath you, recover, and find someone
else to block.
SOUTHFIELD RAVENS

RAVENS FEEDER
FORMATIONS
 Offensive Formation

Base (Pistol)
Main Formation

5 T G C G T 6

3 1 4

Our offensive line

2 will have 2 to 2.5
foot splits.

5 and 6 Align 12 to 15 yards outside the tackle.

Our 3 and 4 align 5 to 7 yards outside the tackle.
Our QB (1) aligns 3.5 yards behind the center.
Our 2 Back aligns 6 to 7 yards off the football.
ALIGNMENT

Base FORMATION
 The Line of Scrimmage

FS

C C
LB LB LB LB
E T T E
5 6
3 4
1

2
1a. Offensive Linemen get in their stance and ready to get off the ball immediately!
1b. Quarterback gets to the line quickly, gets hands in ready position to force defense to adjust
2a. Center calls basic front structure (even, odd) and blocking scheme
2b. Receivers make coverage calls
3. Linemen make calls specific to the play being run
4. Quarterback begins cadence
 QB Alignment

• QB aligns 3 yards from the center

• Feet are slightly staggered with throwing foot
slightly in front (by 4 inches)
• Hands are comfortable, with fingers spread
• Center will snap ball into hands of the QB
• On snap, the QB executes the running play or
he checks his read on the passing play
 Running Back Alignment

• RB lines Up 3 to 4 yards behind QB. Or, if we

are in gun, he is behind the offensive guard
• His eyes are straight ahead
• He is balanced, with his hands on his hips
• If his hands go to his knees, he goes to the
bench
• We have some flexibility to his alignment with
tags on our plays (Rock, Eye, King, Queen etc.
explained later in the playbook.)
 WR Alignment

• All wide receivers will line up with the

inside foot up.
• Hands should be up in a sprinters stance
or at their sides; weight should be over
the toes.
• Knees should be slightly bent.
• Eyes should be looking in at the ball to
know when it is snapped.
 O Line Alignment

• The offensive line will line up in three

point stances. (Unless we are in 3rd and
10+, then we go to 2 point stances.)
• O-Line splits are 2.5-4 feet.
• Follow our adage: Check your feet,
Stretch, Stance.
• Avoid looking in at the ball. You must
KNOW the snap count.
SOUTHFIELD RAVENS

RAVENS FEEDER
MOTIONS
 Motions

Swing Mo In

3, 5, 6, or 4 Swing
Sends back in motion
across formation for swing.
20
30
3, 5, 6 or 4 Motion 3, 5, 6 or 4 In
Sends back to backfield to Sends back to Motion in
be Pitch man. Backfield and back in to
formation as a lead blocker.
 Motions

Jet Shovel Sky

20
30
3, 5, 6, or 4 Jet 3, 5, 6, or 4 Jet 3, 5, 6, or 4 Jet
Sends back in motion Sends back in motion Sends back in motion
across formation for jet across formation for Shovel across formation to get up
sweep. pitch/pass field to block safety
.
 Motions

Over Fly Out

20
30
3, 5, 6, or 4 Over 3, 5, 6, or 4 Fly 3, 5, 6 or 4 Out
Sends back across Sends back in motion Sends back in Motion
formation to lead to the backfield to get and back to formation
block. a reverse or a to be pitch man.
reverse fake.
SOUTHFIELD RAVENS

RAVENS FEEDER
BASE RUN GAME
 Tight End Blocking

1. Hook -- On the snap take a short step straight upfield with your inside foot. If the DE is coming
hard lock onto him and cave him down the LOS. If he is not coming hard, rub your outside arm
and shoulder through the DE working from low to high. You should almost be scrambling upfield
with your eyes on the LB. Step on the LB's toes and get to the upfield side and push him back to
the LOS. If you miss the LB make him come underneath you not over the top. Do Dad 100% of
the time on short yardage, goal line or keep.

