Hit'em Hard

Inverted Veer- Combo'ing two of the best plays into one

2013-07-02T10:24:00.002-07:00

Trying to communicate while invereted

One of the hottest plays that spread teams are currently running is the INVERTED VEER, or Power read. Spread teams from around the country have spent time developing and implementing two of the most successful plays in the history of football: the POWER and the VEER. The idea of the Invereted veer is so put the "5 tech" in conflict. Does he choose to run with the RB, or does he stay home on the QB?

Below is the same play run against the four most popular defenses across the country. The blocking rules do not change for the O-Linemen no matter the front. This simplifies things, and allows the play to hit faster and more aggressively.

v. Under (4-3)

v. Over (4-3)

v. Stack (3-3)

v. Odd (3-4)

The great thing about the IV, is that the O-linemen have angles. Each O-lineman is able to come down on an angle, and get on their assignment. For teams that run Power, the blocking does not change, which is also a huge advantage for the O-line.

*** Key part= Speed at the RB *** The RB has got to be able to take off, turn the corner, and be a threat to break each run.

When reading the 5, the QB has the option to keep the ball and run with. Like the old Veer, if the 5 turns his shoulders, that is an easy read for the QB. A great example is below.

Here is a great look from the end zone. Notice how the 5 gets upfield, turns shoulders. It is an easy read for the QB.

When the 5 stays tight, squeezes down, it is an automatice give.

At all levels, simple = more efficient. This play is a combination of two simple concepts put into one. Coming up: Formations with Inverted Veer, compliment plays with Inververted Veer, and how to defend Inverted Veer.

The new college football

2013-06-25T07:55:00.002-07:00

Growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, I was surrounded by coaches, programs, and people who viewed football as more about the "Jack and Joe's" than the "X's and O's." They prided themselves on creating winning football players, but often would look the other way when student athletes made mistakes in and outside of the classroom. In addition to this, I grew up that football players were stereotypically just big ol' meatheads. This "stereo type" often bothered me, knowing the amount of knowledge and learning that it takes to understand the game of football as a player. I also found it ironic, as my high school QB was one of the brighter students in our class (and currently a successful lawyer), and is just one example of the many of bright football players.

Recently I viewed Coach David Shaw's TEDx talk about Stanford football. Coach Shaw was asked to speak, and might be the first coach, at a TED talk. For those of you who are unaware of TED talks, they are a non-profit program looking to help spread positive ideas to make the world a better place. Coach Shaw provides a great TED talk, and discusses aspects of football, program development, and student-athlete development.

Check it out for yourself below:

The talk asks "Can football change the world?"

Coach Shaw goes on to highlight how Stanford, under Coach Jim Harbaugh and Coach Shaw, Stanford has been able to go from 1-11 in 2006, contemplating dropping the program down a level, to multiple winning seasons, culminating in three consecutive BCS bowl games, and winning the Rose Bowl (2012) and Orange Bowl (2010).

I wanted to highlight some main points of the talk, as I truly believe this is the New College Football.

#1 Extremely ccompetitive people- Coach Shaw points out how those who excel in academics are competitive people. It was an important thing for Stanford to find student athletes that have a drive to excel in academics and athletics. Those who want to be the "Best Biologist" or "Best Engineer" while also trying to be the "Best down field Tight End" in the country. The world is changed on a daily basis by people who are willing to compete, no matter the setting or environment they are in. Coach Shaw is looking for players who "Complete like crazy in the classroom, and compete like crazy in football."

#2 High expectations- Student athletes will rise to the expectations of their coaches and school. If a school doesn't expect their student athletes to attend class, or give them an useless major, then the athlete becomes just an athlete. But if the school, coaching staff, and program commit to high expectations in academics and athletics, then the student athlete will also commit to the high expectations.

#3 Create your culture- "We were going to be audacious. We are going to compete with anyone, any where, any time. We are going to build a bully." Enough said.

#4 Sustain the success- Once you have been able to create your culture, high expectations, and competitiveness, success will exist. The key part is to continue to find people who understand competitiveness, expectations, and buy into the culture.

MOST IMPORTANTLY- Coach Shaw believes that Stanford football can change the world (and the NCAA). He believes that the influence that his program has, will change how other programs are run. Stanford has proved that you can recruit players who will invest in the school, academics, and athletics, and can be successful. Schools such as:
StanfordNorthwestern
Notre Dame Vanderbilt

are the new wave of college football. These schools have so much in common, recruiting student athletes that want to get the most out of their college experience educationally and athletically, and the results are showing on the field, and changing the world of college football.

I'm back

2013-06-18T07:23:00.002-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen....

I have decided to pick up the blogging again, and I am back. I had to step away for a while because I have done the following over the past year: Welcomed a new baby boy, gone through 2nd masters, supported wife through 2nd masters, bought a new house and moved, and a variety of other professional and personal accomplishments. So in the following week, I will be adding new blogs to Hit'em Hard!

2012-01-24T10:03:00.000-08:00

I will be taking some time away from writing the blog to focus on family and off season responsibilities. When I get some more free time, I will get back to work. Until then....

Playoffs? Talking about playoffs.....

2011-10-27T06:53:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year again! The best time of year, the money maker time.... PLAYOFFS!!!!!

That is right Coach Mora, we are talking about playoffs. As the playoffs approach, teams are cumulating a season of hard work, dedication, and a little bit of luck. Players and coaches have put in hours upon hours of work in the weightroom, off-season, 7-on-7s and doubles for this time of year. Playoffs, what the game is all about. Playoffs give teams a chance to prove that they are one of the best in their respected state, and it can never be taken away. But what about the team that just qualifies for the playoffs?

Many teams across the country are happy to be in the playoffs. Satisfied that they overcame adversity and injuries to qualify for the playoffs and provide pride for their team, school and community. There is an amount of pride in that, but instead of feeling satisfied, challenge your team to rise above their ability in the playoffs.

The Stones got it, don't be satisfied!

If your team is satisfied with making it to the playoffs, challenge your team to meet and exceed their expectations. Last year at this time, I wrote about how "PLAYERS BECOME PLAYMAKERS IN THE PLAYOFFS." I strongly believe that as coaches, we can put our players, no matter their ability, in a spot to become that playmaker. With that ability, you can help build up your players confidence to be that playmaker. Teach them how to recognize a certain team's offense/defense, and know the other team's tendencies. Provide the player with everything that you have, and in turn they will give the team everything they have. By you modeling and showing that you are not satisfied, the players will pick up on this and mirror the same attitude.

