NO HUDDLE SHIFTS & TEMPOS: Combine and Condense Case 4 - Pistol to Sidecar Back Shifts and Tempos Made Simple

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1 X&O Labs Article March 12, 2018 NO HUDDLE SHIFTS & TEMPOS: Combine and Condense Case 4 - Pistol to Sidecar Back Shifts and Tempos Made Simple by Paul Hefty 9 th Grade Assistant Coach State College High School, PA Instructor in Penn State University INTRODUCTION: I was fortunate to learn no huddle concepts 30 years ago from legendary high school coach LaVern Pottinger (Belvidere, Illinois and Rice Lake, Wisconsin). Coach Pottinger was an innovator of no huddle flex-bone offenses where he won 2 state championships at Belvidere. The 1988 team set 3 National Federation offensive records, while the undefeated 1993 team was ranked 12 th in the nation by USA Today. We started using no huddle after researching Pottinger s flex-bone Luther College D3 1991) and then transitioned to 2 back Pro Aurora University D3 1997) and eventually 1 back spread Luther College D3-2002). We learned that it was important to use backfield shifts along with various tempos to keep defenses off balance. This article will show you What-Why-How to incorporate and teach 1 back spread shifts easily and how you can combine it with the various no huddle tempos in your system from day one even at the 9 th grade high school level State College High 9 th grade football 2011). WHAT 1. Back always starts in Pistol alignment (Pre) 2. Back shifts to proper sidecar alignment for each play only after play is called by QB (Post) 3. QB uses Ohio State hand clap with cadence = creates rhythm (tendency) for defense WHY 1. Defensives will set front according to 1 backs sidecar (to the side of QB) alignment 2. Creates a rhythm (tendency) for the defense to be set = YOU WANT THIS 3. It fun for running back (they will know where to line up when getting the ball) HOW 1. Combine & Condense shifts and tempos = regular no huddle process (nothing new) 2. Break regular play process with freeze tempo (double cadence to break rhythm) 3. Combine short-regular-long cadences with pre and post back alignments (chunking) COMBINE & CONDENSE

WHAT WHY - HOW WHAT: We start by using only 1 back spread and having the (B)back align in a pistol set, two yards behind the QB @ 8 yards depth.

2 WHAT WHY - HOW WHAT: We start by using only 1 back spread and having the (B)back align in a pistol set, two yards behind the 8 yards depth. The Bback then shifts to the proper sidecar alignment needed to execute each play, which consists of the Bback aligning in the B gap (between the offensive guard and tackle) and with his heels on or in front of the 5.5 yards depth. We simply provide a rule with each concept for the Bback of either aligning toward or away from the play call direction. We start by installing and teaching everything from sidecar for the Bback and a balanced 2x2 Hback set. The Bback can easily start to learn the shift (moves once play is called). This also helps with learning our offensive principle #1 = NUMBERS. Both the OC (from the sideline) and QB can easily see if the defense is balanced or overloaded by using a three step, defensive recognition process of 1 or 2 high safeties + hanging backers (Mr0 s) and last the mike backer. The other key point is that you can adjust the Hbacks alignment pre-snap (using similar formation calls that again, only the Hback adjusts to). This is done with an offensive concept (blocking scheme) in mind, which allows the Hback to have the best leverage for each play. Applying offensive principle #2 = BLOCKING ANGLES. Both the OC and the QB want to call plays to put the OLine and Hback in the best possible blocking scheme based on blocking angles. To keep communication with the no huddle high tempo offense simple, 95% of the time we have the Slot align to the field (formation directional call) and the Hback into the boundary. This achieves a maximum horizontal stretch of the defense while helping the OC and QB to identify defenders easily. Applying offensive principle #3 = SPEED IN SPACE or FIELD. The players can anticipate this tendency, helping to simplify and create consistency for everyone. *Diagram 1: notice Bback aligns in 8 yards to start every play (consistent and simple)

*Diagram 2: notice 3x1 alignment with only the Hback moving from previous 2x2 set and Bback in pistol Last, and most important everything you do in your offensive design must focus on

3 When and if you want to be a heavy 3x1 team when the football is on the hashes, you simply move 1 player (Hback) to the field. By minimizing the number of players who have to change you have limited new learning. Again, the Bback starts in pistol and then shifts to proper sidecar alignment for the play. *Diagram 2: notice 3x1 alignment with only the Hback moving from previous 2x2 set and Bback in pistol Last, and most important everything you do in your offensive design must focus on keeping rules, techniques and a minimum! For this reason, we always start with our zone concept because everyone is heading the same direction Bback included. *Diagram 3: notice split zone RPO Bback aligns toward play direction (SIMPLE)

ADAPTION: We learned through years that defensive players (and coaches) want to wait till the last second possible to get aligned and ready to attack the offense.

