Xs and Os: Basic Offense

receiving the ball and running straight forward into the A-gap (the gaps between the center and either guard).  Typically the full back will run ahead and serve as the lead blocker, though dive plays can be run out of formations without full backs.

Power - a power run consists of an angled exchange between the quarterback and half back, leading the half back into a route towards either the B-gap (gap between a guard and a tackle) or the C-gap (between a tackle and a tight end).  There is typically a full back as the lead blocker (but again not necessary), and there is always a pulling guard from the backside (the side where the play is not developing, opposing the playside).  "Pulling" refers to a player leaving his usual post to block elsewhere.  This is one of the most common run plays in football.

Counter - a counter run starts like a power run, but after the half back takes one or two steps in one direction, he cuts to the opposite direction.  The counter technique can be applied to more than just the power run, but is most commonly so.  It is designed to trick linebackers to start moving to one side, only to be delayed in recognizing and reaching the true play side.

Dotted lines denote toss

Sweep - a sweep refers to the direction of the running route and can be run several different ways.  The route moves directly outwards towards the sideline and curves up towards the endzone, beyond the tackles.  There are 3 basic sweeps: Toss, QB, and jet.  A toss sweep, the most popular, usually run out of an Ace or I-formation, involves the quarterback turn around and toss the football back to the half back as he begins running the sweep route.

A QB sweep is a sweep patter ran by the quarterback himself.  It can be run out of almost any formation and is popular in the spread option style where quarterbacks are typically mobile.  The jet sweep has the backside slot receiver in motion before the snap towards the quarterback.  The ball is snapped as the receiver is close and immediately handed off to the receiver who is already at near top speed.  This is a great way to get the ball quickly to the outside, before the majority of the defense can react.

Green denotes pre-snap motion

The jet sweep is also ran effectively from a empty backfield set, where the quarterback is alone in the backfield and the defense does not expect a run play without a running back on the field.





FB run - a full back run refers to any run play where the full back is the designated ballcarrier (excluding the option).  This is typically ran out of the I-formation but again can be run from where ever there's a full back.  The play sacrifices a lead blocker but gains an element of surprise.  The fullback is much closer to the line of scrimmage and so the play takes off in less than half the time as a conventional dive play.  Also, full backs are typically larger and stronger than half backs and can push through defenses.  Some instances have the full back actually switch to the half back position for extra momentum on short yardage situations (see Mike Alstott).

QB sneak - a run designed for the quarterback from under center.  As the name implies, the play is sneaky.  From under center, the quarterback wastes no time to hand the ball off to anyone and immediately starts forward progress.  This play is fairly commonly used in very short yardage situations (inches).  Most of the responsibility actually lies with the center and the two guards to push the defense enough for the quarterback to get the ball passed the first down marker, inches away.

Draw - a draw is any type of run that is first disguised as a pass.  The key in recognizing (and executing) a draw is a delayed hand-off.  The quarterback will take his drop into the pocket as if looking for receivers, but then hand the ball off.  Draws can be made out of almost all conventional run plays where the quarterback can at least appear to be passing.  In offenses with mobile quarterbacks, the quarterback himself can run the ball in a QB draw.  Draws are a way to open up running lanes by "drawing" linebackers back into coverage as they expect a pass.


Passing Plays


Passing plays are nothing but a combination of different parts: formation/personnel, routes, and protection.  Each formation puts a different number of receivers in different places on the field.  Formations can put together a different combination of wide receivers, tight ends, full backs, and half backs, but all of these are eligible receivers.  Each runs a different route that is predetermined, and the quarterback has a "progression" of receivers he will try to throw too on each play.  A half back or full back might run a short route and wait as a last resort, called a "checkdown".  Alternatively, the half back or full back, or both, may stay in the pocket to help the offensive line block for the quarterback, which is referred to as "max protect".  I intend on delving into formations later on, so for now let's look at some common routes.

Slant - a slant route is one of the more common patterns.  It has the receiver run directly at a 45 degree (or less) angle from the line of scrimmage.  Slants may be towards the center of the field or away.

Hitch/comeback/curl/hook - these are a group of routes that are all fairly similar.  Each has the receiver run straight forward (towards the endzone), stops, and turns around to make the catch.  Hitch routes are shorter (two or three steps before turning) while curls and hooks are longer (four or five yards).  These are common checkdown routes.

* From the right side of the field (slot or Z receiver)

Go/fly/seam - a go route has the receiver go in a straight line directly towards the endzone.  Hail Mary plays consist of four or five of these.

Post - a post route begins like a go route but cuts into an angle towards the center of the field (the goal post).