One of the key to the playoffs is keeping your team focused on the task at hand. Players, specifically Seniors, will become distracted with the media, their friends/family, and that creeping thought in the back of their head that this playoff game could be their last game of their career. Communicate with your players that all of these things going on are realistic, but the only thing that matters is the next play their in the game. Focus on that one play. Know the down and distance, and understand your own responsibility. This focus will allow your players to calm any anxiety or anxiousness they feel before the big game.

Be proud of being in the playoffs, but don't be satisfied with just getting there. Good luck to all the playoff qualifying teams around the country, working towards that goal of a state championship!

SHOUT OUT

www.cheifpigskin.com has got some great stuff coming up, including the webumentaries. Give it a look!

Passing concepts (Air Raid) out of Quads

2011-10-13T06:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to Hit'em hard! Sorry that I have been away, we have been in the thick of the season, and the team has been responding well. Two weeks away from the playoffs!

Back to business, continuing on the Quads, Quads, Quads, Quads (that is 4 times) passing game. The best thing about the Quads is you can still run many simple passing concepts, specifically Air Raid concepts.

Concept #1: Bubble
One of the most popular is the Bubble, or Loop, concept. The Bubble concept can be run to the third (H) or 4th receiver (A), depending on where the defense aligns themselves. This is a simple "check with me" at the line. Which ever man is the uncovered receiver, the ball is going to go to.

The QB would audible to the A receiver to run the bubble route.

Above is an example of a simple audible that can be done at any level. The QB can see that the A receiver is uncovered, so he can check the route to him.

H Receiver is the open man

In the second example, now the H receiver is uncovered, so the QB can check the route to him. Blocking remains man-on-man, getting in the defender's way and allowing the ball carrier to be in space.

Once teams start falling in on the bubble route, bubble-slants or bubble and go become wide open. Receivers are taught to make their routes look like there blocking assignments, and then run past the defenders.

The Bubble Slant game puts a lot of pressure on the defenders to stay in their passing zones and not jump the bubble.

Using the bubble concept can also open up the passing game for the big play. When defenders start jumping the bubble, and rallying up to it, the Bubble Go concept allows the offense to stretch the defense vertically.

The most likely man to be open is the Z receiver. He has been blocking the corner all day on the bubble, and is taught to run at him, and slip by him, making the corner miss and leaving a wide open receiver for the TD.

Concept #2: Mesh
With most spread quad teams, Air Raid concepts can still apply. Probably the second most common Air Raid concept is MESH. Mesh defined is two receivers coming across the field and crossing each other. The idea is to hit the receiver once he has crossed the far hash, leaving him in open space to run with the ball. For the examples, I have tagged double posts and an arrow route to create chaos and put the safeties in jeopardy with their coverage.

QB will be looking for H or X receivers as they cross the field

The Mesh route is extremely effective because the QB still has a check down (Y), can hit the homerun (A or Z) and can get the ball to his receivers in space (X or H). This is especially true if the H receiver is open and the backside corner runs with the X receiver.

Concept #3: Flood
The last passing concept out of Quads is the Flood route. The major advantage of the Flood route is that the QB will be able to rollout, with the A receiver blocking the edge and then releasing into the flat. That block by the receiver allows that QB to get outside the pocket with ease.

The Flood route is extremely effective because it give the QB a deep threat and a 3 level read, with an option to run. Most coordinators will teach the QB to read deep to short on the reads. The first option is the deep man (Z receiver). Moving down the progression, ending in a dump off to the A receiver. If all are covered up, the QB still has the option to tuck the ball and run, with 4 blockers (the receivers) leading the way.

This concludes my discussion of Quads. With an athletic QB, simple adjustments, Quads can be put into your playbook and used regularly to have an effective, explosive offense. Any of the plays above can be run through the different Quads formations I have discussed earlier.

SHOUT-OUT

Gotta give some love the www.chiefpigskin.com They are doing webumentaries from high schools across the country. One of them, ironically, is the team that we play on Friday, the Wauconda Bulldogs. Here is a write up in the local paper about the webumentary: http://football.dailyherald.com/story/?id=428672

Good luck to all those teams heading into the playoffs!!

Coming up next........... post season preparation.

Quads- QB Running Game

2011-09-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

Continuing on the discussion over Quads, is the QB running game out of Quads. Many people feel that Quads makes an offense one dimensional. Absolutely not! With some creativity, many running plays can be used out of quads, including the QB run game.

Quads in real life, on Friday Night!

While discussing the spread quad game, I will use the common spread tags of letters for players. Listed below are the description:

X- Split End

Y- TE/Slot

Z- Flanker

H- FB/TE/H-Back

A- Running back

Q- Quarterback

The athletic QB continues to become more popular throughout the high school and college divisions. When a team has that QB that is able to run the ball, and take a physical pounding, but still put the ball on the money, it can wreak havic on a defense.

QB Sweep

The most basic QB running play out of Quads is the QB sweep. This play is usually run to the field, allowing the QB to find his running lane and attack it.

This play, when you have the athletic QB, is lethal. Getting your best athlete into space, with crack blocks and angles gets an offensive coordinator excited!

Get him the ball, and in space!

QB Trap

Reasons to love the QB trap:

It's a trap!

1. Angles, Angles, Angles- Everyone has an angle!
2. Attack aggressive DEs
3. Simple rules for your o-line
4. One more thing for the defense to defend out of the spread
5. Has the ability to be a homerun on every play

Strong trap- Trapping to the Quads

Weak side trap- Trapping away from the quads

The key to these plays is to have the QB take a small jab step away from the hole. This allows the guard to clear and trap, while the LB's hesitate. With the LB's being hesitant, the O-Line can get to their blocks with better angles.

Bonus: Running Game with Motion

Because I have been encompassed with my season, in which we are currently 2-1, I have been slacking off on Hit'em hard. Today I am adding in a bonus, QB running game with motion out of quads. Say that ten times fast!

Using a lead blocker out of quads is simple. Look at your base formation out of quads below:

There are three different positions, A, H, or Y that can be used as lead blockers. As a coach, you can really mix it up if your personnel is capable of being a lead blocker. Today we are going to focus on using a lead blocker for the ISO play.

QB Iso
Iso is one of the simplest, yet most effective plays. It is based off of "isolating" one LB with a lead blocker. Below are two examples of running iso out of quads, with different lead blockers.

Strong Iso

Using the H as the lead blocker

Weak Iso

Changing it up, using the A as a lead blocker

There is a the base running plays out of the Quads look using your QB. It is important that when using the Quads to include running your QB if he is athletic at all. It is another weapon to cause headaches for the defenses.

