Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Albany High Playbook
Albany High Playbook
B
E
B
T
B
T
Table of Contents
Offense
Offensive Philosophy
Things to know
Line Splits and Alignment
Formations
Offensive Techniques by Position
Offensive Plays
Passing Tree
Passing Protection
Running Plays
Runs vs 5-3 attachment
Page
2
3
4-5
6-7
Appendix
8
10
11
34
Defense
Defense
Defense Charts
Page
38
43
Special Teams
Philosophy
Extra Point
Punt
Punt Return
Kickoff
Kickoff Return
Player Name:
59
61
62
63
66
70
Running Philosophy
Our running plays are designed to use the talents of our athletes:
Speed
We will get to the point of attack quicker than our opponent. Opponents fear our speed.
Power
We will get to the point of attack ready to deliver maximum force and leverage in blocking and attacking our
opponent
Finesse
We will get to the point of attack with the option and with deception.
Passing Philosophy
The passing game has the following goals:
Neutralize any physical advantage of our opponent
The passing game must be half of our offense, not a surprise or gamble
We will use the passing game to score quickly. We will be able to score from any spot on the eld within 2
minutes.
We will pass when the defense knows we must pass and we will be successful
We will strive to eliminate interceptions by continually stressing sound fundamentals
Offensive Philosophy
Things to Know
10 yd (30')
3'
4.5'
3'
3'
3'
4'
10 yd (30')
4.5'
Line Splits
Proper offensive line splits are important to spreading out the defense and creating enough room for our
running attack. If you are not sure of your splits it is better for splits to be too wide rather than too narrow.
The exceptions to this are the option and sweep plays, where we are attacking the corners of the offensive
line.
Guards- Take a constant 3 foot split
Tackles- Take a constant 3 foot split
Tight End- Take a constant 4 foot split, except when you need to get outside postion on the defensive end.
For instance on a down block or arch release you would want 4 1/2 feet.
10 yd (30')
Center
3'
3'
3'
3'
4.5'
Twins Right
Left Hash
4'
3'
3'
3'
Center
10 yd (30')
4.5'
3'
4.5'
Twins Right
4'
6 yd (18')
4.5'
4'
3'
3'
3'
3'
4.5'
10 yd (30')
6 yd (18')
4.5'
Twins Right
4'
Right Hash
3'
4.5'
3'
3'
3'
4.5'
Receiver Alignment
Pro Right of Pro Left Formation
Flanker- Split 10 yards from the Tight End - 1 yard deep in the backeld
Split End- Split 10 yards from the offensive Tackle on the line of scrimmage.
Twins Right of Twins Left Formation
Ball on left hash mark
Flanker- align on right hash mark
Split End- align 6 yards outside of Flanker
Ball middle of eld
Flanker- align 10 yards outside the offensive Tackle
Split End- align 6 yards outside of Flanker
Ball on right hash mark
Flanker- align 6 yards inside of Split End
Split End- align 5 yards from sideline.
6 yd (18')
5 yd (15')
Formations
Tight Right
Tigh
ker
Heavy Right
End
Flanker
Tight End
Falcon Right
Tight End
Split End
Slot Back
Flanker
Formations
Flanker
Split End
Split End
Flanker
Spread
Split End
Split End
Slot Back
Flanker
Split End
Tight End
Wishbone 2 Right
Tight End
Split End
Patterns
Quick
3-step and out
Solid
6-step and out
3 Curl
Quick
6-step and turn in
Solid
8 to 10-step and turn in
4 Hitch
Quick
6-step and turn out
comeback to ball
Solid
8 to 10-step and turn out
5 Slip
Quick
One hard step, then loop
towards Tackle
Passing
2 Out
Patterns
Narrow splits!