4 ADAPTION: We learned through years that defensive players (and coaches) want to wait till the last second possible to get aligned and ready to attack the offense. Because of this we applied Ohio State s offensive QB cadence clap used under HFC Urban Meyers. This helps create a visual cue for the defense that the cadence is starting, therefore creating a rhythm for the defense. We want to create tendencies so that we can easily break them and use to our advantage. WHY: In order to better learn how to evolve the 1 back spread offense, years ago we started studying at clinics and with coaches the various ways defenses adjust and attack no huddle spread offenses. It common for defenses to adjust the front (3-tech defensive tackle toward the backs sidecar alignment) and/or the backers and secondary, specifically for overload blitzes. First reason we like to start in a pistol and then shift late to sidecar. Second, defensive coordinators want to attempt to confuse offensive players by stemming (moving right up until the ball is snapped) and/or align at the last second. By creating a consistent shift and QB visual cue for the defense, we have purposely set a cue for the defense in return. One we can and will use to our advantage. Defensively we have installed and implemented a Radar defensive technique where both the defensive lineman and backers all align on the LOS, using a staggered standing (2 point) stance within their gap responsibility. We like to then retreat back into our base 43 front and cover 4. This not only helped our defense but, proved to be useful in preparing our offense for stemming defenses. Hudl (2014, October 7) State College High School 9th Grade Football vs Central Dauphin, PA *CLICK ON VIDEO TO PLAY *Clip 1: notice both the defensive lineman and backers all in Radar staggered standing 2 point stances on the LOS and then retreating back into our base 43 front and cover 4

5 Third, it s fun to shift and play fast! We found over the years that backs like to shift because it makes them feel like a Pro. Also, by starting with the split-zone concept (where they believe they will be getting the ball every-time) you have a very motivated learner (trust me, backs will learn where to line up when they are running the ball). Fun football leads to successful football for all involved. ADAPTAION: We learned with no huddle shifts and tempos that once you break the defenses believed answer (they think they know the play), you have forced the defense back to the drawing board (It only takes one time for the answer to be wrong = it becomes a guess again). HOW: The key to making complex simple is to combine shifts and tempo so that we can condense communication and the learning process for the players. Tempo #1 is our regular tempo, where we simply make shifts and tempo part of our regular no huddle process from the very beginning. We learned that, saying nothing, means something. Meaning, the shifts and our regular communication-cadence-snap count (ball snapped on 1) are part of the regular no huddle process. We have then successfully combined and condensed shift movements and tempo without saying or doing anything. Hence, saying nothing, means something. When using our regular tempo we go as fast as we can without being in a hurry. As the famous UCLA basketball coach John Wooden would say, be quick but, don t hurry. We use a 3-step process, Tri-O Read System of recognizing the defenses numbers, blocking angles and field. The play caller (coach-oc) and QB both learn this from the very beginning with our spread RPO s. *Diagram 4: notice the 3-step process and then the QB read system for all levels of the defense

6 Once we have our regular shifts and cadence learned we can then add or stack additional tempos to break our regular no huddle rhythm. Creating a play process rhythm for the defense through visual and verbal cues is essential to making your variations in tempo and cadence-snap count the most effective. Key point, every defensive coordinator I worked with was concerned about time management with a no huddle offensive system. The last 5 years we ran no huddle at the D3 College level, we were either #1 or #2 within our league for time possession. We were always 32+ minutes with offensive time possession, doing this while running 100+ plays in three consecutive games (we lead the nation in plays per game in 84 plays per game). Remember, more plays = more opportunities to score (fast football is fun). STACKING TEMPOS: Tempo #2 is our double cadence, where we break the defenses play process rhythm by using a freeze tempo (very common with no huddle teams former Penn State OC Joe Moorhead used this tempo very effectively). The goal is to always put your offense in a positive play based on defensive numbers and tendencies. We simply give the perception of using our regular tempo but, then freeze and reset for the play call and starting over with our regular tempo a 2 nd time (double cadence). Here is an example of how we effectively use the pistol start our QB long clap visual cue to force the defense to show us their hand. Hudl (2015, September 10) State College High School 9th Grade Football vs Altoona, PA *CLICK ON VIDEO TO PLAY *Clip 2: notice Bback in pistol and QB uses long arm clap then the offense looks over for 2 nd play call - Bback then shifts to sidecar alignment for the play

