THE FLEX SLOT

FOOTBALL’S FASTBREAK OFFENSE

BY TOM SMYTHE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

FORWARD

CHAPTER ONE

PHILOSOPHY

CHAPTER TWO

ORGANIZATION

CHAPTER THREE

MECHANICS

CHAPTER FOUR

FORMATIONS

CHAPTER FIVE

QUICK PASS

CHAPTER SIX

MEDIUM PASS

CHAPTER SEVEN

D O U B L E S L O T

PASS

CHAPTER EIGHT

RUN OFFENSE

CHAPTER NINE

OPTION & SHOVEL

CHAPTER TEN

S C R E E N S

&

TRICKS

EPILOGUE

INTRODUCTION

This is my second published book about offensive footbal . The first, and the fore runner, The Explosive Double Slot Offense, was written ten years ago. It seems logical to me that now is the time to update that book. Our present day offense, we call it the “Flex Slot”, is merely an extension or a natural evolution, if you wil , of the Double Slot offense we used for so many years.

This book travels along the same path in print that we took on the field in developing our offense.

While it may be a good idea to read the first book, it is not necessary to read it as a prelude to The Flex Slot.

After coaching for twenty years, mostly using the double slot , it was time for an offensive change. I felt that the defenses were getting much better at defending the run and shoot and it was becoming increasingly tougher to beat the good teams. After putting in much thought to the problem, I decided that to get significantly better we had three major tasks to accomplish. They became our three goals, which could be described simply as our new philosophy. As a result, I believe, what you wil find is that the Flex Slot is more than an offense. It is a philosophy!

Specifical y it was becoming harder to RUN

the football. Most teams were playing us in a split 6 or nickel look with four down linemen, two linebackers and five defensive backs. The strong

safety’s were able to play close enough to the line of scrimmage to make it essentially an eight man front vs the run, and still react backwards fast enough to defend the pass as well. I felt to continue to be successful we had to somehow get teams out of the eight man front. The question was how could we possibly dictate to the defense what to play. I decided our first goal would be to: Force the defense to play a six or if possible a five man front. I felt we may be able to accomplish that goal by formation.

Because the double slot had nine players within close proximity to the footbal prior to the snap the defense could also have most of its players bunched up near the football. I began to feel that we weren’t utilizing the entire field and therefore defenses didn’t have to defend the entire field. Goal number two became: Make the defense play the entire field on every snap.

Our offense had always been unmatched in yards per play. We had been running 45 to 48

plays per game and were averaging, over a twenty year period, nearly 30 points per game.

Yet I firmly believed we could do better. How? I didn’t feel we could improve the yards per play ratio so that left only one possibility, which became our third goal: Run more plays.

We had identified the problem and set the goals, now it was up to us to make the system work. How were we going to accomplish these

goals? The answers begin in Chapter One and continue throughout the book.

Those of you who read and enjoyed the first book wil see the natural progression from the double slot to the Flex Slot. For those of you who haven’t, this book will provide for you a coaching manual that you can refer to again and again.

This offense has worked at al levels of footbal and in at least two languages. It is easy to coach, fun to play and it will excite your players, fans and boosters.

I hope you can pick up some valuable ideas and I wish you nothing but success in your footbal future.

FORWARD

I have coached for fifty one years. I started in a small high school with barely over 200 students. That was in 1965. My coaching journey has taken me from that beginning to a large suburban high school, to small col ege, major college, professional and indeed the international level. I have coached in Willamina, Oregon a town of 900 at the time and Vienna, Austria a city of two mil ion. Nearly all of it has been positive.

I’ve found there is no greater enjoyment than to be a significant part of the footbal atmosphere no matter what level or what country.

To me happiness is all about "quality” of life, at home and on the job. Football has given me that happiness, because for most of my career I have worked for and with quality people. The type of quality I am speaking of involves smiles in the work place. It's support to your face and behind your back.

It's being understood and listened to, with an open mind, on a daily basis. It's sharing good times together and caring for others in their times of stress and disappointment. It's being accepted for who you are and what you stand for. It's listening, talking and communicating with real people, face to face. It's enjoying a positive atmosphere of give and take between colleagues with proper perspective and a sense of humor. It’s freedom from the tension and stress of a job taken way too seriously. It's spending time with the "givers" of the world and avoiding the

"takers". It’s keeping my job and my life in its proper

place. It’s avoiding people who would prejudge those of us involved in games. Final y, It's having a life outside of footbal .

I thank God nearly every day for the opportunity He has given me to work with such an outstanding group of people. I’m lucky. My col eagues are intel igent, honest and supportive. They are easy to work with. They are experienced, qualified and competent. The faculty and staff are talented, caring and hard working. My coaching staff is loyal, creative and gifted. These people are my friends, they are welcome in my home. The footbal players are enthusiastic, bright and motivated. The students are encouraging, challenging and responsive. I go to work every day of the week with a smile on my face. I feel accepted and appreciated. I am treated with respect and with dignity. I am where I want to be and where I do my best work. I have two very good reasons to be thankful I am in the coaching profession. First, I love what I do and second, I am very good at it.

I have always felt it my obligation to pass on to other footbal coaches my ideas. I don’t feel I have anything to hide. I enjoy sharing my creations.

Respectful y,

Tom Smythe,

Chapter One

”PHILOSOPHY”

This is my second published book about offensive footbal . The first, and the fore runner, The Explosive Double Slot Offense, was written ten years ago. It seems logical to me that now is the time to update that book. Our present day offense, we call it the “Flex Slot”, is merely an extension or a natural evolution, if you wil , of the Double Slot offense we used for so many years.

This book travels along the same path in print that we took on the field in developing our offense.

While it may be a good idea to read the first book, it is not necessary to read it as a prelude to The Flex Slot.

After coaching for twenty years, mostly using the double slot , it was time for an offensive change. I felt that the defenses were getting much better at defending the run and shoot and it was becoming increasingly tougher to beat the good teams. After putting in much thought to the problem, I decided that to get significantly better we had three major tasks to accomplish. They became our three goals, which could be described simply as our new philosophy. As a result, I believe, what you wil find is that the Flex Slot is more than an offense. It is a philosophy!

Specifical y it was becoming harder to RUN

the football. Most teams were playing us in a split 6 or nickel look with four down linemen, two

linebackers and five defensive backs. The strong safety’s were able to play close enough to the line of scrimmage to make it essentially an eight man front vs the run, and still react backwards fast enough to defend the pass as well. I felt to continue to be successful we had to somehow get teams out of the eight man front. The question was how could we possibly dictate to the defense what to play. I decided our first goal would be to: Force the defense to play a six or if possible a five man front. I felt we may be able to accomplish that goal by formation.

Because the double slot had nine players within close proximity to the footbal prior to the snap the defense could also have most of its players bunched up near the football. I began to feel that we weren’t utilizing the entire field and therefore defenses didn’t have to defend the entire field. Goal number two became: Make the defense play the entire field on every snap.

Our offense had always been unmatched in yards per play. We had been running 45 to 48

plays per game and were averaging, over a twenty year period, nearly 30 points per game.

Yet I firmly believed we could do better. How? I didn’t feel we could improve the yards per play ratio so that left only one possibility, which became our third goal: Run more plays.

We had identified the problem and set the goals, now it was up to us to make the system work. How were we going to accomplish these

goals? The answers begin in Chapter One and continue throughout the book.

Those of you who read and enjoyed the first book wil see the natural progression from the double slot to the Flex Slot. For those of you who haven’t, this book will provide for you a coaching manual that you can refer to again and again.

This offense has worked at al levels of footbal and in at least two languages. It is easy to coach, fun to play and it will excite your players, fans and boosters.

I hope you can pick up some valuable ideas and I wish you nothing but success in your footbal future.

WHY WE THROW THE FOOTBALL

Because it is more fun than running the footbal . Who says the game should be fun?

Wel , I do and I guess that is where I separate myself, philosophically, from many football coaches right off the bat. I played footbal and every other sport because I was fortunate enough to have, for the most part, coaches who made the game fun to play. If they hadn’t I probably would be flying airplanes today. That was the only other answer I gave to the question, “What do you want to do when you grow up?

Don’t misunderstand. We don’t play for fun.

We play to win. We just try to have as much fun along the way as possible. If you play for fun...you lose and losing isn’t any fun at all.

Don’t make that mistake. Don’t go overboard the other direction either. I worked, for two years with a highly successful basketbal coach who often said about himself, “I couldn’t play for me”.

He was very successful although in my opinion very unforgiving and inflexible. He believed in what he thought was right and there was no compromise. His method worked fine until he ran out of talent. What he found out was it wasn’t nearly as easy to be Napoleon without soldiers. On the other hand, I’d love to play for me! If there is one thing that I believe I’ve done al my coaching career better than anyone, it is to keep the game in proper perspective. My players and my coaches for that matter will have loads of fun, win most of the time and have a real life...away from footbal .

BE YOURSELF AND COACH WHAT YOU

KNOW; DEVELOP A STYLE

I learned a great lesson in my third year of coaching. I was the head freshmen coach at a suburban high school outside Portland, Oregon and we had a real good team. We had two QB’s both of whom had pretty fair talent. One was smart, possessed

a good arm and saw the field wel . The other was sharp and a great athlete who scrambled and threw wel on the run. We had run up a 21-0 score against another decent team by half-time and while talking to the team during the break I heard this voice, one of my former coaches I’m sure, saying remember to “establish the run”. Being a dutiful young coach I decided that we would do exactly that. So my players headed out of the locker room with that sound advice planted firmly in their wil ing minds. We received the kickoff, established the run for three downs and punted. Our opponents drove down the field to score and trailed 21-7. Once more we established the run for three downs and punted. Soon it was 21-14 and as my fourteen year old QB, I can’t remember which one, jogged toward the huddle after we received the kick off he turned to me and asked, “Coach, are we through establishing the run? Moral... run, pass, option whatever and stay with it as long as its working.

I’m not against running the footbal , not a all!

In fact with our system the run is usual y very effective and an important part of our game plan.

We’ve created space to run by our formations.

In my opinion, block down...kick out...lead through...works when you have the best players.

Any other time its headache’s ville. Because we pass so often and so wel few people realize how good we are at running the football. What

I’m saying is that my philosophy is to throw the footbal first and run it when the defense is concentrating on stopping the pass. It’s what I know best, what I teach best and it works for me. If yours is something different and you’re good at it, stay with it and read this book for possible future reference.

OMCI THEORY

Coaching, or rather successful coaching, can be broken down into four nearly equal parts.

Organization, Motivation, Communication and Imagination. In other words if you are organized, can motivate and communicate and use a lot of creativity along the way, hear me now, you will be successful!

I believe in Organization. Everything and everyone should have a proper place in the big picture, the scheme of things. I also believe in not being overly organized. No meetings for the sake of meeting. Meet when there is something to meet about. Don’t do anything because they are doing it over there! I real y don’t care what West Linn, Linfield, UCLA or Green Bay are doing. Ask yourself two questions. Is it good or bad, for us? Is it right or wrong, for us? If it is good and right, do it. If is isn’t, don’t do it! Give everyone a job description and make it plain what the parameters are and then get out of their way. Oversee when necessary and give

suggestions at the proper time and place but basical y let the other coaches coach. If they don’t meet your requirements, find another coach. Have a daily and weekly plan. Have a plan for the season and the off season. For example our off season plan is to try to get al our kids involved in another sport. We believe the more times a player competes the better he will play for us. But be ready, willing and able to change if necessary. Don’t let your own organization strangle you and keep you and your team from winning.

Far and away the best form of Motivation is

“Self” motivation. Easy to say and sometimes hard to accomplish. How to light a fire under the kid who has al the talent in the world and for whatever reason is an underachiever, is a problem we all face. Where is their HOT

button? I use examples of my former players as a motivational tool. It’s quite possible he wil relate much better to his peers than to anyone else. Then I ask him one simple question.

“Son, where do you want to be ten years from now?” After he has given you an answer, ask him just how he plans on getting there?

Especial y if he al ows time to slip by wasting his ability with lack of effort. Do it in a positive way. Don’t threaten him, don’t humble him, don’t embarrass him. Talk to him, one on one, behind closed doors. Let him know you care

about him more as a person than as a player.

Be positive and supportive. Then if that doesn’t work hit him squarely between the eyes with the nearest baseball bat! Just kidding.

I don’t consider myself a great motivational speaker. It is amazing, however, how players will hear what you have to say, even when you don’t think they are listening. Your influence on your players can never be underestimated. Be honest with them, don’t play mind games and be consistent. If you are you will be motivational without standing on a pedestal or emulating your idea of Knute Rockne at his fiery best. One of my young sophomore players was asked recently by his mother, “What does the Coach say in those little meetings?” He answered,

“Mom, you just have to be there!”

