X&O Labs Article March 17, 2018 SIMPLE SPREAD PASS: Fast & Free Case 5 Fast Tempo and Free Back Release Concepts 9 th Grade Assistant Coach State College High School, PA Instructor in Kinesiology @ Penn State University INTRODUCTION: In 1991 when we started running no huddle flex-bone, we incorporated run & shoot pass concepts into our offensive system. We researched and studied Georgia Southern Universities Ham-bone that had won 2 national championships under the QB Tracy Ham and HFC Erk Russell. In 1997 we started running no huddle multiple pro @ Aurora University (D3 playoff team) where we researched and studied legendary HFC Bill Walsh of the San Francisco 49ers West Coast Offense. In 2002 we combined both run & shoot concepts with west coast using a multiple spread offense to be fast @ Luther College (D3 #1 in plays per game average and #5 total offense 2006). In 2017 we then incorporated Penn State s free back release concepts along with our evolved spread pass game using fast tempo (simple communication with sound cover beating pass concepts). This article will show you What-Why-How to incorporate and teach 1 back spread pass with fast tempo combined with free release back concepts simple and sound, yet fast free and FUN! WHAT 1. Use core run & shoot concepts combined with west coast pass concepts 2. Use simple 911 tempo and communication 3. Compliment core pass game with free release back concepts using simple QB read progression WHY 1. We want to attack coverages with concepts and do it fast (so the picture does not change) 2. Develops automatic 2 minute offensive thinking and game plan 3. Exploits personnel match-ups to create win-win situations for the offense HOW 1. Teach core pass concepts using fast tempo automatically 2. Use consistent QB pre and post read progression - Tri-O 3. Compliment core pass concepts with free release back concepts from Hback spread sets FAST & FREE
WHAT WHY - HOW WHAT: The pass concepts are nothing new but, we have attempted to minimize the number of concepts we use while still being able to attack multiple defensive coverages. Spread offenses today have taken some basic run & shoot concepts and combined those with west coast thinking. One back spread also allows you the opportunity to expose defensive match-ups that best fit your offensive personnel strengths. We start as always with what is best for our offensive line from a protection stand point. After 20 years of being an offensive coordinator at the D3 college level and using almost every type of protection scheme, we (Milt Hendrickson, former offensive line coach and current 13-year NFL-Baltimore Ravens National Scout) decided to use 1 drop back protection = 6-man half-slide. It can be hard at the beginning to grasp but, the benefit of doing 1 protection over and over paid huge benefits down the road. The key is to use both Bback shifts (late) along with Hback sets. This gives you the option of adding the Hback (7- man MAX pro) and/or use the Hback to replace the Bback, then allowing the Bback to free release. Last, we feel it is important to move the QB launch point around by using our waggle, sprint pass and screen game as compliments to our drop back pass. *Diagram 1: notice simple half-slide protection rules Next is an example of Bback free releasing and the Hback replacing the back in our 6-man Half-Slide protection. The Bback aligns a bit wider (over the OTackle) and the Hback aligns OFF LOS and OVER OTackle to replace back in double checking the mike to the sam backer in pass protection. Notice the lineman use same half-slide rules and technique where the Bback (free release receiver) and Hback (pass protection blocker) trade roles. With this we have successfully simplified our protection options. For maximum protection or 7-man MAX, both the Bback and Hback do not release into routes and instead the Bback blocks the mike backer and the Hback blocks the sam backer.
