bbbplaybook1stedition

Copyright © 2005 Jack Gregory 1

The Bull, Bison,

and Bear Offense

Coach Jack Gregory www.gregorydoublewing.com

Copyright 2005, Jack Gregory.


The Bull, Bison,

and Bear Offense

Copyright © 2005, by Jack Gregory

All rights reserved. Except for use in review, the reproduction or utilization

of this work in any form or by any electronic, mechanical or other means,

now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying

and recording, and in any information storage and retrieval system, is

forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

This item is not to be traded or sold by anyone other then the publisher at

anytime. Each copy is watermarked, digitally encoded, and page

marked with the copy owner’s name. Any unauthorized copy of this

document can be traced to the original copy owner.

Disclaimer

This text is intended to provide youth coaches with the overview and

understanding on how to properly run this offense, conduct warm ups,

conduct speed and endurance training for young athletes.

Implementation of any training philosophy, program or idea contained

within this text is done so at the individual’s own risk. Jack Gregory

assumes no liability in the event of injury, accident or death.


Forward and Dedication

After running the Double Wing for nine seasons, I started to dabble in

other formations and sets that would improve my version of the Double

Wing. In doing so I discovered a set of formations that I really enjoyed

and have had a lot of success with as I utilize them more and more. The

truth of the matter is that it was by complete accident and circumstance

that I came about using these sets. This book is a sort of history and a how

to guide on the offense that I have come to call Bull, Bison, & Bear.

This is dedicated to all of the coaches that have helped me throughout

my coaching career, to the many coaches that I call friends and cohorts

that I have gotten to know through the Internet, Double Wing

Symposiums, and on the field of play. Without them I would not be a

football coach and I am truly thankful for their friendship. Coaches like

Russ Bowmen, Mark Donaldson, Clark Wilkins, Malcolm Robinson, Matt

Finlon, Jeff Belliveau, Derek Wade, Kevin Thurman, Darrin Fisher, JJ Lawson,

JB and Dave Potter. These are some of the finest youth and high school

football coaches that I know and I am a far better coach and man for

knowing them. I would also like to give a special thanks to the Fenton

Youth Football Program in Fenton, Michigan as well as a big thanks to

Kenny Mead; one of the finest Youth Football coaches that I know and a

great video producer and good friend to top it off.

I would like to thank JJ Lawson for taking the time to edit and proof read

this very long-winded playbook and manual. He is a fine coach and a

good friend that gives some great feedback and awesome advice.

To my wife Tammy who is always encouraging me in my endeavors I love

her tremendously and could not imagine my life without her.


Table of Contents

Cover – page 1

Copyright – page 2

Forward – page 2

Table of Contents – page 4

Chapter 1 – A Little History – page 5

Chapter 2 – Formations and Positions – page 6

Chapter 3 – Play Calling, Snap Count, and Basic Adjustment Tags – page

11

Chapter 4 – Wedge Blocking – page 16

Chapter 5 – SAB Blocking – page 25

Chapter 6 – Reach Blocking – page 56

Chapter 7 – Pass Protection – page 62

Chapter 8 – Buck Wedge Series – page 66

Chapter 9 – Power Series – page 74

Chapter 10 – T.A.G and JET Series – page 111

Chapter 11 – Developing an Offensive Philosophy and System for Your

Team – page 121

Chapter 12 – Installing the System – page 127

Chapter 13 – Adjustments and Tactics – page 162

Chapter 14 – Teaching the Passing Game – page 180

Chapter 15 – Special Plays and Punting – page 193

Chapter 16 – Athletic Training for Youth Football – page 197


Chapter 1

A Little History

I have been running the Double Wing offense for nine seasons now and I

am a firm believer in its philosophy and its core principles set forth by Don

Markham. I have been extremely successful running the Double Wing

and my respect for it will never diminish as I think it is one of the best series

based power/misdirection offenses I have ever seen or coached.

In 2003 we had a very talented ten to twelve year old team of football

players loaded with Double Wing veterans. We also had some very

talented backs that were in their first year of the system and the first year

of actually being coached technique. One of the sets we added was the

direct snap balanced Beast formation (a variation of the Calande

unbalanced Beast). We had a lot of success with this formation with just a

few simple plays. As the season went on our center’s snap became very

inconsistent (actually it was never consistent to begin with but got worse).

The big problem was we just didn’t spend enough time teaching the

direct snap and it really showed. So we modified the formation into the

Bull and Bear indirect snap formation and thus the Bull, Bison, and Bear

Offense was born. That season we scored over 16 touchdowns off that

single set of formations running the basic Super Power series. I fell in love

with the formation for two reasons. One, it put my main run threat in the

Double Wing (my Motion Back) into an I formation look seven yards deep

and allowed him to attack the hole down field at full speed. Two, due to

the depth of seven yards it gave the backside linemen more time (about

one third of a second) to get to the hole and that is a big impact. Third, it

really allowed us the ability to have the back bounce the play outside by

logging the defensive perimeter as they scraped down into the off tackle

hole. That was a huge impact on our offense. Lastly, the perceived over

load on the strong side (really just an unbalanced back field) allowed us

to force defenses to shift and gave us the ability to counter to the

backside. Our counters out of Bull and Bear were simply a thing of beauty

and wreaked havoc on defenses. With all that being said what I really

liked about the Bull and Bear was it gave me the same potential threat of

misdirection and power on either side but with a non-symmetrical

backfield. It is very deceptive when you look at the ability to attack with

“power” on either side of the formation.

In 2004 I took the fall football season off. Instead of coaching, I consulted

a lot of teams during the season (including my old team). They used the


Bull and Bear exclusively with a very young and inexperienced 10/11

team. To the surprise of everyone they managed to get in the playoffs

after a 9-1 season. That team sold me on the strengths of the Bull and

Bear and I started experimenting with it more and more as a base offense.

There were two things I really liked about these sets. First, younger or

inexperienced double wing teams can greatly benefit from the formations

because they remove the need of motion as the formation itself sets up

the perceived direction of the play. Secondly, the depth of the Tail back

is more forgiving to the basic power series as it allows more wiggle room

for pulling backside linemen, quarter back movement, and other

technical aspects of the double wing that are so important to the over all

success of the offense.

In 2004/2005 I coached a spring select team and I had my first opportunity

to put the “New” Bull and Bear offense to the test with a young, small,

inexperienced competition team. I was amazed how easily we were able

to adapt in the Bull and Bear. I also started to use the inside formation

variation called Bison. With that system we managed to take a team that

should have only won two or three games at most and get in to the

playoffs in our first year in a highly competitive league. My old team the

Grand Prairie Raiders also put two teams in that very same league and

the Junior team made up of 7th and 8th graders used my Bull and Bear

formation and managed to go 9-1 in the regular season and become Co-

Champions of the Junior Division in their first year…pretty impressive. I

managed to learn some very valuable lessons and I hope this manual

gives you some insight into not only how to run this offense but how to

more effectively run power/misdirection offenses of the same make up.


Chapter 2

Formations and Positions

Formations:

Where it came from:

Calande’s Unbalanced Beast Right Balanced Beast Right

Old BEAR Old BULL


The new look Bear and Bull:

The Bull and Bear formations I use now (above) give me the ability to

power to one side and misdirect to the other but don’t be fooled we can

still power to the backside very easily while misdirecting the defense.

BEAR BULL

OVER BEAR UNDER BULL

OVER – tells the

weak side OT

to align on the

strong side

inside of the

PSTE.

UNDER – tells

the strong side

OT to align on

the weak side

inside of the

PSTE.


Line Splits – Zero inches is prefered but often we go out to six inches. We

use a narrow balanced three point stance.

Line Depth – Shoulder is aligned to the hip of the center. This is about half

the legal depth. You can have the head just break the plane of the

center’s hip and it is legal. We do this because we often pull our linemen

and the added depth ensures we can get them down the LOS. I have

also found that using the severe angles that we often end up

trapping interior linemen by having our linemen slightly off the LOS instead

of up tight.

BISON Right

Calling a side in Bison

tells the BB what side to

line up on. This also tells

the WB to line up on the

opposite side

BISON OVER Right


Positions

QB - under center using a slighlty pigeon toed stance.

TB (Tail Back) – seven yards deep directly behind the QB in a balanced

two-point stance.

BB (Blocking Back) – between the PSG’s inside shoulder and PST’s outside

shoulder no deeper then 1 yard (can adjust depth). This flexibility allows

him to adjust for great blocking angles, faking, and carrying the ball. He is

in a three point stance unless this will hinder his speed and then we place

him in a two point stance.

WB (Wing Back) – outside of the PSTE. At depth of QB (with the WB

aligning his heels to the QB’s heels) and tilted at outside hip of PSTE and

within arm’s distance.

Lineman (from TE to TE) – balanced three point stance (modified 3 point).

The guard’s shoulder should align to the top of the hip of the center and

the rest of the lineman should align their shoulders to the guard’s

shoulders and so on.

In the OVER and UNDER call I move the OT to the outside tackle position or

inside of the TE. When I do go OVER and UNDER the BSG is the only

lineman pulling as our BST is already at the point of attack when we go to

the overloaded side. I can also move the TE on a DOUBLE call (double

TE’s on called side) but I have found if I move the OT that I don’t have

reteach backside blocking as the BSTE already knows what to do no

matter the case as his rule does not change. Going OVER/UNDER gives

you one more blocker in the SAB track on playside and is a great way to

add additional power to your play even if you have a Tackle that can not

pull effectivily.


Chapter 3

Play Calling

Snap Count

Our snap count carries over from my double wing system as I feel this is

the best snap count to have if I ever use motion in a set. I also feel it sets

up the defense to fail from the start of the play. This snap count is

designed to make defenses react and to signal our offense what is

coming. All three words are action words that can create reaction from

the defense.

The center is always in charge of our team at the LOS. He sets and when

he sees everyone get to the LOS he calls DOWN to set the offense. At that

point the QB is now in charge of the team and the entire team sets.

GO – READYYYYY – HIT is our base snap count.

• All no motion plays go on the G of GO as a base.

• All motion plays go on the H of HIT; motion begins on R of

READYYYYY.

• We can go on R of READYYYY and second HIT as we become more

experienced.

Play Calling

C

G G T T E E

Q

W

T

B


I have gone away from numbering my offense in the traditional way

instead I keep it very, very simple. My play calling uses only word phrases

that are simple and descriptive. It states the formation, the motion (if

any), the ball carrier, and the play (which will also be the blocking call),

the direction, and finally the snap count. It also includes any adjustment

tags as well.

Numbers tend to confuse some kids and having them try to sort out even

and odd numbers for right and left just adds to the confusion. So we use

words and phrases that paint a clear picture of what we want them to

execute. I firmly believe we have to use a system that our lowest common

denominator can understand at all times. What I mean is at some point

you are going to come across a kid that cannot understand a numbering

system or struggles with his left and right. At the younger levels where left

and right can often be a challenge to kids, adding an odd/even

numbering system often leaves them with a blank stare. So I figure why

make my life impossible when I can just stick to K.I.S.S and be successful

with it. I do this by using a word system that paints a picture or an

impression for each player so that they can understand their role within a

play. I have found that numbers just get in the way of allowing a youth

player to fully grasp (or translate) what you are trying to achieve, as he

has to decipher what you are saying through a system of numbers and

how they work in the system and then recall what he has to do within that

system. Instead I want to draw a mental picture with the play call so there

is absolutely no confusion for these young minds. Each word has a

specific meaning and the words grouped together tell the players what

they have to do so that the team can execute the play. It simply creates

a picture for them through words.

Our primary running back is the tail back or as I explain it to the kids that

HE IS THE TAIL OF THE BULL, BISON, and BEAR. He is our primary ball carrier

and the best running back on our team. If we do not tag a specific back

it is assumed that the TB is getting the ball, as he is the base of our attack.

Otherwise we tag another back to indicate that he is the ball carrier.

When I say tag what I mean is if I just call Bull Power Right then the tail

back is getting the ball but if I call Bull BB Part Right then the blocking

back is getting the ball. So no tag means the tail back is getting the ball

and a tag means that someone else is getting the ball.

When a play is called the first thing that is told to the offense is the

formation. We give each formation a specific name that the kids will

remember and associate with the formation. I try to use a name that

defines what the formation will look like; again a word picture. In the case


of Bull and Bear it is simply a word association since the names are

derived from the BEAST. In Bear the R means RIGHT and Bull the L means

Left and Bison means inside. The kids catch on very quickly and adding

the OVER/UNDER is very easy.

Play calling setup:

Formation (includes side as well if needed)

Primary Runner Tag (if TB no tag added because he is the base)

Blocking scheme and side (this also indicates the play as well as the hole)

Any special adjustment tags

Example (1): BEAR SEAL RIGHT

Tells offense it is BEAR FORMATION (RIGHT SIDE). SEAL blocking right and

the play is going to the tailback to the right side.

Example (2): BEAR BB PART LEFT

Tells offense it is BEAR FORMATION (RIGHT SIDE). PART blocking left and the

play is going to the blocking back to the left side.

This allows us to keep things very simple but is flexible enough to allow us

to change and adapt plays for our kids.

ADJUSTMENT TAGS

KEEP – Tells the QB he is keeping the ball but still executing the exact same

action that the play requires.

EXAMPLE (3): BEAR POWER RIGHT KEEP

I don’t even rep these as separate plays but as an adjustment. I simply

keep reinforcing that I can call KEEP on any play and the QB must

execute as if he is carrying the ball every time.

CP: You must stress to your QB how important it is to keep carrying out

bootlegs and fakes exactly the same and well so that when a KEEP is

called it looks “normal” at first to the defense. This is what is going to make

your KEEP plays huge plays.

CP: I tell our QB’s to look right into the eyes of a perimeter defender and

run at his outside edge. Eye contact forces the defender to “look at him”


and react. This is really key when selling a fake and it forces the defense

to respond. Remember all it takes is one defender to bite down and if

any other defenders see this then there is a chance they will bite off the

initial reaction as well.

BOUNCE – Tells BB on a kick out track to LOG block vice kick out the first

defender to cross his face. Aim for the outside shoulder and seal the

defender inside. This also tells the pulling linemen and/or other blockers to

flow under the BB instead of cutting inside. It also tells the WB to chip off a

head up or outside aligned defender as he goes to his target vice

clearing. If a SUPER call is included the QB kicks out the run force if he is

wide or seals him if inside.

EXAMPLE (4): BEAR SEAL RT BOUNCE

CP: You will need to rep the log block and flow under several times to get

the timing down or it will disrupt the flow of the play if not properly

practiced enough.

CP: Rep that chip block with the WB. Tell him to simply smack the near

shoulder and force the defender to look at him. Often the man he is

chipping is going to be the BB’s target and if that man’s eyes go off the BB

then the log block is much more successful and it gives the BB more time

to get to that outside shoulder and seal him in.

SUPER – Tells the QB to toss the ball and lead into the hole and block

outside inside the first defender to cross his face.

EXAMPLE (5): BEAR SUPER SEAL RT

Tells the QB to spin toss the ball and double kick out with the BB vice

leading into hole and taking next defender outside inside.

SWEEP – Tells the WB to reach the 1st defender on/outside of him and the

kick out to go under and kick out corner back while all pullers pull into

lane. If corner is in tight and crashing the kick out should LOG the corner

and pullers go under him as well.

EXAMPLE (6): BEAR SEAL RT SWEEP

CP: You have to rep the Reach block with the WB and you can do it at

the same time you teach the BB’s log block, as they are essentially the

same thing.


CP: The SWEEP call is designed to attack a defense with one defender on

the outside perimeter. If there are two then simply have the PSTE fold

under the WB reach block and reach/kick out the next outside defender.

WB PASS - This is a simple adjustment call to any running play that has the

WB going into a banana route and the QB bootlegging. This tag tells the

QB to keep the ball bootleg and throw the ball to the WB. This allows us to

have a single passing threat off of a vast majority of our running plays.

EXAMPLE (7): BEAR BB TRAP LEFT WB PASS

WB REVERESE – This is a simple call that tells the WB to run outside of the QB

and take an outside handoff and run a reverse. WB drop steps.

LEAD – This tells the BB to jab step to the opposite side and then lead into

the hole.

EXAMPLE (8): BEAR LEAD CB KICK LEFT

BLAST – Tells the BB and WB to lead into the hole. BB jab steps and hits

hole. WB makes a quick drop step and leads into hole.

EXAMPLE(9): BEAR BLAST PART RIGHT

DOUBLE – Tells the QB to double team with the kick out blocker. Good

when facing a tough defender that is the kick out target. An adjustment

for the SUPER.

EXAMPLE (10): BEAR DOUBLE SEAL RIGHT

WHAM – Tells the WB to lead into the hole as the BB does in LEAD. He

makes a quick drop step and hits hole fast.

EXAMPLE(11): BEAR WHAM PART RIGHT

There are additional tags that directly relate to a specific blocking

scheme or series of plays and they will be discussed in further chapters.


Chapter 4

Blocking & Wedge Blocking

“Successful offenses start with successful blocking.”

“Focus on Intensity, Execution, Technique.”

That sums up my core belief of offensive football. It all starts with the ability

to block well and do it aggressively no matter what you face. You look at

any successful offense that performs game in and game out throughout

an entire season it is because they could block any defense they faced

and they did it with Intensity, technique, and execution. You have to instill

a belief in your team that blocking is all-important and it the base of a

good offense. Without it you are not going to beat more talented teams.

I believe that our blocking schemes must be able to do the below things

and do them well if we are going to succeed. This is especially so against

bigger and more talented teams:

Offensive Line Priorities:

•Protect the inside gap.

•Negate leakage across the entire front.

•Give smaller or less talented lineman a technical and physical

advantage.

•Attack the POA with more blockers than they have defenders.

•Instill intensity and desire to excel in our blockers.

•Keep it simple and allow for aggressive play.

I use two basic schemes of blocking when I teach my teams blocking.

One is the Wedge scheme and the other is a Severe Angle Blocking (SAB)

scheme and I believe they compliment each other very well. Wedge is

an interior blocking scheme (A and B gaps) and SAB is an inside perimeter

blocking scheme that opens the off tackle gaps (B to C gaps). I am an off

tackle running coach and the above schemes give me the ability to run

inside and off tackle. I am not a big fan of drive blocking and honestly

consider it a waste of time to teach but I realize it is important for kids to

be able to drive block (one-one head up). The problem with basic drive

blocking is that unless the blocker is bigger, faster, stronger and/or more

technically sound then most blocks will be stalemates or losses. A

stalemate at the line is a win for the defense in my opinion and I want my

line to push defenders away from the point of attack not simply stop them


at the line of scrimmage (LOS). I think that Wedge and SAB provide me

that ability and then some.

If I come to a point that I think I need additional schemes that

compliment SAB and Wedge then I will teach a Reach scheme and/or a

BOB scheme (BIG ON BIG/BACK ON BACK). Once you have established

that you’re an angle blocking and wedge blocking team those additional

schemes can catch defenses off guard.

Wedge Blocking

At the younger age levels (age 5 to 8) this can be the single most

effective and devastating scheme against a defense. At the older levels

the defenses can start defending it if it is a stand-alone scheme but as a

complimentary scheme with SAB it forms a very sound and effective

blocking scheme combination.

Why Teach Wedge Blocking:

•The Wedge is a very simple blocking scheme that can be built into a

highly successful series of plays.

•It builds offensive line unity.

•It sets up other plays in the series. When the defense sells out on the

wedge it opens up other plays.

•Lineman become interchangeable.

•It can be a power or deception play. It is surprisingly deceptive.

•It can be used with smaller or weaker players.

•It is demoralizing to the other team.

•It is always an offensive line favorite.

•Weaker backs can run in the wedge. The backs become

interchangeable, as the key component is the line.

Key Points of the Line Running Wedge:

•Center must fire out on a NT and drive up field.

•If there is no man over the center he aims for the end zone straight up

the field. He fires out and then takes a half step and lets the rest of the line

form and drive him up the field. (We don’t shift our wedge from odd to

even fronts – Center/PSG).

•The Guards out to the Tight Ends must step inside (slide inside) laterally

and get their inside shoulder into the near rib cage and their outside hand

on the near shoulder pad while the inside hand presses on the lower

back. It might take the tackle and ends two steps to get fit. They attempt


at all costs to not make contact with any defender as they move down

inside.

•As soon as they fit they move up field. It should be one instant

movement. Slide and move up field in two to three steps as a body.

•If the wedge slows or breaks apart all the blockers must target a

defender and block that defender; like an upward burst of blockers with

the runner breaking through the explosion for the open field.

CP: The main reason for keeping the Center the main point of attack is if

you have the Center and both guards become the apex of the wedge

then you are essentially teaching three types of wedges and the center

and guards must be able to identify an ODD/EVEN front and then identify

who will be the apex of the wedge. Also if you do this you have to be

aware that the backside now must travel more distance. To me it is

simpler to teach a CENTER APEX WEDGE and rep it till the line is very good

at it.

WHAT CAN STOP THE WEDGE

• Wedge is not forming fast enough or moving to slow allowing the

perimeter defenders to bring down the runner from behind.

• Center (point of the wedge) is not firing off causing the wedge to

falter and not form. (This is a key problem and must be recognized

quickly).

• Wedge is being submarined or cut by a NT or A gap defenders.

• Wedge must maintain high knees and run over, stomp, punish the

defense for doing this. You must be patient and diligent and let the

wedge wear out the interior defenders. Normally if they are doing

this that means that is all they can do to stop it.

• Penetration is occurring on the wedge and defenders are getting to

the ball carrier. The wedge blockers must slide and fit into the

wedge quickly. Inside shoulder into ribs, inside hand on center of

lower back, outside hand to back of inside shoulder. The key is the

shoulder into the ribs. They must get that fit the rest ensures the seal

will be better. The TE to OT mesh is very important and often the

area you will have problems with. Make sure the TE is meshing

quickly as he slides down. The OT to OG is the next spot and the OT

must step and mesh quickly as well.


SUBMARINING OR FROGGING DEFENDERS

• Submarining defenders are a real problem but the key is to keep

attacking with the wedge. A defender throwing himself at the feet

of the wedge is in big trouble. He is going to get ran over and by a

lot of players.

• Normally a frogging defender will do this once or twice and

normally he will stop the wedge for zero to two yards of gain but it

doesn’t take long for that defender to realize that he is going to get

stomped on and ran over if he keeps doing it. So eventually he

doesn’t do it anymore as the wedge running him over conditions

him; the key is to stay with the wedge as this will wear out the

interior line as they throw themselves at the wedge in an attempt to

stop it.

• If you stay with it by the end of the game the wedge has a wearing

down effect and this will benefit your base package. SAB schemes

become easier to run as the defense attempts to stop the wedge

and opens them to be easily angle blocked.

• The blockers must keep their KNEES up and legs PUMPING when this

occurs. Run the defenders over and condition them to not hit the

ground in front of the wedge.

CP: Submarining – a defender that tries to attack a blocker’s legs and trip

or collapse him and there by collapses the wedge.

CP: Frogging – a defender that tries to go through the defender’s legs

(looks like a frog as he leaps on all fours).

CP: Bearcrawling – another tactic where a defender tries to crawl through

a gap (normally the A and/or B gap). These are all handled the same way

above.

PENETRATION

• You have to stress that the guards mesh with the center correctly

and drive the center forward. “Slide inside and drive!” The initial

center-guard mesh is all-important to the success of the wedge.

• The Tackle to Guard mesh can cause problems if the tackles get

lazy, are slow, or not executing the footwork correctly. They have a

longer step then the guards do so you have to really stress taking

that slide step inside.

• The Tight End to Tackle mesh is were the majority of your

penetration problems are going to occur. This is because the slide

that the tight end must take is long and he must be quick and


maintain the mesh. He must slide and drive. That is why you must

have a good athlete at tight end so that he can get in the wedge.

TROUBLE SHOOTING THE WEDGE

• You must stress the little things for the wedge to be effective.

• Every blocker except the point (Center) must work to not engage

any defender but instead engage the next man inside and seal the

wedge while going up field.

• They must lock their inside shoulder to the outside ribcage to stop

penetration as they form and move up field. They must stay

connected.

• If the wedge stops it is dead. It must move forward and when it

slows or breaks up it must explode up field in a burst.

• The runner must stay small in the wedge and explode up field if

daylight shows.

KEY POINTS TO RUNNING THE WEDGE

• The Center is key to the success of your wedge play. If your wedge

is breaking down fast look at your center because more than likely

he is not charging forward and engaging the NT but standing up

and he has to fire out and get going forward to allow the wedge to

form as it moves forward otherwise it will just turn into a log jam.

• Also if the center is not slide stepping and allowing the rest of the

line to push him on an even front then he will cause the wedge to

break apart before it forms. I always try to place a kid at center

that can do both well and has some smarts and will fire vice a big

kid. The better your center the better your wedge will be.

• The Wedge Fit is very important to the success of the wedge as well.

It allows the unit of blockers to move as one and allow no

penetration. The fit is achieved by having the exterior lineman

(those outside of the center or pivot man) slide inside (not forward)

and fit their inside shoulder into the inside man’s ribcage as they get

their inside arm up and their hand pressing on the lower back. This

locks the players in as they work up field they must work to get their

outside hand onto the inside blocker’s shoulder pad (on the near

back).The wedge is a very effective play but you have to stress the

little things for it to work. The blockers must slide inside and behind

the center and lock shoulders quickly as they drive forward. They

must get that inside hand on the lower back and press (Mesh). The

fewer defenders they engage as they move inside and forward the

better off the wedge is of working.


• They must lock there inside shoulder to the outside rib cage of the

center and allow no penetration to occur. The wedge must always

be moving forward. Once it stops the play is dead in the water.

• If the runner feels the wedge slowing he has to find a crack of

daylight and get in it and burst up field. While in the wedge the

runner must drive into the back of the center and stay small behind

him. This reduces the chance of him being seen by the defense and

enhances play actions and misdirection of the wedge action.

• The footwork is essential for the wedge. The blockers must take a

slide step and engage their shoulder into the ribs of the next inside

blocker quickly. They have to keep sliding and moving forward until

the wedge fully forms. Once it forms they must get their knees high

and stay low so that Frogging/Submarining defenders get ran over

and that defenders trying to slow the wedge by barreling into it are

lifted up and back as the wedge drives forward. As you can see I

am a stickler for details but you have to be when coaching and

especially if you expect the wedge to be effective.

• As you can see I am a stickler for details but you have to be when

coaching and especially if you expect the wedge to be effective.

BALL CARRIER

• Running the wedge takes a bit of time getting used to it as it is an

art of sorts. It is NOT a dive play; it requires power, patience and

acceleration. We start with the Back getting the snap running right

to the back of the center and actually pushing on his back with the

ball side shoulder with a pretty good shoulder lean. He must STAY IN

THE WEDGE until it breaks up. That means not going around either

end or looking for an off tackle bubble. Stay in the wedge and

keep your legs pumping, knees high, and moving forward, until it

breaks up, then sprint to daylight. Stay inside; don’t run parallel, it

either breaks right up the gut or at a very slight angle. Often the

daylight does not appear until 10-15 yards downfield, stay in the

wedge until you see the daylight, stay patient until then, just staying

low and pushing forward. When feeling pressure, both hands over

ball.

• We stress to our ball carriers, if they do not stay in the wedge, they

don’t carry the ball. Natural inclination is to break it outside or look

for the hole. In the wedge there is no hole it opens up downfield.


WEDGE BLOCKING PROGRESSION

I use a drill progression to teach my linemen how to block wedge. It is a

very simple progression that teaches them first how the wedge looks and

works and then how to get in and move it.

Base

• Line Forms Wedge on LOS facing a NT. Shows them how the wedge

looks and moves. Work for 5 then 10 yards.

• Formed Wedge Eyes Wide Shut on LOS facing NT. Center’s eyes are

opened. Teaches them to stay together by feel. Work for 10 yards.

• From LOS in seven man balanced line and then later from

OVER/UNDER – Get into the wedge and freeze. Work on first step,

second step, and then getting into a tight mesh.

• From LOS – Full speed on NT. Work for 10 yards and then as far as it

will go.

• From LOS – Full speed on NT Eye Wide Shut. Work for 5 yards. If they

can go live from a formation and do this drill then you have an

awesome wedge unit.

WEDGE BASE BLOCKING DRILL

5 to 10 yards


KNEES AND FEET UP

• Two blocking bags lined up horizontally on LOS with top at the

guards outside hip and the extending towards tight ends.

• Stress getting the Legs and Knees up for entire group; to include

runner when running full offense.

• The bags should roll out of the way as the line collapses inside to

wedge if everyone is getting their feet and knees up. Work for 10

yards.

• Don’t let them jump over it. The TE and OT’s will try this so be

watching for it.

WEDGE KNEES UP DRILL


Explode Drill

• From LOS (5/7) – Full speed on NT. Again work for 5 to 10 yards and

as the BB feels the wedge slow or he sees a seam/crack of daylight

he yells “EXPLODE”. Set up by setting up the line and 15 yards out

there are three to five defenders with shields. On “GO” the wedge

forms and moves down field. The BB stays in the wedge until it

slows are shows a crack.

• The runner must explode up field into daylight (straight up field).

The concept here is to drive the wedge into the defense and past

the line backer level and as it does have the line explode and

engage any defender down field as the runner explodes up field to

the end zone.

• This makes the Wedge a home run play!

EXPLODE DRILL

5 to 10 Yards

15 Yards


ADJUSTMENTS

Cut Wedge

• If your mesh between your OG-OT and TE-OT are being penetrated

due to a hard rush and you don’t have the ability to trap you can

use the Cut Wedge.

• Simply have the TE’s and OT’s shoeshine to cutoff the defenders as

the G-C-G forms the wedge and back gets in behind the center.

Wedge with Five

• You can easily wedge with only the five interior lineman and send

the TE’s on passing routes, fake-blocking routes, or to block

secondary players.

OVER/UNDER

• When calling over/under the unbalanced side Guard becomes the

APEX of the wedge. This keeps the wedge balanced on each side.


Chapter 5

Severe Angle Blocking

(S.A.B)

HISTORY BEHIND THE SCHEME

The start of S.A.B was SLAM Blocking

Woody Hayes and Earle Bruce developed a concept of blocking called

SLAM blocking while at Ohio State from 1951 to 1970 that won Ohio State

four national championships during this time span. Ohio State was known

for their ball control power running offense and the SLAM scheme was a

big part of it.

It was a simple system of having the play side collapse down into the

gaps. It essentially created a wall of blockers at an angle.

“With patient encouragement and steady work, the blockers will develop

a tight bonding as they create their own version of a legal flying wedge.

Properly executed, this technique will handle virtually every alignment,

stunt, or blitz. Assignment simplicity and camaraderie of teamwork make

the SLAM a lineman’s dream.”

(Coach Earle Bruce, Head Coach Ohio State and assistant coach under

Woody Hayes.)

TRACK blocking

Track blocking became popular in the mid Nineties with College and

Professional teams that needed a complimentary scheme that they could

use with their zone schemes. The zone is a passive aggressive blocking

scheme that allows blockers to engage defenders and then take them to

where they want to go with reaches, combo, double team, and chip

block combinations and the use of landmarks that allow for inside or

outside pressure. Because zones are based on defender’s movement

more often then not defense would play a read or two gap technique

and squat on the line of scrimmage. So track blocking become popular

as it was a more aggressive scheme that countered this defensive

adjustment and moved the defenders out of the way.


