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RPO Design off Front Structure and Box Count

RPO Design off Front Structure and Box Count

Posted by | Dec 12, 2016 | , | 0 |

By Mike Kuchar
Senior Research Manager
X&O Labs
Twitter: @MikekKuchar

 

Introduction:

The following research was conducted as part of XandOLabs.com special report “Designing RPO Systems.”

Designing Runs off Front Structure

Some runs work particularly well against different fronts. We all know this as coaches. But there are some coaches who put a premium on which run concept they are calling based off the front that they are seeing. We’ve found that in general terms, coordinators who plan against even front structures are more susceptible to call gap scheme run concepts, particularly against play side 3-techniques in order to get movement at the point of attack. These are also the same coaches who will choose to run zone concepts at the bubble (or shade/5-technique) side so their front side guard can climb to the next level. Alternatively, coaches that are designing their RPOs against predominantly even front teams have chosen to use some double pull concepts, mainly in the form of buck sweep and other pin and pull variations, because of the probability of getting two linemen out at the point of attack.

Eric Davis at Mankato East High School (MN) told us his power and counter gap schemes were less efficient vs. 3-4 teams, partially due to our inability to block the outside linebacker when our kick out player blocked the 4-techhnique or 5-technique.  “We also had some struggles getting to the backside linebacker with our backside guard on inside zone vs. 3-4 teams.  So we’re hoping that an expansion of our RPO package will fix that problem. We did run our buck sweep very effectively against those teams as well as power out of tackle over. While inside zone was not great against the 3-4, it was extremely effective against the 3-3 Stack, probably due to the fact the gaps the defenders were responsible for were more clearly defined immediately post-snap.”

Mark Holcomb at North Davidson High School (NC) will break the run concepts from his RPO package into attacking front structure as well. Against four man fronts, Coach Holcomb will use his fold scheme, where he will block down on the nose and wrap the center or the uncovered lineman for the play side linebacker (Diagram 1). It’s a way for him to block the sixth man in the box. Against three-down looks, the gap blocking structure of the buck sweep helps even against 4i-techniques because he will use his tackle on that player in order to have two puller with the guards (Diagram 2).

Slide1Slide2 

Joe Osovet, the former head coach at Nassau Community College (NY), will check the portions of his RPOs to the shade techniques in four-down fronts. Although his run portions are not married to his RPOs at all, he told us he will run the best run concept that we will think is best against the front we are going to face. Then he tags his RPO concepts to what we think the back end of coverage is going to look like. “If we had our druthers, we want to gap things,” said Coach Osovet. “We want to run our inside zone to the low shade, our G/T counter to the high and our dart scheme is predicated on where the bubble is or the second level linebacker alignment is.”

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Pairing Four Verts With QB Draw as an RPO

Pairing Four Verts With QB Draw as an RPO

Posted by | Dec 11, 2016 | , , , , | 0 |

By Mike Martin
Offensive Coordinator/QB Coach
Madison High School (OH)
Twitter: @MikeMartin98

Introduction:

madisonThis past season we really needed to look at the factor of efficiency. We are a 65% run game team, mostly from 11 personnel out of shotgun formations. It was critically important for us to take a look at the time we were investing into pass concepts and make sure that the time put into teaching and improving was yielding proper results. So what we implemented was a time saving, simple solution to increase productivity that turned our 4 verticals into more of an every down play by pairing it with our QB draw.

In the end, the results spoke for themselves. This past year we called 25 reps of 4 verticals. Of those 25, we had 12 completions that averaged 35 yards per completion and led to 4 touchdowns. In addition, there were 5 read progression scrambles that averaged 13.5 yards with 4 of the 5 resulting in first downs. The remaining reps resulted in 3 called pass interferences, 4 incompletions, and 1 interception. So when looking at the play, we are very happy with an efficiency rate where 25 reps resulted in 19 first downs or scores. My offseason breakdown tells me that we should have run it more.

Route Progression:

In 4 verticals, we are a landmark team running vertical release routes outside the numbers on the outside and on the outside of the hash marks up the middle (we call it the barrel). 2×2 sets make that easy (Diagram 1).