*Diagram 2: notice Back Free release and Hback half-slide protection rules Most important is to simplify the pre and post-snap read progression for the QB. We use a consistent progression for both the play caller or coach from the sideline (OC) and the QB on the field. 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 3: notice the 3-step process and then the QB read system for all levels of the defense
Last, in order to play fast we must use simple and sound communication signals along with word cues for everyone involved. We call this our 911 tempo, meaning it is an emergency so that we process and play fast. It also can serve as our 2-minute offensive, helping us to manage the clock intelligently as a team. Since installing our 911 tempo we have been very successful at scoring fast both at the end of the first half and if needed at the end of the game. It is critical in the design of your system to condense and combine concepts with tempos so that the players do not process as new plays. We use a scaffolding principle with teaching that allows the players to apply previous concepts and terms as we install or add complimentary plays. By scaffolding or chunking schemes with rules we are able to simply combine concepts while presenting a different look or offensive attack to the defense. Maybe most importantly, we can concentrate on personnel matchups that provide offensive advantages without running a new play. Our core pass concepts are scaffolded from our RPO route concepts so that there is re-learning involved for our receiver s routes and for our QB s Tri-O read progression. Concept #1: PSU Bubble and Power Pop These are Quick Play-Action-Pass plays that incorporate run & shoot concepts or route adjustments to attack both zone and man coverages. The beauty of RPO s is that the OLine does not have to learn a separate pass protection scheme, we simply use the run scheme for our quick pass game from day one. *Diagram 4: notice
This is our Power Pop RPO route concept which we use as our #1 quick pass blitz beater concept. *Diagram 5: notice Concept #2: Four Verticals We like to install this as our first pass play in order to get as many reps as possible for learning and mastering. It also is a great way to stretch the defense both horizontally (by formation) and vertically, providing an opportunity for mis-matches, lots of open grass (field) and a must versus 1 high safeties. *Diagram 6: notice
This is our Bback free release combined with our 4 Verts concept, making it a 3 Verts with the Bback free releasing into the flats fast. *Diagram 7: notice Concept #3: Smash Great compliment to 4 Verts and sound man cover beater by using whip routes versus digs with the outside receivers. This is a safe pass, good man-blitz beater and great in the Red zone or Goal line. *Diagram 8: notice
This is a great way to attack 2 high safety coverages by putting the strongside safety in a bind while creating a mis-match with your personnel by having your Bback go vertical against a backer. Remember, speed in space is a beautiful thing. *Diagram 9: notice Concept #4: Double Post or Vertical Crosser Our most effective and explosive Play-Action-Pass over the years because it provides Play-Action for both the box defenders (Power fake) and the secondary (bubble pass fake). This exploits 2 high safeties that want to roll down into the box for run support (classic cover 4 teams). We understand the bind it puts fill safeties in since we are a cover 4 team ourselves. Last, this combines a vertical concept to the play side while using a crosser on the backside, providing a man beater component within. Ohio State under Urban Meyer has won a couple national championships using a Vertical Crosser pass concept. *Diagram 10: notice
We then add our free release of the Bback doing a wheel route backside. This is a great way to attack recently popular 4-2-5 defenses (one high safety with man under cover) versus RPO concepts. The backside X-receiver automatically runs a whip route when Bback wheel is called (scaffolding example). *Diagram 11: notice We like to have balance in our system by being able to run our core pass concepts from both 2x2 and 3x1 sets. By using Bback free release concepts we can easily run our double post concept while creating personnel mis-matches for the defense. *Diagram 12: notice
WHY: First, you want to be sound offensively by attacking coverages with proven concepts and do it fast. In order to simplify our pass game, we have selected pass concepts that can attack multiple zone coverages along with having the ability to handle man coverages (pressure packages). We also considered concepts that scaffold routes and reads easily (stacking or chunking), therefore minimizing new learning for both the receivers and backfield. The goal as always is to do more with less. Joe Moorhead, former Penn State OC (current HFC @ Mississippi State University) states it best: Attack coverages + Protect QB + Be blitz sound Second, by using a fast tempo and one core protection scheme for learning you have helped protect your QB. We also use a rocker drop technique and rhythm to get the ball out of the QBs hands quickly with all our fast or 911 tempo pass concepts. By combining Bback free release concepts we have provided a counter punch for the defense while making us blitz sound. Minimize the techniques to Maximize the execution Third, the one back spread offense and Hback sets stretches (and exposes) the defense right from the start and with every play. This creates easy personnel match-ups that you can use to create win-win situations for your offense. Players make plays, not plays or schemes by themselves. The goal is to use your basic 2x2 and 3x1 sets with a small core of pass plays so that you can combine scheme with personnel to be successful. Players make plays NOT Schemes Last, by using a fast tempo with your core pass concept s you have automatically installed your 2-minute offense while helping protect your QB and being a blitz sound system. With every team period (Drill 22 meaning 11 on 11) we provide very specific game situations (down / distance / field location and tempo for time management). We use 5-minute periods so that we can get repetitions at a variety of situations as we work up and down the field, similar to a game as it progresses. Preparation through situational practice periods By combining and condensing the number of protections, pass concepts, routes and reads we have been able to concentrate on people versus plays. The key component to quality preparation is to minimize our schemes so that we can better master what we have. We then can prepare the athletes by providing all the different defensive reactions, teaching and learning quality decision making for game situations.
