Holy Spirit Football

Offensive Playbook 2009

Update April 1, 2009

Compete

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORMATIONS/MOTIONS/SHIFTS..................................................................................................................... 4
FORMATIONS
Twins Family Formations ................................................................................................................................... 4
Pro Family Formations....................................................................................................................................... 9
Special Formations ........................................................................................................................................... 14
Formations Tags and Personnel Groupings ..................................................................................................... 15
MOTIONS ............................................................................................................................................................ 16
SHIFTS ................................................................................................................................................................. 17
RUNNING GAME ................................................................................................................................................. 19
ZONE GAME
Defensive Numbering ........................................................................................................................................ 19
10/11Inside Zone............................................................................................................................................... 24
20/21 Outside Zone ........................................................................................................................................... 26
Truck Right/Left ................................................................................................................................................ 28
COUNTER GAME
30/31 Power ...................................................................................................................................................... 30
40/41 Counter ................................................................................................................................................... 32
40/41 Special ................................................................................................................................................ 33
OPTION GAME
10/11Dive .......................................................................................................................................................... 34
10/11Dive Option .............................................................................................................................................. 35
20/21 Speed ....................................................................................................................................................... 36
PLAY ACTION PASSING GAME ...................................................................................................................... 37
ZONE GAME PLAY ACTION
P10/P11 ............................................................................................................................................................ 37
Sprint Out.......................................................................................................................................................... 40
20/21 Boot Protection Diagrams ...................................................................................................................... 41
20/21 Boot ......................................................................................................................................................... 42
COUNTER GAME PLAY ACTION
P40/P41Boot Protection Diagrams .................................................................................................................. 43
P40/P41Boot ..................................................................................................................................................... 44
DROP BACK PASSING GAME .......................................................................................................................... 45
PASS PROTECTION TERMINIOLOGY AND O-LINE CALLS ...................................................................... 45
60 SERIES (7-MAN/8-MAN PROTECTION) .................................................................................................... 47
Examples of callside blitzes and FIRE calls for 60 Series Protection ......................................................... 52
50 SERIES (5-MAN/6-MAN PROTECTION) .................................................................................................... 53
Examples of callside blitzes and FIRE calls for 50 Series Protection ......................................................... 58
FOUNDAMENTALS OF OFFENSIVE POSITIONS ........................................................................................ 59
OFFENSIVE LINE- RUN BASICS
Stance ................................................................................................................................................................ 59
Types of Run Blocks .......................................................................................................................................... 60
Techniques for Base Block ................................................................................................................................ 60
Progression for Teaching Zone Blocking ......................................................................................................... 61
Splits/Depth ....................................................................................................................................................... 63
Techniques for Inside Zone ............................................................................................................................... 63
Techniques for Outside Zone ............................................................................................................................ 64
Techniques for Counter/Power Blocking .......................................................................................................... 65
Techniques for Gap Block................................................................................................................................. 65
Techniques for Pull-Trap Block ........................................................................................................................ 66
Techniques for Pull-Wrap Block ....................................................................................................................... 66
O-Line Drills ..................................................................................................................................................... 66
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OFFENSIVE LINE- PASS BASICS
Basics of Pass Protection.................................................................................................................................. 68
Basics of Pass Set ............................................................................................................................................. 69
Pass Set Footwork ............................................................................................................................................ 70
Footwork vs. Tight 3-tech/5-tech ...................................................................................................................... 71
Footwork vs. Loose 3-tech/5-tech ..................................................................................................................... 72
Footwork vs. 1-tech/4i-tech .............................................................................................................................. 72
Footwork vs. 2-tech/4-tech................................................................................................................................ 73
Footwork and Technique vs. Wide Rush ........................................................................................................... 74
Making Contact................................................................................................................................................. 77
After Contact ..................................................................................................................................................... 78
Pass Rush Moves and Counter Moves .............................................................................................................. 79
Blocking Twist Stunts in the Pass Game ........................................................................................................... 80
Concepts of Combination Blocks in the Pass Game ......................................................................................... 82

OFFENSIVE LINE- CIRCUIT DRILLS AND DIAGRAMS

Basic Zone And Counter Dbl Team Drill Progression ..................................................................................... 84
2-on-1 Drill .................................................................................................................................... 84
2-on-2 Drill .................................................................................................................................... 84
Individualized Zone Dbl Team Drills ............................................................................................................... 86
4-3 Zone Drills ............................................................................................................................... 86
4-4 Zone Drills ............................................................................................................................... 88
5-2 Zone Drills ............................................................................................................................... 91
Individualized Counter Dbl Team/Trap/Wrap Drills........................................................................................ 93
Trap/Wrap Station .......................................................................................................................... 93
Dbl Team Station ........................................................................................................................... 95
Center Station................................................................................................................................. 96
Additional Trap/Wrap Stations ...................................................................................................... 98
Individualized Pass Protection Drills ............................................................................................................... 99
Footwork Station ............................................................................................................................ 99
1-on-1 Station............................................................................................................................... 101
Combo Pass Block Station ........................................................................................................... 102

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 HOLY SPIRIT FOOTBALL
Twins Family Formations
Swing Left (also Swing Left Flex) Swing (also Swing Flex)

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

X Y Y X
Z B B Z

A A

Swack Left Swack

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

X Y Y X
Z B B Z

A A

Swing Left

Personnel: Bubba Personnel: Bubba

X Y Y X
H B B H

A A

Swing Left Tilt (also Swing Left Flex Tilt) Swing Tilt (also Swing Flex Tilt)

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

X Y Y X
B B
Z Z

A A

Swing Left Over (also Swing Left Flex Over) Swing Over (also Swing Flex Over)

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

Y X X Y
Z B B Z

A A

Swing Ammo Left (also Swing Flex Ammo Left) Swing Ammo (also Swing Flex Ammo)

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

X Y Y X
Z B Q Q B Z

A A

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Swing Gun Left (also Swing Flex Gun Left) Swing Gun (also Swing Flex Gun)

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

X Y Y X
Z B A A B Z

Q Q

Skins Left (also Skins Flex Left) Skins (also Skins Flex)
Personnel: Base Personnel: Base
X Y Y X
Z B B Z

A A

Skins

Personnel: Posse

X X
Z Z

Skins Flex

Personnel: Posse

X X
Z Z

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Trips Left (also Trips Left Flex) Trips (also Trips Flex)

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

X Y Y X
Z B B Z

A A

Loose Trips Left (also Loose Trips Left Flex) Loose Trips (also Loose Trips Flex)

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

X Y Y X
Z B B Z

A A

Trips Left Bounce Trips Bounce

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

X Y Y X
Z B B Z

A A

Loose Trips Left Bounce Loose Trips Bounce

Personnel: Base/Posse Personnel: Base/Posse

X Y Y X
Z B B Z

A A

Trips Bump Left Trips Bump

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

B Y Y B

X Z Z X

A A

Trips Left Bump Ammo Trips Bump Ammo

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

B Y Y B

X Z Q Q Z X

A A

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Trips Left Over Trips Over

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

Y X X Y
Z B B Z

A A

Trio Left Trio

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

X Y Y X
B Z Z B

A A

Empty Left (gun & no gun) Empty (gun & no gun)

Personnel: Posse Personnel: Posse

X X X X
Z A Z Z A Z

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King Twins Left (also King Flex Left) King Twins (also King Flex)

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

X Y Y X
Z Z

B B
A A

Loose King Twins Left (also Loose King Flex Left) Loose King Twins (also Loose King Flex)

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

X Y Y X

Z Z
B B
A A

Jack Twins Left (also Jack Flex Left) Jack Twins (also Jack Flex)

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

X Y Y X
Z Z

B B
A A

Loose Jack Twins Left (also Loose Jack Flex Left) Loose Jack Twins (also Loose Jack Flex)

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

X Y Y X

Z Z

B B
A A

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 HOLY SPIRIT FOOTBALL
Pro Family Formations
Ace Left Ace