Slide11

The only time we really change the basics of the route is if we are in closed trips, which is a favorite formation for us. When we are in closed trips we turn that attached receiver’s route into a corner route to get to his landmark shoulder turned back that way.

In the past, I have taught various route adjustments against to two high coverages. We have used “benders” and “sit downs” at times, but we have found that these options were not comfortable for anyone. The end result was just wasting a lot of time.

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Screen Game Special Report: Case 1 – Advantageous Formations and How They Stress Defenses

Screen Game Special Report: Case 1 – Advantageous Formations and How They Stress Defenses

Posted by | Dec 7, 2016 | , | 0 |

By Mike Kuchar
Senior Research Manager
X&O Labs
Twitter: @MikekKuchar

 

Introduction:

The screen game is all about timing, both with determining the time to call it and developing the timing of the execution. When it’s called at the right time, the play can be lethal, particularly if it’s done the right way. It can yield big numbers in efficiency and can be a back breaker for defenses that don’t expect it. While we found that most coaches utilize slow or slip screens, 91 percent according to our research, this study consists of exactly how these coaches are efficient in scaffolding their screen concepts.

But before we delve into the specifics on how timing is so essential in the screen game, we wanted to explore the formation structures that coaches were using to run them.

Formations:

2×2 Formation Structures (Diagram 1)

Slide1

Not surprisingly, 2×2 formation structures ranked as the highest formation in our researching of the delay screen game.  Most spread sets are 2×2 opens sets by nature. According to our research, some of the reasoning as to why coaches prefer their screen game out of 2×2 sets includes:

  • It provides balance.
  • It allows protection of the screen player by putting the slot on the force player to provide the receiver an opportunity to get up field.
  • Doubles formations removes defenders from the box in two high structures.

Some of the more specific responses from individual coaches include:

Landon Miller, Lincoln Northeast High School (NE): “We use 10 personnel to gain advantage on the edge of the defense for running concepts. This makes the defense align in a way that gives us a slight advantage in the screen game with that formation. We also do a lot of half field reads out of our 2×2. We use our screen game to keep the blitzers at bay since we only use a 5 man protection in our half field concepts.”

James Housdan, Parkers Chapel High School (AR): “Our 2×2 formation works best. It allows us to get the outside linebackers to play wide on the #2 receivers. It helps to open up the inside zone. When the outside linebackers start working in to help on the run it gives us the leverage pull and throw the bubble screen to the #2 receiver.”

Christian Raphael, Munich Cowboys (Germany): “We like 2×2 against two deep safeties because the linebackers usually get caught spot-dropping on the hook/curl and are easier to block for our wide receivers and offensive line.”

“It allows us to spread the field and run off defenders with our vertical concerts. It cleans up the box for our offensive line and allows them to show pass and get to there landmarks.”

“A balanced formation because we don’t see much blitz or zero so the balance formation allows our slot receivers to draw attention from OLB and our OL to block the ILB who may be spying the RB on slow screen concepts.”

At Dartmouth College, offensive coordinator Keith Clark chooses to run his running back slip screen to two receiver sets. But what he will do is have number two clear the top off the coverage number two and crack with the outside receiver  (Diagram 2). Number two runs off and deep stalks the safety, while the number one receiver is still the crack to the first LB inside. It helps to clear the alley and their rules stay consistent. 

Slide2

To study game film on this concept, click on the video below:

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Screen Game Special Report: Case 2 – Developing the Timing of your Offensive Linemen

Screen Game Special Report: Case 2 – Developing the Timing of your Offensive Linemen

Posted by | Dec 7, 2016 | , | 0 |

By Mike Kuchar
Senior Research Manager
X&O Labs
Twitter: @MikekKuchar

 

Introduction:

Any screen offense will admit to the maxim that the timing of the offensive line is imperative in making the scheme successful. We’re not just referring to the timing necessary to release from the line of scrimmage on screen concepts, but we’re also referring to the timing necessary to make blocks on perimeter defenders. While it may be true that the “big uglies” are getting more athletic with each generation, having them square up against perimeter defenders like safeties and corners require great technique and execution. In this case, we present our research on how coaches are training the pre-snap and post-snap timing off offensive lineman in the screen game.