See example of our offensive thinking situational field chart. We use team periods to teach our offensive thinking by zones on the field so that both coaches and players are on the same page. Our day before game routine involves running practice like a game day rehearsal by incorporating special teams (start offensive session with kick-off return) and then coming out from our own end zone and working down the field through all the zones until we score and successfully execute several points after. *Diagram 13: notice OFFENSIVE THINKING - SITUATION FIELD CHART TOUCHDOWN RED ZONE 1. Tempo: Base count (1) = keep it simple 2. Score Touchdowns get in the end zone (top plays with impact players) 3. Crunch offense @ +3 yard line. 4 DOWN ZONE (4 to get into Red Zone) 1. Tempo: Base count (1) & short Pistol (quick count) = expect blitz 2. Stay on Track (Normalcy) = 4 Downs to get 10 yards 3. Core offense - quality control (top plays with impact players) FREE ZONE 1. Tempo: Base count (1), long count (2), use go-go = expect blitz 2. Get into 4 Down Zone 3. Total offense - attack numbers (RPO s) - reverse defensive logic. GET TO ZONE (Get to Free Zone) 1. Tempo: Base count (1), long count (2) = expect blitz 2. Ball security and get 1st downs 3. Base offense - attack voids (quality control offense top plays best RPO s) BLACK ZONE 1. Tempo: Base count (1) = keep it simple 2. Ball security and get 1st downs 3. Crunch offense to ( )3 yard line Goal line +20 yard line +40 yard line -30 yard line -10 yard line 0 yard line
HOW: In order to play fast, players must be able to process information fast. For this simple reason you want to eliminate the number of cues involved to communicate plays. With our 911 tempo we are able to signal everything with 1 signal (formation + snap count + play fake + protection + routes and pass concept + QB read + offensive thinking). In order to do this, you must make your formation signals simple by using one hand and then use a consistent motion with that hand to signal the pass concept as well as the 911 tempo. Remember, saying nothing means something it s important that the core of your no huddle system uses this basic principle. This can set your snap count + play fake + protection within your 911 offense. Last, you must use 1 or 2-word verbal cues for the offensive line, consisting of the play + half-slide protection direction. The signal automatically tells the QB what the verbal cues are and therefore he can process, communicate and play fast. We start by installing our 911 concepts and making players go fast to set the speed or tempo right from the start. It will look ugly at first but, the reps will polish it up and the players will not know any other speed. This is why we install 4 verts first = run a Go route and stay on your landmark. We give the QB an out if read is cloudy, thus allowing us to play fast. We have found this to be a great summer camp install right from the start to evaluate your players strengths and provide an opportunity to be explosive in your passing game. We teach this by using Drill 25 where we have 2 QBs throwing to the 5 receivers, focusing on tactical (decision making) skill development while combining technical (fundamentals and techniques) skill development at the same time. The coaches must use the 911 signal with each rep during the drill to reinforce the players visual process of the no huddle system. Last, it s fun to throw deep and score, so why not go 4 verticals right from the start and have a go at it. Key teaching point is for the QB to read-decide and throw on rhythm along with throwing a low arch on all go routes (we call this a 2 = just enough to get over a defender). The goal is to have the ball caught under 20 yards by using a low arch or 2 pass, thus improving your completion percentage as well. Scaffolding of routes for the receivers and to have a natural teaching-learning progression is important. In our Power RPO our slot (A) receiver runs the same Bender read route as he uses for 4 Verts (scaffolding) and the other receivers run GO or take-off routes (simple). The QB uses the same Tri-O pre and post-snap read progression but, with different offensive thinking (must practice situations with every team period in your practice plans). Last, we can chunk our half-slide pass protection for the offensive line by using only 1 protection over and over and then complimenting it by using different players (Bback and/or Hback) in the protection scheme. Versus a blitzing defense we prefer to not use MAX protection (7-man pro) but, we like to simply allow the Bback to free release and have the Hback stay and block (6-man pro again). Something we learned to do from Joe Moorhead, former Penn State University OC and current HFC at Mississippi State University. ADAPTION: To minimize our QBs footwork or drops involved with our pass game, we chunked our RPO s with our quick Play-Action-Pass to what we call our rocker technique for QB pocket pass. The QB does not actually drop back from his shot-gun alignment, this is one of the reasons we align the QB at 6 yards depth. Also, by eliminating footwork (drop steps after play fake) we have simplified the QBs technique while lengthening the mesh-play fake timing yet keeping the release timing rather quick (see 4 verts).