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

Y B B Y
Z X X Z

A A

Ace Left Wing Ace Wing

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

Y B B Y
Z X X Z

A A

Ace Left Ammo Ace Ammo

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

B Y B Y

X Z X Q Z
Q

A A

Heavy Left Heavy

Personnel: Heavy Personnel: Heavy

Y U U Y
H B B H

A A

Heavy Left Tilt Heavy Tilt

Personnel: Heavy Personnel: Heavy

Y U U Y
H B B H

A A

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Deuce Left Deuce

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

Y X X Y
Z B B Z

A A

Deuce Left Bounce Deuce Bounce

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

Y X X Y
Z B B Z

A A

Deuce Left Wing Deuce Wing

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

Y X X Y
Z B B Z

A A

Deuce Left Ammo (Gun) Deuce Ammo (Gun)

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

Y X X Y
Z B Q Q B Z

A A

Dove Left (Deuce Left Over, can be Dove Flex Lt also) Dove (Deuce Over, can Dove Flex also)
Personnel: Base
Personnel: Base
X Y

Z B Y X
B Z

A
A

Queen Left Queen

Personnel: Bubba Personnel: Bubba

Y X X Y
B B

H H

A A

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Trey Left Trey

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

Y X X Y
Z B B Z

A A

Trey Left Over Trey Over

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

X Y Y X
Z B B Z

A A

Trey Left Bounce Trey Bounce

Y X X Y
Z B B Z

A A

(Tight) Trey Left (Tight) Trey

Personnel: Tight Personnel: Tight

Y U U Y
Z B B Z

A A

Tough Left (Trey Over Flex) Tough (Trey Over Flex)

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

X Y Y X
Z B B Z

A A

Tits Left (2 Ts over) Tits (2 Ts over)

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

X T Y Y T X
Z B B Z

A A

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Trey Left Tilt Trey Tilt

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

Y X X Y
Z B B Z

A A

Trey Left Over Tilt Trey Over Tilt

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

X Y Y X
Z B B Z

A A

King Trey Left Ammo King Trey Ammo

Personnel: Bubba Personnel: Bubba

Y X X Y
Q B B Q
H H

A A

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King Pro Left King Pro

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

Y X X Y
Z Z

B B

A A

(Tight) King Pro Left (Tight) King Pro

Personnel: Tight Personnel: Tight

Y U U Y
Z Z

B B

A A

Jack Pro Left Jack Pro

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

Y X X Y
Z Z
B
B
A A

(Tight) Jack Pro Left (Tight) Jack Pro

Personnel: Tight Personnel: Tight

Y U U Y

Z Z
B
B
A A

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 HOLY SPIRIT FOOTBALL
Special Formations
Slot Left Slot

Personnel: Base/Posse Personnel: Base/Posse

Z X X Z
Y B B Y

A A

Cluster Left Cluster

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

X Y Y X
Z B B Z

A A

Bunch Left Bunch

Personnel: Base Personnel: Base

Y X X Y
Z B B Z

A A

Tank Left Tank

Personnel: Bubba Personnel: Bubba

X Y Y X
B B

H H

A A

Spartan Left Spartan

Personnel: Bubba Personnel: Bubba

X Y Y X
H B B H

A A

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 Formation Description
Tags
1. Over Tells the X to align opposite of his normal alignment in a given formation (ex. Swing Over)
2. Tilt Tells the Y and B to switch alignments but Y remains on LOS and B off LOS
3. Wing Tells the Z to align 2 x 2 off TE
4. Loose Tells the Y to split out as a receiver still aligns on the LOS
5. Bump Tells B to align on the LOS (ex. Trips Bump)
6. Bounce Tells B to split the difference between EMLOS and split receiver
7. Ammo Tells A-back to align in QB position in gun and tells to QB to split out as a receiver. The alignment of the QB
will vary by formation
8. Gun Tells QB to align in gun and tells A-back to split out as a receiver. The alignment of the A-back will vary by
formation
9. King Tells the B to align over the inside leg of the T to the TE side
10. Jack Tells the B to align over the inside leg of the T away from the TE side

Personnel Group Y B A X Z Whos Out Whos In

Heavy 2 2 1 0 0 X&Z H (2 B) & U (2nd Y)
nd

Tight 2 1 1 0 1 X 2nd Y
Bubba 1 2 1 1 0 Z H (2nd B)
Base 1 1 1 1 1 N/A N/A
Skins 0 1 1 2 1 Y 2nd X
Posse 0 0 1 2 2 Y/B 2nd Z & 2nd X

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 HOLY SPIRIT FOOTBALL
2009 Motions

*Man in motion must be at the proper location at the snap of the ball
Left Left Right Right
Outside Inside Inside Outside
LOU LIZ RIP ROB
+5yds -5yds -5yds +5yds

*RETURN MOTION = Man in motion will reach QB from his Pre-Motion Alignmentand and turn to return back to his
alignment by th EMLOS at the snap of the ball. NOTE: If Z is running this motion we will call it Z-Back instead of Z-
Orbit so as not to confuse the Z and B with regards to who is going in motion

B-Return
Motion

*SHUFFLE MOTION = will be used when the B-back is going to motion back to a King or Jack alignment which he may
do on 10/11 Lead

B-Shuffle
Motion

Z-STACK MOTION = This motion is used to get the Z receiver in a Stack alignment at the snap of the ball

Z-Stack
Motion

X
Z

*ORBIT MOTION = will be used when we want to have an a man fake a reverse look or actually run a reverse (if he is
out passed 5yds he will leave in early motion before the snap. If he is within 5yds, he will simply carry out the reverse fake
with no early motion needed).
Z-Orbit
Motion

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 HOLY SPIRIT FOOTBALL

2009 Pre-Snap Shifts

1. All shifts (IF were using more than one shift in a game) will use the same Pre-Shift Formation unless
otherwise game planned
2. There may be games where we use NO SHIFTS at all, if it will not affect the opponents defensive scheme.
3. Types of Shifts
a. BUMP- B shifts (and possible RB if we choose to offset his alignments) shifts
b. TRADE- TE (and possible RB if we choose to offset his alignments) shifts.
c. BURST- TE and B (and RB) shift
d. POP- X and Z (and RB) line up in a tighter alignment and shift out to a wider alignment
e. SINK- X and Z (and RB) line up in a wider alignment and shift in to a tighter alignment
f. EXPLODE- Everyone, all 5 eligible men (H, Y, X, Z, and RB) shift
i. A combination of a BURST and a POP or SINK
g. SCATTER- All 5 eligible men line up 4yds behind the O-Line (who is in a 3pt stance) and on the
command they shift quickly to the formation called, ideally before the defense and adjust and get set.
h. NOTE: RB can also shift in any and all of these motions if we are going to use him in any offset
alignments throughout the season. If we are only going to align him behind the QB then it would not
make sense to include him in the above shifts
4. Some examples of shifts are below. There are an endless number of ways to shift so they all cant be
diagrammed
5. NOTE #1: For Z and X, when we shift B and/or Y (in Trade, Burst, or Bump) we may also need to move the
Z and/or X up or back to make the correct and legal formation. There are two ways we can do this. First we
can have Z and X line up in the Pre-Shift formation where they will be shifting to in the Post-Shift Formation.
This would always keep the Z off the line and the X on the line. Second, we can just have the shift regardless
of the Z and X position. With this way, we may have situations where the Z will be ON the line and the X
will be OFF the line in our POST-SHIFT positions. This decision can be game planned.
6. NOTE #2: Z and X are not really considered shifting if they simply move up ON the line or back OFF the
line. The exception to this would be if we decided to EXPLODE from RIGHT or LEFT in the same formation
(example is diagramed below under EXPLODE from Deuce Left to Trey Left). Z would move up ON the
LOS and X would move back OFF the line. We can have them switch sides also, but we would have to be
very conscience of our play clock.