MAKE SURE YOU CHECK OUT www.chiefpigskin.com for some unbelievable stuff. They currently are filming multiple high schools from across the country and their documentaries. Check it out!

Twitter

2011-08-22T07:11:00.000-07:00

Heading into the new age technology, I am excited to announce that you can now follow me at Twitter

@coachhjorth

To those of you that start your season this week and the upcoming weeks, good luck! As always, check out www.chiefpigskin.com for the best football coverage on the web!

Quads Quads Quads Quads (That's four times!) Formations

2011-08-17T09:47:00.000-07:00

Is every four sided shape a quad?

Quads formations (or 4x1) have become more popular in the past few seasons because of the predicament it puts defenses in. Putting four receivers to one side causes the defense to become very vanilla, taking away their coverages and blitzing schemes.

Quads defined is any offensive formation that puts 4 eligible receivers to one side of the formation. Quads are mainly run by spread teams looking to get an advantage and take what the defense gives them.

Here are some advantages to quads:

5 man box for QB runs
Single coverage on single side
4 on 3 deep to quads side

Below are the two base formations for Quads:

And.....

Even though you would think you a limited to ways to change up the quad formation, you are not.

Quads can be run out of a bunch....

Running bunch out of Quads allows for single coverage on both outside receivers!

Quads can be run out of a diamond formation...

Diamond Quads are great for running bubble and spacing concepts.

Quads can be run with a TE....

Adding a TE beefs up the running game out of quads

This is the basic start of a quad offense. Coming up, running and passing games out of quads. It is going to be square.

It's hip to be square

The football season has started and is in full swing. This is the BEST time of year. Teams have spent the last 8 months preparing, and now it is their chance to prove what they have on the field. I want to wish everyone the best of luck throughout the following season, stay healthy, keep your focus, fill your heart, and hit'em hard!

Remember, for the best football coverage out there, get to www.chiefpigskin.com

Two-A-Days Tips

2011-07-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

As the summer heats gruelingly strikes the United States, it is a clear sign that football season is coming up! Soon enough, the heat will give way to cool, damp mornings, where smells of grass and sweat blend together with the August sun. We are approaching the greatest time of year, FOOTBALL SEASON!

Bleachers and field in the hot sun

Young men from all social, racial and economical backgrounds are coming together with one goal in mind, to succeed in the battlefield known as football. Football, I am talking about football here people!!!! The greatest team sport on Earth! If that doesn’t get your heart pumping, then nothing will.

Heart pumping.... get it?

As football coaches, it is our responsibility to bring these young men together. This job is a privilege and a great responsibility. When talking to a fellow coach over the past few days, he asked me what I felt were the most important parts of the two-a-days season. He talked about schemes and x’s and o’s, and while he talked; I felt that those are important, but what’s more important is developing your team and staff. I wanted to share some of my thoughts going into two-a-days that have helped me be successful:

#1 Find the leaders on your team and get them to buy in

The leaders on your team might not always be the best player or athlete. Your responsibility is to search them out, and let your team know that any one player could be a leader or captain. Many teams and coaches automatically name the best player the “captain.” I suggest that you do not follow this old model, instead search out for the player that all of the team respects. It is easy to identify them, you’re your team gets water or is eating together, see who the players gravitate towards. They can be the second string QB, or smaller DB, but they are popular and understand their role and the game of football. Most importantly, they are VOCAL. When crunch time shows up, they have the guts to stand up, be VOCAL, and lead their teammates to success. Find that leader among your team!

#2 Promote position competition during two-a-days

Each season I have coached, I have realized how important it is to promote competition for positions. Just because “Joe Schmoe” started at middle linebacker last year as a junior does not guarantee he has a starting spot this year. Young players are smart, and if they know they have a guaranteed spot, motivation often drops off. If they feel the heat of someone taking their position, two positives happen: they perform under stress and they still motivated to continue to improve themselves.

Consequentially, the other players on the team are motivated to earn that starting spot. There is nothing worse than a player feeling he “shouldn’t try” because someone has the starting position locked up from day 1. These players staying motivated and invested also help get them prepared for when they do have an opportunity to play.

QB Competition

#3 Make sure all of your coaches are on the same page

As a player, there is nothing more frustrating and confusing than having three different coaches telling the player to do three different things. All off-season you have probably met with your coaches and discussed the schemes and plans for the season. Make sure that your coaches are following the plan and running a tight ship.

Same page right coach?

#4 Standards don’t float

Work with your team to understand what the following statement means “Standards don’t float.” An Army General taught this saying to me recently, and I love it. It means that just doing the standard or minimum is not enough.

The General shared a story about how a recruit came to him and asked “Do you think I will be able to do the minimum on the physical training test?” The General responded “Son, you should be asking me ‘Do you think I will be able to do the maximum on the test?”

The whole idea is to get your players to do more than just the minimum. Block until the whistle, run to the football on defense, heck, even clean the tables spotless after team dinners. Push your team to the maximum of its potential, because…. “Standards don’t float.”

#5 Remember, we are not perfect, but we will strive to be

Young men and women are raised to be perfect, and often struggle with how to respond to challenges. Work with your players, and let them know that plays will sometimes not work, that turnovers will happen, and the other team will score. This is not a time to tuck our tail and take our ball and head home. This is a time to rise to the challenge. Show character and exceed past the failure. Communicate this to your players, and if mistakes happen, they will be able to push past it.

With the ending of one of network tv’s greatest shows “FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS” I am reminded of Coach Eric Taylor’s speech to his players:

I am going to miss this show..,

“We will all at some time in our lives, fall. Life is so very fragile, we are all vulnerable, and we will all at some point in our lives, fall, we will all fall. We must carry this in our hearts, that what we have is special, that it can be taken from us, and that when it is taken from us, we will be tested. We will be tested to our very souls. We will all be tested. It is these times, it is this pain, that allows us to look inside ourselves.”

Let your team know that failure will happen, and it is what happened, it is how the team responds. As a defensive coach, the best example I have of this is during a sudden change moment (turnover by the offense, blocked punt/FG). We pride ourselves in stepping up to the challenge of a failed opportunity. Instead of putting our heads down, we will find the character inside us and meet the challenge. We may not be perfect, but we will strive to be.

These are five basic tips for your upcoming camp. With all of these, most importantly, have fun and enjoy two-a-days! Football 2011 is upon us, and I wish the best of success for each and every team.