Corner - a corner route is the opposite of a post route where it begins like a go route straight forward but cuts in an angle towards the sidelines.

Drag/in - a drag or an in route has the receiver take a few steps forward and then cut at a 90 degree angle towards the center of the field.

Out - an out route is the opposite of a drag route, where the receiver will take a few steps and then cut 90 degrees towards the sidelines.

Flat - a flat route is ran exclusively by running backs that start near the quarterback, and run directly towards the sidelines.  Flat routes may be flat or slanted.  They can also be used for a lateral pass that won't count as a forward pass, allowing the receiver to then make a forward pass himself, which is considered a trick play.

Wheel - a wheel route is also usually ran out of the backfield (though less commonly also by wide receivers).  It starts as a flat route that cuts 90 degrees towards the endzone.

Sluggo - a sluggo route is a "slant and go".  After the receiver makes his initial slant cut, he makes another cut into a go route to shake off his defender.

These routes combine with formations to form specific passing plays, like "all slants" or "double sluggo".


Unconventional Passing


Play-action pass - play-action passes are like draw runs but reversed.  They are passes disguised as runs.  The quarterback will fake a hand-off with a running back, who will fake "running the ball".  The quarterback then resets himself into the pocket and makes his pass.  Most passing plays can be made into a play-action pass with the addition of the running fake.  It has its advantages and disadvantages.  Play-action passes take much longer to develop and requires the quarterback to read his progression much quicker since the play has been in motion for some time before he sets in the pocket.  This extra time also makes the quarterback more susceptible to pressure and sacks.  If executed well, its advantages outweigh these.  Defenses first need to recognize the play as a run or pass.  If fooled into a run, they might forget their coverage assignments and pursue the ball carrier, leaving receivers wide open.  Even a small hesitation by linebackers or cornerbacks can be exploited by an experienced quarterback.

Flea-flicker - the flea-flicker is a more extreme play-action pass.  In a flea-flicker, the quarterback will actually hand off the ball to a running back, who will then take a step or two with the ball, stop, turn around, and toss it back to the quarterback, who then makes a pass.  The flea-flicker is rare because it shares the same advantages and disadvantages of the play-action pass, but amplified; high risk, high reward.

Andrew Luck on a simple flea-flicker

Screen pass - a screen pass is a specially designed pass.  As I mentioned earlier, on a pass play, the quarterback goes through a progression of potential receivers.  Screen passes are designed with one receiver in mind, and moves other players around him to block for after the catch.  There are several types of screen passes but two I want to focus on.

Bubble screen - a bubble screen is thrown to an outside reciever (X or Z) as makes a "bubble" route behind and around the slot receiver.  It can also be thrown to a slot receiver as he makes a bubble route around the outside receiver.  The other receiver serves as his lead blocker.

Notice the pulling linemen

Slip screen - a slip screen is the most common screen pass.  Three offensive linemen (center and guards) will block for only a moment, leave their assignments and move the pocket towards a sideline with a running back following.  The quarterback is left alone and typically finds himself backing up several yards as the unblocked defensive linemen pursue.  Once the "side pocket" is formed and clear of defenders, the quarterback makes the easy pass to the running back, who now has several blockers ahead of him.  It takes very experienced defensive linemen to recognize this play as it develops and react appropriately.


Bootleg - the bootleg is really both a run and a pass play.  The bootleg refers to the route ran by a quarterback on certain play-action passes.  It begins with the normal fake hand off but instead of setting himself in the pocket, the quarterback will look for receivers in a run towards the sidelines (concealing the ball behind his hip like a bootlegger).  A half back or full back might serve as his lead blocker for protection or if the quarterback decides to tuck the ball and run it himself.  If no blocker accompanies him, it is called a "naked bootleg".  Several conventional running plays will have the quarterback run the bootleg route without the ball anyway to try to confuse the defense and to set up the bootleg play-action.  Bootleg passing and running are integral components in several offensive philosophies.

 

Peyton Manning on a bootleg keep

Xs and Os: Offensive Positions

by Arnaldo

This blog plans to have an "Xs and Os" series ofposts giving you an elementary approach to a certain topic, and graduallybecome more and more in depth.  They'llbe tagged "Xs and Os" so if you plan on studying up just type thatinto the search bar.

Thanks to our first request, this lesson plans to break downall offensive positions, their typical player size, and their function.

Let's begin with breaking down the sections of theoffense.  There are essentially two: theoffensive line, and the skill positions. I never liked the term skill positions because I truthfully believegames are won in the trenches and the offensive line is often more valuable.

