Big Coco Spread

2009 Longhorns

120lb. Playbook

ContentsBasics of the Youth Spread 1Offensive Plays 2Base Formation 3Player Selection 4Base Run Blocking Scheme 5Other Run Blocking Schemes 6Play Cues 7Motion 8Calling a Run Play 9Adding Motion to the Play Call 10Calling a Pass Play 11QB/FB Exchange Technique 12QB "FOLLOW" Technique 13Changing the Offense with Formations and Motion 14Base Formation Variations 15Trips Formations 16Empty Backfield 17Using Motion 18Trap Series 19Base FB Trap Play 20FB Trap Play Variations 21More FB Trap Variations 22QB Keep 23QB Keep Variations 24QB Follow 25QB Follow Variations 26QB Read 27Option 28The Flood Pass 29Jet Series 30Jet Sweep 31Jet Sweep Follow 32Jet Reverse 33Jet Trap and Jet Trap Keep 34Jet Flood Right 35Passing 36FB Bubble Screen Pass 37H / Z Bubble Screen Pass 38Play Action Screen Pass 39Screen Passes- Left and Right 40

Other Screens 41Expanding the SE Passing Game 42Short Yardage 43Short Yardage Formations with QB Under Center 44Short Yardage Trips Formations 45FB Trap 46FB Trap Variations 47QB Follow 48QB Sweep 49Flood Pass 50Flood Pass from Trips 51Untitled Page 52Tackle Trap (counter) 53Jet Sweep 54Screen Passes 55Wedge 56Wedge Pass 57Making Adjustments 58Reading and Adjusting to Defensive Tendencies 59Reading and Adjustments, cont. 60Adjustments vs. 5-2 61Adjustments vs. 4-4 62Adjustments vs. 6-2 63Adjustments vs. the 4-3 64Forcing the 4-3 to Re-align 65Forcing the 4-3 to Re-align cont. 66H Trap and H Trap Follow vs.4-3 67Installing The System 68Play Group One-Base Run/Pass Package 69Play Group Two-Jet Package 70PlayGroup Four-Screen Package 71Playgroup Five-Short Yardage Package 72

Basics of the Youth Spread

I came across this system and purchased a set of 4 DVD's advertised on their website. The thing thatattracted me was the fact it was advertised as a Youth adaptation of the Shotgun Spread. What Idiscovered it meant was a very simplified running game with simplified blocking schemes andsimplified short passing game based on a screen package and a flood package. It also has a serieswith the QB under center but still based on the same basic schemes as the Spread version.

If you have time, I would recommend you look at the web site and watch the DVD trailer. You will getthe idea and most importantly you will see kids running it.

www.youthfootballguru.com

The basic premise of Spread is to take most of the defense's best players out of the "box" to gain anumbers advantage, spread the rest of the field and then attack with a running game utilizing fourrunningbacks...QB, FB and two Slot/Wingbacks. Basically the offense just runs the defense all overthe field!! I am impressed with the fact they have put the system together based on what youthdefensive players are capable of doing and what they are most often coached to do. You willnotice that we often don't specifically block LB's. Their reads will generally put them inconflict very early in the game and then the offense play calls to exploit that throughout thegame.

The base play is a Tackle Trap run to either side with either the FB or QB carrying. The blockingscheme for the O-Line is simply to block down to inside gap away from the POA with the backsideTackle pulling to playside and kicking out the DE. This scheme works against any youth defense, wewould likely see. Even if something unusual comes up it can be handled usually with motion, leadingthe FB in front of the QB, using screens and flood passes and of course a READ KEEP OPTION bythe QB if your kids had the ability to do it.

Personel wise, like any offense, the better your players the better it works. What is really critical is agood center...two linemen who can pull effectively (Tackles)...an athletic QB and FB...A SPEEDBACK and at least one kid who can catch reliably. Anything beyond that and things just get better.

The offense depends on the whole coaching staff being involved to recognize how key defensiveplayers are reacting. Who is the LB trying to read to decide which direction to flow? Are DE's boxingor squeezing to stop the Tackle Trap? Where do we have a mismatch on a cover corner or LB? Atwhat point have pass cover defenders stopped covering receivers and go to playing run support first?

Keep in mind that it is not necessary to install everything and there may be some things thatcould be added once we know the capability of the kids and gain experience in teaching thesystem.

1

Offensive Plays

What follows are plays replicated from the DVD's "Chalk Board " illustrations so you get an idea ofhow it looks and some things I have added that seem doable as a way to expand the system. I havetaken a little liberty with terminology but have't changed anything structurally.

Part of the simplicity of the system is the limited number of plays contained in it. Most if not all can beeasily run to both sides and with formation variations, so it poses a real problem for defenses tomanage. The thing to remember is that this is primarily a running offense...and everythingdoesn't have be installed to make the system successful!

The basic running plays from the Spread Formations are:

1. FB Trap2. QB Trap Keep3. QB Trap Follow (FB is leading)4. Jet Sweep (H or Z Back is carrying)5. Jet Reverse6. QB Read7. Option (Optional)

The passing plays from the Spread Formations are:

1. Flood Pass2. Bubble Screen (FB or Slot Backs)3. Basic FB Screen Left/Right4. Middle Screen5. Under Screen6. Flat Screen

The plays from the Short Yardage Formations are:1. Off Tackle Trap (FB)2. Tackle Trap (Counter)to the weakside (H or Z Back carrying).3. QB Sweep4. QB Follow5. Jet Sweep (H or Z carring)6. Flood Pass7. Wedge8. Wedge Pass

2

Base Formation

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Base Formation

1. The QB is 5 to 7 yards deep with the FB to the right in the G-T gap.2. The SE's are X and Y and they are wide...how wide is flexible based the throwing range of the QBand field position. On a field with hash marks with the ball spotted on the right hash, X would behalfway between the left hash and the left sideline. Y would be on the right sideline.3. The Slots are about halfway between the SE and the Tackle on their side and about 2 yards deep.4. Line splits are about a foot but can be more or less depending on the players ability to cover theirinside gap.

What you notice right away is that against a 5-3, which we see a lot of, We have reduced theirplayers in the box to 6 to our 7...leaving only one LB to cover the entire LOS. Even if theyhave two stud DE's we are always running away from one and trapping the other. It is verydifficult for the lone LB to read the play because his only key is the QB or FB and they areusually going in opposite directions! Even if he is good enough to cover the entire LOS theoffense simply adjusts by formation, utilizes a lead blocker, or uses the short passing game towork around him. Other defensive fronts are handled similarly.

Only the 4-3 creates a problem but it too is controlled with formation adjustments by adding aTE to the LOS.

3

Player Selection

The following profiles describe the prototypical skills by position the system needs to be successful.

Split Ends Mostly these players are blockers although their ability to catch along with a QB whois an average passer can make them more of a threat to the defense. Since they aresplit wide they really only have to be able to get in the way of the defender assignedto cover them. This could be a place to play lesser skilled kids to get them in thegame.