A couple of shoutouts

Check out www.chiefpigskin.com for the best coverage of football on the web. A great website

Also, Coach Hoover breaks down the fire zone out of each defensive front. A great read! http://coachhoover.blogspot.com/

Defensive Line Play in the 3-5

2011-07-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

With the creation and popularization of the 3-5 Defense and all of its blitzing packages, it is important to understand that the game is still won up front. Throughout this post, I will be discussing the fundamentals to positive defensive line play out of the 3-5 Defense. There are three consistent essentials that all 3-5 defensive coaches emphasize. They are:

1. Get off the block- Defensive linemen must be able to use their athleticism and aggressiveness to get off the O-Line's block.

2. Pursue the ball- Defensive linemen in the 3-5 must be RELENTLESS. They must have a great motor, always running to the football.

3. Perfect Tackling- Defensive linemen in the 3-5 must have perfect tackling technique. When they do come through gaps and/or down the line on a pursuit, the linemen must be able to tackle that RB/QB.

With these three essentials in place, 3-5-3 defensive line coaches stress perfect fundamentals. The fundamentals of a 3-5 DL are the following:

1. Proper Alignment- DL must know where to line up in each call

2. Proper Stance- DL must know slant stance and run/pass rush stances

3. Proper Steps- While slanting and moving, it is important for the DL to take the proper steps to get themselves in the perfect place.

With all 6 of these teachings in place, Defensive Lineman work themselves into the proper position to be successful.

Here are a couple of drills to continue to improve defensive line play in the 3-5.

Slanting Drill
This drill is designed to work with the defensive linemen through repetition and focusing on proper footwork. The coach stands in front of the three linemen, and calls out the defense/blitz/line stunt. He then proceeds to call out a cadence and moving the ball when he is ready. This helps teach the D-linemen to move when the ball is snapped.

Coaching points:
- Watch footwork and make sure DL is stepping with proper foot.
- Check for flat back and explosiveness out of stance

- Use get off techniques (club/rip) on snap of the ball

Pursuit Drill

The pursuit drill goes hand in hand with the 3 essentials of the d-line, and allows players to drill pursuit over and over. On the snap of the ball, the player will slant to their gap and get their eyes up on the coach. The coach points in a direction and the player redirects themselves, pursuing after the ball carrier down the LOS. This is a hustle drill, so make sure the use a lot of excitement in the drill!

Coaching points:

- Watch footwork and make sure DL is stepping with proper foot.

- Make sure players eyes are up, looking for the ball carrier

- Play aggressive and transition to the ball carrier

These are the basics of 3-5-5 defensive linemen. The most important thing is to get these linemen to play fast and aggressive, so that the 6 key essentials comes shining through their play!

Happy belated 235th birthday America! Hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th!

As always, check out www.chiefpigskin.com for THE BEST coverage across the web! Coming up........... it is up to you! Let me know what you want, a certain offense, defense or special teams explained!

Webinar

2011-06-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

WEBINAR!!!!

Just wanted to invite everyone to get signed onto their computers, as I will be presenting my first Webinar for the Glazier Clinic's online on Thursday June 30th. Topic: 4-3 Fronts Build and Spill

So, if you have a Glazier membership, get signed on as I go on at 5:00 pm Central time. I am looking forward to it!

Coach Hjorth

3-5 Zone Blitzes

2011-06-21T07:35:00.000-07:00

Throughout the last post, the message was made clear that the 3-5 can complicate blocking rules because of the different amount of pressure packages defensive coordinators are able to put together. Today's post is based on just two of the hundreds of zone blitz packages that a 3-5 defense can use to disorient the QB and opposing offense.

The focus is on the TORCH and CLUB zone blitzes. Each complicates the QB's read, because they use simple zone blitzing techniques to confuse the offense. TORCH is the DE and SS/OLBs zone blitzing games, and CLUB is both DEs and both SSs moving.

*** A key to zone blitzing, the defensive lineman must always step forward, checking for run, before he takes off into his zone. ***

TORCH

Torch alerts the callside DE that he will be dropping into his zone. His zone is defined as the shallow flat (5 yards depth). Torch also alerts the callside stack linebacker and strong safety they will be blitzing the B and outside gap. The advantage of torch is the simplicity of bringing four man pressure.

By tagging OPEN into TORCH, assignments can be changed simply. Open designates the open (or weak) side to perform their TORCH responsibilities. Now the Open end drops into his zone coverage, and the Open stack linebacker and strong safety attack their gaps.

CLUB

Club alerts both defensive ends (DE) that they will be dropping into their shallow flat drops. This compliments the Torch blitz, because the DEs do not have to learn a new technique or zone to cover. Club also alerts both strong safeties that they will be blitzing the outside gap, using their speed to rush past the O-line. Club is based off of bringing three man pressure, dropping 8, but giving a different look to the offense.

When wanting to bring more pressure out of the club look, a tag can be added, such as "Mike." This alerts the Mike that he will be blitzing, allowing the defensive coordinator to bring 4 man pressure off the edge and up the middle, while dropping his defensive ends into their zones.

The best part about the simplicity of the defense, is that additional blitzes that were covered earlier can be added into the zone blitzing scheme. For example, Bear was covered in the last posting. This let the two stack backers (Sam and Will) know they will be blitzing the B gap. Now with Bear Club, those stack backers will be blitzing, while club alerts the DEs they will drop into their zone and the safeties will blitz the outside gap, ultimately bringing 5 man pressure from multiple different positions, while still maintaining the integrity of the Cover 3 Shell behind it.

Zone Blitzing is one of the most effective ways to get pressure on the QB, and confuse the offensive line. When run effectively, QB's are often hit by many defenders, leaving them on the ground and frustrated.

Take advantage of the advancements of zone blitzing, and get it into your defense today!

Coming up.... defensive line play out of the 3-5

As always, you MUST head over to www.chiefpigskin.com for the best coverage of football on the web!

Pressure out of the 3-5

2011-06-07T07:16:00.000-07:00

The best part about the 3-5 is the pressure package out of it. There are a variety of options to send pressure out of it. In all actuality, there are 100's of ways to confuse the offense and bring 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 man pressure.

OFFENSIVE LINE COACHES

Today I plan to focus on the inside pressure out of the 3-5. The focus will be on bringing 5 man pressure out of the 3-5. The basic philosophy of bringing 5 man pressure out of the 3-5 is to slant the front 3 and bring two LBs. By bringing 5, the defensive is still able to play their base cover 3, with three across and three deep. The question becomes, how do you play zone with only 6 zone men?

There are simple rules to run Cover 3 with 6 zone men:

#1 Players have to be taught how to read route combinations. If the Free Safety is keying the #2 receiver, and he goes on an Arrow route, chances are the #1 receiver will be coming into the Free Safety's zone.