CP: To find out more about SLAM blocking you can read Don Schanke’s

book SIMPLE SIX.

Don’s comment on the SLAM – “Slam satisfies all the criteria for a base

play. The unique feature is the highly physical collapse blocking scheme in

which blockers in unison and shoulder-to-shoulder down block the gaps to

their inside.”

CP: To find out more about TRACK blocking you can go to AFCA’s

website and look up articles on blocking. VMI and Wisconsin University

both mention Track Blocking in articles their staff’s have written.

Barry Alvarez (Head Coach of WU) stated “The objective behind this

method of blocking are to attack the defense with gap-blocked play,

sometimes with misdirection. We force the defense to defeat gap blocks

as opposed to zone blocks, thus creating more defined running lanes for

the running back…These plays blocked on tracks are toughness plays,

which create basic looks at a run for the tailback.”

In 2002 John Carbon came up with a unique concept he called Severe

Angle Blocking (S.A.B). It was based off the premise of TRACK and SLAM

blocking. He used SAB with his Wing-T team in Panama. After speaking

with John for several months about the concept I decided to install SAB

into our system. I have adapted it somewhat from John’s initial scheme

into something that I think is very effective.

WHAT IS SEVERE ANGLE BLOCKING

• It is an aggressive angle-blocking scheme.

• It is designed to collapse the defense with blockers in unison and to deny

the defense any gap to penetrate into on the LOS.

• If properly executed it is capable of handling any alignment, stunt, or blitz.

• It along with the Wedge scheme develops lineman teamwork and

camaraderie in our offense.

• It creates more defined running lanes and holes for the running back to

attack.

• We focus on Angle Blocks first and getting of the LOS then if we need to

we adjust to various combo blocks.

• •

HOW IT WORKS


• Angle blocking scheme at a 30-degree angle on play side either

inward or outward.

• Shoeshine, Slide, or scoop blocks the backside to seal off backside

leakage.

• Blocks an imaginary 30-degree track to the boundary.

• Exploding off the LOS is KEY!

• Sound engagement technique and good footwork.

• Is used with or without pulling and trapping.

ADVANTAGES OF SAB

• Easy to understand

• Simple to teach

• Simple to implement

• Simple to execute

• Simple to adjust

• Allows your blockers to be aggressive

• Gives your lineman a force advantage

• Builds unity in the offensive line

KEY ADVANTAGE POINTS

• Puts defenders on the LOS and inside in an already blocked position

due to blocking angles.

• Allows a blocker to leverage a defender’s center of gravity making

him lighter and the blocker heavier due to blocking angles.

• Allows blockers to be more aggressive as it requires less thinking

(cycling through rules).


SAB ANGLE OF ATTACK

CP: Have your lineman point at 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock and that is a

good representation of your 30-degree angles.

HOW IT WORKS

• The use of a 30-degree down block vice a 45 degree down block is

also key in defending the gaps.

• The angle allows the line to close their gaps down quickly. In two

steps they can close down a 2 to 2.5 foot line split as they attack

the defense.

• It allows the line to close down or wall off the defensive front from

getting to the runner.

• It does not lock your blockers on particular defenders but an

imaginary track.

• It allows your blockers to wall off defenders aggressively.

• It picks up blitzes at the LOS and walls them off and away from the

hole.

• It picks up line stunts in the same manner.

• It forces linebackers to over react making them susceptible to

misdirection. (Scraping high and fast to avoid wall off)

• It allows your backside-pulling lineman to pull flat on the LOS.

0 3 9

45

30


WHAT WE FOCUS ON

Blocking Basics:

1) Good stance

2) Get off the ball

3) Maintain a wide base

4) Maintain a solid blocking surface

5) Keep your feet moving at all times with short powerful steps

6) Stay lower then the defender your blocking

Simple Rules:

1) Explode off the ball!

2) Block track not a man!

3) Block at a 30-degree angle!

4) All lineman play side blocks SAB.

5) All lineman backside slide block or shoeshine.

FUNDAMENTALS OF S.A.B

The keys to SAB are sound fundamentals

• Stance – narrow balanced two-point stance.

• Footwork – blast off step, explode step, elevate step, and finish off

step(s).

• Hat, Shoulder, Hand Placement. (Blocking surface!)

• Explode off the LOS! (First two steps!)

• Stay low! (Leverage!)

STANCE

• A good solid stance is key. We use a balanced two-point stance

with the dominant hand being able to barely touch the ground.

The head is up, the butt is down, the knees are bent and the legs

are relaxed ready to explode. The key is a flat back and head is

up. Initially the stance will not be comfortable but the more you

have them get into the stance and work from it the more

comfortable they will get and the more explosive they will become.

The hips and feet are inline vertically and the back is flat and

parallel to the ground and the heels are on the ground. The feet are


slightly inside the shoulders so the stance is a little narrower then

shoulder width.

• We use this stance because it allows slower lineman to move

laterally and forward much quicker and allows our lineman to see

out in front of them. It also provides more power because the entire

foot is on the ground providing more Ground Force Reaction (GFR)

as they take those short power steps.

B.E.E.F FOOTWORK

•B – Blast Off Step

•E – Explode Step

•E – Elevate Step

•F – Finish Off Step

•(This is a system that Coach Tim Murphy (Head Coach of

Clovis East, CA) uses to teach his lineman. I have incorporated

it into my SAB scheme and is differs only in that respect.)

B - We call the first step the BLAST OFF STEP as they have to get that foot

up and down fast (literally stomp the ground) into their track with a fast

short step while staying low (head up, chest on knee). The back should

not rise up at all on this step. The step should be no longer then 6 inches.

It should be the foot near the track. You must load your arms on this step

quickly.

Aiming Points:

Attacker (Penetrater) - Facemask aims for the soft part of the far shoulder.

First step aims for the far toe.

Reader – Facemask aims for the soft part of the near shoulder. First step

aims for the far heel.

If there is no one on the LOS as you blast off into the track you simply

apply this simple rule. If you are off the LOS anything else is a

reader/pursuer.

Footwork:

The foot should land flat, meaning all seven cleats hit the ground while

taking these steps. Literally stomping the ground as the blocker moves

down the track.

E - The next step we call the EXPLODE STEP, as that is the back foot taking

a short power step down the track. Staying low, the back should not rise,

and unload the arms (hands) into the body of the defender (chest plate


and ribs). It is important to get this second step down as fast as possible as

this is the step that first contact is made. The arms should unload has the

foot makes contact. (Creates an additional force production via Ground

Force Reaction – SYNERGY).

KEY POINT: The arms should unload hard into the body so that the

defender is literally being punched in the chest and ribs with the outer

portion of the heels of the hands.

KEY POINT: The facemask does not make contact with the body. The

facemask is a reference so that the eyes have a landmark so that the

body will follow.

E - The next step is the ELEVATE STEP and the near foot again takes a short

power step into the track that is fast and short (get it down quick).

Maintaining a wide base is key as you step and elevate. As you step you

immediately elevate from the ground up unloading from the feet, ankles,

knees, hips, shoulders, arms, and hands. You should stay under the

defender as you elevate him. Literally elevating through him driving your

hands inward and upward as you drive him down the track.

F - The final step(s) is the FINISH OFF STEP and it begins with the back foot

taking a short, fast, and power step. It should land where the defender

was on the ENGAGEMENT STEP. Each step after this step is a finish off step

and continues until the echo of the whistle to stop the play.

CP: If the defender is driven back and off his base then the blocker should

immediately speed up (get on the balls of his feet) and pancake the

defender. The steps should be fast (and short) and as you go to the balls

of the feet (vice flat) the stride length will increase so keep a wide base.

AIMING POINTS

I like to use aiming points as eye contact references. I want my blockers

looking at a specific place on a defender has he is about to block him so

that his body naturally follows his eyes. This ensures that he is correctly

engaging the defender and maximizing body surface contact.

•ATTACKER/PENETRATER

Face Mask aims into the soft part of the shoulder on the far side.

Blast Off Foot (near) aims for the far toes.

• READER

Face Mask aims into the soft part of the near shoulder.


Blast Off Foot aims (near) for the far heel.

CP: An Attacker is any defender attempting to charge across the LOS.

Normally these defensive linemen playing gap, slanting, stunting hard, or

a one-gap technique are attackers. A blitzing backer is an attack if he is

attempting to cross the LOS.

CP: A Reader is any defender that is not attempting to cross the LOS or is

scrapping down the LOS. Linebackers in pursuit and reading defensive

tackles are good examples of this. A DE that squats or squeezes down the

LOS and reads is another good example.

Lineman need to have visual targets that they can look at as they move

towards a target this make it much easier for them make contact and

effectively engage a defender.

BLOCKING SURFACE

•The big key is blocking surface and we want to maximize the area

provided to us by the angle block. We want our blocker’s shoulder, body,

and hands on the defender and driving him down the track.

•Never lean into a defender (always attempt to drive your hips into the

defender to make sure your Center of Gravity is under the defender’s);

keep your center of gravity low and stay under the defender as you drive

him upward. Drive your hips into him so that your body stays under his.

The feet are constantly moving towards the defender. This leads me to the

next part of the equation.

(Head and Hand Contact)

The lineman load (cock) their arms past the hips with slightly bent elbows

and thumbs up (it doesn’t need to be perfect). As they elevate and the

face mask moves towards the soft part of the shoulder they strike into the

chest plate and/or ribcage with the palms and drives upward and

forward maintaining contact and force throughout the block. The

facemask should not actually make contact. It is a reference but

incidental contact does occur.

You don’t re-cock and strike again instead you keep driving into the

defender with the palms as you lock into the defender and keep taking

short power steps. The reason for this is two fold; one you want to get the

defender on his toes and moving down the track fast and secondly you

want to have a large platform or blocking surface (palm of hands, head,


and shoulder) that controls the defenders movements as he tries to break

away. The arms and hands should be driving upwards attempting to

drive the shoulders off the defender. The initial contact is actually made

with the hand, forearms, and shoulder and as lift is created the hand

extend upward trying to drive the defender off his feet (and base).

Never ever let your hands, shoulders, or body disengage the defender.

Always work to maintain your initial placement as you drive upward into

the defender and drive him down the track. If he starts to go back speed

up get on the balls of your feet and sprint through him and pancake him!!!

EXPLODE OFF THE LOS!!!

Last but not least the linemen must learn to EXPLODE off the LOS and into

their track and engage and clear out the first defender they cross. They

must realize that they have to be the first to move and the last to stop

moving on every play.

As they engage the defender they must learn to take short power steps

and speed up as the defender loses ground so that the advantage they

have is fully utilized and the defender is driven down the track and out of

the play or better pan caked.

BASIC ADJUSTMENTS FOR SAB

• Increasing and decreasing the line splits alters the angles of attack

on the defense. We use 0 to 6 inch splits but we can adjust out to 1

foot if needed. Coach John Carbon uses SAB with the Wing-T using

2-2-3 splits.

• Moving your play side blockers up to the LOS or back off the LOS

also adjusts the angle of attack.

• I prefer not to use either method above and our starting splits are

normally six inches vice the traditional zero of most DW teams as the

additional width helps SAB. But it is another tool in the toolbox if I

need it.


MOVING YOUR BLOCKERS

Normal Path

Normal path allows PSG to get an incidental double team with Center.

Moving Your Blockers Up

Allows play side to get into second level better especially the PSG. Good

if you have a PSILB scrapping hard to play.

MOVING THEM BACK


This allows you to concentrate your blockers more on the interior line and

to create incidental triple teams. Good if your facing overloads and

superior defenders in the interior.

WIDEN THE SPLITS

By increasing the splits to a foot this allows the play side blockers that

reach the second level to seal off backside pursuit.

INDIVIDUAL LINEMAN ADJUSTMENTS

When facing superior interior defensive lineman we have a variety of ways

of adjusting our scheme to block him. Be aware you will face lineman

that have to be blocked by more then one blocker or a different

technique; even with the force advantage the angle block gives you.

The scheme does not account for athletic ability, instinct, or

aggressiveness and often these things have to be accounted for by either

using an extra blocker or adjusting our blocking technique.

SHOULDER HIM

• Shoulder Block

If a defender is presenting a problem either due to poor explosion by the

lineman or the defender simply has a solid escape technique, or more

upper body strength, then we will attempt to simply shoulder block him at

the hip. This simplifies the EXPLODE STEP and ELEVATE STEP. When we

communicate this to our line we simply say, “Shoulder him”.

B.E.E.F STEPS

• Blast Off Step – Same as SAB B.E.E.F

• Explode Step - The back foot taking a short power step down the

track. Staying low, the back should not rise, and attack the near

hip with the far shoulder driving it into the defender’s hip. As your


shoulder makes contact do not unload the arms (hands) into the

body of the defender. It is important to get this second step down

as fast as possible as this is the step that first contact is made. The

far shoulder should drive into the near hip has the foot makes

contact. (Creates an additional force production via Ground Force

Reaction – SYNERGY).

KEY POINT: Do not use the arms! Keep the arms loaded.

• Elevate Step – On the next step the near foot again takes a short

power step into the track that is fast and short (get it down quick).

Maintaining a wide base is key as you step and elevate. As you

step you immediately elevate from the ground up unloading from

the feet, ankles, knees, hips into the shoulder driving into the near

hip. You should stay under the defender as you elevate him. Literally

elevating through him driving your far shoulder inward and upward

as you drive him down the track.

• Finish Off Step – Same rules apply for SAB B.E.E.F. Apply from

Aiming Points:

•Attacker (Penetrater) - Facemask aims for far hip pad. First step aims for

the far toe.

•Reader – Facemask aims for the far hip pad. First step aims for the far

heel.

CUT HIM

Cut Block –

• If a defender is again presenting a problem for any reason and the

shoulder block is not working we tell the lineman to simply “Cut

Him”.

• If applied correctly this is a very safe and effective block.

• The blocker must attack aggressively and quickly for this block to

succeed.

• He must keep body surface contact on the near hip of the

defender.


B.E.E.F STEPS

• Blast Off Step – Same as SAB B.E.E.F

• Explode Step - The back foot taking a short power step down the

track. Staying low, the back should not rise, and attack the near

sheen with the far shoulder driving the shoulder in front of the sheen

and not actually at it. As the second step goes down the arms

should explode outward so that they are in front of the body. As

the defender’s sheen makes contact with the shoulder/arm it is

important to keep contact with the defender’s body. It is important

to get this second step down as fast as possible as this is the step

that first contact is made. The far shoulder should make contact

with the defender’s leg as he runs into the blocker.

–KEY POINT: Do not use the arms! Keep the arms loaded.

–KEY PONT: This only works on a Penetrater at the line.

•Elevate Step – On the next step the near foot again takes a short power

step into the track that is fast and short (get it down quick). The blocker

must elevate his body down the LOS (not upward) as if to lay out on the

LOS. This creates a wall that they defender must go over, around, or stop.

Normally as the defender attempts to penetrate he hits the blockers body

at the sheen level and flops over him.

•Finish Off Step – At this point the blocker will be on all fours as he

elevated down the LOS. He must keep on all fours and keep moving up

field and inward driving the defender away from the LOS. This is similar to

a crab block.

Aiming Points:

• Attacker (Penetrater) - Facemask aims to in front of kneepad. First

step aims for the far toe.

• Not used against a Reader.

POST TRACK ADJUSTMENT

SAB DOUBLE TEAMS

• Coach Barry Alvarez and Coach John Carbon use this

adjustment.

• A blocker who has a head up defender or an inside eye

defender can post the defender and then get in his track


to negate a tough charging or slanting defender so that

the next outside blocker can wall him off.

• He must not have a defender in the gap or man over to

his inside.

• If that blocker calls “HELP” he calls “GOTCHA” to indicate

he can POST and TRACK. If not he stays silent.

POST TRACK FOOT WORK

POST MAN

•Blast Off Step – He has to get that foot up and down fast (literally stomp

the ground) into their track with a fast short step (foot near track) while

staying low (head up, chest on knee). The back should not raise up at all

on this step. The step should be no longer then 6 inches. Foot near the

track. You must load your arms on this step quickly. Instead of going at an

angle the step is towards the head up defender.

•Explode Step - The back foot takes a short power step towards the

defender. Staying low, the back should not rise, and unload the arms

(hands) into the body of the defender (chest plate and ribs). It is

important to get this second step down as fast as possible as this is the

step that first contact is made. The arms should unload has the foot

makes contact. (Creates a additional force production via Ground Force

Reaction – SYNERGY). At this point the track blocker should have made

contact as well.

•Elevate Step – This is the key step in the POST TRACK block as this when

you must stand up this defender so that the track blocker can get the

defender moving down the track. This step is the near foot taking a short

Tough 2

tech


power step into the head up defender that is fast and short (get it down

quick). Maintaining a wide base is key as you step and elevate. As you

step you immediately elevate from the ground up unloading from the

feet, ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, arms, and hands. You should stay

under the defender as you elevate him. Literally elevating through him

driving your hands inward and upward as you drive him down the track.

As that happens the track blocker should be elevating as well causing the

defender to be driven back and down the track at the same time.

•Finish Off Step – as the track blocker fully engages the defender and

moves him down the track your next step is the far foot taking a fast short

power step aiming down your new track line and resetting as you come

off your block. You should drive your hands off by punching out (literally

shoving off the defender) and moving down your track as you get low

and block the first defender that crosses your face.

Combination Blocking

If a defender presents a problem that Post & Track can not solve then the

lineman can call “COMBO” (or any word with the letter C) to ask for a

combo block. The call to lineman will check to see if he has an

immediate threat and if not he will call out “GOTCHA”. If not no call will

come and the lineman making the call knows he has it on his own.

The combo blocks the post man must drive the defender up and back as

the lineman making the angle blocks joins hips and forms a solid surface

between the two blockers and drives that defender down the line and

away from the whole. The block will actually push the defender up field

and at slight angle vice the hard angle.

“TANK” ADJUSTMENT

•Tank is used on any scheme when the BSG and BST pull. It tells the BSG to

mirror the play blocks while the BST takes the BSG’s job and the BSTE takes

the BST’s job. This is a good way of handling backside leakage or a tough

interior defender and still get the full power of our backside pulling line.

•Example: Bear Super Seal Right Tank

FINAL THOUGHTS ON LINEMAN ADJUSTMENTS

• The Shoulder and Cut are adjustment blocks that I like to teach my

individual lineman to use with SAB. These have been very effective

for us in dealing with one on one-match ups over a course of a

game.


• The Post Track is our way of getting double teams on a tough

defender on play side. It is not a traditional double team but a

quick double team that allows the angle blocker to “more of an

advantage” on the defender.

• Being able to change up a block at one time or another in a game

can often allow us to get in the head of a defender as the game

goes on. During the course of a game that defensive lineman is

going to be SAB blocked from the inside, outside, trapped, cut,

shoulder blocked, and wedged. That is a lot for a defender to take

in during the course of a game.

S.A.B Blocking Schemes

Standard Schemes Adjustment Schemes

SEAL Short Seal

KICK Long Seal

TRAP Long Kick

G Short Trap

SIDE

PART

T.A.G

Our most basic blocking scheme is the SEAL scheme (called the power

scheme in my old playbooks).

SEAL Scheme


SEAL – simply tells the BSG and BST that they seal blocking inside outside.

Playside from PSTE to Center block SAB IN. You have to have one back

that provides a KICKOUT (or LOG) block (our BB) and you need to have

one other back to seal the first linebacker playside (our WB).

With the addition of SUPER you can have the QB lead into the hole and

block outside inside as well.

Adjustments to SEAL

SHORT SEAL

This adjustment allows us to attack a problematic inside linebacker on the

playside that is over shooting the SAB tracks.

SHORT = one less gap; first man near the hole release up field and seals

vice SAB block.

CP: If you plan on using the PSTE as a inside seal block then you need to

make sure you stress to the back making the kick out block that he must

take a step right at the PSG’s inside heel and then travel down the LOS

and block the first defender to cross his face. This ensures that he takes the

first inside threat and not bypass the most dangerous man. This can occur

on a short call with the PSTE releases off the LOS and does not block a

defender inside him on his usual SAB path. SHORT also tells everyone the

GAP is one less or shorter so they need to be ready to get up field to

daylight faster. Handles a tough PSLB or ILB can have the PSTE and PSWB

double a tough LB.

CP: This handles a tough PSLB or ISLB. We can either double a tough PSLB

or seal a PSLB with the WB and seal a ISLB with the PSTE (if he is scrapping

over the SAB).


LONG SEAL

This adjustment adds one more blocker on the SAB Tracks by adding the

WINGBACK on the LOS (Shifts on the DOWN call by the CENTER). You can

also get the same thing from an OVER/UNDER call and still get the WB’s

seal block as well.

This adds additional power on the LOS allowing us the pry a hole open

better. Normally used against defenses that stack the LOS (10-1 or GAM

type defenses).

CP: Just as SHORT tells the unit that the play is one gap short LONG tells

the unit that the play is one gap more. Handles a tough 6 or 9 tech.

Should snap the ball after the shift; don’t wait and allow the defense to

adjust.


KICK Scheme

Called Counter scheme in my old playbooks.

This is similar to the SEAL scheme except KICK tells the BSG to KICK OUT

block the first defender to cross his face on the play side (our LOG if

BOUNCE called). The BST seals inside outside just as he does in the SEAL

scheme.

This blocking scheme is often used in our misdirection plays and counter

plays as we fake action to one side (using the BB or WB and TB) and goes

the other way.

LONG KICK

This adjustment adds one more blocker on the SAB Tracks by adding the

WINGBACK on the LOS (Shifts on the DOWN call by the CENTER). You can

also get the same thing from an OVER/UNDER call and use the WB as a

misdirection decoy.


CP: Handles a tough 6 or 9 tech.

TRAP SCHEME

This is really nothing more then a SHORT KICK and if you teach it that way it

will be much easier for the lineman to grasp and learn. This scheme allows

us to trap a 4 tech our wider were a KICK we trap a 6 tech or wider.

This scheme compliments the SEAL and KICK and it allows you along with

the SHORT TRAP to trap anybody on the LOS; which gives you great

flexibility in attacking an overly aggressive defender.

One this play the PSTE releases off the LOS and seals the first linebacker he

comes to on the inside. The PST to the Center block SAB IN and the BSG

kicks out the first defender to cross his face on the play side. The BST pull

and seals for additional power.

SHORT TRAP SCHEME

Adding SHORT to the call has the PST and the PSTE both release and seal

the first linebacker they come to on the inside. This allows you to double

up on an inside linebacker and at the same time trap a 2 technique

defender.

On Trap the WB can either seal the safety inside, double seal the first the

linebacker inside with the PSTE, or triple team a tough LB with the PSOT,

PSTE, and WB, run some type of misdirection, or run a pass route to pull a


safety. On SHORT TRAP he can do all the above except double up on the

linebacker as that is already being done by the PST and PSTE.

G Scheme

This is a PSG kick out scheme with the BSG and BST pulling into the hole

playside. It offers a quicker kick out on the playside by a different blocker

vice the BB or BSG in our scheme. Although in this offensive scheme the BB

is actually closer to the KICK OUT path this offers a different blocker on the

kick out target. So if the defender is starting to attack the kick out blocker

you can change up your scheme and have the PSG kick him out as he

extends to meet the common kick out blocker. Normally he gets blind

sided by the change up.

I would caution you and say that when you pull a PSG you do leave a

gap open to be penetrated by the defense initially as the PST and PSTE

block SAB IN. You have to be aware of this and really stay on your PST

and PSTE to get off their blocks and explode into their tracks to seal off

that gap.

Center blocks MAN ON MAN AWAY (MOMA) to account for NOSE TACKLE

while the PST and PSTE block SAB IN. Both our BSG and BST pull and seal

inside outside.


Normally we have the WB release and seal off the first linebacker coming

play side.

SIDE SCHEME

This has turned into a very good blocking scheme for us that compliment

the SEAL and KICK scheme very well. It uses SAB OUT blocks on the play

side to drive defenders away from the LOS.

The BSG to the PSTE block SAB OUT. The BST and BSTE can block the

backside a few different ways; they can hinge block it and force the

defenders to the outside, reach block the backside side, or shoe


shoeshine the backside. You could have the BSTE run a route to run off a

backer as well.

CP: We have the BB lead into the hole by jab stepping to the backside

getting hip to hip with the BST as he pulls (letting the BSG cross his face

and then lead into the hole. We often just drop the LEAD tag because we

use this with our side scheme so often.

PART SCHEME

This is another complimentary scheme for the SEAL and KICK. It is a great

scheme against a tough 6 tech expecting the SEAL or KICK scheme. It

creates a natural part as the perimeter defensive lineman fights to

establish position against the SEAL or KICK scheme. We have the BSG pull

and kick out to create a natural trap against any defender slipping

through. We have the BST pull and seal.

This is a great power play scheme when used in conjunction with LEAD,

WHAM, or BLAST tags.


T.A.G SCHEME

This is a complimentary scheme to the SEAL and KICK schemes. I use this

scheme within its own series of plays. On the backside it has the BSTE to

the Center block SAB IN; which gives it the look of a SEAL or KICK on the

backside of the play and forces the defense to either react to the SAB IN

blocks backside or hold.

On the play side the PSTE blocks SAB IN while the PST pulls and either kicks

out the first man to cross his face or log the first man to cross his face

depending on the specific play called in that series. The PSG pulls and

seals the first linebacker he comes to inside.


How to Teach S.A.B

S.A.B Blocking Progression

First thing is to STRESS CORRECT STANCE. Once you do that go over

cadence and do it every practice. The better they are at knowing and

reacting to the cadence the more effective your offense will be.

•Break Down Stance to Blocking Stance Drill – Circle Formation or all in a

line – have each player get in a break down stance and then a two –

point stance on “DOWN”. Check and correct stances. Repeat as

needed.

•Cadence Clap Drill – (Coach Wyatt’s drill) Circle Formation or all in a line

– Coach has all players place hands up in front of face palms facing

each other. Go through each leg of the cadence having them clap in

unison on the call. For us our cadence is GO READYYYYY_HIT. We also go

on second HIT as well. We will work on GO and HIT firsts and then add

READY and second HIT. This is a very effective way of teaching cadence

and having everyone realize the importance of timing. You should have

one immediate clap if it is right.

B.E.E.F FOOTWORK PROGRESSION

B.E.E.F

•Teach the Blast Off step.

•Then Blast off Step and Explode step (first two steps that stay low).

•Then add Elevate (most import step in progression)

•Then add Finish Off

•Add live contact (1/2 speed work to full speed)

Have the lineman get on a LOS (all of them) and on Coach’s commands

they execute their footwork.

1) DOWN – get into a good stance.

2) BLAST OFF – first step the left and the right. Correct form by having

several coaches correct mistakes. Repeat until everyone does it

correctly.

3) EXPLODE – first two steps. Correct form as above. Repeat until

everyone does it right. Don’t be surprised if they revert to poor form

on the first step when doing two steps. (Load arms)

4) ELEVATE – third step. Correct form as above. Repeat until everyone

does it right. (Unload arms)


5) FINISH OFF – fourth step. Correct form as above. Repeat until

everyone does it right.

6) Don’t be afraid of going back a step to correct problems.

7) At first you might only get to Step 1 or 2 so be patient.

TRACK PROGRESSION

•Team Line Drill – Can use either Painted LOS with seven 30-degree lines

going the left and the right in different colors that are five yards long or

you can simply use the clock method and start by having the show you

the path vie 2 o’clock and 10 o’clock. You do this with all your lineman or

small groups of 3 to 7 for more control and correction (good way to begin

this drill at first). If using the painted lines they line u up with the angle lines

in the center of the body. The coach calls DOWN and all of the player set

in a two-point stance. (With the clock method start with “Lines” and the

show you the right or left track). On Cadence they explode into the SAB

sprint down the line until the whistle blows. Watch for good B.E.E.F

technique and stress explosive footwork (stomp the ground).

•If it is not correct stop everyone explain why it is wrong (and who) and

start over. Coach should be behind the line watching that every blocker

stays on his path and is using correct footwork and upper body tech. This

is easy to see because everyone is parallel to each other. Work for 5

yards at first then 10 yards and then extend it out to the boundaries as

they master it and do it to the left and the right. As they get good at it

have them close their eyes and do it a few times.

•The key is stressing that they stay in their tracks and create an angler wall

of bodies.

C


LINE CONTACT DRILL

•Team Contact and Boundary Drill – same as above but using the painted

line or clock method – have the same number of defenders place

themselves on the left lines of the blockers facing the blockers at 30-

degrees with the defender holding shield facing blocker. On “GO” the

defender steps fast towards the GAP while the blocker explodes out of

their stance and executes his B.E.E.F progression at slow speed (bird dog).

•This allows you to check for good technique. Repeat until the footwork

and contact is done correctly and then do at full speed after correcting

any technique maintaining contact and driving the defender to the

boundary while making sure the blocker is staying on his track and not

adjusting it. Stress correct B.E.E.F technique at all times and finishing off to

the echo of the whistle. Stress being nasty and aggressive at all times.

CP: It might be necessary to condense this down to maybe 2 to 4

blockers so that you can really watch the lineman make contact on the

explode step and then elevate and finish off. It is imperative you correct

mistakes as soon as you see them.

ADJUSTMENT PROGRESSION

Coach


•This is taught after the SAB progression is taught and mastered by the

lineman. Once they have a good understanding of the concepts of

B.E.E.F and Track the blocking adjustments can be shown and taught.

• Moving the Play side (width and depth) using the track

progression. If you plan on using this it only requires a brief

explanation and review.

• “Shoulder Him”, “Cut Him” and “Post-Track” using the B.E.E.F

progression and blocking bags. Rep them so that they

understand how and when to utilize them in a game like

situation.

• You can break the drill down even further by simply having two

linemen work with a defender (or a defender holding a bag in

the case of the “Cut Him” call) and have the defender move

around to different ON positions on the blockers. Rep each call

and explain how it works. Then add the entire line and work with

multiple linemen while having the blockers make each call the

coach assigns to the blocking unit.

• As they run scrimmage drills create opportunities or take

advantage of opportunities within the scrimmage and remind

the line to use the adjustments.

COMBATIVE ARM TECHNIQUES

This is an additional tool in instructing our lineman how to better deliver the

necessary punches during the explode phase of our B.E.E.F progression.

Once your lineman master the other elements or if you have linemen that

need the additional training to improve their blocking performance you

can add this drill in.

•This is an invaluable way to teach fine motor skills and hand punching

techniques that are necessary for our linemen to be successful. This is

especially necessary when coaching pre-adolescences as their fine motor

skills are just developing and it is imperative to teach them proper punch

technique and this helps in developing upper body quickness as well.

Often with youth lineman this is a quality that needs to be developed.

•You need two blockers one with a shield to act as a defender and one

as a blocker.

•They face each other with the blocker in a fit position. On “Down” he

loads his arms and the shield man readies to allow the blocker to punch

into the shield.

•The coach will call out the hitting pattern. The blocker must immediately

respond and reload as fast a possible.


•Pattern #1

–Left, Both, Right = 5 times

•Pattern #2

–Both, Left, Right = 5 times

•Pattern #3

–Both, Right, Both, Left = 5 times

CP: Stress loading and unloading with force. Teach the to step into the

punch with one of the feet. Explain that that foot is the near foot of the

track in a game like situation. Remind them that this is the EXPLODE phase

of B.E.E.F.