Tackles These two are vital to the offense. They must be able to pull and kickout thedefense's DE's. They would be LB or TE types with size and athleticism.

Guards Need to be capable but not outstanding. They will not be asked to pull but will needto able seal their inside gaps and at least win a stalemate against a defensivelineman.

Center Must be able to make a consistant 7 yard snap to the QB's chest and at least win astalemate against a NT or gap defender.

Slot Backs These are wingback or halfback types. Speed, power, catching and blocking abilityare things we would look for.

Quarterback Good overall athlete. Smart, at least average passer and tough because he will bethe #2 ball carrier.

Fullback Workhorse of the offense. Not really a true FB type but more of a FB/TB blend.Speed, quickness and good openfield instincts are the tools he needs. This could bea position that two good players could share.

4

Base Run Blocking Scheme

G RT

ZH

GLTX Y

Q F

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FSBase running play to the left

One of the attractive things about the system is the simplicity of the blocking scheme. It is probablytrue that we tend to over complicate things for kids and then are frustrated when they have troubleexecuting. For over 90% of the offense this basic scheme is all the linemen and receivers have tolearn. The rule is ON-GAP.

1. For linemen...if the play is going to the left and if there is no defender ON then you are blockingdown to your GAP to the right...opposite the direction of the play. The goal is to drive the defensivelinemen down the LOS away from the POA. The more aggressive the O-line can be the easier it is forthe ballcarrier to get into space for big runs. If there is no defender there then we continue to read upto the next level. Both Tackles need to be able to pull and trap to the playside.

2. Receivers stalk block the defender assigned to cover them.

The spread formation, by removing defenders from the box makes the O-line's job fairly easy. Thereis much more time to work on a players technique rather than him having to make so many decisionsabout his assignment with multiple blocking calls.

The O-line doesn't necessarly have to dominate, just get a stalemate at the LOS and theoffense can be successful. However, if the O-line can be coached to aggressively drive thedefense off the LOS and stay with the block for 5 to 10 yards downfield, the running lane forthe ball carrier could be anywhere from Center to Tackle.

5

Other Run Blocking Schemes

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

CC

E

BB B

FS

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

CC

E

BB B

FS

Sweep

The SWEEP scheme relies on two key blocks.One on the playside DE and one on the defendercovering the Slot Back (Z). All other O-linemenare ripping to the 2nd level and blockingdownfield.

Alternate Sweep Scheme

This SWEEP scheme has the Slot Receivercracking the DE, allowing the OT to get upfieldand block defensive pursuit.

The SB will need to align tighter to the OT to besure he can get to the DE before he penetratesthe backfield.

Power

The POWER scheme adds the WB as a blocker.His assignement is to lead thru the POA...insideof the kickout block of the OT.The OT pulls andkicks out the DE at the POA.

Kick

The WB or SB is responsible for the kickoutblock on the DE instead of the OT. All otherassignments remain the same. Depending onthe formation, the WB/SB will have to go inmotion to get to the POA. This gives another wayto run the base plays while disrupting thedefensive reads

6

Play Cues

The system uses a series of CUE words to customize the the play calling. Below are the basicadjustments that we would us on a regular basis and what they mean to specific players.

O-Line Backs (QB and FB) Receivers(X,Y,H and Z)Trap Base blocking- ON-GAP away from

POA. The OT opposite the POA is theTrap blocker.

FB is the ball carrier and alignsopposite the POA. QB attacksthe backside DE after thehandoff..

Stalk Block

Keep Base blocking- ON-GAP away fromPOA. The OT opposite the POA is theTrap blocker.

QB is the ball carrier. FB alignson the same side as the POAand attacks the backside DEafter fake.

Stalk Block

Follow Base blocking- ON-GAP away fromPOA. The OT opposite the POA is theTrap blocker.

QB is the ball carrier.FB aligns on the same side asthe POA and leads for the QBthru the POA.

Stalk Block

Read Base blocking- ON-GAP away fromPOA. The OT opposite the POA is theTrap blocker.

QB reads the backside DE todetermine give or keep.FB is the primary ball carrierand aligns opposite the POA.

Stalk Block

Power Base blocking- ON-GAP away fromPOA. The OT opposite the POA is theTrap blocker.

FB or QB can be the ballcarrier. Alignment rules aboveapply.

H or Z pulls to POA and leadsthru. SE's stalk block.

Kick Base blocking-ON-GAP away from POA.Tackles do not pull and Trap.

FB or QB can be the ballcarrier. Alignment rules aboveapply.

H or Z is the Kickout blockerand may have to go in motiondepending on the formationcalled.SE" stalk block.

Sweep Sweep blocking FB blocks 2nd defender fromoutside.

H or Z is the ball carrier

Reverse Base blocking-ON-GAP away from POA.

QB and FB lead for the ballcarrier.

H and Z handle the ball. SE willstalk block.

Screen Playside releases to LB; Backside Baseblocking- ON-GAP away from POA.

FB aligns on the same side asthe POA. FB can be thereceiver. Stalk Block if not thedesignated receiver,

H or Z can be the receiver.Stalk Block if not the designatedreceiver

Bubble Screen Big on Big FB aligns on the same side asthe POA. FB can be thereceiver. Stalk Block if not thedesignated receiver,

H or Z can also be the receiver.Stalk Block if not the designatedreceiver,

Wedge Wedge blocking FB is the ball carrier Wedge blocking

Flood Base blocking- ON-GAP away fromPOA.

FB is responsible for playsideDE

Flood routes

7

Motion

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C CE

BBB

FS

H Kick

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C CE

BBB

FS

Z Kick

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C CE

BBB

FS

H Jet

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C CE

BBB

FS

Z Jet

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C CE

BB B

FS

H Bubble

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C CE

BBB

FS

Z BubbleThe motion part of the offense is pretty simple. The H and Z use a simple sprint motion. We want thisto be a fast motion that enables them to take a handoff on sweep outside or get into position tokickout the DE to give another option to run the Trap. They can also use motion to get into passingroutes on certain pass plays.

Kick- Motion across the formation to kickout the DE at the POA.

Jet- Motion across the formation to get the ball on sweep, get into pass route or as misdirection.

Bubble- Motion to get H...Z...into position to receive the Bubble Screen Pass.The goal is to get acouple yards deeper than the QB at the top of the "bubble".

8

Calling a Run Play

G RT

ZH

GLTX Y

Q F

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Trap Left

The interior linemen and the slot backs, H and Z are assigned numbers as shown in the diagramabove. A running play call is contructed as follows:

1. Formation- Since this is our base formation we will not call it by name. Players will know to be inthis formation unless we call a different one.2. Motion if any- None in this example3. "Trap Left" where:

A.The Right Tackle knows he is the kickout blocker to the left. B. All other O-lineman know to follow their rule and block to their inside gap away from the direction of the play.

