Iowa Wesleyan College - Installing An Explosive Shotgunun Run Game

Installation of The Shotgun Offense
Installing an Explosive Run Game
By James Vint
Offensive Coordinator
Iowa Wesleyan College
jvint@iwc.edu
COPYWRIGHT 2005 James Vint. This power point is copyrighted and is protected from unauthorized reproduction by
the copyright laws of the United States. Unauthorized use or reproduction without the expressed, written consent of
James Vint is strictly prohibited.
Installing the Gun Offense

1. The Mesh and Reading the 5 in the
Gun Offense
2. Mechanics of the Read Game
3. Running The Jet Series
4. The Quarterback Run Game
Keys To Being Successful

Train Your Kids In The Off-Season
If They Cant Consistently Stop A Play,
Keep Running It
Dont Over Coach Or Over Analyze

Be Prepared and Prepare Your Kids
Myths of the Gun

The Gun Is A Pass Only Offense:
Similar to the Run-and-Shoot in the 80s, people
perceive the gun as pass first
The Gun Is A Finesse Offense
You can run a power offense from the gun!
The Snap Is Too Easy To Fumble
How many snaps have you fumbled from under
center? How many of those did you lose? Gun-1
mishandled snap every 201 plays: 1 Lost. Under
Center-1 mishandled snap every 119 plays: 6 Lost
Your line must be in a 2 point stance in the Gun
You can operate from a 3 point stance.
You cant block the box if you spread the field.
Advantages of The Gun
Defenses Have To Account For the QB As A

Runner
Every Play Can Become An Option Play
QB Has Easier Pre And Post Snap Reads
QB Already Has Depth In The Pass Game
Offense Can Read Rather Than Block A
Defender In The Run Game
QB Works Downhill As Opposed To Uphill From
Under C
You get your athletes the football in open space
Basketball on grass, with fast break potential
Comparing The Gun To Being

Under Center
The defense loads the box!
Comparing Gun To Being

Under Center
In the spread gun, we open up
the box.
Statistically Speaking
We have averaged 6.2 yards a rush from
the gun over 4 years

IS Zone from the gun: 6.7 yards w/ the TB
and 7.9 w/ the QB
IS Zone under Center: 5.1 yards w/ the TB
and no direct QB run
From the gun we average 7.1 yards per
play. Under Center: 6.3 and 5.3 per rush
The Gun is Versatile

You can run the gun from
virtually any
offense
You can be either pass dominated or run
dominated from the gun
Nearly every personnel package can be
tailored to the gun
You can use the gun as a change-up or as
a full-time offense
Comparing The Gun To Under Center

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Def Accounts For 4 WR and

1 Back
Defense Does Not Have To
Defend The QB As A Runner
Defense Can Defend The
Box With 6 VS 6
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Defense Must Account For

The QB AS The Second Back
Four Wideouts
If D Account For 4 Wides,
They Are Left With 6 To Defend
7 In The Box
Comparing The Gun To Under Center

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Def Accounts For 3 WR and

2 Backs
Defense Does Not Have To
Defend The QB As A Runner
Defense Can Defend The
Box With 8 Men

The QB AS The Third Back
Three Receivers
The Defense Must Defend
Three Backs With Six or Seven
Players
To Get 8 in the box, D must
play man
Why Your QB Will Love The Gun!
He has a wider peripheral field of vision for presnap reads.

Every time he meshes with a back he will be
moving downhill.
Your QB will not trip over the centers foot.
Your QB will have more opportunities to carry
the football.
Your QB already has depth in the pass game.
Your QB will be able to see blitzes quicker and
throw hot.
QB Pre Snap Alignment

QB Aligns at 4.5 yards from the center
Feet are slightly staggered with throwing
foot slightly in front

Hands are comfortable, with fingers
spread
QB brings the snap through the third hand
QB Snaps Eyes to Read
Running Back Alignment

RB Lines Up 1.5 to 2 Yards Behind QB,
With his crotch splitting the OS leg of the

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
Pre-Snap Alignment
Ace Back Run Game
42-43 Inside Zone

42-43 Base Dive
42-43 Trap
42-43 Counter Trap
42-43 Influence Trap
44-45 Gut Lead
44-45 Fever
44-45 G
46-47 Kick
46-47 Wrap
46-47 Power (With Motion)
46-47 Counter Trey
48-49 Outside Zone
48-49 Stretch
40-41 Zone Cutback
42-43 Inside Zone Read