Before we differentiate our research based on the separate types of blocks offensive lineman will make, we wanted to summarize what we found were common threats in teaching offensive linemen to block the screen game. Below were some generalities we found in our research:

  • A two-count release from the line of scrimmage continues to be the timing of choice to set up the screen game. But we did find that some coaches are moving away from this fundamental because “individuals do not count in the same rhythm.”
  • In order to set up first level defenders, offensive lineman are being taught to set to the nearest defensive technique. If there is an inside technique, set inside and vice versa on an outside technique.
  • Have “patience” continued to be a coaching maxim among offensive line coaches instructing their players on the screen game. Releasing too soon from the line of scrimmage can throw off the entire timing of the play.
  • Making the defensive line think that they’ve won the battle was a useful coaching point we found in our research.
  • Staying flat down the line of scrimmage for kick out blockers can be difficult, so we present various ways to do this in our research. One of the more valuable coaching points we’re heard regarding this includes “do not cross a defensive lineman’s face”
  • Selling a vertical set also is congruent with setting up the screen concept. To this defensive lineman it must feel like a vertical set to get a hard up field charge.

Teaching the delay screen concept to offensive linemen usually consists of three phases, the flat blocker, the alley blocker and the peel-back blocker. What you’re naming those types of blocks are never as important as the technique in which you’re teaching to execute them. Coaches have different fundamentals they stress to get these blocks accomplished. So we wanted to differentiate our research based on those three specific components and how coaches are teaching the timing of these blocks.

Release Methodologies:

2-Count Methodology: At Dartmouth College, the screen game is based off the drop back pass game and offensive coordinator Keith Clark uses a slide protection scheme to the side of the screen. It’s basically empty protection with a two-count methodology. “They have to have the mental clock of 1,001 and 1,002 in their heads,” said Coach Clark. “They all want to rush it when they get to the field and they have to slow it down.” In order to make sure the timing and the technique mesh, Coach Clark will teach what he calls a “yank” technique which is a pass set on the line of scrimmage to the direction of the slide.  “We want to ‘stab and grab’ with the hand on the side the defender rushes,” said Coach Clark. “When the ‘count clock’ goes off in your head, yank or violently pull the defender down past your hip, kicking back with that same side leg and release on your screen path.”

“If the 3-tech is to the boundary and we slide to him. He will naturally butt side the slide protection so he will become an A gap rusher real quick. That allows us to release the guard first and the center must engage and use a yank technique on the A gap player and be in the screen (Diagram 8). If it’s a 4-techinque such as in Okie fronts, he won’t make it into the A gap, so the guard will yank and the Center will have the open gap and he may release first (Diagram 9). It’s about how the defense rush reacts. Which lanes to they take?”

Slide8Slide9 

To study this technique, click on the video below:

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Screen Game Special Report: Case 3 – Developing Skill Players’ Timing

Screen Game Special Report: Case 3 – Developing Skill Players’ Timing

Posted by | Dec 7, 2016 | , , , | 0 |

By Mike Kuchar
Senior Research Manager
X&O Labs
Twitter: @MikekKuchar

 

Introduction:

In order to make the delay screen proficient, the timing of the offensive linemen and skill players must correlate. The wide receivers must be in sync with the offensive linemen, the offensive linemen must be in sync with the running back and the quarterback must be in sync with everyone on the field. So, in this case we studied how our contributors were “meshing” up the screen game with their skill players to develop a rhythm. Since the quarterback is the centerpiece of the operation, we’ll start our research there.

QB Timing in the Delay Screen Game:

At Dartmouth, offensive coordinator Keith Clark teaches his quarterback to use a three-step rhythm in the slip screen concept. “We’ll tell him to drop three steps, pause and retreat to find a throwing lane to the running back,” said Coach Clark. “There is an art to that. Some kids are better than others.” Since Coach Clark combines his slip screen with a field-side passing concept such as stick, it’s essential that he keep his rhythm. “It’s three steps, hesitate, look at the stick and then come back to the open path to the running back,” said Coach Clark. “He needs to keep his feet moving. Players get their feet glued in when the rush comes. We need to bring the rush to us and drop it over their head.”