C. FB aligns to the right...opposite the POA and is the ball carrier.

The FB is the designated ball carrier unless the play call includes KEEP or FOLLOW which meansthe QB is the ball carrier. The FB's alignment is also cued by Keep and Follow:

1. Keep means the FB aligns opposite the POA.2. Follow means the FB aligns on the same side as the POA.

Snap Count Cadence:

Go (O-line gets into their stance) ...Readyyyyy(Motion starts if any) ...Hut...Hut

All running plays will be on 1st "Hut"...All passing plays will be on 2nd "Hut"

9

Adding Motion to the Play Call

G RT

ZH

GLTX Y

Q F

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Z Kick Left

1. Formation- We don't need to actually call it...since it is our base formation.2. Motion if any- Z Kick tells the Z back he is now making the trap block instead of the RT. Z starts hismotion on the "R" of Ready...The ball is snapped on the 1st "HUT" just before he gets to the RT. Thiswill insure that the timing for the QB/FB exchange will be the same as the base Trap play with theTackle pulling to make the trap block on the DE.3. "Left" where:

A. All O-lineman know to follow their rule and block to their inside gap to the right...away from the direction of the play.

B. FB aligns to the right...opposite the POA and is the ball carrier.4. The ball would be snapped just before Z reaches the RT.

Nothing changes except that the trap block is now executed by the Z Back instead of theTackle. There are no other changes for the O-line or the QB/FB.

This additional versatility should make it more difficult for defenses to find any consistant keys to theoffense.

The play in diagram 2 would be Z Kick Left.

10

Calling a Pass Play

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB

B

FS

5 and Out

10 and Out

Deep Fade

Diagram 3

H Jet Flood Right

1. Formation- We don't need to actually call it...since it is our base formation.2. Motion if any- H Jet tells the H back he goes in motion on the "R" of Ready. The ball is snapped onthe 2nd "HUT" when H gets one step past the RT or just on the ouside shoulder of the DE.3. "Flood Right" where:

A. All O-lineman know to follow their base rule and block to their inside gap to the left...away from the direction of the play.B. All receivers run their basic flood route assignments.C. QB rolls right and reads the defender covering Z.

D. If Z is covered the ball is thrown to the under receiver.4. The ball is snapped when H is behind the RT.

11

QB/FB Exchange Technique

0 GGLT RT YX

Q

H

F

Z

Q

E

Pre-snap QB is in a couch

with feet shoulder width apart and hands extended.

Post-snapQB is in a Midlineposition with eyes

on the backside DE.

This is a technique that will simplify the QB's footwork for most plays. It also makes it easier for him torun with the ball on called runs.

The mechanics work like this this:1. At the snap, The QB takes a short 45 degree step with his playside foot, then brings his other footback to get him into a midline stance.2. He extends the ball back to his back hip and meshes and rides with FB. When put together, italmost looks like a hop or slide, all in one smooth motion.

Fullback TechniqueThe goal is to get the FB on a downhill track as soon as possible. He has to run with "eyes up" to seethe lanes produced by the blocking scheme. Most of the time we want him to make one cut oradjustment then GO!

On the snap he will take a big counter step away from playside then adjust to get on a downhill pathtoward the POA. It is the FB responsibility to get on the correct path to mesh with the QB. He willhave his inside arm up and outside arm down to form a traditional "basket" for the QB to place the ballin. Once he is thru the LOS, he needs to be looking for an opportunity to break outside or cutbackinside against an aggressively pursuing defense.

12

QB "FOLLOW" Technique

0 GGLT RT YX

Q

H

F

Z

E

On the "FOLLOW" play the QBwill not need to take the

mid-line step. He will step backshow PASS and follow the FB.

13

Changing the Offense with Formations and Motion

Changing the look of the Offense is accomplished in a couple of different ways...changing formationsand adding motion. The Spread is more of an offensive concept than a system which means it can betweeked and shaped as much as your imagination will allow. While there are a few core plays, whatformations are used...how motion is incorporated...and how plays are sequenced together offers awide range of possibilities.

In the end, the Spread allows you the flexibility to get the ball to your playmakers in a variety of waysand in favorable matchups with the defense by forcing the defense out of it's normal alignment andcreating space all over the field that thay must defend.

For youth players there is a need to keep things as simple as possible. This Youth Spread adaptationdoes that by applying a very few techniques to many possible executions of a few core plays.The average youth team would not need to utilize all the possible formations...and we will definatelybegin with only a few to start the season. However, as we know, our league is very competive andhas some very good coaches who do a great job in preparing their teams week to week. If we havethe kind of initial success we think we could have, almost certainly they will begin to scout our gamesand scheme to stop what they see. It will become necessary to not only be perfect in our execution ofthe basic offense but we will need the ability to morph from week to week to keep from becoming astationary target.

Initially, we will start with:Base FormationOver-(Trips Right)Over Tight-(Trips Right with a TE)Under-(Trips Left)Under Tight-(Trips Left with a TE)Red / Blue- Short Yardage

14

Base Formation Variations

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLT TEY

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLT YTE

G RT TE

QH F

GLTX

Z

Base

The base formation with the FB aligned besidethe QB in the G-T gap. The FB follows his "cues"and aligns to the left or right depending on theplay called.

Ram

Both WB's align as tight wings. A TE is added tothe right side. This a Wing T based formationthat will allow for all the base Trap and Kickplays plus it allows for a Power Series that pullsthe Strong side OT and WB to the weakside withthe WB having the kickout on the DE and the OTleading thru the POA..

Lion

The opposite of Ram

Pro

Moves H into the backfield and adds a TE to theright.

15

Trips Formations

G RT

Z

Q

Y

F

GLTX

H

G RT

Z

Q

TE

F

GLTX

H

G RT

Z

Q

Y

F

GLTX

H

G RT

Z

Q

TE

F

GLT

H

Y

OverH is moved over to the right side of the formationin the slot with Z. Spacing for H, Z and Ydepends on which hash the ball is marked on.

The FB's default alignment is always to theright of the QB but he can be moveddepending on the play call "cues".

Over TightH is moved over to the right side of the formationwith Z and a TE is added. Spacing for H and Zdepends on which hash the ball is marked on.


UnderZ is moved over to the left side of the formationin the slot with H. Spacing for H, Z and Xdepends on which hash the ball is marked on.


Under TightZ is moved over to the left side of the formationin the slot with H and a TE is added. Spacing forH and Z depends on which hash the ball ismarked on.


16

Empty Backfield

G RT

Z

Q

HF

GLTX Y

G RT

Z

Q

H F

GLTX Y

G RT

Z

Q

HF

GLT TE Y

2 4

Z/6

Q

TE

F

35X

H

Quad RightUnbalanced formation to the right with 3 slotreceivers. The FB is always the inside receiver.He can be in a traditional 1x1 alignment off theRT or wider.

Quad LeftUnbalanced formation to the left with 3 slot. TheFB is always the inside receiver. He can be in atraditional 1x1 alignment off the RT or wider.

