2009 Youth Spread Rev2[1] (1)

ContentsBasics of the Youth Spread 1Spread 'Em and Shred 'Em 2Offensive Plays 3Base Formation 4Player Selection 5Blocking Scheme 6Play Cues 7Motion 8Calling a Run Play 9Adding Motion to the Play Call 10Calling a Pass Play 11QB/FB Exchange Technique 12QB "FOLLOW" Technique 13Formations and Using Motion 14Base Formation Variations 15Trips Formations 16Empty Backfield 17Power Formations 18Using Motion 19Base Running Game 20Base FB Trap Play 21FB Trap Play Variations 22QB Keep and QB Follow 23QB Keep and Follow Variations 24QB Read 25Making Adjustments 26Reading and Adjusting to Defensive Tendencies 27Reading and Adjustments, cont. 28Adjustments vs. 5-2 29Adjustments vs. 4-4 30Adjustments vs. 6-2 31Adjustments vs. the 4-3 32Forcing the 4-3 to Re-align 33Forcing the 4-3 to Re-align cont. 34H Trap and H Trap Follow vs.4-3 35Jet Series 36Jet Sweep 37Jet Lead Sweep 38Jet Reverse 39Jet Trap 40

Jet Trap and Jet Trap Keep 41Jet Flood Right 42Power Series and JV Offense 43Power Formations 44FB Power 45Jet Sweep 46Tackle Trap (counter) 47Power Pass 48Wedge 49Wedge Pass 50Passing 51The Flood Pass 52FB Bubble Screen Pass 53H Bubble Screen Pass 54Play Action Screen Pass 55Screen Passes- Left and Right 56Screen Passes- Middle Screen 57Other Screens 58Installing The System 59Base Run/Pass Package 60Longhorn Defense 61

Basics of the Youth Spread

The Nuts and Bolts of theSystem

1

Spread 'Em and Shred 'Em

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

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

www.youthfootballguru.com

The basic premise of Spread is to take most of the defense's best players out of the "box" to gain anumbers advantage and then attack with a running game focused primarily on the QB and FB. Withmotion calls there is also a JET package for sweeps, to create misdirection or to pull a defendercovering the motion back out of an area of the field we want to attack. Basically the offense just runsthe defense all over the field!! I am impressed with the fact they have put the system together basedon what youth defensive players are capable of doing and what they are most often coached to do.

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

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

As with the DC Wing T, the offense depends on the whole coaching staff being involved to recognizehow key defensive players are reacting. Who is the LB trying to read to decide which direction toflow? Are DE's boxing or squeezing to stop the Tackle Trap? Where do we have a mismatch on acover corner or LB? At what point have pass cover defenders stopped covering receivers and go toplaying run support first?

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

2

Offensive Plays

What follows are some plays replicated from the DVD's "Chalk Board " illustrations so you get anidea of how it looks. Their terminology is not always clearly identified so I have taken a little liberty buthave't changed anything structurally.

Part of the simplicity of the system is the limited number of plays contained in it. Most if not all can beeasily run to both sides and with formation variations, it poses a real problem for defenses to manage.The thing to remember is that this is primarily a running offense.

The basic running plays from the Spread Formations are:

1. FB Trap2. QB Trap Keep3. QB Trap Lead (FB is leading)4. QB Read (Optional)5. Jet Sweep (H or Z Back is carrying)6. Jet Reverse

The passing plays from the Spread Formations are:

1. Flood Pass2. Bubble Screen3. Basic Screen Left/Right4. Middle Screen5. Under Screen6. Flat Screen

The plays from the Power Formation are:1. Off Tackle Power (FB)2. Tackle Trap (Counter)to the weakside (Z Back carrying)3. Flood Pass4. Wedge5. Wedge Pass

3

Base Formation

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Eagle

1. The QB is 6 to 7 yards deep with the FB to the right and 1 to 2 steps deeper.2. The SE's are X and Y and they are wide...how wide is flexible based the throwing range of the QBand field position. On a field with hash marks with the ball spotted on the right hash, X would behalfway between the left hash and the left sideline. Y would be on the right sideline.3. The Slots are about halfway between the SE and the Tackle.4. Line splits are about a foot but can be more or less depending the players ability to cover theirinside gap.

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

Only the 4-3 creates a problem but it too is controlled by formation adjustment by adding a TEto the LOS.