42-43 Base Dive Read
42-43 Trap Read
42-43 Counter Trap Read
42-43 Influence Trap Read
44-45 Gut Lead Read
44-45 Fever Read
44-45 G Read
46-47 Kick Read
46-47 Wrap Read
46-47 Power Read (With
Motion)
46-47 Counter Trey Read
48-49 Outside Zone Read
48-49 Stretch Read
40-41 Zone Cutback Read
Two Back Gun Runs
42-43 Inside
42-43 Inside Lead
42-43 Iso
44-45 G Lead
44-45 GUT Lead
46-47 Power
46-47 Power Kick
46-47 Wrap
46-47 Counter
48-49 Outside Zone
48-49 Outside Lead
Each of the plays

on the left have a
Read component
If you want the FB
to mesh with the
QB, then you simple
change the first
number of the play
to a 3. We can run
32 Iso, or 36 Wrap.
Option Game
12-13 IS Veer
12-13 Trap
14-15 Slide Option
14-15 OS Veer
18-19 Lead Option
18-19 Speed Option
18-19 Load Option
We have tried to
run Midline from

the gun, and we
have found it
difficult to mesh
QB Run Plays
12-13 QB Dive
12-13 QB Inside
12-13 QB Inside Lead
12-13 QB Iso
12-13 Inside Read
12-13 QB Trap
14-15 QB G
14-15 QB Gut
16-17 QB Power
16-17 QB Power Wrap
16-17 QB Power Kick
16-17 QB Counter
18-19 QB Outside
18-19 Outside Lead
One of the most valuable aspects of

the gun offense is the ability to get your
quarterback involved.
Whether the QB is reading the
defender, or the QB is running one of
the plays to the left, you force the
defense to have to account for him.
Getting the QB involved in the run
game will help to open up different
aspects of your pass game.
Installation Of The Gun Offense
By: James Vint
Christopher Columbus
High School
The QB Mesh and Reading The Backside 5

Technique
Ways We Mesh
Same Side Mesh (Front Side Read)
Backside Read
Designed Give Play
Designed Pull Play
TAZ Mesh
OS Veer Mesh
Play Action Mesh
QB Footwork And The Mesh

If The back is crossing the QB, the QB will
take a flat step toward the back. We call

this Flat Step, Short Step.
He reaches the ball deep and feels the
belly of the back, snapping his eyes to his
read.
He rides the back through while making
his read.
Squeeze and Chase, Pull and Replace
QB Footwork And The Mesh
RB Footwork And The Mesh

The back aligns 1.5 to 2 yards behind the
QB, straddling the outside leg of the

guard.
If the back is crossing the QB, he will take
a step opposite the QB, then get downhill.
He must make a deep pocket, with the top
palm up.
The back must feel the QB read, and not
snatch at the football.
Reading The Backside 5

This is the whole concept that began our
craze with the gun offense

The offense does not have to block a
backside player
This allows us to get one more lineman to
the second level
Allows us to put 5 techniques in conflict
Why Read The Backside 5?
We get one more blocker to the second level

We allow the offense to always give the ball to
the right player
We put the 5 technique in conflict, and 5
techniques tend to be very good players
We allow the 5 tech to see several different
looks
The defensive line must practice facing multiple
looks
We give ourselves a chance to be successful
against a stud by having him take himself out of
the game
SQUEEZE AND CHASE, PULL

AND REPLACE
If the 5 technique squeezes and chases,
pull and replace

If he does anything else, give the football
If the 5 tech slow plays, give the football
If the 5 tech comes upfield, give the
football
If the 5 tech comes at the QB, give the
football
Read the Backside 5 Technique

The main concept that started the whole phenomenon with the gun is the ability
of quarterbacks to read the backside 5 technique. The QB will read the backside
5 technique. This allows the backside tackle to work up to the second and third
level. Under center, the quarterback is not able to read the backside 5 technique,
he is working uphill. From the gun, the QB can read the backside 5 tech and use
his rule.
QBs Rule: Squeeze and Chase, pull and replace.
If the 5 technique squeezes the tackles release and chases the back the
quarterback is meshing with, the QB will pull the football and replace the 5
technique. This is a way of reminding the QB to get downhill. If the 5 tech does
anything else, the QB gives the ball and carries out a downhill run fake to hold
the pursuit. We drill this with our MESH DRILL. The QBs and running backs
work together getting their mesh down, while the QB reads the 5 tech.. We vary
how the 5 technique plays in each situation as we drill the mesh and read.
Mesh Drill
DE
C
If the DE squeezes and chases, the QB

will pull the ball and replace the DE. We
want the QB to get downhill.
If the DE sits at home, or goes upfield,
the QB will give the ball and continue a
downhill run fake.
QB
RB
Reading The Backside 5 Technique
Diagram Of The Mesh

E
Read Key
The QB Takes A Flat Step To The Back, then a short

step. His feet should face the Sideline, in a heel toe
relationship at the mesh point. His weight should be
slightly right
The 5 Comes Upfield

E
Read Key
If the 5 tech comes upfield, give the
football to the back and carry out your run

fake.
The 5 Squeezes and Chases

E
Read Key
If the 5 technique squeezes and chases, the QB will pull

and replace.
The QB Must Get Downhill
The 5 Squeezes and Chases

E
Read Key
If the 5 technique squeezes and chases, the QB will pull

and replace.
The QB Must Get Downhill
The QB/RB Mesh

QB gets his eyes to his read
Always simulate a
snap
The QB is giving the

football as the 5
technique is coming up
field.
This is a great view of the quarterbacks footwork on the

mesh. You can see the angle of his feet allowing the
back to cross in front.
Reading the Backside 5 Tech
When we read the backside 5 tech, the back will

align opposite the call side. The back will step
opposite the QB and mesh, as per his opposite
side mesh rules.
We can run virtually all of our offensive run plays
reading the backside 5 technique
Allows us to account for a defender with a read,
allowing us to block one more second level
defender
We put good defensive ends in conflict
Mesh Drill
We run our mesh drill with our
quarterbacks and running backs every

day.
We run active mesh at least two days a
week where we add our offensive tackles
and tight ends
We have an inside run period with 5
minutes designated for our read game
Keys To A Good Mesh