To study cutups of this concept, click on the video below:

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Screen Game Special Report: Case 4 – Timing Drills

Screen Game Special Report: Case 4 – Timing Drills

Posted by | Dec 7, 2016 | , , | 0 |

By Mike Kuchar
Senior Research Manager
X&O Labs
Twitter: @MikekKuchar

 

Introduction:

Because timing is vital in perfecting the screen game, a good deal of time has to be spent in working through these screen concepts, either on air or against an opponent. Our research has shown the majority of coaches, 36 percent, spend 10 minutes or more per week in practice on the screen game. We wanted to provide research on what coaches believed were the most productive drills to teach the screen game. We segmented our research based upon what specific technique these drills are emphasizing.

Full Team Screen Drill: Stephen F. Austin University (TX)

Slide41

To study cutups of this drill, click on the video below:

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3-Step Plan to Develop an “Uncommon” Program Identity

3-Step Plan to Develop an “Uncommon” Program Identity

Posted by | Dec 5, 2016 | , | 0 |

By Luke Mertens
Head Coach
Lakes Community High School (IL)
Twitter: @LakesFootball1

Introduction:

Being the first and only head football coach in the short history of Lakes Community High School has proven to be one of the most unique experiences in my career. It was my first experience working in a public, co-ed school, and although I thought I had all the answers as a first-time head coach, I was quick to learn that I was not as ready as I had originally thought.  For the first couple of years, I did all of the things “good” programs do: year-long lifting program, an extensive summer camp, strict discipline, holding players to high standards – all that I had learned from being a product of Chicago Catholic schools.  We had some success with this blueprint, but not enough to satisfy my competitive spirit.  I knew something was missing, so I started to really evaluate my program, and I concluded that two vital components were missing:  tradition and spirituality.  My next challenge became ‘How do I incorporate tradition and spirituality into a new public school?’

My first action step was to create an identity for the program that would encapsulate the tradition and spirituality I felt were missing, and Tony Dungy’s book, Uncommon, held the answer. Since adopting that simple word, “Uncommon”, we have qualified for the state playoffs 7 straight years, won 5 consecutive conference championships, and haven’t lost a conference game since 2011. More importantly, we have created a program that teaches our players lessons that they carry with them for years to come.  Below are three examples of what we do to make our program “Uncommon.”

1. Don’t Make It About Football

I knew that if my players were to believe in “Uncommon” we would need to create something that was not ordinary – something that would not be found in other programs.  Consequently, I authored a book that teaches our players not about football, but rather how and why being uncommon will help them to be successful in life.

The book I created is broken up into chapters, such as Attitude and Effort, Confidence, Discipline, Excellent Character, Failure, I in Win, Leadership, No Excuses-No Explanations, Passion, Preparation, Pressure, Together, and Vision.  In addition to my own thoughts, each chapter has quotes, anecdotes, interactive questions, and even poetry.  Starting in the off-season and continuing through the end of the season, we are teaching our players what it means to be “Uncommon”.

In the off-season, we typically cover one lesson per month.  During summer camp, we will move to bi-weekly lessons, and once the season begins, we meet with our players twice per week.  How each lesson is presented varies too greatly to adequately cover, so I will only describe what we typically do in-season; however, what we do works for us.  Each year I survey my seniors, and they always talk about the impact of the lessons.  It is what they remember most, which is a very telling sign.  Their comments never focus on wins/losses, play calling, etc. but always on how we are teaching them to be uncommon.

By the time the season starts, our players have a solid understanding of what being uncommon means, so I then have them take ownership of the weekly lessons. They are assigned to groups, an assistant coach volunteers to be the moderator, and that group presents a chapter of their choice on game day.  Earlier in the week, I will have introduced the weekly theme, but other than that, I purposely do not give any instructions or parameters for their presentations. I want them to sculpt it to their vision, and they usually exceed my expectations. Their presentations have included movie clips, musical lyrics, PowerPoints, and even very personal background stories related to their topic. I LOVE Friday nights, not due to the game, but rather to see what the groups have prepared.  

