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Run Game Concepts vs. Defensive Movements

Run Game Concepts vs. Defensive Movements

Posted by | May 9, 2014 | , | 0 |

By Justin Iske – @justiniske

Offensive Line Coach

Fort Hays State University

 

Editor’s Notes: Justin Iske begins his fourth season on the coaching staff at Fort Hays State in 2014. Iske coaches the FHSU offensive line and serves as the team’s strength coach. In Iske’s first three seasons at FHSU, he has coached seven All-MIAA selections on the offensive line, led by two-time second team selection Hawk Rouse in 2011 and 2012 and second-team selection Mario Abundez in 2013. The Tiger offensive line helped produce an average of over 2,000 rushing and 2,000 passing yards per year in Iske’s three seasons. Iske came to FHSU after two seasons at Northwestern Oklahoma State University where he was the offensive coordinator, special teams coordinator and offensive line coach. His 2010 team won the conference championship and led the conference in rushing offense, sacks allowed and kickoff returns.

 

One of my pet peeves about clinic presentations has always been that coaches discuss the running game versus base defensive fronts only. Obviously in game situations, the defense isn’t going to sit in their base defense all the time. We must realize that defensive coaches and players watch film, too. And they are going to adjust what they do both pre and post-snap to try to stop what we do best. The purpose of this article is to discuss blocking three base run schemes against defensive movement (slants/twists/blitzes/etc.)

At Fort Hays State, we break down our running game into three base categories:

  • Zone Runs (Inside and Outside Zone Plays) – On these running plays, each offensive lineman is responsible for his playside gap.
  • Box Runs (Inside Zone Plays) – On these running plays, the o-line is responsible for all players in the tackle/tight end box and each offensive lineman is responsible for his backside gap.
  • Gap Runs (Power / Counter Plays) – On these running plays, the frontside o-linemen are responsible for their backside gaps, we are pulling one or more backside o-linemen and we will hinge the backside tackle/tight end.

In teaching our run game as a limited number of concepts instead of individual plays, we are able to have a diverse ground attack with multiple backfield actions with limited teaching of footwork, hand placement, and other fundamentals for our guys up front. Depending on our personnel at quarterback, running back, and receiver; we can adapt our run game with various reads and combo plays as well.

We teach assignments to our o-line and tight ends similar to a matchup zone concept in basketball. Our goal is to get double teams on down linemen when possible while still being gap sound. All defensive fronts are grouped into five basic categories:

  • Split (four down linemen / two linebackers in the box) Diagram 1
  • Stack (three down linemen / three linebackers in the box) Diagram 2
  • Over (four down linemen / three linebackers in the box) Diagram 3
  • Okie (three down linemen / two linebackers in the box) Diagram 4
  • Bear (both guards and the center are covered by a down lineman) Diagram 5

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In addition, we use four differen base calls to classify front movements.  They are as follows:

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Our center will make a front call on every snap. Based on the front call, we know who will be working in combination with who up front. However, any threat to our gap will override our base assignment.

 

Zone Concepts

The inside zone concept has always been the first thing we put in every fall and spring. We have several zone concepts with slight change-ups by certain personnel but they all fall under the same teaching; we are responsible for our playside gap. This is true whether we are running an inside zone concept (base block technique) or an outside zone concept (reach block technique). 

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New Research: How UMASS Implements Its Pressure Check System

New Research: How UMASS Implements Its Pressure Check System

Posted by | May 9, 2014 | , , | 0 |

By Mike Kuchar

Senior Research Manager

X&O Labs

 

 

This Spring, University of Massachusetts has developed what it calls “Falcon,” a two-deep, four under field pressure blitz check concept designed to attack offensive formation width.   Players are taught to trigger the pressure based on formation structure and leverage.  It’s a simple system to implement and even simpler to execute once defenders understand the four base offensive identifiers and which pressure is designed to attack them, respectively.   To see how UMASS designed this concept, click on the link below.

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The Chris Ash Interview: Calls & Adjustments

The Chris Ash Interview: Calls & Adjustments

Posted by | May 9, 2014 | , | 0 |

By Mike Kuchar, Senior Research Manager, X&O Labs

Chris Ash, Defensive Coordinator, University of Arkansas

 

tOSUResearcher’s Note: Chris Ash is now the defensive coordinator at the University of Ohio State.  in 2012, while he was serving as DC at perennial Big Ten contender University of Wisconsin, he sat down exclusively with X&O Labs’ Senior Research Manager Mike Kuchar and spoke specifically his call system and how he adjusts his fronts and coverages to specific formations.

 

MK: When you break down opponents how much of it is formation as opposed to personnel? Do you get more of a beat on what they do on 2×1, 3×1, 2×2 etc.? Or is it more about which personnel they have in those combinations?

CA: It’s really all of the above. We’re going to have our philosophy but it must fit our personnel or the personnel we can recruit here. When we start game planning against opponents we’re going to identify formations that we’re going to have to defend. In today’s world 3×1 and empty seem to be the trend. We identify their top formations, their top plays out of those formations and then we’ll identify their top players that they have and where they are located in those formations. Then we will build our game plan around what we do to stop it.

MK: Will you have separate checks against those combinations or will it be mainly against the type of personnel?