The QB must secure the snap first!
The QB
MUST get his eyes to his read

The RB must make a deep soft pocket
The RB must be patient, dont rush
The Tackle must reduce his shoulder to
avoid allowing the DE to collision him
down the line
The QB must be soft with the football
Coaching Points On The Mesh

The quarterback and running back do not
need to fight over the football

The QB makes the decision, not the RB
RB keeps his top palm up and out
QB must be soft with the football
Coach the QB on his eyes
Installing The Run Game In The

Spread Gun Offense
Installing The Inside Read Play

In A Gun Offense
Inside Zone Read Play
The inside read play is our number one play

from the gun
This is the first play we installed from the gun
We use our zone blocking system for this play
Based on game planning decision, we will use
zone combinations and or fold blocks to get
movement
We read the backside 5 or #3 defender
The TB reads Will To Mac To Go
Inside Zone Rules
Our offensive line rules begin with the playside gap

Our landmark is the playside jersey number of the
defensive lineman
We want to dent the line of scrimmage and get movement
Our offensive line takes a six inch zone step to the play
side at a 45 degree angle, depending on the technique of
the defensive lineman
On our first step, our offensive lineman will grab their guns
(This term tells our lineman to get their hands cocked)
The second step is through the crotch of the defender
The offensive lineman is trying to punch through the
playside jersey number
We keep our feet moving to get our head across the
midpoint of the defender
We must keep our feet moving to get to the playside
Inside Zone Read Rules

Center: Must Establish The Ohio (Ohio is
our term for the 0) The Center Has

playside Gap to 0
Guards: Playside Gap #1
Tackles: Playside Gap #2
TE: Playside Gap #3
The key is the Center MUST establish and
communicate who the OHIO is.
Illustrating Our Count System

42 Inside Read
Read Player
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We number out from the Ohio on both sides.

Each lineman will point out who one and two
are. We are reading number three to the
backside in most cases.
Inside Zone Read From Ace Lion

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The 0 is the Mac in the case above

The offensive line call out one and two
QB Reads Backside 5 Tech
TB and QB Utilize Mesh Footwork
Lion 42 IS Read vs a 3-5-3

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We get three combinations on the LOS

We have a numerical advantage
Line calls ensure lineman know who they are working with
42 IS Read vs a 13
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One Tech to the call side is the Ohio. The offensive line
executes their inside zone steps. The QB reads the
backside nine technique.
Even 42 IS Read vs a 50 Solid

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This look can be tough because 50 teams will give us a solid look vs
spread gun and play with one backer in the box. Either the $ or the W
will overplay the box. The Free safety will usually move to the side of
the overplay. We now will zone combo the 0 Nose who is the Ohio,
tracking the Mac backer.
Dealing With Stunts

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When the defensive line stunts, our lineman

must understand their first responsibility is
playside gap
They must have their heads up and eyes open
TB and QB Utilize Backside Mesh Footwork
Handling Stunts
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This is a two-on-two drill
working two offensive
lineman vs. a defensive
lineman and a backer. This
is a generic drill where we
will put guards with tackles
and centers with guards.
We want this to be a game
speed drill once the initial
teaching is done.
You must work against twists
and loops
B
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This is our three on three drill we do a lot

because of stacked fronts. We get head up
tackles that will slant. We work this drill with
the frontside, then the backside. We get
our eyes up and this teaches the kids to be
able to work an inside threat. We teach
patience in this drill and we follow a very
strict rule, Dont Chase Backers.
Offensive Line Stunt Drills For The IS Zone

Coaching Point:
Coach Your O-Line
To Open Their Hips
Against Fast Flow
This Is A 3-on-3 Drill Called Flow

Because The Defense Is Working A Fast Flow Concept, We
Work To Get To Our Landmarks and Stun the defender
The Back Most Likely Will Cut-Back When He Sees This Much
Flow
When We See This In A Game, We Are Ready To Call The
Counter Play To Slow Flow
42 IS Read With Fold

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If the playside end is slanting inside, we like to kick him

out with the guard and bring the tackle under to the
PSLB.
Our HIPPO Concept
We also use zone combinations with our

lineman getting hip to hip
Offensive Linemen will drive the defensive
lineman into the linebacker
The direction the linebacker goes will determine
which lineman accounts for the backer
Our landmark is the near ear/near number of the
down defender
We teach the offensive lineman to get four eyes
to backer
Teaching a Near Ear Vertical Push
Offensive lineman will take a flat step to the near

number
On the flat step the offensive lineman will cock
their hands
The second step is a vertical step and punch the
near number of the down defender
We call this Flat Step, L Step
We drive the down guy into the linebacker
We DO NOT chase backers
Near Ear Vertical Push (Take/Overtake)