The offensive line breaks down into 5 players of 3 positions.  They are tackles, guards, and a center.  The center lines up where the ball isplaced.  He is surrounded on either sideby a guard, who is then followed by a tackle. The five linemen have essentially the same function after the ball issnapped (by the center).  This may soundsimple but it requires a lot of focus and quick reflexes.  On run plays, they run block by pushingforward (or in a predetermined direction/fashion) and leading the ball carrier,and on pass plays they back up and form a "pocket" around the quarterback"pass blocking" the defender sent in to rush the Quarterback.

The center has the added responsibility of calling theoffensive line block schemes.  This meanshe's telling the rest of the line who to block and in which way, depending onwhere the defense lines up (unlike the offensive line, the defense can line uphowever they like).

Quarterback.  Thequarterback's chief job is to pass the ball to any of the other skillpositions.  Note that the offensive linemenare considered ineligible receivers, unless they line up in a differentposition and there are 5 other linemen as usual.  Also note that football allows one forwardpass per play, which is why those rare double pass plays requires the first oneto be backwards.  The quarterback alsolines up in one of three positions: under center, shotgun, or pistol.  Under center is pretty self-explanatory,where he is right behind the center reaching under his legs close to theball.  The shotgun is the other mostcommon position where the quarterback stands a few yards behind thecenter.  This has its benefits and risks(high or fumbled snaps).  The pistol(rare nowadays) is about halfway between the center and the shotgunposition.  The quarterback also calls thesnap count, hands the ball off on running plays, occasionally becomes a ballcarrier on option plays (we'll get to these later), and calls audibles (on thespot change of play) if he sees the defense is lined up in an unfavorable way.  Quarterbacks vary in size depending on theirrole but they are usually not welcomed in the NFL if they are not at least 6feet tall (see Chris Leak).  Strictpocket passers may look like they don't play football at all by just looking atthem (see Eli Manning, Tony Romo). Scramblers are usually more athletic whether it be built for speed (seeMichael Vick), strength (see Ben Rothlisberger), or both (see Tim Tebow, AaronRodgers).

Running backs.  The termrunning back covers several roles but mainly describes the half back/tail backor rare h-back.  Sometimes the fullbackwill be lumped in there if he's utilized as a ball carrier.  Running backs line up in several differentpositions in the backfield and don't always run the ball.  On passing plays they either help theoffensive line protect the quarterback (this is referred to as max protect) orthey may run a short route and be what's called a check-down or dump-offoption.  If the quarterback can't find anopen receiver, he'll throw to the check-down. They vary in size from the smallest players on the field if they're fast(see Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps) to fairly large and strong (see TrentRichardson or LeGarrette Blount).

Fullbacks.  Thefullback is a dying breed, more so in college football.  Some teams literally don't have one, and usea tight end or an undersized back-up tackle when they need a fullback.  He's physically something between a tight endand a lineman and are only really used in the I formation and variations of theI.  Lined up in front of the half back,he serves as his lead blocker.  Thismeans instead of having a predetermined defensive player to block, he will runthe half backs route ahead of him and block whomever gets in his way.  He is rarely handed the ball but athleticfull backs may become surprise receivers and ball carriers.  Loyal Tampa Bay fans will remember the successwe had running Mike Alstott in short yardage situations (and in regular yardagesituations line up at tail back) and Gator fans should recall the most recentFSU game where Hunter Joyer had some huge plays.

Wide receivers.  Thewide receivers line up on various positions on either side of the offensiveline.  They run a predetermined route andbecome a throwing option.  I feel thatpart is pretty self-explanatory.  Whatyou need to wide receivers are their positions on the field.  There are several.  Typically, the most skilled receiver lines upin the X position on the far left side of the field.  The second will go to the Z position on theopposite end.  These outside receiversare typically tall.  Most formations haveroom for at least 3 receivers.  The thirdlines up between either the X or the Z and the offensive line.  He used to be referred to as the split endbut is now commonly known as the Y receiver or slot receiver, they could be thesame size as X and Ys but small shifty receivers find success here too (see WesWelker).  There are formations that willhave up to 5 wide receivers, especially in a spread scheme.

Tight Ends. Tight ends line up tight against the end of theoffensive line, see how that works? They are used as mobile blockers on runplays like fullbacks, but are also used as receivers.  Tight ends vary in size.  They  canapproach the size of a fullback, or as thin as a wide receiver.  Typically their routes are short and aredesigned as a match-up problem for defenses. They should be strong enough to earn several yards after catch (YAC), orquick enough to outrun linebackers.  Anambiguously sized tight end can be a match-up nightmare for defenses (see AaronHernandez).