The FB’s Stance

► The FB’s stance should be low and fairly well-balanced. He should not
lean forward or favor a side. His hands are directly in front of his right
knee or square with his body. Some coaches prefer a 3-point stance to
add to the deception.
 The FB’s Alignment
► His alignment can be 4 to 41/2 yards from the ball and slightly in front or behind
the TB (Toe to instep or heel is usually sufficient). His left foot should be aligned
inside the Center’s right foot.

FB
TB
 C

TB
FB
 STEP – BALL – SPIN
► The FB should become familiar with the terms: STEP – BALL – SPIN. This is
the precise order in which he performs EVERY spin play regardless of the point
of attack or play option.
► The FB should receive the ball below the waist (preferably at the knee) and step
towards the LOS with his RIGHT foot. He should perform his spin with control
and finish by attacking the LOS (with or without the ball!)
 The FB’s Steps
► The FB has 3 steps to follow that all begin with the basic
approach mentioned in the last slide. They will allow
him to attack across the formation
 The “Spit” Step – all plays between the guards
 The 6 X 6 Step – all plays to the Unbalanced strength
side of the ball
 The Crossover Step – all plays to the “Quick” side of
the ball
 The Spit Step
► The name spit step is only a description of where he steps. At the snap of the
ball, he steps to a position that is at his midline or where his “spit would fall”
from his stance in a set position.
► He can attack any points between the guards.
 The 6 X 6 Step
► At the snap of the ball the FB steps diagonally 6” x 6” to a position
at his right or where he would begin to attack the unbalanced side
of the formation from his position.
 The Crossover Step
► At the snap of the ball the FB steps diagonally to a position at his left or
where he would begin to attack the quick side of the formation from his
position.
 The TB
► Regardless of the play, the TB will take the same steps
each time. His job is to “replace” the FB as he steps
forward. This step can be exaggerated to allow for more
space at the mesh point.
 TB Steps
Regardless of the backfield alignment, the footwork between the FB and TB are
quite similar. He should “replace” the FB with space for the Wing to split
them. When players have pads on, there may be a “click” as pads are rubbed.
This is common when proper spacing for the mesh is established. (A college
coach called it: “scraping paint”)

F B

T B

T B

F B
Behind In Front
 The Wing
► The Wing can use a number of motions to reach the
mesh point. His aiming point is where the TB is lined
up.
► He can use the near leg of the FB as a guide. His job
is to reach the FB – TB mesh with as much speed and
accuracy as possible.

► Here are 2 ways.

 Alignment that requires no motion
 Short – Slow motion
► The first is no motion.

► The Wing simply aligns deeper and closer to

the mesh point.

► At the snap of the ball, he quickly “bursts” to

the mesh point and prepares to either TAKE
or FAKE as the play directs.
No Motion
► The second is short or slow motion.

► The Wing takes his normal alignment (often

1X1 from the strong end) and begins his
motion on a pre-determined part of the
cadence.

► His speed and steps are adjusted to allow for

the best mesh possible.
Slow – Short Motion
 Reach – Take – Fake
► In handling the ball, all 3 backs should follow
the following commands.
► Reach – Tells each back to reach to the ball as a
way of adding deception.
► Take – Tells the back, who the play is called for,
to actually take the ball
► Fake – Tells all other backs to pull a fake as if
they had the ball.
 Handling the Ball
► The FB should
perform his STEP –
BALL – SPIN
routine. As he
receives the ball, he
handles the ball
between his hands
and tucked to his
“mid-section” with
his elbows in.
REACH and FAKE – Each back has to appear to be “taking” or
“faking” with the ball! Each back should reach at least to the front
stripe on the ball. Each back should cover an imaginary ball to add to
the confusion
Take – Each back performs the reach and fake methods, but
the back taking, reaches to the back stripe on the ball and “takes”
the ball from the FB. He will also cover the ball as all others fake
in the same manner.
Quick Side Trap – Snap to FB who uses crossover step, spins and
keeps off tackle. Blocking back kicks out, and backside Guard
runs the lane
Strong Side Trap – Snap to FB who uses 6x6 step, spins and keeps
off tackle. Blocking back kicks out, play side and backside Guard
run the lane.
Wing to Quick Side – Snap to FB who uses a spit step, spins
and fakes off the Guard. Blocking Back helps with Corner,
backside Guard helps Quick End or turns up field.