Communication is a two way deal. I always tel my team in the first meeting of the year if they will master one skil that takes no talent they wil become a better player. That skil is simply “Listening”. If you listen to someone else, you don’t have to agree, but you wil be able to make an intel igent decision based on knowledge of what was said. Poor listeners are always poor players, no matter their athletic skill.

For that matter poor listeners make even worse coaches. The poor listener will have ideas of his own he believes are better than yours and won’t be wil ing to “take one for the team”. He’l be an “I” guy. Be careful with this guy, be it

player or coach or administrator. If he’s not a good listener, he’l kill you sooner or later, probably sooner.

It really doesn’t take a lot of effort to be creative and show some Imagination. It only takes the guts to be the first to do something.

Set down and figure out what your players can do best and then create something that wil take advantage of their skil . It doesn’t have to be radical at al but give them a chance to be successful. Don’t try to put your square pegs (players) into the round holes of your offense or defense. Change just to change? No. Change the emphasis to adapt to your players? Yes!

We have had many different type QB’s over the years, yet our offensive style has stayed the same. The individual skil s of the QB has always dictated whether or not we depended on roll out, drop back, shotgun, play action, option or a combination. Our offense is

designed to do al of the above. Which one or one’s depends entirely on the skil s of the QB.

My best QB’s have always been creative in their own right. I have never taken away the right for them to use their athletic skills within the structure of our offense. I believe in giving my horses an “easy halter”, if you wil .

DO’S AND DON’T

I have worked for many different people in my thirty plus years in education. I would offer this advice, be careful who you agree to work for. Life is all about communication and if you are stuck with an administrator, be it a principal or athletic director, vice-president or dean of men, or whatever the title of the person or person’s you are working for can’t communicate with you or you with them, you are in trouble. If they are a “Ship passing in the night”...weather the storm. If however they are locked in for the long haul...find another job as fast as you can. If they think communication is texting a message on your cell phone and their plastic voice mail personality makes you shake your head in dismay , move on. I’ve learned that there are a lot of good people in education. Go find them.

Being miserable and staying in a bad work atmosphere “for the sake of the kids” works no better in footbal coaching than it does in a bad marriage. Plus, those kids you’re staying for graduate and move on.

Don’t ever make the mistake of working for someone who arrived hat in hand to work as the team water boy and miraculously moved up to athletic director in two years. Who’s dead body did he run over to get the job? What promises did he make... and to Whom did he make them?

Do work for the supportive and creative AD who can look you in the eye and say yes or no to an honest request.

Never ever work for an applicant who crawls on his hands and knees into your office pleading for your support and tel ing you how much he appreciates you and how important football is to the overall program. Do work for the AD, principal or Dean who has paid his or her dues, is experienced and competent. They won’t always say yes but they wil be fair and will have the best interest’s of the entire program in mind.

And they will defend you when the uninformed try to place you in a compromising position based on their own prejudged idea of “footbal coach”.

Don’t work for people who didn’t hire you.

As soon as the guy who hired you leaves start looking. The new guy will want his guy and the sooner the better. Never take anything for granted and get everything in writing. Be very careful what you say to anyone above or below your station when you haven’t had time to find out just how good or bad a friend they are. In other words, “Cover your backside”. These new guys will come at you from al angels. Do your homework and be prepared.

Don’t ever work for smug, arrogant, pompous pseudo-intel ectual’s who look down their long superior noses at al those inferior folks in the athletic department. If the guy hasn’t worn a jock, played a down or been in the arena he’ll most likely make your life one big miserable headache. Do work for the boss who hires the

best and then lets them work. Work for the person who understands the value of athletics and isn’t ashamed by athletic success. Who wil stand behind you, to be there when needed or in front of you, to fend off the doubters. In short work for someone you can trust!

Don’t hire a former head coach who comes to you pleading for a chance and swearing he no longer aspires to be the head guy. Especial y if the guy never shuts up. You know the type.

They never real y listen, only wait for you to pause so they can butt in with their opinion. If his nickname is CNN, smile and wish him well. Do hire assistant coaches who are good listeners, work with a smile on their face and don’t care who gets the credit. Regardless of weather or not they have head or assistant coach on their resume.

Don’t ever let a player leave the locker room thinking you hate him. If you have lost your patience or temper with a young man on the field take the time to find him before he leaves.

Let him know you care about him as a person and are concerned with his performance. Ask him if you can help. Give him assurance of his importance to the success of the team. Let him walk out with his head up, not between his legs.

No coach is any better than those he surrounds himself with. I had the same basic staff for seventeen years at one school and I would give my left eye for any of them and they

would do the same for me. If you are fortunate enough to have loyal, competent and talented assistant’s count yourself lucky and do everything in your power to keep them happy.

Do let your assistant coaches coach. Give them some guidelines and get out of their way.

Let them coach on the practice field and on game day. Give them responsibility and reward their good work.

Do keep the wives happy. Allow free time, family time and R and R time for yourself and your assistants. Footbal is not so difficult a game that you have to spend al day and al night at it. Believe me if its fourth and forty they are going to punt! No matter what the computer says.

QUOTS AND THINGS

I firmly believe the art of listening is the single most important skill in becoming a better footbal player. I’l take a lesser talented player who will listen to the coach, the QB, the defensive signal caller etc. over the more talented kid who refuses to listen, and do his own thing. In fact the very first thing I tel my players every year is:

“If you listen, you have a chance to learn”

I get so tired of hearing losers bitch about winners. They, the losers, always have an excuse for themselves and a reason why winners are somehow cheating to achieve their success.

“Winners Win. Losers Bitch”

W h e n I f e e l l i k e w e n e e d s o m e encouragement not to overlook an upcoming opponent, I remind our team that...

“If you don’t respect your opponent, you stand a great chance of getting beat!”

Along the same line:

“Never forget the feeling you get

when you do a hard job well.”

Professional golfers are the best at focusing, in their case of playing the next shot.

Forgetting the last play and playing the next one is the most important ability in establishing consistency. I’ve used this one about a thousand times in the last few years.

“PLAY THE NEXT DOWN”

ATTACKING DEFENSES

As I have stated in the introduction our three goals are al geared to al ow us more freedom in our offense and to create more space in which to run and throw the footbal .

Our offensive philosophy can be put in another way. Taking a page from Wee Wil ie Keeler’s baseball philosophy, “Hit it where they ain’t”, our like minded football philosophy could be simply stated as “Run it , throw it or even kick it where they ain’t”! Being a sometimes serious author of real books, it is difficult for me to abuse the English language in that manner. What I usually say is, “Our philosophy is to attack the defense where they are Unsound.”

THE SEVEN OR EIGHT MAN FRONT

How difficult would it be for us to accomplish our three objectives; force a five or six man front, make the defense defend the entire field and run up to 75 offensive plays per game? As it turned out, not nearly as difficult as I initial y figured. What we needed was a plan and a way to implement it so we could accomplish our goals and stay with our desire for quality not quantity practice time. We decided to take it one step at a time and see what would happen.

Example 1.1

The first objective, to force a five or six man front would seem the most difficult. After all how could we dictate what defense our opponents would play? To do so we had to put ourselves into a defensive coaches mode and decide how we would defend an offense that was unique.

As I said in the introduction we had been a double slot team for a long time. The problem was, as defensive players became more adept at playing against run-and-shoot offenses, as many as eight defenders were within a few yards of the football at the snap of the ball.

Example 1.2

All Run-and-Shoot coaches count the defenders “in the Box”, an imaginary rectangle drawn around the defensive front. It will include defensive linemen, linebackers or defensive backs. If they line up “in the Box” they are a threat.

Because the strong safety and outside linebacker were able to defend both the run and the pass it was becoming increasingly difficult to move the footbal consistently against the good teams. Our task, as I saw it, was to somehow eliminate two of the defenders “in the Box”.

Example 1.3

Over the years we had toyed with moving one of the slots to a position halfway between the X or Z receiver and the offensive tackle.

Sometimes when we had three outstanding receivers and we wanted to get them al in the game at the same time. More often it was when we were in our shotgun alignment.

The natural defensive adjustment was to simply move the strong safety on the side of the wide slot out of the box, to defend the pass.

Using this line of thought wouldn’t it seem logical that if we simply moved our slot backs to a wider alignment, the defensive adjustment would be to remove defenders away from the footbal .

On paper, we had accomplished our goal with what looked like a very smal adjustment. A simple stroke of the pencil and presto a six man front. It seemed logical to me. Of course there were questions. First, what if they didn’t go with us? Would we be able to run the football?

Could we protect the passer? I wil answer al those questions in due time. For now, on paper, we had accomplished goal number one...create at least a six man front. The five man front could wait. One problem at a time.

FORCE THE DEFENSE TO PLAY THE

ENTIRE FIELD

It occurred to me that if we had a threat everywhere forcing the defense to extend itself would happen naturally. What we needed to do was to put an eligible receiver against both boundary’s, on both hash marks and in the middle of the field. That would take care of the horizontal stretch. To make the defense defend the line of scrimmage to goal line we would take a page from the Oakland Raiders. Throw the football down field enough to force the defenders to deepen their alignment. In reality one doesn’t have to complete al the down field passes, just the wil ingness to go deep wil scare m o s t d e f e n s i v e c o a c h e s i n t o p l a y i n g conservatively with their defensive backfield Vs the threat of the vertical stretch.

Example 1.4

With the footbal in the middle of the field our alignment would be two wide receivers on both sides of the footbal .

Example 1.5

When the football was on the hash mark we would align in a trips formation to the field.

Again placing an eligible receiver against the boundary, on the hash and in the middle.

These two formations became our “Base”

formation. We cal ed it “Deuce”. This referred to two wide receivers on both sides. When the footbal was on the hash mark we called the

“Base” formation, “Deuce Trips”. No longer two wide receivers on both sides, but stil four wide receivers equally spread across the field.

Example 1.6

The instant result was that defenses spread as we had anticipated and we had created the desired six man front by our alignment.

Example 1.7

An instant bonus happened when teams adjusted to our Deuce Trips alignment by covering the inside receiver on the trips side with a LBer, thus creating a five man front.

It seems by spreading out our offense we had not only forced the defense to defend the entire field but created the five man front at the same time. There would be more bonuses to come.

SPEED UP THE OFFENSIVE GAME

Our third goal was to run more offensive plays. Speed it up. Footbal ’s answer to fast break basketbal . Here we got another bonus.

What basketbal player wouldn’t rather play up tempo than slow down.? The answer...none.

We found it to be the same in footbal . Players

loved the new up tempo speed game. Every athlete wanted to be a part of it and suddenly we had more players than we could handle. What a problem. Even though we had been by most standards a wide open offensive team, we became a wide open fast break team and never looked back.

How did we create this up tempo fast break?

The answer was simply to run a no-huddle offense. Not a new or novel idea but new for us.

Not just in the two minute dril but all the time.

That is how we began.

For years we had been signaling plays in from the sideline to the quarterback who would in turn tel the other ten players where to line up, what the play was and what the snap count would be. It seemed logical to me if the QB

could read the signals, couldn’t the other players do the same? Of course they could. If that was so it would no longer be necessary for the four wide receivers or the line to go to the huddle after every play. That in itself would save time. What else could we do? We had already decided to spread the field with our receivers and our formation was dictated by field position. No longer would the QB have to cal the formation. How about snap count? I had always thought the snap count caused more problems for us than them so why not simply go on the same count all the time? Presto, no more

snap count verbiage or for that matter a snap count for eleven players to remember. Motion?

No longer necessary, we are going to line up where we used to motion to. What’s left.

Simply, the play...Sweep right, trap left, quick pass etc. We could signal that to everybody and al the QB would have to do would be to cal the direction in his cadence.

What actual y happened on game day was interesting. Our intention to run a no huddle offense nearly backfired in the first game. It seems the official in charge of placing the footbal in play had a different idea as to what we could or couldn’t do with our no huddle. In fact, he stood over the ball and waited for the defense to get ready. Not exactly what I had in mind. After a hasty time out and discussion with the official I nearly had a heart attack. He told me, and I quote “I’m not going to let you unnatural y control the game”. Big problem.

What the hell do we do now? Rather than argue that it’s our ball and we ought to be able to do anything legal we wanted we spent the first half of that first game standing on the line of scrimmage waiting for the game to begin. We ran 15 plays. At half-time we obviously had to make an adjustment. I told the players that we would have to form a huddle or we might set a new record for least plays run during a game.