Jumbo RightThis is really more of a novelty formation but itdoes have the potential to disrupt a defense. Inthis case the TE is ineligible so he could also beanother Tackle. The FB is always the insidereceiver. He can be in a traditional 1x1 alignmentoff the RT or wider.

Jumbo LeftThe FB is always the inside receiver. He can bein a traditional 1x1 alignment off the RT or wider.

17

Using Motion

2 4

ZH

35

N TTE

C C

E

BB

B

FS

2 4

ZH

35

N TTE

C C

E

BB

B

FS

35

ZH

2 4

NT T E

CC

E

BBB

FS

2 4

ZH

35

N TTE

C C

E

BB

B

FS

H Jet Trap Left vs. Man Coverage

Against a man coverage, the LB responsible forcovering H vacates that area and improves thetrap play or opens up a slant to X or post if theFS is also distracted by the motion. If thedefense makes no adjustment to the motion, theFlood Pass to the right is automatic. Also awheel route to H becomes a good play

Z Kick Trap Left

Now Z is the trap blocker and the left tackleblocks the backside DE. No other changes forthe O-Line. If the defense makes no adjustmentto the motion, the Flood Pass to the left isautomatic.

H Kick Trap Right

Now H is the trap blocker and the left tackleblocks the backside DE. No other changes forthe O-Line.

H Bubble Trap Left

Now H is the decoy . No other changes for theO-Line.

18

Trap Series

The Trap play in all it's variations is the basis of the offense. It is simple in execution and is designedto get our skill players into space to put as much pressure on the defense as possible. The FB andQB are the designated ball carriers for the Trap play and we have two different blocking schemes tomake it more difficult for the defense to settle in on a read that will enable them them to successfullydefend the play.

19

Base FB Trap Play

G T

Z

Q

H

F

GTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Trap Left

Position Playside BacksideSplit End (X) Stalk and blockLeft Tackle ON-GAPLeft Guard ON-GAPCenter ON-GAPRight Guard ON-GAPRight Tackle Pull to playside and trap block the DESplit End (Y) Stalk and block

Quarterback F H ZMidline Step; Handoff toF and attack thebackside DE.

Counter step away thenget on downhill path.Take handoff and runinside the block of theTackle.

Stalk and block Stalk and block

Coaches Notes:The FB Trap play is the base play of the offense and can be run from just about every formationexcept, of course, from an empty backfield set. The coaching point for our ball carriers is always torun to daylight. Generally, once the ball carrier clears the kickout block on the DE his most like pathwill be to outside and up field and away from a pursuing LB.

20

FB Trap Play Variations

G T

Z

Q

H

F

GTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FSTrap Left

G T

Z

Q

H

F

GTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FSTrap Right

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FSZ Kick Left

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FSH Kick Right

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX TE

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FSLion Z Kick Left

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLT TE Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FSRam H Kick Right

21

More FB Trap Variations

GLT

Z

Q

H

F

G RT YX

NT T E

CC

E

B BB

FS

Under Tight Trap Left

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Over Tight Trap Right

G RT

Z

Q

X

F

GLT

H

Y

N TTE

C C

E

BBB

FSOver Trap Left

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX

Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FSUnder Trap Right

22

QB Keep

GT

ZH

FB

G T YX

NT T E

CC

E

BBB

FS

Trap Right Keep

(MLB starts to read the FB as his key.We run away from his read.)

Position Playside BacksideSplit End (X) Stalk and blockLeft Tackle Pull to playside and trap block the DELeft Guard ON-GAPCenter ON-GAPRight Guard ON-GAPRight Tackle ON-GAPSplit End (Y) Stalk and block Stalk and block

Quarterback F H ZMidline Step; Fakehandoff to F and keepbehind the pullingTackle.

Counter step away thenget on downhill path.Fake taking handoff andattack the backside DE.


Coaches Notes:The FB Trap sets up the QB Keep after the defense begins to key on the FB. A good fake and ridebetween the QB and FB will sell the FB Trap play. The QB should get inside the kick out block on theDE but, mainly we want him to get into space the best way possible and just as with the FB Trapprobably will work outside and upfield.

The opposite play is Trap Left Keep.

23

QB Keep Variations

LGLT

ZH

FB

RG RT YX

NT T E

CC

E

BBB

FS

Z Kick Left Keep

LGLT

ZH

FB

RG RT YX

NT T E

CC

E

BBB

FS

H Kick Right Keep

GLT

Z

Y

FB

G RT

H

X

NT T E

CC

E

BBB

FS

Under Tight Trap Left Keep

GLT

Z

Y

FB

G RT

H

X

NT T E

CC

E

BBB

FS

Over Tight Trap Right Keep

G RT

Z

Q

HF

GLT X Y

N TTE

C C

E

B B B

FS

Jumbo Right Trap Left Keep

G RT

Z

Q

H F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Jumbo Left Trap Right Keep

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX TE

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FSLion Z Kick Left Keep

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLT TE Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FSRam H Kick Right Keep

24

QB Follow

GT

ZH

FB

G T YX

NT T E

CC

E

BBB

FSTrap Right Follow

MLB starts to read the pulling Tackleor direction of the O-line as his key.

We lead with FB to block him..

Position Playside BacksideSplit End (X) Stalk and blockLeft Tackle Pull to playside and trap block the DELeft Guard ON-GAPCenter ON-GAPRight Guard ON-GAPRight Tackle ON-GAPSplit End (Y) Stalk and block

Quarterback F H ZFake pass and keepbehind the pullingTackle.

Lead behind the pullingTackle and block 1stdefender to show


Coaches Notes:This is actually a QB draw with our basic trap block. QB must make a good pass fake then get behindFB who is leading on the LB.

25

QB Follow Variations

GLT

Z

Y

FB

G RT

H

X

NT T E

CC

E

BBB

FS

Under Tight Trap Left Follow

GLT

Z

Y

FB

G RT

H

X

NT T E

CC

E

BBB

FS

Over Tight Trap Right Follow

LGLT

ZH

FB

RG RT YX

NT T E

CC

E

BBB

FS

Z Kick Left Follow

LGLT

ZH

FB

RG RT YX

NT T E

CC

E

BBB

FS

H Kick Right Follow

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLT TE Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Ram Z Kick Left Follow

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX TE

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Lion H Kick Right Follow

GRT

H

Q

Z

F

G LTTEX

NT T E

CC

E

B BB

FSLion Z Kick Left Follow

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLT TE Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FSRam H Kick Right Follow

26

QB Read

G T

Z

Q

H

F

GTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Trap Left Read

Position Playside BacksideSplit End (X) Stalk and blockLeft Tackle (5) ON-GAPLeft Guard (3) ON-GAPCenter (0) ON-GAPRight Guard (2) ON-GAPRight Tackle (4) Pull to playside and trap block the DESplit End (Y) Stalk and block

Quarterback F H/7 Z/6Midline Step; Eyes onthe backside DE. If DEchases the FB, pull theball and keep

Counter step away thenget on downhill path. IfQB pulls the ball,continue your path andfake running 45 Trap.