7 Post
8 Flag
Passing
9 Wheel
0 Fade
d
ps, release step
look after a few more
steps
Qu
3-s
look for ball
1 Slant
2 Out
3 Curl
4 Hitch
5 Slip
6 Bubble
7 Post
8 Flag
9 Wheel
0 Fade
vs. 4-3
E
Solid
vs. 4-4
E
Boot
Dive Pass
Sprint Out
Bootleg
10
vs. 5-2
E
vs. 5-2
E
vs. 5-2
E
vs. 4-3
E
vs. 5-2
vs. 4-3
vs. 4-4
E
vs. 4-3
vs. 4-4
E
vs. 4-3
vs. 4-4
E
vs. 4-3
vs. 4-4
E
vs. 5-2
vs. 5-2
E
Passing
Quick
vs. 4-4
Protection
Dive vs 44
S
C
B
T
S
C
Running
B
E
B
T
S
C
B
E
B
T
S
C
S
C
B
E
B
T
11
B
T
B
E
S
C
S
B
B
T
S
C
S
B
B
T
B
T
12
Running Dive vs 43
Running Dive vs 50
S
C
B
E
S
C
B
E
B
N
B
E
B
N
13
S
C
S
C
S
M
S
T
S
C
B
E T
B
N
14
Running
Veer
Option
S
C
Running
B
T
S
C
S
T
S
C
B
E T
15
B
T
C
B
E
B
T
S
C
C
B
E
M
N
16
B
T
H
B
B
E
B
T
H
B
B
E
B
T
H
W
E
M
T
S
T
17
H
W
C
B
E
B
N
S
T
C
B
E
B
N
18
S
T
H
B
B
E
B
T
H
B
B
E
B
T
C
W
E
M
N
S
T
19
C
W
C
B
E
B
N
S
T
C
B
E
B
N
20
S
T
C
W
S
T
C
B
E
B
N
S
T
C
B
E
B
N
21
S
T
H
B
B
E
B
T
H
B
B
E
B
T
C
W
E
M
T
S
T
22
C
W
C
B
E
B
N
S
T
C
B
E
B
N
S
T
23
H
B
B
E
B
T
H
B
B
E
B
T
C
W
E
24
C
W
C
B
E
S
T
C
B
E
B
N
S
T
25
H
B
B
E
B
T
C
W
C
B
E
B
N
S
T
26
H
B
B
E
B
T
H
B
B
E
C
W
E
27
C
W
C
B
E
B
N
S
T
C
B
E
B
N
S
T
28
H
B
B
E
C
W
S
T
C
B
E
B
N
S
T
29
H
B
B
E
H
W
C
B
E
B
N
S
T
30
H
B
B
E
B
T
C
W
C
B
E
B
N
S
T
31
H
B
B
E
B
T
H
W
C
B
E
B
N
S
T
32
H
B
B
E
B
T
C
W
C
B
E
B
N
S
T
33
C
B
E
M
T
C
B
E
M
T
C
B
E
M
T
34
C
B
E
M
T
C
B
E
M
T
C
B
E
M
T
35
C
B
E
M
T
C
B
E
M
T
C
B
E
M
T
36
C
B
E
M
T
C
B
E
M
T
C
B
E
M
T
37
DEFENSE
Nose Guard
Stance
38
Defensive Tackles
Stance
Alignment
Basic Charge
Drive To (Away)
Loop
Vs. Pull
Vs. Drive Block
Vs. Hook Block
Vs. Inside Release
39
Defensive Ends
Stance
Alignment
Anchor
Drive To (Away)
Inside Technique
Weak Alignment
Hatchet
Triangle
Vs. Drive Block
Vs. Turn-out Block
Vs. Hook Block
Vs. Down Block
Two-point stance.
Head up on the TE in normal alignment, up to 1-2
yards split from the DT.
Straight-up alignment and charge. Stay square on the
line of scrimmage. Read the movement of the TE.
Rip the backside forearm through the play side
shoulder of the TE, square shoulders into the tackletight end gap. Penetrate one yard into the backfield
and re-direct to the football.
On split 3-5 of tight end, align splitting inside leg of
offensive receiver.
Split outside leg of the tight end or same relative
position. On Eagle, split outside leg of OT.
Penetrate the guard tackle gap from stack.
Key TE, near RB, and football.
Whip him in his tracks; create distance, keeping
outside arm and leg free. Use 2-hand shiver.
Fight pressure through Tight ends head; keep
shoulders parallel to the line of scrimmage. Fight
inside. Jam tight end into gap.
Fight outside, keeping outside arm and leg free.
Deliver with inside shoulder and forearm. Stay along
the line of scrimmage, ride tight end wide.
Step with tight end to the inside; stay square to the
line of scrimmage. Expect kick-out block by the
near back. Do not penetrate. Squeeze off the
running lane.
Jab out and respect his initial movement. If you
read, (a) option, then take QB, (b) near back kick-out
block, then squeeze inside, (c) OG kick-out block,
then stuff him to the inside with back side shoulder.