PULLING

A key component to our blocking system is pulling and being able to

effectively pull blockers to the Point Of Attack (POA). I teach this using a

progression that first shows our linemen how to move as they pull and then

how to block as they move.

1. Pull and Fly Drill – one line of blockers facing a coach – a cone five

yards away on each side of the first blocker after stepping up to the LOS

and on GO the blocker drops his near foot as he swings his near elbow

back and then explodes his far foot forward as he stays low and explodes

to the left cone. Everyone goes through the drill and then goes to the right

doing the same thing. Latter on in the season you can do everyone at

once in a vertical line facing the coach with the players about 2 yards

apart.

2. Pull and Contact Drill – again one line of blockers as above except a

player offset so that he can hold a blocking bag on the path. The blocker

is told on GO to explode down the path and using our contact technique

drive through the bag while he stays on his feet and runs through.

3. Pull Around Drill – one line of blockers facing a coach – a cone is three yards away on each side of the first blocker after stepping up

to the LOS and another cone is one yard up field and two yards

inside on GO the blocker executes his pull as above but now as he

reaches the first cone he moves up field and inside sprinting to the

inside cone. After the entire line does it they go to the other side.

Stress to read Inside/Out and block the first defender he comes to.


Pull and Fly Drill

Pull and Kick Out


Pull Around Drill

After you do singles work on doubles so that you have two linemen pulling

to simulate the BSG and BST. Use two defenders and move them around.

Move the defender around and get the blockers used to reading INSIDE –

OUT. Use multiple defenders as well to teach them that they must read

INSIDE to OUT.

Note: OT puts his near hand

on the BSG so that he can

feel the BSG pull as he finds

his target.

Note: You can add to this drill by

adding a PSTE that is SAB IN

blocking so that the BSG and BST

can scrape off his outside hip and

get the feel of the SAB block.


Chapter 6

Reach Blocking

This is not a base-blocking scheme for us but as a complimentary scheme

it can often wreck havoc on defenses trying to stop our wedge and SAB

scheme. This is because the way teams attempt to stop the wedge and

the “down” blocking is to slide down or crash inside of those schemes

staying shallow to the LOS and trying to penetrate into the backfield. This

leaves them susceptible to being reached as they give up their outside

shoulder.

Since this is not a base scheme for us I don’t want to spend a lot of time

installing the scheme so I have tried to simplify the process as much as

possible and at the same time make it as effective as possible. Bear in

mind we count on teams trying to stop our base schemes thus making it

easier to reach them.

B.E.E.F Foot Work Progression

B – Remember we call the first step the BLAST OFF STEP except when

reaching that step is a bucket step (goes back wards for depth (parallel

to the LOS) as they have to get that foot up and down fast (literally stomp

the ground) to the back with a fast short step while staying low (head up,

chest on knee). The back should not raise up at all on this step. The step

should be no longer then 6 inches. Foot to the outside is the first step; you

must load your arms on this step quickly. The step should be back not

forward of the LOS as that will create a opportunity for the blocker to try

and lean into the defender (called a bucket step).

Bucket Step.


Aiming Points:

Reader/Slider - Facemask aims for the soft part of the far shoulder. First

step should point at 45 degrees outside for the far toe.

Attacker – Facemask aims for the soft part of the near shoulder. First step

again points for the far heel. (in this case you must engage him and then

work to the outside shoulder so that he does not penetrate into the

backfield). You might have to be satisfied with driving him up field

Footwork:

The foot should land flat, meaning all seven cleats hit the ground while

taking these steps. Literally stomping the ground as the blocker moves

down the LOS.

E - The next step we call the EXPLODE STEP as that is the back foot taking a

short power step down at the defender’s outside heel (literally stepping

towards it). Staying low, the back should not rise, and unload the arms

(hands) into the body of the defender (inside hand to center of chest

plate and outside hand into the funnel (the funnel starts in between the

far hip and elbow into the arm pit). It is important to get this second step

down as fast as possible as this is the step that first contact is made. The

arms should unload powerfully into the defender has the foot makes

contact. (creates an additional force production via Ground Force

Reaction – SYNERGY). It is important that the outside hand rips into that

funnel and turns the outside shoulder up field.

KEY POINT: The arms should unload hard into the body so that the

defender is literally being punched in the center of the chest and far

shoulder with the outer portion of the heels of the hands ( arm pit is the

best spot).

CP: If you can’t get to the far shoulder and chest it is simply better to

punch into the near rib and chest and drive the defender UP FIELD (NOT

LATERALLY ALONG THE LOS!!!)

KEY POINT: The facemask does not make contact with the body. The

facemask is a reference so that the eyes have a landmark so that the

body will follow.


E - The next step is the ELEVATE STEP and the near foot again takes a short

power step up field step to the outside of the defender’s hip. Maintaining

a wide base is key as you step and elevate. As you step you immediately

elevate from the ground up unloading from the feet, ankles, knees, hips,

shoulders, arms, and hands. You should stay under the defender as you

elevate him and turn his outside shoulder inward. Literally elevating

through him driving your hands inward and upward as you drive his

outside shoulder and body inside and up field.

F - The final step(s) is the FINISH OFF STEP and it begins with the back foot

taking a short, fast, power step inward and up field. It should land where

the defender was on the ELEVATE STEP. Each step after this step is a finish

off step and continues until the echo of the whistle to stop the play.

CP: If the defender starts to be driven back the blocker should get on the

balls of his feet and speed up and drive him up field and inside and try to

pancake the defender.

CP: At any time the defender causes a stalemate the blocker should

lockout and keep moving his feet but shorten the steps and keep all

seven cleats on the ground. Get him up field not to the boundary.

1 2


CP: The same sequence is used if the defender is also outside of the

blocker. In that case the inside hand will punch first more often and on

the elevate step the outside hand will make contact with the far shoulder.

Bear in mind this is a complimentary scheme and more often the

defender will be working inside on the LOS so that the blocker will actually

be ON the defender just as if they started HEAD UP.

REACH LINE PROGRESSION

Coach is behind the offensive linemen.

He calls “DOWN” and all blockers get in a proper stance. Defenders (can

use a shield) get in a balanced two-point stance. ON “GO” the blocker

goes through the REACH B.E.E.F progression one step at a time adding a

step as they begin the master each step both directions.

Work first in an ON position and then in an OUTSIDE position.

BLAST OFF

BLAST OFF – EXPLODE

BLAST OFF – EXPLODE – ELEVATE

BLAST OFF – EXPLODE – ELEVATE – FINISH OFF


REACH SCHEME

Playside to center blocks OUTSIDE-ON. Meaning the first defender outside

to a man ON is who they block. Backside guard to back side tight end

works up field go through the inside shoulder of the first defender on him

or away from the play. This forces defenders on the backside to go

around the backside as the backside blockers work up field to cut off

backside pursuit. An easier way of doing it is to simply count from the

outside inside and have the first outside blocker take the first outside

defender.

COUNTING THE PERIMETER

On the playside the offense (to include the Wingback) count from the

boundary to the inside. The first defender reaches the first offensive player

1 2 3


blocking on the playside (normally the Wingback), then each blocker

takes the next defender as you move inside. In the above example the

WB takes one, the PSTE takes two, and the PSOT takes three. The PSG

would follow this and take the fourth defender and the center would take

the fifth.

CP: teach the PSG and Center to reach on their defender ride him and

then release up field and seal off backside pursuit or a safety up field.

Normally anything inside of the playside B gap doesn’t need to be

blocked but I always stress the PSG and CENTER get on their blocks initially

and then ride off them as they work up field.

TEACHING REACH

Simply line up the offensive unit then rep their count with cones in various

defensive alignments. Bird-dog it a few times (this having them execute

the first step of the play only). Then on air and then finally add live

defenders (with shields and dummies at first) and rep the scheme until

they understand who they have and how to block them.


Chapter 7

Pass Protection

Main Goal

Protect the passer so that he can effectively get the ball to the receiver.

That means he needs time, space, and good passing lanes in order to be

effective as a passer.

I keep things very simple and in the passing game I mimic my running

schemes as much as possible so that the defense does not know it is pass

until the last moment.

The Free Blocking Zone

There is a common misconception that lineman cannot cross the LOS

while pass blocking. This is not the case at all and you need to read your

rules books thoroughly; even highlight the sections that are important and

tab them.

In order for an interior lineman to be called for INELIGIBLE PASSER DOWN

FIELD he must go pass the FREE BLOCKING ZONE, which is defined as three

(3) yards from the LOS on each side of the ball and four (4) yards wide

from the center. That means you have three (3) yards to play with before

a flag is thrown. With that being said I would not tempt fate and keep it

at two (2) yards to give you a cushion.

“SECTION 17 FREE-BLOCKING ZONE - LEGAL BLOCKING BELOW THE

WAIST, LEGAL CLIPPING

ART. 1 . . . The free-blocking zone is a rectangular area extending laterally 4 yards either

side of the spot of the snap and 3 yards behind each line of scrimmage. A player is in the

free-blocking zone when any part of his body is in the zone at the snap.”

From the NFHS rule book.

Basic Pass Protection Schemes

I use two basic schemes when teaching pass protection and three

additional schemes as my player’s age, football ability, and technique

mature. I always have to remind myself that I am coaching kids and that

when I teach something it has to be simplified so that every player has the


ability to master it. This is especially true in the passing game as so many

more aspects have to be perfect in order for a pass play to actually work.

With a playaction pass it is a little easier as the defense can be fooled into

temporally playing run and allowing us to get separation for both our

receivers and the passer.

WEDGE PASS – this is simply wedge blocking with the adjustment that the

center only moves three steps down field and then stops. Once he stops

everyone works to seal up the inside and force the defense to flow

around the wedge. The passer takes a drop (normally a quick drop (one

step) or a three-step drop. The key is the blockers keep their hips together

and not allow any separation on the inside. We will have two additional

blockers in the backfield that will seal of the perimeters on each side as

well. Their rule is to allow nothing to get inside of them.

RED/BLUE – This is really a modified version of SIDE that pushes the play side

defenders wide as the QB rolls. The backside hinge blocks from the BSG to

the BSE (if not going out in a pass route) sealing off backside penetration.

It is the simplest way to teach young lineman to pass pro on a roll out. The

only difference between RED/BLUE and SIDE is that on the play side they

only track for four hard steps and then attempt to seal off the defense

and take their defenders flat to the boundary and the backside hinge

blocks.

CP: Hinge Block - nothing more then a group of lineman dropping

towards the rollout on the backside and sealing the defense off from the

inside towards the backside. The purpose of this is the force the defense

to go around the hinge forcing them to go all the way to the backside

Center takes three

steps and stops.

Force everything to

flow around the

wedge wall.


and away from the roll out. Pass drop at an angle with inside-over-

backside priority.

CP: Bear in mind that since we are using a 30 degree angle we actually

have to travel five yards down field (not 3 yards) so that gives us five to

seven steps which is why we use four as a nice buffer.

BLACK/BROWN – This is really the classic buck sweep blocking action using

SAB blocking. The playside end (if not in a route) and tackle and center

block SAB IN while the playside and backside guard pull getting two steps

of depth and then turn up field and attack the LOS attempting to log and

push their defender up field as they seal him inside. If they cannot do that

they simply kick them out and attempt to drive them up field. The

backside tackle and end (if not in a route) hinge block.

CP: Instead of the pulling guards pulling through the LOS as taught in SAB

Pulling we have them take that first step for depth and then the next step

aims away from the LOS getting more depth and then as they clear the

EMLOS they attack the LOS squaring their hips and shoulders.

CP: If playing against an ODD front have the Center block MOMA (MAN

ON MAN AWAY) since you have both guards pulling someone has to pick

up the NT as he is more of a threat then the backside defensive tackle

who can be picked up by the backside tackle hinge blocking.


GREEN/YELLOW – Is the next step in the teaching progression from

RED/BLUE. If you have taught the REACH blocking progression to your

lineman you can add GREEN/YELLOW. It is simply RED/BLUE with the

playside lineman using REACH blocking instead of simply SAB blocking.

This gives your playside more of a chance of sealing the outside up and

allowing your passer to get outside cleanly and make a big play either on

in the air on the ground.

CP: Make sure you instill in them that PASS means no more then four steps

up field.

These are really the heart of what I teach when it comes to pass

protection. If I am coaching older kids and I know that they are going into

a high school that uses a lot of base pass protection I will teach a basic

drop back pass protection. I simply call it BASE PASS and the rules are

INSIDE/OVER/OUTSIDE.

At the snap of the ball they drive out for one step punching into their

defender as they take short choppy steps staying low. They keep the LOS

and the QB separated. They always seal off the inside first.


DRILLS FOR PASS PROTECTION

If it is wedge pass I simply teach wedge pass along with wedge blocking.

I go over the differences and explain how it works and then we rep

wedge pass along with wedge. I do add defenders into the drill so that

they can learn how to move up and then seal off.

If it is SAB or REACH based I teach them with my regular SAB/REACH

progression by first showing the differences and how to utilize the scheme.

Otherwise we use the same drills.

BASE pass protection is a different thing all together so when I teach them

this I simply line up all seven blockers and work on driving out, dropping,

staying low, and punching into the defender. I first do it on air, then on

head up defenders, then with five or six defender that position themselves

as the defense that we are going to face.

CP: PASS TAG – any pass tag added to a running play tells the line these

things:

1) Tells all SAB to take three steps down their track and turn their

butts to the passer and seal off.

2) Pulling linemen stay the same but anyone sealing seals off no

more then 3 steps past the LOS and away from the passer

(inside).

3) BSTE if staying in hinge blocks vice shoe shine (cut).


Chapter 8

Buck Wedge Series


The Basic Inside Series Purpose: Basic inside power series using the wedge scheme as the base-

blocking scheme. It is a simplified scheme that is easy to install.

Age Level: Recommend this as the base series for age five to seven.

Used as a primary series early in the season for seven to nine year olds in

conjunction with the power series. Used as a complimentary or

secondary series for ten year old and above teams.

Base Plays: Buck BB Wedge, Buck Wedge Sweep, Buck Drag Pass

(Waggle).

Support Plays: Keep tag.

This series is designed to be used exclusively with the wedge-blocking

scheme so that younger teams can have a simple series that allows them

to focus on execution and attacks the middle of the field effectively. It

also provides a simple series of plays for older teams that is different then

the power series.

It threatens all three areas of the field and forces the defense to defend

the inside and both perimeters on every play. By keying those areas and

then watching for lapses in the defense you can take advantage of what

the defense is not doing. The additional use of the KEEP tag allows you to

utilize an athletic quarterback as well.

This series focuses on threatening the three areas of the field (INSIDE, LEFT

PERIMETER, RIGHT PERIMETER) with run and setting up the basic WAGGLE

PASS we call DRAG.

CP: You can teach several alternative pass protections for the DRAG pass if you have an

older team.

RED/BLUE – SIDE SCHEME with backside hinging.

BROWN/BLACK – REACH SCHEME with backside hinging.

YELLOW/GREEN – Two Guards pull, PS SAB IN, BS HINGE.

The BB and TB are the main running focus while the WB is mainly a

receiving threat. The QB is both a run and pass threat. The BB is obviously

going to get the majority of carries in this series as he sets up the entire

series. He must be capable of being patient; staying in the wedge and

driving straight up the field. He also must know to be explosive when the

wedge breaks apart and take advantage of the open field.


Buck BB Wedge

Bear Buck BB Wedge Right

CP

Faking by the

QB and TB are

key to this

play sitting up

the entire

series.

Line

PSE - Wedge

PST - Wedge

PSG - Wedge

Center - Apex

BSG - Wedge

BST - Wedge

BSE - Wedge

Backs

QB – pivot hand off to BB and then continue with pivot

by reversing out and bootlegging for depth. Put your

eyes on the DE and force him to look at you as you

boot out. Keep your arms in as if the ball is in your

chest.

GOOD FAKING!

TB – AT the snap of the ball sprint right at the CB’s near

hip fake toss and attack the corners inside hip. Make

eye contact and force him to look at you.

GOOD FAKING!

BB – Lead step into center’s back taking handoff. Get

small into the Wedge and stay in it until you see

daylight.

WB – Reach the 1st defender outside. If the defender is

wide then kick him out vice reaching.


BISON Right BUCK BB WEDGE Right

Adjustments

In Bison the CB

moves to the left

side. Since it is not

feasible for the CB

to get to the first

defender outside

we have him cross

over step aiming at

the PSE’s near hip

attacking the 1st

defender outside of

the PSE and

reaching him as the

defender tries to

scrape down the

LOS.

Over Bear Buck BB Wedge Right

Adjustments

The BST moves over

to the inside of the

PSE. The PSG

becomes the APEX

of the Wedge to

keep the wedge

balanced.


Buck Wedge Sweep

Bear Buck BB Wedge Sweep Right

CP

Faking by the

QB and BB

and running a

solid wedge

opens the

wedge sweep

up. You are

looking for the

perimeter

defenders at

the side to

crash in and

attempt to

stop the

wedge.

Line

PSE - Wedge

PST - Wedge

PSG - Wedge

Center - Apex

BSG - Wedge

BST - Wedge

BSE - Wedge

Backs

QB – pivot and soft pitch, the pitch should be aimed

at the near hip of the BB, to the TB and then continue

with pivot by reversing out and bootlegging for depth.

Put your eyes on the DE and force him to look at you

as you boot out. Keep your arms in as if the ball is in

your chest.

GOOD FAKING!

TB – AT the snap of the ball sprint right at the CB’s near

hip get your eyes on the ball and secure toss and

attack off the WB’s outside hip. corner’s inside hip.

Work for the numbers up field and then to the

boundary.

BB – Lead step into center’s back faking handoff. Run

it just as if it were real. The fake is key!

GOOD FAKING!

WB – Reach the 1st defender outside. If the defender is

wide then kick him out vice reaching. If he crashes in

hard then shove him in and work up to an inside

backer.

CP: If the CB and DE are

presenting a problem then have

the PSE fold under the WB and

REACH/KICK the CB while the WB

reaches the DE. I simply call this

FOLDING.


BISON Right BUCK Wedge Sweep Right

Adjustments

In Bison the CB

moves to the left

side. We

automatically have

the PSE to fold on

the corner and let

the WB take the DE

since that is his

normal target in the

Bison BB WEDGE.

Again we have the

CB cross over step

aiming at the PSE’s

near hip attacking

the 1st defender

outside of the PSE

and reaching him as

the defender comes

in.

Over Bear Buck Wedge Sweep Right

Adjustments

The BST moves over


PSE. The PSG

becomes the APEX

of the Wedge.

Other then those

adjustments

everthing else is the

same.


Buck Wedge Drag Pass Left Bear Buck Wedge Drag Pass Left

CP

Faking by the

BB and TB and

running a solid

wedge opens

the drag pass

up. You are

looking for the

perimeter

defenders at

the side to

crash in and

attempt to

stop the

wedge.

Line

PSE – release and run the seam up field.

PST - Wedge

PSG - Wedge

Center - Apex

BSG - Wedge

BST - Wedge

BSE - Wedge

Backs

QB – pivot and fake BB hand off and then continue

with pivot by reversing out and bootlegging for depth.

Get your eyes up field and read the BB as soon as he

clears and shows get him the ball. If he is not open

then look high to the WB drag route. When you boot

get depth and get out of the backfield fast while your

eyes are up field. Don’t stop moving.

If you feel pressure then run!

TB – AT the snap of the ball sprint right at the WB’s far

hip fake toss and attack the corner’s inside hip. Make

eye contact and force him to look at you.

GOOD FAKING!

BB – Lead step up field let the QB clear then go inside

of QB and aim at the far hip of the BSE. Try to chip the

DE if possible. As soon as you clear the LOS get your

head around and look for the ball. If it doesn’t come

work to the sideline and up field. LOW READ.

WB – Release up field as if to initially reach and then

work at a slight angle to the opposite side. You should

be eight to ten yards deep on the other side. Get

there fast once you release. You are the HIGH READ.

CP: The PSE needs to sell the SEAM and

pull/freeze the safety.

CP: The receivers must pop block a

defender if a receiver below them

catches the ball or the QB decides to run

it. This creates a wall that seals off the

boundary.

CP: PSTE SEAM add TAG SEAM.

CP: TB FLY add TAG FLY.

CP: BSTE run FADE add TAG THROWBACK.

CP: WEDGE PASS center fires out three

hard steps and all blockers slide in and

mesh forcing everything outside.

LO-HI

READ


BISON Right BUCK Wedge Drag Pass Right

Adjustments

In Bison the BSTE runs

the Drag route. The

WB aims for the far

hip of the BSTE and

gets there. He kicks

out the first

defender to cross his

face. The mesh

between the QB,

WB, and BB must be

worked on and

timed up to be

effective. The cross

buck action can

really throw

defenses for a loop.

Over Bear Buck Wedge Drag Pass Right

Adjustments

The BST moves over


PSE. The PSG

becomes the APEX

of the Wedge.

Other then those

adjustments

everthing else is the

same.


Chapter 9

Power Series


Purpose: This is our base series and makes up the core of our offense. This

series uses power and misdirection (both run and pass) to move the ball.

It focuses on running the ball off tackle and forcing teams to stop the off

tackle power play and countering with a variety of misdirection plays

dependant on what the defense does.

Age Level: This series is really suited for ages 9 and up. The older and

more mature the team is the more you can do. You can run this with

younger kids just keep the list of plays to the base plays.

Base Plays: Super Seal, BB Trap, Lead WB Kick, XX BB WEDGE

Support Plays: WB Pass Tag, Keep Tag, BB G, BB KICK, BB PART, SIDE,

PART, G, LEAD WB TRAP, LEAD WB PART, TB RED/BLUE BENCH PASS,

RED/BLUE BUNCH PASS, RED/BLUE DRAG PASS, RED/BLUE FLOOD PASS,

WEDGE FADE PASS.

Notes: This is really our base series and the set of plays that will most often

be ran the most in any game unless it is a younger age level. The play we

must execute and execute well is the Super Seal. Once that play is

established it allows you to use other plays in the series to attack the

defense as the defense attempts to stop that base play. Because of the

unbalanced backfield we give the same perception of movement that

the motion does in the double wing by backfield alignment. That means

as we start running our base plays teams will tend to shift, stem, rotate, or

adjust to the strong side in an attempt to stop our base play and

perceived strength. This sets up a tremendous amount of misdirection

both on the ground and in the air (playaction pass) to the backside.


Super Seal

Bear Super Seal Right

CP

The TB must

run inside the

kick out block.

He has to

attack the

field at full

speed once

he secures the

ball.

Line

PSE – SAB IN

PST – SAB IN

PSG – SAB IN

Center – SAB IN

BSG – Pull & Seal (GET THERE!)

BST – Pull & Seal (GET THERE!)

BSE - Cut

Backs

QB – reveres pivot soft toss ball to path of TB and then

flow straight down the LOS and hitting SEALING first

defender outside that crosses your face. Try to stay

tight to the LOS so that you can get in the alley fast.

TB – Slide step to playside and then attack down field

as you get the toss and secure it. DON’T WAIT for the

backside to pull. You hit right behind the BB and QB

and let the BS linemen get in the hole as you explode

into it. ATTACK DAYLIGHT!

BB – cross over step and kick out the first defender to

cross your face. YOU MUST DRIVE HIM OUTSIDE TO THE

BOUNDERY!

WB – Release off the LOS and get inside tight to the

LOS and seal the first linebacker that crosses your face

inside.

CP: If BB TARGET is giving him a problem chip him on

the outside shoulder as you release and force him to

look at you. This will give the BB a better kick out as he

takes his eyes off the backfield.

CP: SHORT SEAL if the PSLB is going over the

top of the SAB tracks.

CP: LONG SEAL if a 5,7,6, or 9 is a problem.

CP: DOUBLE (QB/BB) if the kick out target is

giving the BB a problem. (double kick out).

CP: Call KEEP and have the TB take it wide to

the D gap and the QB keep it into the hole.

CP: POST & TRACK at the hole to get a double

team if you need it.

CP: You can call SEAL instead of Super Seal and

have the QB hand off the ball and then bootleg as

well. I strongly recommend the toss though.


BISON Right Super Seal Right

Adjustments

In Bison the WB

moves to the

opposite side of the

BB and in doing so is

no longer capable

of sealing off.

Instead he slide

steps and then

follows the QB and

as soon as he sees

daylight he leads

into the hole and

seals IN the first

defender that

crosses his face.

Over Bear Super Seal Right

Adjustments

The BST moves over


PSE. The BSG is the

only puller. This

extends the line out

on the playside by

adding the BST as

another TRACK on

the playside; same

as a Long Seal but

you still have the WB

sealing.


BB Trap

Bear BB Trap Left

Line

PSE – Release and Seal In

PST – SAB IN

PSG – SAB IN

Center – SAB IN

BSG – Pull & Kick Out 1st to cross face.


BSE - Cut

Backs

QB – reveres pivot and open up making an inside

hand off to the BB quickly. Then carry out a bootleg

getting depth and looking down field to the WB.

GOOD FAKING!

TB – Slide step to playside and then attack the far hip

of the EMLOS. Make eye contact with him. GOOD

FAKING!

BB – Jab step and follow the BST to the hole. Take the

inside handoff from the QB and get up field to

daylight fast. Do not cut back into the defense.

WB – Release off the LOS and run a corner route at ten

yards. Sell the pass route and pull the safety over.

CP: SHORT Trap if you want to trap a 3 tech or

smaller.

CP: BB KICK instead of BB TRAP extends the

gap out.

CP: TB must attack far hip to set up play action

pass. Once the DE gets used to seeing the log of

the TB on trap he will scrape down on the BB

sitting up the bootleg for the QB.

CP: Call KEEP and have the QB bootleg outside.

CP: Call WB Pass to have QB throw to the

Corner route of the WB on the bootleg. (Flat

route in BISON).

CP: If FLAT is tagged that tells the TB to break off run

action /reach to a run action/Flat route. QB throws LO-HI

Read off of FLAT-CORNER.


BISON Right BB Trap Left

Adjustments

In Bison the WB

moves to the



no longer capable

of running the

corner route.

Instead he aims at

the far hip of the

BSTE and gets there

and then works up

field in a flat route.

As soon as he clears

the LOS he gets his

head around.

Over Bear BB Trap Left

Adjustments

The BST moves over


PSE. The BSG is the

only puller. Since

there is no WST the

WSE must block SAB

IN and there is no

seal on the LB. We

are counting on the

defense to over play

the unbalanced

line.


Lead WB Kick

Bear Lead WB Kick Left

Line

PSE – SAB IN

PST – SAB IN

PSG – SAB IN

Center – SAB IN



BSE - Cut

Backs

QB – reveres pivot soft and open up making an inside

hand off to the WB quickly. The carry out a bootleg as

you clear the perimeter attack up field since you

don’t have a receiver.



FAKING!

BB – Jab step and follow the BST to the hole. Lead

block by blocking INSIDE OUT on the first defender to

cross your face.

WB – Drop step and take an inside handoff then

attack the first daylight you come to. Get up field and

do not cut back into the defense. Get to the

boundary.






CP: Call WB Trap vice WB Kick to move the

play inside one more gap and to seal a backer off.

CP: FLAT Tag tells TB to run action/flat route.


Over Bear Lead WB Kick

Adjustments

The BST moves over


PSE. The weak side

is going to be short

since the WST is on

the Strong side now.

That means the KICK

is actually more like

a trap and the WB

needs to know that

he has to get into a

short hole.


XX BB Wedge

Bear XX BB Wedge Right

CP

The better the

fakes are by

the QB, TB,

and WB the

better this

play is.

Line

PSE - Wedge

PST - Wedge

PSG - Wedge

Center - Apex

BSG - Wedge

BST - Wedge

BSE - Wedge

Backs

QB – Reverse pivot and handoff to the BB going into

the wedge. Then open up and let the WB go by you

as you fake the inside handoff to him and then

bootleg. As you pass the perimeter attack up field.

GOOD FAKING!

TB – AT the snap of the ball sprint right at the PSTE’s far

hip fake toss and attack up field. Make eye contact

with the defender.

GOOD FAKING!



daylight.

WB – Drop step and fake inside hand off attacking up

field on the outside hip of the BSTE.

CP: FLAT tag tells TB to run action/flat route.


Over Bear XX BB Wedge Right

Adjustments

The BST moves over


PSE. The PSG

becomes the APEX

of the Wedge to

keep the wedge

balanced.


BB G

Bear BB G Left

Line

PSE – SAB IN

PST – SAB IN

PSG – Pull &Kick Out 1st to cross face.

Center – SAB IN

BSG – Pull & Seal

BST – Pull & Seal

BSE - Cut

Backs




GOOD FAKING!



FAKING!






CP: Used when you need to kick out the EMLOS

fast and you want additional power on the

playside.

CP: The BB should time his move into the hole

so that he gets there on the shoulder of the BSG

so that they pull inside and seal just has he attacks

the gap.

CP: Keep tells QB to bootleg it.

CP: WB Pass tells QB to throw on the bootleg to

the WB running the Corner route.

CP: FLAT tag tells QB to throw LO-HI off of

TB FLAT / WB CORNER.


BISON Right BB G Left

Adjustments

In Bison the WB

moves to the



no longer capable

of running the

corner route.

Instead he aims at

the far hip of the

BSTE and gets there

and then works up



the LOS he gets his

head around.


BB Part

Bear BB Part Left

Line

PSE – SAB OUT

PST – SAB OUT

PSG – SAB IN

Center – SAB IN


BST – Pull & Seal Inside

BSE - Cut

Backs




GOOD FAKING!



FAKING!











CP: Call WB Pass to have QB throw to the

Corner route of the WB on the bootleg. (Flat

route in BISON).

CP: FLAT tag tells TB to go to run action/flat

route and that QB throws on LO-HI read from

Flat to Corner.


BISON Right BB Part Left

Adjustments

In Bison the WB

moves to the



no longer capable

of running the

corner route.

Instead he aims at

the far hip of the

BSTE and gets there

and then works up



the LOS he gets his

head around.

Over Bear BB Part Left

Adjustments

The WST moves over


SSE. Other wise the

play is exactly the

same as above.


Side

Bear Side Right

Line

PSE – SAB OUT

PST – SAB OUT

PSG – SAB Out

Center – SAB Out

BSG – SAB Out

BST – Reach (or Hinge)

BSE – Reach (or Hinge)

Backs

QB – reveres pivot and open deep up making a hand

off to the TB. Then carry out a bootleg getting depth

and looking down field to the WB. GOOD FAKING!


of the EMLOS. As soon as you get the handoff cut

back inside and follow the BB into the hole. SELL THE

OUTSIDE TO PULL THE ILB OUT.

BB – Jab step let the BSG cross your face and then

lead into daylight and seal the first linebacker to cross

your face.



CP: TB must sell the off tackle hole and

then cut back in and follow the lead

block.

CP: QB must make the handoff clean

and boot out to really pull the perimeter

defenders and ILB out so that the TB can

cut into open space.

CP: KEEP tag tells QB to bootleg.

CP: WB PASS tag tells QB to throw to

WB in Corner.


BISON Right Side Right

Adjustments

In Bison the WB

moves to the



no longer capable

of running the

corner route.