Their question was, “What’s a huddle”? Our answer was for the line to gather around the QB

and the receivers would still remain in their wide alignment. It wasn’t a huddle...it was a

“Gather”...and that’s what we stil cal our little meeting. The QB would cal the play direction, everyone stil read the signal from the sideline, and we would break the “Gather” just like a huddle and hustle to the line of scrimmage. The official feeling, I’m sure, he put me in my proper place, actual y got out of the way as soon as we broke the gather and we were able to create an upscale tempo to our liking. We ran 46 plays in the second half and a system was born. In fact, I now feel the “Gather” sets a tempo for the linemen that is good. It gives them a smal mental break, they no longer read the play from the boundary, and creates a team within the team unity that is very positive.

We had created a semi-no huddle system that would al ow us to eliminate a lot of footbal stuff. Now we had to figure out how to tel everyone what to do on each play. Simply stated we needed an easy and logical signal system. I could go in to detail about ours but the best way is for you to come up with your own.

One other thing. When you’re behind and it’s the fourth quarter and you need two scores eliminate time consuming procedure’s. Have the next play signaled one second after the last play ends. Eliminate motion and player shifting plays. Snap the bal on one!

REVIEW

What we had was and idea, a plan, a system and a philosophy. Now it would be up to us to implement those thoughts and blend them into a usable working order. One that we could coach and the players could learn. I truly believe that it has not only proven itself as a working system or philosophy but has far outreached our wildest dreams. Our fast break offense has worked in high school, college and international footbal . More than that it has been a blast to coach. I’m having more fun now than ever before. Burnout after thirty or forty years?

Hell no! Give me a band, a ral y squad and a team. The level or the country makes little difference. I’m going to coach until they drag me off the field.

Chapter 2

“ORGANIZATION”

While most football coaches believe in the popular theory that "More Is Better", I believe firmly in the "Law of Diminishing Returns".

While sitting in business class in col ege I was abruptly awakened from my lethargy when my professor began explaining the "Law" that has since served as my inspiration. When the concentration has gone, the alertness disappeared and the effort is inconsistent it is time to take a pause. It might be for a few minutes, hours or days. Don’t begin again until the concentration, and alertness has returned sufficiently to allow you to be consistent in your effort.

*Note:Simply stated the “Law of

Diminishing Returns” means reaching a point after which most or al work is Counter-Productive!

Three and four hour practices, seven day work weeks and twenty hour days may al ow you to beat your chest and proclaim to the world how hard you are working but, in my very humble opinion, it is a gross overemphasis that will only result in producing an inferior product.

It makes no difference if the product is a “Widgit”

or a “Football Team”. Nothing hinders

performance quicker than staleness as a result of quanity effort.

My good friends in Europe have a unique attitude towards work and life. They are never afraid to STOP and take a break. When they reach that point, no matter where they are in the work day, they will stop and get out of the office.

They can sit at an outdoor cafe sipping coffee for hours. They wil go back to work when the desire returns and they will be excited to be there. Their work will be excel ent and their product one of quality. One of my close friends told me “The difference in European and American attitude toward work is simply to see.

Americans put in hours and either complain or brag about it and produce inferior products.

Europeans are interested in producing a quality product, no matter how long it may take to produce.” They do so without apologies and have done so for hundreds of years.

I rarely walk off the practice field feeling we have wasted time. Our fat free practice routine eliminates unnecessary football stuff and concentrates on what will make US better.

Possibly my main coaching goal is to have my players walk off the practice field, finish the year or their career and say to me, coach that was great, I’d do it again in a minute! I believe, unfortunately, way too many footbal players walk away from their career and say, God I’m glad that’s over! I want my players refreshed

and alert, at practice and during games. I wil always resist the desire to run just one more play. I want them physical y and mental y rested. I want fresh legs and minds. I ask two hours of practice time and in turn I give them twenty two hours a day to have a real life. I wil never make the mistake of thinking that footbal is as important to my players as it is to me. It’s my life. It’s their hobby. Make it fun enough and they wil return again and again and get much better along the way.

I’ve had coaches, athletic directors and administrators say to me, If we had your players we could run our program that way too. We don’t and therefore we have to work harder. Bull.

Have we always had the best players? Every year? Of course not. The system works, simple as that. My answer to these doubters is simple,

“Your way doesn’t seem to work, so why not give mine a try. I think you wil be very pleasantly surprised. Work smarter, not harder.”

Quality...QUALITY...Let me say it one more time... QUALITY use of time is, in my opinion, the single most important factor in maintaining a consistently productive program.

Ask yourself two questions. Is it good or bad for us? Is it right or wrong for us? Never, I repeat Never do something just because someone else is doing it. Be it a play, formation, style or an off field activity, make sure it is

something that wil make your team better before instal ing the idea.

Once while coaching in the USFL the offensive staff was assembled in the film room watching the same four plays over and over again. The time reached midnight and stil we watched. Most had glazed over eyes and only stayed awake because heads would bang against the wall often enough to make much needed sleep impossible. Finally, I whispered to one of the other assistant coaches, "Why are we stil here?" After a few moments to reflect he said, "Because Dick Vermil did it this way". After pondering that answer for awhile I couldn't resist responding to my colleague. "Does anybody realize that doing it ‘this way’ drove Dick Vermil out of coaching?" It’s only taken him twenty years to recover...I hope he has learned a lesson!

What's my point? Were we better because we put in more film hours than the next guy? Or were we worse because we were mentally and emotionally spent. Did we find some magic formula in the wee hours of the morning, or did we rob ourselves of vital energy needed to be alert, focused and in tune on game day? I prefer to believe the latter. I believe most coaches put in these ridiculous hours for two reasons. First, because coaches themselves and the media have combined to convince nearly everybody from Athletic Directors and Alumni to the fan in

row 99 that you can only be cal ed "Coach" if you put in 23 hours a day. Second, most coaches don't have anything better to do. Get a life! Go home. Enjoy your family, watch a movie, play golf. Yes play golf. Get your mind off football. Relax and enjoy the rest of the world. Guess what? When you come back to footbal , next hour, next day, next year, next career you'll be refreshed, excited and simply a much better football coach.

Practice

O r g a n i z e y o u r p r a c t i c e w i t h s o m e imagination and don't be afraid to do something different. Be ready to take criticism.

Remember, "You can't do it that way", usual y comes from the coach you just beat by 40. My guiding thought is "less" is always better. Keep to your schedule. One of many very valuable lesson's I learned while coaching in the USFL is the need to practice a play only once. How many times in my career had I run one more play, that usually stretched into fifteen or twenty? How many times do you have to run 54

Slam anyway? The answer is once. Dril execution in fundamental time, during inside, outside or team, run the damn play ONCE.

I ask our players for quality time. Give me your undivided attention during our practice session and we'll have a quality practice. Then

I'll turn you loose so you can have quality free time, quality study time, and a quality life filled with many experiences other than football.

Guess what? Your players wil be so damned happy they'll die for you. They'l be mentally, emotionally and physically refreshed for game day and so will you.

I have had he opportunity to coach at nearly every level. I’ve been a head coach at the high school, small col ege and international level. My teams have always, I repeat always, had the shortest practice sessions of any team no matter the level of play. I believe, however, we made the most of our time and that our win-loss record should prove that. Even to the most avid "more is better' advocate. Some wil counter with "If I had your athletes I'd win too". Did we always have the better athletes? For ever? For fifty years? I doubt it. Trust me and remember "The Law of Diminishing Returns" works at any job, any time and any place.

Make the practice sessions short and snappy. At the high school level one hour and fifty five minutes should be maximum. That count's everything. Don't cheat. The early session you haven't been counting...counts.

T h e p o s t s e s s i o n y o u h a v e n ' t b e e n counting...counts. Include them in the practice time frame or throw them out. And half way through the season cut practice down to a slick, fat free hour and twenty minutes.

During pre-season practice we wil vary the times. For example much more time is spent on individual and group than in team. Once the season begins we will hold religiously to the schedule.

:10 WARM UP

Example 2.1

A position warm up time. Each position coach uses the time to stretch, and work light dril s unique to their own position. It is not a conditioning or competitive time

but rather a technique emphasis time. Players that play both offense and defense will alternate groups each day. QB, Centers and Running

Backs work together on timing, reading signals and the like. Rotate the QB's so they work with al Centers and Running Backs.

:10 INDIVIDUAL DEFENSE

This is the time for defensive position coaches to practice fundamentals. D-Line, Inside LBers, Outside LBers and D-Backs wil dril specifical y for their position. Use this time as extra time for receivers and QB’s not playing a defensive position. Work on routes and patterns.

:10

INDIVIDUAL OFFENSE

Offensive position coaches dril their players on techniques specific to their position. Split the QB’s between the receivers and running backs.

Input routes, plays and techniques.

:15 GROUP INSIDE-OUTSIDE I

Work the defensive LBers and D-Backs on outside, some call this 7 on 7, Vs the offensive outside players. Offense services the defense.

At the same time work the offensive Line and Running Backs on inside run Vs the defensive Line and LBer group. Alternate players between groups when necessary. For example always let your first, and maybe second, QB service the defense in outside while the back up works

inside. How many times does the starter need to hand off. Let him get extra throwing while servicing the defense. A bonus for the defense as they get to practice against the best QB.

:15 GROUP INSIDE-OUTSIDE II

Reverse the procedure. Defense services Offense in outside and Offense services the Defense in Inside. Our offensive outside (7 on 7) is run at an up tempo pace just as in game conditions. Place the bal on the +40 and move it on each down. If we throw an incomplete pass we wil move the ball 10 yards. If we complete a pass we wil set the bal at that spot for the next down. Using this method wil give your offense valuable time working from the hash marks, the middle of the field as wel as the shortened field as the bal moves towards the endzone. Signal the plays from the sideline, just as in a game situation.

:05 SPECIAL TEAM

Begin the special team time by blowing a whistle, and giving the field goal team 20, 25 or 30 seconds to set up and kick. Spot the footbal and have the players race from their previous dril while a coach count’s down the seconds.

The defensive service or Look team must also

be ready. Follow that drill by going directly into whatever special team is called for in the practice plan. I don't believe it is necessary to practice every special team every day. Once again I'm tempting fate here, but humor me. We will spend much more time on punt than punt return and much more on kick-off as opposed to kick-off return. I believe those two area’s of special team are by far the most important.

:15 TEAM DEFENSE

The Offense services the Defense in team.

Move the footbal . Never stay in one spot. Put the footbal on the plus 40 and move it five or ten yards at a time, regardless of how far the actual play went. Have your best players do the service. This wil be extra technique time for them and at the same time the defense will get a better look than if the "Meat Squad" serves as fodder for the first string. Sub for the starters when you feel the time is appropriate. This is usually about the same time the defense begins subbing for their starters. Starters Vs starters and back-up Vs back-up is a much better match and makes all players work harder. The result is better execution.

Work on "Going In, Coming Out, Plus 20

and/or special situations during this time.

Program it into your practice schedule. Work on Goal Line during Thursday’s practice.

:20 TEAM OFFENSE

Once again use the Defensive starters to service the Offensive team. Move the footbal and play at game speed. During both the defensive and offensive team time try to play tall, never allow the players to go to the ground.

"Stay Up...Stay Up". We cal this "Thuds". It is the requirement of the service team to give an appropriate look for the other side. Don't al ow sloppy play by the service group. Remember give a good look but stay on your feet. I believe strongly that during team defense, for example, the defense WINS. It is not the job of the offensive or defensive service team to DEFEAT

the other team, only to give them the best look possible. Likewise during team offense the Offense Wins! Defensive players should "form up" for the tackle and then let the runner run.

Never allow the runner to lower his head and run over the defensive player. The defensive backs should cover the routes but let the offensive receiver catch the football. This should never be allowed to become Offense Vs Defense with resulting hard feelings among players and coaches. Make it clear the service team wil perform a service for the team practice time.

We call it the “Look” team not the service team.

END OF PRACTICE

End the one hour and fifty five minute practice as a group. Offense and Defense together as a team. Say a few appropriate words, allow offensive and defensive position coaches or coordinators to speak to the group and dismiss the team. Never, for example, let the offense or the defense meet separately after the team meeting. This will only cause problems, divide the team and otherwise breed discontent. Why are they meeting separately?

What's their secret? These are question's that don't need to be asked. Anything that needs to be said to the offense or the defense by the coach can and must be said to the group. The nature of the col ege game, two platoon football, tends to divide the team and I believe it is paramount that everything that is possible must be done to keep the team together. In High School this is usually less of a problem but don’t al ow it to become one.

THURSDAY

This is a one hour practice day. Begin with a short offense and defense walk & talk. Cover such items as prevent and goal line defense and

trick or special plays and goal line offense.

Fol ow this with a short team cal.

Special Team time should cover briefly al special teams; kick off and return, hands team, punt and punt return, field goal and field goal block.