Stay on the line of scrimmage and check for reverse.
Be only as deep as the football.
Keep outside leverage. Get to QB outside-in.
Rush all passes, outside leverage to the ball.
40
Linebackers
Stance
Alignment
Eagle
Basic Read
Vs. Drive Block
Vs. Hook Block
Vs. Cutoff Block
41
Cornerbacks
Stance
Alignment
Basic Read
Blue Coverage
Gold Coverage
Vs. Option
Vs. Sweep
Strong Safety
Stance
Alignment
Basic Read
Blue Coverage
Gold Coverage
Vs. Option
Vs. Sweep
Vs. Off Tackle
Vs. Play Away
Free Safety
Stance
Alignment
Basic Read
Blue Coverage
Gold Coverage
Vs. Option
42
DEFENSE
50-Base
T E
SS
B
C
F
Position
Strong End
Weak End
Strong Tackle
Weak Tackle
Nose Guard
Strong LB
Weak LB
Strong Safety
Free Safety
Strong CB
Weak CB
Alignment
Head up on TE
Outside leg TE
Outside Leg OT
Outside Leg OT
Head up on C
Outside Leg G
Outside Leg G
1x4 outside TE
11 yards weak G
1x7 inside FL
1x7 inside SE
Technique
Anchor
Basic Read
Basic Read
Basic Read
Basic Read
Basic Read
Basic Read
Basic Read
Basic Read
Basic Read
Basic Read
43
Key
Triangle
Triangle
Tackle
Tackle
Center
Triangle
Triangle
Triangle/Ball
Zone/Man/Ball
Zone/Man/Ball
Zone/Man/Ball
DEFENSE
50-Drive To
SS
B
C
F
Stance
Strong End
Weak End
Strong Tackle
Weak Tackle
Nose Guard
Strong LB
Weak LB
Strong Safety
Free Safety
Strong CB
Weak CB
Alignment
Technique
Head up on TE
Anchor
Head up on TE Fire man behind TE
Outside Leg OT
Basic Read
Head up on OT
Drive step strong
Head up on C
Drive step strong
Outside leg OG
Basic Read
Outside leg OG
Basic Read
1x4 outside TE
Basic Read
11 yds weak OG
Basic Read
1x7 inside FL
Basic Read
1x7 inside SE
Basic Read
44
Key
Triangle
Triangle
Tackle
Guard/Tackle
Guard/Center
Triangle
Triangle
Triangle/Ball
Zone/Man/Ball
Zone/Man/Ball
Zone/Man/Ball
DEFENSE
50-Drive Away
SS
B
C
F
Position
Strong End
Weak End
Strong Tackle
Weak Tackle
Nose Guard
Strong LB
Weak LB
Strong Safety
Free Safety
Strong CB
Weak CB
Alignment
Technique
Head up on TE Fire man behind TE
Outside leg TE
Basic Read
Head up on OT
Drive step weak
Outside leg OT
Basic Read
Head up on C
Drive step weak
Outside leg OG
Basic Read
Outside leg OG
Basic Read
1x4 outside TE
Basic Read
11yd weak OG
Basic Read
1x7 inside FL
Basic Read
1x7 inside SE
Basic Read
45
Key
Triangle
Triangle
Guard/Tackle
Tackle
Guard/Center
Triangle
Triangle
Triangle/Ball
Zone/Man/Ball
Zone/Man/Ball
Zone/Man/Ball
DEFENSE
50-Pinch
SS
E
B
C
Position
Strong End
Weak End
Strong Tackle
Weak End
Nose Guard
Strong LB
Weak LB
Strong Safety
Free Safety
Strong CB
Weak CB
Alignment
Head up on TE
Head up on TE
Head up on OT
Head up on OT
Head up on C
Outside leg OG
Outside Leg OG
1x4 outside TE
11yds weak OG
1x7 inside FL
1x7 inside SE
Technique
Fire
Fire
Drive
Drive
Basic Read
Basic Read
Basic Read
Basic Read
Basic Read
Basic Read
Basic Read
46
Key
Tackle/End
Tackle/End
Guard/Tackle
Guard/Tackle
Center
Triangle
Triangle
Triangle/Ball
Zone/Man/Ball
Zone/Man/Ball
Zone/Man/Ball
DEFENSE
50-Eagle Out Go/50-Eagle In
SS
B
C
F
Position
Strong End
Weak End
Alignment
Outside leg TE
Outside leg OT
Strong Tackle