4

Player Selection

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quarterback Best overall athlete. Smart, at least average passer and tough because he will be the#2 ball carrier.

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

5

Blocking Scheme

G RT

ZH

GLTX Y

QF

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FSBase running play to the left

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

1. For linemen...if the play is going to the left and if there is no defender ON then you are blockingdown to your GAP to the right...opposite the direction of the play. If there is no defender there thenwe continue to read up to the next level. Both Tackles need to able to pull and trap to theplayside.

2. Whenever a TE is used his rule 1st LB to the inside.

3. Receivers need to be able to stalk block a defender assigned to cover them.

4. Screen plays have a slightly different scheme but it too is pretty simple.

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

And much of the time the O-line doesn't necessarly have to dominate just get a stalemate atthe LOS and the offense can be successful. However, if the O-line technique is good to verygood, the running lane for the ball carrier could be anywhere from Center to Tackle.

6

Play Cues

The system uses a series of CUE words to customize the the play calling. below are the basicadjustments that we would us on a regular basis.

O-Line Backs ReceiversTrap Base blocking- ON-GAP

away from POA. The OTopposite the POA is theTrap blocker...unless"Power" is added to thecall.

FB is the ball carrier andaligns opposite the POA. QBattacks the backside DEafter fake.

Stalk Block

Trap Keep Base blocking-ON-GAP away from POA.

QB is the ball carrier. FBaligns on the same side asthe POA and attacks thebackside DE after fake.

Stalk Block

Trap Follow Base blocking-ON-GAP away from POA.

QB is the ball carrier.FB aligns on the same sideas the POA and leads for theQB thru the POA.

Stalk Block

Trap Read Base blocking-ON-GAP away from POA.

QB reads the backside DEto determine give or keep.FB is the ball carrier andaligns opposite the POA.

Stalk Block

Power Same as Trap...Baseblocking- ON-GAP awayfrom POA.

FB or QB can be the ballcarrier. Alignment rulesabove apply.

H or Z is the Trap blocker.SE stalk block.

Jet Sweep Sweep blocking FB blocks 2nd defender fromoutside.

H or Z is the ball carrier

Reverse Base blocking-ON-GAP away from POA.

QB and FB lead for the ballcarrier.

H and Z handle the ball. Sewill stalk block.

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

FB, H or Z can be thereceiver.

Stalk Block

Bubble Screen Man ON FB is the receiver. Stalk Block

Wedge Wedge blocking FB is the ball carrier Wedge blocking

Speed Speed blocking

Flood Base blocking- ON-GAPaway from POA.

FB is responsible forplayside DE

Flood routes

7

Motion

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C CE

BB B

FS

H Power

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C CE

BB B

FS

Z Power

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C CE

BB B

FS

H Jet

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C CE

BB B

FS

Z Jet

I have expanded the motion game beyond what they talk about on the DVD. Mainly it is to be moreclear for the motion backs whether they are motioning to block..."POWER"...or to carry the ball, getinto a pass route or just be a decoy..."JET"

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

When we tag a play with POWER we are changing the player who will execute the kickout block fromthe Tackle to one of the two Slot receivers. Using their number designations, "H Power" tells the Hback he is going in motion and making the block. "Z Power" tells the Z back he is going in motion andmaking the kickout block.

The other use is to create misdirection or force the defense to move a player or players to cover themotion back. That movement will open up an area of the field for the offense to attack.

8

Calling a Run Play

G RT

ZH

GLTX Y

QF

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Trap Left

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

1. Formation- Eagle...but we don't need to actually call it.2. Motion if any- None in this example3. "Trap Left" where:

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

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

The FB is the designated ball carrier unless the play call includes KEEP or FOLLOW which meansthe QB is the ball carrier.

So the play in diagram 1 would be simply...Trap Left...with the FB carrying.

9

Adding Motion to the Play Call

0 G RT

ZH

GLTX Y

QF

Diagram 1

Z Power Left

The play in diagram 2. would be Z Power Left.

1. Formation- Base...but we don't need to actually call it.2. Motion if any- Z Power tells the Z back he is now making the trap block instead of the RT.3. "Left" where:

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

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

Nothing changes except that the trap block is now executed by the Z Back. There are no otherchanges for the O-line or the QB/FB.This additional versatility should make it more difficult fordefenses to find any consistant keys to the offense.