BUMP to Trey Left (Pre-shift formation is Deuce)

Y X Y X
Z B Z B

A A

Trade to Deuce Left (Pre-shift formation is Trey)

X Y Y Z
B Z X B

A A

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Burst to Swing Flex (Pre-shift formation is Tough)

Y X Y X
B Z B Z

A A

POP to Deuce Left (Pre-shift formation is Deuce Left with tight

splits by X/Z)
Y X
Y X Z B
Z B

A
A
SINK to Deuce Left w/Tight Split (Pre-shift form. is Deuce Left)

Y X Y X
Z B Z B

A A

EXPLODE to Deuce (Pre-shift form. is Deuce Left w/Tight splits)

NOTE: This example is a combination of BURST and POP

Y X Z B
Z B Y X

A A
SCATTER to Deuce (Pre-shift formation is Scatter formation)

X Y
B Q
Z
X B A Y Z

Q
A

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 HOLY SPIRIT FOOTBAL
Run Game
Defensive Numbering
Split 4-4 Split 4-4

B3 B0 BB1 BB4 BB4 BB1 B0 B3

1 B2 2
E2(2nd) T (1st) TB2 EB3 EB3 T T1(1st) E (2nd)

4-4 Over 4-4 Over

B3 B1 BB1 BB4 BB2 B0 B3

BB4
E2(2nd) T0(1st) TB2 EB3 EB3 TB1 T1(1st) E2(2nd)

4-4 Under 4-4 Under

B3 B0 BB2 BB4 BB1 B1

E2(2nd) T1(1st) TB1 EB3 BB4 EB3 TB2 T0(1st) E2(2nd) B3

4-4 Tight (6-2) 4-4 Tight (6-2)

B1 BB2 BB2 B1
B3 E2(2nd) T0(1st) T
B1
EB3 BB4 BB4 EB3 TB1 T0(1st) E2(2nd) B3

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4-3 Over 4-3 Over

B3 B0 BB2 BB3 B0 B2
E2(2nd) T1(1st) TB1 EB3 EB2 TB1 T1(1st) E3(2nd)

4-3 Over Shade 4-3 Over Shade

B3 B0 BB2 BB3 B0 B2
E2(2nd) N1(1st) TB1 EB3 EB2 NB1 T1(1st) E3(2nd)

Note: Better to have C

zone with BSG on IZ
and PST on OZ

4-3 Over (DE-OLB Switch) 4-3 Over (DE-OLB Switch)

BB3 B0 B3
B3 B0 BB3 EB2 TB1 T1(1st) E2(2nd)
2 1 B1 B2
E (2nd) T (1st) T E

4-3 Under 4-3 Under

B1 BB2 BB2 B1
E2(2nd) T0(1st) TB1 EB3 BB4 EB3 TB1 2
T0(1st) E (2nd) B
3

4-3 Under Shade 4-3 Under Shade

B2 BB1 BB2 B1
B3
E3(2nd) T1(1st) N0 EB2 B EB3 TB1 2
N0(1st) E (2nd) B
3

Note: Better to have C

zone with BSG on IZ
and PST on OZ

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5-2 5-2

B1 BB1 BB1 B1
E3(2nd) T2(1st) N0 TB2 EB3 EB3 TB2 N0 T2(1st) E3(2nd)
2

5-2 Over 5-2 Over

B1 BB1 BB1 B1
E3(2nd) T2(1st) N0 TB2 EB3 EB3 TB2 N0
3
T2(1st) E (2nd)
2

5-2 Over G 5-2 Over G

B0 BB2 BB1 B1
E2(2nd) T1(1st) NB1 TB3 EB4 EB3 TB2 N0(1st) T
2
(2nd) E3
2

5-2 Under Shade 5-2 Under Shade

B1 BB1 BB1 B1
E3(2nd) T2(1st) N0 TB2 EB3 EB3 TB2 N0 T2(1st) E3(2nd)
2

St. Joes Look St. Joes Look

S3 B1 B B2 S B4 S B4 B B2 B1 S4

E2 T0 NB1 T B3 E B5 E B3 TB1 N0 T2 E3

Note: TE cannot abandon

a man-on to go block a
LB; therefore the DE must
be treated as the #3

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5-3 5-3

B2 BB1 BB3 BB3 BB1 B2

E3(2nd) T1(1st) N0 TB2 E4 EB4 TB2 N0 T1(1st) E3(2nd)

5-3 (Dbl Eagle) 5-3 (Dbl Eagle)

B2 BB1 BB3 BB3 BB1 B2

0 0
E3(2nd) T1(1st) N TB2 EB4 EB4 TB2 N T1(1st) E3(2nd)

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3-5 Base 3-5 Base

W3(2nd) B2 MB1 AB3 WB4 BB3 MB1 A2

T1(1st) N0 TB2 EB4 TB2 N0 T1(1st) E3(2nd)
)

3-5 Eagle 3-5 Eagle

W3(2nd) B2 MB1 AB3 W B4 B B3 M B1 A2

T1(1st) N0 TB2 EB4 T B2 N T1(1st) E3(2nd)

23
 10- Inside Zone Right
5-2 Cov 2 5-3 Cov 3 S
FS SS
C C
C B1 C B3 B1 2
B B1 B M B
B4 0 1 3
E
B3
T B2 N0 T2 E3 E TB2 N T E
X Y X Y

Q B Q Z
B Z
We do not like to run
*NOTE for BST or BS B/Y, we will 10/11 into this front
"cut-off"/"hook" anything/everything *NOTE for ALL: We will use because of the 4th defender
A A
passed a 3-tech on the backside of "verticle double teams" on backside. 20/21 is better
the play. everything playside of that into this front
backside 3-tech (or wider).

Split 4-4, Cov 3 S 4-4 Over, Cov 3 S

C C C C
0
B BB1 B B3 B BB2 B0 B3
B3 B2 1 2 B3
E T T E E TB1 T1 E2
X Y X Y

B Q Z Q
B Z
Center makes a "Orange" Center makes a "Orange"
call indicated the "0" is the call indicated the "0" is the
first defender to his Right A
first defender to his Right A

PLAY NOTES
Q: Front out to 5 o'clock and get the ball back to the RB quickly and deep. Carry out P10 fake after handoff

A: First step is an Open step, second is a Crossover step, third is a Plant step to the inside leg of the PST. #1 read is first
DLM passed the C (not counting a shade). #2 read is the next DLM inside of him. If #1 read goes out or stays there you cut
inside and progress to next read. If B-gap is open, you will most likely "cram the B-gap". If a 3-tech in B=gap, you will most
likely "roll back" away from that 3-tech and either inside a backside 3-tech or behind a backside 1-tech.

B: If on playside, block #3. If on backside, block BS #3. Listen for call from backside partner to see if you are zoning or man
blocking

PST: Block #2. Listen for call from backside partner to see if you are zoning or man blocking. Vs even front, you will kick out DE
outside of you since he is a non-factor in the RB's reads

PSG: Block #1. Listen for call from backside partner to see if you are zoning or man blocking

C: Make "0" call (or "Orange" or "Yellow" if #0 is not directly over you). Block #0. Listen for call from backside partner to see if
you are zoning or man blocking

BSG: Block #B1 (backside #1). Listen for call from backside partner to see if you are zoning or man blocking

BST: Block #B2 (backside #2). Listen for call from backside partner to see if you are zoning or man blocking.
Y: If on playside, block #3. Vs 5-2, you will simply kick out the DE since he is a non-factor in the RB's reads. If on backside, block BS #3. Listen for call from backside
Y: If on
partner to playside, block
see if you are #3. orVs
zoning 5-2,blocking
man you will simply kick out the DE since he is a non-factor in the RB's reads. If on backside,
block BS #3. Listen for call from backside partner to see if you are zoning or man blocking
Z: If Cov 3, cutoff Corner. If Cov 2 may need to sift the force (push up on C and read who is the Force player, then either crack S or stalk C)
Z: If Cov 3, cutoff Corner. If Cov 2 may need to sift the force (push up on C and read who is the Force player, then either crack S
X:orIfstalk
Cov 3,
C)cutoff Corner. If Cov 2 may need to sift the force (push up on C and read who is the Force player, then either crack S or stalk C)

X: If Cov 3, cutoff Corner. If Cov 2 may need to sift the force (push up on C and read who is the Force player, then either crack S
or stalk C) 24
 11-Inside Zone Left
5-2 Cov 2 5-3 Cov 3 S
FS SS
C C
C B1
C 2 B1 B3
1
B B B M B
B3 3 1 0 B2 B4
E3 T
2
N0 TB2 E E T N T E
X Y Y X