CA: When teams give you multiple formations out of the same personnel grouping we have a check system that we use. Some teams do a great job of running plays with their QB under center then they move their QB in the gun and it’s a different deal. We have a check system against plays with the QB under center and when the QB goes in the gun we have another certain package that we’ll be in. Let’s say there is 11 personnel in the offensive huddle or on the sideline huddling up. You don’t know what kind of picture (personnel) they will come out in. They can come out in 11 personnel pictures, 10 personnel pictures, 20 personnel pictures with the tight end or wide out in the backfield. We teach our players pictures, they understand the pictures and they understand which coverage’s we want to be in based on those pictures. We have a communication system that will allow us to get to that.

MK: How many coverage checks will you have based on those pictures?

CA: It depends on opponent. Pretty much, certain formations like 2×2 with the TE in the core, we’ll play certain coverage. 2×2 with no TE, our coverage will adjust. 3×1 with a tight end vs. 3×1 with no tight end we will adjust differently. When we get to a 20 personnel picture we have to know how we will check. Based on the game plan, they have to know they are going to adjust vs. a 20 personnel picture. They will check to it automatically. We play 2×2 one way and 3×1 two different ways. 20 personnel pictures we may play one way. Our guys need to know what they are going to be in.

MK: I realize that 21 personnel pro sets are disintegrating in the Big Ten, but will you still play with two-high against those sets?

CA: Against two back run game or pro sets we will not be in two-high coverage. We will be in an eight-man front and bring one of our safeties down into the box and play with a single high safety. It’s a part of our check system. Now, if they run a pro style offense when the QB will get in the gun, we may play a different coverage- we’re yelling “gun, gun, gun,” and we’re playing some type of cover four. We will play an under front or if the ball is on the hash, we’ll make a field call where we set our Nose and Sam to the field. (Diagram 1).

MK: Coach, now I’d like you to take us through your game planning against formations. What is the protocol you use in defending these specific formations? Let’s start with 2×2 open gun formations (Diagram 2).

CA: 2×2 open you have to look at where the back is and what they do out of that set with the back. Is the back deep? Is the back even? Is he wide, etc.? What does the back tell you? Is the back offset to the field? Is he offset to the boundary? Is he in pistol? You have to identify what they’re doing out of each of those backfield sets. The level of the back tells you a lot of information. If the back is to the field, and he’s flat, many teams will not run the power read scheme with him into the boundary. There are certain things we can do with our front four to negate any of those runs. We don’t any zone read with the back even with the QB these days. The only thing we’re getting with that is the power read. The zone read and veer option comes with the back deep.

MK: How about 2×2 formations with the TE closed (Diagram 3)

CA: We don’t see much zone read out of that anymore. We see tight end side power, which could be an issue when you got crack schemes on a safety. We see stretch plays with crack issues. The zone read to me is not the play of choice for spread offenses out of that formation. When I study it, that backfield set shows more tight end side run game than anything else (Back away from TE). I guess their trying to get your backers to cheat weak because of the back set but there is so much TE side run game. That’s what you’re trying to study. Sure, that’s the backfield set, but what are they really trying to do out of it. In the old days it would’ve been nothing but zone read but in today’s offenses it’s certainly not the case.

Everything we do depends on whether the QB is a running threat or not. If the QB is not a running threat, you can play eight man fronts or man free coverage. If the QB is a running threat, it changes the game completely.

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Coaching & Simplifying an Effective KOR

Coaching & Simplifying an Effective KOR

Posted by | May 4, 2014 | , | 0 |

 

By Christopher Smithley – @WJFootball

Secondary / Special Teams Coordinator

Washington and Jefferson College

 

thumbEditor’s Note:  Coach Smithley coached his 2nd season as a Presidents’ football assistant in 2013 as the team’s Special Teams Coordinator and Secondary coach. In 2013 Smithley led the Presidents secondary to a conference high 16 interceptions including 5 from 1st Team All Conference free safety B.J. Monacelli ’14.  The Presidents special teams ranked 1st in kickoff return average, punt return average, and kickoff coverage in the Presidents Athletic Conference.  The Kickoff return unit also averaged 24.33 yards per return ranking in the top 15 in the country.   In 2012, as linebackers coach, Smithley helped Pine-Richland High School graduates Ian Hennessy ’13 and John Hunter ’13 produce the best seasons of their careers with 99 and 97 tackles, respectively. A native of Bolivar, Pa., Smithley played quarterback and H-back during his playing years with the Yellow Jackets. He is a graduate of Laurel Valley High School.

 

Kickoff return, like all the other special teams, is extremely important in the outcome of a football game.  At Washington and Jefferson College, we put a major emphasis on our KOR unit.  We feel that field position not only can determine a football game, but can also create huge momentum boosts that raise the level of play for an entire team.  We have all seen it.  There is nothing that compares to a kickoff return that involves two punishing blocks and a returner that threads the needle in the hole and busts a big return.  The energy that erupts from your sideline and your fan base is stronger and more powerful than any other play in football.   

The key to this unit is, and always will be, having one or two guys that when the ball is in their hands, is a threat to break a big play.  However, it is also important to have a scheme that is simple and effective, and gives a coach the ability to be multiple with their returns. 

This year our KOR unit was ranked 15th in the country and led our conference in kickoff return average with an average of 24.3 yards per return.  This team, just like all of our other special teams units, is made up from personnel from all over our roster.  These guys have responsibilities and focuses in their offensive and defensive positions.  I cannot say enough how important it is to make special teams simple and effective for your program.