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The linebacker attacks the

guards gap, so the guard
takes the backer and the
tackle overtakes the down
defender.
The linebacker attacks the

tackles gap, so the tackle
takes the backer and the
guard overtakes the down
defender.
Lion 46 Counter Read

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Vs a 3-5 to the call side we will kick out the 5 tech with the BSG,
and the BST will lead through. We assign two players to the PSLB.
Our FSG takes the blitz away and the Y inside releases and looks
to seal the Mac. The PSG will NOT chase the Mac. We can also
have # 2 block the OSLB and have the pull lead through account
for Mac to FS
Lion 46 Counter Read

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This is the counter read vs. a 30 Stack Defense. There are many different
ways to block this play. We will make adjustments based on how each
defense plays the 30. Our first adjustment is to block the R with the
Center, down block the T with the PSG, and put the PSLB on the Mac.
The Rover usually is not a problem because he gets caught up in the flow
when we reacts to the pulling of the G and T.
42 Trap Read vs 31 Front

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Again, Allows You To Account For The Will LB

Short Trap is Quicker Than The Tackle Trap
You can move the QB up to 3.5 Yards
Great Play vs. a 31 Front
42 Trap Read vs. 13 Front

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42 Trap Read vs. 50 Eagle Weak

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Dart From Ace Lion

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Oline uses base dive scheme

Great vs. 1-5 technique playside
TB and QB Utilize Same Side Mesh Footwork
QB Gives, there is no read
Center Cuts Playside One Tech
Dart Fold From Ace Lion

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Center and PSG will Fold
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vs. aggressive one tech

Guard Blocks Down, Center Steps Around
Creates Angles For A Quick Hitting Play
Dart Seal From Ace Lion

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Center Pulls and logs the 5 tech

PST Inside Veer Releases To PSLB
Quick Hitting Play to Put the 5 Tech On Ice
42 Iso Read
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Offensive Line Uses Inside Zone Blocking
Techniques
QB Reads Backside 5 Tech
Alamo Rip 42 Iso

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We can use motion from one of our inside receivers to

become the lead backer. Using motion forces the defense
to adjust.
The Scissors Concept

The scissors action uses misdirection to
slow the linebacker reads.

Using scissors action gives you a lead
back for your quarterback on a pull read.
You can use a second back or a slot to be
the scissors player.
Scissors ride allows us to ride the scissors
back.
46 Scissors Read
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Scissors Action Holds The Backside Flow

Scissors Read Allows You To Read the BS End
Allows You To Have A Lead Blocker For The QB
Counter Blocking Scheme
The Taz Call
The Taz call alerts the backfield their will be two

meshes
We use Taz from two back gun sets
The QB will mesh with the crossing back, then
the back getting the ball
The meshing back steps in front of the QB to
mesh
The QB takes a short flat step slightly downhill to
mesh with the back
The QB then steps with his inside foot towards
the back getting the ball
The QB is not making a read when we call TAZ.
TAZ Footwork Illustrated

TAZ With A Right Left Mesh
TAZ With A Left Right Mesh
This illustrates our TAZ

mesh from the right to left
for even numbered plays
This illustrates our TAZ

mesh from the left to right
for our odd numbered plays
Green 42 Tackle Trap Taz

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Tax alerts our QB that he will mesh with both backs

Our QB will ride the FB, then give to the TB
We will NOT read the backside end
The crossing action of the back slows the linebackers
The first ride back must block the backside 5.
Green Taz 46 Counter

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When we use Taz action with the counter read we use our zone
away rules on the frontside. We can run this using our hippo
technique, but we find the zoning away helps sell the defense.
Using TAZ Give and Taz Follow

TAZ Give alerts we will give the ball to the
first back and fake to the second back

This creates conflict within the linebackers
TAZ Give allows us to hit the defense
quickly, with action that holds the backside
TAZ Give allows us get great angles on
backers in our trap and counter game
Green Taz 33 Inside Give

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The 33 Taz Inside Give is simply an inside zone play to the H or 3

back. The QB will give the ball on his initial mesh with the H. He
will carry out his fake with the A or TB and sprint outside.
Green Taz 13 Iso Follow

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With our TAZ action we can alert Follow to tell the QB to fake both
the H and the A and follow the H. Iso alerts the offensive line we
will be blocking our isolation play through the 3 hole.
Running Jet Sweep From The Gun

You can run Jet Sweep from
the gun
You can set the blocking up with multiple
schemes
You can run Jet Trap and Jet Counter
Criss Cross
You can run either from one back or no
back sets
You can run Jet with OS Zone blocking, or
your jet rules
Gator Navy 49 Jet Sweep (Jet Scheme)

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Vs. an odd front, the PST and Slot combo the DT to the PSLB. The PSG Pulls and
fights to get to the outside jersey number of the DE or inverted OLB. The backside
of the line executes outside zone footwork with fast flow, aiming for the outside
bicep of the offensive lineman. The QB puts the A back in motion and snaps the
ball when the A back is at the middle of the BSG. The QB will mesh in front and
sprint to the backside to hold the pursuit. The TB sprints to get outside and finds
the first gap. The PSG is looking to log the DE.
Gator Navy 38 Jet Sweep (Jet Scheme)