Fol ow up with team defense, beginning with goal line. This is a run through with no contact to speak of. Team offense will begin on the minus forty, moving ten yards at a time. Run the tricks and other plays needed to be seen one more time and finish with goal line offense. We will be sure to have the defense give the offense an “Uncovered” look as well as a “Seven Man Front” look during this period.

REVIEW

Notice we do not end practice with conditioning. The reason? The backs, receivers and defensive backs wil have run enough during practice to suffice. The offensive and defensive linemen don’t need 40 yard speed.

Short spurt conditioning will be enough.

Remember the “Up Tempo” practice speed wil keep everyone moving. Basical y the practice session of approximately two hours is a conditioning period by itself.

For those who believe that running at the end of practice toughen’s the players or sends a

message that “We” are working harder than our opponents”, take a deep breath. Remember we are going to work “Smarter”. Don’t do it just because everyone else is doing it, that’s not good enough! This is just another of the footbal rituals that we have put to rest. Once getting over the idea of eliminating something al “Real”

footbal coaches are doing you may wonder just why you had your team run al those sprints.

Ask yourself the two questions, “Is is good or bad for Us? Is it right or wrong for Us?” The answer in this case is a resounding bad and wrong. Fresh legs...fresh minds... and fresh body’s win a lot of footbal games!

Chapter 3

"MECHANICS OF THE FLEX SLOT"

This chapter is about the basics of the offense. The basic formation, the huddle procedure, line and receiver splits, the numbering system, line of scrimmage verbiage and positions wil be identified. In short all the mechanics that make the offensive system work.

POSITIONS

The four wide receiver positions are identified when they are in the Basic Formation. X is the wide left position, W is the middle left position, (W signifies Wing) Y is the middle right position, Z is the wide right position and R or RB for the running back position.

O f f e n s i v e l i n e m e n n e e d n o s p e c i a l identification.

BASIC FORMATION:

Example 3.1

The BASIC formation alignment is called DEUCE . This refers to two inside receivers and two Wideouts.

With the ball in the middle of the field, the Wide receivers (X and Z) wil line up halfway between the numbers and the sideline. The inside receivers (W and Y) wil line up half way between the wide receiver and the offensive tackle. Y always lines up on the L.O.S and W

off the L.O.S. The play wil determine on which side of the formation W and Y line up. X & Z

will line up off the L.O.S. when Y is on their side and on the L.O.S. when W is on their side.

Example 3.2

The BASIC formation wil become trips when the ball is on the hash mark. Therefore the BASIC formation will change depending on where the bal is located on the field. When the footbal is located

on the hash mark W will align to the field half way between Y and the offensive tackle. X or Z

will line up outside Y, halfway to the sideline.

FORMING THE GATHER: Example 3.3

Keep the X, W, Y and Z receivers in their split alignments while the QB, RB and the O-Line form what is refered to as "The Gather".

Five yards from the L.O.S.

GATHER BREAK:

Example 3.4

After the QB cal ’s BREAK the O-Line and RB move to their positions.

Because the formation is either “Basic” or signaled in from the sideline the QB calls only the Play and ... Ready Break. The QR doesn’t cal : Formation, Motion, or the Snap Count. Al play’s are run on the same snap, eliminating another football ritual. The entire gather procedure should take about two seconds. The offensive team wil be at the line of scrimmage with nearly the entire 25 second time period to

make decisions. Delay of game penalties are a thing of the past.

NUMRERING SYSTEM: Example 3.5

Number the holes even to the right and odd to the left. Each number is the "point of attack"

for the running back.

Example 3.6

The running back numbers are as follows: 2/5/6/8. The QB is number 9

LINE SPLITS:

Example 3.7

Use a three foot base split and adjust either for the play or for blocking a particularly good opponent.

RECEIVER SPLITS:

DEUCE Example 3.8

With the footbal in the middle of the field X

and Z align half way between the hash mark and the sideline. In the Rasic formation W and Y align halfway between X and Z and the offensive tackle.

TRIPS Example 3.9.

In the trips alignment use the 1/2 rule. With the football on the left hash mark, X aligns halfway between the numbers and the sideline.

Y aligns on the opposite hash mark. W aligns halfway between Y and the O-Tackle. W aligns halfway between Y and the sideline. Opposite rules apply when the football is on the right hash mark.

REVIEW

The “Mechanics” of this offense may seem difficult at first. I had many a sleepless night in anticipation prior to implementing the Flex Slot for the first time. However, by teaching in a logical progression, like any good teacher does in the classroom, this system is simple to coach and equal y simple to learn. Approach practice sessions as you would the classroom. If some player doesn’t understand, take the time to go over it again. Try a different method. Show patience and teach in a control ed manner.

First, identify the mistake. Then walk through the correction and move on to the next play. No screaming. No histrionics. And most important, No loss of confidence by the players! Many times we have been told that our team plays with so much more confidence than most other teams. The reason is, I believe, we are teaching the How and the Why of the offense and the approach is non-threatening to the players.

CHAPTER 4

“FORMATION ADJUSTMENTS”

The term “Flex Slot” indicates that the slot formation is multiple, many different formations are used. These formation adjustments are done at a very up tempo pace making it very difficult for the defense to set itself into a comfort zone. The result is, many times, confusion and sometimes panic for the defense, especial y for the first time opponent.

*Note: The first year in both high school and col ege we used only the basic formation of the Flex Slot Offense. This formation changes according to field position (see chapter 3). By the second year in both cases we were ready to move on to either Game Planning the formations or at times cal ing the formation from the sideline.

Because formation adjustments are built in to the basic formation and variations of the basic formation are also used The FLEX (or FLEXABLE) SLOT is the perfect description of the offense.

At times we have used W & Y as duplicate positions, moving either to the wide side in trips.

However we have found it easier for players to learn pass patterns when Y is always in the middle of trips and W is always inside. In this method W is always the motion back as well. Again this seems to make it easier to pick up the offense for the players. When W

& Y are similiar type athletes it may make more sense to simply slide the inside receiver, either W or Y, to the outside during trips to their basic side.

Once the basics are learned It is a good idea to

“Game Plan” the base formation. For example, make trips to the field the “Base” formation when the bal is on the hash and make Deuce the “Base” formation when the bal is in the middle. Then each week adjust the “Base Formation” to keep the defense guessing.

By using personnel substitution the offensive possibilities are only increased. When doing so the

"W" and "Y" positions become personnel positions.

Identify groups by name and add a personnel signal to the formation and play. For example "Big" might include two wide receivers, a tight end and two running backs. "Smal " might include three wide receivers, a tight end and one running back. "Little"

might include four wide receivers and one running back. The offense can also be very effective without using personnel substitution. Simply make the formation adjustments with the same players.

*Note: I felt more comfortable verbalizing the play while someone else signaled the plays into the game. Usual y a Hot player and one or more Cold players signaling in plays simultaneously.

The signal system works like this: Say loud enough for the signaling players to hear, Big

(personnel) Ace (formation) Trap (play) and at the same time those players wil signal. One player wil b e Hot and the other wil be Cold. Have them wear different colored baseball caps that are easy for the players on the field to identify. With personnel substitution "W" and "Y" on field and on the sideline would look or listen for the personnel cal and run on or off the field as necessary.

Stand on the sideline during group “Outside” and during “Team” and have the signaling players stand next to you, just as you would during a game. Keep the pace of the signals as fast as possible. Stop only for mistake correction walk through.

*Note: I have been doing this for at least the last ten years. It gives me an excellent feel for game situations and I believe gives the players a feeling of game intensity. I recommend this proceedure highly.

FORMATION ADJUSTMENTS:

ACE

The term Ace moves W to an alignment one yard outside the offensive tackle while Y remains in the wide alignment. W wil be opposite Y when the bal is in the middle of the field.

Example

4 . 1

On the same side of the formation when the bal is on the hash mark.

Example 4.2.

*Note: Just this past year we evolved into using motion, across the formation, to reach

the ACE formation. By doing this the defense could not stack up on the tight slot side and we were able to keep the defense spread. We no longer line up directly in ACE.

OPEN

The term OPEN moves R out of the backfield to a position halfway between the inside wide out and the offensive tackle, one yard off the L.O.S. Open Strong refers to an alignment on the same side as Y.

Example

4 . 3

Open Weak refers to an alignment opposite Y.

Example 4.4

STACK

The term STACK moves W to a position directly behind X and Z to a position directly behind Y.

Example

4 . 5

STACK in trips alignment puts X or Z directly behind Y and W directly behind Y.

Example 4.6

OPEN-STACK

The term OPEN-STACK moves R to a slot alignment in the STACK formations. Strong to the same side as Y.

Example 4.7

Weak to the opposite side of Y.

Example 4.8

SWITCH

The term SWITCH moves X and Z inside, on the L.O.S. and W and Y outside, off the L.O.S.

Example 4.9

*Note: This simple adjustment makes it very difficult for the defense to isolate on a single receiver, to double him. This past year we had the luxury of having a very gifted wide out. We always aligned him to our bench. By doing so and by utilizing “Switch” he was actually aligned in all four postions during each game...it beacame very difficult for defenses to double him in al four positions.

In trips Switch X or Z wil be inside, on the L.O.S.

and both Y and W wil align outside of X or Z

Example 4.10

OPEN-SWITCH

The term OPEN-SWITCH moves R to a slot alignment in the SWITCH formations. Strong to the same side as Y.

Example

4 . 1 1

Weak to the opposite side of Y.

Example 4.12

BUNCH

The term BUNCH aligns the wide receivers close together. In DEUCE W moves out next to X and Y

moves out next to Z.

Example

4 . 1 3

In trips Y stays in place and X or Z moves in next to Y and W moves out next to Y.

Example 4.14

BUNCH TIGHT

The term BUNCH-TIGHT puts the wide receivers in the BUNCH alignment with the inside receiver one yard from the offensive tackle.

Example 4.15

In the trips alignment al three wide receivers on the trips side are tight , with W one yard from the offensive tackle.

Example 4.16

BUNCH-OPEN

The term BUNCH-OPEN moves R to a slot alignment in the BUNCH formations. Strong to the same side as Y.

Example 4.17

Weak to the opposite side of Y.

Example 4.18

BUNCH TIGHT-OPEN

The term BUNCH TIGHT-OPEN moves R to a slot alignment in the BUNCH-TIGHT formations. Strong to the same side as Y.

Example 4.19

Weak to the opposite side of Y.

Example 4.20

SHOTGUN OR GUN

In al formations the QB may align in the shotgun position. When the QB aligns in the shotgun R wil move to a position to the right or left of the QB, depending on the play and his assignment.

Example 4.21

The QB shotgun alignment will not affect R in the OPEN formations, R will stil align strong or weak as cal ed.

Example 4.22

REVIEW

These formation adjustments will add ammunition to your offensive arsenal. It won’t take your players long to recognize formations other than the basic.

The real advantage is when al these formation adjustments are run with the up tempo speed provided by the gather and the rapid play cal ing system. With nearly zero time to adjust, the defense has no choice but to remain in very few defensive sets. It is normal, for example, to see one defensive set Vs the balanced sets and one simple adjustment Vs the trips and Open sets.

It is normal to use up to ten formation adjustments per game, not always the same ten, making it difficult

for your opponents to anticipate or simulate your offensive formations.

CHAPTER 5

"THE QUICK PASS GAME"

The Quick Pass game consists of nine different ways to attack defenses, thrown from one, two or three step QB drops:

1. Uncovered Slot Principle; 1 step drop 2. Individual Routes; 1, 2, or 3 step drop 3. Basic Routes Outside; 2 and 3 step drop

4. Basic Routes Inside; 2 and 3 step drop 5. Inside Crossing Routes; 3 step drop 6. Outside Crossing Routes; 3 step sprint 7. Combo Routes; 3 step drop

8. Running Back Slip Routes; 3 step drop 9. Scramble Patterns; 3 step drop & scramble

Receiver Routes

Before introducing the quick pass scheme it is first necessary to identify the individual routes and the system to identify each route.

Example 5.1

Number the routes with even numbered routes breaking to the inside and odd numbered routes breaking to the outside.

Routes can be thrown to any of the receivers, including the running back when he lines up in the open position.

Example 5.2

Because there are more routes than numbers for the outside receivers some of the routes have names.

Running Back Routes

Example 5.3

The routes for the running back are named routes. However it is wise to have the backs learn the numbered routes as well. They will, in effect , be a wide receiver when lined up in an Open alignment.

Quick Pass Blocking

It is also necessary to cover pass blocking before getting into the “Quick Pass” scheme.

The interior line blocking is called BOB for big on big. R wil block number 6, often referred to as MDM or the “Most Dangerous Man”.

E

x

a

m

p

l

e 5.4

To keep the RB from interfering with a right handed QB have the center block the right LBer and R block the left LBer Vs the 4-2 defensive front.

