Air-Raid

Offense
2004
Cover

Installation
1. Formation (Pro, Doubles) / (Under, Gun)
a. Run Play B- Gap Wrap
** Bob (Under, Gun, Motion, Check)
** F/Bob from Doubles (short motion)
** 1/Bob (To Counter 3 tech)
** Bob/C (To Counter 3 tech)
Bob Pass Carolina is base (can tag)
** Y as primary
2. Formation (Heavy, Wing)
** Bob 6/7
** Bob 6/7 Pass (Panther action in backfield)
PSTE on corner, PSRB/Wing on slip, BSTE drag
4. Formation (Doubles) / (Under, Gun)
a. Fly 6/7 and 8/9 (with PS/BS Bob action) Zone Scheme
** Fly Pass (Post/Wheel/Sit)
Note: Second number indicates direction of Bob action.
Exp: Fly 67. First number indicates direction of Fly, and
second number indicates direction of Bob fake.

Installation Cont.
1. Review Formations (Pro, Doubles)
** Review Bob (Under, Gun, Motion, Check)
** Review Bob Pass
2. Lion (Gun Only)
** Add formations (Trips R, Trips L)
** Lion to weak-side
3. Desert - A-Gap Wrap
**(Heavy, Wing) Desert
4. Fly from (Wing)
1. Tech Formation
** Fly, Zoom
** Fly Pass (Post/Wheel/Sit)
2. Counter A-Gap Wrap Scheme
3. Reverse Fold PSG

Freshman Installation
Formation:

Run:

Pass:

Heavy

1. Bob

Play-Action
(Corner/Slip)

Wing

1. Bob (Wide)
2. Desert
3. Fly

Play-Action
(Corner/Slip)

Tech

1.
2.
3.
4.

1. Play-Action
(Post/Wheel/Sit)
2. Bravo-Cut
3. Whiskey

Pro

1. Bob (1/Bob)
2. Desert
3. Fly

1. Play-Action
(Carolina)
2. Quicks
(Oscar, Hotel, Yankee)
3. 3-Step
(Miami, Carolina, Wash, Frisco)

1. Bear

Doubles

1. Bob (1/Bob)
2. Desert
3. Fly

Same

Same

Fly
Counter
Reverse
Spinner(1/Desert)

Other:

Doubles

Doubles

X-Z at top of numbers (adjust in/out to route)

F one yard outside hash (adjust)
Y one yard inside has (adjust)

**ALL alignments are adjustable to the

route being called. It is the receiver's
responsibilityto knowwhen to
stretch/squeeze his alignment

(Middle of Field)

F
Q

X at bottom of numbers
F split difference of X and OT
Z one yard outside hash
Y split difference of Z and OT

(Left Hash)

F
Q

X one yard outside hash

F split difference of X and OT
Z bottom of numbers
Y split difference of Z and OT

(Right Hash)

Y
F
Q

Trips Right

X split difference between sideline and OT

R opposite trips call
F one yard byone yard off OT
Y one yard outside of hash
Z top of numbers

Trips Right

F
Q

X one yard outside of hash

R opposite trips call
F one yard byone yard off OT
Y split difference of Z and OT
Z bottom of numbers

Y
F
R

X bottom of numbers
R opposite of trips call
F one yard byone yard off OT
Y split difference of Z and OT
Z one yard outside of hash

Y
F
R

Trips Left

X top of numbers
Z split difference of X and OT
F one yard byone yard off OT
R opposite of trips call
Y one yard inside hash

Trips Left

Y
Z

F
Q

X one yard outside hash

Z split difference of X and OT
F one yard byone yard off OT
R opposite of trips call
Y top of numbers

X
Z

F
Q

X bottom of numbers
Z split difference of X and OT
F one yard byone yard off OT
R opposite of trips call
Y Split difference of hash and OT