We currently run a scheme that our Head Coach Mike Sirianni has used here at W&J for years.  This past year, we placed larger emphasis on this team with film study and practice repetitions in order to create more productivity.  We typically spend approximately a half hour per week working this unit in practice.  We give our scout kickoff team the looks to run that we will see for that week as well as the possibilities that we feel as a staff that we could see.  We will also get 30-40 minutes of film each week watching our practice, past games, and opponent scouting.  I cannot say enough about how much film study is in every phase of the game, but in this particular unit it has been extremely productive for us here at W&J

Scheme and Alignments

There are a thousand different ways you can scheme up a kickoff return.  Some teams will run an outside return to the boundary and some may even run an outside return to the field.  When I say to the boundary, the kickoff team kicks a directional kick to our right.  The right side would be the boundary and the left side would be considered the field.  Teams can run a right middle and a left middle which typically hits either just inside or outside of the hash.  Also teams can just run a middle return right up the center.  Technically, if your KOR unit is set in their alignments the same way every time, that is five different schemes that you’re asking your players to be able to know and execute.  In our scheme, we teach our guys a sideline right and a left middle.  It minimizes the amount of information that our players have to comprehend.  If we want a sideline left or a right middle, we will flip the entire return unit.  Now, we have a sideline and a middle hash return to either the field or boundary based off of where the ball is kicked. 

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How Does HSU’s #1 Ranked Offense Run Shallow?

How Does HSU’s #1 Ranked Offense Run Shallow?

Posted by | Apr 27, 2014 | , , , , | 0 |

By Mike Volarvich – @scorchedeartho

Offensive Coordinator/QB Coach

Henderson State University

 

 

247972 4134107869189 1619673936 nEditor’s Note:  Mike Volarvich is going into his 5th season as offensive coordinator and quarterback coach. Volarvich has been instrumental in making Henderson State the top offensive team in the country leading the nation in scoring in back to back years.  In 2013 the Reddies led the nation in scoring (53.3 points per game), Total Offense (576.4 ypg), Passing Offense (428.4 ypg), and Touchdowns per game (7.17 TD’s per game).  Working primarily with quarterbacks, Volarvich has coached All-Americans Kevin Rodgers and Nick Hardesty who were both finalists for the Harlon Hill Award.  Prior to his arrival to Henderson, Volarvich was the leader of a potent EMCC scoring offense which led the NJCAA in passing offense and finished second in the nation in total offense.  Coach Volarich also runs www.scortchedearthoffense.com.

 

This past year, our offense here at Henderson State University (D2) just finished its best offensive season in school history.  When the dust settled, we led the nation in scoring offense (53.3 ppg), total offense (576.4 ypg), passing offense (428.4 ypg) and TD’s per game (7.17).  Of course there are many piece of our system that contributed to this success, but perhaps none more than our flexible Shallow concept.  In the past 2 years, we have thrown the shallow concept 69 times completing 65% of those passes.  Over that period, we averaged 18 Yds per completion and 11.8 Yds per attempt.

When we run the “shallow” it is designed to get a high/low read on a linebacker.  At the same time, it has the ability to generate a 1-1 matchup while allowing us to get the ball out of the QB’s hand fast.  We also like this play because we can run it out of any of our 2×2, 3×2, and 3×1 sets regardless of the coverage that is being played.  Here are our rules for the Shallow Concept:

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One Back Protection Scheme

One Back Protection Scheme

Posted by | Apr 27, 2014 | , , | 0 |

 

By Cedric Pearl

Head Coach

Central State University (OH)

 

Editor’s Note:  The following article was written by Cedric Pearl, while he was the offensive coordinator at Alabama A&M.  Last March, Pearl was hired as the head coach at Central State University in Ohio.

 

CaptureThe key to any successful offensive play is to have everyone identified and accounted for in the blocking scheme.  When designing a play our staff always knows it’s imperative that everyone understand protection.   This is extremely important to the quarterback because he will know where to throw the ball in case of blitz or change to another protection.  At AAMU we employ what we call an Area/Man scheme with our five step drop, one back protection scheme.   This allows us to get four receivers in the route combination called.  Our protection is determined in the play call, which allows everyone to be on the same page.

Area Side of Protection

The Area side of the protection will alert the center, the play side guard and play side offensive tackle to slide to call side and block defenders who attacks their area (gap).  The play side OT will block C gap defender, the play side  OG will block the B gap defender and the Center with block the A gap defender.  These defenders could be on or off the line of scrimmage prior to the ball being snapped.  The uncovered lineman to the Area side must check the defender at the line of scrimmage to the call slide before getting eyes on LB’s who are off the ball.  This is important because our first rule as offensive linemen is to block the line of scrimmage first. 

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Designing Pressure To Defend 3×1 Open Formation Structures

Designing Pressure To Defend 3×1 Open Formation Structures

Posted by | Apr 26, 2014 | , , | 0 |

By Mike Kuchar

Senior Research Manager

X&O Labs

 

skyviewtackleEditor’s Note:  The following information is only part of XandOLabs.com special report on developing a blitz check system.  The entire three-case study can be accessed through the links below:

 

Blitz Checks Case 1:  Introduction and Protocols

 

Blitz Checks Case 2: Formation and Personnel Pressure Checks

Blitz Checks Case 3: Using Pressure Checks to Attacking Protections and Personnel 

 

Where to Attack

In 3×1 sets, Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster prefers to come from the boundary and mug the Mike. Yet, in 2×2 formations, Foster prefers to come from the field.  “In order to get a free hitter, we try to get four from a side,” Foster told us.  “ If they track their Center to us, we’ll plug in the Safety and it will turn into a man pressure sometimes. 