Following their presentations, we break into small, coach-led groups to further discuss. I give my assistants complete autonomy on how to run their small groups. Some coaches will have players share their answers to the discussion questions in the book, while others just let the conversation go wherever it leads. Either way, both the coaches and players enjoy this time together. It really unites and allows us to truly understand each other. After the small group discussions, we meet as a whole team to view highlights from the previous game. Although the creation of the weekly highlights is an onerous task, it is well worth the time. Each video contains cutups, pictures, heart-pounding music, along with embedded messages highlighting the week’s topic. Players really enjoy watching themselves performing at high levels from previous games, and the entire organization exits the meeting feeling confident and ready for the next opponent.

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Seattle/Waco Blitz Checks to B.O.B. Protections

Seattle/Waco Blitz Checks to B.O.B. Protections

Posted by | Dec 5, 2016 | , , | 0 |

By Mike Kuchar
Senior Research Manager
X&O Labs
Twitter: @MikekKuchar

 

Editor’s Note: The following research was conducted in part of XandOLabs.com special report on “Blitz Checks”, continue reading for more information on this special report.

Introduction:

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Adjusting the Stick to Attack Multiple Coverages

Adjusting the Stick to Attack Multiple Coverages

Posted by | Dec 4, 2016 | , , , , | 0 |

By Kyle Richardson
Head Coach/Quarterbacks Coach
Northwestern High School (SC)
Twitter: @NHSTrojansFB

Introduction

DSC 5038The Air Raid Stick Concept is one of the most versatile passing concepts in use. Not only does this concept work in a variety of down and distance situations, but it also can work against almost any coverage. For us, the real advantage of the stick concept comes through the way we teach the pre-snap and post-snap read ensuring that it is the same every time. We want to make sure that the reads are simple regardless of the formation we are in or motion we use.

Slide1

Stick Route Breakdown

  • Outside WR – Hitch Route: Five-yard hitch. He must be prepared for an outside shoulder throw. Upon catching the ball, the receiver should use momentum of ball placement to take you into your next step up field.
  • Slot WR – Skinny Slant Route: This route can be hot if a defender is blitzing. If the hot blitz is not detected, the receiver will run inside slant route, which we call skinny slant, and work up field vertically once he is underneath the slot defender.
  • Slot WR – Stick Route: We run our stick routes at 4 yards and the receiver has the option to work inside or outside on the stick based off of defender leverage. The receiver must be prepared for quick throw that will be thrown to the shoulder away from the slot defender. Once completed, the receiver’s first step must be north or down field very quickly to avoid oncoming defenders from inside the box.
  • Outside WR – Go Route: We like our receivers to take an outside release if possible and push vertically with speed. Once they are past the defender, their eyes should be on the quarterback and they must be prepared for a hole shot throw away from the safety.
  • Running Back – Shoot Route: The shoot route is aimed at the back foot of the outside receiver’s pre snap alignment. The shoot route should be a straight line with no drifting up field or backwards. On the 3rd step, the back’s eyes should be on quarterback prepared for a throw. Once completed, he needs to quickly turn up field and run. He must let the momentum of the ball carry you up field.

While some people may make adjustments against certain looks, we have found that it works better for us to keep it the same. We believe that there is no reason to change or convert the routes because this play is great against any coverage. The only change that we ever use is the occasional l double move against 0 man coverage. That said, when we do that the post snap read turns into only one route read which is the double move stick. This is only run if we are taking a shot

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4 Ways to Build Character, Boost Players Bonds, & Make Practice Fun

4 Ways to Build Character, Boost Players Bonds, & Make Practice Fun

Posted by | Nov 28, 2016 | , | 0 |

By Mike Rowe
Head Football Coach/OC
Rocori High School (MN)
Twitter: @coachmikerowe

Introduction:

I always find that valuable lessons are learned not when things are going well, but when adversity has set in. After my second season in 2010 our program was in need of a shot in the arm.  We finished the season 2-7 and I felt all the fun had vanished from practice because all we cared about was the almighty “W”. After the season ended I met individually with all 75 football players. What I learned from my players would forever changed how I will build and coach my teams.

