The Double Tight Wishbone Offense
The Double Tight Wishbone Offense
The Double Tight Wishbone Offense
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Double</strong> <strong>Tight</strong> <strong>Wishbone</strong> <strong>Offense</strong><br />
<strong>The</strong> Philosophy:<br />
<strong>The</strong> double tight wishbone’s main concept is running the football every<br />
down to punish the defenders. With adjustments in blocking and running we<br />
can create situations that are unfavorable to the defense at all times. By<br />
having the mass of runners in the center it creates an unbalanced field of 8<br />
verses 7 throughout the entire game. With 6 basic strong running plays<br />
backed by 8 weaker plays and 5 passing plays every game can be won.<br />
Player Requirements:<br />
<strong>The</strong> Quarterback must be a very good athlete but not necessarily the best.<br />
He does not even need to have the best throwing capability. He needs to be<br />
fast, smart, talented, and deceptive.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Backfield needs to be explosive and very tough. Each player must have<br />
the ability to run hard and block. <strong>The</strong> fullback needs to be the toughest of<br />
the three but not necessarily the biggest.
<strong>The</strong> Linemen need to have 2 things: Heart and Speed. This offense is very<br />
friendly to the linemen in the fact that it is easy to remember and there are<br />
not very many plays. <strong>The</strong> center needs to be the best all-around lineman,<br />
followed by the tackles that need to be exceptionally fast.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Tight</strong> Ends need to have the capability of blocking every single down.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y will be needed to run pass routes if needed as well in emergencies.<br />
Player and Gap Numbering:<br />
<strong>The</strong> numbering system is extremely simple and easy to remember. <strong>The</strong><br />
evens are to the right and the odds are to the left. <strong>The</strong> 0 and 1 holes are<br />
basically the center’s body; the holes 2 and 3 make up the guards’ body and<br />
so on. <strong>The</strong> quarterback is 1, the fullback is 4, the tight ends are 7 and 6, and<br />
the running backs are 3 and 2.<br />
Where to run?<br />
On a play such as ‘Base 42’ the ball can either go to the outside or inside of<br />
the strong side guard. This will be determined by where the defensive tackle<br />
lines up. If he is in B gap the guard will call “OUT” meaning he will block<br />
out and the play will run inside of him. If the defensive tackle is in the A<br />
gap he will call “IN” meaning he will block inside and the play will go<br />
outside of him. Against a 5 front the guard and tackle block the DT.
On a play such as ‘34 Outside’ the offensive lineman will yell ‘OUT’ if the<br />
end is in the C gap. He will yell ‘IN’ if the tackle is in the B gap. <strong>The</strong><br />
backside linemen will do the same thing (in a different order of course) to<br />
throw off the defense so they don’t know which side the play is on. <strong>The</strong><br />
backside will be lying to the defense obviously and they will scoop. When<br />
against a 5 front the coaches make the call ‘Inside’ or ‘Outside’.<br />
This will be explained in greater detail later on.<br />
Play Calling:<br />
<strong>The</strong> first number will be the person who runs or has the ball and the second<br />
number will be where we want that person to go. <strong>The</strong> only exceptions to<br />
this system are the plays 44(45) and 56(57). Who carries the ball is very<br />
subject to change though. <strong>The</strong> way a play called is very simple and efficient<br />
when the players have the offense down. Two examples would be:<br />
44 Outside Dive Slant (below)
45 Outside Give (below)<br />
