The Mechanics of the Offense

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Philosophy • Offensive Goals • Personnel • Mechanics of the Offense

– Personnel Groups – Huddle Procedures

• Formations and Alignments • Motions • Run Game Mechanics

– WR Blocking Rules – Zone/Stretch OL Footwork – QB/RB Mesh Points

• Running Game

•Passing Game –Pass Protections –Route Names –Sprint-Out Passing Game –Quick Passing Game –Drop Back Passing Game –Play Action Pass Game –Screen Game

We will operate as a multiple offensive scheme using the pistol offensive set as our major alignment. The pistol allows a team to capitalize on the benefits of a spread offense with maintaining the downhill approach of the I formation. We will use multiple formations, personnel, and motion with a limited number of blocking schemes. We will use formations to spread the defense out and to also create angles for our players to be successful. The scheme will include one and two back sets with misdirection, zone, and a power run game. The purpose of the multiple schemes is to enable us to utilize our personnel and to create favorable match-ups while stretching the defense horizontally controlling the ball and the clock. This will be achieved through the balanced use of run and pass. We will be a physically and mentally tough unit that will be in better condition than our opponent and win the war of attrition. We will play with a fast paced approach and with great intensity and enthusiasm. We will do a few things well rather than many with mediocrity. We will have a complete and diverse offensive package, but only feature what we can do well and execute to perfection. We will also adjust our offense to align with our personnel on a yearly basis. We must utilize the strengths of our players in order to obtain the maximum results.

These offensive goals will be posted for all players to see. We believe offensive goals are used to accentuate more detail oriented, execution based things with players than “scoring XX number of points each game.” The team offensive goals are: 1. No more than 1 turnover per game. 2. 8 explosive plays per game (Explosive play = runs greater than 12 and passes

greater than 18). 3. Average 4 yards or greater on first down. 4. 15 or more first downs a game. 5. No penalties or turnovers in the red zone (inside the 20 yard line). 6. 60% or more on 3rd down conversions.

We will also have offensive goals by position that each position coach will develop. These and the team goals will be rewarded to the players as helmet stickers.

Quarterback (Q) – The QB must possess many traits. This offense can be shaped

to match different types of QBs. The traits we will look for in a quarterback go in this order: 1. Competitiveness/Leadership – The QB can set the tone for the entire team. We want a fierce competitor here who will not accept anything but success and lead by example along with being vocal. 2. Intelligence – The QB will need to be able to process information quickly and decisively. This offense will keep things simple, but the QB must be relied upon to manage the game along with making plays. 3. Athleticism – The QB will need to be able to move the chains using his athleticism from time to time. The QB does not have to be your best athlete, but he needs to be athletic. 4. Arm – This is at the bottom of the list because it is least important. Just because someone can throw the ball 60 yards does not mean they will be able to succeed at the most demanding position on the field. However, our quarterback will be expected to be able to deliver the ball timely and accurately in our multiple passing game.

Tail Back (T) – The tail back must be one of the best athletes on the team. In our

running game, the tail back will be asked to make 1 cut and go. The athlete with the best ability to explode after 1 cut and get north/south will be the most successful runner in this offense. Ball security is a must along with being an effective blocker. Our tailbacks will be asked to carry the load in some ballgames, so they need to be tough/durable kids also.

H Back (H) – The H Back needs to be described as tough, smart, and athletic. The H

back will be asked to align anywhere from Wide Receiver to being in a Full Back position in the back field. He will be asked to run routes, carry the ball, and is a key blocker on many plays. This kid needs a line backer mentality on the offensive side of the ball.

Z – The Z receiver needs to be a play maker. If there is an undersized tail back, he can

play Z receiver. The Z will be utilized through routes, screens, and also sweeps/reverses. The Z needs to be one of the best open field runners on the team.

X – The X wide receiver needs to be the best pure WR on the team. The X will line up a

lot on the backside of the formation on his own in 1 on 1 coverage. We would prefer a kid who is a natural catcher at the position. Size is not a huge factor here; however, it is preferred to have a tall kid who can present matchup problems for the defense.