Coaching PointThis is a simple read for the QB to make after he gains a little experience. Once we see the backsideDE chasing the FB we can allow the QB to pull the ball and keep. He should have plenty of openspace to run in. This will take some work to have the QB/ FB exchange go smoothly.

The opposite play is Trap Right Read.

27

Option

G T

Z

Q

H

F

GTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

H Jet Option Right

Position Playside BacksideSplit End (X) Stalk and blockLeft Tackle ON-GAPLeft Guard ON-GAPCenter ON-GAPRight Guard ON-GAPRight Tackle ON-GAPSplit End (Y) Stalk and block Stalk and block

Quarterback F H ZAttack the DE...makekeep or pitch read.

Drop Step...get intopitch relationnship andkeep eyes on the QB.

Jet Motion...Blockdefender covering Z

Block 1st defender tothe inside

Coaches Notes:The option would be an optional install based on whether or not the youth QB can be taught to run itreliably. It is blocked the same as Sweep.

28

The Flood Pass

G RT

Z

TE

F

GLTX

Z

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

5 and Out

10 and Out

Deep FadeOver Tight Flood Right

The Flood Pass can be run left or right and from a variety of formations. 1. The QB has only one read and that is OLB covering Z. If he steps up to play run or for somereason jumps H's route then Z is open. Generally the TE under route is open2. The throw to the outside receiver would probably be a called throw because of a recognizedmismatch on the corner...and assuming our QB had a strong enough arm.3. The throw to X on a backside slant or post would be a called option.4. The blocking scheme for the O-Line is their base rule ON-GAP Away from the POA

Pass blocking is the same as for a run to the right. The FB has the key block on the playside DE toprotect the QB in his rollout.

If there is no receiver open then we want the QB to run.

29

Jet Series

The Jet Series uses sprint motion by the H or Z back to create an additional advantage at the point ofattack or as misdirection. It has been our experience at the youth level that defenses do not usuallyfollow a motion back or even adjust strength to the direction of the motion. As a result, the primaryreason for us to use a Jet series is to get the ball to a speed back in open space out on the defensiveflank. It also allows another way to run the basic Flood Pass play.

The plays in the series are:

1. Jet Sweep Right / Left2. Jet Sweep Follow Right / Left3. Jet Sweep Reverse Right/Left4. Jet Trap Right/Left5. Jet Trap Keep Right/Left6. Jet Flood Pass Right / Left

30

Jet Sweep

G T

Z

Q

H

F

GTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

H Jet Sweep Right

B may or may not follow H's motion.

Position Playside BacksideSplit End (X) Stalk and blockLeft Tackle Rip and RunLeft Guard Rip and RunCenter Rip and RunRight Guard Rip and RunRight Tackle Reach block DE or Rip and RunSplit End (Y) Stalk and block

Quarterback F H ZHand off and attack thebackside DE.

Lead block on the 2nddefender form theoutside (covering Z)

Jet Motion...Takehandoff and workoutside and upfield.

Block nearest, deepestdefender.

Coaches Notes:This is the basic sweep play. the key block is the reach block on the playside DE. Everyone else isripping and running to get upfield. The opposite play would be Left Z Jet Sweep Left.

A possible variation if the playside DE is to difficult to block would be to align Z close enough that hecould get a crack block on the DE and allow the Tackle to get upfield and block the FS.

31

Jet Sweep Follow

G T

Z

Q

H

F

GTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

H Jet Sweep Right Follow


Position Playside BacksideSplit End (X) Stalk and blockLeft Tackle Rip and RunLeft Guard Rip and RunCenter Rip and RunRight Guard Rip and RunRight Tackle Reach block DE or Rip and RunSplit End (Y) Stalk and block

Quarterback F H ZFake hand off andfollow H. "Run to Grass"

Lead block on the 2nddefender form theoutside (covering Z)

Jet Motion...Fakehandoff and block 1stdefender to showupfield.

Block nearest, deepestdefender.

Coaches Notes:Same as basic Jet Sweep, except with QB carrying. H fakes and turns up field looking for the the 1stdefender to show.

32

Jet Reverse

G T

Z

Q

H

F

GTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

H Jet Reverse Left


Position Playside BacksideSplit End (X) Stalk and blockLeft Tackle Base Block ON-GAPLeft Guard Base Block ON-GAPCenter Base Block ON-GAPRight Guard Base Block ON-GAPRight Tackle Base Block ON-GAPSplit End (Y) Stalk and block

Quarterback F H ZHand off to H andattack the backside DE.

Lead block to playside Jet Motion...H takesinitial handoff andhands/tosses to Z onthe reverse.

Delay release for twocounts then aim forQB's feet on the snap.Take pitch or handofffrom H get to outside3rd of the field.

Coaches Notes:The reverse is set up by running the Jet Sweep play a few times to focus the defense on the Jetmotion. Timing of the exchange between H and Z is critical. Z delays for a two count to delay any kindof recognition by the Defense. This probably a once or twice a game play call.

We also want to be able to run it's opposite play Z Jet Sweep Left.

33

Jet Trap and Jet Trap Keep

G T

ZH

FB

GTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

H Jet Trap Left


The Jet motion gives a misdirection look to the play. If B follows H's motion all the way across the formation,

it will create a lot of open space for the FB to run.

G T

ZH

FB

GTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

H Jet Trap Left Keep


The Jet motion gives a misdirection look to the play. If B follows H's motion all the way across the formation,

it will create a lot of open space for the Q to run.

34

Jet Flood Right

G RT

ZH

FB

GLTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

H Jet Flood Right


"Flood Right" where:A. All O-lineman know to follow their base rule and block to their inside gap to the left...away fromthe direction of the play.

B. All receivers run their basic flood route assignments. From the base formation H has theunder route and it will almost impossible for the defense to cover without making some kindof adjustment. If his defender runs with his motion he will still be several steps behind and wecan now attack that space with a throw to X on a Slant route. If the MLB picks up H he will still bechasing him if the route is run with precision.

C. QB rolls right and reads the defender covering Z.

D. If Z is covered the ball is thrown to the under receiver.

The ball is snapped when H is behind the RT.

The key for the H is to hesitate as if to block the DE before releasing into his route. FB has the keyblock to seal the DE.

See The Flood Pass in the chapter on "Passing" for a complete explantion of the play.

35

Passing

Applying the K.I.S.S. Principle

Keeping in mind that the Youth Spread is primarily a running offense. It is necessary to be able to atleast throw short high percentage passes. The Flood Pass and several different Screen packagesgive the offense that capability. You will notice that there is no drop back passing series...everythingis rollout or screen passing making the O-line's job much easier. Of course, the more ability you haveat QB and Receiver the more the passing game can be expanded.

The principle to follow is:Run 1st and Often...Pass only when you want!