7 Tempo #3 is our long cadence, where the snap count is on 2. We researched Georgia Southern under HFC Erk Russel where they ran no huddle flex-bone with legendary QB Tracy Ham in , winning back-to-back national 1-AA championships by using a consistent no huddle rhythm and snap count on 1, thus being very effective when using a long count or snapping on 2. We learned to use this when having a 3 rd down and under 5 situation so that once the defense jumps off-sides, we automatically get a first down. Tempo #4 is our short pistol cadence, where we use a quick snap (right after QBs hand clap) and where the Bback can run the same play from the pistol. We run only an inside and outside RPO concept to minimize the techniques needed to learn for the QB and Bback. #1 = Short Pistol Power, where we run our will power RPO. We like to use this (along with split zoneveer) as our inside run with pistol because the footwork for the back and QB are the same for both. Hudl (2016, November 2) State College High School 9th Grade Football vs Central Dauphin, PA *CLICK ON VIDEO TO PLAY *Clip 3: notice with Short Pistol Power, the QB pivots with his back toward the play side (back to the hole) using our split zone-veer footwork and the Bback takes 1 lateral slide step away before attacking downhill going across the ball to the opposite A gap *note with split zone-veer QB opens to play #2 = Short Pistol (Toss) Sweep, where we run our sweep RPO. We found that toss sweep is a simple way to handle inside backer blitz, while giving a talented Bback a chance to get downhill with a head of steam, thus resulting in a simple blitz beater and way to get the ball to your play maker on the edge. The QB does a reverse pivot and soft toss to Bback after he takes 2 lateral shuffle steps slowly. Again using the mantra, slow to fast. This also creates an incredible play-action-pass after faking the toss with the reverse pivot and QB sets to hit the backside #1 reciever on a deep over route behind the safety.

Hudl (2016, November 2) State College High School 9th Grade Football vs Central Dauphin, PA *CLICK ON VIDEO TO PLAY *Clip 4: notice with Short Pistol Sweep, QB uses a reverse pivot toward the play

8 Hudl (2016, November 2) State College High School 9th Grade Football vs Central Dauphin, PA *CLICK ON VIDEO TO PLAY *Clip 4: notice with Short Pistol Sweep, QB uses a reverse pivot toward the play (back to the hole), using a soft toss to the Bback after executing a 2-step lateral shuffle and then heading downhill to attack the whole field (SIMPLE) Foundation Tempo is our Bunch or loose huddle 2 yards off the ball. The Oline simply turns around with their backs to the LOS with the receivers and back close enough to hear the formation and play call from the QB who is facing the Oline 6 yards from the ball (where he will align for shot gun snap). We still use our no huddle terminology, so if the defense hears our calls no big deal. We install this for practice preparation and for run-out-the-clock game situations. If you are not ready to fully commit to a complete no huddle system, this is a great way to start and learn. My old college football coach, mentor, boss, friend Bob Pony Naslund liked to call this, general milling around or G.M.A tempo. This is how as a young OC we were able to start using no huddle and eventually converted fully to no huddle. We then add our Star-Burst bunch learned from Gus Malzhan, HFC at Auburn University. This is a great short yardage or goal line technique to use when you want to limit the defenses opportuntiy to align and adjust, especially when you know you will run the play no matter what. The offense uses a tight bunch, then everyone burst into the formation alignment quickly, gets set and runs the play. QB does need to signal when to break the loose huddle with a ready break and team clap.

9 Here is an example of how we stack our various tempos for a sound teaching progression. *Diagram 5: notice as you progress upward with each level your tempo increases in speed as well Teaching and Drilling: The key to combining and condensing shifts and tempos is to make it part of your core system. Remember if you teach it from day one, it is simply what you do (nothing new). We like to install at the start using our regular tempo, thus helping the players focus on the play and their technique. Very early in our team periods we like to install and use our freeze and Gogo tempos. The freeze allows us to slow the processing down while installing new concepts (longer time to process everything) and then use Gogo tempo where we run the same formation and play again as fast as we can. This creates quality repetition of reps and starts to teach players how fast they can go and fun they can have. Key teaching point #1, research shows that if you want to have the ability to play fast, you must teach fast from the start. Players (and play callers) will naturally develop a rhythm or speed (slow or fast). For this reason, we have learned to use super-sonic or fast team sessions at the start (5-minute period) to set the tone. Realizing that there will many mistakes early but, by coaching on the run with a fast tempo everyone learns fast is the norm. Then you can use freeze tempo to slow things down and focus on details (next 5-minute team period). Key teaching point #2 for coaches is to not use a play script but, rather run only 2-3 plays per 5-minute period with a specific tempo and game situation (down, distance, field). The defense uses only the fronts, covers, blitzes you will see in those situations as well. This forces the coaches and players to practice running no huddle with a realistic game feel (coaches need to practice as well as players). Once we get through the first week we then install tempo #3, our long cadence and for two days only use long cadence. We then go back to use regular freeze - long cadences when we reviewing schemes and not installing new so that the players do not have too many variables to concentrate on.