Y
Z

F
Q

Pro

Pro

F opposite of R in backfield
outside leg to inside leg of OT

Tag: "Switch" - moves Z to

the left side slot position

"Switch" call

Z
F

Y
F

X
F

Empty Right

Empty Right

R becomes adjusting back. R goes to Empty

call side as the inside slot.
Alignment is adjustable to routes called

X
F

R
Q

F
Q

Y
F

R
Q

Empty Left

Empty Left
Y

X
F

R
Q

X
F

R
Q

X
F

R
Q

Specials

Tech R / L

We will flip this formation

left / right

"Tech" is a special
formation especially for our
sweeper series of plays

X
F

Heavy

Substitution mayused for two TE type

players for X and Y. Another RB can
be substituted for Z

Y
Q
F

Wing R / L

We will flip this formation

left / right

X
Q
Z

Passing Game
"Catch and Throw"
Quicks
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Victor (vertical)
Hotel (hitch)
Yankee (stick)
Whiskey (wheel)
Oscar (out)
Alpha (out/slant)
Bravo (bubble/slant)
Delta (drive/corner)

Victor
C#2

C#2

Y
Z

Vertical concept Note adjustments to coverage

Tags = R-Seam, F,R-Angle, R-Choice, R-Choice,
R-Slip, X-Post, Z-Post, F-Corner, Y-Corner
QB will take best match-up. Tag post to F or Y versus
a cover #2 look. Versus c#3, look safety off and throw
opposite to inside receiver.

** Versus C #3, adjust outside receiver to

A hitch route at 7 yards

Hotel

Y
Z

Quick hitch to outside or inside receiver

Tags = Go, or B for inside receiver
*QB read is softest CB.
May make a directional call such as: Hotel 8
In normal down and distance, the QB may check to this automatically

Yankee
Peek

Y
Z

Y-Stick concept with two possible reads

Pressures defender over # 2 receiver and stretches the box defenders
QB read is defender over # 2. Read may change to MLB. If read is MLB, throw opposite his reaction
to the stick route, or backside slant
When F or Y is on one-step slant, they must beat defender inside and sit!!
May be called to either side

Whiskey

Y
Z

Quick wheel route. Great man beater

QB may check to this versus press man coverage
QB read is X-F combo or Y-Z combo
May make directional call

Oscar
1

Y
Z

Quick out to inside receiver. Part of our curl/flat package

Speed out at 4-5 yards. Route must bend back toward LOS.
QB must be aware of flat defender. If it is a squat CB, throw the fade in the hole.
Or, comeback to slant/sit route in the middle
Directional call will be made

Bravo

On "Cut" call

On "Cut" call

X
2

Y
Z

2
R

Slant/bubble concept. Great man beater

Similar to Whiskey, but ball is to be thrown behind the LOS to bubble route
If defender over # 2 attacks the bubble, throw slant in window created
Cut call will tell # 1 to block man on and that we will be throwing the bubble.
good call versus an uncovered # 2 or a soft zone
QB read is X-F or Z-Y
Directional call will be made

Alpha

Y
Z

Slant / out concept

QB read is defender over # 2. If he sits, throw the out. If he flies to flats, throw the slant
All slants are either slant/sit or slant/return

Delta

Y
Z

QB-

Read is Y-Z-R or F-X-R

Directional call will be made. Wide side stretch.

Complimentary play to Yankee. Y should stutter step at 5 yards then
burst to corner

Play-Action
1. Bear (bootleg)
2. Naked (boot)

Bear
1

Y
Z

QB-

Fake Desert and double distance from ball. Explode eyes on OLB for blitz. Read
Z-Y-F or X-F-Y. If you can gain 5+, run the ball

Naked
2

Y
Z

QB-

Reverse out. Fake Bob from under center and boot behind PST. Throw to Y
quickly if he is open. Read Y-Z-X-F

TAGS-

Pittsburgh

Screens
1.
2.
3.
4.

Snow
Tornado
Rain
Hurricane

Snow
PSG and Center will be the only releasers in this screen. If we feel like we can release the BSG, we
will adjust. PSG should block first defender to the outside. Center should release wide and pick up
first defender that shows to the inside.