Weak Tackle
Outside leg OT
Outside leg OG
Nose Guard
Strong LB
Weak LB
Strong Safety
Free Safety
Strong CB
Weak CB
1x4 outside TE
11yd weak OG
1x7 inside FL
1x7 inside SE
Technique
Anchor
Loop (out/go)
Fire (in)
Basic Read
Loop (out/go)
Drive (in)
Slam
Basic Read
C/G gap (out/go)
Basic Read (in)
Basic Read
Basic Read
Basic Read
Basic Read
47
Key
Triangle
Triangle
Tackle
Tackle
Center
Triangle
Ball
Triangle/Ball
Zone/Man/Ball
Zone/Man/Ball
Zone/Man/Ball
DEFENSE
50-Stack (Hatchet)
SS
B
C
F
Position
Strong End
Weak End
Alignment
Head up on TE
Stack behind OT
Strong Tackle
Weak Tackle
Outside leg OT
Outside leg OT
Nose Guard
Strong LB
Weak LB
Strong Safety
Free Safety
Strong CB
Weak CB
Head up on C
Outside leg OG
Outside leg OG
1x4 outside TE
11yd weak OG
1x7 inside FL
1x7 inside SE
Technique
Anchor
Basic Read
Fire (Hatchet)
Basic Read
Basic Read
Drive (Hatchet)
Basic Read
Basic Read
Basic Read
Basic Read
Basic Read
Basic Read
Basic Read
48
Key
Triangle
Ball
Tackle
Tackle
(Ball)
Triangle
Triangle
Triangle
Triangle/Ball
Zone/Man/Ball
Zone/Man/Ball
Zone/Man/Ball
DEFENSE
50-Bear
SS
B
C
F
Position
Strong End
Weak End
Strong Tackle
Weak Tackle
Nose Guard
Strong LB
Weak LB
Strong Safety
Free Safety
Strong CB
Weak CB
Alignment
Head up on TE
Outside leg OT
Outside leg OG
Outside leg OG
Head up on C
Outside leg OT
Inside leg OT
1x4 outside TE
11yd weak OG
1x7 inside FL
1x7 inside SE
Technique
Anchor
Anchor
Basic Read
Basic Read
Basic Read
Eagle
Eagle
Basic Read
Basic Read
Basic Read
Basic Read
49
Key
Triangle
Triangle
Guard
Guard
Center
Tackle/Ball
Tackle/Ball
Triangle
Zone/Man/Ball
Zone/Man/Ball
Zone/Man/Ball
DEFENSE
50-Tank Man
S
B
C
Position
Strong End
Weak End
Strong Tackle
Weak Tackle
Nose Guard
Strong LB
Weak LB
Strong Safety
Free Safety
Strong CB
Weak CB
Alignment
Outside shoulder of
TE
Relative
Technique
Loop outside,
Quick contain
Squeeze outside
in, Quick contain
Head up on OT
Pinch
Head up on OT
Pinch
Head up on C
Drive To
Head up on OG
Read
Head up on OG
Blitz A gap
Inside shoulder of TE
Blitz C gap
4 yards
Slide to inside
Lock on TE
shoulder TE 8 yards
1x7 inside FL
Lock on FL
1x7 inside SE
Lock on SE
50
Key
Near Back
Near Back
OTs Block
OTs Block
Cs Block
Triangle
Ball
Ball
Man to man
Man to man
Man to Man
DEFENSE
50-Stinger Man
S
B
Position
Strong End
Alignment
Outside shoulder TE
Weak End
Relative
Strong Tackle
Weak Tackle
Nose Guard
Strong LB
Weak LB
Strong Safety
Free Safety
Outside shoulder OT
Head up on OT
Head up on C
Head up on OG
Head up on OG
1x4 inside TE
6 yards deep
Strong CB
Weak CB
1x7 inside FL
1x7 inside SE
51
Technique
Loop Quick
Contain
Squeeze Quick
Contain
Loop outside
Drive To
Drive To
Blitz B gap
Read
Lock on TE
Slide step up
Blitz A gap
Lock on FL
Lock on SE
Key
Near Back
Near Back
Read OT/TE
Read OT/OG
Read C/OG
Ball
Triangle
Man to man
Ball
Man to man
Man to man
DEFENSE
50-Under Griffin Strong
N
B
C
F
Position
Strong End
Weak End
Strong Tackle
Weak Tackle
Nose Guard
Strong LB
Weak LB
Strong Safety
Alignment
T/TE Gap
Relative 1x2
Vs. TE head up
G/T Gap