Lesson 1: Family Groups: In 2010 our sophomores stated there was a disconnect between them and the seniors and that they didn’t always get along.  This was a concern because each year we usually have any where from 4-8 sophomores that play varsity.  The solution was to create a family atmosphere where everyone will care and help out one another. In our program, we make eight colored teams that compete against each other in lifting, attendance, and coaching competitions.  We call them Family Groups. These Family Groups compete for a trophy called the “belt”. The belt is awarded to the team that accumulates the most points at the end of the year.  What we found is that everyone wanted to win the belt. It created a strong bond that surprised even our coaching staff.  We found that our seniors were more willing to pick up our sophomores that couldn’t drive for morning lifting.  They even developed a phone list to call to make sure athletes were up so they wouldn’t miss morning lifting. By building relationships through competitions it created a bond with our players that would not break.

Slide1

Lesson 2: Character Development: Another change we made in the program was creating a character education program called “Monday Meetings”. During our 2-7 season we lost a lot of games because when things got tough we backed down.  By installing a character education program, we were able to create a weekly topic that would match that week’s game theme. Even more importantly, the character education program strives to also teach these young men how to be better people outside of our program. As a coach, I believe it is our responsibility to teach our football players how to be men. Times have changed and we believe it is no longer only the responsibility of parents to mentor young students. In order for our athletes to earn a letter, they needed to attend every one of our Monday Meetings. Some of the topics we covered were: gratitude; being a man for others; false masculinity; empathy; and how to treat women. Our athletes were extremely receptive to these topics and made changes to their daily lives that we observed, as well as were reported to us by their family members, faculty, and members of their communities. By creating a culture that takes away the importance of winning it has created more success for our program and I could have never imagined that happening.

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Tagging the Backside of Air Raid Concepts

Tagging the Backside of Air Raid Concepts

Posted by | Nov 27, 2016 | , , | 0 |

 

By Nick Coleman – @QB_CoachColeman

Offensive Coordinator

Itawamba Community College

 

 

Offensive football in today’s college football world has evolved over the past 20 years.  With more programs running an up-tempo spread style offense and the argument of the 10 second rule by defensive coaches, it is obvious this style of offense has caught the attention of the college football world.  One of the most popular spread offenses is the “Air Raid” offense and its light it up passing attack.  These concepts have been putting up record breaking numbers at every level of college football from FBS, FCS, Division II, Division III, and NAIA for over 20 years.  Although there are many different versions of the Air Raid in college football today, a lot of the same base concepts are prevalent throughout each program.  The most successful version I ran this past year was taking basic Air Raid passing concepts and adding backside tags.

The reasoning behind adding backside tags to these concepts is to give the QB an option based off coverage.  Instead of running mirrored concepts we put tags on the backside of basic Air Raid concepts.  Every tag and concept has basic rules that puts the QB in the correct spot to throw the football. 

The first backside concept is the “Snag” concept. 

Slide23

Most Air Raid offenses run backside slants opposite of the base concept.  We would tag the “Snag” concept to give the QB a better option against 2 high safeties.

Here is the “Scat” concept with the “Snag” routes tagged on the backside:

Slide1

Here are the QB rules:

Slide2

Click on the link below to view this concept in action:

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Jet Sweep and Power Read Landmarks

Jet Sweep and Power Read Landmarks

Posted by | Nov 14, 2016 | , , , , | 0 |

By Brian White
Offensive Coordinator
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Twitter: @CoachWhite_RHIT

Introduction:

The Jet Sweep is a play carried by most offenses in some fashion.  One of the popular ways to run this play today is associated with an interior run read, such as Power Read, or a “wrong way run” with a zone working opposite the sweep.  Many offenses choose to use a crack scheme on their perimeter to account for the inside Linebacker on the Jet Sweep side.  This concept creates a one-on-one match-up between the ball carrier and the unblocked cornerback.

An alternative to leaving the play side CB unblocked is to leave the inside linebacker unblocked and allow the course of the ball carrier to out-leverage a defender running from inside to outside.  This is the option that we implement in our offense. On any Jet Sweep, the ball carrier is instructed to run parallel on to the line of scrimmage until he reaches a specific landmark on the field before he can make any type of cut. 