E

x

a

m

p

l

e 5.5

If the QB is left handed change this assignment. Vs stunting or moving defenses use a line on scrimmage cal , it can be by the QB, the center or the running back, to identify who the center wil block. The running back wil block the opposite LBer.

Example 5.6

The RB must find number 6 and block him reguardless of number 6’s alignment.

Example 5.7

If number 6 does not blitz R can either help the O-line or be involved in the pass pattern.

Example 5.8

The 3-2 alignment is also Bob blocked with R stil responsible for number 6.

Example 5.9

Vs the tight 5-1 R will block the Middle LBer.

When uncovered outside LBers are present in the defense it is wise to use sprint action to protect the QB.

Example 5.10

Vs the wide 5-1, for Example, R wil block to the side of the cal (Blue or Green) The uncovered backside guard will block the backside LBer.

Example 5.11

Vs the 3-3 stack R wil again block to the side of the call and the uncovered backside guard will zone block the backside stack with the backside Tackle.

Example 5.12

Zone blocking al line stunts seems to be a more affective way to protect the passer Vs this particular defensive strategy.

Now that the routes and blocking rules are covered lets get into the meat of the quick passing game. Following are the nine types of

“Quick Pass” plays that we use in the “Fast break Offense”.

Identify the Quick Pass game with a HOT

name. Use names with the same first letter.

For Example Jack, John, Jim, Joe etc. or Tom, Ted, Terry, Todd and so on. This method makes it easy for al the players to respond to the HOT name. Different names will be used in t h e Examples, you should choose your own.

Use names that will be easy to remember and are logical for your players.

QB Drop Action

The QB wil use a one, two or three step drop for the quick pass game. The one step is used exclusively on the uncovered slot plays.

Example A: One step drop

The QB simply takes a step towards the uncovered slot , pivots on the back foot, and delivers the footbal as quick as possible.

Again pivot on the back foot, step toward the uncovered receiver and deliver the footbal as quickly as possible.

The two step drop is a straight back backup drop.

Example B: Two step drop Left first and right for the right handed QB.

This enables the QB to square up and to freeze the defense with a non directional drop.

The three step drop is also a straight back drop but because it is quicker we use a turn drop.

Example C: Three step drop

For the right handed QB step first with the right foot, cross over with the left and plant with the third. The first two steps should be long, to clear from the L. O. S. and the third step should be a gather step, landing close to the second step.

If, for some reason, the QB is not ready to deliver the footbal on the third step he may use a “Hitch” Step. This is a forward shuffle.

Example D: Three step and Hitch First step with the front foot, close with the back foot and then deliver.

1 Uncovered Slot Principle

When the QB identifies an uncovered receiver he will abort the normal audible system and go to a hurry up audible. We use a “City”

repeated twice. For Example “Vienna” (a city in Austria).

Example 5.13

Take one step toward the uncovered receiver and throw him the footbal . The uncovered receiver runs a pause in the open area release, while the other receivers run HOT-fade routes.

Originally we

called the principal

“Uncovered Slot” figuring no one would leave the outside receiver uncovered. However strange things happen in football and in reality any of the receivers may suddenly become uncovered.

Example 5.14

Not too many seasons ago a loss was turned into victory because our opponents twice in the fourth quarter left our Z receiver uncovered.

2 Individual Routes

The individual "Quick pass" action may be cal ed in the gather or on the L.O.S. as an audible. In either case the receiver is identified on the L.O.S..

Example 5.15

Receivers are numbered from left to right, 1

through 5 regardless of the formation.

In the gather the QB wil simply use the HOT name indicating Quick pass blocking,

“Jake” for Example. As an audible at the line of scrimmage the HOT name in the pre cadence will alert everyone that the gather play has been changed to an individual Quick Pass. Quick Pass blocking rules wil apply.

Example 5.16

The first number in the audible indicates the receiver, the 2nd number indicates route.

Remember from chapter 3 Mechanics, the color means nothing.

Backside receivers will al run delay routes off of a fade release.

Example 5.17

Any receiver outside the identified receiver must release outside, and may continue on the fade path if the ID’ed receiver cuts inside.

The theory behind the individual quick pass game is simple. Run the best route, into the most open area. These are two of our favorite individual routes.

Example 5.18

When the free safety aligns over the top of the trips, throw the post to the single receiver.

Example. 5.19

When the free safety stays in the middle of the field, throw to fade to the middle receiver on the trips side.

Individual ”Option” Routes; a get open individual route to the identified receiver with a three step drop by the QB. Only a single digit number to identify the receiver is called at the L.

O. S.

Example 5.20

No second number indicates to the receiver he has the “Option” to run any route, the QB wil read the receiver. Al other receivers will run delay routes off of a fade release.

3 Basic Routes Outside

This is the standard "Quick Pass" game with mirrored routes by the outside receivers and complimentary routes by the inside receiver.

Example 5.21

Action cal ed in the gather or on the L.O.S.

with the route always called at the L.O.S. Five routes are involved; 1,2,5,8, and 9. QB reads best located corner.

The inside receiver runs a 3 when the outside receiver runs up field routes (8 or 9).

On short routes by X & Z (1, 2 or 5) the inside receiver will run a HOT route. It is also possible to make the second number HOT for the inside receiver, therefore identifying both routes.

Example 5.22

Remember this is a mirrored pattern, the same on both sides. The QB will decide which way to throw the footbal based on his read of the defense at the line of scrimmage.

4 Basic Routes Inside

Pass plays with both pair of outside receivers (X & W/Y & Z) running the same pattern, but with the first digit for the inside receiver and the second for the outside receiver. It is possible to run Basic Inside routes from any formation but our favorite is the Deuce Bunch formation (Chapter 4), either from the gun or under center.

Example 5.23

By going to the Open alignment Q can add an individual route for (R) the running back and stil have the four outside receivers execute their Basic pattern.

The audible verbiage will be Jerry (Example). The John 38 Example is simply told to the running back after the pre cadence verbiage and before the cadence.

5 Inside Crossing Routes

Usual y run Vs man coverage.

Example 5.24

The crossing receiver starts an up field release and cuts inside off a wide release fade route by next receiver inside. Al other receivers follow regular individual route rules.

In the Example Jim is HOT indicating Quick Pass. Purple means nothing. The number 42

tells the number 4 receiver ( remember the mechanics, receivers are numbered left to right) to run a 2 route off the fade release of the inside receiver.

6 Outside Crossing Routes

Outside Crossing Routes; Can be run Vs either zone or man coverage.

Example 5.25

The receiver starts an up field release and cuts outside off the inside break by next outside receiver. Al other receivers fol ow regular individual route rules.

Example 5.26

It is sometimes desirable to sprint the QB in the direction of the pattern. Either because of the defensive front alerting the QB of danger on both corners or simply because the QB is adept at throwing on the run. In this case the color Blue (or Green) is HOT and tel s the line and B

the QB is sprinting towards the Joe pattern.

7 Combo Routes

A combination of the basic routes by the outside receivers and a wide (HOT) release by B.

Example 5.27

The RB has no blitz pick-up, both B and the QB wil read the Nickel back and attack away from his defensive reaction. Using the HOT

name Johnny (it could be Teddy or Jackie etc.) alerts everyone of Individual Quick Pass assignments and alerts R to run a wide release to the side of the ID’ receiver.

When in trips and the nickel back is in a Tough alignment. Tough meaning hard to read whether he wil dog, drop or cover W, combo to his side wil make whatever the Nickel back does... WRONG.

8 Running Back Slip Routes Involve R as the primary receiver by slipping him through the line to a vacated area.

R will stil have blitz pick-up.

Example 5.28

However, after initial blocking contact release blitzing LBer and look immediately for footbal . If LB drops into coverage, pause for a count of three before slipping into the open area.

Use the Basic Outside patterns for the wide receivers. In this Example Jack 99, telling both sets of outside receivers to run Go routes.

Jackie would indicate to everyone Jack assignments and R to slip.

Example 5.29

Vs the five man front when R has no blitz pick-up, he wil hold for a count of three and then slip into the open area.

9 Scramble

Use another name to tell al receivers to run the same route. Scramble combines the basic quick pass pump route with a re-route adjustment based on the defensive coverage.

For simplicity sake we refer to the play as Scramble.

Example 5.30

In the Example Jake indicates Scramble.

The color means nothing. The first number indicates the route for all receivers to run before the scramble. The QB will pump fake and throw to one of the receivers on the pump and go scramble route. To eliminate confusion use a double digit number, as in 11 or 55.

Running scramble out of an open formation puts five receivers into the pattern.

Example 5.31

Vs a cover 1 look the inside receiver, W or R

away from the FS wil be the deep middle receiver. X or Z on the two receiver side will run up the boundary. On the three receiver side Y

will be the deep boundary receiver.

T h i s Example is from Open wit h a formationSwitch call. The inside receivers are on the line of scrimmage and the outside receivers are lined up off the ball.

Example 5.32

Vs cover 2 W or R on the three receiver side wil run the stop and go up the middle of the field. W or R on the two receiver side wil run the route toward the boundary. Y will again attack the boundary and both X and Z will run under delay routes.

Example 5.33

Vs cover 0 the QB wil audible to an inside crossing route between receivers 3 and 4 on the three receiver side. Al other receiver wil run the pump route.

*Note: If the defense brings six, the QB will be responsible for the

frontside LB or DE, depending on who the OT blocks.

REVIEW

In the Flex Slot the Quick Pass game is very important . It is not uncommon for the Quick Pass attack to be close to 50% of the pass offense. It is easy to learn, allows for a higher percentage of completion’s and makes it nearly impossible to sack the QB, reason

enough to spend some quality time developing the Quick Pass game to its highest level.

CHAPTER 6

“MEDIUM PASSES”

The pass routes and patterns that attack the 15 yard verticle area of the defense are sometimes overlooked. Coaches seem to see the short passes as safe and the long passes as possible home runs and often as a result the in between area is under coached and under explored. This chapter discussess with detail the medium pass routes and patterns used to attack this area of the defense.

*Note: Some of the Double Slot passes would fit nicely into the Medium Pass range but they wil be covered in Chapter 7. All of the many “Sting”

routes, for example, would fall into the Medium Pass categorie. So would some passes that most coaches choose to put into the long pass group. For example, I firmly believe that Throwback Switch, covered in Chapter 7, is most effective when the football is delivered in the 15 to 18 yard area.

It is important to recognize the type of coverage when attacking this area. Not as in reading defenses. This is a sequence attack; throw to the first open receiver in a pre-planned

sequence. It doesn’t matter if the defense is in man or zone or some kind of combination.

Example 6.1

What does matter is: How is the deep middle defended? Is it single deep (a free safety) Example 6.2

Double deep (two free safety’s) Example 6.3

or is there a “Robber” hanging in the Middle?

Example 6.4

Basic theory says attack the seams Vs a single deep coverage.

Example 6.5

Attack the middle Vs Double deep coverage.

Example 6.6

and to attack the deep areas or the outside Vs Robber coverage.

Defenses can and will show many different types of pass coverage. Defensive coaches are very good at disguising coverages. It is for this reason that the Flex Slot pass offense is either a sequence read or some type of Quick pass designed to attack any coverage.

Example 6.7

The up field routes, Go (9), Post (8) are run the same by the receivers but the football will be delivered slightly later because of the timing difference between the under center and the shotgun snap.

Example 6.8

The curl (4) and out (5) routes are run at 17

yards instead of 12 and so on.

Any of the quick passing game can work in the medium area. Simply move to the shotgun and the quick routes are extended into the medium range.

*Note: When we line up in the shotgun and throw our quick pass game from it we will extend most routes 5 yards. This wil have the affect of making the shotgun quick game into a medium range pass offense. For example a stop route for the receiver is run at seven yards when the QB

is under center, 12 in the gun.

The inside Basic quick passes are good for attacking the medium area’s of the defense. Also, the Open alignment will put further stress on the defense in the medium area.

Example 6.9

A Basic Inside pattern combined with a individual route by RB works very well in the area as wel .

* N o t e :

R e m e m b e r t h e

mechanics...quick passes wil have a Hot name. Jerry, John, Jack etc.

Most of the Basic Inside patterns will be run from the Gun, but the QB may choose to align under center at his discretion. When he moves under center the QB wil use a three or five step drop depending on the route called.

Keep in mind that not al the pass offense should be used in every game or indeed in every season. It is best to design the pass offense to fit the abilities of the QB. Drop back, shot gun, sprint

out or play action type passes should be used only when the QB can perform them wel .

There are seven Basic Inside patterns. All can be run either from an open or closed formation.

Example 6.10

Arrow is the key word that tel s the inside receiver to stem past the next receiver to his outside when running his route. An arrow 1, for example, wil put the inside receiver outside of X

or Z on his route.