Head up on OT
Weak side A Gap
Head up on OG
Head up on OG
Outside shoulder TE
Free Safety
Strong CB
Weak CB
11 yards middle
1x7 inside FL
1x7 inside SE
52
Technique
Blitz C Gap
Quick contain
Key
OT/TE
Near back / Flat
coverage
Blitz B Gap
OG/OT
Read
OT
Blitz A Gap
C/OG
Basic Read
Triangle
Basic Read
Triangle
Loop Quick
Near back
contain
Flat coverage
Deep middle
Zone
Deep outside
Zone
Deep outside
Zone
DEFENSE
50-Under Stack Blue
E
B
C
F
Position
Strong End
Weak End
Strong Tackle
Weak Tackle
Nose Guard
Strong LB
Weak LB
Strong Safety
Free Safety
Strong CB
Weak CB
Alignment
Head up on TE
Walk Away
OG/OT Gap
Head up on OT
Weak side A Gap
Head up on OG
Head up on OG
1x4 outside TE
11 yd Weak OG
1x7 inside FL
1x7 inside SE
53
Technique
Stuff TE
Flat coverage
Blitz Gap
Outside in
Blitz Gap
Basic Read
Basic Read
Flat Coverage
Deep middle
Deep outside
Deep outside
Key
Rush-outside in
Zone
OG/OT/Rush
OT/Contain
C/OG/Rush
Hook zone
Hook zone
Zone/Man/Ball
Zone/Man/Ball
Zone/Man/Ball
Zone/Man/Ball
DEFENSE
6-5 Goal Line
N
M
E
B
C
Position
Nose Guards
Defensive Tackles
C
Alignment
Inside foot on
outside foot of C
Head-up on OT
Defensive Ends
Outside shoulder of
tight end
Middle LB
Head up on C
4 yards off ball
Outside LBs
Cornerbacks
1x6 inside WR or
3x6 outside TE
Technique
Drive trough the
center/guard gap.
Drive low and hard
through the OTs
inside hip.
Drive through the
outside shoulder of
the tight end.
Read flow. Move
laterally with flow.
Key
Get penetration.
Establish new LOS.
Control G/T gap.
54
Pro Set
#3
#1
#4
#2
#5
E
N N
E
B
Wishbone or Full T
#3
#2
#4
#1
#5
E
N N
E
B
Twins
#3
#1
#4
#2
#5
E
N
M
E
B
C
55
DEFENSE
80 Goal Line
M
C
Position
Nose Guards (N)
Alignment
C/G Gap
Tackles (T)
G/T Gap
Linebackers (B)
Defensive Ends (E)
T/TE Gap
Outside
shoulder TE
3x3 outside
Cornerbacks (C)
Middle LB (M)
Head up on
C. 2
yards deep.
Technique
Step Down (on C) with inside foot.
Deliver with inside forearm pivot
back into C/G Gap.
Down then up. Get under the
block. If you fall down, get up in
the gap.
Same as Tackle
Read 2nd receiver. Hand-shiver
the TE. Quick contain.
Read 1st receiver. Ultimate
Contain.
Read Ball. Go with the flow.
56
Key
C/G Gap
G/T Gap
T/TE Gap
2nd
Receiver
1st
Receiver
BALL
rd
3 Receiver
DEFENSE
80 Goal Line (Man to man Assignments)
#3
#2
#4
#1
E
#5
M
C
57
DEFENSE
Secondary Coverage
BLUE
Deep
Deep
Deep
F
C
Hook
Curl
(Flat)
B B
Hook
Curl
S
C
Flat
GOLD
Play Deepest Man in Zone
Hook
Curl
B B
58
59
Special Teams
Kickoff
-Special Teams are a crucial part of a football game
Kickoff Return
-Special Teams play makes up of each game.
Punt
Punt Return
-Special Teams can win or lose a football game.
Extra Point
-Special Teams must have PRIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Field Goal
60
7 yards
H
K
- Elbows on knees
- Anchor outside Leg
- Step down with inside foot (inter-lock)
61
Punt
5 yards
6 yards
13 yards
Blocking Backs:
1. Responsible for center-guard gaps.
2. The become outside contain.
Up Back: Step up in center after the snap and take the first man that shows.