Further Explanation:<br />
In the next chapter there will be more terminology that the line and backs<br />
will use that will enable them to understand the plays fluently. <strong>The</strong> First<br />
thing mentioned is the play (e.g. 44). <strong>The</strong> second thing would be where we<br />
want the backs to do (e.g. Outside Give). <strong>The</strong> last thing mentioned is the<br />
lineman scheme (e.g. Slant). <strong>The</strong>se will be explained later as well. More<br />
examples of plays are as follows:<br />
36 Loop (below)
43 (below)<br />
Terminology of Plays:<br />
<strong>The</strong>re are two forms of terminology to use for the plays of the wishbone in<br />
the huddle. <strong>The</strong> first type of calls is base calls and used against any defense.<br />
<strong>The</strong> second type are adjustments set during game time that require<br />
knowledge of what the defense is doing. <strong>The</strong>se will set the offense on the<br />
correct path and are great to use early so adjustments don’t have to be made<br />
so late as half time.<br />
Basic Calls:<br />
Backfield<br />
Base – Run the play normally<br />
Dive – <strong>The</strong> FB carries the ball<br />
Give – <strong>The</strong> RB carries the ball<br />
Keep – <strong>The</strong> QB carries the ball<br />
Inside – <strong>The</strong> ball carrier is wanted to go inside the base gap<br />
Outside – <strong>The</strong> ball carrier is wanted to go outside the base gap<br />
Option – Instead of running ISO we run option<br />
Slant – <strong>The</strong> RB blocks the defensive end<br />
Cover – <strong>The</strong> RB blocks first man coming at his man (option)<br />
Linemen<br />
Slant – <strong>The</strong> TE blocks down up field (MAX)<br />
Option – <strong>The</strong> line blocks the same, but reach more
Inside – <strong>The</strong> linemen adjust to the defense<br />
Outside – <strong>The</strong> linemen adjust to the defense<br />
Secondary Calls:<br />
Linemen<br />
Gone – <strong>The</strong> center blocks up field, guards block down<br />
Leave – <strong>The</strong> guard reaches up field<br />
Clear – <strong>The</strong> tackle reaches up field<br />
Empty – <strong>The</strong> guard and tackle reach up field<br />
Lost- <strong>The</strong> play side guard pulls to wrong side (vs. 4-4)<br />
Loop – Tackle blocks down, guard runs a SEAL<br />
Combo – Guard scoops DT, tackle helps a second, goes to ILB<br />
(Also be used for center and guard on a DT in A gap)<br />
On – <strong>Tight</strong> end blocks man on him despite play<br />
Arc – <strong>Tight</strong> end reaches up field (OLB on 4-4)<br />
Crosser – <strong>Tight</strong> end blocks down, tackle blocks out<br />
Smack – OT and TE block down, guard hits end<br />
(<strong>The</strong> way the OT and TE block will differ by play)<br />
1. This is a “Gone” call. It is used mainly against the 6-1 defense or 8 man<br />
fronts (10-1). <strong>The</strong> backside guard scoops hard and keeps that nose along the<br />
LOS to run him into the play side nose guard, creating a harmless pile in the<br />
middle. <strong>The</strong> center doesn’t have a great angle, but the middle linebacker<br />
surprisingly won’t see him coming.<br />
2. This is a “Leave” call. <strong>The</strong> center scoops hard, hoping to create another<br />
pile like the “Gone” call.<br />
3. This is a “Clear” call. <strong>The</strong> tackle leaves his man to go block up field.<br />
“Empty” would be a combination of “Leave” and “Clear”.<br />
4. This is “Smack” while running 44(45) Inside Give. <strong>The</strong> goal is to draw<br />
the DT to the FB (who doesn’t have the ball). Look at the hole…<br />
5. This is “Smack” while running 46(47). We’d do this to make a big hole<br />
for the FB.<br />
6. This is “On” call (I also have a “Gone” call made as well). This is used<br />
during option plays where the TE would normally max down.