#2 Players must be taught the concept of playing man in your zone. A great example of this is how basketball players have their zone, but as a man enters it, that man becomes theirs.

Here are some common 3-5 5 man blitzes, for terminology, I have used how Air Force has tagged them in the past:

BEAR

Bear alters the Sam and Will that they will be blitzing the B-Gap, while the DE's have outside contain and the Nose bullrushes the Center for penetration.

TIGER
Tiger alerts the Mike that he will shoot the strongside A gap, allowing the nose to slant into the weak A gap. Tiger plays the same as Bear for the DE's and Sam. The difference is that the Will must not cover the middle zone of the field in passing situations.

SHOOT

Shoot alerts the Mike that he will shoot the weak A gap, allowing the nose to slant into the strong A gap. Shoot plays the same as Bear for the DE's and Will. The difference is that the Sam must not cover the middle zone of the field in passing situations.

These are traditional 5 man blitzes vs. Pro teams. With the evolution of the spread, 3-5 teams have been able to continue to play 5 man blitzing games no matter the formations offenses throw at them. Below are some popular 3-5 5 man blitzes vs. Spread formations

THUNDER
3-5 teams love using Thunder (Some teams call it Longstick) to attack teams that slide their protection. It is basically an overload blitz, putting 4 blitzers vs. 3 O-Linemen. The key is to use the athletic ability and speed of your players. The DE must get down the line and into the A gap. This opens up the line for the LBs to come blitzing through.

TIGHT

Tight is the same idea as Thunder, but to the strong side of the formation.

3-5 teams rely on putting the pressure on offensives, and bringing defenders from all over the field. They want that QB to feel like he is in a pressure cooker, with the steam about to blow that lid off. These simple blitzes are used to confuse and frustrate the offense, helping the 3-5 become one of the most popular defense out there.

Coming up...... Pressure Package part 2

As always, check out www.chiefpigskin.com for the best football coverage on the web! For those schools that get a chance to have summer camp, enjoy your time with your players, and coach them up! Coach Hjorth

3-5 Defense RUN FITS

2011-05-13T10:06:00.000-07:00

DOWNHILL TO DESTROY THE RUN GAME

As spring ball wraps up and high schools are preparing for summer camp, coaches are meeting across the country discussing the x’s and o’s of offense and defense. The 3-5 popularity continues to grow and there is a good reason why. It is a downhill defense. When I use the term downhill, it means that the players are attacking the line of scrimmage, or going “downhill” towards the ball. Below I will describe the three run fits of the 3-5 vs.:

Flood (both RBs are going to the strong side of the formation)

Flow (both RBs are going to the weak side of the formation)

Split (The RBs go in opposite directions)

The first example is a FLOOD Run (think power, outside zone)

Linemen- Attack gap and get penetration!

Linebackers- Make the proper read and attack the clear gap, always moving downhill.

As both backs head towards the strong side, the defense is moving downhill, with the linemen getting penetration and the LBs and S attacking. The key player in this is the free safety. 3-5 defenses rely heavily on the free safety to attack the LOS and play coverage. When the defensive line gets penetration, the RB is forced to make cuts, which takes time, and allows the free safety to clean the mess up.

The last part is the play of the backside. The Rover stays home, waiting for counter, boot pass, or reverse (C/B/R). He is responsible for shutting these three down if they come back his way.

FLOW Run (Think backside Iso/Power)

Linemen- Attack gap and get penetration!

Linebackers- Make the proper read and attack the clear gap, always moving downhill.

Notice the front 6’s responsibility does not change. They are still attacking downhill, making their proper reads, and getting after the ball carrier. The Lance and Rover change responsibilities, now the Rover is attacking and the Lance is on C/B/R. The FS is still there to clean up the mess.

SPLIT (Think Split Zone, Bucksweep)

When the RB’s split, the priority of the team is to shut down the first threat. If there is a playfake to the FB, the Mike and Sam must respect this, attacking the carrier. If the ball is given to the RB, they will be able to recoup and still attack the player. The key here is the FS.

The FS is taught a “Rock n Roll” technique. They are to rock to the FB and roll to the TB. If the FB does have the ball, he will have an opportunity to attack the FB downhill. If the RB is given the ball, the free safety can then roll to the RB, still making the tackle.

These are the three basic run fits for the 3-5. Next up…. Linebacker reads out of the 3-5

NFL 2011 Draft Predictions

2011-04-27T05:19:00.000-07:00

Since I have started blogging, I am going to comment on my most favorite thing to watch, the NFL Draft.

Although it is marred with labor and lockout talk, the NFL draft is a great thing to watch. Each player has worked 10-15-20 years of their lives to make it to the ultimate dream: The National Football League.

Recently, Chicago Tribune writer, former NFL player and Glenbard West Hitter Matt Bowen shared what it was like to be drafted in the 6th round by the St. Louis Rams:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-0425-matt-bowen-nfl-draft--20110424,0,7469702.column

Bowen expressed how tough it was to wait for his name to be called, watching and waiting for the 197 picks before him. It was nerve racking, gut wrenching, and then finally when his name was called, the roller coaster of emotions skyrocketed to elation!

This is why I love every aspect of the NFL Draft. Here is my mock draft (all player profiles are courtesy of walterfootball.com)

1. The Carolina Panthers select..... Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama Newton is just too risky! Gotta take a cornerstone for the defense.

2. The Denver Broncos select.... Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU Tempted by the QB's out there, the Broncos want to sure up the defense and Champ Bailey isn't getting any younger, so the Broncos take the safest bet here.

3. The Buffalo Bills select.... Cam Newton, QB, Auburn The biggest risk in the draft, the Bills have to get some excitement going in Buffalo, Newton brings it. With Fitzpatrick, Newton can learn how to read NFL defenses for a year or two and then take over.

4. The Cincinnati Bengals select.... A.J. Green, WR, Georgia This is a tough one. The Bengals would love to go defensive, but there are just too many questions on the offense. Does Palmer come back? Well having AJ Green to throw the ball too would help out. A very unpredictable team and draft pick though, if they have given up on Palmer, Gabbert is their guy.

5. The Arizona Cardinals select.... Von Miller, DE/OLB, Texas A&M Miller is the best available pick for the Cards. They also might want to look at Gabbert, but a vet QB is probably a better option.

6. The Cleveland Browns select.... Julio Jones, WR, Alabama Too much of a weapon to pass up! He is a stud and will make Colt McCoy look like one!