B Q Z Z Q B

We do not like to run

10/11 into this front
A A because of the 4th defender
backside. 20/21 is better
into this front

Split 4-4 Cov 3 S 4-4 Over Cov 3 S

C C C C
3 0 B1 3 0 B2
B B B B B B B B
2 1 B2 B3 2 1 B1 B3
E T T E E T T E
Y X Y X

Q Z Q B
Z B

Center makes a "Yellow" call Center makes a "Yellow" call

indicated the "0" is the first indicated the "0" is the first
A defender to his Left A defender to his Left

PLAY NOTES

Q: Front out to 7 o'clock and get the ball back to the RB quickly and deep. Carry out P11 fake after handoff

A: See 10-Inside Zone Right

B: See 10-Inside Zone Right

PST: See 10-Inside Zone Right

PSG: See 10-Inside Zone Right

C: See 10-Inside Zone Right

BSG: See 10-Inside Zone Right

BST: See 10-Inside Zone Right
BST: See 10-Inside Zone Right
B/Y: See 10-Inside Zone Right
Y: See 10-Inside Zone Right
X/Z: See 10-Inside Zone Right
Z: See 10-Inside Zone Right

X: See 10-Inside Zone Right

25
 20- Outside Zone Right
5-2 Cov 2 5-3 Cov 3 S
FS SS
C C
C B1 C B3 B1 2
B B1 B M B
B4 0 1 3
E
B3
T B2 N0 T2 E3 E TB2 N T E
X Y X Y

Q B Q Z
B Z

A A

Split 4-4, Cov 3 S 4-4 Over, Cov 3 S

C C C C
0
B BB1 B B3 B BB2 B0 B3
B3 B2 1 2 B3
E T T E E TB1 T1 E2
X Y X Y

B Q Z Q
B Z
Center makes a "Orange" Center makes a "Orange"
call indicated the "0" is the call indicated the "0" is the
first defender to his Right A
first defender to his Right A

PLAY NOTES

Q: Front out
Front toto
out 4 oclock
4 o'clock and
and getget
thethe ball
ball back
back to the
to the RBRB
quickly andand
quickly deep. Carry
deep. outout
Carry P20Boot
fakefake
afteraway
handoff
from action after handoff

A: First step is an Open Step (same as Inside Zone except toe points to butt of TE), second is a Plant step directly at the butt of the TE (or
ghost of a TE), #1 read is first DLM on the LOS from outside-to-inside. #2 read is the next DLM inside of him. If #1 read goes out or stays
there you cut inside and progress to next read.

B: If on playside, block #3. If on backside, block BS #3. Listen for call from backside partner to see if you are zoning or man blocking

PST: Block #2. Listen for call from backside partner to see if you are zoning or man blocking. NOTE: You can NOT leave the DT in a 5-2 too
quickly because it makes it very different for you partner to over take him. You must give "body presence" to your partner to allow him to
overtake the DE on you, then you can procede to the PSLB.

PSG: Block #1. Listen for call from backside partner to see if you are zoning or man blocking

C: Make "0" call (or "Orange" or "Yellow" if #0 is not directly over you). Block #0. Listen for call from backside partner to see if you are
zoning or man blocking

BSG: Block #B1 (backside #1). Listen for call from backside partner to see if you are zoning or man blocking

Block
BST:Block
BST: #B2
#B2 (backside
(backside #2). #2).
ListenListen
for callfor call
from from backside
backside partner to partner toare
see if you see if you
zoning orare
manzoning
blockingor man blocking

Y:Y:If If
onon playside,
playside, blockblock
#3. If#3. If on backside,
on backside, block BSblock BS #3.
#3. Listen Listen
for call fromfor call from
backside backside
partner to see ifpartner
you areto see if
zoning oryou
manare zoning or man blocking
blocking

Z:Z:If If
Cov 3, 3,
Cov cutoff Corner.
cutoff If CovIf2Cov
Corner. may2need
maytoneed
sift thetoforce (push
sift the up on(push
force C andup
read
onwho is the
C and Force
read whoplayer, then
is the eitherplayer,
Force crack Sthen
or stalk C) crack S or stalk C)
either
X: If Cov 3, cutoff Corner. If Cov 2 may need to sift the force (push up on C and read who is the Force player, then either crack S or stalk C)
X: If Cov 3, cutoff Corner. If Cov 2 may need to sift the force (push up on C and read who is the Force player, then either crack S or stalk C)

26
 21-Outside Zone Left
5-2 Cov 2 5-3 Cov 3 S
FS SS
C C
C B1
C 2 B1 B3
1
B B B M B
B3 3 1 0 B2 B4
E3 T
2
N0 TB2 E E T N T E
X Y Y
Q B Q
Z Z B

A A

Split 4-4 Cov 3 S 4-4 Over Cov 3 S

C C C C
3 0 B1 3 0 B2
B B B B B B B B
2 1 B2 B3 2 1 B1 B3
E T T E E T T E
Y X Y

Q Z Q B
Z B

Center makes a "Yellow" call Center makes a "Yellow" call

indicated the "0" is the first indicated the "0" is the first
A defender to his Left A defender to his Left

PLAY NOTES

Frontout
Q: Front oclockand
outtoto77o'clock andget
getthe
theball
ballback
backtoto the
the RBRB quickly
quickly and
and deep.
deep. Carry
Carry outout
P11Boot
fakefake away
after from action after handoff
handoff

A: See
See10-Inside
20-OutsideZone
Zone Right
Right

B: See
See10-Inside
20-OutsideZone
Zone Right
Right

See10-Inside
PST: See 20-OutsideZone
Zone Right
Right

PSG: See
See10-Inside
20-OutsideZone
Zone Right
Right

C: See
See10-Inside
20-OutsideZone
Zone Right
Right

BSG: See
See10-Inside
20-OutsideZone
Zone Right
Right
BST: See 20-Outside Zone Right
BST: See 10-Inside Zone Right
B/Y: See 20-Outside Zone Right
Y: See 10-Inside Zone Right
X/Z: See 20-Outside Zone Right
Z: See 10-Inside Zone Right

X: See 10-Inside Zone Right

27
 Truck Right
5-2 Cov 2 5-3 Cov 3 S
FS SS
C C
C C B1
B1
B B1 B
B3
M B
B3 0 1
E T B2 N0 T E E T B2 N T E
X Y X Y
Q B Q B
Z Z

A A

Split 4-4 Cov 3 S 4-4 Over Cov 3 S

C C C C

B BB1 B0 B B BB2 B0 B
B3 B2 1 B3 B1 1
E T T E E T T E
X Y X Y

Q B Q B Z
Z

A A

PLAY NOTES
Q: Reverse pivot and toss ball quickly and firmly to RB, then carry out fake away from the toss

A: Open step with toe pointing to sideline, catch toss and continue outside. This is an outside play and you will NOT turn up inside until you
get outside of the crack block by the outside receiver and just inside the kick out block by the PST.

B: If to the same side as the TE, you will block the first defender inside your nose (on or off the LOS). There will be a few occasions were
you will "reach" block a defender head-up to outside of you (game plan decision)

PST: Pull and kick out the Corner

PSG: Reach #1 (same as 20-Outside Zone). When you have a PSLB, you have the choice of pulling with the PST to reach him if you don't
feel you can reach him by fire out on an angle to him from the LOS.

C: Reach #0 (same as 20-Outside Zone). When the #0 is a PSLB, you will try to reach him by fire out on an angle to him, but if you can't
reach him turn back for the BSLB and the PSLB will be picked up by someone on the playside.