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Southwest Minnesota State “Cram” Principle

Southwest Minnesota State “Cram” Principle

Posted by | Apr 21, 2014 | , , , , | 0 |

By Jeremy Darveau 
Offensive Coordinator
Southwest Minnesota State University (MN)
Twitter: @CoachDarveau

 

 

Introduction: 

 

Mustang PlayThere is a difference between having the Inside zone scheme cutback and teaching the Inside zone to cutback.  Southwest Minnesota State does exactly that when working with its backs on the inside zone.  The Mustangs mostly operate out of open sets in 10 personnel with an offset and depending on the front given, they will have their back read the back side shade technique, or even zero technique in order to ensure a cutback. In its simplest sense, Southwest Minnesota State will classify their fronts and reads based on the following (they will mainly have a read principle for the back side defensive end):

4-3 front with a zero Mike linebacker- ball carrier reads the triangle and can cut off the shade (Diagram 1).

 Slide1

4-2 front with two backers- ball carrier reads the square and can cut off the shade (Diagram 2). 

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Using Defensive Leverage and Numbers to Dictate Play Calls

Using Defensive Leverage and Numbers to Dictate Play Calls

Posted by | Apr 21, 2014 | , | 0 |

 

By Scotty Walden – @ETBUCoachW

Offensive Coordinator/ Quarterbacks Coach

East Texas Baptist University

 

  

stbaptistEditor’s Note:  Scotty Walden is the Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks coach at East Texas Baptist University located in Marshall, Texas. It is his second year coaching there and previously was the Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks coach at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. He is originally from Cleburne, Texas just south of Fort Worth and finished my collegiate career playing quarterback at Sul Ross State University in 2011.            

 

 

Going into the season at ETBU we had 8 quarterbacks on our roster. 5 out of those 8 quarterbacks took snaps for us this season due to injury. This was a completely new challenge to me as I had a 10 game starter at Sul Ross State University the season before. These injuries caused us to re-think our offensive strategies because each of our quarterbacks possessed a unique skill set. For instance, our starter was a guy who could not only throw from the pocket but could read the zone or pull the ball down and run when he wanted to. He was a true dual-threat. In contrast our backup quarterback was a pure pocket passer while our other quarterbacks were pure runners. With these varying styles of quarterbacks, we had to find a way to tweak our system to play to our starter’s strengths. Obviously with our pocket passing quarterback we wanted to throw the ball a little more because that is what he does well. But, we also did not want to lose our ability to run the football.

Our solution was to combine what he did well (throw the ball) with our run game. The results were extremely positive.  This was our first season as a staff at ETBU under the guidance of head coach Josh Eargle. When the season had ended, we were able to set 19 offensive school records while averaging 455 yards per game and producing an 1800 yard passer, 1,000 yard rusher and a 1,000 yard receiver while leading the American Southwest Conference in passing. The premise of this article is to talk about adapting your offensive system to play to your quarterback’s strengths just as we had to this season. As you know injuries are a huge part of this game and having the ability to be flexible in your offensive system is paramount due to the possibility of injuries (especially to your trigger man). Our offense is extremely quarterback dependent and by creating opportunities for our quarterback to utilize his strengths we were able to still have success offensively amidst numerous injuries to the position.  

HITCH CONCEPT

One quick game concept we utilized with our run game was a simple hitch. We combined our hitch quick passing game with our inside zone and G/H counter run game. Our quarterback goes through 3 progressions in determining where to go with the football. The quarterback will determine where we have numbers, leverage and his last resort is to run. This was a simple yet effective process for our young quarterbacks.

  • NUMBERS- When we talk about numbers we are talking about numbers in the box. Our definition of the box is from tackle to tackle in width and 5 yards from the line of scrimmage in depth. If our quarterback identifies we have a numbers advantage in the box then he will run the football. If the numbers are not in our favor in the box we go to the next progression.
  • LEVERAGE– When we talk about leverage we are talking about the alignments of both the corners and the force defenders. Once we have determined there is no numbers advantage in the box, we will determine the leverage of the corners. Is he playing soft or hard? Then we look at the leverage of the force defenders. Is he playing tight or loose to the line of scrimmage in relation to our slot?
  • RUN– This is by far the most important progression for our quarterbacks. If at any time our quarterback cannot get a solid read on numbers or leverage of the defense we always say when in doubt run the football.

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Special Teams Circuits: Case 1 – Methodology

Special Teams Circuits: Case 1 – Methodology

Posted by | Apr 17, 2014 | | 0 |

 


villBy Sam Nichols

Managing Editor

X&O Labs

 

 

 

Introduction

We all know how important special teams are, the age-old coaching maxims tell us this.  Adages like “one third of the game,” “can’t be neglected,” and “the difference between wins and losses” have all been repeatedly used by coaches to preach the importance of special teams.  Is this just “lip service” that coaches preach to their players or has the culture of buying into special teams starting to take shape?  This is what we wanted to find out when we began conducting research on what coaches are doing to not just preach, but act on the value of special teams unit. We all know it wins games, but the complicated and fragmented nature of the six different special teams (punt, punt return, kickoff, kickoff return, extra point, extra point block) make organization and execution of properly trained special teams a difficult proposition.    