Instead he aims at

the far hip of the

BSTE and gets there

and then works up



the LOS he gets his

head around.

Over Bear Side Right

Adjustments

The BST moves over


PSE. BSE is the only

blocker that is

reaching or hinging.

The unbalanced line

and the faking of

the TB on the

offtackle is often

more then enough

to open a nice lane

on the weakside for

the side.


Part

Bear Part Right

Line

PSE – SAB OUT

PST – SAB OUT

PSG – SAB IN

Center – SAB IN


BST – Pull & Seal

BSE - Cut

Backs

QB – reveres pivot soft open with depth and handoff

ball to TB. Bootleg with some depth and threaten

perimeter.

TB – Slide step to playside and then attack down field

as you get the hand off explode into the hole.

BB – jab step and fake inside handoff to backside and

then kick out first defender to cross your face all the

way to the boundary.

WB – Release off the LOS and run a corner route. CP: LEAD tag that tells the BB to jab step and

lead block into the hole after the BSG cross his

face.

CP: WHAM tag tells WB to drop step and lead

into hole.

CP: BLAST tag tells BB and WB to lead into the

hole.


BISON Right Part Right

Adjustments

In Bison the WB

moves to the



no longer capable

of running the

corner route.

Instead he cross

bucks and runs the

flat. The timing of

the QB, BB, and WB

must be developed.

The Bison Right Lead

Part Right is more of

a power play.

Over Bear Part Right

Adjustments

The BST moves over


PSE. The BSG is the

only puller. This


on the playside by

adding the BST as

another TRACK on

the playside.

OverBear Lead Part

Right is a good play

to use for more

power.


G

Bear G Right

CP

BEAR Right

Lead G is a

very good

alternative

that adds

additional

power to the

play vice

misdirection.

Line

PSE – SAB IN

PST – SAB IN

PSG – Pull and Kick Out 1st to cross face

Center – SAB IN – if NT you base block him.



BSE - Cut

Backs

QB – reveres pivot for depth and handoff ball to the

TB. Then get more depth until you pass the EMLOS

and then attack the LOS going for daylight.

TB – Slide step to play side and then attack down field.

Take the handoff and hit to the inside of the PSG’s

kick out. Stay to the outside hip of the BB so that he

can misdirect the defense on his fake as you attack.

BB – jab step and fake inside hand off from QB and

then kick out for the first defender to cross your face

backside.

WB – Release off the LOS and get inside tight to the

LOS and seal the first linebacker that crosses your face

inside.

CP: If PSG TARGET is giving him a problem chip him on

the outside shoulder as you release and force him to

look at you. This will give the BB a better kick out as he

takes his eyes off the backfield.

CP: Call KEEP has the QB bootleg it.

CP: LEAD has the FB lead block instead of fake t

the backside.


BISON Right G Right

Adjustments

In Bison the WB

moves to the



no longer capable

of sealing off.

Instead he slide

steps and then

follows the QB and

as soon as he sees

daylight he leads

into the hole and

seals IN the first

defender that

crosses his face.

Over Bear G Right

Adjustments

The BST moves over


PSE. The BSG is the

only puller on the

backside. This


on the playside by

adding the BST as

another TRACK on

the playside; same

as a Long Seal but

you still have the WB

sealing.


Lead WB Trap

Bear Lead WB Trap Left

Line


PST – SAB IN

PSG – SAB IN

Center – SAB IN



BSE - Cut

Backs


hand off to the WB quickly. Then carry out a bootleg

getting depth until you clear the EMLOS and then

attack the LOS.



FAKING!

BB – Jab step and follow the BST to the hole. Lead

block sealing the first defender that crosses your face.

WB – Drop step and the follow BB into the hole. Take

the inside handoff and hit the first daylight you see

and get up field.


smaller.






CP: If FLAT is tagged that tells the TB to break off run

action /reach to a run action/Flat route. QB throws LO-HI

Read off of FLAT-CORNER.


BISON Right Lead WB Trap Left

Adjustments

In Bison the WB

moves to the

opposite side. He

takes a jab step and

lets the BSG, BST,

and BB cross his

face and then hits

the hole. He takes a

outside hand off

and sits until (getting

small) until the

blockers cross his

face.

Over Bear Lead WB Trap Left

Adjustments

The weakside is one

blocker shy so the

play hits one gap

tighter. This is a

good play against

teams that overshift

to the strong side.


Lead WB Part

Bear Lead WB Part Left

Line

PSE – SAB OUT

PST – SAB OUT

PSG – SAB IN

Center – SAB IN


BST – Pull & Seal Inside

BSE - Cut

Backs


hand off to the WB quickly. Then carry out a bootleg

getting depth until you pass the EMLOS then attack

the LOS.



FAKING!

BB – Jab step and follow the BST to the hole. Lead into

the hole and seal off the first defender to cross your

face.

WB – Drop step and take the inside hand off from the

QB and hit the first daylight you come to.






CP: FLAT tag tells TB to go to run action/flat

route and that QB throws on LO-HI read from

Flat to Corner.


BISON Right Lead WB Part Left

Adjustments

In Bison the WB

moves to the


BB. Instead he

takes a few jab

steps to the

backside and the

lets the BSG, BST,

and BB cross his

face and then hits

the hole. QB should

give him an outside

handoff. He might

have to jab step

after the handoff to

time this out.

You can also have

him slide in farther

and take an inside

handoff as well.

Over Bear Lead WB Part Left

Adjustments

The BST moves over


PSE. The BSG is the

only puller. Since

there is no WST the

WSE must block SAB

IN and there is no

seal on the LB. We

are counting on the

defense to over play

the unbalanced

line.


Bench Pass

Bear Red Bench Pass Right

Line

PSE – Track and chip release up field let the

WB go by and then break outside on

ARROW route. Work for 3 to 5 yards up

field.

PST – SAB OUT – 4 steps

PSG – SAB Out – 4 steps

Center – SAB Out 4 steps

BSG – Hinge

BST - Hinge

BSE – Hinge

Backs

QB – reveres pivot and open deep up faking hand off

with ball in belly. Drag hand and eyes as you go by

TB. Work for depth and get outside fast. Turn belly

button and hips down field and get the ball out.

Read is LO-HI with WB to PSE.

TB – Slide step to play side and then attack the far hip

of the EMLOS. Make eye contact with the defender

and attack his outside shoulder. Make a hard fake as

you go by the QB then attack the defender.

BB – Jab step then move inside and block backside

hip of center and seal off leakage.



CP – make sure the QB and TB sell the fake well!

CP – THROW BACK tag tells BSTE to drop as if

hinge for two steps and the release and run fade.

He is primary.

CP – BB SEAM tag tells BB to step inside and

find daylight and release up field into the seam.

He is primary.

LO-HI

READ

CP: Any passing play can be converted into a TB Pass by

simply adding TB in front of the pass…..BEAR TB RED

BENCH PASS RIGHT. QB tosses the ball on all TB Passes

and then attacks the LOS kicking out the first defender to cross

his face.


BISON Right Red Bench Pass Right

Adjustments

In Bison the WB

moves to the


BB. The outside man

runs the corner

route and that is

now the PSTE. The

WB cannot run a

Arrow route so he

runs a flat route

instead. The BB

SEAM and the

THROWBACK tag

can still be used.

Over Bear Red Bench Pass Right

Adjustments

The BST moves over


PSE. Play is ran the

same as the normal

formations.


Bunch Pass

Bear Red Bunch Pass Right

Line

PSE – Track and chip EMLOS then drive up

field for 3 to 4 yards and then attack the

boundary aiming for 10 yards up field.


PSG – SAB OUT – 4 steps

Center – SAB OUT – 4 steps

BSG – Hinge

BST - Hinge

BSE – Hinge

Backs





Read is LO-HI; BB to PSTE.





BB – Attack the LOS as if Kicking out; chip the first

defender to cross your face and get in the flat. Get

your head around fast for the ball. LO READ.

WB – Release off the LOS and run a drag route to the

backside. Should be 8 to 10 yards deep at end.


CP – WB must attack through the BSLB as he

drags. Once he passes the Lbers he gets his head

around.

CP – Throwback tag will have the BSTE drop

two steps as if hinging and then run fade. This

can be set as LO-HI read (WB-BSTE) or as a

primary read.

LO-HI

READ





his face.


Over Bear Red Bunch Pass Right

Adjustments

BISON formation is

not used with

BUNCH pass. Need

two outside

receivers.

OVER

The BST moves over



same as the normal

formations.

This is a good

formation to call

Throwback from as

well.


Cross Pass Bear Red Cross Pass Right

Line

PSE – Outside release, drive off the LOS and

drag to backside. Stay below the BSE.




BSG – Hinge

BST - Hinge

BSE – outside release drag to play side to 8

to 10 yards deep.

Backs





Read is LO-HI with WB to PSE.







your head around fast for the ball. :LO READ.

WB – Release off the LOS and run a post route at ten

yards. Sell the pass route and pull the safety up.


CP – THROW BACK tag tells WB and PSTE

they are primary read – LO-HI; or simplified –

WB’s POST is primary.

LO-HI

READ





his face.


BISON Right Red Cross Pass Right

Adjustments

In Bison the WB

moves to the


BB. WB releases to

the backside and

runs right up the

seam forcing the

safety to drop.

Otherwise the play is

the same.

LO-HI read but more

then likely the

corner will take the

BB so the BSTE is the

key route.

Over Bear Red Cross Pass Right

Adjustments

The BST moves over



same as the normal

formations.

This is a more advance pass as it sends four receivers into coverage and

requires a lot of timing.


Drag Pass Bear Red Drag Pass Right

Line

PSE – SAB OUT – 4 steps




BSG – Hinge

BST - Hinge

BSE – outside release drag to play side to 8

to 10 yards deep. HI READ.

Backs





Read is LO-HI from BB to BSE.








WB – Release off the LOS and run a GO route

breaking.


CP – CORNER tag tells QB to make the WB

primary route…throw to corner.

LO-HI

READ





his face.


BISON Right Red Drag Pass Right

Adjustments

In Bison the WB

moves to the


BB. WB releases to

the backside and

runs right up the

seam forcing the

safety to drop.

Otherwise the play is

the same.

LO-HI read but more

then likely the

corner will take the

BB so the BSTE is the

key route.

Over Bear Red Drag Pass Right

Adjustments

The BST moves over



same as the normal

formations.

This is a more advance pass as it sends four receivers into coverage and

requires a lot of timing.


Flood Pass

Bear Red Flood Pass Right

Line

PSE – Track for one step and then release

up field for 8 yards then break to the

boundary aiming for 12 yards. HI READ.



Center – SAB Out – 4 steps

BSG – Hinge

BST - Hinge

BSE – Hinge

Backs





Read is LO-HI with BB to PSE.








WB – Release off the LOS and run a GO route to pull

the safety.


CP – THROW BACK tag tells BSTE to drop as if

hinge for two steps and the release and run fade.

He is primary.

CP – DEEP tag tells QB to throw to the WB

running the GO (Primary).

LO-HI

READ





his face.


BISON Right Red Flood Pass Right

Adjustments

In Bison the WB

moves to the


BB. PSTE runs GO

route. BB runs 8 and

out route. WB runs

FLAT route.

The WB attacking

the flat often is wide

open since he is

coming from the

backside.

Over Bear Red Flood Pass Right

Adjustments

The BST moves over



same as the normal

formations.


Wedge Fade Pass

Bear Wedge Fade Pass Right

CP

The better the

fakes are by

the QB, TB,

and WB the

better this

play is.

Line

PSE – SEAM route

PST – Wedge pass

PSG – Wedge pass

Center – Apex – 3 steps and seal

BSG – Wedge pass

BST – Wedge pass

BSE – Fade Route

Backs

QB – 3-step drop read is OUTSIDE-IN. Reading the WB

to the PSE (FADE to SEAM). 1st step get separation and

the faster you get back the more time you have. If

the ball is not out in less than 2.5 seconds you will be

sacked.



with the defender.

GOOD FAKING!

BB – Lead step towards center’s back. Let the QB drop

the go backside and seal the first defender outside

that crosses your face.

WB – outside release go wide for two to three steps

and then get up field.

CP: THROWBACK tag tells the QB to throw to

BSE in fade route.

CP: TB Flat – tells the TB to chip the first

defender to cross his face then attack the flat. He

is the primary route.


Over Bear Wedge Fade Right

Adjustments

The BST moves over


PSE. The PSG

becomes the APEX

of the Wedge to

keep the wedge

balanced.


Chapter 10

T.A.G and JET Series


Purpose: These two series are complimentary series but could be used as

base series if you wanted too.

The T.A.G series stands for TACKLE AND GUARD pulling. The series is a

weakside series that has the TB running sweep to the weakside. It gives

me a series of plays that gets to the outside and has playside misdirection

as well as a backside perimeter threat and passing threat too. It uses a

unique blocking scheme called T.A.G that has the tackle and guard pull

as the end blocks SAB IN. The backside blocks SAB IN as well which can

really mess with linebackers and lineman reading blocks. It also allows

you to isolate backside perimeter defenders as well within one scheme

since the backside is blocking down.

CP: If you have a youth organization that runs the same offense from the

younger levels up you can install the backfield action using WEDGE

blocking schemes with 5 to 7 year olds. That means you have backfield

action and terminology installed and as they get older you simply install

the actual blocking scheme.

JET series is another backside attacking series that uses the WB in a fast flat

wing-t jet motion that he sweeps off of. This sets up misdirection all along

the line of scrimmage as well as passing. The fast motion allows you to

jump a defense that is over shifting on the backside. A speedy WB can

really punish the defense. You need to have the REACH blocking installed

in your offense in order to use this series.

CP: If you have a youth organization that runs the same offense from the

younger levels up you can install the backfield action using WEDGE

blocking schemes with 5 to 7 year olds. That means you have backfield

action and terminology installed and as they get older you simply install

the actual blocking scheme.

Age Level: These series are really suited for older ages (10 and up). The

older and more mature the team is the more you can do. With that said

note the coaching points above.

You need an athletic BB to really run the TAG effectively as his asked to

block (KICKOUT or LOG) the corner.

Base Plays: (T.A.G) TAG, BB TAG, BB WEDGE (JET) WB REACH, BB WEDGE,

BB TRAP, LEAD G.

Support Plays: (T.A.G) WB Pass Tag, Keep Tag, Delay tag to have the BSE

run a delay short route. (JET) KEEP, BB PASS, TB PASS, BB Trap, LEAD G.


(There are obviously a lot of other plays you can use in these series I simply

have not listed them all. See my website www.gregorydoublewing.com

for updates.)

Notes: Again both of these series are complimentary and you should only

use these once you have mastered the base plays of the POWER and the

BUCK WEDGE unless you decide to use these as base series. Both series

allow you to attack the weakside of the formation. Neither one is very

effective in the BISON or OVER formation and I don’t use them in that

formation because it is a balanced look and no weakside is present. They

are effective with the UNDER look.


TAG

Bear TAG Left

CP

The TB must

run off the

block of the

BB. If he logs

the corner

you take it

outside, if he

kicks out you

run inside him.

Attack the

LOS

aggressively.

Line

PSE – SAB IN

PST – Pull and LOG first to show.

PSG – Pull inside and seal in first LB coming.

Center – SAB IN

BSG – SAB IN

BST – SAB IN

BSE – SAB IN

Backs

QB – pivot soft toss ball to path of TB and then bootleg

gaining depth until you get past the EMLOS then

attack the LOS. Open wide enough to let the BB clear

(as if inside handoff).

TB – cross over step and attack the LOS aiming at the

corner’s inside hip. Secure the toss and read the BB’s

block.

BB – cross over step and get on the PSG’s heels fast

and block the corner on the playside. If he squeezes

down you log him. If he stays wide you kick him out.

WB – free release and run a corner route on the

backside.

CP: PST must pull and log the 1st

defender to show.

CP: KEEP tag tells the QB to keep it on

the bootleg.

CP: WB PASS tag tells the QB to the

throw to the WB on the corner route on

the backside.

CP: for younger squads you can block

this WEDGE SWEEP w/FOLD.


BB TAG

Bear BB TAG Left

CP

The TB must

attack the

corner and

make eye

contact with

him. Attack

the LOS

aggressively

and force the

corner to

come down.

Line

PSE – SAB IN

PST – Pull and trap first to show.

PSG – Pull inside and seal in first to show.

Center – SAB IN

BSG – SAB IN

BST – SAB IN

BSE – SAB IN

Backs

QB – pivot tuck ball in belly (let the TB sell the fake).

Inside handoff to the BB gain depth and bootleg for

depth until you pass the EMLOS then attack the LOS.

TB – cross over step and attack the LOS aiming at the

corner’s inside hip. MAKE EYE CONTACT!!! Attack the

LOS and force the corner to come up and force the

run. THIS OPENS THE OUTSIDE BOUNDARY FOR THE BB.

BB – cross over step and get on the PSG’s heels takes

the inside handoff and follows the PSG. GET UP FIELD

TO THE BOUNDARY. Do not cut back inside.


backside.

CP: PST must pull and trap the first

defender that crosses his face.

CP: KEEP tag tells the QB to keep it on

the bootleg.

CP: WB PASS tag tells the QB to the

throw to the WB on the corner route on

the backside.

CP: for younger squads you can block

this WEDGE SWEEP w/FOLD.

CP: OPTION – tells the BB to option the corner

using the TB as the pitch man. IF he comes you

pitch, IF he squats you GO.

(FOR OLDER SQUADS)


TAG BB Wedge

Bear TAG BB Wedge Right

CP

The better the

fakes are by

the QB, TB,

and WB the

better this

play is.

Line

PSE - Wedge

PST - Wedge

PSG - Wedge

Center - Apex

BSG - Wedge

BST - Wedge

BSE - Wedge

Backs

QB – pivot tuck ball in belly (let the TB sell the fake).

Inside handoff to the BB gain depth and bootleg for

depth until you pass the EMLOS then attack the LOS.



with the defender.

GOOD FAKING!



daylight.


backside.

CP: KEEP – QB keeps the ball gaining depth

until he passes the EMLOS and then attacks the

LOS.

CP: WB PASS – QB bootlegs and passes ball to

WB running corner out.


JET WB REACH

Bear JET WB Reach

CP

The WB must

take a flat fast

motion at a

spot one foot

behind the

QB’s near hip.

He has to

attack the

numbers up

field and get

to the outside.

Line

PSE – REACH 1

PST – REACH 2

PSG – REACH 3

Center – REACH 4

BSG – Release up field inside cut off

BST – Release up field inside cut off

BSE – Release up field inside cut off

Backs

QB – reverse pivot (tight to the LOS as if opening a

door) and ball off to the WB then gain depth until you

get past the EMLOS and then attack the LOS.

TB – slide step and then attack the LOS aiming at the

inside hip of the EMLOS faking run then blocking 1st

defender that crosses your face.

BB – cross over step to the backside and chip the first

defender to cross your face. Then attack the flat.

WB – On “GO” lead step in to a fast sprint motion then

take the handoff on the playside side attacking the

PSE’s outside hip. Get up field to daylight!!!

CP: CAN BLOCK THIS WEDGE

SWEEP but the PSE must REACH.

CP: KEEP tells QB to keep it on the

bootleg.

CP: BB Pass tells QB to throw to the BB

on the backside flat route.

CP: QB must time up snap so that the WB get the

handoff as he goes by and doesn’t slow down. This

takes time so it will take reps to get it down.


JET BB Wedge

Bear JET BB Wedge Right

CP

The WB must

sell the JET

motion and

the sweep.

Make eye

contact with

the corner

back or DE

and attack his

outside

shoulder

forcing him to

respond.

Line

PSE - Wedge

PST - Wedge

PSG - Wedge

Center - Apex

BSG - Wedge

BST - Wedge

BSE - Wedge

Backs

QB – reverse pivot tuck ball in belly (let the TB sell the

fake). Inside handoff to the BB gain depth and

bootleg for depth until you pass the EMLOS then

attack the LOS.

TB – AT the snap of the ball sprint right at the BSTE’s far

hip faking TOSS and attack up field. Make eye

contact with the defender.

GOOD FAKING!



daylight.


fake the handoff on the playside side attacking the


CP: KEEP – QB keeps the ball gaining depth

until he passes the EMLOS and then attacks the

LOS. The TB must seal inside the defender he

crosses.

CP: faking by the QB, TB, and WB sells this

play.

CP: If TB Pass is tagged that tells the TB to

break off run action /reach to a run action/Flat


JET BB Trap

Bear JET BB Trap Left

Line


PST – SAB IN

PSG – SAB IN

Center – SAB IN



BSE - Cut

Backs




GOOD FAKING!



FAKING!


inside handoff from the QB and get up field to day

light fast. Do not cut back into the defense.





smaller.

CP: BB KICK instead of BB TRAP extends the

gap out.





CP: Call KEEP and have the QB bootleg outside. CP: If TB Pass is tagged that tells the TB to break off run

action /reach to a run action/Flat route.


JET Lead G

Bear JET Lead G Right

CP

WE use LEAD

because the

WB is in JET

motion and

faking the

sweep we use

the BB leading

to account for

the WB not

blocking.

Line

PSE – SAB IN

PST – SAB IN

PSG – Pull and Kick Out 1st to cross face

Center – SAB IN – if NT you base block him.



BSE - Cut

Backs

QB – reveres pivot for depth and handoff ball to the

TB. Then get more depth until you pass the EMLOS

and then attack the LOS going for daylight.

TB – Slide step to play side and then attack down field.

Take the handoff and hit to the inside of the PSG’s

kick out. Stay to the outside hip of the BB so that he

can misdirect the defense on his fake as you attack.

BB – jab step and lead into the hole sealing the first

defender to cross his face.




CP: Call KEEP has the QB bootleg it.


Chapter 11

Building an Offensive Philosophy

And

The Offensive System

What Do You Want to Achieve?

You need to ask yourself some important questions when coaching a

youth team. You need to know what your end goal is and what your

priorities are for your team. You need to sit down with your league rules

and any franchise rules and read them and understand them. They will

affect your overall philosophy and system for that team.

1) Is your team a recreation team? If so what is the goal of the league

overall? This is important to know and fully understand because it

can really affect what you can and can’t do in your offense. Often

recreation teams have some very restrictive league rules on what

type of offensive formations you can run, what plays you can run,

what types of blocking you can run along with a host of other

restrictive rules. So understand them and be ready to adapt your

philosophy and system if you chose to coach with in those rules.

2) Is your team a competition team? If so are there any league rules

that are different from the state rules (NFHS or NCAA)?

3) Is there a draft in a common pool, in a franchise pool? Is it first

come first serve in a local area or within the league itself?

4) Do you keep returning players (veterans) or do they go back in the common pool?

5) Is getting everyone equal playing time important or is being

competitive more important (often a mix of both)? Often in a

Recreation league this is dictated for you but you do have some

flexibility.

6) Do all players have to have a starting position or can you deploy your personal as you see fit but follow a number of plays per game,

half, quarter? Does special teams count?

Once you figure this all out you need to put that in context with your

offensive philosophy so you have some guidelines as you progress.


The Philosophy of this System

This offense is a run oriented, ball control offense that uses power and

misdirection; both run oriented and pass oriented (play action) to move

the ball. It uses series based play calling that establishes a set of base

plays (or a single play) and then forces the defense to defend those base

plays and then adapt the play calling to the defense and their

adjustments.

How it can Vary

You can actually adjust this basic philosophy with a few things as well that

get a little more specific.

1) Do you want a power based offense that uses misdirection that

supports the power system?

2) Do you want a misdirection based offense that uses power to set up

the misdirection offense? Often misdirection based teams are little

more explosive the strictly power based teams.

3) Do you want to be a run only offense that uses the pass only when it

absolutely has to? (younger teams)

4) Do you want to be run to set up the pass and be more vertically

aggressive (older teams)?

5) Are you a classic three down offense or a four down offense?

When do you decide to punt (if you plan to) within your down

belief?

6) Do you want a Back Specific offense: example the TB gets the

majority of the carries? Do you want to be a three or four back

offense that tries to move the ball to most effective ball carrier from

game to game or even series to series?

Note: These additional adjustments are often determined by personal

and that is why your basic offensive philosophy can be adjusted from

season to season based on need.

What you’re doing when you put this on paper and implement it is you

are laying the groundwork for developing your system that season.

Everything revolves around that philosophy. It is basically your mission

statement for your offense.


EXAMPLE OF AN OFFENSIVE PHILOSOPY FOR TEAM X

“Our offense is a run oriented, ball control offense that uses power and





adjustments. We will focus on power and use misdirection in the running

game and passing game to support our power running game. We will

make the tail back the focus of our running game and support him by

using the other three backs in the misdirection game.”

EXAMPLE OF AN OFFENSIVE PHILOSOPY FOR TEAM X SECOND YEAR

“Our offense is a run oriented, ball control offense that uses power and





adjustments. We will focus on power and misdirection in the running

game and passing game utilizing all four backs in the offense. We will

throw the ball after setting up the run.

These are two examples of one team in two seasons of football. Notice

the differences and think about what might have affected the change

from one season to the next? More then likely the first season they had a

dominant tail back and very little else in the back field so the coach

tailored his system to take advantage of that. The next season he got a

pretty stacked backfield to include a quarterback that can throw the ball

so he decided to open up the offense a little more. Make sure you have

a plan and put it down on paper so that you stick to it.

Main Emphasis

My main emphasis is always on the fundamentals first; stance, footwork,

exploding off the ball, blocking, ball handling, ball carrying, faking,

passing, and catching. All of these are important for an offense to be

successful and has to be reinforced at each and every practice practice.

Key Points to My System:


1) I want to run the ball using power and deception. I do this with my

core series (Power and Buck Wedge) and the core plays from those

series out the three base formations to take advantage of what the

defense is showing us. We excel in these plays as they allow us to

branch out to other plays and series that feed off of the base

system. I will not add anything else until I am 100% sure that we can

effectively run the base plays.

2) The base of our offense is the power series (super seal, Lead WB

Kick, and XX BB wedge) and the buck wedge series (BB wedge,

wedge sweep, and drag pass).

3) I will use misdirection and play action passing to attack defenses

that over pursue or over defend our base plays. We will attack a

team through the air vertically and horizontally when they press the

line of scrimmage.

4) I will keep our system simple and try to paint a mental picture for our

players to follow as we teach each formation, scheme, and play to

them.

5) We use Wedge, Severe Angle Blocking, and Reach blocking to

simplify our offense and allow our blockers to be more aggressive at

the LOS.

Key Advantages

TB

1) It gives you a down hill runner that gets to the point of attack at full

speed. More often then not some of your best running backs are at

their best running down hill at the LOS.

2) It gives the backside a little more time to get to the hole because

the tailback is at depth and not chasing slower players. They have

a short distance to cover then the tailback does.

3) It greatly reduces the chance of a backside defender chasing your primary runner down.

4) It forces the defense to KEY on the tailback.

QB

1) Since the tailback is at depth behind him the toss is much easier to

perform for the Super Seal play. It allows the tail back to attack the

hole and run into the toss at the same time so that his eyes do not

have to divert from the ball to the hole.

2) Footwork for the Super Seal is much easier to execute because the

quarter back can actually gain a little more depth allowing the


backside to pull easily. This is because the toss is at depth and not

to a lateral target.

3) Footwork for misdirection plays is much easier to execute since the

BB is offset.

4) The bootleg to the strong side is a very important part of the entire

offensive system and makes the quarterback a primary part of the

offense and not just a handoff back.

5) He is a blocker, runner, and passer. He must be willing to block and

block well.

BB

1) Being offset allows him a better path on the kick out block, which is

essential on the SEAL schemes.

2) Puts him in a better position (execution wise for younger players) to

execute misdirection plays to the weak side. Since he is offset to

the strong side his footwork is simplified allowing for an easier teach

and increased execution.

3) Allows him to get into passing routes more easily on the strong side.

WB

1) Is both a running back and a primary receiver making him a dull

threat that the defense has to account for at all times.

2) You can adjust the offense so that a variety of different types can fill the role of wingback.

Offensive line

1) The combination of SAB and Wedge blocking makes installation of

the blocking schemes much easier.

2) It allows the line to learn how to explode of the LOS and be more

aggressive while you stress footwork and schemes vice using a set

of blocking rules.

3) The blocking schemes easily transfer from various series and plays

and are easily adjusted to adapted to what a defense is doing.


Offensive Goals of Success

My main goal is to control the ball and control the clock while scoring

more points then the opposition. I want to maintain field position and

allow my offense to play on a shortened field while forcing the defense to

play on a long field. I do not consider my offense successful if I score a

touchdown in one or two plays and then allow my opponent to score in a

few plays as well. I want to push the ball down the field while running the

clock out and wearing the defense out. That doesn’t mean I won’t score

from anywhere on the field if I see the opportunity to do so. It simply

means I want to maximize the amount of time my offense is on the field. I

like to see the offense get five to ten plays each series and wear out the

clock and my opponent.

I consider this offense a four down offense and in most situations we will

gear our strategy towards the use of all four downs in achieving a first

down and driving the ball down the field. This lends to my strategy of ball

and clock control as well as field position. I will not hesitate to quick kick

on 3rd down if I have my end zone at my back and take advantage of the

defense being caught off guard by the move. I don’t like to punt instead

my offensive system is geared to allow me to quick kick and make it

appear as if it is going to be a run play much like the play action passing

game. Anytime my offense gets past our twenty-yard line I consider my

team in four down territory; otherwise we are in 3rd down territory.

If you only use three downs in your offense that means you need 3.4 yards

a down to achieve a first down while in four downs you only need 2.5

yards a down to achieve a first down. This often puts the defenses in a

unique situation as most are only prepared to play three downs which

means you apply more pressure on the defense and increase the

likelihood of wearing down the opponent as it requires much more energy

to react then it does to attack; both physically and psychologically.

Concentrate on TECHINQUE, INTENSITY, and EXECUTION those are the

three keys to success with any offense or for that matter football team

period. A player, unit, and team that is technically proficient, brings

intensity to the field and to practice, and executes the scheme will be

successful so preach T.I.E to your team. Be intense in your coaching but

be fun as well; you can do both and it doesn’t hurt if your kids laugh just

make sure they know that practice is a time for them to improve all three

of the above attributes.


STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

I keep my strategy simple; if I am having success running a play to a side I

will keep running that play until the defense stops it. I will mix up my play

calling so that the defense cannot zero in on the play if I can but I will that

one play right up the defense’s throat. I will use my counters and play

action passing to attack a defense that over adjusts or over pursues

against my base play. I will not hesitate to run a play ten times in row if I

think that will succeed against the defense. I will also not hesitate to mix

up my play calling as I see the defense adapt but my main objective is to

always establish my base play and then run it at least 50% of the time

during the game.

Be positive and constructive in your feedback at all times. It is not wrong

to get on your players about doing something wrong but understand that

some kids take several times and often several practices to master a skill

or technique. When you give feedback explain what the problem is and

how to fix it. It might take several ways of explaining it until they get it right.

Always try to give some positive feedback as well when you give negative

feedback. I always try to give at least three positive comments to every

kid this allows me to give negative feedback when it arises and it will arise.

Kids really respond to positive feedback and are more apt to listen to

negative feedback once you have given them positive feedback. They

soon realize that you want them to get better and notice when they do.