After-huddle Calls<br />
Linemen<br />
In – <strong>The</strong> player blocks inside<br />
Out – <strong>The</strong> player blocks outside<br />
Dog – <strong>The</strong> play should go outside the tight end<br />
Tag – <strong>The</strong> guard and tackle double-team their man<br />
An after-huddle call is not an audible. It is a call the line makes to tell the<br />
offense how they are blocking the defense. If they are told to run ‘34 Inside’<br />
against a 5 front defense then the guard would block the DT (he would yell<br />
“OUT” to indicate that’s where he is blocking), the center would take the<br />
nose (alone), and the OT will ‘Tag’ the DT to help DRIVE him back.<br />
34 Inside (below)
<strong>The</strong> same system can work against a 4-3 defense. On the defense’s weak<br />
side ‘34(25) Outside’ would require an “OUT” call by the offensive tackle,<br />
he would block the defensive end, the tight end would block the corner, and<br />
the guard would block inside. Another example of an “OUT” call would be<br />
if the DTs in a 5 front were in a 5 tech (C gap). OT blocks out, TE blocks<br />
outside, the guard blocks inside… this will leave a huge hole for 34(25).<br />
“DOG” is used against a 4-4 defense where basically the B and C gaps are<br />
shut down leaving the D gap (hence Dog). <strong>The</strong> tight end should drive the<br />
DE to the C gap (or back is always good!)<br />
Audibles:<br />
<strong>The</strong> audible system is very simple and easy to remember. If the quarterback<br />
doesn’t see something he likes he can change the direction, runner, or both<br />
with different calls while under center.<br />
‘RED 27’<br />
<strong>The</strong> last number (7) means that we want to change the direction of the play.<br />
So 44 Give would become 45 Give. It’s that simple.<br />
‘BLACK 31’
<strong>The</strong> last number (1) means that we want to change the runner of the play. So<br />
a 44 Give Outside would become 44 Keep.<br />
1 – QB<br />
2 and 3 – RB<br />
4 – FB<br />
‘WHITE 29’<br />
This can be obvious to the defense but it works in emergencies. <strong>The</strong> first<br />
number is the runner and the last number is the change in direction. 44 Dive<br />
Outside would become 45 Give.<br />
‘GREEN 39’<br />
Green works for pass plays. <strong>The</strong> (9) means that we want Blue 34 to become<br />
Blue 25.<br />
Strong Running Plays:<br />
42(43)<br />
This ISO play is a great play because when you delay the FB the Middle<br />
Linebacker also freezes as well. <strong>The</strong> FB should run at a little angle so the<br />
linebacker doesn’t have a good attack route on him. Against a 5 front the<br />
“OUT” call is made, but not against a 6 front… against that we will run<br />
outside. <strong>The</strong> great thing about this is the ‘Option’ call that can be made after<br />
it. <strong>The</strong> line still blocks the same and the corner and safety are forced to<br />
respect it. <strong>The</strong> tight end should make an extra effort to scoop of course…
34(25)<br />
This is the base power ISO for the wishbone. <strong>The</strong>re are two ways to running<br />
the ISO… one would be the basic power, double team at the line, run right<br />
over them kind… the other would be the less powerful but better when it<br />
came to match ups in the box. When you run double combo you do it<br />
assuming the box will be stacked. When you run the base you assume they<br />
are easing up a bit in the secondary because your QB can pass the ball. How<br />
many times do you think that corner will want to tackle the running back?
44(45)<br />
<strong>Double</strong>-teaming in NON-EXISTANT. <strong>The</strong> backs are trying to find the gaps<br />
and holes. <strong>The</strong> line’s main job is to keep his man at bay and not let him into<br />
the backfield. Larger splits can be made to delay the defensive linemen.<br />
Dive – FB dives into outside shade A gap<br />
Outside Dive – FB dives into the outside shade B gap<br />
Give – <strong>The</strong> RB dives into C gap<br />
Inside Give – <strong>The</strong> RB dives into B gap<br />
Outside Give – <strong>The</strong> RB dives into D gap<br />
Keep – <strong>The</strong> QB keeps into outer D gap
Inside Keep – <strong>The</strong> QB keeps into C gap<br />
16(17)<br />
Triple Option at it’s best. If the defensive tackles are trying to get up field to<br />
disrupt the belly series then you run triple option and kill them with the<br />
fullback dive. Even if the defensive tackle takes the dive you can still run<br />
option efficiently even though most of the time they will be numerically<br />
equal to the number of players running the option. <strong>The</strong> lead blocker reads<br />
the second option (first guy outside the tight end) If he goes up field for the<br />
pitch the lead blocker bellies up field and destroys the corner. Quarterback<br />
should see this and follow.
36(27)<br />
This is a power off-tackle play. It is blocked just like 34(25) with the<br />
exception that the tight end will max down. It looks a lot like the 34(25) as<br />
well if you look at it. With a “smack” call the guard can pull and block out<br />
on the end. When “smack” is called the running back and fullback should<br />
block as if it were 34(25). If you notice vs. the 4-4 the tight end should<br />
block out on the outside backer who’s close to the L.O.S.
46(47)<br />
On paper unstoppable. Against a 5-2 defense invincible. An off-tackle play<br />
can be made out of this by adding the ‘Slant’ call. On this play we don’t<br />
really wish to have the fullback carry the ball, we want to pitch it to the<br />
running back to get the most yards. <strong>The</strong> biggest problem with this play is<br />
that it tends to string out so much that the QB doesn’t know what to do…<br />
this is why the QB can’t be afraid to run. Another good play that doesn’t<br />
fool around with reads so much is “46 Combo”… explained later in the<br />
“Additional” chapter.