The main challenge comes back to skill development.  When you install an offensive play, you are able to lean on the blocking, passing, and ball carrying skills that you have taught for years to make the play successful.  When it comes to special teams, much of the time those skills are much less refined and sometimes very different than anything those players do during the rest of the game which leaves coaches stretching for methods to teach these skills.

So the question is how do you develop those integral special teams skills in a way that is quick, focused, and most importantly productive? The answer that many coaches have turned to solve this problem are special team drill circuits, which are rapidly starting to supplement the traditional special teams drills.  The fact is 66 percent of coaches rely on circuits as part of their special teams teaching progression. 

q1chart

Why Special Teams Circuits?

Interestingly enough, only 60 percent of those coaches have been using circuits for four years or less, which shows that circuit use is in the up-swing and that toward using circuits and that more and more coaches have seen the benefit in making this transition.  Below is a breakdown of the different advantages that coaches articulated for us as part of our research.  After speaking with the various coaches that use the circuit training progression, these are the most valuable benefits in employing the circuit system to teach special teams.

Benefits of the Circuit System:

Identification and Assessment of Talent

Many of the coaches in our survey explained that they use these circuits early and often in order to get all the players acclimated to general special teams concepts while evaluating their personal strength.  These coaches suggested that the circuit mentality allows them to focus on basic skills and see which kids can do them on a high level.  Once special teams positions are more defined, the many of these coaches run circuits less frequently.  Consider the words of the following coaches who participated in our research. 

“For our punt block, it [circuits] have helped tremendously. Our coaches have had a chance to see every single player on special teams and we have had chances to exchange our thoughts on each kid’s ability. It has helped us to identify who has a knack for it.” – Aashon Larkins, The Citadel

“Early on we use them to identify special teams players and to break down the important fundamental skills for each team. Then, as the season progresses, we do a circuit during early outs once a week that helps our whole team work on fundamentals for special teams. (Snap, kick, return, cover lanes, block protection).” – Rick Ward, Covina High School (CA)

“Circuits are a great way to maximize reps and evaluate talent. We will do circuits for individual special teams during the spring so we can see who can excel at specific skills. We will also incorporate fundamental tackling, blocking or block protection into our circuits so that it complements the techniques that we use on Offense and Defense. We will also do circuits for just Offense and Defense and evaluate our players there too. If a certain player demonstrates the ability to block in space, defeat blocks in space or tackle in space then we will put them on our special teams.”  Luis Hayes, Long Beach Poly High School (CA)

Efficiency of Practice Time

Time on the field is precious and the use of circuits is seen by many coaches as a way to accomplish more in one practice than they could without the drills.  The short (3-5 minute) drills run at a quick pace encourage a large number of reps and higher player involvement.  In many cases, the drills are established and either shortened or amended as the season moves forward.    

“Time is always a priority for us in practice. We will use circuits to highlight skill areas that cut across multiple special teams (ex. coverage, open field tackling, etc.). We have found that the amount of time spent on special team circuits can carry over into better game performances.”  –  Michael O’Donnell, Rush City High School (MN)

“I use circuits during special teams practice to get the most amount of kids involved during a given period. It also is a continuation of skills that will be needed during offensive and defensive practice. I feel it is advantageous because of the work they get and it allows for everyone to get evaluated on a daily basis.” – Dan Wendel, Monmouth Regional High School (NJ)

“We have identified 6-8 specific skills/techniques that cross over to many of the different special teams. Using the special teams circuit concept allows us to teach those specific skills to a large number of players at the same time. We have found the circuit to be very effective use of our time. We use the circuit during spring practice and fall camp, then sparingly throughout the remainder of the season.” –  Steve Coburn Wasatch High School (UT)

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Special Teams Circuits: Case 2 – Kickoff Coverage

Special Teams Circuits: Case 2 – Kickoff Coverage

Posted by | Apr 17, 2014 | , | 0 |

 


kickoffcoverageBy Sam Nichols

Managing Editor

X&O Labs

 

 

Editor’s Note:  With the intent of presenting actual practice videos of these circuits, along with detailed coaching points that correspond with them, what you will see below is the format most similar to what the rest of special report will look like.  This is different than the text-based special reports XandOLabs.com has presented before. 

Introduction

According to our survey, 74% of coaches use a circuit to as part of their kickoff coverage teaching and practice regiment.  This number was the highest of the 4 special teams we researched and was by far the most common set of drills that coaches offered up to share with the X&O Labs community.  We asked these coaches directly to share what they use, and they were gracious enough to so do. 

q11chartko

Advantages

Perhaps the reason for kickoff being the most common circuit is the fact that it is the simplest to put together.  For the most part, all of the players on the field need to master the same skills and those skills can easily be segmented for more depth.  The circuits also allow them to do less full field sprints while focusing on the fundamentals of each of the three basic parts of kickoff coverage (start, attack, and tackling).  Consider what Mike Minter, the head coach at Campbell University, told us about how effective his kickoff circuits have been for him.  “Circuits help you get more out of the limited time you have as a Special Teams coach,” said Minter.  “You get a player to get reps at different techniques that are critical to you winning your individual matchup. Like our tackling circuit on kickoff. We are able to teach a player three different ways that they will have to make a tackle on kickoff. So not only do they work on tackling in these drills they will work on leverage with another player and how to take on a block in the hit zone. They also will learn how to avoid blockers in the speed zone. So a player is learning multiple things in a 12 minute period. You also can get more individual coaching in because your numbers are broken down into a smaller group of players. The player will also get more reps at each station because of the smaller groups.”