10 We like to then slowly install our short pistol tempo by using the core RPO concepts we like best (split zone, power, sweep). The focus should be on what you run best at that time and can change as the season progresses or the offense evolves. We like to use the toss sweep as a blitz beater and up-tempo change up early. The downside when adding pistol is that now you are asking both the QB and back to learn additional footwork but, the payoff for attacking the defense quickly has great rewards. For fundamental skill development we like to start our offensive session everyday with 5 minutes of position work. The OLine, Hbacks and QBs start working team take off while getting shot gun snap work and QBs work footwork with the focus concept for that day (QBs take snaps for only the first 2 minutes). The Bbacks work ball security or blocking for the first 2 minutes and then the QBs join the Bbacks to work footwork and run mesh. This is a great time to work one concept from sidecar and pistol (Will power for example) for 3 minutes using a simple backfield play strip drill for timing of your core runs. *Diagram 6: notice QBs start with centers for snaps (2 minutes only), then with backs (3 minutes) VARIATIONS: Once you start to teach different tempos there is plenty you can do to provide havoc to the defense. Tempo #5 is our Gogo tempo which simply tells the offense to repeat the same formation and play as quickly as possible, thus the Gogo term. Tempo #6 is our Nascar tempo that we learned under former Penn State HFC Bill O Brien (current NFL Houston Texans HFC). This tempo does it all with 1 word and signal. The formation, count, play all in one, allowing you to play very fast and also use intricate movements or special plays easily. Tempo #7 is our 911 tempo or 2-minute offense where we scaffold or chunk the other tempos to use the clock effectively. The 2-minute tempo (thinking) + formation + cadence + play are all communicated with 1 simple signal and word cue. It is an emergency, hence the 911 tempo reference. A great example of this is something we learned from Kevin Gilbride (Houston Oilers OC, from ) where we run our 4 verts pass with the QB reading the backside safety as always, but if neither inside

11 receiver is wide open the QB automatically goes to the boundary #1 receiver running a go route. We teach the QB to read the backside corners depth and hips and throw either a fade over-top (go), a backshoulder fade underneath or throw ball out-of-bounds to stop the clock. We use a simple signal and 1 word play call to make the communication as efficient and fast as possible, replacing the traditional spike technique. This one tempo and play has won us several games over the years! CONCLUSION: For us the key to learning how to effectively use shifts and tempos was to first study and really learn the details from quality and proven systems first and foremost. Second, we consistently try to study and stay one step ahead of defensive adjustments. By doing quality research we can make educated guesses on how teams will defend our no huddle spread system. Third, we constantly are trying to evolve and yet condense communication and learning. The goal is always to evolve but, to do it by doing less not more. We have found that your practice methodology is maybe more important than what you do, it s not what you do but, how you do it. Last and most important, this is fun football! It provides opportunities for every position player to not only be involved but, be successful doing it. By playing fast we create more opportunities for scores. KEY STATISTICS with NO HUDDLE: In Luther College (flex-bone) we were able to have the most productive offensive output and win-loss record in over 10 years (since 1987). In Aurora University (Multiple-Pro) #17 in scoring offense and made the national playoffs. In Luther College (Spread) #1 in plays per game, #5 in total offense, Zach Swears (QB) #5 total offense, Kyle Pearson (Z-receiver) #3 receptions per game. In 2007, Tyler Sherden (Bback) #1 all-purpose offense in the nation. During the 6 Luther ( ) we established new offensive team and individual records and the most consecutive winning seasons in the past 30 years (1987 to current 2018). State College High 9 th Grade, in the first two years of going completely no huddle-spread RPO s, our QB s threw 37 TD passes to 10 interceptions while averaging 20 yards per catch (Explosive plays). We also had 62 rushing TD s while averaging 6 yards per carry (9 th grade HS State College, PA) *note we averaged 39 points per game and went 19 and 1 during those two years = Fun Football! MEET THE COACH: Paul Hefty Currently an Penn State University in the Kinesiology Department teaching Coaching and Leadership courses and supervising coaching internships while an assistant coach for 9th grade State College High School. Previously an OC and the small college - D3 level in the Midwest for 20 years before retiring to raise a family and teach at Penn State University. Hefs Coach Talk Website:

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