8 Backup Plays<br />
In the very small chance that some of the main plays aren’t working some<br />
other plays are available to mix things up more.<br />
30(21)<br />
This counter dive play involves a great deal of speed for the OT. If the<br />
safety is fooled the play can result in a lot of yardage against the 4-4. If the
defensive backfield is drawn inside you can run ‘Option’ if you wish… you<br />
just might to have the FB block that DT instead of the DE.<br />
40(41)<br />
It’s like 44(45) with the trap factor involved. If the DT closes very good (or<br />
too good) run a ‘Give’ or ‘Keep’ call. <strong>The</strong> play side tackle and tight end’s<br />
block will vary depending if the call is ‘Dive’, ‘Give’, or ‘Keep’. Against a<br />
6 front a ‘Wedge’ call might be used to mean everyone scoops inside and the<br />
FB just tries to burrow his way for that one-yard.
22(33)<br />
This play is just straight out ISO. <strong>The</strong> blocking is the same as 42(43) but<br />
there is no FB delay factor so it’s not as good. Run ‘Option’ if needed.
32(23)<br />
This cross buck ISO is great against defenses with a MLB that read FB.<br />
26(37)
This veer play is to help get a better angle on the dive. All of the calls<br />
shown can also be used with the 46(47) Veer, considering they are both,<br />
basically, the same play. An “arc” call means we want the TE to reach up<br />
field and block the OLB. This “arc” call can also be used in 16(17). If you<br />
like you can have him blocking the corner instead. Running “leave” for a<br />
Veer play is dangerous but most effective if the center is good enough to<br />
keep his man along the LOS.<br />
56(57)
This counter play is great against the 5 or 6 front defense. It requires a line<br />
that is somewhat fast and willing to run that far! <strong>The</strong> guard kicks out the DE<br />
and the tackle runs a SEAL. <strong>The</strong> FB picks up the loose defensive tackle,<br />
while drawing away the linebacker(s) at the same time. Deception is a big<br />
key… when executed properly it can lead to a lot of yards.<br />
18(19)
This miss direction series is great against teams that rely on the FB to figure<br />
where the play is going. If their defense somehow flows with the FB then<br />
use this to throw them completely off-guard. <strong>The</strong> blocking is just about the<br />
same as 44(45) and no matter the call (Dive, Option, Give, Keep, QB Curl)<br />
that blocking remains the same (except on QB Curl where the center blocks<br />
front side). <strong>The</strong> hardest part is getting the linemen to remember that 18(19)<br />
doesn’t mean pull like in 28(39)… but you can also adjust your blocking to<br />
make it like that (which appears as such on the web page).
28(39)<br />
<strong>The</strong> line DOES pull this time. This sweep is also supposed to throw off the<br />
defense because you can run a ‘Toss’ or ‘Keep’ call to run a QB keep to the<br />
backside. This way there are little-no backside defenders running the RB<br />
down. This is very good against 6 fronts.<br />
46(47) Combo<br />
Additional
If you use the call “Combo” with 46 Veer, you can adjust the play so the<br />
fullback (along with the nearside back) helps lead block on the pitch (or the<br />
QB belly if the DE goes up field). This resembles much of what Nebraska<br />
runs out of their main Straight I formation. <strong>The</strong> line must reach their man<br />
and at least slow him down.<br />
Depending on how good your TE is you can arc release him or have him just<br />
block the first man inside on the second (or third) level.<br />
18(19) Sweep<br />
This is a solid QB sweep play. It is basically a giant QB Iso with a guard<br />
support.