Jet Sweeps fall into our category of “Red Line” plays.  These plays that intend to hit wide near the Red Line, which is 4 yards from the sideline.  On Red Line plays, the Offensive Line is blocking a different play, therefore the pursuit of the defense will not be accounted for in the blocking scheme.  For example, when we run Power Read, the OL is blocking Power and not chasing defenders flowing outside of the box.  This means that there will be some angry “free hitters” pursuing the play.  On a Red Line play, the ball carrier knows that he cannot cut back because he will be at risk of absorbing a blindside hit from one of the free hitters.  Any cut made must be a vertical up-cut and then he must work back out to the Red Line.

These are the rules we give our Jet Sweep runner:

–          Jet Sweep to the field = Landmark is the opposite hash

–          Jet Sweep from the middle = Landmark is the logo (halfway between the hash and the inside edge of the number)

–          Jet Sweep to the boundary = Landmark is the inside edge of the number.

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PPO: Running Back Screen

PPO: Running Back Screen

Posted by | Nov 13, 2016 | , , , , | 0 |

By Kevin Wallace
Offensive Coordinator
R.B. Glenn High School (Kernersville, NC)
Twitter: @KRWallaceFb

 

Introduction:

glennOur tailback screen has proven to be one of our most efficient and explosive plays over the past 4 years. This past season, we averaged an explosive play (16+ yards) 20% of the time that we ran this play. As a result, this has been a staple in our offense.

We use screen plays on any down and anywhere on the field. It is also used as part on an RPO, or more accurately, a Pass-Pass Option play. Our no-huddle, up-tempo style of offense benefits tremendously from the running back screen game and the PPO off of it.

Screen Rules

Our offense is mainly a 10 and 11 personnel based offense that adapts to our talent from year to year. We practice screens in a half-line version during the in-season every day. These screens are paired with our smoke and bubble screens, which we tag to nearly 95% of our run plays.
This is not a slow screen to the running back. We want the running back to align behind the play side guard. On the snap, the running back will take 3 steps forward stepping with his inside foot first. As he moves forward, his eyes are focused on the play side guard’s backside. This should put the running back about 2-3 yards behind the line of scrimmage. When the play side guard releases, the running back will turn and run to the sideline and catch the ball over his outside shoulder. He will then read off his blocks.

We will mix up the back’s alignment during the season and put the running back opposite the call side to break tendencies. Each year, we start by installing this screen out of a 2 x 2 set (usually run to the field). From there, we install it out of our 3 x 1 formation that we run a lot in the red zone and on the goal line.

Slide1

Once the quarterback takes the snap, he will eye down the first linebacker inside the box to the play side. The quarterback will “skate out” depending on the block of the playside tackle. He is looking to find a path to deliver the football to the running back. This path could be under the or over the top of the tackle. We teach the quarterback to run to the sideline until he has a clear path to deliver the football to the running back. We emphasize to “never throw over a defensive player.”

We talk about finding the hole to throw, we compare it to a hockey player taking a penalty shot. The farther away the player is from the target, the less room it looks like to score in hockey. It looks like the goalie is taking up the entire goal. This is similar to dropping back away from the defensive end. The defensive end looks like he is taking up all the windows for the quarterback to deliver the football. Instead, we want the quarterback to find a lane and deliver the ball to the running back. There are times that the quarterback will run and deliver the football to the running back near the sidelines. We coach the quarterback to not throw the ball away until he is near the sideline.

Blocking the RB Screen

Our most inside wide receiver will crack the first linebacker in the box. Ideally, we want him to decleat the linebacker and make a momentum changing hit. We give him a right to miss. Any other playside wide receiver will stalk block the defensive back or run off vs. man coverage. The backside most inside wide receiver or tight end, has the “Touchdown Block.” He must go attack the play side safety. This is a long developing block and occurs around 25-35 yards downfield on the opposite numbers.

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How Western Michigan Drills Feet and Hands in Pass Pro

How Western Michigan Drills Feet and Hands in Pass Pro

Posted by | Nov 7, 2016 | , , | 0 |

By Mike Kuchar
Senior Research Manager
X&O Labs
Twitter: @MikekKuchar

Editor’s Note: The following research was conducted as part of XandOLabs.com special report on Man Pass Pro Drills. Continue reading to learn more about this special report.