BSG: Reach BS#1 (same as 20-Outside Zone)

BST: Reach
BST:Reach BS#2
BS#2 (same
(same as 20-Outside
as 20-Outside Zone) Zone)

Y:Y:
Block firstfirst
Block defender inside
defender your nose
inside your(on or off
nose (onthe
orLOS).
off theSometimes this will be the
LOS). Sometimes DT
this (asbe
will in the
the5-2), sometimes
DT (as it can sometimes
in the 5-2), be the OLB (as in a be
it can 5-3),
theand sometimes
OLB (as it can
be the DE in a 7-tech on you (as in a 4-4)
in a 5-3), and sometimes it can be the DE in a 7-tech on you (as in a 4-4)
Z: If Cov 3, cutoff Corner. If Cov 2 may need to sift the force (push up on C and read who is the Force player, then either crack S or stalk C)
Z: If Cov 3, cutoff Corner. If Cov 2 may need to sift the force (push up on C and read who is the Force player, then either crack S or stalk C)
X: If Cov 3, cutoff Corner. If Cov 2 may need to sift the force (push up on C and read who is the Force player, then either crack S or stalk C
X: If Cov 3, cutoff Corner. If Cov 2 may need to sift the force (push up on C and read who is the Force player, then either crack S or stalk C
NOTE: - Depending on personnel from year to year, the PSG can be substituted for the PST on the
Truck play if the guards are better athletes
28
 Truck Left
5-2 Cov 2 5-3 Cov 3 S
SS FS
C C
C C B1
1 B1 B3
B B B M B
0 B2 B3 1 0 B2
E T N T E E T N T E
Y X Y X
B Q B Q
Z Z

A A

Split 4-4 Cov 3 S 4-4 Over Cov 3 S

C C C C
0 B1 0 B2
B B B B B B B B
1 B2 B3 1 B1 B3
E T T E E T T E
Y X Y X

B Q B Q
Z Z

A A

Play Notes
Q: See notes for Truck Right

A: See notes for Truck Right

B: See notes for Truck Right

PST: See notes for Truck Right

PSG: See notes for Truck Right

C: See notes for Truck Right

BSG: See notes for Truck Right

BST: See notes for Truck Right

NOTE: - Depending
Y: See notes for Truck Right on personnel from year to year, the PSG can be substituted for the PST
on the Truck play if the guards are better athletes
Z: See notes for Truck Right

X: See notes for Truck Right

29
 30- Kick
30- Power Right Right
(Power)
5-2 Cov 2 5-3 Cov 3 S
FS SS
C C
C C
B B B M B

E T N T E E T N T E
X Y X Y

Q B Q Z
B Z
"Gap" call because
The wrapper will turn up through C and G's are
"First Daylight". covered (a Solid
A This could be BEFORE or A Front)
AFTER the double teamin all of
these diagrams (except 5-3
because of GAP call)

Split 4-4, Cov 3 S 4-4 Over, Cov 3 S

C C C C
B B B B B B B B

E T T E E T T E
X Y X Y

B Q Q
Z B Z
TE will bluff a 7-tech TE will bluff a 7-tech
a 7-tech
A A

Play Notes
Q: Front out to 7 o'clock (same steps as 11, Inside Zone Left). Give
Carryinside handoff
out Boot faketo RB and
away fromcarry outafter
action fake.handoff

A: First step is opposite the play and is the same step as the first step of 11-Inside Zone Left. Your second step is planted with toe pointing to
butt of PSG and hit the hole going DOWN HILL. Important, look to find the wrapper and stay on his inside hip as he wraps/leads throught
the hole

B: If to the playside you will do one of three things. #1 you'll double with PST to BSLB (ex. vs 5-2). #2 vs a 7-tech you will bluff out to OLB
(ex vs 4-4). #3 vs a 9-tech you will go down for MLB (ex. vs. 4-3). If on backside of play, you will "trap" the first man passed our double team.
Vs 5-2 it will be the DE in a 9-tech, vs 4-4 it will be the DE in a 7-tech

PST: If covered (ex vs 5-2), you will double team with B or Y to BSLB. If uncovered (ex vs 4-4) you will double team with PSG to BSLB. Be
alert for GAP call in which case you block your GAP assignment

PSG: If covered (ex vs 4-4), you will double team with PST to BSLB. If uncovered (ex vs 5-2) you will block back/down on Nose. Be alert for
GAP call in which case you block your GAP assignment

C: You will block back on first DLM backside. For example if covered with Nose in 5-2 you are still blocking back to BSDT. You are
responsible for the backside A-Gap (BST has backside B-Gap). If "Solid" Front (you and G's are covered) you must make GAP call

BSG: Pull and wrap for PSLB.If he blitzes as you approach him, you will end up trapping this blitzing LB.

: You
BSTYou
BST: must
must "Slam
"Slam the B-Gap
the B-Gap shut" toshut" to help
help with with
C and thenChinge
and then hinge
back out back
on any out on
outside any(ex.
pursuit outside
DE in pursuit
5-2 and (ex.
4-4) DE in 5-2 and 4-4)

Y:Y:If If
to to
thethe playside
playside you
you will dowill
onedo one of
of three three#1things.
things. #1 you'll
you'll double double
with PST with(ex.
to BSLB PST to BSLB
vs 5-2). #2 vs(ex. vs 5-2).
a 7-tech #2bluff
you will vs aout
7-tech you
to OLB (exwill bluff#3
vs 4-4). out vsto OLB you
a 9-tech
(ex
will govs 4-4).for#3
down vs(ex.
MLB a 9-tech you
vs. 4-3). willbackside
If on go down for MLB
of play, (ex.
you will vs. 4-3).
"trap" the firstIfman
on backside
passed ourofdouble
play,team.
you will "trap"
Vs 5-2 the
it will be first man
the DE in apassed
9-tech, our double
vs 4-4 team.
it will be the DE
inVs 5-2 it will be the DE in a 9-tech, vs 4-4 it will be the DE in a 7-tech
a 7-tech

Z:Z:If If
Cov 3, cutoff
Cov Corner.
3, cutoff If CovIf2Cov
Corner. may 2
need
maytoneed
sift theto
force
sift (push up on(push
the force C andup
read
onwho is theread
C and Force player,
who then
is the eitherplayer,
Force crack S then
or stalk C) crack S or stalk C)
either
X:X:
If If
Cov 3, cutoff
Cov Corner.
3, cutoff If CovIf2Cov
Corner. may 2
need
mayto need
sift theto
force
sift (push up on(push
the force C andup
read
onwho is theread
C and Forcewho
player, thenForce
is the eitherplayer,
crack S then
or stalk C) crack S or stalk C)
either
30
 31-
31- Power Left Left
Kick (Power)
5-2 Cov 2 5-3 Cov 3 S
SS FS
C C
C C
B B B M B
E T N T E E T N T E
Y X Y
Q B Q
Z Z B

The wrapper will turn up through "Gap" call because

"First Daylight". C and G's are
This could be BEFORE or A covered (a Solid A
AFTER the double teamin all of Front)
these diagrams (except 5-3
because of GAP call)

Split 4-4 Cov 3 S 4-4 Over Cov 3 S

C C C C
B B B B B B B B

E T T E E T T E
Y X Y
Q Q
Z TE will bluff a 7-tech B Z TE will bluff a 7-tech B

A A

Play Notes
Q: Front out to 5 o'clock (same steps as 10, Inside Zone Right). Carry out Boot
Give inside fake to
handoff away fromcarry
RB and action
outafter
fake.handoff

A: First step is opposite the play and is the same step as the first step of 10-Inside Zone Right. Your second step is planted with toe pointing
to butt of PSG and hit the hole going DOWN HILL. Important, look to find the wrapper and stay on his inside hip as he wraps/leads throught
the hole

B: See
Seenotes
notes for 30-Power
30-Kick (Power)
Right Right

PST: See
See notes for30-Power
notes for 30-Kick (Power)
Right Right

PSG: See
Seenotes
notes for 30-Power
30-Kick (Power)
Right Right

Seenotes
C: See notesfor
for30-Kick
30-Power Right Right
(Power)

BSG: See
Seenotes
notesfor
for30-Kick (Power)
30-Power Right Right

BST: See notes for 30-Kick (Power) Right

BST: See notes for 30-Power Right
Y: See notes for 30-Kick (Power) Right
B/Y: See notes for 30-Power Right

Z: See
X/Z: Seenotes
notesfor
for 30-Kick
30-Power(Power)
Right Right
X: See notes for 30-Kick (Power) Right