<strong>The</strong> blocking is very simple. <strong>The</strong> tackle blocks the first man down, the<br />
guard pulls and hits the first thing inside… the fullback always has the<br />
corner (we want him to destroy the corner).<br />
38(29) Power Sweep<br />
<strong>The</strong>re was the old 28(39) Toss Sweep that was very good if you had a<br />
smaller back who could make things happen. If you just want to run them
over (and if they are stacked in the middle) run this. It is a quick little pitch<br />
from the QB so he can help block.<br />
<strong>The</strong> variety of the sweep (whether the QB or RB handles the ball) is to add<br />
flexibility to your offense. If your QB is faster than the RB than he should<br />
take it. If your QB is of the larger not-as-fast side, then have him lead block<br />
and get someone.<br />
This is a fullback trap play with a twist. It’s called 40(41) cutback because<br />
instead of a direct trap the fullback goes to the opposite side then he cuts<br />
back into the hole. This brings advantages because it gives the blockers
more time to block the flowing linebackers and it gives the fullback a bigger<br />
hole to run through this way. If the linebackers are flowing big time run this<br />
play.<br />
6 Base Pass Plays<br />
Blue 34(25)<br />
<strong>The</strong> most effective pass play of the wishbone is 34(25). <strong>The</strong> Linebackers<br />
think that it is ISO so they fill the gap. <strong>The</strong> QB should have around 3-4<br />
options of who to throw it to.
Blue 34(25) Screen<br />
<strong>The</strong> line scoops to the backside and then blocks up field. <strong>The</strong> trick is to fool<br />
the backside into thinking that this is a 34(25) play and have them help<br />
support it.<br />
Blue 42(43)<br />
This is a great trick play to use against defenses that have their corners<br />
playing basically a Cover 1. We are looking for the throw back. <strong>The</strong> safety<br />
should be playing run support.
Blue 44(45)<br />
This is a desperate play action bomb to the tight ends. Hopefully you will<br />
never need to use this in a game.<br />
Blue 46(47)<br />
This is a great goal-line play to use against defenses with corners that are<br />
playing close run support. Having the tight end run a quick out catches them<br />
off-guard.
Blue 48(49)<br />
This is a very good screenplay to use when the defense tends to move their<br />
backside to the play side very quickly. <strong>The</strong> FB screen catches them off<br />
guard and it results in a lot of yards.<br />
<strong>Tight</strong>-End pass plays<br />
<strong>The</strong> tight end pass plays are a system of play-action passes where we send<br />
the tight end a certain route while faking a 44(45) play. <strong>The</strong> goal is to draw
the defensive backfield to the LOS forgetting that there is actually a tight<br />
end that they are assigned to cover. This works great against teams stacking<br />
the line with the corners.<br />
<strong>The</strong> way these plays are called is very simple. A ‘Right’ or ‘Left’ call is<br />
made to determine the direction of the fake 44(45) play. Even though it is<br />
not shown, the running back faking the ‘Give’ can go out to the flat just in<br />
case. After that the tight end’s number is called followed by the pass route.<br />
<strong>The</strong> lineman-blocking scheme is very simple: block AWAY from the<br />
direction of the right or left call.<br />
Right 62 (below)<br />
<strong>The</strong> line must find someone on the LOS to block; we don’t want to give the<br />
defense even a clue that we are going to pass the ball. This throw back is<br />
excellent against any defenses because the play side corner is thinking ‘runstop’<br />
more than ‘pass-protection’. <strong>The</strong> play side running back should block<br />
the defensive end or first man uncovered if the tight end that is running the<br />
route happens to be on that side.<br />
Sending both tight ends out is also possible.<br />
Left 73 62 (below)
A play like this isn’t recommended. <strong>The</strong> whole purpose of the tight end pass<br />
plays is to get our tight end in a certain spot easily. Think of this almost as a<br />
sneak pass play. Something like the play above would give it away. Here is<br />
another example of a good tight end pass play. <strong>The</strong> QB can call a play like<br />
this from under center.<br />
Right 79 (below)<br />
Lineman Blocking Scheme<br />
<strong>The</strong> double-tight end wishbone offense is very lineman friendly. Here is an<br />
outline of each of the lineman’s blocking responsibilities on the right side.
Here is the blocking scheme to the left side. Notice how it’s the exact same.<br />
Against the Stacked Fronts:<br />
<strong>The</strong> 8-man front is a GAM defense that relies on the defensive lineman’s<br />
ability to control his gap. <strong>The</strong> linebackers are lined up just inside the tight
end and are suppose to jam him (slow him down so the stud middle man can<br />
mop up). This defense is terrible against the option because there is no one<br />
reading the quarterback. This defense is also weak against the double tight<br />
wishbone because splits can be widened on either side and the defense won’t<br />
be able to know which side the play will go to. This is why the double tight<br />
bone is so great. Here are some plays against the 10-1.<br />
30(21)<br />
This is a bit weak of a play but it can work nonetheless if that weak side DT<br />
tends to go up field.<br />
On 34(25) the splits between the tackle and tight end should be significant as<br />
well (or guard and tackle again if you wish to run ‘34 Inside’). On the<br />
option, veer (basically anything that ends in 6) the splits should be tighter. If<br />
all this fails (and it won’t) just pass the ball with the tight ends!<br />
34(25)<br />
Once again notice the splits. This is more like a 36 off-tackle play but it<br />
works if that linebacker jams the tight end. Use the “Gone” call to send the<br />
center up field to slow/stop the middle linebacker.