Y
Z

QB-

3 step drop and settle. Drift and draw rush upfield. Throw to outside shoulder of
R-back

TAGS-

Opposite

Tornado

Y
Z

QB-

Flash fake Bob and throw to upfield shouder. Throw through receiver. Do not
leave short

TAGS-

Go

Double Pass

Directional call will be made

Rain
Rain will be treated as a middle screen that will hit anywhere inside the R-back's block to the
opposite side of the formation. OL should make contact and stop the charge of the DL prior to
releasing. PST should eye any outside defender that is a threat and block him if he shows.

Y
Z

F
R

QB-

Catch and throw to near shoulder of #1 receiver. Find a passing lane around DE
to callside

TAGS-

Go, F-Rain

Directional call will be made

Hurricane

E
X

Y
Z

QB-

Step parallel to LOS and draw DE upfield. Get width then sit and flip to R

OL scheme is "G-wrap" with down block by PST

3 Step Passing
Half Field Combos

Full Field Combos

1. Pittsburgh
2. Frisco
3. Indy

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Cleveland
Miami
Carolina
Washington
St. Louis

Pittsburgh
Seam "Tag"

Tag R on Seam
versus C # 2

2
2
X

Y
Z

From Trips Tag F on Seam route

QB-

Best match-up - Corner to hitch to R

TAGS-

Pittsburgh G (sluggo version), Pitt R-Seam, Pitt Y-Post, Pitt F-Seam,

Directional call will be made. Will adjust backside routes to slant control

Tag R on Seam route versus c # 2 as a change up

Frisco
1

Y
Z

QB-

Read is Z-Y-R / F-X

TAGS-

Frisco X-Post, Frisco F or R-Angle

Directional call will be made

Indy
1

Y
Z

QB-

Read is hi-lo with Z-Y-R

TAGS-

R-Wheel, Y-Corner

Directional call will be made

Great versus c # 2 puts a bind on MLB and deep safety

Note: Can tag Cleveland with Z-post and get the same thing.
May exclude this play and note it as a tag.

Cleveland
Peek

Y
Z

QB-

Read is Y-H-R

TAGS-

Cleveland-X, Cleveland-Y, Cleveland-Z, Cleveland-R Angle , X-post

Tag indicates shallow crosser. First inside receiver to other side runs the IN.

Miami
1

Y
Z

QB-

Read is Hi-Lo Z-X-R or F-Y

TAGS-

Miami Z-Post, Miami Wheel, Miami PCP, Miami F-Corner, Miami DoubleSeam, Miami Snap

Carolina
C#2

C#2

C#2

Y
Z

QB-

Read is X-F-Y. We can change read by tagging receiver after call.

Ex. "Carolina Y"

TAGS-

Carolina X-Post, Carolina Z-Post, Carolina Y-Seam, Carolina Wheel

Versus C#2 check routes to (Shakes). Read would be Z-Y-R

Washington
Peek

2
1

Y
Z

QB-

Read is H-X combination back to Y-R

Run from trips left with Z on the post / sit route

St. Louis
1

vs- man

3
vs- blitz

Y
Z

QB-

Read is X-Y-F / Z-R

TAGS-

** Great versus c # 2

Z-Post, Double Under, R or F Angle, X-Post

Pass Protection
3-Step Pass Protection
F
C
B

Makes "hard/soft"
call

Points to edge blitzer

B
B

"you/me"
call

Pass Pro. Cont.

With the pass protection set to the left, the Center or LG will be your uncovered lineman that is
responsible for a double read on the ILB and OLB. He will always check ILB first, as he is pass setting
to get out the back door to the OLB. If the ILB comes, he picks him up in whichever gap he attacks. If
the ILB does not come, the Center's head must be on a swivel to the edge blitz of the OLB. Prior to
this, the uncovered OL will get a call from the LT of "soft/hard" to indicate to the uncovered lineman
how serious the threat of an outside blitz is. This will help deteremine how flat the uncovered lineman
must come out in order to pick up the edge blitz. If the ILB does not come, and he gets a "soft" call (he
still must visually check the edge blitzer), he can help inside with the OG.
We will also blitz control the left/right edge blitzer with our WR. The inside receiver to each side will
always point out to our QB a possible edge blitzer. If he blitzes in normal down and distance, our
receiver will come off his route and run a "hot" route (usually a 45 degree step to the outside and get
numbers to the QB). We also control the middle blitz with a replace route by the inside receiver to the
blitz side. However, most of our routes have a blitz beater built in with someone running through the
middle of the field at LB depth.
The RB essentially has the same responsibility. Check ILB to his side and block in whichever gap he
attacks. If ILB does not come, flare release or run route called. RB must step up into the hole to block
the blitzing ILB.