By aligning the inside receivers, W & Y, in a bunch position close to X & Z it puts great pressure on the inside under defender.

Example 6.11

Move out to defend the pass or stay in the normal position becomes the question?

Example 6.12

If the under defenders play tight, to help Vs the run, it is very difficult to defend the out by the inside receiver.

Example 6.13

If the under defenders move out to cover the bunch alignment the inside run becomes nearly impossible to stop. Five offensive helmets on five defensive helmets…offense wins.

Example 6.14

By aligning in the bunch position it is nearly impossible for the defense to play the six man front. By doing so the free safety becomes isolated and defending deep to both sides is nearly impossible. The QB can read the FS and throw the deep route away from him.

Example 6.15

Another excellent deep pattern is a switch type route by the outside receivers. Arrow 98.

Example 6.16

An excellent medium pattern is to run the outside receiver on a curl and the inside receiver on an arrow out. We like it from an open alignment with R running a post.

*Note: The QB will tell RB his route at the L.O.S. after checking the defensive coverage.

Example 6.17

Or run the inside receiver on the curl and the outside receiver on the out.

The open alignment wil also nearly always force the defense out of a six man front.

Example 6.18

The easiest defensive adjustment is to simply move an inside LB out to cover the inside receiver on the trips side. The FS will usual y move to the trips side as well, making an up route by the backside inside receiver a gift.

Example 6.19

The Corner pattern, an inside receiver flag and the wide receiver out, combination puts great pressure on the defensive corner, especially when adding RB on some companion route.

REVIEW

All of these medium pass patterns have proven effective at one time or another. By emphasizing the medium pass your offense wil become multi-dimensional and very difficult for the defense to shut down. By utilizing the quick pass game from the shotgun a medium pass game is possible without teaching anything new. Two pass offenses in one, another bargain from the Flex Slot Offense.

Chapter 7

“DOUBLE SLOT PASSING GAME”

This chapter could easily be titled the “Mouse Davis” passing game. After Daryl “Mouse” Davis a longtime friend and the forerunner of the modern

“Run and Shoot” offense in Oregon and eventual y the NFL. Mouse was a very successful high school footbal coach in Oregon who took his offense to Portland State and made national news running up scores into the triple didgets. It was at Portland State that Mouse developed June Jones, later to play for Atlanta in the NFL and follow Mouse to the professional ranks as his offensive coordinator. June eventually became the head footbal coach for the Atlanta Falcons and took them to the playoffs in his second year. Also at Portland State Mouse took a gamble on a high school QB from a run orientated offense that everybody had overlooked. That youngster, Neil Lomax, set all sorts of NCAA passing records and had a successful NFL career with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Much of this chapter comes from Mouse Davis’

original offense. From that point I branched out into my own version and developed schemes that made sense to me and worked wel for my teams at al levels. The Throwback pattern, for example, hasn’t changed since I borrowed the concept from Mouse in 1973. Our “Sting” route, which has become our

most successful and most often cal ed route, was borrowed from Mouse’s original “Choice” route.

QB Drop Action

All Patterns can be used with sprint, stop (throwback), play action, Drop back or dash action by the QB. Depending on the pattern, the QB’s quickness or the pass protection it can be a three or five step action. Example A: Sprint Action Example B: Throwback Action

Example C: Play Action Example D: Corner

Example E: Dash Action An excellent way to get outside from the shotgun is to sprint after first taking a three step drop. This al ows the off guard to get in front and also gives a sprint action away from the back. The initial drop action tends to keep the defensive end rush tighter.

PATTERNS:

Most patterns in the double slot passing game involve a sequence read format for the QB. Routes are combined to form patterns with either a strong or weakside read progression.

Patterns are broken down into three categories based on formation and/or QB direction. Frontside patterns from the Deuce formation are: Out, Corner, Stop Oregon and Cross Oregon . Deuce Throwback Patterns include: Switch, Go and Pic.

Frontside patterns from the Trips formation are: Shoot, Bench and Flood. The Trips Throwback Pattern is Choice, a read route by the single receiver.

Sting, is a QB action towards the single receiver, with multi-adjustments routes by al receivers.

DEUCE FRONTSIDE PATTERNS

OUT

Example 7.1

Out tel s the inside receiver to run a “3” route.

The outside receiver runs a “4” routes. Al patterns, can be run with any type of QB action, sprint, gun, play action etc.

*Note: Although the football will be delilvered from a different point in the shotgun as opposed to under center or with play action, we have not found the difference to be of any significance in teaching the play.

MOTION

Because the patterns are tied in with formation, motion becomes automatic if patterns are called when the basic formation is different than necessary for the pattern.

Example 7.2

Because Out is a Deuce formation play, if it is cal ed while in Trips the Wing must motion to the Deuce formation. The QB has the choice to sprint either towards or away from the motion.

PLAY ACTION

Al patterns may be run with play action as wel .

Example 7.3

Because it wil take the QB longer to reach the throwing position, in play action, the receivers should be taught to take all horizontal cuts approximately five yards further upfield.

*Note: Backside receivers wil run same route, as if the QB were sprinting to their side. In reality the receivers don’t usual y know to which side the play has been cal ed.

CORNER OREGON

Example 7.6

The inside receiver runs a “7” and the outside receiver runs an Arrow Stop. The RB runs his shoot route.

CROSS OREGON

Example 7.7

The inside receivers wil run Far routes. The outside receivers run “9” routes. The RB runs his shoot route.

STOP OREGON

Example 7.8

Al receivers run the twelve yard Stop route.

The RB runs his shoot route.

DEUCE THROWBACK PATTERNS

THROWBACK PIC

Example 7.8

THROWBACK SWITCH

Example 7.8

SWITCH: This pattern is a deep crossing maneuver by the outside two receivers.

The outside receiver breaks upfield 3-4 yards then cuts inside on a slant angle until he reaches the col ege hash mark. He then make's an upfield break on the inside edge of the hash mark. Again in Coach Davis’ version the receiver reads the coverage. He will continue upfield if their is no deep cover. When the defenders fal off to protect the deep area he wil curl up at the 15-18 yard depth. Once again we usually stay with the pattern.

The inside receiver wil also break upfield for 3-4

yards then he wil cut outside off the heels of the split receiver and continue to widen toward the sideline at an upfield angle. Hugging the boundary, he wil continue up the sideline. The Curl option is a possibility with the inside receiver.

Once again, this should not be a “Home Run”

pass. It should be delivered not later than the 18

yard depth area. Work on your QB’s footwork until he is able to make this drop with speed and proper timing.

THROWBACK GO

Example 7.8

Both backside receivers make upfield breaks and look for the bal over the inside shoulder. The outside receiver hugs the boundary and the inside receiver hugs the inside of the col ege hash mark. In coach Davis’ version of the Run and Shoot the backside receivers on al upfield breaks had the option to adjust their routes to curls if the defense fell off to protect the deep. In our version we seldom al ow that, prefering to stick with the called routes.

*Note: I am a strong believer that most throwback passes shoul be thrown off a three step drop and the footbal delivered on a line at no more than 18 yards.

TRIPS FRONTSIDE PATTERNS

ALL GO OREGON

Example 7.8

BENCH

Example 7.8

*Note: We allow Wing to read the defensive coverage and move to the open area. Taking a page from Mouse’s original Run and Shoot theory.

FLOOD

Example 7.8

SHOOT

Example 7.8

TRIPS THROWBACK PATTERNS

THROWBACK CHOICE

Example 7.8

STING FRONTSIDE PATTERNS

STING

Example 7.8

This play has developed into our most frequently cal ed pass play. When defenses try to play under the out route with a LB, the crossing receiver can easily find the area vacated by the weakside under defender. If they rol the free safety weak the post adjustment can become a touchdown.

*Note: We give the single receiver quite a bit of freedom in running his “5” route on this pattern. Different “Stem” releases will be used at his discretion. He may, for example, break

the “5” off a Go release or Delete the “5” from an inside stem.

STING: This pattern is always run into a single receiver. It can be away from motion or trips. The split receiver runs a “5” outside route. If the QB

chooses not to throw the out the receiver turns the pattern upfield. The first inside receiver runs an under route and the middle receiver run a seam “9”

and the outside receiver runs and IN route Sting has many simple adjustments. To change the single receiver route simply add the change at the end of the cal .

STING OREGON

Example 7.8

STING FLAG

Example 7.8

*Note: Sting Flag is especial y effective in the plus 20 or Red Zone area. It seems to be easy for the wide receiver to loose his defender, in essence coming off a double pick by the inside receivers. Adding play action with bootleg wil make the timing more effective.

The under receiver will read the defensive coverage and either break the route up field, to the open area, or settle in the under area away from LBers. The receiver running the In route must have patience and wait to let the upfield receiver clear the path before he makes his inside break at about 15 to 17 yards.

Like al our patterns any type of QB action may be used. As well as any formation or motion. Once again Game Plan witch formation, motion, drop, boot etc. that you wil want to run Sting out of each week.

Change it up, keep the defense guessing and this can be an offense all by itself.

STING THROWBACK PATTERNS

Throwing back into Trips can be equal y effective. Throwback routes or patterns are not any more difficult than drop back passes. Most people believe that the QB most possesses a gun for an arm to make the throwback pass. Not true. When the throwback pass is delivered on time with a three step drop it is actually an easier and closer throw than the deep out from the conventional drop back mode.

The throwback to a single receiver running a go or fly route is a different matter. That pass should be thrown Vs man coverage, isolating the DB one on one, and can be a long pass.

STING THROWBACK ALL GO

Example 7.8

STING THROWBACK ALL CURL

Example 7.8

STING THROWBACK DOUBLE PIC

Example 7.8

STING THROWBACK GO

Example 7.8

STING THROWBACK PIC

Example 7.8

STING THROWBACK SWITCH

Example 7.8

STING THROWBACK GAMBLER

A double crossing pattern with the inside receiver breaking at a 10-12 yard depth and the outside receiver breaking at a 16-18 yard depth. GAMBLER

is usual y called in the Trips formation. Change up the route of the inside receiver. Game plan this route based on study of how your opponent has played your team in the past.

Example 7.14

Gambler with a seam “9” as a clear out route.

Example 7.15

G

a

m

b

l

e

r w

i

n

g Switch

GAME ADJUSTMENTS

It is also important to check last years game film Vs a particular opponent. Adjusting patterns slightly to take advantage of a defenses likely style can result in a big game for your QB and have a very demoralizing affect on the opponent.

STING THROWBACK GO, Wing “3”

E

x

a

m

p

l

e 7.11

*Note: For example we faced a team last season that ran the inside defender to the flat if the inside receiver threatened. By doing so the seam was virtual y undefended. The QB should first pump fake to the single receiver on the seam post route.

REVIEW

The Double Slot Pass game can be an entire pass offense. We have chosen to make it only a part of our Flex Slot offense. Because it is only a part of our offense we have not developed it to the extent that either Mouse or June did. However al the double slot passes have been and continue to be a critical part of our offensive game plan.

If you are intrigued by the possibilities of the double slot pass game I would suggest that you get

in touch with either Coach Davis or Coach Jones.

There knowledge far surpasses mine in this area. As a bonus you wil find them both very accommodating and wil ing to share ideas with you. They have both been instrumental in any success we have enjoyed over the years.

Chapter 8

“RUN OFFENSE”

This chapter will deal with the single running back version of the flex slot offense. Al runs will be by the single back. Some teams choose to use motion to involve the wide receivers in the run game.

Of course that is possible, maybe even desirable with certain personnel, but this chapter wil concentrate entirely on the runs involving only the running back.

*Note:In our version of this offense the QB is usually the second running back. With various option plays, QB boots, draws and sweeps from the shotgun it is not uncommon for the good running QB to lead us in rush yards at times over the long season.

In the flex slot offensive system the single back can be numbered either the 2, 5, 6, or 8. All plays with counter action or hand back action are twenty series plays. Al plays that are direct action toward the hole cal ed are fifty series plays. Al sprint action plays are identified by the sixty series, action is away from the hole . Al draw (delay) action plays are from the eighty series.

Therefore, 26 would be a counter action back to the six hole, 56 would be direct ation by the RB at the six hole, 66 would be sprint action left and back to the six hole and 86 would be a straight back draw action cutting back to the six hole, RB enters from backside.

Example 8.1:

COUNTER AT 6

COUNTER 26/27

FS

SS

C

C

B

B

L

R

E

N

E

The Counter play comes off sprint action by the QB. As in all twenty series plays the running back will receive the football in back of the QB and enter from the backside of the hole. Therefore on 26

Counter the QB and RB action will be to the left.

Example 8.2 DIVE AT 6

Down the line dive play, base blocking.