36

FB Bubble Screen Pass

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

F Bubble Right

Coaching Notes:

1. The Bubble Screen uses a different blocking scheme for the O-Line...Basically Big on Big.2. X/Y and H/Z blocking assignments are the same as the base run.3. The FB releases into his bubble route on the snap. His first few steps should take him away fromthe LOS but then he should get on a downward tract towards the sideline and get his head andshoulders around to the QB. After catching the ball he should get vertical as soon as possible.4. The throw from the QB should be a soft toss that allows the FB to adjust his route and go to theball.5. The QB must take a couple of drop steps with his eyes downfield to give the defense a pass readbefore turning to the FB and releasing the ball.

The opposite play would be F Bubble Left where the FB aligns to the left of the QB. No otherchanges.

37

H / Z Bubble Screen Pass

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

H Jet Bubble Right

Coaching Notes:

1. The Bubble Screen uses a different blocking scheme for the O-Line...Basically Big on Big.2. SB blocking assignments change from the FB Bubble Screen. On H Bubble Right, Z hasresponsibilty for the FS, the nearest deepest defender. The FB is responsible for the defendercovering Z.3. H goes in motion and the ball is snapped just as he passes the Center then releases into hisbubble route on the snap. His first few steps should take him away from the LOS but then he shouldget on a downward tract towards the sideline and get his head and shoulders around to the QB. Aftercatching the ball he should get vertical as soon as possible.4. The throw from the QB should be a soft toss that allows H to adjust his route and go to theball.5. The QB must take a couple of drop steps with his eyes downfield to give the defense a pass readbefore turning to the FB and releasing the ball

The opposite play would be Z Jet Bubble Left where the FB aligns to the left of the QB. No otherchanges.

38

Play Action Screen Pass

GT

Z

Q

H

F

G T

NT T E

CC

E

BBB

FS

Z Jet H Screen Left

G T

H

Q

Z

F

GT

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

H Jet Z Screen Left

39

Screen Passes- Left and Right

ZH

X Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

FB Screen Left (Larry)

ZH

XY

NT T E

CC

E

BBB

FS

F Screen Right(Curley)

40

Other Screens

2 4

ZH

35X Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

YX

HFB Z

N TTEC

CEBB

B

FS

YX

HFB Z

N TTEC

CEBB

B

FS

H Jet FB Screen Left

Against a defense that is in man coverage the HBack in Jet motion will take the playside LB outof the area we are running the screen to.

Quad Right Under Screen

The backside Slant or Post can also be a calledvariation if the FS is overplaying.

Quad Right Flat Screen

The backside Slant or Post can also be a calledvariation if the FS is overplaying.

41

Expanding the SE Passing Game

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

Trips Right X Slant

GRT

Z

Q

H

F

G LT XY

Trips Left Y Slant

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

Trips Right X Fade

GRT

Z

Q

H

F

G LT XY

Trips Left Y Fade

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

H JET Flood Right X Post

GRT

Z

Q

H

F

G LT XY

Z JET Flood Left Y Post

While we are first and most often a running offense our ability to be consistantly successful on theground can be helped be showing that we can and will throw the ball. Up until now most of what wehave learned are short, high percentage passes but if we have the skill level we can and will want tothrow the ball downfield to force the Defense to honor that possibility and not react immediately toplaying the run.

A few examples of some ways to get the ball downfield and involve the SE more are on the nextcouple fo pages. To some extent, the talent and skill level will dictate what and how much we can dobut there are lot's of possibilities.

42

Short Yardage

This chapter illustrates the short yardage part of the offense. Eventhough it is tagged as a shortyardage system, it is versatile enough to be used anytime, anywhere on the field.

The key differences are:1. The QB is under Center2. It always has one TE (who may or may not be eligible depending on the formation) and one SE3. H and Z align as traditional WB's 1x1 off the end man on the LOS.4. FB is 4yds. deep and in a 2 or 3-point stance

The similarities are:1. Same basic terminolgy as the Spread.2. Same basic blocking schemes as the Spread.

There is plenty of flexability in formations, illustrated on the following pages. While the base formationis unbalanced, we can easily get into balanced and even Trips formations.

43

Short Yardage Formations with QB Under Center

GGLT RT YT/E

QH

FB

Z

RED

GGLT RTY T/E

QH

FB

Z

BLUE

GGLT RTY T/E

QH

FB

Z

RED FLIP

GGLT RT YT/E

QH

FB

Z

BLUE FLIP

Although this is labeled as a Short Yardageformation it can be used anywhere. It has thetraditional QB under Center with two WB's and aFB at about 4 yards in a 3 point stance. The SEreceiver will usually align as wide as possibledepending on how far out a defender will followhim. All the base plays can be run from hereplus a couple of more that are illustrated later.

Opposite of RED...TE and SE(Y) align to the leftof the formation.TE is NOT eligible

From RED we move the SE over to other side ofthe formation making the TE now an eligiblereceiver.

From BLUE we move the SE over to other sideof the formation making the TE now an eligiblereceiver.

44

Short Yardage Trips Formations

GGLT RT YT/E

Q H

FB

Z

RED OVER

GGLT RTY T/E

QH

FB

Z

BLUE UNDER

This is our Trips formation from the ShortYardage series. H moves OVER to th right in theSlot with Z.

Opposite of Red Over...Z moves to the left sideof the formation.

45

FB Trap

G T

ZQ

H

GT TE SE

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Red H Kick Right

Position Playside BacksideLeft Tackle ON-GAPLeft Guard ON-GAPCenter ON-GAPRight Guard ON-GAPRight Tackle ON-GAPTight End Nearest Inside LBSplit End (Y) Stalk and block

Quarterback F H ZOpen to playside with45 degree step.Hanodoff to FB on 2ndstep. Continue rolling toplayside.

Aim for gap between TEand T. Take handoffand look for inside oroutside lane. Make adecision and GO!

Kick motion to playside.At snap get inside -outposition on DE anddrive hjim outside.

Avoid the DE. Getinside of him if possible.Block 2nd defenderfrom outside. Usuallywhoever has passresponsibility.

Coaches Notes:The TE and Z have key blocks. The running lane could be anywhere from the G to the TE. FB mustrun with eyes up...do not look at the ball or QB. It is important to have the QB rollout aggressively toset up Flood Pass.

46

FB Trap Variations

GT

HQ

Z

G TTESE

NT T E

CC

E

B BB

FS

Blue Z Kick Left

G T

ZQ

H

GT TESE

N TTE

C

CE

BB B

FS

Red Flip H Kick Left

GT

HQ

Z

G TTE SE

NT T E

C

C E

B BB

FS

Blue Flip Z Kick Left

Basic FB Trap to the left in the Blue formation

Moving the SE while in Red formation still allowsthe play to be run. The playside CB has to beconcerned with the QB keep so he can't react tothe FB Trap play too quickly. This formation alsomakes the TE eligible.

Opposite of the above

47

QB Follow

G RT

ZQ

H

GLT TE Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Red H Kick Right Follow


Quarterback F H ZOpen to playside with45 degree step. Fake toFB and folow rightbehind him thru thePOA.