10

Calling a Pass Play

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

5 and Out

10 and Out

Deep Fade

Diagram 3

H Jet Flood Right

The play in diagram 3 is "H Jet Flood Right"

1. Formation- Base...but we don't need to actually call it.2. Motion if any- H Jet tells the H back he is in motion to the opposite side and running the 5 and outroute.3. "Flood Right" where:

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

B. All receivers run their basic flood route assignments.

11

QB/FB Exchange Technique

0 GGLT RT YX

Q

H

F

Z

Q

E

Pre-snap QB is in a couch

with feet shoulder width apart and hands extended.

Post-snapQB is in a Midlineposition with eyes

on the backside DE.

This is a technique than we taught last year and will simplify the QB's footwork for most plays. It alsomakes it easier for him to run with the ball on called runs.

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

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

On the snap he will take a big counter step away from playside then adjust to get on a downhill pathtoward the POA. Once he is thru the LOS, he needs to be looking for an opportunity to break outsideor cutback inside against an aggressively pursuing defense.

12

QB "FOLLOW" Technique

0 GGLT RT YX

Q

H

F

Z

E

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

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

as he goes by.

13

Formations and Using Motion

Changing the Look of theOffense

14

Base Formation Variations

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

G RT TE

QH F

GLTX

Y

EagleThe base formation has the FB align to the rightof the QB. The play call will determine if the FBstays on the right or moves to the left of the QB.

.PistolFB is 1 to 2 yards behind the QB.

ProMoves H into the backfield and adds a TE to theright. Y is a flanker off the LOS.

15

Trips Formations

G RT

Z

Q

TE

F

GLTX

Y

G RT

Z

Q

TE

F

GLT

X

Y

Trips RightThe TE could be a true TE type with the ability tocatch or H could be moved over to play theposition. F will align to the same side as theTrips. The play call will determine if the FB stayson the right or moves to the left of the QB.Spacing for Z and Y depends on which hash theball is marked on. Y is now off the LOS

Trips LeftThe TE could be a true TE type with the ability tocatch or H could be moved over to play theposition. F will align to the same side as theTrips. The play call will determine if the FB stayson the right or moves to the left of the QB.Spacing for Z and X depends on which hash theball is marked on. X is now off the LOS.

16

Empty Backfield

G RT

Z

Q

HF

GLTX Y

G RT

Z

Q

H F

GLTX Y

G RT

Z

Q

HF

GLT TE Y

2 4

Z/6

Q

TE

F

35X

H

Quad RightUnbalanced formation to the right. The FB isalways the inside receiver. He can be in atraditional 1x1 alignment off the RT or wider.

Quad LeftUnbalanced formation to the left. The FB isalways the inside receiver. He can be in atraditional 1x1 alignment off the RT or wider.

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

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

17

Power Formations

Y TE

H

FB

Z

BLUE

YTE

H

FB

Z

RED

Although this is labeled a Power/Short Yardage formation it can be used anywhere. It has thetraditional QB under Center with two WB's and a FB at about 4 yards in a 3 point stance. The SEreceiver will usually align as wide as possible depending on how far out a defender will follow him. Inother words, If the SE is not thought to be a pass receiving threat then a CB might cheat inside to bemore help against the run. All the base plays can be run from here plus a couple of more that areillustrated later in the POWER SERIES section.

18

Using Motion

2 4

ZH

35

N TTE

C C

E

BB

B

FS

2 4

ZH

35

N TTE

C C

E

BB

B

FS

35

ZH

2 4

NT T E

CC

E

BBB

FS

H Jet Trap Left vs. Man Coverage

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

Z Power Left

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

H Power Right

Now H is the trap blocker and the left tackleblocks the backside DE. No other changes forthe O-Line.Note that the FB has aligned to the leftopposite the POA

19

Base Running Game

The Basis of Everything ElseThat Can Be Done With The

Offense

20

Base FB Trap Play

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

EagleTrap Left

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

Quarterback F H/7 Z/6Midline Step; Handoff toF and attack thebackside DE.

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

Stalk and block Stalk and block

Coaches Notes:The FB Trap play is the base play of the offense and can be run from just about every formationexcept, of course, from an empty backfield set.