In this scheme, we can account for six rushers. The QB is responsible for #7, which is usually the OLB
to his right (naturally in his line of sight).

Pass Pro. Cont.

3-Step Pass Pro Cont.
S
C

S
M

B
E

"Nasty" call

C
B

When "Nasty" is called, the R-back

automaticallyblocks EMLOS.
Once "Nasty" is called, stay"Nasty"

When faced with a gapped defender and the possibility of a hard edge blitz, our OT will make a "Nasty"
call to indicate to the R-back that he will now block the EMLOS or edge blitzer. A "Nasty" call by the RT
will require the RG to aggressively down block as well. Remember, our wide splits will negate most
edge rushers, so we must set our protection from the inside/out. Anytime we get the threat of gapped
defenders to both sides, we will "Check" to middle screen (Rain) or option (Lion) NOW!! Even a situation
where a defense overloads only one side of our pass pro, we can check to middle screen to that side.
Note: The defense can always bring one more than we can protect against. It is vital that our QB knows
who the unblocked defender will likely be. The QB can always bring the F-back into the backfield for
maximum protection. This should only be done if we are throwing to the outside 1/3 of the field.
Bringing F into the back field into Pro formation will also bring one more defender into or near the box.

Running Game
1.
2.
3.
4.

Desert (draw)
Bob (power g)
Lion (lead option)
Sweeper (fly, zoom, rat)

Packages:
A. Spread (one-back)
B. Heavy / Wing
C. Tech

Desert
We'll always keep this an "A" gap play.

S
C

B
E

B
T

Y
Z

QBR-

Seat ball as if throwing and keep chin and shoulders high. Eye ball MLB and
influence him to drop. Handoff to R and sell pass
Slide, slide toward QB as if in pass pro. Eye ball MLB and influence him to drop.
Receive handoff and read center's block. Favor right side alignment.

Quick call will change action from a pass look to a quick handoff to R. OL will drive and not pass set.

Bob

(Tags-F/Bob or 1/Bob )

Can be run with F lead or without. Run away from 3 tech.

B
B

B
T

Y
Z

R-

Sprint path to outside hip of PSG. Read blocking and cut to daylight.

F-

Lead through "B" gap by alignment. If PSG has a 3 tech, double and slip to LB. If
no 3 tech, turn to outside and seal. BSG will seal inside.

Lion
Nice weakside play from trips. Same blocking scheme as Sweeper except for EMLOS. Good play
when defense is down hard in the gaps. Great "Check Off" versus blitzing with man coverage.

C
B

B
B

B
E

Y
Z

QB-

Step to DE. Make him commit to you. Sit and pitch to R-back

R-

Side step and sprint downhill path to target outside of force defender. Anticipate
block of #2 receiver

Fly / Rat / Zoom

Will run from gun or under center. Will run Bob off this with sweeper motion. Will run "Tech"
formation and run Sweeper, Counter, Reverse, Kick, and Play-Action.

C
B
E

B
E

Z
Y
F

QB-

Open toward sweeper motion and handoff to back. Carry out Bob fake to R-back when in "Ace" look. Fake pass when in
"Tech" formation. Nod to back when you desire motion. Snap ball when motion back is in OT area.

R-

In "Ace," slide, slide and fake Bob through LOS. In "Tech," arc release to outside shoulder of DE-punch and seal ILB to
Safety. We will call motion then Bob to counter off this in "Ace." Motion then Desert when in "Tech."