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We will run the Jet Sweep with the H back as well to the trips side. When the defense keeps
six in the box and has two inverts versus Gator, you can outflank the defense. Vs. an even
front defense you can get everyone leveraged to the 3 technique side. If the Will steps up to
blitz, the backside alerts and the backside will account for the Will. You can also alert base
and put the center down on the one tech, the guard on the Will, and the BST on the DE. If the
Rover goes with motion, you can read the backside end.
Gator Navy 49 Jet Sweep (OS Zone Scheme)

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This is the Jet Sweep vs. an odd front with our OZ Zone scheme. We are blocking
this with our outside zone footwork and the PSG does not pull. The line is going to
bucket step to gain depth and get to the outside bicep of the down defender. We
are looking to lock the box while working our blocks in tandem. We want to get the
ball on the edge.
Gator Navy 38 Jet Sweep (Jet Switch Scheme)

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If the Sam is beating your guard, you can make a Switch call. This puts
the OSWR cracking the #2 defender and puts the pulling guard on the
corner. Everything else stays the same. This helped us get the ball on
the perimeter. When you get a hard corner, we use this scheme and then
run the post corner our Jet Switch Special which is a pass off the Jet.
Navy 38 Jet Sweep (Jet Switch Scheme)

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Jet Sweep can be run from a one back set as well. You will notice that
you block the play the same as you would from your empty set. The only
real difference is the starting point for your tailback. We can also run this
play with trap action to hold the Mac.
Navy 38 Jet Blast (Jet Switch Scheme)

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We can run the Jet Sweep with the trap fake off the Jet action, just as
many Wing-T teams run from under center. The QB will give on the jet,
fake to the FB, and sprint opposite. You can put the back on either side to
run this play. Essentially, instead of blocking the Mac, you are holding him
with the trap fake.
Navy Jet Trap (Influence Trap Scheme)

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This is Navy H Jet 42 Influence Trap. This takes advantage of the Mac flying with
the guard. The backside guard will pull and trap the 3 technique. If the 3 widens
with the guard, turn this up. The PST releases over the DT and blocks the second
level A gap. He must be alert and quick to blow up a Mac Blitz A. The Slot
releases over the top and Blocks the second level B gap.
Adding The Option Game To The Gun
Forces The Defense To Play Assignment

Football
Slows Down Blitzing Linebackers
Gets The Ball To Your Athletes On The
Perimeter
Creates Opportunities For The Big Play
Slows Down Pursuit of Front Seven
Allows You To Account For More Defenders
QB Makes Reads While Working Downhill
Installing The Option Game Into

Your Gun Offense
IS Veer
OS Veer
Load Option
Lead Option
Speed Option
Speed Lead Option
Belly G Option
Slide (Shovel) Option
Counter Read Option
Tackle Trap Read Option
Option Plays From The Gun
Inside Veer
Outside Veer
Load
Lead
Speed
Belly
Counter
Trap
Slide
Installing the Inside Veer
Attacks the Playside 5 Tech

Can be run as a double or triple option
Allows you to get downhill quickly
QB and RB utilize same side mesh footwork
Offensive line uses slow rotating zone
combinations
IS Veer gives you leverage on linebackers
Run to the open side of the defense
Inside Veer From Two Back Gun

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QB Reads 5 Tech For Give Read, OLB or R for Pitch

Great vs. 8 Man Fronts
O Line Uses Zone Combination Blocks
IS Veer Vs a 13 Front
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QB Reads 5 Tech For Give Read, OLB or R for Pitch

VS 3-5, we combo the 3 tech to backer
Great vs. 8 Man Fronts
O Line Uses Zone Combination Blocks
Alamo 13 Veer
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From a one back set, the veer allows us read the 5 tech,
but eliminates the pitch phase
We can motion a back to become the pitch man
We can motion a back out of the backfield to clear the
box
Alamo 13 Follow
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13 Follow is a QB Iso play with veer action

The QB will ride the fullback and follow him up into the
hole
Versus a 3 and 5 tech to the playside, we will have two
base blocks and the QB will read the block on the 3 tech
Alamo 13 Follow Vs 3 and 5 tech

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13 Follow is a QB Iso play with veer action

The QB will ride the fullback and follow him up into the
hole
Versus a 3 and 5 tech to the playside, we will have two
base blocks and the QB will read the block on the 3 tech
Alamo 13 Follow Opposite Vs 3 and 5 tech

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When the BSLB is flowing hard over the top we can run
follow opposite.
The QB will ride the FB who will show iso, then bend
backside and kick out the BS five tech
The RT will release and wall the Mac.
Alamo 13 Follow Opposite Kick

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When the BSLB is flowing hard over the top we can run follow
opposite.
The FB will protect the A gap and attack the Will.
The RT will release and wall the Mac.
Kick tells us to use our fever rules.
We fold on the playside
Installing The Speed Option
Allows you to get the ball into the alley quickly