Skills

As mentioned earlier, coaches almost universally segmented their circuit drills down into three distinct categories: start, attack, and tackle.  Within each of these subsets, the coaches were able to more clearly define the skills and approaches to executing in each phase.  This happens to fit perfectly with the “zone” chart that is commonly used by special teams coaches (see the example below from Travis Niekamp, the special teams coach at the University of Louisiana Monroe).

Slide1

Some coaches focused their circuits on one particular category while others sought to practice all three phases of coverage in one complete circuit.  The circuits that we have chosen to include in this case show a variety of drills that fit into one or more of the categories listed.

Villanova Kickoff Circuits:

The Villanova special teams unit, or self-proclaimed Angry Birds, place a real premium on preparing their players for every potential situation their players will encounter.  As part of that, they use a variety of drills that we have divided into two segments; skill specific and fit specific.

Skill Specific Circuit

This set of drills includes 6 different options that Villanova will use on a rotating basis to both teach and perfect their coverage skills.  The circuit focuses on skills to avoid blockers at the 1st and 2nd level and open field tackling in both 1 and 2 man situations.  Below you will find the coaching points, diagrams, and video for these drills.

Drill 1:  V Tackle

This 2 on 1 tackling drill was presented in several versions throughout out research.  The Villanova version below focuses solely on the convergence on the ball carrier and provides instruction all the way through the tackle.

Concept / Coaching Points:  According to Villanova’s special teams coach Roc Bellantoni, “It simulates a two-on-one tackle.  The tackler to return side wraps up ball carrier. Other tackler strips ball as 2nd man in. It’s imperative to attack leverage side hip of the ball carrier.”  Coaches need to stress spacing and teamwork, understanding role (return side and 2nd tackler), leverage to the return side and pad level going in to the tackle. 

Slide2

 

To see video of the “V” Tackle, click on the link below:

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Special Teams Circuits: Case 3 – Kickoff Return

Special Teams Circuits: Case 3 – Kickoff Return

Posted by | Apr 17, 2014 | , | 0 |

 


kentstateBy Sam Nichols

Managing Editor

X&O Labs

 

 

 

Going into this research project, XandOLabs.com had assumed that kickoff return would be the special team that had the least number of coaches using circuits.  Our premise was simple; the skills used on kickoff return are much less transferable from one position to another as opposed to nearly every position needing to know the same skills like on kickoff. 

While that assumption did prove true, I must admit that I was surprised by the prevalence of kickoff return circuits among the coaches polled.  Nearly 56% said that they use circuits for kick return, which is double the number that I would have guessed. 

q14chartkor

The coaches that participated in the survey spoke glowingly about the power of circuit drills to impact the productivity of their kickoff return teams.  Here are a few brief examples of their commentary:

“In 2012, our had an average return of 22.7 yards good for #17 in the nation at the D-III level and resulting in 2 touchdowns.  In some games teams would squib or short-kick our KOR team. The circuits allowed us to work with the each different position and allow for returners to get indy work as well.” – Derek Prather, Trine University (IN).

“We try to use drills that simulate game situations and create a competitive atmosphere. We teach Kickoff Coverage and Kickoff Return blocking in one drill that creates competition daily. It also lets me know what players fit the best in each special teams situation. We finished 2011 ranked 36th in the FCS in KOR.” – Brian Morgan, Prairie View A&M University

“Through the use of the circuit we were able to get a lot of repetitions to our special team members.  This in turn gave us an opportunity to provide input into the effectiveness of their special team skill.  In our KOR circuit, we were able to work on each part of the return and for instance give the blockers an opportunity to face a number of athletes in an open area.  We saw the effectiveness of their blocking technique improve.  In Kick-off Return, as you know, we don’t always get a “clean look” at an opponent and just getting them out of their path (Lane) may be enough to break the returner free.  Using the circuit gave our KOR team members a lot of reps in a short period of time.  In addition, as we prepared for our next special team practice we could alter the circuit to tailor the needs of the team.”  – Pete Kowalski, Westfield State University (MA).

Complete Circuits:

Marist College (NY) KOR Circuit:

One of the more productive, straight forward circuits submitted came from Tunde Agboke the defensive line coach at Marist College.  According to Agboke, “It is critical the players on this unit know how to block in space.  Thus, we spend a great deal of time doing individual blocking and dropping drills. We use this circuit at least once a week. Once we accomplish that goal, then we come together and run our schemes.

These drills have helped us tremendously. We have be able to quickly identify the guys who can and can’t do it without wasting weeks or months of practice time. We see KOR as the first play of every offensive series, and we are looking to go deep.”

Drill #1:  Drop on Air

This basic cone drill teaches players the fundamentals of their takeoff, angle, transition into the block phase and ability to create proper leverage.