31
 40- Counter Right
5-2 Cov 2 5-3 Cov 3 S
FS SS
C C
C C
B B B M B

E T N T E E T N T E
X Y X Y

Q B Q Z
B Z "Gap" call because
The wrapper will turn up
through "First Daylight". C and G's are
This could be BEFORE or covered (a Solid
A AFTER the double teamin all A Front)
of these diagrams (except 5-3
because of GAP call)

Split 4-4, Cov 3 S 4-4 Over, Cov 3 S

C C C C

B B B B B B B B

E T T E E T T E
X Y X Y

B Q Z B Q Z
TE will bluff a 7-tech TE will bluff a 7-tech

A A

Play Notes
Q: Front out to 7 o'clock (same steps as 11, Inside Zone Left). Give
Carryinside handoff
out Boot faketoaway
RB and
fromcarry outafter
action fake handoff

A: First step is opposite the play and is the same step as the first step of 11-Inside Zone Left. Your second step is planted with toe pointing
to butt of PSG and hit the hole going DOWN HILL. Important, look to find the wrapper and stay on his inside hip as he wraps/leads throught
the hole

B: If to the playside you will do one of three things. #1 you'll double with PST to BSLB (ex. vs 5-2). #2 vs a 7-tech you will bluff out to OLB
(ex vs 4-4). #3 vs a 9-tech you will go down for MLB (ex. vs. 4-3). If on backside of play, you will "wrap" for PSLB, turn up through "First
Daylight"

PST: If covered (ex vs 5-2), you will double team with B or Y to BSLB. If uncovered (ex vs 4-4) you will double team with PSG to BSLB. Be
alert for GAP call in which case you block your GAP assignment

PSG: If covered (ex vs 4-4), you will double team with PST to BSLB. If uncovered (ex vs 5-2) you will block back/down on Nose. Be alert for
GAP call in which case you block your GAP assignment

C: You will block back on first DLM backside. For example if covered with Nose in 5-2 you are still blocking back to BSDT. You are
responsible for the backside A-Gap (BST has backside B-Gap). If "Solid" Front (you and G's are covered) you must make GAP call

BSG: Pull and trap (kick out) first man passed our double team. Vs 5-2 it will be the DE in a 9-tech, vs 4-4 it will be the DE in a 7-tech.

BST: You must "Slam the B-Gap shut" to help with C and then hinge back out on any outside pursuit (ex. DE in 5-2 and 4-4)
BST: You must "Slam the B-Gap shut" to help with C and then hinge back out on any outside pursuit (ex. DE in 5-2 and 4-4)

Y:Y: If to
If to thethe playside
playside you
you will dowill
onedo one of
of three three#1things.
things. #1 you'll
you'll double double
with PST with(ex.
to BSLB PSTvsto BSLB
5-2). (ex.
#2 vs vs 5-2).
a 7-tech you#2
willvs a 7-tech
bluff you(ex
out to OLB willvsbluff
4-4). out to aOLB
#3 vs 9-tech you
(ex
will govs 4-4).for#3
down MLBvs(ex.
a 9-tech you
vs. 4-3). willbackside
If on go down for MLB
of play, (ex."wrap"
you will vs. 4-3). If onturn
for PSLB, backside of play,
up through "Firstyou will "wrap" for PSLB, turn up through "First
Daylight"
Daylight"
Z: If Cov 3, cutoff Corner. If Cov 2 may need to sift the force (push up on C and read who is the Force player, then either crack S or stalk C)
Z: If Cov 3, cutoff Corner. If Cov 2 may need to sift the force (push up on C and read who is the Force player, then either crack S or stalk C)
X: If Cov 3, cutoff Corner. If Cov 2 may need to sift the force (push up on C and read who is the Force player, then either crack S or stalk C)
X: If Cov 3, cutoff Corner. If Cov 2 may need to sift the force (push up on C and read who is the Force player, then either crack S or stalk C)
32
 Can also: 41 Special 40 Special Can also:
1. Pass set T and 1. Pass set T and
wrap with BSG wrap with BSG
2. Flash T for BSLB B B B B B B B B 2. Flash T for BSLB
and trap with BSG and trap with BSG
if we have a 1-tech E T T E E T T E if we have a 1-tech

O-line blocks it like 41 O-line blocks it like 40

(see 40/41 diagrams above) (see 40/41 diagrams above)

41 Special with Pass by PST 40 Special with Flash by PST

B B B B B B B B
E T T E E T T E Shown with flash
technique by PST
for BSLB and trap
Shown with pass set with BSG. Only
technique by PST done with a 1-tech
and wrap by BSG

33
 11 Dive 10 Dive
Split 4-4 Split 4-4

B3 B0 BB1 B B BB1 B0 B3
B2
E2 T1 TB2 E E T T1 E2

O-line blocks it like 11 O-line blocks it like 10

(see 10/11diagrams above) (see 10/11 diagrams above)

4-3 Over (Prep) 4-3 Over (Prep)

B2 B0 BB2 B B2 B0 B2
E3 T1 TB1 E E TB1 T1 E3

O-line blocks it like 11 O-line blocks it like 10

(see 10/11diagrams above) (see 10/11 diagrams above)

5-2 5-2

B1 BB1 BB1 B1
E3 T2 N0 TB2 E E TB2 N0 T2 E3
2

O-line blocks it like 11 O-line blocks it like 10

(see 10/11diagrams above) (see 10/11 diagrams above)

St. Joes Look St. Joes Look

S3 B1 B B1 S S B B2 B1 S3

E4 T2 N0 T B2 E E TB1 N0 T2 E4

O-line blocks it like 11 O-line blocks it like 10

(see 10/11diagrams above) (see 10/11 diagrams above)

5-3 5-3

B2 BB1 B BB3 BB1 B2

E3 T1 N0 TB2 E EB4 TB2 N0 T1 E3

O-line blocks it like 11 O-line blocks it like 10

(see 10/11diagrams above) (see 10/11 diagrams above)

34
 11 Dive Option 10 Dive Option
Split 4-4 Split 4-4

B3 B0 BB1 B B BB1 B0 B3
B2
E2 T1 TB2 E E T T1 E2

O-line blocks it like 11 O-line blocks it like 10

(see 10/11 diagrams above) (see 10/11 diagrams above)

4-3 Over (Prep) 4-3 Over (Prep)

B2 B0 BB2 B B2 B0 B2
E3 T1 TB1 E E TB1 T1 E3

O-line blocks it like 11 O-line blocks it like 10

(see 10/11diagrams above) (see 10/11 diagrams above)

5-2 5-2

B1 BB1 BB1 B1
E3 T2 N0 TB2 E E TB2 N0 T2 E3
2

O-line blocks it like 11 O-line blocks it like 10

(see 10/11diagrams above) (see 10/11 diagrams above)

St. Joes Look St. Joes Look

S3 B1 B B2 S S B B2 B1 S3

E4 T2 N0 T B1 E E TB1 N0 T2 E4

O-line blocks it like 11 O-line blocks it like 10

(see 10/11diagrams above) (see 10/11 diagrams above)

5-3 5-3

B2 BB1 B B BB1 B2
E3 T1 N0 TB2 E E TB2 N0 T1 E3

O-line blocks it like 11 O-line blocks it like 10

(see 10/11diagrams above) (see 10/11 diagrams above)

35
 21 Speed 20 Speed
Split 4-4 Split 4-4

B B0 BB1 B B BB1 B0 B
1 B2 B3 B3 B2 1
E T T E E T T E

O-line blocks it like 21 except O-line blocks it like 20 except

PST will not block EMLOS PST will not block EMLOS
(see 21/21diagrams above) (see 21/21diagrams above)
4-3 Over (Prep) 4-3 Over (Prep)

B B0 BB2 BB2 B0 B
1 B1 B3 B3 B1 1
E T T E E T T E

O-line blocks it like 21 except O-line blocks it like 20 except

PST will not block EMLOS PST will not block EMLOS
(see 21/21diagrams above) (see 21/21diagrams above)
5-2 5-2