2. Quick Veer Release (QVR) -- In most cases when you have a QVR you will be double teaming
the LB with your OT. When executing this block, the TE MUST get outside leverage. As you
make contact, maintain this outside leverage, keep the LB and get movement. The OT is your
backside partner, it is his responsibility to step to you so the double team doesn’t get split.

3. Veer Release (VR) -- On the snap your first step is a lead step with your outside foot. Continue
to pull outside to spot the man who has force. As you pull, it is crucial that you GET WIDTH -
NOT DEPTH! Do NOT turn upfield until you are 1 yard outside the force man. Keep outside
leverage on the defender and hook him by attacking his outside armpit. We want this block to
occur about 2 or 3 yards from the LOS. Make contact by sticking your facemask into the
defender’s outside armpit; attack the defender high and run over him by accelerating your feet.
(Make sure you keep your feet) If you lose the defender, lose him underneath you - DO NOT allow
him to go over the top of you.
 Wide Receiver Blocking

1. Stalk Block -- On the snap come off the line hard in a fly pattern. Do not get bumped
inside. Take your man as deep as he will go. When he reads run, he will stop. STOP
WHEN HE STOPS AND NOT BEFORE. When he plants in his backpedal, you should
breakdown and backpedal 3 steps. Stay square to the defender and mirror him by
shuffling from side to side. Wait for the DB to close on you, then attack him and stay
high.

Keys:
•Come off the line hard - sell the fly pattern
•Stop when the defense stops - breakdown
•Make the DB come to you

2. Crack Back -- On the snap of the ball take two hard steps downfield as if you were
running a fly pattern. Then take a sharp angle to the inside, and head for the outside
armpit of the outside LB or strong safety. As soon as he turns to face your direction, put
your shoulder into his stomach, and accelerate through him. Do NOT hit him in the
back. If you miss him, make him go underneath you, recover, and find someone
else to block.
 Run Game Family
Offensive Run Game
Easiest way to learn the running game is to understand that all of our run
Plays basically fall into 3 families or schemes. These basic families are:
Zone- Reach-Gap. If you know which of these families or plays fall into,
you have a pretty good idea how we’re going to get defenders blocked.

ZONE Family: Covered and uncovered offensive linemen work

together to get movement on defensive linemen, working up to nearest
linebacker, stepping play side to do so. Guard does not block playside
tackle (3 tech)

Plays: Midline

REACH Family: All offensive linemen “REACH” one gap to their

frontside gap, looking to reach and overtake a down defensive lineman
in front of him or rip-reach and run to flow linebacker.

Plays: Stretch, Sweep, Speed Option, Snap Out, Bubble

GAP Family: Frontside blockers block one gap inside - looking to

double team combo defensive linemen back to the linebackers. We
will pull backside guard to either trap or lead the play through the
frontside hole.

Plays: Power, Counter

PLAYSIDE READS
Midline, Veer, Option
 MIDLINE
• Leave First Man 2 Tech or outside
• Back will make his cut off center’s block.
• QB will read 2 Tech.
• Slot player will be responsible for a Fold Block play
side.
 Base 20 Midline 3 Mo vs. 4-3 (3 &
F
1) $

W M S
C C
E N T E
X
5 Y
6
F
3 Z
4

Q
1

H
2

Animate
Animate
 VEER
• Read 4 Technique or Wider
• QB Read EMOLOS Give or Keep Ball
• Secondary Read is Strong Safety
 Base 25 Veer 4 Mo vs. 4-2 (2’s)
F

C C
W M
R $
E N T E
X
5 Y
6
F
3 Z
4

Q
1

H
2

Animate
Animate
 OPTION
• Option End Man on Line of Scrimmage
• QB Attack Playside shoulder Gap field
 Base 29 Option vs. 4-3 (2’s)