Introduction:

When we initially began conducting our research on this topic, we were presented with a dilemma. We knew both the hands and feet were vital in pass protection, but we were curious to see which of these two components offensive line coaches placed more of an emphasis on. Of the ten contributors in this study, almost all of them suggested that the feet are more important than the hands and the reasoning is simple: The feet put an offensive lineman in the best position to stop an inside or an outside charge in man pass protection. While many offensive line coaches teach different techniques on the punch, the footwork to get him there remains vital. We started our research process by asking our contributors what the most important techniques are when coaching the feet in pass protection. Before we delve into the techniques these coaches use and the drill work that corresponds with it, a brief background on who our contributors are:

The Contributors (in alphabetical order):

  • Chennis Berry (CB), Offensive Line Coach, Southern University (8 sacks allowed in 2014, 4th in FCS).
  • Brian Callahan (BC), Offensive Line Coach, Western Michigan University (allowed 1.8 sacks per game in 2014).
  • Vin Giacalone (VG), Offensive Line Coach, Valparaiso University (5 sacks allowed in 2014, 1st in FCS).
  • Herb Hand (HH), Offensive Line Coach, Penn State University.
  • Art Kehoe (AK), Offensive Line Coach, the University of Miami.
  • Brandon Jones (BJ), former Offensive Line Coach at East Carolina University (371 passing yards per game in 2014, 3rd in FBS), currently at Cal Berkeley.
  • Jonathan Leibel (JL), Offensive Line Coach, Central Connecticut State University (11 sacks allowed in 2014, 10th in FCS).
  • Cameron Norcross (CN), Offensive Line Coach, Fresno State University.
  • Ryan Stancheck (RS), Offensive Line Coach, Alcorn State University (7 sacks allowed in 2014, 3rd in FCS).
  • John Strollo (JS), Offensive Line Coach, Ball State University (13 sacks allowed in 2014, 12th in FBS).

We started by asking a general question on footwork. Our contributors’ responses are categorized by their initials.

MK: What are some of the most important coaching points you emphasize when teaching the feet of offensive lineman in pass protection?

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Old Dominion’s Scramble Rules

Old Dominion’s Scramble Rules

Posted by | Nov 6, 2016 | , | 0 |

By Brian Scott

Associate Head Coach / Offensive Coordinator

Old Dominion University


Editor’s Note:  Coach Scott is the offensive coordinator at Old Dominion completed his sixth season with the program in 2012.  Prior to the 2012 season, the ODU offense under Scott was one of the best in the nation, ranking in the top-10 nationally in several categories. This season the Monarchs led the FCS in scoring offense with 45.15 points per game, passing offense at 393.85 and total offense with 548.23 yards per game.  In 2009, Coach Scott was among the four finalists for FootballScoop.com’s D-1AA Coordinator of the Year.  

The success we have had in our program at extending the play stems from our overall offensive philosophy of running an up-tempo offense at a high rate of efficiency. Our system is simple which makes us efficient, we refuse to have “paralysis of over-analysis”, we cannot execute our system with the speed and tempo that we need if we are over thinking. The success that we have comes from our quarterback; he must be a great decision maker and put our offense in the best situation at all times during the game even when a play breaks down.

Quarterbacks must always bring calmness to the offense, even amidst the “chaos”. Our rules are simple; just take what the defense gives you.

Again, we KEEP IT SIMPLE. This allows our quarterback to react “on the fly” and make plays when things break down. There are very few plays in a football game where everything happens the way it is drawn up in the playbook, our quarterback needs to adjust and make the best out of every situation.

In scramble situations we keep the rules simple for our receivers; the biggest thing we preach is that they must get in phase with/in the vision of the quarterback. If the quarterback cannot see you while he’s running for his life then you are no longer a viable option for him. We give our players a lot of freedom in our offense so that they are able to do the things we recruited them to do, which is simply make plays. The rules for our receivers in a scramble situation are as follows:

  1. If a receiver is on the side in which the quarterback is escaping the pocket then their adjustment is based off of their original route. For example, if a receiver is running a route of 10 yards or less and the quarterback is escaping to his side he will go deep, if the original route is 10 yards or more then he will come back to the quarterback.
  2. On the backside of a scramble situation the receivers will break horizontally in order to get in phase with/in the vision of the quarterback, this is no different than the rules for a receiver running an over or crossing route on the backside of a naked play.

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