Kids will bend over backwards to get those positive comments and when

they do they will listen to the negative feedback and really attempt to

correct those problems.

Stay on your coaching staff to be positive and to really coach up each

player. It is not the top players that need the most coaching it is the kids

that struggle to execute or get playing time that should be coached up.

Often working with those kids will give more to the team in results then

trying to coach up an already gifted athlete. More bang for the buck

theory.


Chapter 12

Installing the System

Thoughts

This is a conglomeration of some of my thoughts on installing the system

and how to utilize it. I get asked a lot of questions on how I would do this

or how I would do that so I thought I would share some of my thoughts on

how I do things and why I do things the way I do.

What Age Level?

What is the age you’re coaching? This is really going to determine what

you run and how much you can run. If you are coaching a 5 to 6 year old

team it is going to differ greatly from a 12 to 13 year old. You have to

realize that the younger the team the less you should try to run. Keep it

simple but keep it simpler with younger kids. That doesn’t mean you can’t

run ten plays but you need to realize that they should meld together so

that every kid on the team understands their role and can effectively

execute it.

AGE-FORMATION TABLE

AGE Number of Formations

5-6 1 maybe 2

7-8 2 maybe 3

9-10 3 maybe 4

11-12 3 up to 5

13-14 5 up to 7

High School 7+

This is based on being able to have all eleven players get into and out of

the formations as soon as the formation name is give. It also means they

can be given the formation and a play and immediately execute it. The

important thing to remember is that the formations should be related in

way that when the name is called a mental picture is created so that they

can associate a “word” with a formation and then get into it. Just

remember you must not add any more then the entire team can handle.

That often means if one kid that plays a role on the offense cannot do


more then two formations then don’t bother adding a third unless you are

going to have a different kid fill in for that particular formation.

Formations in this playbook

BULL, BISON (RT/LT), BEAR, OVER BULL, OVER BISON (RT/LT), OVER BEAR

UNDER BULL, UNDER BISON (RT/LT), UNDER BEAR, RHINO, LION,

AGE-PLAY TABLE

AGE Number of Plays

5-6 4 to 5 (one less then age range)



11-12 11 to 15 (lesser age + four)

13-14 13 to 17 (lesser age + four)

High School 17+

This is based on team mastery of the each play. Meaning that the

offensive unit fully understands how and why to run the play and can

execute all the needed techniques in any given situation. If they can’t do

that then you will have problems in a tough game or an extreme

condition. One play is both ways not one play to a side.

My numbers are based on age and ability to master skill sets. At the age

of eleven and twelve, just as they are reaching adolescences, they can

really start to take in much more information and master it.

The key is to add a few things and then have your team master those skills,

techniques, and plays first. Don’t add anything until they have at least

mastered the basic requirements. Then add only things that are relative

and go with the initial skill sets. As they become more and more proficient

you can add more. A good indicator is when your execution peaks and

the team become bored. At the point you can add one or two new

things to keep their interests peaked and at the same time maintain and

even increase execution of the initial plays.

Teaching

Talk it, Chalk it, Walk it, Run It

Live by those four sayings and good things will always happen on the

field. Every time you teach something always discuss it first, then explain it


either on a white board, chalk board, with cones, or even a some kids as

examples (good for younger kids). Then walk through it a few times so

that every kid can experience it at slow motion. The body learns things

both by repetition and by slow motion so that the central nervous system,

peripheral nervous system, and neuromuscular system and create the

proper patterns to coordinate the movements. Once you do things at

slow motion increase the speed to ½ then ¾ until they have mastered the

movements. The run them at full speed and if mistakes are being made

back up until they do them right and start fresh. This seems time intensive

and it can be but you would be really surprised how far along you can

get by simply going through this process with complex skills. Some things

will be picked up quickly and can be address fast while other things you

will have to repeat the process a few times. That is the nature of kids and

coaching them.

A good rule to follow is SHOW IT, HAVE THEM SHOW IT, SHOW IT AGAIN,

HAVE THEM SHOW IT AGAIN, SHOW IT AGAIN.

Not Only How But Also Why!

Take the time as you explain a drill and how to perform a specific

technique, scheme, or action to explain why you do it that way. Always

follow up a how and why with a how we do it question and a why we do

it question as well. This gets the kids involved at and the younger age

levels for more involved they are the more of their attention you have.

This allows them to correlate a skill with a task and gives them the ability to

mentally create a picture of them accomplishing that task using that skill.

Remember the more ways you give them to learn a skill the faster they are

going to master it.

Bobble Heads

This leads me into coaching bobble heads. This is a term of endearment

given by youth coaches to that group of kids below the age of ten that

appear to be bobble head figurines when wearing their helmets.

Coaching younger kids requires a lot more patience’s and the ability to

teach things in shortened stints while maintaining every kid’s attention.

This can be really difficult but some of the most rewarding coaching I

have ever done is with younger kids. Figure that if it takes more then ten

minutes to get something taught to these kids than more then likely it will

not be taught in one lesson. Normally when dealing with kids younger

then ten I try to keep chalk talks short (five minutes) and then do a walk


through to make thing more interactive and hands on. Then we sit back

down and chalk the next thing.

Giving Kids Ownerships

I think this is a very important aspect of having a successful team and

getting a good performance from it. Give the kids ownership of a system

and instill in them that it is their system. You can do this in a lot of ways but

one way I really like to do is give each position (line and backs) a position

leader (who is often a team captain) the chance to run drills. Once your

team starts to master basic drills have the position leaders supervise the

drills as everyone does them. Encourage every player to give positive and

negative feedback on each other. Often kids can relate to another kid’s

problem far better then we can and in doing so come up with a creative

way of getting that kid to better understand how to master a skill or fix a

problem. When you do this you are giving those kids ownership of the

team and that is important. You can do this with kids starting at age ten

and up. This can also be very useful with a team that is short on coaches

as it literally creates coaches on the field. Choose kids that have positive

attitudes and that kids gravitate to. Make sure they have a firm grasp on

the drills and techniques even if that means spending a little extra time

with them.

Make Parents into ANTS

Not to be taken literally but if you watch ants every one of them has a

specific task to fulfill in the nest and they are highly specialized in that role.

If you are short handed with coaches then find parents that show up at

every practice and get them involved. Some criteria I have for using

parents; they need to be positive and they need to understand their role.

Don’t bother using parents that focus solely on their kids and often I will

put them with a group that does not involve their kid so that they can

focus on the drill and not their kid. Use parents that don’t know anything

about football since your working with a blank slate that means what you

put on it is going to be taught. Have them run that one drill and only that

one drill. Show them exactly how you want it run and why. You can

always find three to five parents that are always at the practice that

would love to be involved in some way. Get them involved and explain to

them that they are not coaches but simply drill managers. If you get three

parents that can each run one drill (say tackling drills or defensive position

techniques of some sort) you can run stations to allow your kids to

increase their proficiency and at the same time free up a coach or if short


handed allow yourself the ability walk around and teach. As the parents

master one drill you can teach another.

Installing a Series from the Ground Up

Once you have established what kind of talent you have you need to set

down and figure out what exactly you can do as far as series and plays

with the talent you have on hand. Often your talent level and abilities are

going to determine what plays you can run and be effective with.

You need to establish these things and build off them:

1) Dominant TB (power runner, slasher, speed demon) (receiver,

passer, both)

2) Dominant BB (blocker, runner, receiver)

3) Dominant WB (runner, receiver, both, passer) (power type, slasher

type, speed demon type)

4) Dominant QB (blocker, runner, passer, receiver)

5) Receiving TE (none, one, or two)

These are going to really determine what type of offense you are going

run. More power or more misdirection or a balance of the two; it will also

determine if your going to be a one back focused, two backs, three

backs, or a four back offense.

Know what you have at each position and then build your power series

based on that. You might have a team that runs a lot of BB plays and

uses him to fake as well. On the other hand you might use him as a lead

blocker more often for the TB and WB. Take a good accounting of your

talent and build on that.


Review of the Series

BUCK WEDGE SERIES

Inside power play to BB with perimeter threats on both sides of the field

and the ability to throw down the field. Forces the defense to defend

both sides of the field and defend against the wedge blocking scheme.

This places a lot of pressure on the perimeter defenders as they are often

forced to take the wedge runner down from behind. Any over

commitment on their part can lead to big plays on the perimeter by this

offense.

AGE Notes

5-6 Best series to use. All WEDGE

schemes.

7-8 Best series to use. RED/BLUE pass

pro.

9-10 Compliment series to Power. MPP

series.

11-12 Compliment series to Power. Would

use REACH scheme for sweeping.

MPP series

13-14 Compliment series to Power. Use

REACH scheme for sweeping.

High School Would have the BB TRAP vice

WEDGE as base and use REACH

scheme for sweeping.

I strongly recommend this series as the base series and the BB Wedge as

the base play for really young teams (5-6 and 7-8). At this age level having

the Buck Wedge series and using the wedge scheme for the majority of

your plays can give you a pretty capable offense that is tough to beat. It

is three easy plays that all use the wedge scheme but you can easily

implement other pass protection schemes into the drag pass and you can

implement the reach scheme into the BUCK WEDGE SWEEP.

BASE – BUCK BB WEDGE

COMPLIMENT – WEDGE SWEEP, KEEP tag


.

PASS – WEDGE DRAG PASS (younger teams) RED/BLUE DRAG PASS (older

teams)

Large roster teams that have to play every player can use the Buck

Wedge series with a WEDGE TEAM. A wedge team is basically your

starting center and guards and then everyone else is a back up player. I

normally try to keep my starting TB and BB in so that we have at least two

main threats but you can rotate backs in as well. The key is having a

strong middle (guard-center-guard). We focus as a unit on running the BB

WEDGE and WEDGE SWEEP and the KEEP. Our goal is a first down in four

plays. I never put them out on the field with the end zone behind them. I

want them to be successful working as a unit. I have found that giving a

set of Minimum Play Players (MPP) a goal and have them work in a unit

makes them stronger and it gives them ownership in the team. The first

time that squad scores for you a lot of good things will happen. Now that

doesn’t mean I pigeon hole these kids into only the wedge team. They

are still getting reps and practicing skills and increasing their technique

but during a game their goal is to perform on the wedge unit.

POWER SERIES

This is the base series for any team above the age of 8 in my opinion. It

attack the strong side with an off tackle play that develops a lot of

misdirection and play action pass. It uses SAB blocking and pulling to

maximize man power at the point of attack. It also uses wedge blocking

as well but not as a base scheme. Once the defense starts to over

commit to the strong side/off tackle play you can start attacking them

with a variety of support plays.

AGE Notes

5-6 Use Super Seal and one

misdirection play (LEAD WB KICK or

BB TRAP) as a complimentary series

with this age group. Can obviously

use XX BB Wedge as it is pretty

much installed except for the

backfield action so that really gives

you three plays.

7-8 Use three to four plays in a

complimentary series. Suggest the

base plays in the series.

9-10 Base series. Base plays + 1 to 3


more plays that compliment the

personal and base package.

11-12 Base series. Base play + 2 to 4 plays.

13-14 Base series. Base play + 3 to 5 plays.

High School Has much as they can handle and

master. Use the KISS principle.

The Super Seal is the base play in this series and everything is derived off

this one play. You have to coach this play up and you should get no less

then five yards a carry from this one play. If not you need to troubleshoot

it and find out why it is not getting five yards a carry. If it is the defense

then you simply adjust the play or use a support play. The series allows

you to modify it some what so that you can either use BB misdirection

plays or add the BB blocking into the plays to give them more power by

adding LEAD. This holds true for the WB as well he can become either a

big part of the running game, more of a blocker by using WHAM, and/or a

threat in the passing game. The QB can be utilized in a variety of ways as

well by using him as a blocker, runner, and even a receiver. I consider

the BB Trap, XX BB WEDGE, and Lead WB KICK are the base plays in this

offense. They along with the KEEP tag and WB PASS tag make this a

potent and effective series.

BASE – SUPER SEAL

SUPPORT - BB TRAP, XX BB WEDGE, LEAD WB KICK

COMPLIMENTARY – (LEAD/WHAM/BLAST) PART, (LEAD/WHAM/BLAST) G,

(WHAM) SIDE,LEAD WB TRAP, LEAD WB PART, BB G, BB PART, KEEP TAG

PASSING – WB PASS tag, FLAT tag, TB PASS tag, THROWBACK tag, SEAM

tag, BENCH, BUNCH, CROSS, DRAG, FLOOD, WEDGE FADE.


T.A.G Series

This is a complimentary series used to attack the outside on the weak side

of the formation. It also sets up a nice gap on the inside for the BB to

exploit as well when the defense moves to force the outside and holds on

the backside. The WB PASS and KEEP tags allow you exploit the backside

if they over pursue or over adjust. You can also utilize various other plays

as well that are not listed in the playbook but will be posted on my

website.

AGE Notes

5-6 Use only with the wedge scheme

and the PSTE reaching. Only as an

end of season series.




9-10 Complimentary series.



High School Complimentary series. Could use

speed option or even a triple option

as well (further discussed on website

in upcoming releases).

Base – TAG

Complimentary – BB TAG, KEEP tag

Support – BB TRAP, BB G, BB PART, LEAD WB KICK, WB TRAP, LEAD G, SIDE

Pass – WB Pass tag, other of the various base passing patterns.


JET SERIES

The JET series is the only motion series we have in this play book. It utilizes

the fast flat motion right at the quarterback’s hip and then attacks the

outside. This is a wing-t motion based series that allows you to attack the

weak side perimeter of the formation using the reach scheme. Because

you use angle blocking and wedge blocking as our base it sets up the

perimeter defenders to be reached as they attempt to slide or scrap

down to defend our to base schemes. The series uses the BB Trap and the

LEAD G as complimentary plays along with the KEEP tag to keep the

defense honest. I have not included other plays in this series but will add

more to my website as I add additional resources.

AGE Notes










High School Complimentary series. Could use

speed option or even a triple option

as well (further discussed on website

in upcoming releases).

Base – WB REACH

Complimentary – BB TRAP, LEAD G

Support – KEEP tag, BB G, BB PART, BB KICK, SIDE, (LEAD) PART

Passing – various passing patterns found in this playbook.


ORDER OF INSTALLATION

(Dominant TB)

Buck Wedge Series (especially for younger age groups)*

BB WEDGE

WEDGE SWEEP (older go REACH SCHEME once taught)

KEEP tag

Power Series

SUPER SEAL (implement SHORT/LONG as needed) (BOUNCE)*

BB TRAP (SHORT)*

LEAD WB KICK (TRAP/SHORT/BOUNCE)*

XX BB WEDGE

BENCH PASS (TB PASS)

(LEAD) G

SIDE

WEDGE PASS

(LEAD) PART

PASSING PLAY

(Dominant TB and BB)

Buck Wedge Series (especially for younger age groups)

BB WEDGE

WEDGE SWEEP (older go REACH SCHEME once taught)

KEEP tag

Power Series

SUPER SEAL (implement SHORT/LONG as needed) (BOUNCE)

BB TRAP (SHORT/KICK)

LEAD WB KICK (TRAP/SHORT/BOUNCE)

XX BB WEDGE

BENCH PASS (TB PASS)

BB PART

(LEAD) G

BB G

WEDGE PASS

SIDE

(LEAD) PART

PASSING PLAY

* = Bobble head installation. Note that WB PASS Tag gives you one simple

playaction pass.

Practice Planning


Make sure you do two things in every practice. One make sure you

develop your players into athletes. Not football players but athletes. As a

coach you have an obligation to make every player on your team be a

better athlete. That means teaching him or her how to move correctly;

linearly, laterally, and multi-directions. Develop their balance, stability,

agility, and strength (core, body, and explosive leg strength). Two, always

develop their football fundamentals and techniques. Make sure you are

making them better blockers, tacklers, and sound at their position. If you

can deliver in those areas you have done a great job as a coach.

My practice plans always include these things:

Dynamic Flexibility Warm Ups: These are movement patterns that both

stretch, strengthen, and warm up major muscle groups, stability muscles,

synergy muscles. They develop correct movement patterns as well and

by doing so are the foundation of my practices and are one way I

develop or improve my number of athletes on my team. Dynamic

stretching is far better then static stretching but that is for another chapter.

Basic Tackling: Every practice includes a tackling segment to improve

tackling skills.

Blocking: Every practice will include a segment for every player to

practice blocking skills related to his position on the offense.

Offensive Individuals (INDYS): Used to work on individual techniques

related to the positions assigned. I split my teams in to Backs and Linemen

and then work on techniques with those players that are important to their

position.

Defensive Individuals (INDYS): Used to work on individual techniques

related to the position assigned on defense. I split my teams into

Defensive Lineman, Linebackers, and Defensive Backs and then work on

techniques with those players that are important to their position.

Offense Series REPS: This is the time that the entire offense reps plays

within a series. It is our team to review, bird dog, run at ½ speed, full

speed, and under near live conditions to develop timing and execution.

Offense Perfection Drill: This is a test really that is used to see how many

plays an offense can execute to perfection. You start at the end of a

football ball and work to the other end. Every play ran correctly (zero

mistakes) gets 5 yards. That means if you run 20 plays to perfection you


get to the end zone. Every time they mess up they go back to the

beginning. At times I might penalize them 10 yards if pressed for time.

Speed and Endurance Training: Work on movement form, anaerobic

energy system training (10 and older), agility, balance-stability, core-

conditioning, explosive leg strength, body strength, and other aspects of

speed and endurance training. I start with two days of training in each

and as the season progresses I go to one a day each.

Scout Report (Offense/Defense): Time period to review what the

opposing does on offense (punt/kick return as well), defense (punt

return/kick off). What adjustments if any we are going to make.

Special Periods: Cadence clap drills and things that need to be covered

specifically.

Tension Relievers: When a team gets tight or to much pressure this is a

good time to put in a period to unwind. Fun stuff like two hand touch

football, power ball, deer hunter. Just let the kids be kids and have fun.

Some times a good 20 minutes of this can save a game or even a season.

Make sure you include water breaks and preach water intake every day

all day. Every player should be drinking at least eight glasses of water a

day. Have them lay off the sodas and candy. Preach fruits, veggies,

protein.

Make sure your practices run smoothly. Have plan and stick to it. Make

sure you can adjust things and move things around because things will

happen and you have to be able to adjust.

Coaches should be early so they can meet and discuss the practice plan.

Email the plan to them before hand so they can review it and make

comments on adjustments and what not.

Be prepared, be intense, be flexible, and be knowledgeable.

Practice Plan Template

4 days – 4 week Preseason – 2 hours per practice (32 hours)


1st Week 1st Day

20min

Dynamic Warm Ups (DFWs) ((See end of playbook for how to do a football DFW))

5 min

Cadence Clap Drill (clap only)

15 min

Tackling Drills (fundamentals – tackling dummies/ form)

30 min ASSESSMENT STATIONS (split into three groups and rotate once complete)

Flying 40 Assessment (40/20/10) times (BREAK AWAY SPEED/SPEED/QUICKNESS)

Pro Agility times (LATERAL SPEED)

Bear Crawl Weave (20 yards) times (BODY STRENGTH & COORDINATION)

5 min Water break (Coaches meet and split team into RB/OL from initial assessment)

20 min INDYS RB/OL

OL – STANCES, TRACK PROGRESSION, WEDGE

RB – STANCES, Ball Security, TOSS, HANDOFF, STEP & GO, CONE WEAVE (assess footwork of backs)

5 min Water break (Coaches meet and reevaluate and adjust)

15 min – SPEED TRAINING

5 min – TEAM CIRCLE

1st Week 2nd Day

20min (work for 19 min)

DFW

5 min

Cadence Clap Drill (stance to clap)

15 min

Tackling Drills (various short distance/stay up drills)

30 min ASSESSMENT STATIONS (split into three groups and rotate once complete)

1 minute – MAX PUSH UPS (UPPER BODY STRENGTH)/ 1 minute MAX JUMP SQUATS (LOWER BODY EXPLOSIVE STR.)

2 CONE WEAVE – (FOOTWORK/AGILITY)

ENDURO CIRCLE – (MENTAL TOUGHNESS/HEART)

5 min Water Break (Coaches meet – make changes in OL/RB if needed – RANK OL/RB)

20 min INDYS RB/OL

OL – STANCES, SAB BEEF FOOTWORK, WEDGE, PULLING (assess OL)

RB – STANCES, Ball Security, BUCK WEDGE Back field action, Step and GO. (assess backs)

5 min Water Break (Coaches meet and reevaluate and rerank if needed) Look for Guards, Center/Backs)

15 min – ENURANCE TRAINING


1st Week 3rd Day

20 min (work for 18 min)

DFW


15 min – Tackling

15 min – DEFENSE INDY – DL, LB, DB (basic stances and techniques)

5 min – Water Break – Coaches meet and discuss and eval defensive positions – swap around personal if

needed.

15 min – INDYS OL/RB

OL – stance, SAB BEEF Footwork, SEAL SCHEME, KICK SCHEME. TRAP SCHEME

RB – stance, SUPER SEAL, BB TRAP, LEAD WB KICK walk through.

30 min – PLAY REPS

FORMATION REVIEW – BULL/BEAR

BUCK WEDGE SERIES – BB WEDGE, WEDGE SWEEP, KEEP tag.

POWER SERIES – SUPER SEAL, BB TRAP, LEAD WB KICK

5 min – Water Break – Coaches review personal and make any adjustments.



1st Week 4th Day

20 min (work for 18 min)

DFW

15 min – Tackling

15 min – DEFENSE INDY – DL,LB,DB (stances and basic techniques)

5 min – Water Break – Coaches assess positions and personal.

20 min – INDYS OL/RB

OL – stance, Track Progression, WEDGE, Pulling

RB – stance, Stiff arm progression, Buck Wedge SERIES

20 min – PLAY REPS

FORMATIN REVIEW – BULL/BEAR

BUCK WEDGE SERIES – BB WEDGE, WEDGE SWEEP, KEEP tag

POWER SERIES – SUPER SEAL, BB TRAP, LEAD WB KICK (review KEEP tag, WB Pass tag)

5 min – Water Break – Coaches review and finalize positions for next week.

15 min – ENDURO CIRLCE – “HEART CHECK”


2nd Week 1st day

15 min DFW


15 min Tackling (fundamentals and full contact)

30 min INDY OFFENSE

RB – Stance, Step and Go, Stiff Arm progression, Power Series – Base plays

OL – Stance, WEDGE, Pulling, BEEF SAB footwork, SEAL-KICK- TRAP scheme

5 min Water Break – Coaches MEET (Team will break with CADENCE CLAP DRILL ON ALL WATER BREAKS)

15 min – TEAM – BUCK WEDGE SERIES (BB WEDGE, WEDGE SWEEP, KEEP tag)

15 min – TEAM – SUPER SEAL

5 min Water Break – Coaches MEET



2nd Week 2nd day

15 min DFW

15 min Tackling (fundamentals and full contact)

30 min INDY OFFENSE

RB –Step and Go, Stiff Arm progression, Power Series – Base Plays

OL – WEDGE, Pulling, Track Progression SEAL-KICK-TRAP scheme (Short/Long)

5 min Water Break – Coaches MEET

15 min – BUCK WEDGE SERIES – add DRAG PASS and rep.

15 min – BB TRAP

5 min Water Break - Coaches MEET

15 min – ENDURANCE TRAINING


2nd Week 3rd Day

15 min DFW

15 min Tackling (Fundamentals and Full Contact)

10 min INDY OFFENSE

RB – Step and GO, Cone Weave, Stiff Arm Progression

OL – Pulling, Track Progression

5 min Water Break – Coaches Meet

15 min – LEAD WB KICK (Trap/Short adjustments)

10 min – Kick Off

10 min – Kick Off Return

20 min – INDY DEFENSE

DL, LB, DB skills and techniques

15 min – ENDURO CIRCLE (HEART CHECK!)

5 min TEAM CIRCLE

2nd Week 4th Day (SCRIMMAGE DAY) (SCRIMMAGE ANOTHER TEAM – plan in advance)

15 min – DFW

15 min – OFFENSE INDY


OL – Wedge, SAB BEEF Foot work, pulling

RB – Ball Security, Step and Go, Cone Weave, Stiff Arm

30 min – OFFENSE (rep Starting Unit/Wedge Team)

(work for 30 plays)

30 min –DEFENSE (base D – rotate back ups)

12 min – OFFENSE

(work for 15 plays)

12 min – DEFENSE


HARD WORK – PAYS OFF!!!

3rd Week 1st Day

15 min – DFW

15 min – Tackling

15 min – DEFENSE INDY

5 min – WATER BREAK –COACHES MEET


RB – Gauntlet, Step and Go + BAG, BUCK SERIES ACTON

OL – WEDGE, Pulling, Track Progression, SEAL-KICK-TRAP-SIDE

15 min – SUPER SEAL

10 min – BUCK WEDGE SERIES

20 min – PASSING INDY

OL – WEDGE PASS, RED/BLUE

QB – Passing progression

RX – Receiver progression

5 min – Team Circle


3rd Week 2nd Day

15 min – DFW

15 min – Tackling


5 min - WATER BREAK – COACHES MEET


RB – Ball Security, Step and Go + BAG, POWER SERIES

OL – SAB BEEF FOOTWORK, SEAL-KICK-TRAP-SIDE, WEDGE

15 min – BB TRAP

10 min – BUCK WEDGE SERIES

10 min – PASSING INDY

OL - RED/BLUE – WEDGE PASS

QB – Passing Progression

RX – Receiver Progression




3rd Week 3rd Day


15 min – DFW

15 min – TACKLING

15 min – DEFENSE INDY (DL, LB, DB)

5 min – COACHES MEET

15 min – LEAD WB KICK

10 min – SIDE

10 min – KICK OFF

15 min – Perfection Drill (20 plays)




3rd Week 4t h Day (SCRIMMAGE DAY)

15 min – DFW


30 min – DEFENSE

30 min – OFFENSE (work for 40 plays)

12 min – DEFENSE

12 min – OFFENE (work for 16 plays)



4th Week 1st Day

10 min – DFW

10 min – TACKLNG

10 min – OFFENSE SCOUT REPORT FOR DEFENSE (drink water during report)



OL – WEDGE, PULLING, SCHEME – SEAL, TRAP, KICK, SIDE

RB – BUCK WEDGE SERIES (3 plays), POWER SERES (3 plays)

10 min – TEAM – BUCK WEDGE SERIES

20 min – TEAM – POWER SERIES (SUPER SEAL, BB TRAP, LEAD WB KICK, XX BB WEDGE, SIDE)

10 min – KICK OFF RETURN



UARD WORK – PAYS OFF!!!

4th Week 2nd Day

10 min – DFW

10 min – TACKLING

10 min – DEFENSE SCOUT REPORT (drink water during report)


OL – ADJUSTMENTS – SHOULDER HIM, CUT HIM, POST TRACK

RB – DOUBLE tag, LOG tag. POWER SCHEME

15 min DEFENSE INDY


10 min – TEAM – PASSING (BW – DRAG PASS, PS – BENCH PASS)

30 min – Power Series (40 plays)

10 min – BUCK WEDGE SERIES (20 plays)

15 min – TEAM – POWER BALL



4th Week 3rd Day

10 min – DFW

10 min – TACKLING



OL – ADJUSTMENTS – Shoulder Him, Cut Him, POST TRACK, BOUNCE

RB – LOG, BOUNCE,DOUBLE – BUCK WEDGE SEREIS

20 min – Power Series (30 plays)

10 min – BUCK WEDGE Series (20 plays)

10 min – KICK OFF

10 min – TEAM – KING OF THE RING



HARD WORK = PAYS OFF!!!

4th Week 4th Day – FINAL PRACTICE BEFORE GAME

10 min – DFW

10 min – Tackling


10 min – DEFENSE SCOUT REVIEW

10 min – OFFENSE SCOUT REVIEW

10 min – BUCK WEDGE SERIES – PERFECT SERIES

10 min – POWER SERIES – PERFECT SERIES

10 min – PASSING – PERFECT SERIES

15 min – SPECIAL TEAMS REVIEW

15 min – TEAM CIRCLE – DISCUSS BEING ON TIME, PREPARING FOR GAME, TIMES, GOALS.

BBQ and VISIT

HARD WORK- PAYS OFFS!!!

NOTE: ENDURANCE TRAINING for below 10 should be replaced with either more offensive reps or defensive

Indys. Studies show that endurance training below this age group is not necessary as the energy systems are

basically all the same in this stage of a child’s development.


Setting Goals for the Team

If you want to have a really strong team you need to set goals that are

both achievable and credible. That simply means that they should be

able to reach them and they should note marked improvement and

noteworthy accomplishments.

I always have Season Goals (long term goals) and Game Goals (short

term goals). I also set goals for each team and each unit in a team as

well. This gives them specific objectives for being on the field and it gives

them a reason to perform. Some kids simply don’t care about winning

(most do) but a linebacker with a goal of not allowing more then Twenty

positive yards in any one quarter will make darn sure he tries to achieve

that goal.

I use a little system that I picked up in a management class I attended for

setting goals.

S.M.A.R.T =

Specific (is it specific and straight forward)

Measurable (can we measure the success of this goal)

Achievable (can we achieve our goal based on the above criteria)

Realistic (is it a realistic goal for our team in its current and possible future

condition)

Time Specific (define short term as a game, I define long term as the

season.)

Some good short term goals:

Offense

Achieve 200 yards rushing in the game.

Achieve 15 first downs in the game.

Score at least 8 points a quarter.

Don’t make any offensive penalties.

Possess the ball for 75% of time each quarter.

Have two big plays each half (+25 yard gains).

Defense


Hold the running game to only 20 yards of rushing a quarter.

Get two turnovers a half.

Get at least one defense score a game.

Force the offense to a three and out every time the get the ball.

Make four tackles for loss in each quarter.

These are just a few goals that I have set for a game.

Season or long term goals:

Team Goals

Go undefeated. ( This should be realistic if a team is not capable of it

don’t set them up to fail.)

Have a win percentage of .750 or we will achieve a 6-4 record. (some

times it is better to say we will win a certain number of our games (after

reviewing the schedule). This way if they bet that goal you can set a

higher mark and it can develop some much need team spirit in a young

or developing team.

Have zero unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in the season.

Offense

Have the TB get 20 rushing TD’s for the season.

Have the BB get 10 rushing TD’s for the season.

Have the WB get 10 rushing TD’s and 10 receiving TD’s for the season.

Have the QB get 15 passing TD’s for the season.

An average rushing yards per game of 200 yards.

An average points per game of 28.

An average of 2 penalties per game.

Defense

Average rushing yards of 50 per game.

Average points scored of 8 per game.

Average Defense points per game of 6 per game.

An average of 1 penalty per game.

An average of 10 tackles for loss per game.

An average of two turnovers a game.

These are few season goals that I have had.


Training the Running the Backs

BALL SECURITY is the KEY to being a SUCCESSFUL Back!

In order for your backs to be effective they must be aggressive blockers

and good fakers as well as runners. This offense requires everyone not

carrying the ball to either block or fake and executing these correctly

makes this offense very deadly. The fewer defenders chasing the actual

runner means more opportunities for him to have a breakaway play

(Fewer Defenders to ball = Bigger chance of a TD!). Stress the little things

at all times like proper stance, location, footwork, ball handling, and path

to daylight. It is the little things that make each back and your offense

successful.