Center: First responsibility is to make a perfect snap.
Punter:
1. Catch the Football.
2. Get the punt off.
3. Become the safety.
62
SS
Pressure Punt
Last 2 men
on wall
Fake
Screen
Draw
#1 Defender
Set wall up on hash harks, 5 yards apart. Look back inside and up field.
63
SS
H
Pressure Punt
Last 2 men
on wall
T
B
Fake
Screen
Draw
#1 Defender
64
E
S
Hold Return
SS
S
Double Team
Double Team
5 yards
65
Kickoff Coverages
We will always kickoff with for goals:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Prevent the return from knowing where the ball will be kicked.
To make them adjust to our strategy.
To recover every short kick.
To keep all returns inside the 25 yard line on long kicks.
AREA D
AREA B
10
20
30
40
AREA E
AREA C
AREA A
50
** A kickoff is a free ball once it passes the 50-yard line. The ROVER is always on the
move either toward or away from the ball placement. He should always end up in
position to be around the ball. His movement is a method of confusing the opponents
blocking assignments.
66
Area A Coverage
L5
L4
L3
L2
L1
R2
R3
R4
R5
R2
R3
R4
R5
Area B Coverage
L5
L4
L3
L2
L1
67
Area C Coverage
L5
L4
L3
L2
L1
R2
R3
R4
R5
R2
R3
R4
R5
Area D Coverage
L5
L4
L3
L2
L1
0
K
68
Area E Coverage
L5
L4
L3
L2
L1
R2
K
69
R3
R4
R5
Kick Return
50
40
30
20
DROP TO A DISTANCE
5 YARDS FROM BALL
10
70
Quarterback Techniques
Open step to play side, on the third step reach back with both
hands and ride the dive back into the LOS as you hand off.
DIVE
Dive back will drive the inside hip of the offensive tackle. The
accelerate to the corner.
Open step as on dive, and hand the ball off at the mesh point
which is the outside hip of the offensive tackle, then accelerate
VEER
to the corner.
Vs. 5-man front open at 180, vs. a 4-man front open at 90
and bring backside foot parallel, hand off as deep as possible.
SLANT
Accelerate to the corner.
Open step away from play side and bring other foot parallel.
The third step is a reverse at 120 bringing the other foot
COUNTER DIVE
parallel, then hand the ball off. Accelerate to the corner.
Landmark is the center guard gap.
Open step at 180 bringing backside foot parallel. Hand the ball
TRAP
off similar to slant. Accelerate to the corner.
Same as dive to the mesh point. Then use the mechanics of
OPTION
optioning the pitch key.
COUNTER OPTION Same as counter dive to the mask point. Then use the
mechanics of optioning the pitch key.
Drop step-hop step, then use the mechanics of optioning the
LEAD OPTION
pitch key.
Fake slant to nearside back, then hand off to the offside back
BELLY
into the off tackle area.
Reverse pivot and hand the ball off to the offside running back.
POWER
Then bootleg in the opposite direction of the action.
Reverse pivot and toss the ball to the offside running back.
SWEEP
Then bootleg in the opposite direction of the action.
Reverse out at 180 and hand the ball off as deeply as possible.
ISOLATION
Same as power to the mesh point. Fake to the offside back, and
then turn toward the LOS. Hand the ball off to the onside back,
COUNTER TRAP
this is an inside handoff.
Mechanics of Optioning the Pitch Key: The quarterback must occupy the man responsible for
him on the option and not allow him to take an effective angle of pursuit to the pitch. At the
mesh point, do not put the ball in, but ride alongside the hip of the running back. Then:
1.
Sprint directly at the inside shoulder of the pitch key. Attack into the LOS (downhill).
2.
Throttle down slightly to make the pitch key take you. If he plays along the line of
scrimmage (feathers) or plays the pitch back, accelerate up field. If he closes to take you,
execute the pitch. Sneak-a-peak!!!
3. Execute the pitch by extending your arm outward toward the pitch back and dropping
your thumb toward the ground while pushing with your fingers. Fall away from the
defender so as to cushion the blow that will most likely ensue. NEVER pitch without
looking.