Y – The criteria for Y is not as definite as other positions. The Y is the tight end and will

be asked to block as well as catch passes. Being able to execute the various blocks that the Y will face is most important, in comparison to pass catching. We will first find a guy that can get the job done blocking for the running game or in MAX protect mode for the passing game. This Y can also be filled by another X or Z type receiver if we go to our LIGHT package for Flex and more spread out formations. In summary, we always want a Y that we can leave in to block or split out in space at WR, but if we don’t have that kid, we’ll find 2 kids to fill this role who complement each other in those areas.

•REGULAR 2 WR - 1 TB - 1 TE - 1 H

•LIGHT 3 WR - 1 TB - 0 TE - 1 H

•Light package is not needed if your TE is a athletic enough to also play flex out at the WR spot.

•HEAVY 1 WR - 1 TB - 2 TE - 1 H

•An additional O-Linemen can be brought in at the extra TE spot.

HUDDLE

LT LG RG RT C

QB

Y H T Z X

Center will set the huddle about 7 yards from the ball. OL will form the back row and they stand with their hands on their sides. Skilled positions players make up the front row, they lean forward with their hands on their knees.

QB has complete control of the huddle. When QB enters huddle, QB will say “TEAM”. When you here “TEAM” that is your signal to shut your mouth and open your ears. QB will give formation, motion, play and snap count twice. Ex. Ron Whop Hop8 28 Stretch on 1 on 1, READY -- BREAK. Everyone will follow QB and say “BREAK” and clapping their hands. Everyone will HUSTLE to the line.

Left/Right (Pro)

RT LG RG LT C

T

H

Q

Y X

Z H

H H

H H

Whop Whip

Queen King

Slip Slot

Lex/Rex (Flex)

RT LG RG LT C

T

H

Q

Y X

Z H

H H

H H

Whop Whip

Queen King

Slip Slot

Blue/Red (Spread)

RT LG RG LT C

T

H

Q

Y X

Z H

H H

H H

Whop Whip

Queen King

Slip Slot

Load/Road (Over)

RT LG RG LT C

T

H

Q

Y X

Z H

H H

H H

Whop Whip

Queen King

Slip Slot

Liz/Rip(Twins)

RT LG RG LT C

T

H

Q

Y X

Z H

H H

H H

Whop Whip

Queen King

Slip Slot

Land/Rock (Deuce)

RT LG RG LT C

T

H

Q

Y X

Z H

H H

H H

Whop Whip

Queen King

Slip Slot

BUNCH

RT LG RG LT C

T

Q

Y X

Z H

DIAMOND

RT LG RG LT C

T

Q

Y X

Z H

T Alignments

RT LG RG LT C

T

Q

Y X

Z

T T

Teal Tree

With no tag, T will always line up in Pistol.

H

MOTION NUMBERS

LT LG RG RT C

0 2 4 6 8 1 3 5 7 9

RT LG RG LT C

T

Q

Y X

Z

H

Zip8

RT LG RG LT C

T

Q

Y X

Z H

Hop7

MOTION NAMES Z = Zip H = Hop T = Tap X = Xerox Y = Yak

NOTE!!!

We will not use numbers unless

we absolutely have to. We will

strive to teach the player to

understand where motion takes

him for each play.

MOTION TERMS

RT LG RG LT C

T

Q

Y X

Z H

RT LG RG LT C

T

Q

Y X

Z H

Zip (Jet) or Zip Juke Jet is a handoff to receiver, Joker is a fake handoff.

Hop Return

RT LG RG LT C

T

Q

Y X

Z H

Z Trail (Option Pitch Man)

SHIFT TERMS

RT LG RG LT C

T

Q

Y X

Z H

RT LG RG LT C

T

Q

Y X

Z H

YO Y will walk to opposite side of called formation

YOHO Both Y and H will walk to the opposite side of the called formation.

RT LG RG LT C

T

Q

Y X

Z

H HO H will walk to opposite side of called formation.

Y

H

Y

H