21

FB Trap Play Variations

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

EagleTrap Left

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

EagleTrap Right

G RT

Z

Q

TE

F

GLT

X

Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FSTrips Left Trap Left

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX

Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FSTrips Right Trap Right

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Pistol Trap Left

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FSPistol Trap Left

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Eagle Z Power Trap Left

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FSEagle H PowerTrap Right

22

QB Keep and QB Follow

35

ZH

FB

2 4

NT T E

CC

E

BBB

FS

Eagle Trap Right Keep

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

35

FB

2 4

NT T E

CC

E

BB

B

FS

Eagle Trap Right Follow

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

We lead with FB to block him..

23

QB Keep and Follow Variations

35

ZH

FB

2 4

NT T E

CC

E

BBB

FS

Eagle Trap Left Keep

35

ZH

FB

2 4

NT T E

CC

E

BBB

FS

Eagle Trap Right Keep

35TE

H

FB

2 4

NT T E

CC

E

BBB

FS

Trips Left Trap Left Keep

GLT

Z

TE

FB

G RT

NT T E

CC

E

BBB

FS

Trips Right Trap Right Keep

35

ZH

FB

2 4

NT T E

CC

E

BBB

FS

Eagle Trap Left Follow

35

ZH

FB

2 4

NT T E

CC

E

BBB

FS

Eagle Trap Right Follow

35TE

H

FB

2 4

NT T E

CC

E

BBB

FS

Trips Left Trap Left Keep

GLT

Z

TE

FB

G RT

B

TTE

C C

E

BB

B

FS

Trips Right Trap Right Follow

24

QB Read

2 4

Z/6

Q

H/7

F

35X Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Eagle Trap Left Read

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

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

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

Stalk and block Stalk and block

Coaching Point

This is a simple read for the QB to make after he gains a little experience. Once we see the backsideDE chasing the FB we can allow the QB to pull the ball and keep. He should have plenty of openspace to run in.

25

Making Adjustments

Adjusting to the Tendencies ofthe Defense is the Key to

Making the OffenseSuccessful.

26

Reading and Adjusting to Defensive Tendencies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

27

Reading and Adjustments, cont.

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

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

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

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

28

Adjustments vs. 5-2

GLT

ZH

F

G RT YX

NT T E

CC

EB

BBB

Eagle Trap Right vs. 5-2

2 RT

Z

TE

F

3LT

X Y

N TTE E

BB

FS SSC

C

Trips Right Trap Right Keep vs.5-2

35

Z/6H/7

2 4

NT T E

CC

EB

BBB

Eagle Trap Left Follow vs. 5-2

35

Z/6H/7

2 4

NT T E

CC

EB

BBB

Eagle Trap Left Keep vs. 5-2

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

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

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

We also widen the gap between the DT and DE.

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

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

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

29

Adjustments vs. 4-4

35

Z

TE2 4

S

T T E

CC

E

BB

BB

Trips Right Trap Right vs. 4-4

35

Z

TE2 4

S

T T E

CC

EB

BB B

Trips Right Trap Right Follow vs. 4-4

35

Z

TE2 4

S

T T E

CC

EB

BB B

Trips Right Trap Right Keep vs. 4-4

2 4 Z/6

Q

H/7 F

35

X

Y

B

TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Jumbo Right Trap Right Keep vs 4-4

Trips gives us another playside blocker with aTE. By rule we get a doubleteam on the DT andthe TE has the playside LB. The Safety is theonly defender with a chance to make the playand that would be 10 yards downfield.

Trips gives us another playside blocker with aTE. By rule we get a doubleteam on the DT andthe TE has the playside LB. The Safety is theonly defender with a chance to make the playand the FB is leading the play with the Safety ashis target.

Trips gives us another playside blocker with aTE. By rule we get a doubleteam on the DT andthe TE has the playside LB. The Safety is theonly defender with a chance to make the playand that would be 10 yards downfield.

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

30

Adjustments vs. 6-2

2 4

Z/6

Q

H/7

F

35X Y

T TTE

C C

ET

B B

FS

2 4 TE

QH

F

35

Z

Y

T TTE

C C

ET

B B

FSRed H Power Right

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

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

31

Adjustments vs. the 4-3

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

B

TTE

C C

E

B

SS

B

FS

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

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

we are even in the box.