7. The San Francisco 49ers select.... Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska Harbaugh wants to look at a QB, but he understands how bad a CB is needed for the 49ers. Prince is not too far behind Peterson.

8. The Tennessee Titans select.... Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri They are shocked he is there, but happy as can be. The mobile QB can help solidify a bad QB Situation for the flaming thumbtacks.

9. The Dallas Cowboys select.... J.J. Watt, DE/DT, Wisconsin Wisconsin baby! A lot of people might think Quinn is the choice here, but Watt fits the 3-4 scheme better and will be an asset to the Cowboys.

10. The Washington Redskins select.... Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn The hole left by Hanyesworth is too big of an issue, and even though Fairley has struggled in workouts, he played like a stud last year. Redskins's owner Synder loves the big name.

11. The Houston Texans select.... Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina Are you kidding me? Opposite Mario Williams? The Texans can't pass this up, even if they are going to a 3-4 defense!

12. The Minnesota Vikings select.... Jake Locker, QB, Washington Time for Locker to clean up the Farve mess.

13. The Detroit Lions select.... Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College The former high school Bear helps secure the up and coming Lions.

14. The St. Louis Rams select.... Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue The Rams want to get a weapon for Bradford, but it is just too much of a reach for a poor group of wideouts.

15. The Miami Dolphins select.... Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri Get your rush on!

16. The Jacksonville Jaguars select.... Cameron Jordan, DE, California Keep getting your rush on!

17. The New England Patriots select.... Mike Pouncey, G, Florida The Patriots, for the first time in a while, draft where they are supposed too. Can't pass this one up!

18. The San Diego Chargers select.... Cameron Heyward, DE/DT, Ohio State 2011 might be the year of the D-Lineman (sackmen)!

19. The New York Football Giants select.... Tyron Smith, OT, USC They can't believe what some people have slated as the #1 OT drops to them at #19. Ground and pound.

20. The Tampa Bay Bucs select.... Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson The Bucs need a rush man, and they are going to gamble on Bowers.

21. The KC Chiefs select.... Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois The Chiefs need that big body in the middle, and a lot of scouts believe Liuget, even though he played in a 4-3 in college, can be that big body.

22. The Indianapolis Colts select.... Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin Picking up Carmini, will help protect the later part of Manning's career.

23. The Philadelphia Eagles select.... Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado This is a question of depth, and the Eagles love their CB's.

24. The New Orleans Saints select.... Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa A stud who showed some conditioning issues during the season, but will play well across from Will Smith

25. The Seattle Seahawks select.... Muhammad Wilkerson, DE/DT, Temple This is not the sexiest pick, but the Seahawks address a need here with an athlete.

26. The Baltimore Ravens select.... Cameron Heyward, DE/DT, Ohio State Baltimore still prides itself on "D" and Heyward can be the perfect 5 technique for them.

27. The Atlanta Falcons select.... Nate Solder, OT, Colorado Protect the franchise!

28. The New England Patriots select.... Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois New England just knows how to stockpile picks. I see them taking a RB here to add some depth. U of I's LeShoure helps "Shoure" up this position.

29. The Chicago Bears select.... Stephen Paea, NT, Oregon State The Bears are desperate for an OL and WR, so there for Jerry Angelo will select... a DT.

30. The New York J-E-T-S Jets! Jets! Jets! select.... Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor Rex has been patiently waiting for Taylor to drop into his lap (or feet, insert joke here).

31. The Pittsburgh Steelers select.... Marcus Cannon, G, TCU The Steelers would love if Pouncey dropped to them, but they have to get some OL help, and Cannon is the man.

32. The Green Bay Packers select.... Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama Ryan Grant is coming off of injury and Jackson did not get the complete job done last year. How about a Heisman Trophy Running Back for the World Champs?

There it is, my first mock draft ever. These are basically impossible to predict because of trades, but I really did enjoy it. Here is to the NFL Draft!

3-5-3 Basics

2011-04-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

It is time to breakdown some:

Over the next few weeks I will be breaking down the increasingly popular 3-5 defense, or 3-5 stack. This defense's roots are based off of the 5-3 defense of the old days, but has been modernized with the evolution of the spread offenses. The Georgia Military, Air Force, and West Virginia teams helped popularize the defense across the country, and each team has their own tweaks to the offense. Teams like to play with the 3-5 because of its ability to provide pressure packages and confuse offenses. These teams are often lacking in size, but they have fast players that are able to get into gaps and disrupt the offensive's flow. Let's get to the basic alignment:

The 3-5 gets its name for having 3 down linemen, who's positions are as follows:

N- Noseguard, usually lining up in a 0 or 1 technique

E- Defensive End, usually lining up in a 4 or 5 technique

There are five "linebackers" who are traditionally faster hybrid safety types that can run to the ball and cover at the same time. Here are their positions:

Sam- Strong side stack linebacker, 3 1/2 yards depth in 40 technique

Mike- Middle linebacker, 5 yards depth in 00 technique

Will- Weak side stack backer, 3 1/2 yards depth in 40 technique

The outside linebackers are a unique part of the defense. These are players who have to be able to contain the run, and play an important part in the passing defense. Teams have a variety of names for these positions, ranging from rifle/pistol, jackal/shield, and girls. For simplicity, I will refer to them as the Lance (left side) and Rover (Right Side):

Lance- Left outside linebacker, usually in a 90 technique, 2x2 off TE/T

Rover- Right outside linebacker, usually in a 90 technique, 2x2 off TE/T

The defensive secondary is then in a three shell, helping the defense play their base coverage of cover three. There are three positions: two corners and one free safety.

Below is an example of the base defense of a 3-5:

Explanation of techniques and keys for the Base Front

This is a basic start to the 3-5 defense, as I move ahead, I plan to discuss:

Run Fits in the 3-5
Blitzes out of the 3-5
Coverages out of the 3-5

I look forward to exploring this aggressive, innovative defense in the next few weeks. As always, check out www.chiefpigskin.com for the best football coverage on the web. Send questions/comments or suggestions my way. Coach Hjorth

Counter, Counter, Counter

2011-04-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

One of the main reason's that I have chosen Wisconsin's running game to break down is the success it had over the past season. As shared on one of the best blogs around, http://smartfootball.com/, Chris Brown points out the followings statistics that Football Outsiders have broken down. It is success rate, which is defined as:

Success Rate: A common Football Outsiders tool used to measure efficiency by determining whether every play of a given game was successful or not. The terms of success in college football: 50 percent of necessary yardage on first down, 70 percent on second down, and 100 percent on third and fourth down.