Concept / Coaching Points:  “We use this drill to teach our players the proper drop angles and technique. We want to make sure they don’t round off corners once they put their foot in the ground to come back up field. They must also simulate striking a blow.”- Agboke

Slide24

To see video of Marist College’s Drop on Air Drill, click on the link below:

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Special Teams Circuits: Case 4 – Punt Return

Special Teams Circuits: Case 4 – Punt Return

Posted by | Apr 17, 2014 | , | 0 |

 


puntblockBy Sam Nichols

Managing Editor

X&O Labs

 

 

After kickoff, the second most popular special team that coaches use circuits to teach special teams is the Punt Block / Punt Return team.  Our research showed that coaches are using circuits more often to practice their block techniques as opposed to return skills.  For many of these coaches, the proof is in the statistics.  Take a look at a few of the quotes we received about the impact of these coaches punt block circuits:

“The circuits really help us in identifying guys who can actually block punts.  There are people who can train and get it done, and there are others who have a knack.  We found a walk on or two who has blocked a few for us.  One of our guys set a national record-blocked 5 in a season-but we had a total of 4 different guys block them in that same season.  The other thing that the circuit allows us to do is teach guys different angles to the block point, as well as learning to get back on course if they are knocked off at all. – Aashon Larkins, The Citadel

“Our Punt Return team this past season finished with 3 TD’s, 2 Blocks, and was ranked #5 in D-III.  We were able to work on various rushing/block tech. and returners got that time to work on fielding/fair catching.” – Derek Prather, Trine University (IN)

“In a recent season we blocked 9 kicks. We blocked a punt in each playoff game leading to the state championship game.  We also return 2 punts for TD’s off our block scheme (when we didn’t get the kick). We practiced every phase of that during our drill circuits.” – Lane Frailey, Bixby High School (OK)

“We returned a punt for a TD this past season. My head coach has been here 28 years and a head coach for 35 years and never had one returned before. Our punt returner was a walk-on and became all-conference.”  Roc Bellantoni, Villanova University

“This past year, our kick return, punt block, and kickoff units had great success.  The punt block unit was the area where we utilized circuits the most. This unit disrupted 11 kicks this season in 11 games including 7 blocked punts and 1 returned for a TD.” Jamison Bisch, New Mexico Military Institute JC

“In the last three years we have broken records for blocked kicks in a game and blocked kicks in a season.” – Mike Kirschner, Ben Davis High School (IN)

Complete Circuits

University of Minnesota Crookston:

Sean Knox (Special Teams Coordinator) and the University of Minnesota Crookston staff has established themselves as national leaders in special team preparation and they rely heavily on different sets of drills that they can use throughout the year.  They place a heavy emphasis on drilling these individual skills during their off-season conditioning and spring ball practices which often must take place in doors due to the Minnesota winter.  Before we detail the four drills that they have highlighted as part of their Punt Return Team circuit, let’s a examine the inside drill completion that they do with their players in large groups. 

Team Drill Circuit

Drill #1:  Trigger

The first drill in this series focuses on the get off of the block personnel and specifically their shoulder and hip level as the cross the line of scrimmage.  By placing a small towel a few yards in front of the players, the coaches are able to reinforce the proper leverage that they expect as the players come off the line and engage the punt personnel.

Concept / Coaching Points:  The players start in their 3 point stance with an eye on the ball and explode off the ball on the movement.  They are forced to stay low due to the towel.  They need to rip with their inside arm to deflect the block and pick up the towel.

Slide41

To see video of UMN Crookston’s Trigger Drill, click on the link below:

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Special Teams Circuits: Case 5 – Punt Coverage

Special Teams Circuits: Case 5 – Punt Coverage

Posted by | Apr 17, 2014 | , | 0 |

 


puntproBy Sam Nichols

Managing Editor

X&O Labs

 

 

We wrap our research with exploring those circuits used with the Punt unit.  We found this special team to continually be evolving, especially considering the trend of many programs varying the structure of its punt units.  So, before we inquired about circuits, we were interested to find out which type of punt most programs are implementing.  What we found is that 54.1 percent of coaches are using more of a spread punt format, compared to 32.5 percent that use a traditional punt structure and 13.4 percent that are dabbling with the Rugby style punt.

 

Once we gathered that information, we were curious too find how many coaches were using punt circuits as a form of instruction.  While we found that the number was merely split down the middle- 52.9 percent of coaches are in favor- the ones that were using circuits spoke favorably about its advantages.   Here is what they had to say:

q18chartpunt

 

“In the past 7 years since going to the circuits we have only had 2 punts blocked.” – Rick Ward, Covina High School  (CA).

“Our greatest improvement at my current school is on both punt protection and net punt from year one to year nine. Although the quality of the punter is obviously important, our first 2 years (2004 to 2005), we had 3 punts blocked and the difference between our gross and net was much greater despite having an all league punter. The last 4 years (3 different punters make 1st/2nd team all league), we have had no punts blocked, and our gross to net has narrowed to less than 4 yards difference (in 2012 – gross of 39.7; net of 36.1). In addition, we have greatly improved the quality of our long snapping and punting all through our program. We have had one punt and one field goal blocked at any level since 2009 when we made a greater emphasis on these circuit skills.” Steve Hopkins, Basehor-Linwood High School (KS)

“Using the circuits have helped us to improve statistically in the 3 years I’ve been here in most categories.  For example, Punt Return had 4 blocked Punts last year and 2 TDs, block and cover circuits 3) Only allowed 0.5 yards per Punt return (cover circuit) 6th best in country.” – Marty Hoffmann, Minnesota State University Moorhead