Example 8.3 SPRINT DRAW TRAP AT 6

Off sprint action with in front hand off. Can be blocked either with off guard or off tackle (66-T) as the trapper.

Example 8.4 LEAD DRAW AT 6

A lead draw at the 6 hole, with drop back QB

action.

By using this numbering system it is possible to have many more plays without having to add a term.

For example 56 dive, 56 counter, 56 draw etc. This method makes it very easy to audible into any of the runs.

COUNTER ACTION "2" PLAYS : Al run actions have a Name & number. On counter plays the RB

will always enter the hole from the backside. On even numbered plays he will enter from the left and on odd numbered plays he will enter from the right. It is a backside hand off for the QB.

EXAMPLE 8.5 BUC

A cutback dive off of trap action with base blocking. RB will cut off center’s block.

EXAMPLE 8.6 TRAP

Once again a cutback dive but with trap action and blocking. RB wil cut off guard’s block.

If the defensive end fol ows the pul ing tackle it may be necessary to block the counter by pul ing only one lineman. The number “1” in front of 26 tel s only the off guard to pull. The tackle wil stay home.

Example 8.9 COUNTER (TACKLE ONLY)

A change up is to block counter with the tackle pul ing to trap. A tackle trap always puts a smile on the face of those linemen wearing 70 numbers!

DIRECT ACTION "5" PLAYS

EXAMPLE 8.10 SLAM

Reverse action by the QB. The play is designed to get the bal to the RB as deep in the backfield as possible. RB wil open step, cross over and rol into the hole. Read the defensive reaction and cut to daylight. Shoulders need to be as square as possible to the line of scrimmage when receiving the football.

EXAMPLE 8.11 DIVE

A straight out action by QB designed to get the bal to the RB as deep in the backfield as possible.

RB will open step and slant toward the hole. Read the defensive reaction and cut to daylight. When run correctly the QB wil have to stretch to reach the RB.

*Note: We often use motion towards the play and combo with the OT to ensure a clean attack at the hole.

EXAMPLE 8.12 TOSS

Again a reverse pivot by the QB with a soft toss to the RB who has opened to the hole and giving ground slightly sprints to the parimeter.

SPRINT ACTION "6" PLAYS:

EXAMPLE 8.13 SCISSORS (INSIDE)

A sprint action draw trap. Running back enters under the QB (in front). Make the hole cal at the line of scrimmage. The QB checks the alignment of the defensive tackles. If one or both are aligned wide he will choose the inside trap, if they are aligned inside he should choose the outside trap.

EXAMPLE 8.14 SCISSORS (OUTSIDE)

DRAW ACTION “8” PLAYS

Draw series plays (80’s) all come off three step drop action by the QB. For a right handed QB it requires a hand-back action for all even numbered draws and a frontside handoff for all odd numbered draw plays. The QB should have his head and eyes downfield on the first two steps. The running back must adjust to the QB, waiting for the bal and not hurring or crowding the QB.

EXAMPLE 8.15 DRAW

Linemen wil invite defensive line to the outside.

The center must simulate pass protection for a two count before chasing the linebacker. RB wil run to daylight.

EXAMPLE 8.16 HOT DRAW

On Hot Draw the QB will pump fake on his first step before pul ing the ball down, continuing back toward the running back for the handoff. It is

imperative that the running back show great patience on this play. Under no circumstances should he hurry...wait for the football! Once again the uncovered linemen must simulate pass protection for a two count.

When the defense end plays the trap action by the offensive tackle wel , the lead draw can be a big play. Instead of traping the defensive end, pul him back with the dropping action of the tackle and lead through the hole to the linebacker with the off guard.

EXAMPLE 8.17 LEAD DRAW

LEAD DRAW

FS

SS

C

C

R

B

L

R

E

N

E

Al Draw plays require the exact same action for both the QB and the RB, only the line blocking is different.

EXAMPLE 8.18 DRAW TRAP

DRAW TRAP

FS

SS

C

C

R

B

L

R

E

N

E

Like the inside and outside Scissors play the QB

will read the defensive front from the inside out.

Defensive alignment wil determine which draw trap, inside or outside, he chooses.

EXAMPLE 8.22 COUNTER

EXAMPLE 8.23 SLAM

By reach blocking, most present day terminology cal s this scheme Zone blocking, it is possible to run the Slam play into a six man front with good success.

Many big plays have resulted off cutback action when the defense over pursues to the footbal and the backside defensive end strays too far upfield.

REVIEW

The run offense is a very simple one. Few plays, but with different blocking schemes, from different formations. The Flex Slot may seem like a pass only offense to observers. However, the running attack has always been sound and complimentary. It is not uncommon, at seasons end, for the pass yardage and the run yardage to be nearly equal.

Chapter 9

“OPTION and SHOVEL”

Over the years the speed option has been our most effective option play. Some years the veer has been excel ent. Recently the bel y option has been very good to us. We have combined al three schemes into our option offensive package.

Pitch Fundamentals

The speed option, veer option or bel y option are al different in both theory and execution. However the pitch is fundamental y the same on al option plays. Use the flip pitch with the thumb underneath the football at the point of release. Settle with the butt down when making the pitch. Attack the inside shoulder of the player being optioned. Step toward the pitch man when making the pitch with the weight on the heels. All teen numbers are option plays: Bob

14/15 = Belly Give or Keep

14/15 = Veer Option

16/17 = speed Option

Al ninety numbers are QB keep plays; 94/95 =

QB Keep, Sweep, Counter or Option.

*Note: Bob equals big on big or base blocking.

Therefore Bob 14 would be veer action by the QB and RB with base blocking.

The option game begins with the Bel y play. The QB and RB will mesh over the playside guard. The aiming point for RB is the crack of the OG’s butt. QB

should set the football into the bel y of RB and ride forward while steping toward the hole. The RB wil adjust his alignment either forward or deeper depending on his speed. It is important that the mesh occurs on the first step of the QB

Example 9.1 Belly Give The Bel y Keep play has proven to be our most productive run play. It began as strictly a short yardage play but for some reason it has provided many big yardage plays and always is a consistant gainer. The QB and RB wil mesh at the same point, the OL will block big on big (Bob) and the QB wil keep the football and slide to the open area. Most often the QB wil find that open area to be back away from the RB dive angle. He should resist the temptation to sprint around the RB to the outside, the play very seldom works if that happens. Patience is

indeed a virture with this play. Slow down and pick the hole as it appears.

Example 9.2 Bel y Keep

Next is the old Bel y Option play with a twist.

Same action by QB and RB. Line Bob blocks and RB will hunt up nearest LB. QB make a good ride, don’t be in a hurry, pul the footbal and run around the OT block on the DE and option the strong safety.

In the old days the pitch back was a jump motion slot but we have had some success with the wide receiver being the pitch man. What began as a crazy idea has turned into a sound and exciting footbal option. The key for the WR is to time his inside move to arrive at the pitch point just as does the QB. The outside break by the slot (W or Y) will usually cause a retreat by the strong safety. By the time he reacts to run the QB has had time to read his action easily.

Most opposing coaches at first think this is a spur of the moment accident by the QB but when executed properly it can be a both exciting and productive. In realilty does it make any difference from where the pitch man comes from? Traditionalist probably would say Yes. Think about it. The important thing is that the pitch man be in the proper pitch alignment. It is NOT which direction he came from.

Example 9.3 Bel y Option - with pitch .

*Note: Run this from the Deuce Bunch formation. It widens the strong safety and gives the QB more time to read his action.

The same bel y action is used on the Veer play.

The difference is the Veer blocking by the OT.

Widen both tackles to create more space and not

give away which direction the play is coming.

Because the defensive ends usual y play outside the offensive tackle, and get wider as the game progresses, the Veer has become mostly a give play.

It is often cal ed as an audible when the defensive ends align so far outside the veer becomes a gift.

Example 9.4 Veer - A true read veer, with no pitch back.

The Veer is either a give or keep by the QB.

Again block the inside receivers out and bring the outside receiver inside.

A nice compliment to the bel y action plays is the QB counter. With a good running QB this can be an excel ent counter. Example 9.5 QB counter trap

Add the option to the end and this play can become the companion to bel y option only with mis direction.

Example 9.6 QB counter trap Option

The speed option is the easiest option to excute.

Have the QB take a two step drop to simulate quick

pass first. This allows the RB to get out in front and can give the defense a false pass read for a split second.

Example 9.7 Speed Option

Away from trips pulling the OT as a lead blocker can provide ample protection for the RB and keep the defense from overloading on the strong side.

Example 9.8 Stub Option- Lead Option with tackle pul

With motion the speed option can be very effective. Using Check With Me mechanics the QB

can make the defense wrong al the time. If the backside force (safety, nickle or LB) runs with the motion use the audible for opposite and run the play to the short side.

Example 9.10 C.W.M. Vs COVER 0 (MAN)

When the defense rotates into zone run it to the strong side.

Example 9.11 C.W.M. OPTION: - Vs ZONE

*Note: Cal the direction in the gather, towards motion. Mechanics wil be Red 16 or Oscar (HOT name to change direction of play) Check With Me. Say nothing at Line of Scrimmage if defense rotates to Zone. Cal Oscar if defense runs with motion.

The option from the Gun:

Example 9.12

OPTION 16/17

FS

SS

C

C

L

B

B

R

E

N

E

If the SS causes problems with aggressive play, run the gun option from the Trips formation.

Example 9.13

OPTION 16/17

FS

SS

C

C

L

B

B

R

E

N

E

SHOVEL PASS:

The shovel pass has been an important part of our offense from its inception. It amounts to an upside down option play and/or a misdirection option.

We use the HOT name PETE or PETER to signify shovel from play action and SALLY for upside down option with a trailer. For play action use the appropriate play numbers for the backfield action.

PETE indicates that a running back is the shovel option and PETER indicates that a wing back is the shovel option. RB is the shovel option on most SALLY shovels.

The offensive line treats the misdirection (play action) shovel’s as an option away from the play action. For example Peter 58 is blocked as if it were speed option left (Red 17). It is important to remember the pitch relationship is similar to a regular option. The most important aspect is for the pitch man to remain behind the QB, for the proper angle.

It is also important for the QB to show the ball as early as possible, to draw the DE upfield.

Example 9.14 Toss Action An example of a upside down option play is shovel from the shotgun. It comes off sprint action by the QB. RB is trail pitch man.

Example 9.15

It can be run affectively away from trips when the defense is forced to double the single receiver.

Example 9.16

An effective shovel action play can come off pass action with RB as a decoy pass receiver and the slot (W or Y) becoming the pitch man.

Example 9.17 Ducks Shovel

When the DB’s do a good job of playing option Vs the QB down the line action as is Red 16 or 17

the shovel can be a good alternative. The off the line action by the QB makes an option read nearly impossible for the DB’s.

Example 9.18

A good misdirection shovel comes off sprint action by the QB from the shotgun. Trap block the play by pulling the OT. Red 36 T.

Example 9.19

REVIEW

The option game has been an excellent compliment to the pass game. We have found the shovel option to be easy to execute and a very good addition to the normal option game. One extra advantage to running shovel is that defensive ends tend to put on less of a pass rush when they are concerned about the shovel. It has been our experience that opposing coaches tend to over coach against shovel. It is not uncommon to hear some defensive teams call out on nearly every play...”Watch for the Shovel”. When we hear that we

know the pass rush isn’t going to be very aggressive.

We usual y manage to get away with a shovel or two anyway...much to the defense’s consternation.

Chapter 10

“SCREENS AND TRICKS”

SCREEN PASSES

A variety of actions make up the screen pass package in the flex slot offense. We define them in three categories; speed screen, quick screen and slow screen. Each has its own timing problems therefore we always practice screen passes during the team period. White is the color assigned al screen passes. The play action wil follow normal numbering system.

SPEED SCREENS: The speed screen has a 1

count delay by the linemen involved in the screen action. It is a strike and move action without hesitation.

The first speed screen example comes off toss action by the QB and RB making it a mis-direction screen. Pul the playside OT and OG. The OT wil

kick out the first defender and the OG will seal back inside. Run it into a Deuce or Bunch formation.

Example 10.1 Toss Screen

The second speed screen comes off sprint action. It is a three step drop throwback action which can be run from under center or in the shotgun.

Example 10.2

QUICK SCREENS: The quick screen has a 2

count delay by the linemen involved in the screen action.

The first quick screen action is off sprint. This is the old “Run and Shoot” screen that Mouse Davis made a living off of at Portland State. It takes advantage of a speed rush by the defensive end and could be called a slip screen as the RB slips by the DE after tag blocking. (Tag the DE with a one-blow block and slip inside, looking immediately for the footbal ).

Example: 10.3

The second speed screen comes off a three step drop action by the QB. Pump fake away from the intended screen side, while retreating after the third step.