Offensive Back Priorities:

1) Be an aggressive and fundamentally sound blocker.

2) Protect the ball at all times.

3) Hit the proper lane. 4) Get up field when you see daylight.

5) Never ever take negative yardage to get away from a defender.

6) Fake as if you have the ball and are really running with it (rock the

cradle).

Training the Backs

Key elements:

1. Ball Security and Ball Handling (Protect the ball)

2. Good Stance and Position (QB/BB/WB)

3. Blocking

4. Faking

5. Footwork

6. Schemes

Drills used to teach the Backs:

When we start teaching backs we stress stance, ball security, and ball

handling first and foremost. Once we feel that all the backs understand

the emphasis we place on them and they should place on protecting the

ball we move to blocking. Every back on this offense is required to know

how to effectively execute the blocks for his position. Once these are

established we start working on running schemes and within this process

we emphasis faking and proper footwork. At all TIMES we STRESS BALL


SECURITY. We stress these areas specifically when teaching our backs the

running game.

• Stay low and protect the ball

• Explosiveness

• Attack the hole

• Know the blocking scheme

• First daylight you see get up field immediately

Stances

QB – balanced pigeon toed two point stance. Low stance by bending at

the hips and knees so that he is under center.

• Feet back as far as possible with arms fully extended to avoid

colliding with pulling linemen (guards).

• Narrow stance with toes pointed in (pigeon toes) to make pivoting

easier.

• Feet are shoulder width a part and knees are slightly bent.

BB – balanced three point stance. He is lined up from the inside shoulder

of the play side guard to the outside shoulder of the play side tackle. He

can line up from snug to the line to one yard back. He should not over

adjust to give any play away.

WB – balanced two point stance tilted so that he is aiming right at the

outside hip of the EMLOS and within arms distance. His inside toe should

be lined up with the heel of the QB.

TB – balanced two point stance seven yards behind the QB. Eyes are

looking right at the QB’s back. Hands are resting on his hips.


Stance Drill

Coach lines up all the backs and calls out a position and then calls DOWN

and every back gets in that position.

BB, TB, WB, QB.

Use a cone to simulate their markers. So the marker is the QB when you

call out BB, The center for the QB, EMLOS for the WB, and the QB for the

TB. Simulate depth and proper positioning.

Ball Security and Handling

Holding the Ball

1) One arm – Open Field Running - ball rests on the forearm with the

rear point in the cup of the inner elbow and the top point is

covered by the middle finger and cupped by the remaining fingers.

The ball should be tight and resting against the ribcage. The ball

should always be on the opposite side of the tackler or pursuit if

possible.

2) Two arms – Contact/LOS – ball in the one arm method but the ball is

moved to right below the chest and the opposite arm covers the

top of the ball with the forearms resting on top of the ball as the ball

is pressed into the body with the ball arm. The opposite arm’s hand

should rest over the cup of the ball arm’s elbow. When ever the

runner is near the boundary line the ball should go to the near

boundary arm.

3) Switching the ball – the ball carrier moves the from one hand to the

other by moving the ball across the lower chest line with forearm

and palm of hand over the top of the ball facing inward. The

opposite hand goes on top of the ball with the middle fingers now

cupping the point in the carrying arm’s elbow. He rolls the old arm

down and out and rolls the new arm down and gets the near point

into the cup of the elbow and down the side.


4) Make sure the runner moves the balls and arm when he runs. If he

holds the ball in place on the side it will slow him down as he is not

using proper running form and the other sides proper motion will

cause the body to over torque to one side.

Hold and Switch Drill

Coach lines up all the backs in a line each with a ball. He explains how to

hold the ball in one arm and then in two arms and how to switch the ball

when needed.

He then has them all start with the ball in the left arm, checks it, then calls

out switch and the ball carries switch to the right hand quickly and

correctly. Coach watches each ball carrier and checks that the switch is

correct. Walk around and tug on the ball on each ball carrier as well to

check that they are holding the ball correctly.

Pairs and Tug Drill

Coach pairs up two runners facing each other. One has a ball and the

other is facing him an arms length away. The coach calls the side the ball

carrier places it and the defender swaps it. The ball carrier then switches

the ball to the other side as fast as possible and the defender attempts to

slap it. They keep doing this until the coach blows a whistle. These

develops the switch that is needed for the back to move the ball to one

side and the other when he is protecting the ball.


Step and Go Drill

Teaches the juke move; 5 cones in a straight line 5 yards apart from each

other and 5 yards from the runner. At first tell the runners to start with a jog

and concentrate on footwork. The footwork is key and as they gain

confidence and skill in it they can increase the speed. The key to a good

juke is the first step and where it goes. The cone represents a tackler and

we tell the runner to run right at the cone and then (if juking to the right)

lower you hips slightly (to lower center of gravity) to maintain control and

speed while taking a hard step to the left. Aim for the outside of the left

shoulder to force the defender to turn his hips and shoulders to the left

and immediately step hard to the right with the right and get up field; one

step and one step only. The wider and more controlled the step to the left

is the more effective the juke will be on the defender. Make sure the

runner doesn’t step in front or short step that first step. He must lower his

hips and step to the outside of the shoulder. We have the runners do it

the right going out and to the left on the way back. We have them jog it

until we see they have mastered the first step and hip drop. Then we

have them go a little faster, and then we have them do it at full speed.

Usually it takes a few weeks to get them going to full speed. By four weeks

your runners should have a really nice juke move to counter open field

tacklers and the infamous last defender on the edge.

Note: We always emphasize the importance of getting up field to

daylight.

Step and Go with a Bag

Same drill but we add a player with a bag that the runner immediately

lowers his non-ball shoulder to and delivers a blow. Running through and

lifting the shoulder as contact is made.


Singe-Cone and Two-Cone Weave

The cone weave is used to develop quick feet and fast cutting ability that

is need for a running back. The runner should first start the drill doing it

slowly or jogging so that he can develop the proper movement patterns.

What is important is to lower the hips and bend the knees as you move

laterally. It is important to keep the hips square as possible and not the

cross the feet but take small fast steps that allow you to apply force from

the ground.

Single Cone Weave – the cones are spaced in a straight line with two feet

between each cone. Use eight cones and a ninth cone that is ten yards

a way. When the runner slides out from the last cone he steps and sprints

to the ninth cone and jogs back to the end of the line.

Two Cone Weave – two cones are placed together and each set is offset

by one cone so that it increases the weave and cutting of the runner.

Again eight sets are used with a ninth cone for a ten yard sprint.

Mule Pull Drill

Need a piece of rope ½ inch wide 10 feet long with a piece of 2 foot

water hose on it and knots at both ends to keep it from falling off. Surgical

tubing or resistance line can be used as well. At least two to four helps this

go faster. A ball carrier starts in a two-point stance with ball in hand. The

rope is around the chest plate and a resistance man is behind him with

the line taunt (he is not putting his weight into it). On GO the runner

explodes down the path for 10 yards and when the resistance man sees

him pass it he releases the rope and lets him sprint for 10 more yards. They

then switch and repeat the drill going the other way. The resistance man

must keep the line tight but not pull on the rope at all. He should just relax

and let the ball carrier pull him along. The runner must explode and


increase speed and then burst into the next 10 yards. You can add a

defender at the end of the drill with a shield to bump the runner and force

him to show shoulders and knees. Runner must stay low – this helps to

improve his explosiveness coming out of his stance and into the hole. The

distance that the runner goes under resistance should be no more then 10

yards.

10yds 10yds

Stiff Arm Progression Drill –

Set 1 Teaches a back how to properly stiff arm. (Kevin Thurman’s drill).

Two cones ten yards apart with a coach over the inside cone and a

runner 5 yards away from the inside cone. On GO the runner (holding the

ball with the outside arm) runs straight for the far cone. As he does the

Coach tosses the bag at the runner. He must vary the height from Knee to

Shoulder height as well as varying the angle of the bag. The runner must

use his inside hand (with thumb down) as the “lever” and use the bag’s

momentum to push himself away from the bag. If any part of the bag

touches the runner he is tackled. Do not lock the elbow out; it should be

slightly bent.


Set 2 – Once the backs have mastered the technique involved in a stiff

arm we then move to a live drill using a tackler. The tackle lines up over

inside cone. On “GO” the tackler attempts to cut off the runner and

tackle him. The runner must execute a correct stiff arm. We teach the

tacklers they must hit the tackler where he exposes himself. The ideal

points to use the stiff arm are: top of the helmet (not the facemask), top of

the shoulder pad plate, chest plate (try to get to the far shoulder plate to

turn him away from you).

Cut Back Drill

Teaches how to make a proper cut back and when to use it. (Kevin

Thurman’s Drill). Two traffic cones are laid out 20 yards apart. A triangle

of cones is set in the direct middle with the tip of the triangle at the center

(10 yards) of the two traffic cones. The triangle is formed with three cones

and it is 3 yards from tip to bottom. The runner starts 5 yards from the

bottom of the triangle. On GO he runs straight at the coach (holding a

shield and inside the tip the triangle). When the coach slides to one side

he must immediately cut to the opposite side into the triangle and bend

his path back up field when he passes the traffic cone line. Repeat this

several times to the left and right for each back. This develops his ability

to make a cutback and reinforces the need to cut it back up field as fast

as possible.


Teaching the Back to Block

BB Blocking Drill#1:

This simple drill is used to teach a BB how to make the all-important kick

out and log block effectively and to know when to execute each block. I

have five cones representing the five interior linemen and a cone that is

set properly behind the center so that the B-Back can get in a proper

stance and depth. We always check his stance and depth. We have a

EMLOS on each side with a Shield. The coach is standing behind the BB

and on the blocking side. HE will call the side and then hand signal to the

EMLOS to either BOX (done at first), CRASH, or SIT. We tell the BB to always

kick out a boxer or a defender sitting and wide. We tell the BB to always

log a crashing defender or a defender sitting and in tight. We rep this to

each side several times and at first we work on the kick out and getting it

right and then incorporate the log. We can also signal the EMLOS to

widen or tighten as well. We tell the BB to cross over step at the inside hip

of the PSG and then go down the LOS and block the first defender to

cross his face. If he sees a crash he gains depth as he works to get his

head to the outside of the defender and then drive him up in to the LOS.

LOG KICK OUT


BB Blocking Drill#2

This is a more advanced drill for your B-back once he masters the concept

of kicking out and logging. It teaches him how to move down the LOS

and engage the first defender to cross his face. Just as in #1 we start with

kicking out first and then logging and mix the two in as he begins to

master it. This should be done to the right and the left side. We use four

defenders to conduct this drill that are numbered 1 to 4. 1 to 3 are filling in

just 1 foot off the LOS at C gap, tight D gap, loose D gap, and 4 is playing

wide at the same depth. The 1 and 2 simulates a defender crossing the

BB’s face from the guard out in a 4 to an 8 tech. The coach signals who is

crossing and how he is crossing. 1-4 straight across (kick out), 3 and 4 sit

(kick out). 1-4 crash (log) and 1-2 sit (log). We normally work on just the

kick outs at first and then move to logs and then mix them in. We want

our kids to master the kick out first though.


Wing Back Blocking Drill

This drill teaches the Wingback how to execute his inside seal block on a

LB and the LONG call SAB IN block, and the REACH block. An offensive

line is formed using traffic cones with a cone representing a QB as well.

The WB gets in the angled two-point stance on the right side. The coach

signals a defender to either move in a LB position (20, 30, 40, 50, or 60), 6

tech, or a 8 tech. If the Defender goes in a LB position on GO the WB

releases outside and up field and back inside hugging the LOS and seals

the LB using a proper inside seal technique. If the Defender moves into a

6 tech the coach yells LONG and the WB moves up to line and sets. On

GO he executes a SAB IN block. I like to get a WB up and go through the

INSIDE SEAL two times and then rotate. Then work right the side as well.

Once they have the inside seal down we then do the LONG call the same

way. We then work on the Reach block and perfect them sealing off the

defender to the inside. Once they get them all down we can add to this

drill by having the coach do two of the three blocks randomly and then

rotate. We do this twice for each back and make sure we get every

block.

“reach”


QB Toss & Block Drill

This drill teaches our QB how to make the soft toss, spin flat, and get into

the hole and make the Outside/Inside seal block. The key component is

the stance, footwork, soft toss, and staying flat to the LOS and get up field

and out of the hole quickly. It is also important that he makes his block

with the head on the inside of the defenders head on an outside seal and

on the outside of the defender’s head on an inside seal. He must seal the

defender from scraping to the ball carrier. The key is to first teach the

Outside look (outside run force) and then teach the inside part and have

the CB cross the LOS and have the safety roll up. Teach the QB to look

outside and if he does not see a defender coming towards the hole he

then looks inside and the first defender he crosses he blocks. Start with

outside blocking to both sides and then add the inside and rep both sides.

Then have two defenders in place and mix up who he has to block.

Note: We have the BB do this same drill as well to teach the Lead block. We just

line him up at his position and perform the counter step and lead through.

Combining Drills – You can combine the BB, WB, and QB drills in various

forms to rep the super seal action as well. This will improve the timing of

the BB, QB, and WB’s blocks and creating the tunnel to run through. This

can be done to teach the QB/BB double block as well.


Teaching the Schemes:

Backfield Action Drill – Skeleton Line of Cones – two pairs of backs working

in mirrored pairs (BB/DE, QB/CB, WB/LB, TB/LB for blocking and WB/Safety

for runner – his job is to attack the runner and force him to work for his

yardage)

We run each action against a mirrored set of defenders with shields

and/or bags. The purpose of this drill is to teach the scheme, timing, and

fine-tune the techniques involved for each play.

When we first teach the offense we start with either of two series:

Super Seal: Super Seal, Lead WB Counter, BB Trap, XX BB WEDGE.

Buck Action: BB Wedge, Wedge Sweep, KEEP tag.

We have each group do it twice to both sides. Then we have the groups

switch and repeat. We keep doing this until we get the timing and

techniques down. We always talk it, show it, and then have them bird

dog it until the master the basic footwork. Then they run it at ½ speed

building up to full speed.

Each time we add a play we have the backfield practice it in the

skeleton form so they can develop the timing and footwork needed in the

full team drill.

This allows us to concentrate on developing the back’s timing and

footwork on each play. As they realize that for the most part they are

doing the same thing for each play except for change in one or two

assignments it becomes easier and easier to use variations off the same

plays. When you are doing this drill you really want to stress the Blocking,

Faking, and Footwork along with the Ball Handling. Make sure your runner

is hitting the hole correctly and keep stressing that he has to explode into

the hole and get up field. To many younger players want to dance

instead of putting their shoulder down and gaining yardage.


Chapter 13

Adjustments and Tactics

Reading the Defense

Since most youth teams do not have the luxury of a press box you have to

have to know how to scout a team from the sidelines. This can be a

tough thing to do but if you know where to line and how to watch it can

really help you in your decision making process as you call plays.

1) Read the play side offensive linemen’s feet.

2) Read the kick out target or the APEX of the wedge.

3) Note the jersey numbers of the linebackers and what side they play

on. Also note the jersey numbers of the defensive ends.

4) Have scout plan in place for your coaching staff and an easy signal system so that you can relay information quickly.

5) Don’t watch the running back.

Sound Advice

1) Note the defensive front (odd/even) and put it down on paper.

2) Train yourself to watch the lineman’s feet on the playside as the

play develops. You can get a lot of information by simply watching

the lineman’s feet.

a. It will clue you in right a way if you are getting explosion off

the line.

b. It will clue you in if your line is taking the right track and

executing the proper techniques.

c. It will clue you in if you are getting leakage as well as opening

a hole.

d. It gives you an instant picture of the hole being opened as you are focused on the feet and as they move you will see

the hole develop. This allows you to quickly troubleshoot it.

3) As you watch the feet of your linemen you can also watch the

perimeter defender’s reactions when calling off tackle and outside

running plays. Key on the defensive triangle (DE, OLB, CB) and

what they are doing.

a. How do they adjust.

b. How do they support run.

c. How do they support pass.


4) As you watch the feet you can also quickly ascertain what the

interior defenders are doing.

5) This also allows you to see what defensive linemen are doing to your

blockers as well (tackling, pulling down, and things like that).

Defense Game Scout Plan (EXAMPLE)

OC – watches Point of Attack Key (POA).

1) Kick out target on SEALS, KICKS, TRAPS, G, PARTS.

2) LB on SIDE. 3) NT or DG’s on WEDGES.

The play caller needs to know the action and reaction of the defenders at

the point of attack.

If you note the Linebacker’s jersey numbers after each play simply look at

the play side and see if the BSLB is on the play side. If so then you know he

is attacking the play and more then likely not holding ground and reading

counter.

If you want additional eyes on the field

Select a few coaches and show them what to look for and how to signal

you. Below is an example

LB SCOUT – Watches the inside linebacker and backside linebacker.

1) Is the inside linebacker shooting his gap, reading, or flowing to the

play?

a. Two hand signal system.

b. First hand (what backer) ; ILB = 1 finger.

c. Second hand (action); i. Shooting gap = 1 finger ii. Reading and holding = 2 finger iii. Scraping or flowing to play = 3 finger

2) Is the backside linebacker shooting his gap, reading, or flowing to

the play?


b. First hand (what backer); BSLB = 2 fingers.

c. Second hand (action); i. Shooting gap = 1 finger


ii. Reading and holding = 2 finger iii. Scraping or flowing to play = 3 finger

After each play the LB SCOUT looks at the OC to see if he needs

information and then signals the information to him. A simple thumb up

by the OC confirms that he got it. A thumb down means repeat it.

Remember you don’t necessarily need a coach to do this. If your short

handed you can simply train a parent (a responsible one) to watch for this

and signal you. Just make a laminated card that has the instruction on it

for him or her. OF course it is always better to have an assistant coach

doing it because you can always walk over to him to get additional

information.

DB SCOUT – Watches the backside corner back and the Free safety (note

jersey numbers).

1) Is the Corner back playing pass? Crashing or Blitzing and chasing the play backside? Squeezing and flowing to the play side?

Reading the play and sitting (reading counter)?


b. First hand (what DB): 1 finger means BSCB.

c. Second hand (action): i. 1 finger = playing pass ii. 2 finger = crashing/blitzing iii. 3 fingers = flowing to play side.

iv. 4 fingers = sitting and reading.

2) Is the safety (safeties in cover 2) playing pass (dropping)? Coming

up to support run? Blitzing?


b. First hand (what DB): 2 fingers mean safety (near safety), 3

fingers means far safety.

c. Second hand (action): i. 1 finger = playing pass ii. 2 fingers = run support iii. 3 fingers = blitzing

Youth Defenses


Youth defenses are not complex or fancy. They want to stop three things

normally; the sweep, the dive, and the off tackle blast (iso). They also

want to limit the big pass play going deep that is so often used by youth

teams. They are also aware of the quarterback sneak that is so prevalent

as a last ditch effort by the average youth offense.

The other keynote about youth defense is they tend to be gap

attack/penetration type defenses and not reading types. That means

you are going to see a lot of 10-1, GAM, 8 Gap, and other 9 and 10 man

front type defenses that are aggressive. You must have an offense that

can easily counter this and take advantage of it.

NOTE: This is based on a football coach that knows what he is doing

defensively. The average youth daddy coach doesn’t know these things

and normally assumes that what he sees on Sundays will work on

Saturdays on a youth field; which any experienced youth coach knows is

wrong. So you need to ascertain what type of coach you are facing. If it

is a daddy NFL coach your job becomes pretty easy (but don’t under

estimate him some have a lot talent to make up for the short fall of

common sense and experience) and you can plan accordingly.

The number one area that youth offenses attack is the outside with the

sweep (this is because it is the easiest home run play in the youth team’s

arsenal) because of this the number one area youth defense defend is

the outside D gap (Sweep). In order to do this they must give up another

hole somewhere in the line or in the secondary. Usually that hole is the

inside D gap or C gap (off tackle). This is the Achilles heel of most youth

defenses and should be the main focus of attack. Once you attack this

hole defenses adjust one of four ways.

1. They move the outside defenders in tight and the DE pinches to

stop the off tackle run. Time to LOG that DE and bounce the

play outside.

2. They move an inside defender (A or B gap ) into the off tackle

hole. Time to wedge or trap since those guys are probably

coming hard to stop the off tackle play or attempting to clog

the hole by sitting and stuffing the blocker.

3. They move the backside over in a shift to the strong side. This is

simple to beat, just show them what they expect and then

pound them backside or play action them backside;

somewhere they are weak.


4. They move up the secondary in an effort to put more men in the

box. Time to pass or run a super seal keep. Both attack the

defense by forcing them to respect the power run and still hit

them in the same exact areas.

Just bear mind those quality defenses are going to show you eight or nine

man fronts of some sort. They are going to attempt to cause pressure in

the backfield and force you to get the ball out of the backfield fast.

Good youth coaches realize that causes problems for the average youth

offense.


Common Defenses

62 (64 w/ corners in tight) Split 6

Wide Tackle 6 Diamond 7 (71)

7-2 Eagle (74 Eagle w/ CB’s tight) GAM

(52 Eagles w/ cover 2 safties)

44 Tight 52 Okie (72 Okie w/CB’s up)


Power Series

Fundamentals of the Super Seal Play

My thought process on the super seal is that I want the defense to know

that we are capable of running this play every time at them on every

down. I want them to fear this play and fear the repercussions of over

committing on it as well. Thus they must remain mirrored against the

defense and attempt to stop the play by either technique or ability.

I tell my tail back he must that he must secure the ball while keeping his

eyes on the hole. He must attack that hole aggressively while he lets the

back side linemen pull through the hole to give him a wall of blockers. We

tell him to hit the hole hard and fast reading the QB and pulling linemen.

If the QB and backside linemen go under the BB as he logs he must stay

inside of the QB’s seal block and explode up field at first daylight. Do not

let the TB string this play out at all. The key to this play is to get up field

and inside at the first outside seal block. The reason for the shuffle step

after the snap is to keep the Tail back square to the hole and give his

blockers an initial moment to pull down the line and get in the hole. We

emphasize to the tail back (runner) that he must follow the QB, Backside

linemen, and B-Back and read what they do. It also forces the tail back

to stay as square as possible to the LOS as he hits the hole; we want this so

that he has a cutback to the inside or the outside as well as driving

forward.

S

C B B B C

E T N T E


Note BB and QB relationship: The sequence is B-back first (kick out or log),

then QB (outside – inside seal), then BSG and BST and then runner into the

tunnel. The QB must spin, toss, and get into the tunnel created by the

down block inside and the kick out. This means that his footwork and

technique must be well tuned, as they are key to the super power being

effective. The QB should have a pigeon toed stance that is no more than

shoulder width apart to allow for a good balanced spin and toss stay tight

to the LOS so that you can easily get inside of the BB. He should be facing

nearly 180 degrees when he spins. If he gets caught up along the LOS it

will affect the path of the runner and the run force can shut the play

down from the outside in by stepping into the tunnel. The B-Back must

take a cross over step towards the far hip of the play side guard and the

flow towards the EMLOS unless that defender sits or squeezes inside and

then his next step is to gain depth away from the LOS and arc around the

EMLOS so LOG him inside. The reason for the cross over step is it clears him

away from the QB and BSG faster.

Note: Unlike the classic double wing offense where the wingback attacks

the hole from a lateral position the tailback is attacking the hole vertically

from a seven yard position (6 yards for younger teams). This makes the

footwork for the quarter back and backside linemen a little more forgiving

as the distance covered by the tailback is longer then the three pullers.

Also since the blocking back is offset to the play side this allows him to get

to the kick out much faster then in a traditional double wing formation.

Note about the Tunnel: the Down/Seal block inside and the Kick out/Seal

block outside on the LOS create the tunnel. Also if a blocker on the play

side does not have a target on the LOS to block his path will take him into

the second level and force backside pursuit to go over him, which will

cause him to give ground and time to the runner. Creating that tunnel at

the first level with the Down block inside and the Kick out/Log outside is

very important as well as the seal block on the inside and outside on the

second level.

Play of the B-Back

Kick Out (take an inside banana path and attack the inside shoulder of

the DE and kick him outside). The backside footsteps towards the play side

near outside lineman’s near hip (crossover). His helmet must be behind

the inside shoulder of the defender so that he signals the QB and ball

carrier that the hole is open. He must continue to drive the defender to

the outside and if he his stopped he must lock out his arms and keep his

feet moving.


Log (take an outside banana path and attack the outside shoulder of the

DE and seal him to the inside). He must take a depth step to get away

from the LOS so that he can arc around the EMLOS and seal him inside.

Initially you will still take your cross over step to the inside hip of the near

out side lineman but you must widen out (gain depth away from the LOS)

as you go by the PST.

E E

The key to teaching this is to drill it into the B-Back so that when he sees it

he can respond correctly.

Tactic of EMLOS BB Block Note

Boxing Kick Out Seals him OS and away

from LOS and runner.

Wide (9 or 8 tech) and

reading/ squatting

Kick Out Seals him OS and away

from LOS and runner.

Tight (6 or tighter) and

reading

Log Seals him IS and away

from runner.

Scrapping down the

LOS

Log Seals him IS and into

the LOS and away

from runner.

Crashing inside Log Seals him into the LOS

and IS and away from

runner.

Note: There are obviously other ways to adjust to a tough EMLOS that is

tough to kick out. See the table for how we adjust using play calling

tags.


Tactic of the EMLOS Adjustment Note

6-tech that is scraping,

sliding, or crashing

giving the BB a

problem.

LONG SUPER SEAL WB shifts to the LOS

and in a 3 pt stance

and SAB IN blocks. BB

kicks out next defender

to show. Attacks the D

gap.

Tough LB on play side

crashing in the hole.

No interior lineman

from 4,5,7 and the 6

tech can be kicked

out.

SHORT SUPER SEAL WB and PSE release off

the LOS and doubles

the LB. BB kicks out first

defender to cross his

face. Attacks the B

gap.

A tough EMLOS that

can be kicked out but

is to tough for the BB.

SUPER SEAL DOUBLE The quarterback and

blocking back kick out

the EMLOS.

EMLOS and run support

are sliding inside to

stop the off tackle

play.

SUPER SEAL SWEEP The WB reaches the

EMLOS and the QB

kicks out/logs the run

force and the back

side line pull under and

lead to outside.

Attacks the wide D

gap.

Misdirection

Explanation of Misdirection

When I say misdirection football what I am talking about is forcing the

defense to react to one look while the offense is actually doing something

else. Sounds generic but I did this for a reason. I personally think there are

different forms of misdirection and having a good understanding of the

different types and how to use them can only make you a better coach in

my opinion.

1) Immediate Misdirection – The offense at the snap of the ball

executes several actions in the backfield (normally going in different

directions or changing directions in mid step) forcing the defense to

commit early to protecting their area of responsibility and isolating

the area, gap, and defender that we are actually attacking.

Several examples of this in other offenses: a cross buck action out of


a split backfield, the spinner series out of Single Wing, and the buck

lateral out of the single wing. Each of these forces the defense to

immediately respond and attack. In my offense a good example

would be the Buck Wedge Series that forces the defense to

responds to both perimeters and the interior right at the start of the

play.

2) Developing Misdirection – The offense runs a base play forcing the

defense to respond to that action and then offense counters off

that action. A good example is the Criss-Cross of the Wing-T, the

lead-draw of the I formation, and the infamous double wing

counter. Each forces the defense to sit and wait while the base

play develops which in turn forces the defenders at the point of

attack to stop the base play by themselves as the rest of the

defenders sit reading the counter off that action. A good example

of this in my offense is the WB KICK or LEAD WB KICK in the power

series. We fake the power action with the blocking back, tail back,

and quarterback (who also fakes bootleg as well) showing the

defense a base play and forcing them to defend it and isolating

the backside. By adding lead we reduce the faking aspect but

improve the power aspect of the play.

3) Play action passing game – Yes this is a form of misdirection. You

are faking a run action and forcing the defense to respond to that

run-action all the while attempting to throw behind the defense or

to the perimeter of the defense. You can actually subdivide this by

using either immediate misdirection or developing misdirection. A

good example of immediate misdirection play action passing is the

Buck Drag pass and a good example of the developing

misdirection play action pass is the BB Trap WB Pass as we are

forcing the defense to respond to the BB trap and the TB power

action while attacking the deep perimeter.

My thought process on the misdirection is that I will call it when I see the

defense start over pursuing from specific points of the defense that

weaken the defense’s ability to defend every gap. Once I see these

things occurring I note them and then attack them accordingly. Often

one misdirection play feeds into another misdirection as the defense

attempts to fill the leaks (like a kid trying to plug a leaking dam that is

about to burst). Once you get a defense into this state it falls apart so you

can’t let up. The base play becomes the jab and the misdirection play

becomes the punch so you set up the misdirection with a few power plays

then punch them with the misdirection. Then jab them with a few more

power plays and then punch them with the misdirection.

Golden Rule: Don’t counter from a play until the defense fears that play.


SUPER SEAL AND MISDIRECTION

S

C B B B C

E T N T E

Above is an example of super seal flow and the backfield and line that

moves to the play side. Note that the TB, BSG, BST, QB, and BB are

shaded. The flow going to right side is forcing the defense to respect

super seal via formation and movement in the backfield.

At the youth level defensive backfields generally key the backs or key the

backs through the guards. By doing this they allow us to deceive them

with the use of our obvious strong side formation and movement in the

backfield. Even more importantly is the fact that any defense that sees a

constant swarm of bodies moving to one side and then seeing the ball

appear on that side is going to respond with movement towards that side.

The illusion we create with this constant action gives us the ability to use it

against the defense and gives us an effective misdirection game. The key

is setting up the illusion (Power Action) and forcing movement by the

defense.

Normally a youth defense keys in this manner against our offense –

ILB/MLB = TB (they perceive him to be the primary back)

SLB = BB


WLB = TB

SCB = WB

WCB = BSTE

FS = Flow (well coached teams coach the FS to key the QB has he sinks)

If the defense wants to match up (man up) then they key in this manner –

SCB = WB

SLB = PSTE

MLB = BB

WLB = TB

WCB = BSTE

FS = QB

Often the defense might have the MLB/ILB key through the guards and

into the backfield. At the youth level what that really means is that the

backfield can still misdirect the defense. There not a lot of youth teams

that have the linebackers reading linemen and often even if they do the

backfield action often mesmerizes the young linebacker.

S

C B B B C

E T N T E


Backside Linebacker and Cornerback: When the defense over pursues to

flow they leave the backside open to these plays and we have to attack

this weakness. By effectively countering a team that has it backside

pursuing hard across the field (east – west) vice cross reading or filling their

gap it allows us to attack them against the flow of the play allowing us the

big play opportunity and the ability to score quickly. That is not the only

thing it does though. It also takes away from the defenses ability to put

more defenders at the point of attack when running our base plays

because now the defense must sit and read counter on the backside or

fill the backside gaps. The ability to make the defense hesitate or sit on

the backside as we attack with our power plays makes our power plays

more effective.

Backside Defensive End and Depth of Tail Back: I really feel the depth of

the tail back forces the backside end to react and move up field to cutoff

the runner’s path off; in doing so that backside defensive end leaves

himself open to the counter plays on his inside as he takes a direct to the

tailback.