G RT

Z

Q

HF

GLT TE Y

B

TTE

C C

E

BSS

B

FS

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

32

Forcing the 4-3 to Re-align

G RT

Z

Q

TE

F

GLT

H

Y

B

TTE E

BB

FS

SS CC

Jumbo Right Trap Right Keep

G RT

Z

Q

X

F

GLT

H

Y

B

TTE E

BB

FS

SS CC

Quad Right Trap Left Keep

33

Forcing the 4-3 to Re-align cont.

GLT

Z

TE

FB

G RT

Y

X

S

T T E

CC

EB

BB B

Trips Right Trap Right Follow vs. 4-3

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

34

H Trap and H Trap Follow vs.4-3

2 4 TE

QH/7 F

35X

Y

BTTE

C C

E

B

SS

B

FS

Pro H Trap Right

2 4 TE

QH/7 F

35X

Y

BTTE

C C

E

B

SS

B

FS

Pro H Trap Right Follow

35

Jet Series

The Jet Series uses sprint motion by the H or Z back to create anadditional advantage at the point of attack or as misdirection. The

plays in the series are:

1. Jet Sweep Right / Left2. Jet Lead Sweep Right / Left3. Jet Trap Lead4. Jet Flood Pass Right / Left

36

Jet Sweep

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

H Jet Sweep Right

B may or may not follow H's motion.

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

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

37

Jet Lead Sweep

2 4

ZH

FB

35X Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

H Jet Sweep Right Follow


Same as basic Jet Sweep, except with QB carrying. FB seals the DE. H fakes and turns up fieldlooking for the the 1st defender to show.

38

Jet Reverse

G RT

Z

Q

H

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

H Jet Reverse Left


O-line blocks base rules ON-GAP.

QB and FB lead For Z.

H takes initial handoff and hands/tosses to Z on the reverse.

39

Jet Trap

2 4

ZH

FB

35X Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

H Jet Trap Left


40

Jet Trap and Jet Trap Keep

G RT

ZH

FB

GLTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

H Jet Trap Left


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

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

G RT

ZH

FB

GLTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

H Jet Trap Left Keep


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

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

41

Jet Flood Right

G RT

ZH

FB

GLTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

H Jet Flood Right


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

42

Power Series and JV Offense

A Power Package to useAnywhere...Anytime

AND

An Effective JV Offense Builton the Same Principles

43

Power Formations

GGLT RT YT/E

QH

FB

Z

RED

GGLT RTY T/E

QH

FB

Z

RED Over

GGLT RTY T/E

QH

FB

Z

BLUE

GGLT RT YT/E

QH

FB

Z

BLUE Over

Line splits- 1 footTE- Align to the right of the formation as a 2ndTackle...not an eligible receiver.SE (Y)- Align to right of the formation as wide asthe defender will follow.FB- 4 yards from QB; 3 point stance.H and Z- Align as wingbacks; 1yd x 1ydQB- Under center.

Same as RED except the Y moves "OVER" tothe other side of the formation so that the TE isnow an eligible receiver.

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

Same as BLUE except the Y moves "OVER" tothe other side of the formation so that the TE isnow an eligible receiver.

44

FB Power

G RT

ZQ

H

GLT TE Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Red H Power Right

The Power package starts with a different formation we'll call RED...to indicate the use of a TE andthe QB under center. You will notice that the blocking scheme for POWER is the same as always forthe O-line. One of the keys to the play is the block by Z on the nearest LB to him. He wants to getinside the DE if possible to make the block.

However, if the LB plays run and slides early to fill the hole, he almost guarantees that that the nexttime the play call will be the Flood Pass and an easy catch for a touchdown, extra point or 1st down.

Even though it is tagged as a short yardage scheme it can be used anytime, anywhere on the field.

45

Jet Sweep

G RT

Z/6Q

H

F

GLT T/EY

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Red Over Z Jet Sweep Left

46

Tackle Trap (counter)

G RT

Z/6Q

H

F

GLT TE Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Red H Jet Z Trap Left

This was my favorite Double Wing play. The QB makes an inside handoff to the Z back after fakingthe Power to the FB. H is still running his motion route as on Power.