16(17)<br />
Life is good… well… not so good if you’re running an 8-man front. On<br />
16(17) the guard doesn’t block up field if there is a nose or man in the A<br />
gap. An “On” call is made to instruct the tight end to block the linebacker.
26(27) or 46(47)<br />
Same thing. This works just as good. “Gone” call is made… and yes it does<br />
work!<br />
36(27)<br />
“Gone” call again… it really does work… that linebacker won’t even see it<br />
coming!
56(57)<br />
<strong>Double</strong>-team that defensive end to drive him out of the way.<br />
Against <strong>Double</strong> Safeties<br />
What I mean by “double safeties” is that the teams you play move their two<br />
safeties inside to read the two running backs. <strong>The</strong>re are a number of ways to<br />
beat these kinds of defenses. On paper they can be seen as trick plays… but<br />
in reality they are just exploiting the weaknesses. Notice that they have to<br />
change their defense to adjust to yours; they are automatically at a<br />
disadvantage. Giving a play a call can change it significantly enough to beat<br />
these kinds of defenses. <strong>The</strong> 3 plays I show are the strongest.
If the DT doesn’t go for the FB run 44 Dive Empty or 16(17) Option.<br />
In this adjusted 5-2 the linebackers read the FB and flow to the play side<br />
gaps. This is the key in beating this kind of defense. <strong>The</strong> nose will try and<br />
read the center but as we all know this doesn’t work to well come game<br />
time. When the fullback gets in their backfield and their safeties are forced<br />
to take him run Give and Keep all night.
Remember that the line needs to be fast enough to at least disrupt the safety.<br />
Or you could just run sweep all night long…<br />
More on Belly<br />
<strong>The</strong> 6 plays I gave you don’t really go into the<br />
wishbone’s belly too much. <strong>The</strong>y key for this kind of<br />
play relies on the linemen. <strong>The</strong> center must be fast<br />
enough to get to linebackers, the guards must be good
enough to reach and base an outside shade, and the<br />
tackles have to do some things that don’t look so<br />
great on paper… but will still produce yardage.<br />
<strong>The</strong> blocking of the center and guards are assumed… if there are two inside<br />
shades as defensive tackles the backside guard reaches (or cuts) the man<br />
inside him while the center goes for the linebacker. If the center has a man<br />
over him he will base him. If the nose guard is in-between the guard and<br />
center he will be blocked by the lineman he is closest to. If he is in the<br />
middle the guard will reach him if he can… if he can’t make this very<br />
difficult block this should be communicated.<br />
This part is very simple… but the tackles have it difficult in some aspects.<br />
Depending on your patience you can either have the tackles block the first<br />
man off the line of scrimmage inside or you can have him block the first<br />
man ahead of him like I show on the 44(45) Belly in the “Strong Running<br />
Plays” chapter.<br />
When the tackle blocks the first inside it can cut off any defensive flow that<br />
the defense is running. In most cases this means that the tackle will be after
the inside linebacker… if the tackle can get to him before the linebacker fills<br />
the gap you can run dive all night long. If this is not working you can call<br />
“clear” and have that tackle block straight up field.<br />
With this you can really eliminate the random “loop” calls and such. Now<br />
you can mix it up on the line, and completely bewilder defenders at what<br />
your next move is.<br />
<strong>The</strong> highlighted plays:<br />
42(43)<br />
34(25)<br />
44(45) “Base” “Clear”<br />
16(17)<br />
46(47) “Base” “Combo” (46 Combo is better ran the way the “Additional”<br />
chapter shows it)<br />
38(39)<br />
BELLY IS GREAT FOR ALL AGES (ESP. YOUNGER KIDS)<br />
Notes on Running Plays
On 40(41), 30(21), 56(57) splits of the linemen need to be made according to<br />
where the gap is. For instance the gap between the center and right guard on<br />
40 need to be split a little more against a 4 front to give the left guard time to<br />
block the tackle. <strong>The</strong> same goes for 30. On 56 the play side tight end needs<br />
to split just a little more to give the guard more time to hit the defensive end.<br />