L C L C

E E

1) 2)

Two Schools of Thoughts: There are those that believe you should hold the

counter plays and use them sparingly; more of a big bang play when the

defense gets lulled into defending your power running game. Then there

are those that believe it should be mixed in liberally to keep the defense

honest and allow for a more honest playing defense. I do both

depending on the defense I am facing. If I see an opportunity to get a

big play off the counter I don’t wait I call it and take that opportunity

given to the team. In the past I have been more of a hold it till I need it

but I have found that mixing in the counters a lot more keeps the defense

on its toes and forces them to defend the entire front at all times. The


yards per play on your counter will drop if you use it more often along with

the amount of long yardage touchdowns but the impact of the play is still

very significant in the impact it has to your overall power running game.

Also I have found if I am mixing power and counter plays the play action

pass becomes the big play as the defense tends to squat on the LOS

trying to stop your running game.

Misdirection and Faking: The key to good misdirection is faking or making

the play appear as your base play. You must stress that anyone not

blocking must fake and do it well. They must execute their assignment just

has if it were the real thing and the better and longer they fake the more

likely they are going to pull a defender away from the actual play. Bear

in mind for every false step a linebacker or defensive back makes that

equates to one yard of additional gain by the runner. So stress faking to

everyone not blocking or carrying the ball. This is especially important for

the quarterback and the wingback (when in a pass route) to carry out

their fakes well every time because once the defense starts ignoring them

they are going to become big plays.

Play of the Wing Back: The wing back must take a drop step to slide him

out of the way of the B-back who is going to be executing a kick out (if he

is not leading) to the EMLOS near him. Once he does that he aims for the

far hip of the last player on the LOS (OT or TE) and heads toward him

keeping the QB to his outside. As soon as he secures the ball he looks for

daylight. That daylight might appear on the other side of the center (A

gap) or down the line at the D gap. He has to get up field fast and get to

the outside boundary fast. The runner must never cut this play back inside

as the defenders that are recovery from the power action will be heading towards you from that direction.

L C L C

E E

1) 2)

BB Trap


When I start to see the inside linebackers playing the super seal by flowing

and not attacking through their gap I start calling the BB Trap. This is

especially a big play if the backside linebacker is sticking his nose into the

backside D gap expecting or filling on the counter. That opens a huge

seam to run into and to the boundary on the backside of the power

action. Especially once you have established the WB as a passing threat

now the Safety must slide to play that corner route and the booting QB.

Big play potential in the BB trap to the weak side of the formation.

Adjusting the Trap blocking scheme – remember KICK, TRAP, and SHORT

TRAP are basically the same except they either extend or shorten the gap

you hit. That is the nice thing about the BB being offset to one side it

makes the timing and footwork easier and simplifies a lot of timing issues

that the normal DW counter trap has but it should be noted you don’t get

the quick trap to the play side that you do from a balanced set. With that

said if those linemen are trappable you simply flip the formation and go

from there.

Blocking Scheme Reason Notes

BB KICK Trap the 6 or wider. EMLOS is attacking.

BB TRAP Trap the 4 or wider.

Seal the inside backer.

Interior defender is

attacking .

BB SHORT TRAP Trap the 2 or wider.

Double seal the inside

backer.


attacking.

LEAD WB Kick

If the backside linebacker and inside linebacker is flowing to the power

action side and not attacking through their gap then they are ripe for

Kick. If you need more power to the weak side this is good answer as well

since you are getting the additional lead block from the blocking back.

Don’t use this play until you see a fasting reacting backside that is when it

has home run potential and can be an impact play. Once you see that

key use it and keep using it; don’t be afraid to call it twice in row if you

think the linebackers will over react once more (very sneaky and it has

paid off for me in big games).

Like the BB Trap you can adjust the blocking schemes on this as well to

take advantage of a certain defender or to seal off a problematic inside

linebacker.


Blocking Scheme Reason Notes

LEAD WB KICK Trap the 6 or wider. EMLOS is attacking.

LEAD WB TRAP Trap the 4 or wider.

Seal the inside backer.


attacking .

LEAD WB SHORT TRAP Trap the 2 or wider.

Double seal the inside

backer.


attacking.

XX BB Wedge

This is an awesome play once you set up the powers and counters. The

defense gets so fixated on defending the edges that the backfield action

draws them into the edges and the wedge runs right up the middle and

normally for a huge chunk of yardage.

BB Part

This is a good change up to the Trapping schemes when you are facing a

EMLOS that is expecting the kick out or the wedge and suddenly gets SAB

out blocked. This leaves the next defender inside isolated and if he is

attacking or pressing up field that makes him a huge target for the BSG’s

trap block. I like to us this against teams expecting the wedge or trap.

The play side line parts and suddenly the interior defender must make a

choice and often with all that space he attacks and is then trapped.

LEAD WB Part

This is just a more powerful version of the BB part using the blocking back

as a lead blocker now. You don’t have the passing threat of the WB in

the corner so that means the safety has to bite on the quarterback’s

booting action only.

SIDE

I think this is one of the best plays that I have come up with to compliment

my running attack. If the defense over plays the power action to the

strong side and the strong side linebackers are flowing hard to stop the

power action then seal will be a huge gainer as it will seal off the entire

strong side and send a lead blocker into the backside line backer with

your best runner cutting back into the alley. You get decent power with

good deception as the wing back and quarterback fake bootleg pass.


Tactics

I base my adjustments on what the defense is showing me as I read the

defense and any weaknesses that I detect in their personal or alignments.

I always start with Super Seal as my first play unless I feel that the defense

has scout me enough that they will attempt the stop the super seal all out

on the first play. If they do plan do that then I will open with a play that I

think will be a big gainer and put them on their heels based on scouting.

For the most part I run Super Seal and watch the defense for their reaction

and response. I run it to both sides (Bull and Bear) and not reactions and

formation adjustments. Then if Super Seal is going for 5+ yards I keep

running it but I mix in other elements like KEEP TAG or WB PASS TAG that

doesn’t sell out our misdirection game but includes the other aspects of

the actual play forcing the defense to defend those points of the play.

Once we get them concentrating on the power aspect, perimeter threat

of the quarterback, and the play action of the WB pass that is all built in

we have now opened them up to the full arsenal of the offense and we

can establish other plays easily. Once you start springing the traps, kicks,

and other plays on them they have to not only respond to your base play

and all the aspects of that one play but they must also attempt to stop

the other plays your calling.

Buck Series

Because this is intended to be a pretty straightforward series with very

simplified blocking there really is not much to the play calling. We

attempt the set the entire series up by running BB Wedge. We then focus

our attention on the perimeter defenders and how they respond to

quarterback and wing back. Once we see those perimeter defenders

slamming down inside to chase the ball carrier as the interior defenders

attempt to slow or nullify the wedge we call Wedge Sweep or the KEEP

tag.

We can adjust some things that we do within a game as well to adapt to

the defense.

Play Adjustment Note

BB WEDGE BB CUT WEDGE Penetration in the C

gaps.

BB WEDGE KEEP Seeing the perimeter

defender on the QB

boot side committing

to the wedge and


sweep action and not

containing.

WEDGE SWEEP FOLD Run force is presenting

a problem. Has TE loop

under the WB reach

and block the run

force.

WEDGE SWEEP KEEP Seeing the perimeter

defender on the QB

boot side committing

to the wedge and

sweep action and not

containing.

DRAG PASS When the defense

secondary commits to

the perimeter and the

interior defenders are

biting down on the

wedge this opens the

field for the drag pass

DRAG PASS FLY If the defense is

reading the release of

the WB into the drag

route and rolling

coverage the TB

running the fly will be

wide open.

DRAG PASS SEAM If the defense

secondary (safety) is

playing the run hard or

is rolling to cover the

top of the drag route

attack the deep route.

If the safety doesn’t

sink throw deep.


Chapter 14

Teaching the Passing Game

Beginning Stage

You need to develop some basic skills in your passer and your receiver.

Often coaches neglect this one area because they simply don’t

understand the mechanics involved in a well-thrown ball or how a

receiver actually catches a ball. There is really nothing complex in the

process at all once you understand what mechanics have to be taught

so that they will be successful.

Finding the Key Elements

In order to have a passing game you have to have reliable passers and

receivers. You have to have kid that can throw the ball and a few kids

that can catch the ball. The good news is they don’t have to be perfect

but they do have to have the natural instincts to get the job done. The

rest is up to you has a coach to make sure he gets the necessary skills and

masters them in order to be successful.

First you have to find a passer and a receiver. Lets talk about the

receivers first because they are pretty easy to find and pretty easy to

coach up once you find them.

Receiver

Teaching a receiver how to catch is fairly simple but you have to find kids

that can naturally catch to begin with. Some kids simply don’t have the

motor skills or coordination development to catch a football. More often

then not this is simply because they haven’t developed the

neuromuscular patterns and physical skills necessary to do so or they

simply have not done it enough to understand the concept. So your first

job is to just watch the kids playing catch and note the kids that can

catch pretty easily on their own and pull those kids aside and work with as

your receivers. Speed is not a big importance remember your using play

action (a form of misdirection) so the emphasis is on catching not

separating as that is going happen from the faking of the run action.


Basic Requirements

•First and foremost a receiver must learn how to properly catch a football.

•They must be given a variety of ways to catch a football. Often if you

look at a young receiver who is struggling it is because he only knows one

way or just a few ways of catching a football. A good receiver must be

able to catch a variety of throws.

Finding a Receiver

•At the beginning of practice simply throw out a few footballs and watch

the kids play.

•Make a note of kids that can naturally catch the football, release, and

run routes also note the kids that can throw as well for later when you start

looking for passers. The kids that you noted that could catch are the ones

you want to work with as receiver. Find kids of various sizes as well as you

are going to want some bigger kids at tight end that will block as well as

catch.

The Basic Fundamentals of Receiving

Teaching the Fundamentals of the Reception:

The key to having a successful passing offense is finding kids that can and

want to catch. You have got to get them reps and stress the importance

of stance.

Keys to Receiving:

• Get your eyes on the ball and get your body in front of the ball.

Focus on the center of the white stripe and wrap your hands

around it.

• Focus on the ball and attempt to catch it at its highest spot as it

approaches you.

• Go after the ball; don’t wait for it to come to you.

• Spread your fingers and get your thumbs together to form a triangle

if the ball is above your waist. Watch the ball in to the triangle and

as the ball comes in wrap your hands around it. Keep your hands

loose and not straight out. They should be relaxed but spread with a

slight inward bend in the fingers and palms.

• If the ball is below your waist get your pinkies together and form a

shovel and get them under the ball.


• If the ball is over your shoulder your head turns towards the ball and

shoulder it is coming to and your hands go up and together with

pinkies touching.

• Secure the ball to your side by locking it in.

• Get up field fast.

Basic Receiver Fundamentals

What we stress:

•Focus on the tip! (Watch the ball from first sighting it till it is secured).

•Soft hands! (You cannot catch a ball with stiff hands. We ask them if a

NET is stiff or soft, so we want your hands soft like a net to absorb the ball

and wrap around it). Do not catch a ball with your body or pads!!!

•Thumbs together if chest or higher! (Keep the hands soft and let them

wrap around the ball has it makes contact with the hands.)

•Pinkies down and together if below the chest! (as above)

•Pinkies together and up if over the shoulder! (as above)

•Secure it! Don't attempt to take off up field until you secure the ball.

Basic Catching Drill

Tennis Ball Drill

Place two cones five yards apart and have the receiver in the middle.

You can do multiple stations with two receivers working together in pairs

as you watch. This gives everyone a lot of reps.

The ball thrower stands five yards back with five tennis balls. He throws the

balls with medium force, not fast and not slow but good enough to make

the receiver work for the catch.

1st drill – toss at the chest – Thumbs together – 5 balls and switch.

2nd drill – toss at the waist – Pinkies together – 5 balls and switch.

3rd drill – receiver turns around and looks over either shoulder – pinkies

together over the shoulder – 5 balls (switch up shoulders)

These are basic skills you can develop with a tennis ball.


Rapid Fire Drill (Tennis Ball)

Again working in pairs if you have enough balls.

Receiver stands in the middle and you throw five quick balls in various

areas between the cones. Stress getting in front and using proper

technique. Throw them low and high and explain how to dig and jump

for the balls. If in pairs switch and repeat and you should do this twice

with each player so they get a good amount of reps.

Receiver Progression Drill

•QB in the middle with receivers forming the circle around the QB. If you

have two or three QBs you can put them all in a circle so that the QBs

form a triangle facing the receivers. The receivers should be ten yards out.

•1) QB's throw to every receiver's chest (midline). First high. Second round

is low. IF you have two QB's that is a total of four catches. We focus on the

above rules correcting mistakes.

•2) QB's throws to every receiver's left side. First high then low. Total of four

catches again. We focus on the above rules correcting mistakes.

•3) QB's throws to every receiver's right side. First high then low for a total

of four catches. We focus on the above rules correcting mistakes.

•At this point every receiver has caught 12 passes (6 high/ 6 low).

•4) Receivers turn around so they face away from the middle. QB throws

to over the shoulder to left side so that the WR has to go and get it (about

5 to 7 yards). Then we go to the right side for a total of 2 rounds (4 catches

each). Stressing pinkies together and over the shoulder.

•At this point every receiver has caught 16 passes and the more times a

receiver catches a ball with correct form the more natural these

techniques will become.


Notes About Receiver Progression

•With two QB's this takes 15 to 20 minutes the first time you do it due to a

lot of dropped balls and teaching. The second time it will take about 12 to

16 minutes. The third and fourth time it should drop to about 10 to 14

minutes of time. That is about as good as it gets on time. The key is to get

them to feel comfortable watching the ball in, catching the ball, and

securing it quickly.

•Getting quality reps is what will improve the quality of your receivers.

Adding to it

•Have the QB's on their knees to work on arm strength.

•Have the receivers facing away and the coach calls his pre-assigned

number just as the QB releases the ball for 1,2,3. (good way to add to it

during the season for quick reaction).

•Have the receivers widen out to 12, 15, or 20 yards to work on distance

accuracy.

•Have one QB in the circle one at a time performing rollouts and passing

sequences to the left and right. This is a very good way to teach accuracy

of throw on the move to the QB and for the WR to focus on the ball.


•Have the QB throw really low or really high ball to force the WR to dig or

get up on the ball. Teach the WR how to cradle/dig a ball out on a low

throw. Teach a WR how to catch a high ball off the ground and protect

himself.

Release and Route Progression

•Because of limited practice time I teach these in a progression that

allows me to teach release, routes, and patterns along with how the

packages we use work in one simple drill.

•It allows us to teach multiple kids at specific positions while teaching

passing plays.

•We use only the receivers and passer in the drill. (TE, WR, FB, WB, TB, QB)

•1st step – stance. We teach receivers how to get in their stances. We

review this several times for a few minutes each practice as we teach

passing. At the same time we teach formation and position as well. Once

they have mastered these things we drop this step.

•2nd Step: Release – we teach and review how each position releases.

–TE/WB: outside radical release, play action inside-out release.

–FB: bump and go release, inside playaction release.

–TB: bump and go release, outside playaction release.

•3rd Step: Routes – we then review route patterns with our receiving corps.

This step they simply run the routes at slow and then full speed. The passer

practices footwork as well. No ball is used.

•4th Step: Passing – QB then begins throwing the ball using his key for that

particular pass play. He will throw to every receiver to include any tag

receivers. We try to hit each key receiver three to four times and each

tag receiver two to three times.

•5th Step: Defense – add in defensive backs, linebackers, and defensive

ends to simulate live action.

This is the basic receiver progression I use to develop my receivers.

Nothing fancy just work on the basics. There are a lot of other drills you


can add to improve your receiver’s performance in specific skills but these

are what I believe are important to a receiver successfully catching balls.

The Passer

Fundamentals of Passing

Holding the Ball

• The ball is just below the ear and the throwing arm is cocked (elbow

out) and ready to throw as soon as you drop or make your run

action off of play action.

• Both hands are on the ball with the off hand mirroring the passing

hand on the other side.

Footwork and Body Motion

• You must set with the non-throwing foot and hip pointed in the

direction of the target along with the point of the elbow of the non-

throwing arm.

• As you throw it starts from the twisting of your hips, upper body, and

into your arms. The index finger as you release the ball should point

in the direction of the receiver. This forces the hand to come down

on the ball creating spin.

• Upon delivery of the ball the non-throwing foot is pointed just inside

of the receiver and your hips are square to the receiver as well. This

is caused from the rotation of the hips and shoulders as you throw.

The throwing foot should be point down field now at the receiver

and the heel off the ground.

Aiming

• If the ball is thrown directly at the receiver the throwing hand should

be pointed at the chest of the receiver. The index finger should be

the last part of your body to touch the ball and should be pointed

right at the receiver. (bullet pass) If it is a longer pass then you raise

the finger up to the head so that ball drops into the chest and then

adjust accordingly.

• If the ball is thrown deep (a bomb) at the receiver the hand (index

finger) should be point above the receiver and the throwing

shoulder should drop slightly. The height of the finger above the

head varies with distance and arm strength. The index finger

pointed above the receiver. The dipping of the shoulder and the


finger pointed over the receiver causes forward tip to track the

receiver (or drop).

• A receiver moving must be lead. The distance you have to throw to

the receiver determines the lead. The longer the throw and/or

faster the receiver the more lead. A bullet type pass needs less

lead then a bomb pass.

Drop and Movement

• If throwing off an action you can either Stop, Set, and Throw or you

can throw on the run. A younger less experienced passer benefits

from the Stop, Set, and Throw as it is easier for him to execute but

you need to give him time to throw.

• Throwing on the run the passer must open his hips (belly button) to

the receiver (hips facing the receiver) and he must realize that he

has added power if throwing to a receiver on his throwing side and

less power throwing to a receiver on his off side since he is now

throwing across his body. He also must realize that there is a natural

tendency to under throw the ball when moving laterally so you must

stress the hand points at the target correctly (start at the head vice

chest and adjust upwards as needed).

Ball Grip:

A proper grip affects the throwing mechanics and trajectory of the

football so it is imperative that the passer learns to hold the ball correctly.

Each passer’s grip will be slightly different due to variations in hand size

and hand strength but a few things are common amongst every grip and

they must be stressed to every passer.

Thumb – Pushes the ball during the initial throwing and release action;

provides leverage. If a passer’s hand is big then the thumb will tend to

point to the back of the football while a passer with a small hand the

thumb will tend to point more towards the middle of the ball. The

important thing is that there should be a space between the thumb,

palm, and football that should not exceed a ½ inch of space. The easiest

way to check this is the place your non-throwing hand index finger can fit

between the palm and the ball. The space and size is proportional with

kids; so his index finger should fit into his palm or a coaches pinky finger will

do as well.

Little Finger – Controls attitude of the ball (like front sight alignment of a

rifle). It must be on at least one of the first three laces of the near the front

of the ball. Once it gets set correctly it should not be adjusted.


Fore Finger (Index) – The forefinger controls the accuracy of the football. It

needs to be about 45 degrees to the back of the football. You might

have to adjust this if the ball does not leave the hand correctly. The

forefinger is the last finger to leave the grip of the football and is

responsible for completing the spinning rotation on the ball and propelling

the ball forward.

Middle Finger – Just on or just off the laces and is pointed vertically across

the ball; perpendicular to the point of the ball.

Fourth Finger - Should have contact with the laces, at least to the first

knuckle overlapping the laces.

Spacing – Two points of spacing that should be noted; one is the spacing

of the finger from each other. A proper spread of the fingers, that is the

fingers are spread wide, provides stability of the overall grip of the ball.

Proper spacing allow the QB to hold the ball in one hand as he rotates his

arm to throw. He should be able to run with his arm down at his side. If the

ball does not fall out he has proper spacing and grip. Secondly; the

spacing between the palm and the football is important as well since

palm provides nothing in the way of ball security or delivery. The spacing

is critical for a correct feel of the ball as this affects the pushing of the ball

on the release.

Proper Throwing Mechanics and Delivery:

Like ball grip proper throwing motion is affected by the body type and

arm length of your passers but a few things need to be taken into

consideration when instructing your passers on throwing mechanics.

Arm Rotation – (assuming a right handed passer)

Step 1 Arm Position - right handed passer uses his left hand to drive the

ball up into the throwing motion. The left pushes up and comes off the

ball naturally at about the shoulder.

Step 2 Shoulder Position – throwing arm elbow extends out and back just

below the wrist until the ball reaches shoulder level. The football is lifted

up above the shoulder to position behind and higher then the elbow.

Step 3 Angle of the Football – football is turned slightly outward from the

body. The nose of the ball is pointed away from the passer and should be


tilted upwards slightly. The non-throwing hand hip and shoulder are

pointed down field at the receiver.

Step 4 Release – The non-throwing shoulder and hip must rotate

backwards as the throwing hip and shoulder followed by the throwing

shoulder and hip rotating forward to apply momentum and force to the

throwing arm as it completes the throwing action. The elbow leads the

releasing action as the front hip and shoulder open towards the receiver.

The front foot steps towards the target as the hips rotate. DRIVE YOUR

BELLY BUTTON TOWARDS THE TARGET! At this point the football goes from

pointing outwards to naturally pointing at the target as it is thrust forward

as it reaches its highest point in the passing arc. As the front foot steps the

whipping twist of the lead hip must take place. This gives you complete

hip rotation and applies that force to the throwing arm which in turn

applies it to the ball.

Step 5 Finger Release – The fingers leave the ball in this order – little finger

(attitude), fourth finger, middle finger, thumb, and fore finger. The

forefinger provides accuracy and the final spin of the ball. It should be

pointed at the target (bullet) or above the target (lob or bomb) and the

throwing shoulder should drop if it is a lob or bomb. Velocity is generated

from the feet, hips, and shoulder and then into the arm, wrist, and finally

the hand. The arm should straighten or lock out as the football leaves the

hand, which provides additional push.

Ball Position:

The ball once snapped (quick pass) or after bringing it up from the belly

button (play action) should be a below the throwing shoulder with both

hands on the ball. This allows the passer to set and throw the ball with

relative ease and quickness. The higher the ball is held the faster the ball

can be delivered. The ball should be just above the numbers and below

the ear and away from the body. This ensures a full range of motion and

allows for a tight spiral.

If playaction is occurring hand fake and put the ball on the hip away from

the LOS then execute the proper mechanics to get it up as you prepare

to pass.

Foot Work:

The feet must work in concert with the arms in the passing process if not

one of two things often happen. First if the feet lead to far ahead of the

arm in the throwing action the ball dives or sails. Second if the arm is to far


ahead of the feet the ball lacks velocity or force behind it. The passer

must get in the habit of stepping towards the receiver as he passes to

improve both velocity and accuracy of the pass. Generally the throwing

arm should be at the middle of the arc when the lead foot hits the

ground.

Now those are the basics and it sound really complex but teaching a kid

how to throw is not that complex. Above was a perfect situation and you

drill to get to that perfect situation.

BASIC PASSING PROGRESSION

Take passers working in pairs (note you can have the receivers catch the

balls and hand them to the passers).

Take a Knee (both knees on the ground) – 8 yards to 10 yards.

The passers start off by simply throwing the ball easy a few times to each

other and warm up.

Look for and correct:

• Holding the ball with two hands

• Hand placement

• Ball placement near head

• Arm rotation

• Hip rotation

• Follow through

• Arm and hand mechanics

• Aiming (most important aspect) – HAVE THEM AIM AT THE CHEST.

After two to three warm up throws have them start throwing the ball hard.

They have to get used to throwing accurately while throwing with force.

Stress aiming the finger and adjusting it as they need to. At first they will

tend to have the index finger point up or outward and that will cause the

ball to rotate with a big wobble and be inaccurate. The other problem is

they will push the ball with their palm vice rotating their hand. The index

finger should pointing at the target and the thumb should be pointing

upwards. If you correct these two problems you have gone a long way to

making your passers more accurate.

After they throw ten to fifteen passes like this then move on.


Take One Knee (passing knee is on the ground) - 8 yards to 10 yards.

Each passer is going to again work for ten to fifteen passes. You start off

slow and build up to full speed throws.

Again focus on upper body mechanics but now you are going to

introduce the non-throwing foot and hip facing the receiver.

Have them throw five passes and then one of them moves left or right.

Then tell the passers that their off hand foot (one on the ground) has to

point in the direction of the receiver and you have to rotate your hips so

that the belly button points at the receiver.

Look for and Correct:

• All the items in the first drill

• Off hand foot pointing at target

• Hips rotating so that belly button points at target

• Good ball rotation

Standing Throw

Each passer stands and gets in a proper pre-delivery stance. Off foot

pointed at target, both hands on ball, ball above shoulder, and ready to

throw.

They will throw back and forth using a good delivery and good

mechanics. Again starting slow and building up to full velocity for ten to

fifteen throws.

Look for and Correct:

• All the items in the first an second drill

• Proper foot and hip rotation on throw

• Proper follow through

• Velocity – practice bullets and touch passes (throws with very little

force at short and medium distances)

Down the Line Throw

Pair of passers get ten yards away and move down the yard lines

throwing back and forth working on proper mechanics and techniques.

Go there and back for 1 rep and work for 2 to 3 reps. The length is the

normal length of a football field or 40 yards distance. This teaches the

proper mechanics for throwing on the run.

Looking for and Correct:


• All the items in the above drills

• Proper placement of the hips and belly button.

• Proper aiming and follow through

• Proper roll out technique

Three Stop Drop Drill

Each passer sets up at a cone and practices making a three-step drop

correctly.

Three-Step Drop: This drop allows our QB to get depth from the LOS and

time up to patterns that are at a short to medium depth like fades. The

depth of the drop is 4 to 6 yards depending on stride and height of passer.

The QB must have the ball in a throwing position from the snap. As soon as

the last foot hits the ground the passer must have the ball off.

Assuming a Right Handed QB – He drop steps with his right foot for

maximum depth (the deeper this step is the farther from the LOS he is)

and the left crosses over, then the right foot drop steps again. As the foot

hits the ground he must position the body so the off hand foot points

down field to the receiver.

When throwing to the left his first step is to reach, then crossover, and

finally reach. On the final step he should open his front hip to a 45-degree

angle with the LOS. He must get his belly button at the target.

Practice Routine on Drop

1) No ball just drop. Correct footwork (depth of first step and speed).

2) Add ball and check for ball getting to the correct carrying position. 3) Check footwork on final step.

4) Add a receiver that in a specific position down field (end point of

route) (can be a coach).

5) Add a cone to the left and right of passer and tell the passer that is a rusher. When you call out a side just has he sets he must set and

then immediately move two steps laterally set and throw as fast as

possible.

After that we simply add in the play and practice the routes as the

receiver progression above, first using skeleton (receivers and passer) and

then the entire team. Adding pass defenders or rush defender after

working on it on air.


Chapter 15

Quick Kick and Special Plays

Field Position

Football games are won and lost on field position. Because this is a ball

control offense you have to understand the concept of field position in

relation to your offense and defense.

Position Action

On your Goal or –10 yard line Get as much yardage as you can in

the first down and consider quick

kicking on 2nd through 4th. A good

rule is if your getting 3.5 yards a

carry each down attempt the next

down.

-10 to -35 yard line Get as much yardage as you can in

the first and second down and

consider kicking on 3rd through 4th.

Apply same rule as above.

-36 to Opponent End zone Play all four downs unless game is

nearing the end and you are in the

lead by eight points or less. Then

apply same rule as above.

That is a general rule that I like to follow on quick kicking and punting.

Quick Kicking

I am not a big fan of traditional punting at any level or the traditional punt

formation. Why tell the defense what I am about to do? So I would rather

quick kick and let the defense assume that I am going to run or pass the

ball until the very last second. This gives you more advantages then the

defense in my opinion.

1) They are not prepared to rush the kicker as they are in a normal

punt.

2) Playaction forces them to respect your base action or play action.

3) Often their best return man is not set or position to receive the kick.


4) Increased chance of a dropped catch or touched ball which

increases the likelihood of a turnover.

How do I do it

I use either the Bull or Bear formation with the strong side on the wide side

of the field. We kick to pin the ball to the sideline and allow our hunters to

go from outside in and pin the ball down field. We use a Super Seal

playaction to set the quick kick.

BEAR SUPER SEAL – QUICK KICK RT

PSTE to Center blocks SAB IN waiting for ball to be kicked and then release

up field separating at 5 yards to from lanes. The head straight and pin the

ball up field. BSTE shoe shines then releases up field when ball is kicked.

He takes an angle to seal the side line off as he has side line containment.


BSG and BST pull and seal until the ball is kicked. Then they hunt the ball

inside out.

WB releases up field working wide until the ball is kicked he then hunts the

ball outside in.

BB kicks out first defender to cross his face and when the ball is kicked he

works up field outside inside hunting the ball.

The QB reverse pivots tosses the ball then seals the first defender outside

inside. When the ball is kicked he works up field outside inside hunting the

ball.

The TB takes the toss attacks up field for two steps and then kicks the ball

up field aiming at the near side line. Not right at the side line but towards

that side. Make sure he turns and steps to the back side to kick.

The key to the quick kick is establishing the run fake for just a few moments

forcing the defense to commit to the run action and then kick the ball.

A good quick kick should hit the ground and roll up field or out bounds not

allowing the defense the opportunity to field the ball. If the ball is short

kicked or handled by the defense there is a good chance that it will be

mishandled or fumbled.

BONUS PLAY

I decided to add one play into this playbook that I used at the end of my

2005 Spring Select season. I had a lot of success with this play and I really

like using it if I have a wingback that is more of a power runner like the tail

back. The play is run only out of the Bison formation and uses a bit of

deception with the tailback faking the power action like the power series.

It is a power running play that slips the wing back into the inside of the

faking tail back as he fakes the power wider forcing the defense to step

down and attack the tailback as the wing back goes by.


WB Super Seal

Bear WB Super Seal Right

CP

The TB must

give a great

fake and take

the ball

outside

towards the

EMLOS

outside hip to

force the

inside hole to

open so that

the wingback

can slip in.

Line

PSE – SAB IN

PST – SAB IN

PSG – SAB IN

Center – SAB IN



BSE - Cut

Backs

QB – reveres pivot soft toss ball to path of TB and then

flow straight down the LOS and hitting SEALING first

defender outside that crosses your face. Try to stay

tight to the LOS so that you can get in the alley fast.

TB – Slide step to play side and then attack down field

faking toss and attacking the outside hip of the

EMLOS. DON’T WAIT for the backside to pull. Fake all

the way up field and outside forcing the defense to

BB – cross over step and kick out the first defender to

cross your face. YOU MUST DRIVE HIM OUTSIDE TO THE

BOUNDERY!

WB – Align right behind the BSG and just behind the

hip of the quarter back. On the snap the wingback

open steps with the play side foot then takes the

handoff lets the backside lineman pass and gets on

the hip of the BST and hits first daylight and gets up

field. Make sure he does not take it wide but gets up

field.

CP: SHORT SEAL if the PSLB is going over the

top of the SAB tracks.

CP: LONG SEAL if a 5,7,6, or 9 is a problem.

CP: DOUBLE (QB/BB) if the kick out target is

giving the BB a problem. (double kick out).

CP: POST & TRACK at the hole to get a double

team if you need it.