Here are the top 10 success rates in the last five years:

Ten Best Single-Season Success Rates, 2005-10
1. Hawaii (2006): 60.8%
2. Texas Tech (2008): 56.1%
3. Wisconsin (2010): 55.3%
4. Oklahoma (2008): 55.2%
5. Florida (2007): 55.0%
6. BYU (2008): 54.8%
7. Missouri (2008): 54.7%
8. USC (2005): 54.1%
9. Boise State (2010): 54.0%
10. Texas (2008): 54.0%
credit to: www.smartfootball.com

It is clear that Wisconsin's offense has been extremely successful this past year. When running a power game with zones and powers like Wisconsin does, defenses often play extremely aggressive. This brings us to the third part of the Wisconsin running game, the COUNTER. The Counter employs a standard rule: The Guard will pull and kick out the EMOLS (End Man On Line of Scrimmage). The HB will take two counter steps, and then open up receiving the ball from the QB and following the second puller up through the hole, cutting off of their block. With that being the standard rule, the Badgers can use a variety of pullers to accomplish the same goal: Success with the counter.

Wisconsin employs three types of Counters, the GT Counter (Guard and Tackle), the GH Counter (Guard and H back) and the GY Counter (Guard and TE). They use a variety of different formations to run the counter out of. An example of all three are below.

GT COUNTER

The GT counter stands for "Guard/Tackle" alerting them that they will both be pulling, the guard kicking out and the tackle leading up on the first threat.

The best thing about the counter is that it can be run to the strength of the formation, or to the weak part of the formation. This keeps teams guessing on which way the counter will be run. Below is an example of a Weak GT Counter.

GH COUNTER

The GH counter stands for "Guard/H-Back" alerting them that they will both be pulling, the guard kicking out and the H-Back (or Fullback) leading up on the first threat. The changes have been colored coded, the guard is red and the H-Back is purple.

GY COUNTER

The GY counter stands for "Guard/Y" alerting them that they will both be pulling, the guard kicking out and the Y(or TE) leading up on the first threat. This requires an athletic Y/TE to get moving on their block. The advantage of the GY counter, it that you can use multiple formations to get the same result. Here are two of Wisconsin's more popular formations to run the GY out of:

AND.....

Through using the zone, power and counter running game, Wisconsin is able to develop one of the best offensive lines and running games in the country. Their simplicity allows each position player to understand their role and take them to success. On Wisconsin!

This concludes my breakdown over the Wisconsin Running Game. As always, check out chiefpigskin.com for the best breakdown of football on the web. I am open to what is coming up next, send me some feedback, offense or defense? special teams? Individual techniques? Let me know your thoughts...... Coach Hjorth

Wisconsin Run Game Part 2- Offensive Line Play in the Inside Zone

2011-03-23T13:01:00.000-07:00

Wisconsin offensive line play in the Inside Zone

Building on top of Wisconsin’s success is their offensive line play. A local offensive lineman recruit in the state of Illinois already committed to the University of Wisconsin verbally for next year. When asked why, he responded, “Wisconsin knows how to develop their offensive linemen.” This is a feeling that is clearly shared across the Big 10 and the country. Wisconsin knows how to develop their offensive line, and they use the inside zone play as the basis for their success.

To start, the basic Inside Zone Play is shown below out of the Pro-I formation.

The key to the offensive line play is the 1st two steps! If the lineman is covered, he will use a lead step and a gather step. If the lineman is uncovered, the lineman will take a lateral step to gain ground and a gather step.

A key term that line coaches use is what is called a COMBO Block. Combo blocks are short for combination blocks, which are two offensive lineman on one defensive lineman. Once one offensive lineman is able to handle a defensive lineman, the can move onto the next level (usually a linebacker). An example is below.

Zone is based off of the simple principal of COVERED vs. UNCOVERED.

If the Lineman is covered, he is to expect help from the inside on a Combo Block.
If the Lineman is uncovered, he is zone (combo) with his teammate to the playside.

Because the zone is so simple to use, all positions are interchangeable. Offensive line coaches use what is called the Lineman progression when teaching inside zone. The progression is below.

This is the main reason why inside zone plays are so effective. Teams are able to keep the rules consistent, no matter who the opponent or defense is that week. Through using the zone principles and spending time working on combo blocks, Wisconsin was able to have one of the most successful running games in the country.

Next up.... Using formations to set up the Inside Zone.

As always, for the best breakdown of football on the web, check out www.chiefpigskin.com

Wisconsin Run Game Part 1

2011-03-07T18:28:00.000-08:00

I apologize that it has been some time getting back to the blogging. I was wrapping up the wrestling season, and was able to bring home a state champion in the process! At the same time, I was prepping for my first public speaking in St. Louis. It was a great experience, and I applaud the hospitality of the people of St. Louie!

Speaking of St. Louie, I enjoyed listening to one of my favorites, Nelly, the whole ride down.

Now back to business. Breaking down the University of Wisconsin's running game during the 2010-11 Rose Bowl season. Wisconsin used a variety of traditional plays out of the Pro-I playbook. During this breakdown, I will be going over the variety of ways the Badgers use formations and motions to cause confusion for Big-10 defenses.

Wisconsin and offensive coordinator Paul Chryst like to implement a zone-based offense.

There are multiple reasons that people like to use the zone offense:

1. Simplicity- Very little adjustments need to be made week to week. Zone plays are very simple for offensive linemen to execute. If a player goes down with an injury, it is often very easy to substitute because rules of uncovered vs. covered do not vary by position.

2. Limits Negative Plays- Because there is little confusion with the blocking scheme, there are often no missed assignments. This limits the negative plays.

3. Play Action- The zone running plays are great play action plays. When teams are getting hammered by the zone play, the linebackers and safeties will cheat up on running plays. This opens up big time homerun opportunities for the play action deep pass.

4. Zone plays are attitude plays. If the job gets done across the line of scrimmage, there will not be plays for negative yardage.

Throughout 2010, Wisconsin was one of the highest scoring offenses in the NCAA. They employed three main running backs, James White, John Clay and Montee Ball. These running backs each spent a lot of time in the backfield and brought different skills to the team, but one thing remained the same, the zone running plays.

There are three parts of the zone offense, the inside zone, outside zone and stretch play. For this post I am going to break down one of Wisconsin’s base plays, the Stretch. The stretch is set up to move the defense horizontally, allowing the TB to stretch the play outside or cut up the alley.

18/19 Stretch

Flanker- Crack block and set the edge of the play. Wall off the inside threat.

TE- Covered rule- Reach block the man head on or outside. Work to get head across the defender. Continue until the whistle is blown. Uncovered rule- If no on threat, look to block down to DE/LB with tackle.