F-

On "Fly," you are sweeper. Sprint motion and target one yard behind QB when under center. Belly back one yard after han
and sprint to sideline while reading block or Y. If "Kick" is called, turn up B gap. If motion is called, sell "Fly" to sideline.
to you, arc release to outside shoulder of CB. Seal or kick out.

PST-

Most important block. Reach EMLOS. Must fight for position. You will get help in "Tech" formation.

Tech Formation
"Tech" formation will be the only formation we flip all skill positions. X,Y,Z,F, and R will flip R/L.
This will put R as the counter/Desert back and Z as the Reverse back regardless of R/L.

F
C

C
B

B
E

B
T

B
E

Y
F

Using Tech formation to run the sweeper series is a mini-package. Fly is the primary run with
R on the counter (Desert scheme), Z on the reverse, and Post/Wheel on the play-action pass. We will
also add a Kick play.
Plays will be called as follows: 1. Fly 6/7, 2. Fly 6/7 Counter, 3. Fly 6/7 Reverse, 4. Fly 6/7 Pass.

Fly 6 / 7 Reverse
F
C

B
E

B
E

Y
F

QB-

Opento motionandfakesweeper. Step backtwo deepsteps as if pass andhand toZ onandoutsidehandoff.

XZ-

Crack/seal first LBinside. Do not get there too quickly

Dropstepandsprint toatarget oneyardbehindQB. Pickupblockof PSGandX. Get widthandruntodaylight.

PSG-

Pull out and wrap to outside shoulder of EMLOS.

If he is a threat, blockhimin. If he is out of the play, flatten and pickup CB

Fly 6 / 7 Counter
Desert blocking scheme to the inside.
Same calls apply. Maywrap with either OG.

Y
F
R

Fly 6 / 7 Pass
2

Y
F
R

QBTAGS-

Read is Y-Z-R-X

Any pass combo could be a tag. Pittsburgh, etc....

Offensive Line Splits

OG's earhole should run through the
Center's hip. Be as far off the LOS
as possible. OT's match their feet
with the OG's feet.
4 ft. Splits

Inside leg of OT
QB/RB are 4 1/2 - 5 yards
from ball. Will be adjustable
** All inside runs such as Desert and Bob will require maximum splits of 4 feet. If we have to move
our splits in, we will. We want to stretch the defensive front as much as possible when running
inside. All pass plays will require maximum splits, as well. This will help clear up the "box" reads
for our OL and create great passing lanes for the QB. This will put each of our O-Lineman on an
island for pass protection. We will have to technique this repeatedly in practice.
** All outside runs such as Fly, Rat, Zoom, and Lion will require minimum splits of 1 foot. This will
shorten the distance to "D" gap for our play. There will be cases where we have to "Check" to an
inside or outside run. In this case, we will adjust our splits prior to the play, if possible.
** When the QB is under center, we will be in a three point stance. When in shotgun, we will be in
a two point stance. If there is a situation where a particular O-Lineman is much more comfortable
from one or the other, he may choose or the coach may choose his type of stance.

Wrap Scheme
"B" Gap Wrap (Bob)
Shade Nose
B

B
E

2i Tech.
B
E

2 Tech.
B
E

B
T

3 Tech. (Fold)
B

B
T

B
T

PST will always kick out the EMLOS. He will either drive block, or pass set and draw the EMLOS up-field and
then kick him out. PST must get movement and anchor the edge. The PSG will down block any shade or 2i tech.
he will reach step according to alignment of a 2 or 3 tech. PSG MUST be able to reach a 2 tech. We can provide
help with a 3 tech. Center will always block back for the BSG, UNLESS he is covered by a Nose in a 32 look.
This should be a very aggressive block to stop any penetration of the defender over the BSG. BST will reach step
play-side and hinge back.

Reading the Wrap Play

FS
C

SS
B

B
E

B
T

PSG cannot secure reach block leaving

"A"-Gap open to wrap.