Chapter 16

Athletic Training for Youth Football

One of the most important aspects of being a coach is making our young

athletes better. That doesn’t only mean at football but at being better

athletes. Often we as coaches overlook that important aspect of our job

and I am sad to say the only people that suffer are the kids we train or

don’t train depending on how you look at it. It has taken me about ten

years and a lot of reading, experimenting, and learning. What I have

found is that if we as coaches take the time to develop and foster basic

athletic skills once these basic skills are established you set the ground

work for your players to develop into superior athletes. I have found that

the study of functional development, adolescent development,

functional anatomy, and kinesiology are great starting points as a youth

coach.

Stretching

Flexibility – the range of motion that is available at a given joint of the

body while at rest.

Flexibility is related to the extensibility of all the soft tissue including

muscles, tendons, ligaments, joint capsules, and fascia that surround the

bone structures and joint structures. It should be noted that flexibility is

variable and pre-determined by gender and genetics; however since we

don’t know the true ceiling of most athlete’s genetic pre-disposition to

flexibility we must first put a well rounded flexibility program in place so

that athlete can reach that ceiling and maximize his or hers potential.

More often the not if you go to a football practice the first thing you see is

the coaches lining up the players into neat lines or circles and then having

the athletes do static stretching. This comes from the good old days of

when we where players and our coaches really didn’t know any better.

However times, and more importantly our knowledge of the human body

and how it functions, have changed and we know that the muscles in the

body operate in a chain or series of muscles working together not in

isolation as science assumed in the past. A major muscle contracting

(agonist) induces the opposite muscle (antagonist) to relax or stretch all

the while also getting additional help from synergist muscles and the

stability muscles (deep muscles around the joint structures involved in the

movement). Static stretching has its place but it is not before a practice


and it is certainly not before you are getting your players ready to

conduct full speed drills with out warming up the body structure correctly.

If we look at a football player in a functional mode then we can notice

right off the bat that the body we are viewing is in an upright, dynamically

moving position rather then a static position holding a stretch or one that

is lying prone and holding a stretch. Our body moves through three

planes of motion (sagittal, coronal, and vertical) and if our warm up and

stretching are not accounting for the multiple planes of motion then our

stretching routine is not going to be effective. Also we must account for

how the body moves even while simply walking the muscles are

accelerating, stabilizing, and decelerating the body. This movement is

dynamic (always changing and moving) in nature. The majority of all

sports movements are done in an upright posture. Doing static stretches

in a seated or supine posture doesn’t prepare the body for proper

movement while accounting for bodyweight, gravity, and ground

reaction forces. Static stretching has its place but if your attempting to

increase flexibility and reduce injuries due to sports specific movements

then dynamic stretching before a workout or practice makes much more

sense. During the cool down phase is when static stretching makes much

more sense in the practice schedule. This is when muscles need to be

realigned (and reset from a neuromuscular perspective).

Planes of Motion

Sagittal – plane bisects the body from the front to back into right and left

symmetrical halves. Flexion and extension motion will occur on this plane.

Coronal – plane bisect the body form side to side dividing it into front and

back halves. Lateral flexion, abduction, and adduction motions occur

on this plane.

Transverse - plane divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior

(lower) halves. Rotational movements will occur in this plane.

Dynamic Stretching

Dynamic stretching involves stretching while performing a specific

movement pattern (fundamental or sports specific). It utilizes movements

that are controlled which allow the individual to mimic and prepare for

the movement patterns that will follow the stretch. Dynamic stretching

helps to set the proprioceptors of the muscles, ligament, and joint

capsules while allowing the muscles to strengthen eccentrically. Dynamic

stretching includes stretching in all three planes of motion. This is a huge


benefit in preparing, strengthening, and developing the joint structures

and supporting structures like the major muscles, stability muscles, and

synergy muscles along with the joint capsules. Static stretching simply

does not do this and that means you as a coach are not preparing your

young charges correctly for what you are about to do in a full speed

practice.

A Good Base for a Warm up and Stretching Routine

Warm up Sequence

Have the team split into lines so that you have no more then five players in

a line (that means if you have thirty players you would have six lines of five

players). Any more then five and it can become cumbersome to watch

each kid as they perform the warm up routines with one coach. If you

have an additional coach you can increase it up to ten lines.

LINEAR WARM UP

This is done to twenty yards out and a form run back and then to the end

of the line.

1) Form Run

2) High Knees 3) Butt Kickers 4) Drum Majors

5) Fast Skips * 6) Straight Leg Bounding * 7) Walking Lunges

LATERAL WARM UP

This is done to ten yards out and back.

1) Walking Shuffle

2) Walking Crossover

3) Shuffle 4) Tapioca 5) Carioca 6) Shuffle and Touch * 7) Lateral Run * 8) Lateral Lunge

UPPER BODY WARM UP

This is done to ten yards and sprint back.


1) Bear Walk

2) Bear Crawl 3) Crab Walk *

4) Spider Man *

BACKWARDS WARM UP *

Done at ten yards and form run back.

1) Backwards Walk *

2) Backwards Run *

3) Slow Back Pedal *

4) Back Pedal +

* You can add these after the base movements are mastered.

This is the basic Warm up cycle that I use before any practice. It takes

twenty minutes when you first introduce it and start teaching form and

proper movement. After they begin to master the movements and

understand the warm up sequence it gets down to about ten minutes. At

that point you can add the additional movements.

Start slow and work on proper movement and form and as they master it

then have them increase the speed. When you’re doing warm ups

nothing is ever at 100%, at most it is 75% and no more then that.

Explanation of Movements

Linear – warms up body in the sagittal plane for the most part.

Form Run - a run at 50 to 60% using correct linear form.

High Knees – a jog stressing the knee lift portion. The knee should attempt

to go above the belly button. Maintain proper linear form at all times. This

stretches the hamstring and all the stability and synergy muscles

associated with the hamstring.

Butt Kickers – a jog stressing the heel lift portion. The heel should make

contact with the butt. Maintain proper linear form at all times. This

stretches the quadriceps and all the stability and synergy muscles

associated with the quads.

Drum Major – this is at a fast walk. One leg is raised and the lower leg is

rotated inward so that the heel of the foot strikes the hand of the opposite

arm. The hand is at the waste line. The heel should go as high as possible


crossing the midline. This stretches the hip flexors and gluteus and all the

stability and synergy muscles associated with the hip flexors and gluteus.

Fast Skips – this is basically skipping at a fast rate using good linear form.

Start with a slow longer skip and work towards a fast rapid skip with the

feet touching the ground and quickly coming off the ground. Stretches

and warms up the muscles in the foot, ankle, and shin.

Straight Leg Bounding – Some times called Russian skips. The legs are

straight using a good linear. The feet should have very little ground

contact and work for the feet to get good height off the ground. This is

another good movement for the hamstrings and gluteus.

Walking Lunges - Take a long step out so and lean forward so that the

back leg is almost straight and then sit down into the lunge. This stretches

the pelvis muscles, inner muscles around the hip joint, quadriceps, and hip

muscles. It also works stretches the hamstring of the front leg as well. All

the stability and synergy muscles are being warmed up and stretched as

well. Make sure the upper torso is upright at all times. Have them do this

slowly so that they get a good stretch.

Lateral – warms up and stretches the body in the coronal and transverse

planes.

Walking Shuffle – This is nothing more then a shuffle at a walk. IT is the first

exercise we do in our lateral warm up. Make sure you are using correct

lateral form at all times. The feet do not touch or cross over. The hips and

knees are bent and the body is low to the ground but not bent at the

waste. This stretches the hip and pelvis muscles as well as the groin

muscles and all the stability and synergy muscles involved.

Shuffle – This is a faster version that further warms up the muscles and

stretches them.

Walking Crossover – This is nothing more then a carioca at a walk. The

back foot cross over as far as possible causing the front knee to slightly

bend. This warms up and stretches the hip flexors, lower back, and pelvis

and all of the associated stability and synergy muscles.

Tapioca – This is a fast short cross over steps using good lateral movement

form. This really stretches the hip flexors and gluteus as well as the lower

back muscles and all of the associated stability and synergy muscles.


Carioca – This is a longer cross over step using good lateral movement.

This further stretches the hip flexors and gluteus as well as the lower back

muscles and all of the associated stability and synergy muscles.

Shuffle and Touch – This is nothing more then a shuffle with the upper body

staying low and on every second shuffle the hands touch the ground in

between the feet while the head stays up. This further stretches the lower

back, gluteus, and hamstrings as well as all the normal muscles being

stretched during the shuffle.

Lateral Run – This is running laterally with the rear leg being in front at all

times. Good lateral movement form is important. This stretches all the leg

muscles, hip flexors, pelvis, and lower back muscles as well as the stability

and synergy muscles involved in the coronal and transverse planes.

Lateral Lunge – Does the same thing as the walking lunge but in the

coronal plane. Make sure the upper torso is upright and this is done as a

slow pace.

Upper Body – This warms up the upper body in the sagittal plane but it

adds body weight and ground force reaction.

Bear Walk – A bear crawl at a walk. The butt should be down and the

knees stay off the ground. The walk is to develop proper movement form

for the full speed bear crawl. It stretches and warms up the muscles in the

arm, shoulder, upper back, and chest along with the stability and synergy

muscles. It also warms up the core. This is performed on all fours with the

stomach facing the ground using all four appendages.

Bear Crawl – A full speed version of the bear walk. Further warms up and

develops the upper body; also good for developing coordination in the

four appendages and body awareness.

Crab Walk – This is performed on all fours with the butt facing the ground.

This basically works out and stretches all the muscles that the bear crawl

does but in reverse order.

Spider man – This is a more complex bear crawl. The athlete basically

starts in the prone position with the arms and legs away from the body.

He then lifts his body off the ground and crawls (like spider man). This is a

much more complex movement that further develops body awareness

and coordination.


Backwards Walk – This simply walking backwards. The athlete is warming

up and stretching all the muscles that a form run or a linear exercise

would except in reverse. This is a complex movement that helps to teach

and master backwards movement.

Backwards Run – Running Back wards applying good linear form and

leaning slightly forward. Your eyes are forward at all times and you simply

look for the last marker out of the corner of your eyes.

Slow Back Pedal – The chin is over the knee and the hips and knees are

bent so you are low. The heels of the feet drive back in short slow steps as

you pump your arms. Done at 50% of the normal speed.

Back Pedal – As above but at full speed.

Speed Training

I have found that with young kids if you apply some time to practice to

develop linear and lateral speed that over the course of the season you

are developing superior athletes. If you have a four-week preseason you

can actually start to see benefits in game one.

First and foremost is upper body technique. It is the most overlooked area

of youth athletes. Youth athletes simply have sloppy upper body form and

correcting it is fairly easy and the payoff is enormous.

Second is balance and stability. Most kids simply don’t have good

balance and stability and that is because their body is growing and

developing and the last muscles to develop are the muscles around the

joints that provide balance and stability to the major muscles and joint

structure. Taking time to develop these allow for smoother movement

and more coordinated movement. From a neuromuscular stand point this

is a key component to speed.

Third is explosive leg strength conditioning. The vast majority of kids either

simply have poor explosive leg strength or don’t know how to skip , hop,

or jump which are fundamental parts of explosive leg strength and

running in general.

Fourth is core conditioning. Young athletes normally have weak cores

and developing them is a pretty easy task if you know what your doing.


Lastly is starting that is how to start from multiple positions and get into full

speed. If you take the time to teach kids how to start and how to

accelerate properly it will increase overall quickness and speed.

Couple all these together and you get quicker and faster athletes.

Basic Linear Speed Techniques

The first rule you should always apply to coaching is not to "over coach"

an athlete. The second rule is to not teach an "unnatural movement

technique". I see a lot of so called knowledgeable speed coaches over

teaching techniques and teaching incorrect movement techniques that

do not fit the athlete’s natural movement patterns. This can cause more

problems and damage then good so be aware of it at all times.

Linear Actions you are looking for in the athlete:

Tall action: This means erect; running on the ball of the foot (not toes or

heels) with full extension of the back, hips, legs as opposed to "squatting

down low" when running. Developing and stressing proper posture while

in movement and static is fundamental to creating a good running form.

Relaxed action: This means move easily, as opposed to tensing and

"working hard" to move. Let the movements of running flow; the athlete

should look like a wheel in motion with the hips and torso being the hub of

the wheel. Keep the hands relaxed, the shoulders low, and the arms

swing rhythmically to the sides.

Smooth action: This means float across the top of the ground. All motion

should be forward not up and down or to the side. Leg action should be

efficient and rhythmic. The legs should move easily under the body in a

constant even pattern like a moving wheel.

Drive action: This means push from an extend rear leg (very important),

rear elbow drive with a high forward knee drive followed by a strike of

claw foot action just behind the body's center of gravity (COG),

Proper Sprint Technique

Head and neck are aligned with the body. You should have straight line

from the head, neck, back, and rear leg. The head and neck should be

relaxed; by simply letting the jaw hang will help reduce tension in the


head and neck area. This tension can cause the shoulders, arms, and

back to tense as well so it is imperative to relax the jaw and neck

muscles. It will cause restricted arm movement; which reduces speed.

The eyes are looking straight ahead past the finish point.

The arms should be relaxed with elbows bent near or at 90 degrees.

Swing should come from the shoulder and should be in line and straight; it

should never cross the body at all but instead be motioning down field at

the finish. The fingers should go just above the midline of the chest and go

jus behind the hip. Arm swing should be in concert with the lower body.

When the right arm goes completely forward (elbow pointed down and

up field) at the same time the left foot (rear foot) is coming off the ground

(from ball of foot). The left arm is coming back with the elbow pointed

back and slightly up as the right leg is going forward (knee is lifting). As

knee is driven forward, the arm on the opposite side of the body is also

driven forward from a position behind the body. The arms move forward

in front of the body until the hands are about shoulder high. The arm

should never leave the flexed position (often runners swing the arm out at

the back). The amount of the opening and closing of the angle should

be fairly small. The elbows should never be away from the body but

almost brush the ribcage (staying in line with the direction).

There is a myth that the hands should be straight out (as if shaking some

ones hand) is in fact a false misconception and should not be listened to.

When you keep your hand straight you tense the muscles in the palm and

this causes the muscles in the forearm to tense as well which in turn cause

the muscles around the elbow to tense causing the elbow to lift from the

body or run in a less smooth manner. Instead the hands want to be in a

curled position naturally. Meaning the fingers should curl into the palm as

if wrapped around a roll quarters and the thumb should rest just over the

index finger.

Let the body lean forward naturally but don't not bend over. The body

should have a slight forward tilt with the head, neck, back, hips, and back

leg inline. At the acceleration phase (starting) there is going to be more

lean initially. The athlete should be looking down in front of him, which in

turn creates additional lean to create a shorter stride (faster shorter steps

= more power). The athlete as he accelerates and the body begins to lift

to it natural lean his head comes up and looks past the finish line.

Run on the balls of the feet and not the toes or heels. The ball should strike

the ground and stay on the ground for just an instant as the leg turns over

and drives (pushes) off the ground. This is key point a lot of young runners

run on the toes and that causes excessive braking or a loss of power


(push) due to not contracting the calve muscles when the ball of the foot

strikes the ground

The foot should land directly underneath the sprinter. An over-stride will

result in the foot landing in front of the center of gravity, which will cause

braking. Under striding causes a lot of fast movement and energy

expenditure without covering enough ground. A key point is that the

body leans at about 60 degrees (approximation) and if a line is drawn

through the body from the head to the foot and the line becomes

baseline the forward thigh of the runner should be at or near 130 degrees

to that baseline. This means the knee needs to drive forward (not

upward) to create the pulling force necessary to increase speed.

Keep the head and trunk still and the entire body relaxed. The body

(specifically muscles) is more receptive to neuromuscular commands from

the brain when it is relaxed. Furthermore the torso and core must be

relaxed as it must move in multiple directions as the body increases in

speed. When the right arm is back the left leg is back that means the

right shoulder is forward and the left hip and lower back is moving

backward. This means the torso is twisting and in doing so if the torso is

tensed there is a bigger chance of muscle pulls in the torso area

(specifically the lower back and rear shoulders). Also the more tense the

torso is the less flexible it becomes and this reduces not only

neuromuscular control but decreases speed as the body cannot create

additional force through the torso.

Rotating the shoulders creates sideward-motion forces, which detract

from the force needed to propel you directly forward as quickly and

forcefully as possible.

Part of good technique is to relax the trunk, arm, and antagonists of the

stride movements. Energy is often wasted to keep accessory muscles

contracted and the body rigid, and wasted energy equals decreased

speed. Use relaxation to be as efficient as possible and recover as quickly

as possible.

Now bear in mind if you are football player and you carry the ball (QB, RB,

WR) you need to understand how to carry a ball and run as well. Simply

follow the above techniques and lock the ball into the inside of the elbow

by turning the hand upward with the palm of the hand on the front tip

and the bottom tip in the inner elbow. Simple press the ball and the

fingers lay on the top of the football keeping it locked in. The angle is still

90 degrees and the arm still moves inline with the direction. The ball

comes in and is locked by turning the hand inward and pressing the ball


into the body and the other hand going over the ball to cover it. Do not

let the ball affect your technique. Also you must be aware of your gear

(helmet and pads altering your technique. So work on perfecting it while

in gear with a ball.

Upper Body Training

Knees – sitting on both knees with butt of the legs so that the thighs, butt,

and upper body are straight. Using good arm form start slow using good

arm technique and relaxing the upper body. Start of very slow and build

up to 75% speed. Arm turnover is the real key to speed. The faster the

arms go the faster the legs go.

Standing – Now standing with feet shoulder width apart work on upper

body technique once more but now really stress the importance of the

hip swing in concert with the arm swing. Let them feel how the body

works together. Again start slow and build up to 75%.

Running Place – Now have them incorporate the lower body by using

good form again. Make sure they are on the balls of their feet and the

knees are driving up wards. Everything appendage wise should be

moving towards the finish line. Start slow so that they can feel the body

movement and allow the neuromuscular system to develop proper

patterns then increase the speed.

FORM RUN – Four to Six reps at 40 yards. The key is to let them do it at their

own pace at 50%. Allot at least a full minute for this may be more.

Watch as they do the runs and stress correct form.

At first you will do Knees and Standing for one minute each. As they

master it and get comfortable (that is key) add Running In Place then

Form Run.

EXAMPLE – BEGINNER

KNEE – 1.5 minute

STANDING – 1.5 minute

(lasts for two weeks)

EXAMPLE – INTERMEDIATE

KNEE – 30 seconds

STANDING – 1 minute


RUNNING IN PLACE – 1 minute

EXAMPLE – MASTERING

KNEE – 30 seconds

STANDING – 30 seconds

RUNNING IN PLACE – 1 minute

FORM RUN – 1minute

EXAMPLE – ADVANCED

STANDING – 30 seconds

RUNNING IN PLACE – 30 seconds

FORM RUN – 2 minutes

As they master the techniques you can move away from upper body

technique and only introduce it occasionally as a refresher.

Balance and Stability

This is actually a very easy portion to teach but offers a lot of positive

feedback.

Have every player stand on a line double arms distance or in a circle

double distance apart.

Balance Progression (Left first and then right leg)

During the progressions remind them as they lose balance and need to

rebalance or stabilize to simply bend or straighten the weight bearing

knee and hip. This teaches them how to shift their center of gravity and

use their lower body to correctly stabilize themselves.

BASIC –

Keeping Leg Straight raise the left foot straight out so that it is almost a

foot of the ground. Calling out NEURTAL allow them to hold it for three to

five seconds once they achieve balance.

KNEE UP so the knee is above the groin line. Have them hold that position

for three to five seconds once they achieve balance.

KNEE OUT so that the knee shifts out to the side at the same height as the

KNEE UP and hold for three to five seconds once they achieve balance.


NEUTRAL and hold for three to five seconds.

Switch legs. They should not allow their leg to rest at any time during the

sequence. This develops strength in the stability muscles of each leg in

different manners.

Do each side two to three times.

INTERMEDIATE –

KNEE UP

KNEE OUT

NEUTRAL

HEEL UP – left the heel of the foot up towards the butt and hold that

position for three to five seconds.

NEUTRAL

SWITCH

Do each leg two to three times.

ADVANCED –

KNEE UP

KNEE OUT

NEUTRAL

HEEL UP

NEUTRAL

TOUCH THE GROUND – have them bend over and touch the ground with

both hands as they lift neutral leg behind them. It must remain straight at

all times. Hold that position for three to five second.

Do each leg two to three times.

At this point you should be about six to seven minutes into speed training.

Core conditioning

Abdominal Bridge – ten reps – body is in a supine position (back on the

ground) and the knees are bent with the heels near the butt and shoulder


width apart (REST POSITION). The hands are resting palms down on the

ground just to the sides. The athlete on UP raises the pelvis off the ground

so that from the knee to the top of the chest is one straight line. Hold that

position for a few moment call DOWN. Stress not letting the butt rest on

the ground but keep it slight off the ground.

Abdominal Bridge with one foot resting on one knee – five reps each side.

This places additional body weight on the weight bearing leg and requires

the hip, knee, and ankle joints to stabilize as well.

Abdominal Bridge with one leg straight out and up in the air – five reps

each side. This places further body weight on the weight bearing leg and

requires the ankle, knee, and hip to stabilize.

V ups – from the rest position above shoulders come off the ground and

the arms come off the ground and to each side of the legs forming a V.

The legs come of the ground and point up in the air so that the body

forms a perpendicular V to the arms. Hold position for a few moments

then REST. UP – REST. Ten Reps.

(as they get stronger add)

V ups with leg sequence – UP (hold) – OUT (legs open up) (hold) – IN (legs

close) – LOWER (legs drop to 6 inches) – REST. Work for 5 reps.

(add this to the sequence)

V ups with alternating leg – One leg at a time as you do V ups alternating

on each rep. 10 reps.

(add another set of V ups for teams that are advancing)

Roll over on Bellies. Legs and arms straight out.

Super Mans – like flying the arms, shoulder lift off the ground slightly, and

the legs and pelvis lift off the ground. This causes the lower back and

supporting muscles to contract. Do ten reps with a pause on the UP

position.

Kneeling Extensions – On all fours (REST POSITION) – Starting with right arm

straight out and the opposite leg straight out. Make sure the fingers are

point straight out and the toes are as well. Make sure the leg and arm are

neutral with the back and that the body is fully aligned. Do ten

alternating reps with a pause.


Plank Raise – IN supine position with the elbows resting on the ground and

inside the frame go to a push up position resting on the elbows and toes.

Make sure the body is straight and hold for ten seconds. Do three to five

reps.

Side Plank Raise – in a lateral position on the ground with the left elbow

under the body lift off the ground so the left elbow is bearing the upper

body weight and the left foot the lower body weight. Make sure the body

is straight and the hip is off the ground. Hold for ten seconds and do three

to five reps.

Explosive Leg Strength

Skip Progression

Using 40 yards with a midline of 20 yards. Skip first twenty and sprint last

twenty. Doing it there and back.

1) Fast Skip 2) Skip for Height 3) Skip for Distance

( this six reps going there and back)

Hop Progression

Using same 40 yards with it separated in 10 yard increments. Doing it

there and back.

1) Bunny Hop 10, Sprint 10, Bunny Hop 10, Sprint 10 2) Alternating single leg hops - Left 10, Right 10, Left 10, Right 10 3) Bunny Hop 10, Left Leg hop, Bunny Hop, Right Leg hop 4) Distance Jump 10, Sprint 10, Distance Jump 10, Sprint 10

(Bunny hops are feet together fast long hops trying to develop height.)

(Distance Jump is feet together jumping for max distance on each jump.)

Starting

40 yards distance with 5 yard increments to twenty and then an open

twenty.


Falling starts – standing in a balanced two-point stance fall forward and

then execute a good starting release to the next 5 yard line. Sprint

through it. You should get two to three arm turnovers minimum on each

arm. Go to the 40 yard line and back. The long twenty at the end and

the beginning of the reps is to allow them to sprint through a distance

after starting. Make sure they focus on the ground in front of them until

they come up.

There and back.

Sprinting starts – in a sprinters four point stance (heel toe staggered

footwork.) Repeat sequence above. Concentrating on the starting

phase as the leg and arms drive forward out of the stance. Watch for eye

placement and arm and leg turnover.

There and back.

The above five segments are what I concentrate on in the 15 minute

period. I always have a core segment as I believe it is important. When I

first start I focus on upper body technique, core conditioning, balance

and stability and then try to quickly ascertain what is the weaker of the

two on my team (explosive leg strength or starting). At times I even

switched from speed sessions to speed session. At first your probably only

going to get the Upper Body Technique, Core, and one other segment

completed as you will be teaching. But you can add and take away

things as you see fit.

Again I normally start seeing results around week four with eight fifteen

minute training sessions but bear in mind I actually get an additional

fifteen minutes every practice with DFW’s. So I get eight thirty minute

training sessions or four hours.

Also you can hold one hour speed camps using the above segments and

the DFW segment as well as a fun drill like Air Force football during the pre

season to evaluate players.

Endurance Conditioning

Frankly at this age endurance conditioning is overrated since the body is

not developed enough (age 5 to 13) to actually have an aerobic and

anaerobic energy system. So what I do is simply concentrate on my

players giving everything for ten seconds. So every drill we do during an

endurance segment is based on giving 100% for eight to fifteen seconds.

The average play in youth ball lasts five seconds so if you stress ten

seconds your kids become conditioned for double the time an average


play lasts. Bear in mind it is not only giving 100% during the play but how

to quickly recover in the average twenty five to thirty seconds in between

each play that is really a factor.

The more important factor and often overlooked by coaches that say the

only conditioning they ever do is repping plays is the mental toughness

training that it provides and that is important in testing and pushing a

player’s psychological and physical boundaries. Often these never get

pushed until a game and that is not the time to be pushing them and

then find out that you have players that are not used to being pushed in

that manner.

I do two things really in an endurance segment that simulate this for me

one is an ENDURO DRILL and the other is the SPRINT & MOVE DRILL. Both

utilize the entire body in the drill and they are multi-directional. This

simulates the activity in a football play far better then a sprint. IT also

requires the player to push himself as he fatigues.

RECOVERY MADE SIMPLE

As you exercise in an anaerobic activity you begin to build up latic acid in

the muscles (waste product of the muscles) that cause cramping and

soreness. The only way to get rid of that is through oxygen restoration in

the muscles. That means you have to breath and get oxygen into your

lungs so your blood system can take it to the muscles. So you have to

stress deep slow controlled breathing when they are resting. They should

not be bent over but upright with their hands on their heads so that they

expand their lung cavity. Remind them that recovery is just as important

as 100% effort. Often it is not the fastest athlete that is the best but the one

that maintains their performance level through out a game that is the

best.

DEEP SLOW CONTROLLED BREATHS IN AN UPRIGHT POSTURE!!!

SPRINT & MOVE DRILL

Adjust the distance to account for the correct time of the exercise for the

age group. A good rule is 40 yards for 12 and above, 30 yards for 10 to 12,

and 20 yards for below 10.

In the 40 you have four 5-yard segments and a 20 yard segment. In the 30

you have three 5-yard segments and a 15 yard segment. In the 20 you

have two 5-yard segments and a 10 yard segment.


5 yards

20 yards

Crossing Sprint & Sprint

5 yards

20 yards

Side to Side Sprint & Touch

Cone


The players do a rep and then walk back on the side and wait their turn. I

try to run the drill so that every one does it and gets three times the rest. If

I have to I set up two or even three stations.

Cross Sprint & Sprint the player cross sprints to the side cone then

immediately sprints to the cone ahead and repeat the process all they

way up until they hit the long cone and sprint through.

Side to Side Sprint and Touch Cone the player sprints to the second cone

on the other side touches the cone with the near hand and then

immediately cuts and sprints the second cone on the other side until he

hits the last cone before the long straight and then sprints full speed.

We to two to four reps each.

MENTAL TOUGHNESS – ENDURO DRILL

I like to know how tough my kids are psychologically and physically. I

want to know how much stress they can take during a game while those

two issues are factor. Knowing who and who will not break is really

important so this is a way I can tell.

Get the entire team in a circle; double arms apart. Tell them the next

portion is going to test your Courage and Heart. I tell them that as long as

your mind is in control of your body you can do anything with it you want.

I am going to be yelling, screaming, and getting on to you for everything

you do wrong I tell them not to take it personally. At any point you decide

you have had enough step out of the circle and go get some water and

take a knee.

So the point - place them in a physically demanding drill that does not

stop. Add mental and emotional pressure to it and see who breaks and

who holds up. This is a mental and physical test that pushes kids to the

edge and then checks to see if they can push that barrier.

The rules - I sound off an exercise and they keep doing it until the hear

another exercise. IF they don't understand it they run it place or do

jumping jacks until they figure it out. Everything is at full speed. I have a

stop watch and do each exercise for twenty or thirty seconds and then

switch it.


One coach in the middle sounds off exercises from the card. Any exercise

that doesn't seem clear explain it before hand. All the other coaches are

outside of the circle.

If anyone stops, slows down, or can't keep up they are told to leave the

circle. If they break down or complain they leave.

(Note this is a tough drill and kids will cry but the point is to push those

boundaries a little and see what you have).

On the first exercise you get them going. Any one making mistake or

going slow you jump on them and you jump on them fast and furious. You

are not talking you are screaming and yelling. If they get smart with you

are slow down stay on them. Make it tough for everyone.

Jumping jacks

Jump Squats

Good Morning

Burpees

Push ups

Jumping Jacks

V ups (long holds)

Super Mans (long holds)

Walk Out

Wind Mills

Jumping Lunges

Jumping Jacks

Mountain Climbers

Jump Squats

Shoulder Rotations

Alternating Crunches w/ Knees

Jumping Jacks

The exercises are endless just have a note card with a list and follow the

list. Make sure you have two to three full body movement exercises with a

static isometric exercise or an isolation exercise in between to break up

the routine and allow for a controlled recovery.

The exercises alone are tough but you start to tear into them a little and

put a lot of emotional and mental stress in it that 10 to 15 minutes will tell

you a lot about a kid and what he is capable of. It will also allow the kid

to understand how to handle adversity of that nature. Just like a game

where there attempting execute physical skills while under mental duress

and pressure.


Again I keep a stop watch and I constantly remind and bark out the

time....one thing I do is if we go for 15 minute then I am sounding off 900

seconds...890 seconds.....860 seconds..makes it tougher. I never do

minutes. Everything is long and forever to apply more pressure. I want to

see if they will break under that pressure.

Just make sure you explain that the ENDURO DRILL is tough and the

screaming and yelling is a part of it. JUST like football games are tough

and the opponent is unforgiving you are during the ENDURO DRILL.

This is a really good mental toughness and physical toughness exercise

that pushes kids in a controlled setting. Do not use demeaning comments

just stress what they are doing incorrect and get them to do it right. Make

them push themselves. If someone messes up call him out and tell them

we added time (don’t add time though they will never know). Beat them

up mentally and see what they can take and push the edge a little.


In Closing

This has been a real labor of love and I hope youth coaches can find this

to be a useful resources. I am really amazed at how many parents and

coaches apply so much of their time to actually learn this great game

that we play and coach. I know that football was a big part of my life

when I was young and I have always been a football coach at heart and

I often cannot believe that I am doing something that I really enjoy and

derive a great deal of pleasure from. As always if you want to talk about

something or discuss a drill or play feel free to email me at

[email protected]. I am always willing to help out a fellow

youth coach so don’t hesitate to contact me.

Good luck to you and your kids in the following seasons!

Coach Jack Gregory

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