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

47

Power Pass

G RT

ZQH

F

GLT TE Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

5 and Out

10 and Out

Deep FadeRed Jet Flood Right

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

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

48

Wedge

G RT

ZH

GLT TE Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Red 2 Wedge

49

Wedge Pass

G RT

Z/6Q

H

F

GLT TE Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Red H Power Wedge Pass

50

Passing

Applying the K.I.S.S. Principle

Keeping in mind that the Youth Spread is primarily a running offense. It is necessary tobe able to at least throw short high percentage passes. The Flood Pass and severaldifferent Screen packages give the offense that capability. You will notice that there isno drop back passing series...everything is rollout or screen passing making the O-line's job much easier. Of course, the more ability you have at QB and Receiver themore the passing game can be expanded.

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

51

The Flood Pass

G RT

ZH

F

GLTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

5 and Out

10 and Out

Deep FadeH Jet Flood Right

The Flood Pass can be run left or right and from a variety of formations but the beauty is that theroute package doesn't change.

1. If no one follows H, he will ALWAYS be open! Even if MLB recognizes the pass it is almostimpossible for him to get there to cover H.2. The QB has only one read and that is OLB covering Z. If he steps up to play run or for somereason jumps H's route then Z is open.3. The throw to Y would probably be a called throw because of a recognized mismatch on thecorner...and assuming our QB had a strong enough arm.4. The throw to X on a backside slant or post would be a called option.

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

If there is no receiver open then we want the QB to run. Just to change it up the the play be called asa run for the QB...H Jet Flood Right Keep.

52

FB Bubble Screen Pass

2 4

ZH

35X Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS H Jet FB Bubble Screen Right

The Bubble Screen uses a different blocking scheme for the O-Line...Basically Big on Big.

The play can also be run from Trips Right formation or Pistol formation with the FB aligned behindthe QB.

53

H Bubble Screen Pass

2 RT

ZH

F

35X Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS H Jet Bubble Screen Right

54

Play Action Screen Pass

35

Z

Q

H

F

2 4

NT T E

CC

E

BBB

FS

Z Jet H Screen Left

Fake to F then quick throw to H.

55

Screen Passes- Left and Right

2 4

ZH

35X Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

FB Screen Left

2 4

ZH

35X Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

Over FB Screen Right

56

Screen Passes- Middle Screen

G RT

ZHF

GLTX Y

N TTE

C C

E

B B BFS

Quad Right Middle Screen

O-Line release to LB level.

FB steps up and gets behind D-line and slide to the left, looking for the ball.

QB draw defenders with deep drop and loop a pass over them to the FB.

57

Other Screens

2 4

ZH

35X Y

N TTE

C C

E

BB B

FS

YX

HFB Z

N TTEC

CEBB

B

FS

YX

HFB Z

N TTEC

CEBB

B

FS

H Jet FB Screen Left

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

Quad Right Under Screen

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

Quad Right Flat Screen

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

58

Installing The System

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

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

59

Base Run/Pass Package

This is the first group of plays to install. There is a lot of skill repetition for players so that they areactually learning multiple plays at a time. The multiple formation possibilities can be taught at thesame time.

Play O-Line Split Ends Slot Receivers FB QBFB Trap ON-GAP rules to

both sides.Stalk Blocking Stalk Blocking Handoff footwork

technique and openfield running.

Handofffootworktechnique

QB Keep ON-GAP rules toboth sides.

Stalk Blocking Stalk Blocking Handoff Faketechnique

Handofffootworktechnique andopen fieldrunning.

QB Follow ON-GAP rules toboth sides.

Stalk Blocking Stalk Blocking Handoff Faketechnique and leadblock on LB


QB Read ON-GAP rules toboth sides.

Stalk Blocking Stalk Blocking Handoff Faketechnique


Power ON-GAP rules toboth sides.

Stalk Blocking Motion to kickoutblock a DE

Handoff footworktechnique and openfield running

Handofffootworktechnique

Jet Sweep Sweep blockingrules

Stalk Blocking Handoff techniqueand open fieldrunning.

Stalk Blocking Handofftechnique

Jet Reverse ON-GAP rules toboth sides

Stalk Blocking Handoff techniqueand open fieldrunning.

Stalk Blocking Handofftechnique

Flood Pass ON-GAP rules toboth sides.