F W M S $
C C
E T T E
X
5 Y
6
F
3 Z
4

Q
1

H
2

Animate
Animate
BACKSIDE READS
Dart-Counter
 DART
• Leave End Man on Line of Scrimmage
• Back will start away and cut back playside.
• QB will read EMOLS and will either give ball to HB or
pull and run option swing reading flat player.
 Base 22 Dart 4 Swing vs. 4-2 (2’s)
F

C C
W M
R $
E N T E
X
5 Y
6
F
3 Z
4

Q
1

H
2

Animate
Animate
NO READS
Jet, ISO, Draw, Sweep
 Base 38 Jet vs. 4-3 (3 &1)
F $

W M S
C C
E N T E
X
5 Y
6
F
3 Z
4

Q
1

H
2

Animate
Animate
 Iso

• Leave Linebacker Playside unblocked

• Back will lead block on Backer
• QB Will take pass drop and follow HB
• In case of 2 back or Motion, the HB will get the ball.
 Base 21 Draw vs. 4-3 (3 &1)
F $

W M S
C C
E N T E
X
5 Y
6
F
3 Z
4

Q
1

H
2

Animate
Animate
 Base 10 Iso vs. 4-3 (3 &1)
F $

W M S
C C
E N T E
X
5 Y
6
F
3 Z
4

Q
1

H
2

Animate
Animate
SOUTHFIELD RAVENS

RAVENS FEEDER
PASSING TREE
 SOUTHFIELD RAVENS PASSING TREE
20 20
9

15 15
7 8

10 10
5 6

5 5
3 4

1 2

0
SOUTHFIELD RAVENS

RAVENS FEEDER
QUICK (3 Step) PASSING
ATTACK
 Base Slants/Shark/2211
F
C C

W M $
R
E N T E
5 6
3 4

Animate
Animate
 Base Outs/1122
F
C C

W M $
R
E N T E
5 6
3 4

Animate
Animate
 Base Hitches/Hippo/6655
F
C C

W M $
R
E N T E
5 6
3 4

Animate
Animate
 Base Fades/9999
F
C C

W M $
R
E N T E
5 6
3 4

Animate
Animate
 Base Slant-Outs/2121
F
C C

W M $
R
E N T E
5 6
3 4

Animate
Animate
 Base Hitch/Verticals/6995
F
C C

W M $
R
E N T E
5 6
3 4

Animate
Animate
SOUTHFIELD RAVENS

RAVENS FEEDER
PISTOL PLAY ACTION PASSING
Sprint Out, Boot
 ACT Base 25 Veer/72

F W M S
C C
$
E T T E
5 6
3 4

Animate
Animate
 ACT JET RIGHT/73
F

C C
W M
R $
E N T E
5 6
3 4

Animate
Animate
 Base BOLT/74
F
C C

W M $
R
E N T E
5 6
3 4

Animate
Animate
 Base ITALY/75
F
C C

W M $
R
E N T E
5 6
3 4

Animate
Animate
SOUTHFIELD RAVENS

RAVENS FEEDER
PISTOL SCREEN PASSING
ATTACK
 Invert Right, Rocket Screen Right
S

C C
W M
R $
E N T E
5 4
3 6

Animate
Animate
 Invert Left, Rocket Screen Left
S

C C
W M
R $
E N T E
3 6
5 4

Animate
Animate
 Fake 28, FB Screen Left

C C
W M
R $
E N T E
5 6
4
3
1

Animate
Animate
 Fake 47, FB Screen Right

C C
W M
R $
E N T E
5 6
3 4
1

Animate
Animate
 Spot Pass
(“Black”)
S

C C
W M
R $
E N T E
5 6
3 4

Animate
Animate
 Bubble Screen

C C
W M
R $
E N T E
5 6
3 4

Animate
Animate
 Ravens Pride! Get Some!

ALIGNMENT!
STANCE!
ASSIGNMENT!
EXECUTION! 
EXECUTION!
 Ravens Pride! Get Some!

FOR EXECUTION!
COACH TD FAIRMAN
COACHTDFAIRMAN@GMAIL.COM