B1 BB1 BB1 B1
E T2 N0 TB2 EB3 EB3 TB2 N0 T2 E
2

O-line blocks it like 21 except O-line blocks it like 20 except

PST will not block EMLOS PST will not block EMLOS
(see 21/21diagrams above) (see 21/21diagrams above)
St. Joes Look St. Joes Look

S B1 B B2 S S B B2 B1 S

E T0 NB1 T B3 E E TB3 NB1 T0 E

O-line blocks it like 21 except O-line blocks it like 20 except

PST will not block EMLOS PST will not block EMLOS
(see 21/21diagrams above) (see 21/21diagrams above)
5-3 5-3

B2 BB1 BB3 BB3 BB1 B2

E T1 N0 TB2 E E TB2 N0 T1 E

O-line blocks it like 21 except O-line blocks it like 20 except

PST will not block EMLOS PST will not block EMLOS
(see 21/21diagrams above) (see 21/21diagrams above)

36
 HOLY SPIRIT FOOTBALL
P10/P11 Series Play Action Pass Game
P11 Cat (Curl-Flat)- P10 Cat (Curl-Flat)-

X Y Y X
Max B Z #1 Curl
Z
B Max
#1 Curl Max Max #2 Flat
#2 Flat

A A

P11 Smash (Hitch-Corner)- P10 Smash (Hitch-Corner)-

X Y Y X
#1 Hitch Z B Max Max B Z #1 Hitch
#2 Corner Max Max #2 Corner

A A

P11 Postal (Post-Wheel)- P10 Postal (Post-Wheel)-

X Y Y X
#1 Post Z B Max Max B Z #1 Post
#2 Wheel Max Max #2 Wheel

A A

P11 Up (Up Routes)- P10 Up (Up Routes)-

Call 50/51 Up to Call 50/51 Up to

get all four verticals get all four verticals

Y X Y X
Max Max B Up
Z B Up Z
Max BS #1 Dig Max
Up

A A

37
 HOLY SPIRIT FOOTBALL
P10/P11 Series Play Action Pass Game
P11 Dig (Dig-Seam)- P10 Dig (Dig-Seam)-

X Y Y X
#1 Dig Z B Max Max B Z #1 Dig
#2 Seam Max Max #2 Seam

A A

P11 Keel (Curl-Wheel)- P10 Keel (Curl-Wheel)-

X Y Y X
#1 Curl Z B Max Max B Z #1 Curl
#2 Wheel Max Max #2 Wheel

A A

P11 Pop Pass to B- Pop Pass AWAY from the action to B (can be to P10 Pop Pass to B-
Y also)

Y X X Y
Z B B Z

A A

P11 Pop Pass to Y- Pop Pass TO the action to Y (can be to B also) P10 Pop Pass to Y-

E
Y X X Y

Z B B Z

A A

38
 HOLY SPIRIT FOOTBALL
P10/P11 Series Play Action Pass Game
P11 BC (Curl-Pig Tail)- P10 BC (Curl-Pig Tail)-

X Y Y X
#1 Curl Z B Max Max B Z #1 Curl
#2 Frap Max Max #2 Frap

A A

39
 HOLY SPIRIT FOOTBALL
Sprint Out Route Combinations/Protection Diagrams
Sprint Left Flood vs Split 4-4 Sprint Right Flood vs Split 4-4
Blocked like 21 Blocked like 20

B B0 BB1 B B BB1 B0 B
2 1 B2 B2 1 2
E T T E E T T E

#1 Clear #1Clear
#2 Sickle #3 Flat #2 Sickle
#3 Flat

Sprint Left Frap Sprint Right Frap

B B

#1 Clear #1 Clear
#2 Frap #3 Flat #3 Flat #2 Frap

Sprint Left Smash Sprint Right Smash

Can be tagged with B-Seam/B-Max Can be tagged with B-Seam/B-Max

#1 Hitch #1 Hitch
#2 Max #2
Max
Corner Corner

40
 HOLY SPIRIT FOOTBALL
20/21 Boot Protection Diagrams

20 Boot vs Split 4-4 21 Boot vs Split 4-4

B BB1 B0 B B B0 BB1 B
B2 1 2 2 1 B2
E T T E E T T E

20 Boot vs 5-2 21 Boot vs 5-2

BB1 B1 B1 BB1
E TB2 N0 T2 E E T2 N0 TB2 E
2

20 Boot vs 4-3 Over 21 Boot vs 4-3 Over

B B0 B2 B2 B0 BB2
EB2 TB1 T1 E E T1 TB1 E

20 Boot vs St. Joes Look 21 Boot vs St. Joes Look

S BB2 B1 S S B1 BB2 S

E TB1 N0 T2 E E T2 N0 TB1 E

41
 HOLY SPIRIT FOOTBALL
20 Series Play Action Pass Game

BOOT CONCEPT- Base Routes (unless tagged differently)

1. B- always in the flat regardless of his pre-snap alignment
2. Y- Booting TO your side you have a Sickle Route. Booting AWAY from your side you have a Drag Route
3. X/Z-
a. Booting TO a 2-Receiver Side
i. Outside receiver has a Clear Route
ii. Inside Receiver- Sickle Route, but you must work inside on this route to set up the timing with the QB
b. Booting AWAY FROM a 2-Receiver Side
i. Outside receiver has a Post Route
ii. Inside Receiver has a Drag Route
c. Single Receiver Rules
i. Booting TO your side you run a Clear Route
ii. Booting AWAY FROM your side you run a Post Route

20 Boot- (Booting AWAY from a 2 receiver side) 21 Boot- (Booting AWAY from a 2 receiver side)

Y X X Y
Sickle B Post Post Z B Sickle
Z
Flat Drag Drag Flat

A A

20 Boot- (Booting TO a 2-receiver side) 21 Boot- (Booting TO a 2-receiver side)

X Y Y X
Drag B Drag Z Clear
Clear B
Z Flat Sickle
Flat
Sickle

A A

20 Boot- (Booting with a Single Receiver Set) 21 Boot- (Booting TO a 2-receiver side)

X Y Y X
Drag B Drag Clear
Clear Z Z B
Flat Post Post Flat

A A

42
 HOLY SPIRIT FOOTBALL
P40/P41 Boot Protection Diagrams

1. P tells O-Line to block it like 10/11 and Boot tells the receivers to run our standard Boot Routes
2. P40/41 Boot is blocked like 10/11.
a. NOTE: On P40/41 Boot B & Y are out on routes and NOT max protecting like in P10/P11 unless tagged to max/stay

P40 Boot vs Split 4-4 P41 Boot vs Split 4-4

B BB1 B0 B B B0 BB1 B4
E TB2 T1 E2 E2 T1 TB2 E

P40 Boot vs 5-2 P41 Boot vs 5-2

BB1 B1 B1 BB1
E TB2 N0 T2 E E T2 N0 TB2 E
2

P40 Boot vs 4-3 Over P41 Boot vs 4-3 Over

B B0 B2
EB2 TB1 T1 E B2 B0 BB2
E3 T1 TB1 E

P40 Boot vs St. Joes Look P41 Boot vs St. Joes Look

S BB2 B1 S S B1 B B2 S

E TB1 N0 T2 E E T2 N0 T B1 E

43
 HOLY SPIRIT FOOTBALL
P40/P41 Series Play Action Pass Game

BOOT CONCEPT- Base Routes (unless tagged differently)

4. B- always in the flat regardless of his pre-snap alignment
5. Y- Booting TO your side you have a Sickle Route. Booting AWAY from your side you have a Drag Route
6. X/Z-
a. Booting TO a 2-Receiver Side
i. Outside receiver has a Clear Route
ii. Inside Receiver- Sickle Route, but you must work inside on this route to set up the timing with the QB
b. Booting AWAY FROM a 2-Receiver Side
i. Outside receiver has a Post Route
ii. Inside Receiver has a Drag Route
c. Single Receiver Rules
i. Booting TO your side you run a Clear Route
ii. Booting AWAY FROM your side you run a Post Route

P40 Boot- (Booting AWAY from a 2 receiver side) P41 Boot- (Booting AWAY from a 2 receiver side)