Flood pass routeassignments

Flood pass routeassignments

Pass blocking DE Roll out passingtechnique

Bubble Screen Screen blockingtechnique

Stalk Blocking Stalk Blocking Bubble route tecnique Roll out passingtechnique

Flat Screen Screen blockingtechnique

Flat Screenroutes

Flat Screen routes Flat Screen routes Roll out passingtechnique

60

Longhorn Defense

61

46 VS. Double TE WING

POSISTION ALIGNMENT KEY VS RUN VS PASS Big E 9 Tech Away from

Strenght Flow to TE/OT Contain Contain

Little E

3 tech,to strength Flow to Guard B gap Rush B Gap

Big T Zero Shade Flow to center A Gaps Rush A Gap LIL T 3 tech ,opposite

strength Flow to Guard B gap Rush B Gap

SS 9 tech/ 6 tech vs. no TE

Near back Contain 1st back out

Sam LB 8 Tech on TE TE 2 gap through TE TE Mike LB 4 tech opposite JC Near Back Run to‐ Flow 1 back out CORNER Head up on #1 rec.

If #1 TE 5X5 from DE

TE or Number 1 NONE Man on # 1/ Deep 3rd

FREE SAFETY

12 yds deep in 3 tech opposite SS

QB Flow to – Alley Force Flow Away‐ cut back

Deep 3rd

Will LB 4 Tech opposite mike LB

Near Back Run to Flow 1 back out

Sam

SS

CB

Mike

Big E Big T LIL T

LIL E

CB Will

FS

Schemes: Order of Defensive call.

Defensive Front Stunt Coverage

Base (46) Single (SS) 3 call Base Coverage

Over (4‐3 look) only adjustment SS is now playing 2nd safety

Sam, Mike, Will Plug (single man Blitz)

2 call (coverage vs. 1 man Blitz)

S.A.M, W.A.M, S.A.W ( 2 LB Blitz) Opie (man Press) 2 LB Blitz

2 One man combos: Single Mike, Single Sam, Single Will

Hamburger blitz ( All Lbs)

Cheeseburger (All Lbs and SS)

The basics of the defense are on based on pressure. Now blitzing is not a very favorite scheme for me yet I’m going to be using a pressure defense. You may say that’s contradicting. Well pressure is not only stacking linebackers and D backs on the line of scrimmage. Pressure means applying proper strategy for the situation to maximize the defensive force. Basically putting players in a position to put pressure on the Offense and force them to make mistakes. I will blitz in situations deemed necessary to change up tempo and create more pressure to force bad decisions. The philosophy I have is almost exactly the same as in the 46 Bear, keep everything underneath kill the big play idea. FORCE the offense to earn every yard on every down.

A defensive player on a pressure defense has certain responsibilities at all times.

• Be aware of down and distance

• Alert to the offensive formation and tendencies in that formation

• Knowing the defensive game plan

• Maintain poise during critical game situations

The advantage of the 46:

• Outnumber tackle to tackle blocking scheme at point of attack

• Pressure QB every pass play

• Force the offense to adjust in run and pass.

• Force the offense to use unfamiliar schemes

• Blitz at will without subbing personnel

• Cover all possible pass patterns

• Dictate the flow of the game

• Free second lever players to run to the football.

• Takes advantage of the K.I.L.L thought approach

o Keep

o IT

o Likeable

o Learnable

FRONTS VS FORMATION

46 VS. Slot

46 VS. Trips

46 VS. Pro set

46VS. 3 wide

4‐3 adjustment from 46

• Same Alignment as 46 go opposite the LB Call

• Will and Mike play true LB

• Sam has 2 read responsibility

• SS plays as second true safety

Will Mike

Sam

Defensive line play

Right Right Call

Left Left Call

The Basics of the D lineman in the 46 bear.

The defensive line has to win the battle on the Line of Scrimmage for this defense to be effective. We do not want penetration from the D line however. The D line must stale mate and shut down the blockers progression and let the defensive secondary fly around and make tackles. We want D lineman to make tackles if they can but the first job is to stop the push of the Offensive line fighting through men and working the hips into the gaps they are responsible for.

The Nose and Tackles have a 4 rule guideline:

1.) Must never get reached

a. If the Offensive lineman is attempting to reach the Tackles or the Nose the D lineman must work his hips against the pressure.

2.) Must disrupt and never allow a jump through (scoop block)

a. Must throw the hands between the numbers and the belt to stun and halt the guards progression

b. After the shot to the stomach inside hand pulls jersey toward him and rips with outside arm

3.) Defeat double teams at the Line of Scrimmage

a. Same rules as the Reach block throw the hips into the double team and create a pile

b. Never try to split the double team!