Example: 10.4

The Slow Screen has a 3 count delay by the linemen involved in the screen action. Usual y run with some kind on play action.

Example: 10.5 Draw Action

TRICKS

Gimmicks or trick plays will offend the footbal purist, but they can produce an unexpected big play that may be a game breaker. We have a lot of fun with our gimmick plays and they fit nicely into our name-color-number LOS terminology . By mixing and matching names and colors all kinds of tricks are easily integrated into the offense. As mentioned in chapter 1 we have HOT names that trigger certain actions. Special Plays are no different. For Example, The name Ralph is used for reverse.

Therefore Ralph Red 58 becomes Toss right-reverse left. The name Fred is used for fake reverse. Fred Red 58 becomes Toss right-fake reverse. Following are a number of Gimmicks and Special Plays that may some day help you win a game.

They can work for you just as wel off the field. A couple of years ago we opened the season against a team that had been very vocal about our program.

"It's a high school program. You can't do it that way.

It's a fluke." etc. etc. etc. We had reached the team portion of pregame warm up when our opponents finished and passed by our side of the field on the way to the locker room. Their coaching staff, al fourteen of them dressed in matching splendor, stopped to watch our session with arrogant and contemptable stares. I might add here that in the previous year we had gained over 500 yards in the first half on our way to a very lopsided win over this same team, with our “high school” offense. So we

gave the non-believers a show. Quickly we abandoned our usual basic routine and ran a series of Gimmick plays, much to our players delight and our opponent’s disgust. We scored four touchdowns in the first quarter, al on gimmick plays , with four different players throwing passes and went on to another route of our disbelieving opponent. The following season before our game, I am told, they took one entire practice to work against gimmick plays.

I tell this story for two reasons. First, coach your own team. Don't be critical about something you know nothing about. If you can not or wil not dare to be different don't criticize those who will. Second, special and Trick plays can work for you in many ways and not all of them are on the field on game day.

We will follow a logical sequence in showing you these Tricks and Special Plays. Beginning with RB

or W/Y throwing the football off play action, fol owed by reverse and fake reverse action passes and other unique plays.

RB & W/Y PLAY ACTION PASSES:

By using different colors we can make any action into a pass. It is easiest to have a standard pattern to use with gimmick pass plays, but any pattern will work. Examples may be shown with a pattern called or with the 'Standard Pattern' which

has a primary receiver, designated #1, an under receiver, designated #2 and a clear out or “Late”

receiver when possible.

The first trick play begins identical y as does the Red Toss. No linemen can go downfield, however uncovered linemen should use a scoop block technique to disguise the play as long as possible.

The QB wil be responsible for the most dangerous man (M.D.M.) on the backside of the play. The bal carrier must make a good run fake before pulling up to throw. The front side WR's will stalk block for a count of two before breaking upfield on their routes.

Example 10.6 Toss Pass

Play Action with the option is a good trick as well.

Unlike the regular option play when the DE is left unblocked, use a Bob block for play action.

Uncovered linemen will use a scoop technique to

keep from crossing the LOS and to help disguise the play. The QB and RB execute the option of the DE, pitching the footbal as late as possible. RB should again fake the run before preparing to pass. The WR's wil either execute the standard Play Action pattern or a called pattern after their two count stalk block.

Example 10.7 Option Pass

REVERSE RUNS:

The players to the side of the play action wil block as though the sweep, toss or option is being run. Some adjustments are necessary for the play action backside or reverse side blocking schemes.

The reverse side split receiver wil come off the LOS slowly and spy the first LBer inside. When the

LBer recognizes the reverse and begins his pursuit angle the split receiver should be in position to block him.

The reverse side OT wil release inside the DE

as though heading up field, spin to the outside and circle back across the LOS waiting for the DE to pursue the footbal back in his direction. Block the DE when he turns. If the DE fails to recognize the reverse soon enough and is no factor in the play, turn and lead the bal carrier up field.

On Toss Reverse the QB should throttle down after making the pitch and turn his attention to the first dangerous defensive man on the reverse side, making sure not to begin his lead blocking assignment too soon.

Example 10.8 Toss Reverse

*Note: When the reverse is coming back from the 2 receiver side, wheather it be run or pass, we wil designate in the game

plan which of the two split receivers wil be involved in the reverse. This can and wil change game by game as will the formation.

Bob block with the frontside linemen to ensusre proper timing on the pitch to the reverse receiver.

RB must take a deeper release on his option fake to ensure that the WR has room to clear while passing under him. Pul uncovered lineman as a lead blocker.

Example 10.9 Option Reverse

The fake reverse will be blocked exactly as the sweep, toss or option play would be blocked. The split receiver faking the reverse should cal out

"Reverse" as he passes the ball carrier. Although losing a blocker, it is surprising how many times the deception of the fake reverse wil be enough to catch the defense off guard and result in a big play.

Example 10.10 Toss Fake Reverse

REVERSE PASSES:

Reverse passes take a long time to develop therefore blocking must be held longer and the WR's must hold thier fake much longer than in regular play action passes. Practice these plays in a team setting to help work out the timing necessary to make the plays successful.

Example 10.11 Toss Reverse Pass

The term “Flea Flicker” signifies a lateral back to the QB. Therefore Toss Reverse with “Flea Flicker”

added will result in a Black cal and the QB throwing.

Example 10.12

Another good reverse pass comes off option action.

Example 1 0 . 1 3 O p t i o n R e v e r s e P a s s

*Note: Although these plays are slow in developing, many times seven blockers wil provide enough protection to ensure the pass will be thrown. Quite often the defensive

players are so confused as to direction they tend to freeze long enough to get the pass off even without maximum protection.

Add the letter "Q" to designate the reverse pass to be thrown back to the QB. Have the QB pause slightly until the WR has cleared from the sideline area. Often this play will break wide open.

Example 10.14

*Note: in col ege rules it is illegal for the QB to catch a forward pass after lining up under center, therefore we only use this play from the

"Gun".

A goal line variation RB throwing back to the QB

without the reverse action.

Example 10.15

The letter "R” designates the reverse pass to be thrown back to “R” or “RB”. Just like throwing back to Q have R pause to let the WR clear out the sideline area.

Example 10.16

FLEA FLICKER AND SPECIAL PLAYS: Another special play that has been a favorite is the "Flea Flicker".

Black signifies play action with the QB throwing.

Black 54 therefore would indicate faking "Slam" right before throwing. By adding "Flea Flicker" R knows he wil receive the hand off and lateral back to the QB.

The center and OG should ensure A and B gap on the play action side. R is responsible for MAC or any loose defensive players after tossing the footbal back to the QB. The QB should get a "best located corner" read prior to the snap for his primary receiver.

Example 10.17

Add a descriptive word, such as Double to indicate double pass, or the word "Special" to indicate a wrinkle put into a play that cannot be cal ed using the terminology in the normal system.

Double passes fal into that category.

A favorite double pass comes off a play action pass with a quick Drift route to the inside slot (W) This play is cal ed Black 56 block when thrown to the right

Example 10.18

Sometimes we will pul the play side tackle, especial y if the tackle can run, making this more of a speed screen play. Black 56 Block T, indicating Tackle pul ing. The running back wil tag the DE.

Example 10.19

*Note: If the DE chases the tackle an excel ent finess play is to cal

Red 56 T, pul ing the OT and giving the ball to the RB.

Using motion can improve the angle for both the QB throwing and for the Wing establishing his position slightly in back of the offensive tackle. He should cut his motor on the snap and stay in back of the pul ing tackle.

Example 10.20

When thrown to the left, for a right handed QB, we usual y use play action away. For example Veer action; or sometimes toss action.

Example 10.21 Once again pul the OT to make it a s c r e e n p l a y . ( B l a c k 1 4 B l o c k T ) Of course it is also possible to use play action to the left. Over the course of a season we usual y use both action away and action towards the play.

Example 10.22

The double pass is called simply by adding the word “Double” to the end of the cal .

Example 10.23

*Note: It is the responsibility of W to gain enough depth to be behind the QB as this pass must be backward.

Another favorite Double pass comes off the speed screen play, either with toss or sprint action by the QB. Example 10.24 Speed Screen Double

*Note: Pul the tackle on this play to protect the passer and to

further disguise

the play.

REVIEW

Use al these plays from any place on the field.

They will prove to be effective offensive weapons, will give defensive co-ordinators nightmares, and maybe most important be a lot of fun for your kids.

Coaches often ask, "How can anyone practice al that crap"? The answer is simple, by using the terminology system it not only becomes elementary and logical to introduce but easy to practice.

Practice al gimmick plays the day before the game, in a ten minute period.

The extra ten minutes of practice will have surprising positive effect and can work in your favor in an exciting and dynamic way.

EPILOGUE

This was my opportunity to sell you my philosophy. I hope I succeeded. You will of course have to bear up to all the “experts” saying “You can’t do it that way”. These experts are usually people who have never played a down. Sometimes they coached one year of Pop Warner before being run out of dodge for impersonating Vince Lombardi, or got fired for going 1 and 52 and moved up to Athletic Director or Principal or Superintendent. You’ll have to stand up to these people. No one who never did a damn thing, or was extremely unsuccessful or very mediocre wants you to succeed. Especially if you have the audacity to do it “Different” than they did.

I really only have one goal in coaching. Simply, At the end of a practice, a season or a career I want all my players to be able to look me in the eye and say,

“That was Fun, I’d do it again in a minute”!

While coaching in the USFL I made some statements to the local media about the hours coaches accumulated. The owner, a ga-zillion-air from New Orleans, took offense. The first time I met the man he greeted me with “You’re the coach who doesn’t like to work!” He of course said this as he was getting into his limo for a four hour, five martini lunch. He’s the same guy who ran out on the last month’s payroll leaving countless coaches, office personnel, front office people and numerous staff members without an earned paycheck. Nice guy!

It is true that I don’t like putting in quanity time.

I would much rather put in quality time. Much like my

European friends I’m not afraid to walk away from the job when it becomes overbearing. If I’m excited about my work it will be cost efficient and the time will be productive. In my humble opinion, if hours are accumulated to impress the owner, the boss, the Forman, the AD, the President, the Principal etc. you are buying into a phoney idea of work ethic. I’ll be damned if I’ll do it, no matter what the consequences.

If I have to impress people by their standards I’ll find someone intelligent to work with and for, thank you.

If your method of coaching involves long hours for yourself, staff and players and you are winning, don’t change a thing. However,if you are no longer enjoying coaching, if you aren’t winning or have stopped winning after many years of success, it might be time to take a different approach. I hope I have given you enough ammunition to begin the walk down a new and exciting path.

I’ve had a great coaching life and an even greater life. I’ve seen the sun rise and fall on the Grand Canyon; climbed the Eiffel Tower; listened to Jazz at the French Quarter; traveled the mountain roads in the Alps; thrilled to the spectacle at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby; stood at the Parthanon overlooking Athens; watched the Masters at Augusta; listened spellbound to Riccardo Muti direct the Vienna philharmonic; enjoyed the thrill of baseball at Fenway and at Yankee stadium; looked for the monster at Loch Ness; awoke after six hours of open heart surgery to fix a faulty aortic valve; shot at and missed jack rabbits in eastern Oregon; sailed the San Juan Islands; walked the fairways at St. Andrews; enjoyed Shakespeare in southern Oregon; kissed the Blarney Stone and made friends all over the world. I relate this

not to impress you but to impress upon you that I did all this, and more, and still found time to win 80% of over 200 football games...the message, I hope, is clear.

Football is a game. Keep it in its proper perspective.

It is a game that too many make too difficult.

Football is an easy game. Make ten yards and you keep the fooball. Cross the last line and you get six points. Tackle the guy with the ball and they give it back to you. Don’t complicate it with barriers needlessly put in front of your players or coaches.

Don’t be afraid to be different. Learn from others but don’t be afraid to ask those two questions, Is it Right or Wrong, Good or Bad for Us?

A long time ago, as a young assistant coach, while scouting a future opponent I overheard two women sitting in front of me discussing the game in progress.

One asked the other about the “Fair Catch” that one of the teams had just executed. Here is what the lady had to say. “When that boy waived his hand in the air, he was saying...I promise not to run with it, if you promise not to tackle me”. Football is just that simple!

This offense has worked for a long time. We won games when we didn’t have big, strong physical linemen. We won Championships when we did. Two different times I took this offense to schools that hadn’t won in years. Both times we used finess, trickery and creativity to keep the boat afloat and won Championships in our second year! The system works!

The philosophy works! Try it, you may like it! I firmly believe if you follow the principals I have described for you with conviction the result will be more wins, more free time and mostly you will be

much happier and so will your players, your assistant coaches and wives! Good luck.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

EPILOGUE

Chapter 8