If the defense picks up on this split scheme STOP. Another thing on 40(41)<br />
is technique. If the play is ’40 Give’ then the guard should use his inside<br />
shoulder to hook the tackle just incase.<br />
On 32(23) the fullback can also be given the ball if a ‘Dive’ call is made.<br />
This would be used if the linebackers don’t fall for the fake... against a 4-4<br />
defense he could be sent in the opposite A gap instead of so wide. This<br />
could lead to huge yards if the inside linebackers don’t believe he has the<br />
ball.<br />
On 34(25) the play can be ran with a “Combo” block by the play side guard<br />
and tackle verse a DT in the B gap. <strong>The</strong> tight end should read the DE and<br />
make him overrun his assignment. If the DE goes inside the tight end should<br />
run him into the DT who is being scooped by the guard to make a pile. <strong>The</strong><br />
FB should aim for the outside heel of the OT and block the second man<br />
inside not on the LOS. <strong>The</strong> other lead blocking RB aims for the first man<br />
inside. This way the safety is the only one left to tackle the running back.<br />
On 42(43), 26(37), Blue 42(43) the play side running back needs to edge up<br />
a little more (not so much parallel to the FB but closer) to have a better start<br />
to the hole. <strong>The</strong> number 2 and 3 running backs are standing up and the<br />
fullback is down in a 3-point stance. <strong>The</strong> defense shouldn’t see this coming.<br />
If ‘Option’ is called the line blocks the same.<br />
On 44(45) the lead blocking RB blocks the first man filling the hole each<br />
time unless a ‘Slant’ call is made. If the defense is playing the wishbone as<br />
a “hit the first man you see” then you can run ‘Outside Dive Give’ meaning<br />
that the FB dives into B gap but the RB has the ball! When an ‘Outside<br />
Dive’ call is made the offense tackle should make an extra effort to bring<br />
that DT down into A gap (basically making him overrun the FB).<br />
On option plays like 16(17), 26(27), 46(47) the line just needs to create<br />
havoc for the backside defenders aiding the play side. We want to PITCH<br />
the ball, that’s where all the yards off these plays come from. <strong>The</strong> lead<br />
blocker can be assigned ‘Cover’ at the end of the play to just pick up the first
man attacking pitch. If they are playing Robber coverage then forget about<br />
pitch and play out the option. On 16(17) the play side linemen reach up<br />
field. “Combo” and “Leave” calls will be used a lot in this offense.<br />
You can rename 18(19) to 54(55) or 14(15) if that helps the linemen<br />
blocking scheme. Remember that the running backs need to take a counter<br />
step.<br />
On 28(39) if the center is fast enough he can cut the DT so that both guard<br />
and tackle pull. This would be used against the 4-4 or 4-3 on the strong side.<br />
Notes on Passing Plays<br />
<strong>The</strong> only thing the linemen need to know is that they can’t go up field, they<br />
need to block away from the last number (on Blue 42 they block left and on<br />
Blue 45 they block right), and they need to hit something on the line of<br />
scrimmage. <strong>The</strong>y can’t give the defensive backfield the notion that we are<br />
trying to pass so they find someone as quick as they can or if they detect<br />
blitz pick that guy up. Splits should be a little bit closer than normal.<br />
Final Notes<br />
Deception and Power are the key elements in the wishbone. If any member<br />
of the defense is not sold on the fact that a certain person has the ball this<br />
offense can fail. 34(25) is undoubtedly the most obvious play in this<br />
playbook as to has the ball. Defensive coordinators will scheme and figure<br />
innovative new ways to try and beat the wishbone and the line of scrimmage<br />
will be crowded in most of your games. What needs to happen is that you<br />
have to work on the option and deception factor of the wishbone. A team<br />
cannot prepare for an offense like this in 4 days. Find the cracks in their<br />
defense (and there are always cracks and weaknesses), have people watch<br />
their defense and see what the scheme is, adjust to what they do and kick<br />
their ass. Have fun!<br />
Andrew Ward<br />
14313 Lakeview Drive<br />
Wichita Kansas, 67230