Aim for gap between TEand T. Good fake overthe ball...Block firstdefender to show in thePOA.

Kick motion to playside.At snap get inside -outposition on DE anddrive hjim outside.

Avoid the DE. Getinside of him if possible.Block 2nd defenderfrom outside. Usuallywhoever has passresponsibility.

Coaches Notes:The TE and Z have key blocks. The running lane could be anywhere from the G to the TE. FB hasresponsibility for taking on a LB filling at the POA. The opposite play is:Blue Z Jet QB Sweep Left.

48

QB Sweep

GGLT RT YT/E

QH

FB

Z

N TTE

C C

EBB B

FSRED H Jet QB Sweep Right


Quarterback F H ZOpen to playside with45 degree step. Fake toFB and sprint outsidethe block of Z on theDE.

Aim for gap between TEand T. Good fake overthe ball...Block firstdefender to show in thePOA.

Jet motion to playside.At snap get outside andseal the CB.

Reach block the DE topin him inside.

Coaches Notes:The play will work best when run to the SE / Strong side of the formation. The opposite play is;Blue Z Jet QB Sweep Left

49

Flood Pass

G RT

ZQH

F

GLT TE Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

5 and Out

10 and Out

Deep FadeRed H Jet Flood Right

The two previous running plays set this up. QB has his choice of receiver. One of them will be open.

This is the same route package and blocking scheme as in the basic spread.

50

Flood Pass from Trips

G T

ZQ H

F

GT TE Y

N TTE

C

E

BB BFS5 and Out

10 and Out

Deep FadeRed Over Flood Right

GT

HQZ

F

G TTEY

NT T E

C

E

B BBFS

5 and Out

10 and Out

Deep Fade Blue Under Flood Left

Same as the basic Flood Pass in the spread. Qbhas 3 receivers to to throw to but the 5 and 10yard out routes are the highest percentagethrows.

The QB also has the option to keep if receiversare covered.

Same play to the opposite side

51

Untitled Page

G T

ZQ H

F

GT TE Y

N TTE

C

E

BB BFS5 and Out

10 and Out

Deep FadeRed Over Flood Right

GT

HQZ

F

G TTEY

NT T E

C

E

B BBFS

5 and Out

10 and Out

Deep FadeBlue Under Flood Left

52

Tackle Trap (counter)

G RT

Z/6Q

H

F

GLT TE Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Red H Jet Z Trap Left

This is the mis-direction play for the short yardage series. Once the FB Trap, QB Follow and QBSweep are established, the Counter play can be a deadly call whether for short yardage or a big play.downfield.

The QB makes an inside handoff to the Z back after faking the Trap to the FB. H is still running hismotion route.

Running the play requires that we have begun to influence the backside LB to flow toward the strongside of the offense.

53

Jet Sweep

G RT

Z/6Q

H

F

GLT T/EY

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Red Over Z Speed Left

54

Screen Passes

GGLT RT YT/E

Q H

FB

Z

N TTE

C C

E

BBB

FSRED Over FB Bubble Right

Key block

GGLT RT YT/E

Q H

FB

Z

N TTE

C C

E

BB

BFS

RED Over H Screen Right

Key block

55

Wedge

G RT

ZH

GLT TE Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Red FB Wedge

This is the basic FB Wedge play from the Double Wing. To be run effectively, the O-line must bedrilled over and over to effectively create the wedge and move a defense backwards for 5 to 10 yards.The companion pass play off the Wedge action should be an easy throw and catch.

The Wedge plays are effective for short yardage 4th down plays and extra points but they can alsospring for big gains when run effectively

56

Wedge Pass

G RT

Z/6Q

H

F

GLT TE Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Red Wedge Pass Right

The key is for the WB to sell the run before releasing into his pass route.

57

Making Adjustments

Adjusting to the Tendencies ofthe Defense is the Key to

Making the OffenseSuccessful.

58

Reading and Adjusting to Defensive Tendencies

The key to gaining the advantage over the defense is to be able to determine how they are keyingyour offense. This not a job for the players but rather for the coaches on the sideline during the gameand/or in scouting reports. Against the Spread the best key that a youth defense will give is the play ofthe LB's... not what High School or College LB's might do but what youth LB's will do. We havethree ways to make it virtually impossible for a defense to consistantly and accurately key what weare doing.

1. Formation change2. Use motion to change the kickout block or pull a defender out of his initial area of responsibility.3. Call a different play based on the observed tendancy of the LB's

What basically happens is that with the combination of spreading out the defense and takingdefenders out of the box along with formation and/or play selection there will usually only beone defender with a chance of stopping a play and that probably won't happen until we are 5+yards downfield.

Another problem for the LB is that on most plays the QB and FB are going in opposite directions.Establishing the QB early as a running threat forces the LB's to account for him before they react to tothe actual point of attack. The Spread is really another form of series football, no different than theWing-T. Plays start out looking the same then morph into something else. Added to that is the factthat we are always getting our ball carrier out into space right away. Assuming that our best andfastest athletes will be the one's handling the ball, the offense has an immediate advantage over thedefense.

Let's take a look at some of the ways a defense might try to key the Youth Spread running attack andhow the offense would respond.

LB's key the side of the QB that the FB lines up on and anticipate a play to the opposite side.Run QB Keep away from the FB's track and the flow of the LB's.

LB's key the pulling tackle or down block of the O-Line and flow to playside.Run QB Lead to get an extra blocker with the FB at the POA.Run from Trips formation to get a TE involved and gain an extra blocker at the POA.Run Power motion to have the H or Z make the the kickout block.

DE's key the pulling Tackle and follow him trying to get into the backfield and overtake the play.Run QB Read...where the QB can pull the handoff from the FB and run to the side

vacated by the DE.Run Screen Pass behind the chasing DE.

59

Reading and Adjustments, cont.

Whenever motion is used the defense adjusts.Run or pass anything to the side the defense vacates.

Whenever motion is used the defense does not adjust.Use motion frequently to take advantage on the playside, until the defense adjusts.

Most youth defenses will choose pressure as their 1st weapon to stop a an offense that is effectivelymoving the ball. The Spread can limit their ability to get the numbers advantage they need in the boxto generate pressure.

The following pages will illustrate some of the ways to adjust the offense to maintain an advantageover the defense.

60

Adjustments vs. 5-2

GLT

ZH

F

G RT YX

NT T E

CC

EB

BBB

Trap Right vs. 5-2

2 RT

Z

TE

F

3LT

X Y

N TTE E

BB

FS SSC

C

Over Tight Trap Right Keep vs.5-2

GT

ZH

Q

G T YX

NT T E

CC

EB

BBB

Trap Left Follow vs. 5-2

35

Z/6H/7

2 4

NT T E

CC

EB

BBB

Trap Left Keep vs. 5-2

The 5-2 has no safety and it's not uncommon forfor both LB to flow to the expected POA.