**Reading the "Wrap" play**

Our "Wrap" play to "B"-Gap can be turned into a zone read play to either "A" or "B"-Gap. It is
important that we hit the hole as it develops regardless of the gap. The BSG must start his wrap by
eye-balling the PSLB and at the same time, read the block of the PSG. If the PSG has the DT
reached, the BSG should wrap "B"-Gap. However, versus a 3 tech. this may be a difficult block. If
the PSG cannot reach the DT, and the leverage area opens up in "A" gap, the BSG should wrap the
"A"-Gap looking to engage the PSLB. By blocking the play in this fashion, there is NO "right"
answer for the defense, yet always a "right" answer for the offense. Essentially, our "Wrap" play or
"Bob" is our version of the zone play.
Both the R-back and BSG should read the PSG block in the following manner. If the PSG is OUT/IN, Im OUT/IN

Continued
FS

SS

C
B

B
E

PSG secures "B"-Gap with reach block.

BSG works outside and wraps "B"

B
T

"A" Gap Wrap (Desert)

Shade Nose
B

B
E

2i Tech.

2 Tech.
B
E

B
T

3 Tech. (Base Call)

B

B
T

B
T

** Wrapping "A" Gap is no different than "B" Gap. We want to make a "Check" Desert call anytime
we call Desert. Our QB is responsible for getting us in the best leverage situation with the call. We can
also turn this into a line call by the two OGs and Center. We want the Center to block back to the DT
that is closest to him (shade, 2i, 2). If we have two 3 techs, the OL should make a "Base" call to indicate
there will be no wrap by either OG.
** Standard rule is to run Desert versus a 41 look to take advantage of leverage created up the middle.
Desert is not a good play versus a 42. Bob, or any outside run would be a better choice.
** We have one play for "A" Gap (Desert), one for "B" Gap (Bob), and two for "D" Gap (Sweeper, Lion).

Keys to Wrapping
** We can effectively wrap "B"-Gap versus a Shade, 2i Tech., and a 2 Tech. It can be done versus a 3 tech.
if the match-up favors us, or we fold block with the PST and PSG. The problem is the large hole the fold
block opens up the middle. Even though it is the wrapping OG's responsibility to pick up any inside blitz,
this can still be a problem in a 2 LB set. We will always "Check" to the most favorable DT alignment.
** We can bring F in to a wing alignment and double him on a 3 Tech., or align in our Pro formation and
do the same. Most generally, we will not wrap "B"-Gap versus a 3 Tech. The 3 Tech, along with the BSLB
blitz are the most important defensive considerations. As long as the BSLB does not blitz the "A"-Gap, he
will get caught up in the second level garbage and be too deep to stop the play.
** The wrapping OG's responsibility is to wrap as close as possible to the OG's block and work upfield to
the first defender and seal inside. The OG's eyes must always be inside, unless game planned differently.
** Teams that always align their 3 Tech. away from our R-back, will require us to counter with "1/Bob",
"Desert", or "Bob/C".
** The PST has the option of a "Drive" block to kick out or "Pass Set" and kick out. This may be game
planned.

Zone Blocking
Shade Nose
B

B
E

2i Tech.

2 Tech.
B
E

B
T

3 Tech. (Base Call)

B

B
T

B
T

** Zone blocking scheme will be used on all "Sweeper" plays (Fly, Zoom, and Rat). OL Splits must
minimize to one foot. It is virtually impossible to Zone block from wide splits. We want to shorten the edge
of the defense so that we may either bounce outside, or force the EMLOS to work very wide to contain. In
this case, we will use his over reaction to cut back inside. It must be the goal of the PST to get the EMLOS
reached. A burning desire to reach this defender will do one of two things: 1. The PST will reach the
EMLOS and we will have a great play to the outside, or 2. By attempting the reach, the PST will force the
EMLOS too wide to be of any help on cut-back and / or any counter play.
** The PSG should always initiate contact with the defender over him until the Center secures the block. At
this point, the PSG can slide off the the near LB. The same is true for the BSG and BST block. The EMLOS
to the back side will not be blocked. The QB is responsible for holding his attention with play-action pass
or bootleg.
** Zone blocking will be used for "Lion," as well. The only difference is that the PST will down block the
first LB to his side. All else remains the same. Basically, we are leaving the EMLOS unblocked and will
option him with the QB and R-Back.