Appendix
71
Appendix
72
Appendix
73
Split End: The split ends assignments on the option plays are the same, the deep . He can
afford to sprint downfield at full speed, reading the secondary. If the corner rotates up, the split
end passes him up and continues his sprint downfield eying up his target, which now becomes the
defender on the flanker. The split end applies his slow block technique similar to the flanker but
the big difference is that his block is normally much deeper in the secondary. It is possible to just
have the split end run his take off position assuming that someone has to cover him in the deep .
If the secondary ignores his pattern, the halfback pass is an effective weapon to keep them honest.
If our receivers read man coverage on any of these option plays, they will both automatically
run off.
Cross-Field Blocking (All plays with the action going away from the receiver):
When a play is called that will cause the defender to rotate away in their pursuit course, the
wide receivers will use two types of blocks, (1) the Cross-body Block, and (2) the Slow Block.
The wide receiver must know when to use each of these blocks. Their primary goal is to be able
to prevent the secondary defenders from making the tackle. On the snap of the football, both
wide receivers will sprint at an angle to intercept their man before he can get the ball carrier.
When the wide receiver reaches a point ahead of the
defender, he can use his cross-body technique to block, making sure that his head and shoulders
are in front of the defender. If there is any question in the receivers mind about the head and
shoulders being in front, he will stay up and chase the defender, anticipating the cut back. If the
ball carrier does cut back across the grain, our receiver is now in good position to slow block his
man. In the chase situation the receiver can use his peripheral vision as he is chasing to
determine the cut back possibilities. If it appears that he can be more beneficial to the ball carrier
by peeling back toward the LOS, he will do so. When the receiver elects to peel he will block the
first wrong colored jersey he sees. As the wide receiver becomes more experienced on crossfield blocking he will make sound decisions regarding whether he should chase or peel. Through
the study of films and situations in practice, he will discover how effective his blocking is on the
plays away from him. The only time that the wide receiver is wrong is when he is indecisive and
blocks no one.
Appendix
74
X Block:
The defensive secondary may present some situations where it is desirable to change the wide
receivers blocking assignments. For example, if the flanker is getting beat by the strong safety
when he slow blocks on pitch support assignments, a change up could solve the problem. A call
such as X it between the two wide receivers would mean an X Block would be installed. The
cross action between the two receivers appears to be a combo pass pattern to the secondary.
When using the X it block, it is important that the split end take an angle that is flat enough that
the strong safety cannot sprint by to get the ball carrier. The same blocking can be used vs. a
walk-away defender if he is deep enough for the split end to get to him.
Appendix
75
b. The Read
The alignment of the defensive backs will generally tell the tight end who he must
block even before the snap of the ball. However, he cannot determine the angle or
intensity of the defensive backs approach. Therefore, he must key or read the near
back beginning with the first step. The approach route of the defensive back must be
determined before the tight end gets him out of position to successfully cope with it.
Appendix
76
c. The Approach
The downfield path of the tight end should be an ever-changing arc determined by
aiming the nose of the helmet at the outside leg of the defensive back. This presents the
defensive back with the problem of attempting to maintain leverage on the ball while at
the same time coming up to force the play as near the LOS as possible. Ideally, the tight
end is striving to achieve two objectives; (1) To produce the maximum inside running
lane by forcing the defensive back to widen, and (2) To make the block as far downfield
as possible thus producing a soft corner. Throughout the approach, the body should be
under control with the knees bent and he head up. As contact becomes imminent, the
tight end should assume the break down position. This is achieved by a further
dropping of the tail, a slight widening of the base, and a rapid chopping of the feet.
d. The Block
The tight end must now execute one of two basic types of arc blocks. The direction,
angle, and intensity of the defensive backs approach will dictate the choice.
1.
When blocking the normal, cautious type of force, the tight end should work to
achieve a squared up position with the defensive back. We describe this as being
nose-to-nose and shoulder-to shoulder! This position gives the offensive back the
advantage of running either inside or outside the block. To attain this position the
tight end, at the moment of contact, must come up out of his legs driving into the
outside breastplate of the defensive back and whipping his outside arm up past his ear.
This exaggeration of the arm whip will force his hips around into a squared up
position. Once this position has been attained the tight end must stay on his feet and
continue to block! The arc block is not intended to knock the defender off his feet.