PST- Covered rule- Combo block the man head on or outside. Work to get head across the defender. Continue until the whistle is blown. Uncovered rule- If not covered, pull outside and turn up the hole looking inside out.

PSG- Covered rule- Block the man head on or outside. Work to get head across the defender. Continue until the whistle is blown. Uncovered rule- If not covered, pull outside and turn up the hole looking inside out.

C- Covered rule- Combo block the man head on or outside. Work to get head across the defender. Continue until the whistle is blown. Uncovered rule- If not covered, pull outside and turn up the hole looking inside out.

BSG- Covered rule- Combo block the man head on or outside. Work to get head across the defender. Continue until the whistle is blown. Uncovered rule- If not covered, pull outside and turn up the hole looking inside out.

BST- Covered rule- Combo block the man head on or outside. Work to get head across the defender. Continue until the whistle is blown. Uncovered rule- If not covered, pull outside and turn up the hole looking inside out.

F- Downfield block to safety.

SE- Downfield block to safety.

QB- Open at a steep 5 O’Clock step and get ball to back. Continue boot to hold DE/OLB.

TB- Take first step laterally, reading the 2nd playside down defender. If his helmet goes inside, push the vertical seam. If his helmet goes outside, head for the sideline outside of him. Make one cut and explode!

Again, the best thing about zone it that the offensive line's rules remain so similar that if there was an injury, there is not a lot of confusion if the offensive line coach has to shuffle everyone around. Notice, the rules remain the same v. a 3-5 Stack Defense.

and the Under (5-2) defense.

This is the first installment of the Wisconsin Running Game. More to follow. As always, check out chiefpigskin.com for the best analysis of football around!

Come on by

2011-02-23T12:40:00.001-08:00

Mullen/Meyer Option Game

2011-02-07T09:40:00.000-08:00

Additional Zone Read Footage

2011-02-01T08:52:00.000-08:00

Mullen/Meyer Spread Trap Game

2011-01-19T11:36:00.000-08:00

Continuing to build off of the Dan Mullen / Urban Meyer Spread Running Game basics is the trap game. There are three main plays: trap, wrap, and counter.

Play #1: The Trap

10/11 Trap

The 10/11 Trap is based off of the old fullback trap of the I and wing-t teams, one of their most effective plays. This play is a quick hitting killer, punching the ball right up the gut of the defense.

The reason that the trap is so effective out of the Mullen/Meyer spread is because it give the same backfield action as the Zone Read. The quarterback is still going to read the DE and follow through on his fake to freeze that DE, allowing the OT to be an extra blocker in the play. The unique twist on the Mullen/Meyer trap is how the PST also does not block the DE, allowing him to get to the second level and block a linebacker/safety.

When trapping, the player that will be trapped is the 3 technique, or the man outside of the offensive guard.

10/11 Trap to the 3-tech:

C - Blocks back

PST - Pass set, rip through the inside shoulder of end, to the 2nd level first threat

PSG - Rip through the 3 technique to the Mike

BSG - Traps the 3-tech

BST - Sifts up to Mike

QB - Step up and make exchange look like zone read, and carry out the fake. Hold the DE.

RB - Step up and at the center's near leg, run downhill and take handoff, reading

trap block.

WR - Block man on with inside zone rules

An adjustment that can be made to make this a quicker hitting play is to cheat the QB & RB up their alignment slightly. A great 3rd down play when teams are expecting pass.

13/14 Trap to the 1-tech:

Defenses have a way of finding tendencies, and teaching their players how to read what is going on with the offense. A lot of defensive coordinators will let their team know that the offense will trap to the 3 technique only. Mullen/Meyer answered this problem with extending their trap to the 1 tech side, and trapping out to the 5. Below is the example, keeping the backfield action the same and adjusting the rules for the linemen.

13/14 Trap to the 1-tech:

C - Blocks back to the 3-tech

PST - Rip through the inside shoulder of end and down to the playside Mike

PSG – Blocks back to the 1-tech

BSG - Traps the 5-tech

BST - Sifts up to Will

QB - Step up and make exchange look like zone read, and carry out the fake. Hold the DE.

RB - Step up and at the center's far leg, run downhill and take handoff, reading

trap block.

WR - Block man on with inside zone rules

Play #2: The Wrap

15/16 Wrap

Mullen/Meyer Spread Running game’s goal is to continue to put the defensive in conflict. The offense specifically is putting the DE, or 5-tech into conflict. It is tough to play that 5-tech when you are working against the zone read, holding the edge for the defense, or being asked to rush outside and contain the QB, and all of a sudden the Offensive Tackle over you is influence blocking you out. Putting that 5-tech in conflict causes major problems and the defense’s worst nightmare: HESITATION.

The play is designated WRAP because the backside tackle "WRAPS" up and through the hole, leading on the linebacker.

15/16 Wrap:

PST – Influence block the 5-tech

C & PSG - Combo shade(1-tech) to backer

BSG -Base 3-tech

BST - Pull and Wrap to frontside backer

RB - Cross QB and take ball, read “wrap” tackles block and accelerate through hole

QB - Give ball to RB and follow fake through to backside DE

WR - Block man on with inside zone rules

Play #3: The Counter

15/16 Counter

Mullen/Meyer’s counter is based off of the old “Nebraska Counter” or “Counter Trey.” This refers to the offensive line rules, and requires the backside guard and tackle to pull. The guard is to kick out and the tackle is to lead up. Mullen/Meyer have taken this principal, and applied it to their spread offense. The key, is the RB’s ability to take the handoff, plant, and change direction to follow the OT’s lead block. This is not something that all running back can do, and requires a lot of athletic abilities.

15/16 Counter:

PST – Down block the 3-tech

PSG - Down block to LB

C- Block back on shade(1-tech)

BSG -Pull and trap 5-tech

BST - Pull and Wrap to frontside backer

RB - Cross QB and take ball, cut and follow “wrap” tackles block and accelerate through hole

QB - Give ball to RB and follow fake through to backside DE

WR - Block man on with inside zone rules

Variations of Counter

With this cut being hard for all running backs to be able to perform, Mullen and Meyer expanded their offense using different formations and two back sets. Below are some cutups of how they have used these trapping plays at Florida. Notice in the first play, Florida is in 11 Personnel (1 RB and 1 TE) and motion to 21 Personnel (2 RBs and 1 TE), then running the Counter to the weak side.

Coming up next.... the Option game out of the Mullen/Meyer Spread!
Be sure to check out www.chiefpigskin.com

D-linemen Technique Numbers

2011-01-11T07:53:00.000-08:00