*Diagram 14: notice QB rides down with first step and then pivots + rocks back into pass set position POCKET PAP (Rocker) 2 step Rocker Drop Ride down & Rock back Mike Sam C LT LG RG RT H 5.5 yd B 1 2 3 y QB 1 2 *QB Cue = step down + rock back (Rocker) BACK (1) pivot (2) cross over (3) plant with foot forward @ LOS *double check Mike to Sam QB (1) playside foot forward and arms ride down into LOS (2) pivot and rock back to pass set up Coaching Point(s) Back fakes inside run and double checks (pass pro) Mike to Sam, always inside-out and at LOS + Qb must keep ankles apart for balance (= accuracy) *Diagram 15: notice QB has no play fake, therefore can take an easy 3-step drop and pass set position POCKET DROPBACK (B FREE release) 3 step Dropback B FREE B FREE = H Pro Mike Sam C LT LG RG RT 5.5 yd BACK FREE release into route *H Pro checking Mike to Sam B QB 2 1 3 QB (1-2-3) easy drop steps + 2 step crow hop forward keeping feet moving with throw H *QB Cue = feet & eyes = 3 easy drop steps with eyes on Defender + crow hop forward into throw Coaching Point(s) Qb always opens toward their arm and must keep ankles apart for balance (= accuracy) + using 2 step crow hop forward when delivering ball-throw
Teaching and Drilling: The key to making your drop back pass game successful is to daily teach and drill tactical skill development (decision making combined with technical-fundamental reps). Routine is essential with young 9 th graders, therefore we use a simple daily progression with our Drill 25 and then Pass Skelly (7on7), both key components to our success. It is important to maximize practice time by working pass protection with our OLine and then having our receivers + QBs get decision making reps. Our Drill 25 involves us using 2 QBs with the 5 eligible receivers allowing us to teach both frontside and check down (backside) read progressions while giving every receiver a game-like chance to get the ball thrown to them. At the same-time we use our inside hull pass pro drill with the OLine and Bbacks (and Hbacks when we work free release concepts) to work our half-slide pass protection versus the defensive fronts and pressures we will see that week. Here is an example of our daily Drill 25 teaching process to develop quality decision making by all players. It is critical with both Pass Skelly (7on7) and team periods to do situational work always. This helps your players to learn offensive thinking and time management for games. *Diagram 16: notice how we can work tactical skills (decision making) while developing sound technical skills (fundamentals) at the same time = efficient practice methodology to learn pass concepts
VARIATIONS: We believe it is important to compliment drop back pass by moving the QBs launch point. We like to use our waggle PAP and sprint out pass as our compliment to drop back. Sprint pass also serves as a simple blitz beater by either running away from defensive pressure or throwing hot right into the teeth of a blitz. The OLine uses outside Zone or a far reach pass protection scheme where everyone reaches toward the play side gap using a bucket step-cross over-square up technique. We learned this outside zone technique from Kirk Ferentz HFC at the University of Iowa where they have been a consistently dominate offensive line in the Big Ten. The backside OTackle reaches to his far gap play side and the hinges to close the back door. The Bback uses our BONES block by attacking the LOS fast and aiming 1 yard outside the play-side OTackle (on the LOS), looking to first help the OTackle with the defensive end while ultimately responsible for the sam backer on an edge blitz (Back ON End to Sam). The QB uses a simple pivot and plant step, then executes small steps or what we call baby steps as he sprints downhill under control to make an accurate pass on rhythm. We do not want to sprint to the edge but, simply move the pocket while having our QB totally under control-balanced (floating pocket). QB drops Sprint out pass *Diagram 17: notice SPRINT PASS (Pivot-Plant & Sprint) Sam DE#3 Pivot-Plant & Sprint Pivot (toward)-plant & Sprint C LT LG RG RT 5.5 yd 1 *Back widen to over OT BONES = Back ON End to Sam B *QB Cue = pivot & pass QB H 1 BACK BONES block Back On End to Sam backer *aim 1 yard outside DE + see SAM QB (1) pivot and plant (toward) (2) sprint using baby steps (6 inch) *can turn-climb & drag back foot Coaching Point(s) Back must get on LOS as fast as possible on outside hip of OT + Qb must sprint working downhill back to LOS to get shoulders aligned toward receivers versus running toward sideline (Qb can setup & climb forward, dragging back foot for deep throw)
Sprint out Snag *Diagram 18: notice Free Release - Sprint out Snag *Diagram 19: notice
CONCLUSION: In order to develop a fast and free pass game we first studied and really learned the details from quality and proven spread pass systems. 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 pass 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 1996 @ 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 2001 @ Aurora University (Multiple-Pro) #17 in scoring offense and made the national playoffs. In 2006 @ 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 years @ Luther (2002-2007) we established new offensive team and individual records and the most consecutive winning seasons in the past 30 years (1987 to current 2018). Last, @ State College High 9 th Grade, in the first two years of using our Fast and Free pass system, 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 level @ 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 Instructor @ Penn State University in the Kinesiology Department teaching Coaching and Leadership courses and supervising coaching internships while an assistant coach for 9th grade football @ State College High School. Previously an OC and HC @ 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: http://sites.psu.edu/hefcoach14/