You can get your athletes the ball in open space
Uses inside veer blocking rules
QB slides to the play side and attacks the
defensive ends IS shoulder
If the end goes upfield, keep
If the end attacks QB, pitch
We use inside veer blocking rules for speed
option
Speed Option From Alabama

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O-Line Uses Inside Veer Blocking

TB Drop Steps and Gets Into Pitch Relationship
QB Slides and Attacks PS DE
Zone Combination Blocks Get Great Movement
Speed Option From Texas

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Since we have an extra player to the call side, we would

use motion to account for the extra defender
We can also make a call to flip the play
The QB can check out of the option called
Speed Option To Trips

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If the defense does not adjust to the trips set, we would adjust
run speed to the trips side
If the back is on the backside, he will dropstep and sprint on
the snap
#3 checks the force player then works to the first jersey inside
#2 has the force player and exchanges if #2 has force
Slide Option
QB Slides To The Playside and Reads The
5 Tech. If the 5 squeezes, the QB attacks

the next defender. If the 5 comes upfield,
the QB shovels the ball to the Under Back.
Use Veer Blocking
Puts the five in another lose-lose dilemma
Alamo Gun 15 Slide

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From The Even look, the ISWR becomes the pitch man. You can also
bubble him and use the bubble as the second option. Keep the bubble
behind the line as you have lineman going upfield.
Two Back Gun 15 Slide

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From The Even look, the ISWR becomes the pitch man. You can also
bubble him and use the bubble as the second option. Keep the bubble
behind the line as you have lineman going upfield.
Alamo Liz 15 Slide Cowboy

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This gives us motion to trips with the back becoming the shovel player
and the motion man becoming the pitch man for the second level.
Gator 15 Slide
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Slide option can be run well from an empty set as well. You can run slide
option as a double option to either side. You can also use motion from
an empty set to get an extra blocker or a pitchman to the playside.
State Rip 15 Slide

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Motioning the H to Texas and putting the back on the trips side forces the
defense to adjust. When they adjust, you come back with speed option
away from the motion. The Y becomes the shovel man.
Gun Slot 15 Slide

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This is a triple option with the FB being the

shovel option and the Tailback being the pitch
option. The QB shovels off the 5 tech. If the 5
comes upfield, shovel the ball. If the 5
squeezes, attack the next defender for your
pitch key.
Using Misdirection
You can change the direction of the
football to create confusion in the defense

You can run Counter Criss Cross from the
gun
There are a variety of ways to block each
play
If you already run a counter criss cross or
sally play under center, keep the blocking
Counter Criss Cross

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Shown above with IS Zone Action

QB Seals 5 Tech
Can Be Run From Multiple Formations
This example shows base blocking, but we can
block this with the tackle pulling.
Jet Counter X
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Off of our Jet Sweep Action we can run the Counter XX play. This is great when you get the
defense fast flowing with Jet Sweep Action. This is a great play from a one back set and your
empty set. You can run this from a one back set with Jet Sweep and Trap Action, and Counter
XX coming Back. The Counter X has big play potential and slows down pursuit.
Gator Navy 38 Jet Y Counter X

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This is the Counter X off 38 Jet Action. This is a great way to take
advantage of an over aggressive defense. This is a very quick reverse
with our line using fold blocks to create angles.
All of the previous plays can be run from

two back sets. The backside back can
cross in front (scissors), or dropstep and
get into pitch relationship of the QB gets
a pull read. That is the great thing about
the gun run game is every play can be a
double or triple option. You can adapt
the gun to virtually any offense!
Getting Your QB Into The Run Game

This allows you to take advantage of the
box as you spread the field

QB can run Iso, Power, Sweep, Trap,
Counter, and Zone
You can run your misdirection game with
the QB giving the ball to other players
Forces the defense to account for your QB
as a runner.
The Horses Set
The Horses Set

Horses is a one back wing set with 12
personnel
We take the Z out and bring in a tight end
to motion and crack the EMOL
We use angle blocking
We get great movement and force the
defense to defend the flank
We run several plays from this set to keep
the defense form loading up on the sweep
The Horses Set

The horses set is a set we used to get our QB on the perimeter. We ran
the horses set with great success. The base play is 18-19 Horses. We
complement this play with 12-13 Iso, and all of our read plays. We also
run our zone play, and run play action off the horses. The horses set is
designed to get angle blocks on our opponents.
The Horses Set

Motion
Rules For 18-19 Horses

The motion man will crack the EMOL
The Wing Will block the invert to Sam
The TE will block
gap down backer

PST Will Block Down if there is a 3 and pull
if the down gap is open
PSG Will use OS Zone footwork to backer
if he is uncovered If he is covered he will
pull
The center will block on or over
We will zone the backside
Getting Your QB In The Run Game

Zip 18 Horses
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Zip Motion
The Horses Set Allows You To Get The QB To The

Perimeter
Playside O-Line Blocks Down if There Is A Man Inside
We Zone the Backside

Zip 18 Horses
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Zip Motion
The Horses Set Allows You To Get The QB To The