“Using circuits teaches our guys the fundamentals of kick coverage. I believe the technique of covering kicks and the effort required far out weighs the specific scheme. Out of our main 8 circuit drills, 5 of them deal with kick coverage. 3 of those work good on good. The first step in punt coverage is releases off the line. We work against both single and double gunner looks. One of our kickoff coverage drills, “Lions & Gazelles” (which is documented in Case 3 of our special report) teaches our guys to win with speed, and to get off blocks quickly, while maintaining balance and pad level. On Wednesdays, we work our “Widen Hole + Tkl” drill which is a perfect simulation of punt coverage. The cover guy must squeeze to a landmark while the punt return team is working on widening the hole in a middle return. At the end of the drill, the cover guy must come under control and refrain from running past the returner. Our “Vice Tackling” drill done on Thursdays teaches our cover teams to understand leverage and compressing the returner. Cover guys must understand where their help is and maintain proper leverage without getting split by the returner.” – Brian Morgan, Prairie View A&M

Punt Protection

One of the more detailed submissions on punt protection was provided by Michael Cieri, the special teams coach at Montclair State University (NJ).  Cieri uses a Wing Punt formation and teaches his man protection very similar to what offensive line coaches will use. The technique of the blocker is all predicated on what alignment the defender is in.  If the defender is what Cieri calls a one alignment (inside shade) or two alignment (head up) the blocker will execute a power step inside followed by a dig step- very similar to pass protection.  If the defender is in a three position, or outside shade, a kick slide may be used in this situation by the blocker.

Slide62

In order to drill this technique, Cieri uses what he calls the “sink drill.”  This teaches players the proper technique on protecting the punter.  Once they are forced to block two to three potential rushers, Cieri teaches the following techniques:

Slide63

In order to assess punt coverage techniques, Cieri works what he calls his 2 on 1 Drill, which pits two rushers against a blocker. Here, the blockers must be able to sink, get depth and leverage both blocks. It’s a good drill to protect against teams that overload gaps in a punt block scheme.

Slide64

To see video of Montclair State University’s 2 on 1 Sink Drill, click on the link below:

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Adapting C3 to 4 Deep Based on #2

Adapting C3 to 4 Deep Based on #2

Posted by | Apr 12, 2014 | , , | 0 |

 

By Derrick Minor – @coachminordbs

Former Defensive Coordinator

Graceland University

 

 

 

gracelandThe “Big Sky” Cover 3 is a three deep coverage with four underneath coverage zones that converts to a four deep coverage with 3 underneath zones based on what route the #2 WR runs.  Big Sky is a man to man technique that we will play on the # 2 WR to the multiple receiver side.  If the formation is balanced we will employ the Big Sky technique to the field or the QB’s throwing arm. See diagrams 1 – 3.

Slide1Slide2Slide3

Why Big Sky?

First and foremost, we like the “Big SKY” concept because it’s a safe coverage concept that allows us to employ the concept verses a variety of formations and personal groupings because of how we play a fast #2 WR be it in a 3×1 or 2×2 set.  In addition it affords us the ability to match speed with speed out of our base 4-2-5 and fire zone packages regardless of how our front is aligned.  Because we man of the #2 WR it affords of the flexibility to be in a single high shell verses a potential 4 vertical threats out of 3×1 or 2×2 formations and still be sound in our coverage principles. 

Often times we will hide our coverage’s by aligning in a two shell and rolling to it late.  However, there are time when we will line up and show it because QB’s can have a hard time discerning whether or not we are manning up the #2 WR because our Quick (Q) and Strong Safety (SS) align the same way every time, which is 4×4 outside of the EMOL.  We do this because we want to all ways give the appearance that they are ON! Meaning one of them if not both of them are coming on some type of pressure or blitz off the edge.  In our 4-2-5 scheme our FS, SS and Q are interchangeable, meaning at any time base on the formation, Trade, Shift or motion (TSM) or designated call any one of them can be responsible for “Big Sky” coverage on a number #2 WR.  See Diagram 4 and 5.

Slide4

In Diagram 4, the call is Hawk ‘Storm” Cover 3, which is a pressure for us in our system.  Normally, the SS would have “Big Sky” responsibility on the #2 WR to the multiple receiver side.  However, because he is part of the pressure he no longer has “Big Sky responsibility.  When this happens our safeties know to spin down and replace the SS who is now a part of the pressure. Now our FS has “Big Sky responsibility and our Q is playing deep middle 3rd.  WE NEVER CHECK OUT OF A PRESSURE!

Slide5

In Diagram 5, the call is Hawk Tank “Quiver” Cover 3 which is another pressure for us.  The motion of the slot WR to the open side of the formation would normally mean that Q would have “Big Sky” responsibility.  However because he is part of the pressure our FS will spin down and play “Big Sky” on the new #2 WR to the open side and our SS with have deep middle 3rd responsibility.

Why Not Check Out?

We never check out of a pressure for two reasons, the first being: the 4-2-5 is a built in nickel defense, because of that it affords us the ability employ a variety of pressures/blitzes and still be able to match speed with speed in space and account for coverage zones and not ask a LB to cover a fast #2 or 3 WR in space.  The second reason is: I like to keep things simple for my players.  I don’t want them thinking too much.  Offenses will TSM you to death if they know they can get you to check out of pressures/blitzes. 

Strengths / Weaknesses of the CoverageSlide6Slide7

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