Even if the playside LB flows to the POA., the FBhas a lot of space to run in if he needs to. Theplay can break outside easily if the receivers aregetting an effective stalk block on theirdefenders.

With Over Tight and the addition of a TE wenow get a blocker on the playside LB and canalso chip the DT on the way. The TE is alsoeligible so Flood Pass is also an option. The LBin coverage on the TE is also looking at the playaction to his side so he is in conflict. Any delaygetting into pass coverage will mean the TEshould always be open on his Flood Pass route.

We also widen the gap between the DT and DE.

The playside LB is reading the O-Line downblock or he's just a tough guy that we need toblock to be successful.

The Follow play has the QB show Pass beforerunning to freeze any LB read. Notice there is noSafety, so once we clear the LOS there is a lot ofroom to run.

LB's flowing to where they think the FB is going.The Keep play is really kind of a counter andonce again the middle of the field is open.

61

Adjustments vs. 4-4

35

Z

TE2 4

S

T T E

CC

E

BB

BB

Over Tight Trap Right vs. 4-4

35

Z

TE2 4

S

T T E

CC

EB

BB B

Over Tight Trap Right Follow vs. 4-4

35

Z

TE2 4

S

T T E

CC

EB

BB B

Over Tight Trap Right Keep vs. 4-4

2 4 Z/6

Q

H/7 F

35

X

Y

B

TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Jumbo Right Trap Right Keep vs 4-4

Over Tight gives us another playside blockerwith a TE. By rule we get a doubleteam on theDT and the TE has the playside LB. The Safetyis the only defender with a chance to make theplay and that would be 10 yards downfield.

Over Tight gives us another playside blockerwith a TE. By rule we get a doubleteam on theDT and the TE has the playside LB. The Safetyis the only defender with a chance to make theplay and the FB is leading the play with theSafety as his target.

Over Tight gives us another playside blockerwith a TE. By rule we get a doubleteam on theDT and the TE has the playside LB. The Safetyis the only defender with a chance to make theplay and that would be 10 yards downfield.

Jumbo pulls three defenders out of the box andwith the TE we can block the inside LB. The Qbwould show PASS then run...It is really a QBDraw.

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Adjustments vs. 6-2

G T

Z

Q

H

F

GTX Y

T TTE

C C

ET

B B

FS

G T TE

QH

F

GT

Z

Y

T TTE

C C

ET

B B

FSRed H Kick Right

The first thing you notice is that the 6-2 can'tbe run against a Spread team. The CB's areout numbered and the only question wouldbe how many points you wanted to score.

However, in short yardage or goal line situationsit can be used. The good news is that the baserules take care of it.

63

Adjustments vs. the 4-3

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

B

TTE

C C

E

B

SS

B

FS

Although the 4-3 is not very common in Youth footballwe will want to be prepared for it if we see it.

It is the most common defense against the Spreadat the High And College level. Against our base formation

we are even in the box.

G RT

Z

Q

HF

GLT TE Y

B

TTE

C C

E

BSS

B

FS

To regain our advantage in the box we can formation toJumbo to regain the advantage.

64

Forcing the 4-3 to Re-align

G RT

Z

Q

TE

F

GLT

H

Y

B

TTE E

BB

FS

SS CC

Jumbo Right Trap Right Keep

G RT

Z

Q

X

F

GLT

H

Y

B

TTE E

BB

FS

SS CC

Quad Right Trap Left Keep

65

Forcing the 4-3 to Re-align cont.

GLT

Z

TE

FB

G RT

Y

X

S

T T E

CC

EB

BB B

Over Tight Trap Right Follow vs. 4-3

Trips gives us another playside blocker with a TE. By rule we get a doubleteam on the DT and the TEhas the inside LB. The "Follow" cue brings the FB as a lead blocker for the QB and allows us toaccount for all the playside defenders.The Safety is the only defender with a chance to make the playand that would be 10 yards downfield.

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H Trap and H Trap Follow vs.4-3

G T TE

QH/7 F

GTX

Y

BTTE

C C

E

B

SS

B

FS

Pro H Trap Right

G T TE

QH/7 F

GTX

Y

BTTE

C C

E

B

SS

B

FS

Pro H Trap Right Follow

67

Installing The System

Because of the limited number of plays, the installation of the system allows much more time forteaching skill and techniques that can be applied to several plays rather than having to learn differentskills for every play. The first group of plays are shown in the table on the following page. For themost part, everything else becomes just a minor variation of one of these plays.

The Power/Short Yardage package would be a separate install but would follow many of the sameprinciples.

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Play Group One-Base Run/Pass Package

This is the first group of plays to install. There is a lot of skill and assignment repetition for players sothat they are actually learning multiple plays at a time. The multiple formation possibilities can betaught at the same time.

Play Group One

Play Formation O-Line X,Y H, Z FB QBFB TrapQB KeepQB FollowQB Read

BaseRam/LionOver/UnderOver Tight/Under Tight

ON-GAPrules tobothsides.

StalkBlocking

Kick and JetMotion

Handofffootwork andOpen fieldrunning.LeadBlocking onLB

Handoff footworktechnique

Flood Pass BaseRam/LionOver/UnderOver Tight/Under Tight

ON-GAPrules tobothsides.

Flood passrouteassignments

Jet motionand Floodpass routeassignments

Passblocking onDE

Roll out passingtechnique

Bubble Screen

Flat Screen

BaseRam/LionOver/UnderOver Tight/Under Tight

Screenblockingtechnique

StalkBlocking

Flat Screenroutes

Bubble routeFlat Screenroutes

Roll out passingtechnique

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Play Group Two-Jet Package

The second play group install focuses on the use of Jet motion by the H and Z backs. It introducesthe Sweep and Reverse plays and also adds amisdirection look to the base Trap play.

Play Group TwoPlay Formation O-Line X,Y H,Z FB QB

Jet Sweep Base Only

Sweep blockingrulesON-GAP rules toboth sides

Stalk Blocking Handofftechniqueand openfield running

StalkBlocking

Handofftechnique

Jet Trap (QB andFB)

Base Only Base ON-GAPrules

Stalk Blocking Jet motion Handofftechnique

Handofftechnique

Jet Reverse Base Only ON-GAP rules toboth sides

Stalk Blocking Handofftechniqueand openfield running.

StalkBlocking

Handofftechnique

70

PlayGroup Four-Screen Package

Play Group ThreePlay Formation O-Line X,Y,H,Z FB QB

FB Screens Leftand Right

Eagle

Middle ScreenUnder Screen

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Playgroup Five-Short Yardage Package

Play Group Four- Red / Blue Formation PackagePlay Formation O-Line X,Y,H,Z FB QB

FB Trap (Kick) RedBlue

ON-GAPrules toboth sides.

X,Y-StalkBlocking

H,Z-Motion tokickout block aDE

Handoff footworktechnique and open fieldrunning

Handoff footworktechnique

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Documents

Big Coco Spread