Perimeter
Playside O-Line Blocks Down if There Is A Man Inside
We Zone the Backside
Zip 19 Horses
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This is 19 Horses to a solid front on the playside. Following our blocking

rules, our TE and PST would block down and our PSG would pull and lead
through. We would have our backside zone to the play.
Complementing The Horses Play

QB Iso is a great complement to 18-19
Horses
You can also run quarterback trap
You can throw the football from what is
essentially a bunch set
You can run all of your read plays
Using Your QB as a TB
In the one back gun, your QB can become
the tailback
Your ace back becomes your fullback
You can run your regular two back run
plays from the gun
This is great if you have a very athletic
quarterback

Alamo Gun 13 ISO vs. 30 Stack
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From an Even set under center, you couldnt run the Iso without
motioning a slot. From the gun, you the defense has to account
for two backs in the backfield, and still account for four wides.
Versus the 30 stack, you can run QB Iso.
State Right 12 Iso

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You dont have to have the A back to the same side as the QB to run QB Iso. QB Iso can
be run away from the side of the back. Vs a 50 the State formation gives you an
advantage to the play side as you have a slot to block the DE. Even if they invert the
Strong Safety, he becomes a non-factor. We can double team the PSDT and use fast
zone footwork with the center and BSG to account for the Nose and the Will. We do tell
the Center to work the playside jersey number of the Nose to allow the Guard to overtake
the block. If we get the nose shaded to the backside, we would use a HIPPO combo to
the BSLB.
State Right 12 Iso vs a 31 Front

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Versus a backside on against a more traditional 4-4 look, we use our

HIPPO combo on the one tech. If they invert the Strong Safety, we
block him with the PSWR and put the H on the FS. If they invert him,
however, they become weak to the backside versus the pass game.
14 QB Iso Influence Trap

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This is a great adjustment off of the 14 QB trap with the PST outside veer releasing to the
Strong Safety and the FB leading up on the PSLB. BST protects against B gap run
through on the backside. Let BST go unless he is a super stud. A good down block on
the Nose eliminates the run through. The QB is not faking pass at all as this is not a draw.
He takes the snap and he is off to the races. The frontside slot tightens up to 4 yards and
blocks the backside safety. In red is an alternate path for your backside slot if your tackle
can not get the Strong Safety. We put this in against a 50 team and had two big plays.
14 Influence Scissors Wrap Vs. 50 (Designed Keep)

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This is another variation of this play from two back gun. The outside veer release of the PST
widens the DT, and the fullback kicks him out. The BSG pulls and leads through. The scissors
action holds the LBs. You can also run this with the BSG pulling and kicking out and the TB
leading up.
15 QB CTR
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This is a great play if the defense is fast flowing to the play

side, or trying to squeeze/scrap. The QB shortens his steps
on the mesh and gets a longer ride. The back must fly
outside after the ride as if the play is OS zone.
Alamo Rip 16 QB Counter Base

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This is a designed QB Keep off power action with rip motion.

Counter base alerts us we will have only a pull kick out with no
lead through. This keeps the defense from getting flow to
the motion to defend your counter read. When the DE to

the mesh side flies upfield, this slows him down.

Alabama 17 Power
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From an ace set under center, you couldnt run the power without
motioning a slot. From the gun, you the defense has to account
for two backs in the backfield, and still account for four wides.
Additional Option
Concepts
Installing The Load Option

Load Option gets the ball on the perimeter
quickly
We load the alley player (usually the free
safety)
Offensive line uses slow rotating zone
combinations
Load is a double-option with a pitch phase
and a keep phase
Puts the 9 technique in conflict
Fullback on Load Option

The Fullback will block the first defensive
player past our pitch read

The fullback runs at the inside jersey of
the read
If the read goes upfield, the FB turns up
inside of him to block the next color
If the read squeezes, the fullback goes
outside the read to block the next color
Load Drill
D
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F
The fullback sees the defender

going upfield to take the
pitchman, so the fullback turns
up field to load the alley player.
The defender comes down hill

to take the quarterback, so the
fullback goes outside of him to
load the alley player.
Load Option From Gun vs. a 4-3

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O-Line Uses Slow rotating zone combinations

Great vs. Any Defensive Front Minus an Invert
FB Flashes Hands and Works To Alley Player
QB Slides, Then attacks 9 Tech
Load Option From Gun vs. a 1-5-9

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O-Line Uses Load Blocking

Pitch off the first man outside the 9 Tech
Load Option From Gun vs. a 4-4

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O-Line Uses Slow Rotating Zone Combinations

Great vs. Any Defensive Front Minus an Invert
Load Option Weak From Gun

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O-Line Uses Slow rotating zone combinations

Great Versus Any Front
QB will slide, and then attack the IS 5 tech
Switch Call On Load Option

Allows us to crack the alley player
Puts the FB on the Corner automatically
Allows us to lock the alley player inside
The defense must prepare for this
change-up
18 Switch vs. a 1-5-9

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O-Line Uses Load Blocking

Pitch off the first man outside the 9 Tech
FB Flashes Hands and Works to corner
PSWR Cracks the alley player
46 Counter Read Option

