2025 Gap Scheme Research and Development: Case 1 – Y-Detached Play Side:

“Quite simply a tight end off the ball provides for more space and timing at the point of attack. Now, we’re not concerned about getting beat inside and giving up penetration.” - Alex Stadler, offensive line coach, Elon University (NC)

By Mike Kuchar
Senior Researcher/Co-Founder
X&O Labs
@MikeKKuchar

We’re all searching for ways to get bigger bodies on smaller bodies at the point of attack and keeping the Y off-the-ball playside does exactly that. G/T and G/Y counter schemes become D gap kick plays, where you’re almost guaranteeing the first puller to be matched up on a Nickel safety or outside linebacker rather than a hefty 5-technique defensive end. And if you have a tight end that can be physical on down blocks at the point of attack, keeping him off the ball allows for the timing and space needed to get the play started effectively.

Such was the case at Elon this season, where its tight end room was separated into two body types: a physically glorified offensive tackle who can pound people at the point of attack and a hybrid receiver type who was more accustomed to blocking in space. They were both able-bodied, blockers so why take them both off the field? Instead, Elon used a double Y-detached formation (the Phoenix called it “Rocky”) where both tight ends were in off-the-ball alignments.

The versatility of this formation allowed for Coach Stadler and the offensive staff to check the counter play to the most advantageous look. He’d often prefer to have his ass-kicker- who has since entered the portal and arrived at NC State- be at the point of attack while his hybrid type can be the second puller in G/Y schemes.

And if keeping their bigger tight end to the play side generated a heavy tendency, they would arc their hybrid tight end to get him on a safety eliminating him from having to down block a defensive end. “It just made it easier to execute with both of them being off the ball,” he told me.

Why it Works:

For starters, the timing and space cultivated from keeping the Y off the ball allows for a more physical block at the point of attack. Secondly, creating an additional gap play side guarantees the kickout block being on a D gap- and not C gap- defender, which can be an outside linebacker or safety. The first puller can be more aggressive to the three-surface on his kick out. Texas State, for example, will use its Y as the first puller to kick the D gap, while its second puller can be the backside Guard or Tackle.

Visual Evidence:

The narrated video below will give you a better understanding of the Y-Detached counter concepts from 12 Personnel:

Editor’s Note: In this report, Mike reveals the details of how this works, and best practices, and he identifies who else is using it. And, as always, Mike includes a lot of video and diagrams—as well as shares where to find more game film in X&O Labs’ Film Room. Login below to get unlock the full report (and if you’re not a member, click the ‘Join’ button in the upper right-hand corner of this page).