This will result in more failures than successes. Instead, the blocker should strive to
tie up the defender until the ball has gone by him. This is best achieved by recoiling
(regaining a good base and the bend of the knees) after each butt. Failure to stay up is
the result either of over-extension or of being pulled off balance laterally. Recoiling
is the solution to both problems because it allows the tight end to maintain a low
center of gravity.
2. There will be times, either by accident or design, when the tight end will be faced
with a very aggressive type of force. If this force is from the outside in, the halfback
will be coming hard and fast attempting to squeeze the ball into the smallest possible
running lanes. In this situation the tight end should no longer be concerned with
depth, but concentrate on gaining width in order to produce the maximum running
lane. The shoulders may now be turned parallel to the sideline as the block will be of
the kick out type. The tight end must block the defensive back on the downfield
shoulder, stay on his feet, and not lose him downfield. Rarely will a defensive back
force aggressively inside of the block. To do so would violate his rule of keeping
outside leverage on the ball. However, if this does occur, the tight end must react
quickly to the inside and seal him off. If necessary as a last resort, the tight end may
leave his feet in an attempt to cut down the defensive back.
Appendix
77
Drive Block
1. Step with the near foot directly at the defender.
2. Use your eyes as an aiming point.
3. Upon making contact, roll the wrists and sink the hips, slide the head to the side.
4. Accelerate and rise up in order to use the chest on the defender.
Scramble Block
1. Step with the near foot, explode out at the near hip of the next down lineman to
the play side.
2. Drive the offside shoulder into the play side thigh of the down defender and get
the head by.
3. Keep a wide base and work on all fours.
4. Do not allow the defender to pursue to play side.
Combo Block
1. Inside blocker uses his normal drive block techniques attempting to handle the
defender himself.
2. Outside blocker takes a short lateral step toward the defender and drives the near
arm and shoulder into the part of the defender that shows. If the inside blocker
can maintain the block alone, the outside blocker then steps up to seal the inside
linebacker.
Double Team
1. Both blockers step with near foot directly at the defender to be double-teamed.
2. Both blockers attack the defender with a drive block anticipating that they will
have to block him alone.
3. Both blockers strive to close the gap between them by swinging their hips toward
each other.
4. Now work as a single unit to move the defender off the LOS.
5. Both blockers must rise up and accelerate as a means of following through.
T
1. Both the guard and tackle step with the near foot directly at the defensive tackle.
2. If the defender slants inside, the guard locks on and hard drives him off the LOS
while the tackle steps up on the linebacker.
3. If the defender comes straight up or outside the tackle, the tackle locks on him and
the guard releases up on the linebacker.
Appendix
78
Fold
1. Inside offensive lineman steps to the defender to his immediate outside and uses
the drive technique.
2. Outside offensive lineman pulls around the inside man cutting off of his butt and
stepping up on the linebacker using a drive technique.
TED
1. Tight end releases inside and seals the inside linebacker.
2. Onside guard pulls and drive blocks the inside hip of the defensive end.
Pass Protection
Drop Back Protection
All offensive linemen utilize a controlled drive technique if covered by a down
lineman. If uncovered, check for blitzing linebacker, then help out the center then the
tackle, in that order.
Sprint Out Protection
Onside linemen: use a controlled drive, hit and recoil, maintain for 4 seconds.
Center and offside linemen: Use the step and hinge technique. Step with the near foot
to the play side gap. If the defender is moving to the play side, jolt him down the LOS.
If the defender is using a run around technique, pivot off the play side foot immediately
bringing the other foot back in a parallel position at a 45 angle to the LOS. Remain on
balance and keep the defender away from the quarterback. If the defender is a linebacker
and doesnt blitz, look backside to help the next man down.
Quick
Onside guard and tackle step to the next defender to play side exploding out at the
crotch of the defender. Stop penetration and force the defenders hands down. Continue
to drive up field on all fours.
Offside Linemen, if covered by down linemen, use a controlled drive block, if
uncovered, step to the play side gap and check for blitz.
Dive back will fill for the onside guard.
Double
Center and onside guard: Double-team the nose guard. Onside tackle: Controlled
drive block. Dive back: Fill for onside guard. Offside linemen: If covered by down
lineman, use a controlled drive block, if uncovered, step to play side gap and check for
blitz, then look to help out the backside.
Bootleg
Offside guard: pull down the line of scrimmage and drive the inside hip of the
defensive end. Onside tackle: controlled drive block. Dive back: fill for pulling guard.
Appendix
79