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From our State set, the H back becomes the

pitch man
We use our counter read blocking
This allows us to put the defense in conflict
46 Counter Read Option

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Counter Read Option gives us the ability to add

a third phase into our read game
We use our counter read blocking
We can run this from one or two back gun
Pairing Option Plays

We call two option plays in the huddle and
allow the quarterback to have a check

We can flip each of our option plays at any
time based on the defensive front, stunt,
or coverage
We can use motion to gain an advantage
at the point of attack, using our two
tracking two concept
12-13 Veer Check

We will call Virginia check when we play
even front teams

We want to run veer to a 1-5 technique for
best case scenario
We can use motion to get an extra blocker
Our QB will check to the 1-5 side.
Green Virginia Check

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When we call Virginia Check, we are alerting the offense that the
QB will be calling Veer at the line. He will look for the one and 5
technique. In the case above, we would check 13 veer.
Green Virginia Check

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The QB will check to 12 Veer with the 1-5 combination on our right
side. If we run veer from Green, the Y will block the free safety
and we will pitch off the OLB.
18-19 Check
When we run load or speed to the open side, we are

looking for a 1-5 technique, just like we do for inside veer
We can use motion to gain an extra blocker
Our QB can flip the call to get the play to the 1-5 side
When we work with a TE, we want our load option to go
to the 1-5-9 technique
This gives us two double teams at the point of attack
We can slot the TE and use Tom motion to get the TE to
the playside
He can then Trey with the PST tracking the PSLB
This allows us to combo the 1 tech with the PSG and
Center tracking the Backside linebacker.
Green Tom Louisiana Check

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If the TE is on the call

side, he will motion to
the center, settle, and
shuffle back.
18-19 Check works the same way as 12-13 check. We

want to check to the 1-5 technique. We will usually use
Tom motion to get a combo on the 5 tech to the PSLB. The
reason we run load to the 1-5 tech with Tom motion is to
get two combos on the playside.
Green Tom Louisiana Check

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In the case above, we would check to 19 Load. The QB will put

the TE in motion and snap the ball when he is one yard outside
the PST. We get two combos to the point of attack.
Two Tracking Two

We can motion our Y or H to the playside
depending on our formation

We get an extra blocker to track the PSLB
The Tackle and motion man will track
PSLB to Free Safety
Two Track Two Drill Illustrated

We are tracking the Will with our
motion man and the PST. If the
Will steps up, the PST picks him
up and the motion man goes to
safety.
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F
The Will flows over the top, so
the motion man picks him up
and the PST goes to FS.
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Orange Tom 13 Veer

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Tom alerts the Y he will be in motion to the playside. When we

put the Y in Tom motion, he will be the second player tracking the
PSLB to FS. The QB will snap the ball when the Y gets one yard
outside the PST. We will pitch off the invert
Orange Tom 13 Veer (Continued)

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If we were in a check mode, we would want to run the 13 veer

with a 1 and a 5 technique on the left side. If the 1-5 were on the
tight side, we would check to Tom 12 Veer.

Iowa Wesleyan College - Installing An Explosive Shotgunun Run Game

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Iowa Wesleyan College - Installing An Explosive Shotgunun Run Game

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Installation of The Shotgun Offense

Installing an Explosive Run Game

Installing the Gun Offense

Keys To Being Successful

Dont Over Coach Or Over Analyze

Myths of the Gun

Advantages of The Gun

Defenses Have To Account For the QB As A

Comparing The Gun To Being

The defense loads the box!

Comparing Gun To Being

the gun over 4 years

The Gun is Versatile

Comparing The Gun To Under Center

Def Accounts For 4 WR and

Defense Must Account For

Comparing The Gun To Under Center

Def Accounts For 3 WR and

Defense Must Account For

Why Your QB Will Love The Gun!

He has a wider peripheral field of vision for presnap reads.

QB Pre Snap Alignment

foot slightly in front

Running Back Alignment

With his crotch splitting the OS leg of the

Ace Back Run Game

42-43 Inside Zone

42-43 Inside Zone Read

Two Back Gun Runs

Each of the plays

run Midline from

One of the most valuable aspects of

Installation Of The Gun Offense

By: James Vint

The QB Mesh and Reading The Backside 5

QB Footwork And The Mesh

take a flat step toward the back. We call

QB Footwork And The Mesh

RB Footwork And The Mesh

QB, straddling the outside leg of the

Reading The Backside 5

craze with the gun offense

Why Read The Backside 5?

We get one more blocker to the second level

SQUEEZE AND CHASE, PULL

pull and replace

Read the Backside 5 Technique

If the DE squeezes and chases, the QB

Reading The Backside 5 Technique

Diagram Of The Mesh

The QB Takes A Flat Step To The Back, then a short

Reading The Backside 5 Technique

The 5 Comes Upfield

If the 5 tech comes upfield, give the

football to the back and carry out your run

Reading The Backside 5 Technique

The 5 Squeezes and Chases

If the 5 technique squeezes and chases, the QB will pull

Reading The Backside 5 Technique

The 5 Squeezes and Chases

If the 5 technique squeezes and chases, the QB will pull

The QB/RB Mesh

The QB is giving the