4.) Defeat pulling guards

a. The guard pulls the D lineman must fire into the whole that is left and lateral run with the pull

b. If facing the pull the Tackle must spill the trap by hitting with the outside shoulder never the inside.

The Defensive End:

There will only be one playing the 9 tech. This D end has 3 responsibilities

1.) Bootleg

a. Must contain the QB from having an easy rollout

2.) Counter

a. Must be able to see the Developing counter by seeing the back side guard or tackle pull.

b. When attacking the lead pull on the counter the D end must spill the block by hitting with the outside shoulder.

3.) Reverse

a. When the Play goes away he must keep an eye out for a RB or a receiver coming behind the run play at this point an outside angle should be taken to contain the reverse.

Nose Tackle:

• Control both A Gaps

• Pressure through the center

o 2 gap responsibility

o Allowed to chose which A gap to jump

o Must work hips against pressure

D Tackle

• 4 point stance

• Control outside shoulder of guard into B Gap

• Inside Hand needs to be in chest of the guard with a direct push forward and inside

D End

• 3 point stance “cocked” in

• 1 yard outside the last man on the line of scrimmage

• Attack through the outside shoulder of the last man on the Line of scrimmage

• Must Contain AT ALL TIMES!

The defensive line needs to listen to the strength call and shift opposite the shift call. This will remain whether we be in a 4‐3 over or the bear.

Linebacker and strong safety Play

Maintain

Left Left Call

Right Right Call

Strong safety:

• On the line of scrimmage, inside foot on TE outside foot and up, outside foot back

• Push through the TE outside shoulder and contain the out side

• Always has Number two toward the strength call

o If Number is a RB SS will rush unless the RB Releases then SS has the RB.

Sam LB‐

• On the Line of scrimmage Head up on TE

o Feet square, Inside leverage or 7 tech

o TE is your key

1st step jam the TE

2nd step read flow

IF play action turn and run to find TE

o Against 3 receiver set

Line up on number 3 to run strength

Key off of near back

Mike LB :

• 4 yard off the line in a 4 tech to the call

• Key is Near back

• Attack Flow

• In pass Cover 1st back out of the back field to your side

Will LB:

• Line up 4 yards off the line in a 4 tech away from the call

• Read Flow

• VS. the pass 1st back out of back field to your side

• VS. Slot

o In normal position

o Make sure # 2 in the slot is covered by a corner

• VS. Spread (double slot)

o Take # 2 to the opposite the call

Defensive back Play

• Every down coverage is 3 call diagramed in the beginning is how each D Back will get into cover 3 dependant on formation.

• On a 1 man blitz Blitz the coverage is 2 call where Both Corners are now splitting the field in half each having deep half’s.

• On a 2 man blitz we are in OPIE which is man coverage you are locked on your man run is the second priority.

Right or left call

Cornerback:

• Line up Slightly inside the receiver or # 1 outside the tackle box

• Pass First Run second

• 3 steps back ward then read

• Your key is the receiver

• VS. Single Slot

o Corner away from slot comes over to take on # 2

• If Trio is called you have deep 1/3rd

Free Safety:

• Quarterback the defensive backfield (corners, LBs, SS)

• 12 Yards Deep in a 4 tech away from strong safety

• Run Toward: Alley Force Player

o Inside the outside force man

o Outside the inside foreman

o Run through the alley

• Run away: Cutback Player

o Keeping the runner on the outside shoulder protecting the comeback.

• VS. Single Slot

o Make sure Both corners are on the same side covering the Slot

• VS. Trips

o Line up in a 9 tech 12 yards deep bring your deep 3r zone over top the trips

• VS. all other formations

o Deep middle 3rd pass responsibility

o No one must get behind you

o When Dropping, favor and bring the zone to the flow side

o 3 steps then read

o Vs the run to your side

Set the outside Fence

If play action turn and run into the deep 3rd

o VS. Run Away

Cut back player

• If no direct deep threat look to help D‐back closest to you with coverage staying over top. This means any LB, SS, or Corner

2009 Youth Spread Rev2[1] (1)

Documents

Transcript of 2009 Youth Spread Rev2[1] (1)