Y X X Y
Sickle B Post Post Z B Sickle
Z
Flat Drag Drag Flat

A A

P40 Boot- (Booting TO a 2-receiver side) P41 Boot- (Booting TO a 2-receiver side)

X Y Y X
Drag B Drag Z Clear
Clear B
Z Flat Sickle
Flat
Sickle

A A

P40 Boot- (Booting with a Single Receiver Set) P41 Boot- (Booting TO a 2-receiver side)

X Y Y X
Drag B Drag Clear
Clear Z Z B
Flat Post Post Flat

A A

44
 HOLY SPIRIT FOOTBAL
Pass Protection Terminology and O-Line Calls

1. Big on Big- Refers to pass protection responsibilities to our callside (away from the turn back). It designates the
PSG and PSTs pass protection responsibilities. The PSG is responsible for the 1st Big Guy passed the centers nose
to the callside and the PST is responsible for the 2nd Big Guy passed the centers nose to the callside

2. Turn back protection- Refers to pass protection responsibilities of our backside (C, BSG, BST, BSB/Y). We will turn
back from our center to the BST (50 series with a B/Y) or BSB/Y (60 series with a B/Y). On a Stack call (see #7), we
will turn back from the PSG to the BST/BSB/BSY. After the center declares the 0 defender (see #3) the remaining
backside lineman will count and be responsible for their respective defenders. An uncovered linemen will zone his
responsibility with a covered linemen whenever possible (ex. C and BSG will zone off N and BSLB in a 5-2)

3. 0 call- This is the call made by the center identifying the 0 defender (or the man the center is responsible for). It
tells everyone where we will start our turn back protection. We will start our turn back protection from the 0
defender.

4. #1 LB and #2 LB (or #2 *)- This designation refers to the blocking assignments for the callside B/Y and RB. The #1 LB
is the first LB passed the nose of the center to the callside, or in other words the 1st LB away from our turn back
protection. #2 LB refers to the second LB passed the nose of the center to the callside. In the event that there is no LB
(off the ball), it becomes the first thing passed the PSTs responsibility, essentially the 3rd Big Guy (could be a walked-
up OLB, a DE in a Stack call, a C or S/S inverted, etc), which is referred to as #2 * in the diagrams. The RB is
responsible for the #1 LB and the B/Y is responsible for the #2 LB (or #2 *)
a. NOTE- In our 50 Series protection the RB is responsible for the 1st and 2nd LB passed the nose of the center
since there in no B/Y in the protection

5. Callside Blitzer- Refers to a LB who is showing blitz to the callside of our formation. It will require us to make a
FIRE call (see #6) in order to affectively protect the potential blitz.

6. FIRE call- This call is used when we have a callside LB showing blitz in one of our callside gaps (the LB the RB is
assigned to block). It tells everyone to the callside of the formation (B/Y, PST, PSG) to be alert for the blitzer. The
FIRE call:
a. tells the PSG that he is no longer assigned to block the 1st Big Guy but now is assigned to block the #1 defender
passed nose of center, this may end up being the same person however
b. tells the PST that he is no longer assigned to block the 2nd Big Guy but now is assigned to block the #2 defender
passed nose of center, this may end up being the same person however
c. tells the PSY/B (in 60 Protection) that he is no longer assigned to the 2nd LB (or #2 *), or the 2nd Big Guy in a
YOU call, and now is assigned to block the #3 defender passed nose of center, this may end up being the
same person however.
d. tells the RB that he is no longer responsible for the 1st LB (who is now showing blitz) and is now assigned to
block the first thing that shows off the butt of either the PST (50 series with no B/Y) or the PSB/Y (60 series
with a B/Y)
e. Is predicated on key communication between PSG, PST, and PSB/Y
f. Will NOT need to madel when an OLB in a 4-4 walks up to LOS and blitzes off the edge because the PSB/Y is
already assigned to block him and can get on him much quicker than the RB would in a FIRE call.
g. Will override all other calls. A STACK, however is not affected because the PSG will still treat the N as the
1st Big Guy in a stack alignment regardless of the FIRE call
h. NOTE- This FIRE call is not used when a LB shows blitz to the backside of our formation because the #
blocking assignments/zone combination will automatically take care of that situation.

7. STACK call- Primarily used against 5-3/3-5 looks. A call used by the Center whenever we have a stacked N-MLB
combo. This call is telling the PSG to come down and treat N as the 1st Big Guy (as opposed to the T in a 3-5 or 5-3)
and zone the N-MLB combo with the center.

8. YOU call- Used in 60 Protection against any defensive look (4-3/4-4/5-2) where the 2nd Big Guy is located outside
of the PSB/Y thereby making it inefficient to send the PST out to block him. Instead, the PST will make a YOU call
45
 telling the PSB/Y that PSB/Y will be responsible for that 2nd Big Guy (located to the PSB/Ys outside as in a 9-tech)
instead of the PST. The PST will then come down to help the PSG with the 1st Big Guy and check the callside LB in
his vision (ex. LBs in 30, 40, 50, 70 alignment techniques). If that LB blitzes from depth the PST will pick him up.
The PST may have help from RB on this LB (as in 4-3 with SLB blitz) or may have him by himself (as in a 4-4 ISLB
situation). If the LB walks up we will make a FIRE call and those will take affect (see #6).

9. ZONE IT call- Used in a base 4-4 look where we have a 7-tech on the PSB/Y (which would be the 2nd Big Guy)
and an OLB. It tells the PST and PSB/Y that they will zone the DE/OLB combination instead of the PST man blocking
the DE. It is useful to make a ZONE IT call in this situation because it would allow the PST and PSB/Y to handle any
stunt from the OLB and DE

10. IMPORTANT: ALL of our calls are made from inside-out whether we are calling our #d ma or 1st/2nd LB as that is
where the most dangerous defenders can come. The inside man will always override the outside man in a dispute at
the LOS.

Two Most Important Questions for Pass Protection

1. Who am I responsible for?

a. Am I turning back and blocking #s (backside)?
b. Am I blocking Big on Big (callside)?
c. Am I blocking 1st LB passed center (RB) or 2nd LB passed center (B/Y)?
2. Where is my help?
a. To my right, in which case I cannot get beat to my left
b. To my left, in which case I cannot get beat to my right
c. I have no help, in which case I cannot get beatperiod

46
 HOLY SPIRIT FOOTBAL
60 Series-Max Protection
*NOTE: Plays are drawn up as MAN blocking in our pass protection but can be easily changed to ZONE schemes in certain situations
= Playside G & T are blocking Big on Big (1 st Big Guy, 2nd Big Guy respectively)

ODD 50/60 Pass Protection EVEN 50/60 Pass Protection

Split 4-4 Split 4-4

B#2 LB B#1 LB B0 BB3 BB3 B0 B#1 LB B#2 LB

E2nd T1st TB1 EB2 EB2 TB1 T1st E2nd

Can Zone this if Can Zone this if

concerned with stunt concerned with stunt

4-4 Over 4-4 Over

B#2 LB B#1 LB B0 BB3 BB3 BB1 B#1 LB B#2 LB

E2nd T1st TB1 EB2 EB2 T0 T1st E2nd

4-4 Under 4-4 Under

B#2 LB B#1 LB BB1 BB3 B0 B#1 LB

E2nd T1st T0 EB2 BB3 EB2 TB1 T1st E2nd B#2 LB

Tight 4-4 (6-2) Tight 4-4 (6-2)

B#1 LB BB1 BB1 B#1 LB

B #2 * E2nd T1st T0 EB2 BB3 BB3 EB2 T0 T1st E2nd B#2 *

4-4 DE/OLB Switch 4-4 DE/OLB Switch

#2 LB
B#2 LB B#1 LB B0 BB3 BB3 BB1 B#1 LB B
E2nd T1st TB1 EB2 EB2 T0 T1st E2nd

You call by PST

Tells Y he is responsible
for #2 and PST will help
PSG and eye LB

47
4-3 Over 4-3 Over

C#2 * B#1 LB B0 BB2 BB3 B0 B#1 LB

E2nd T1st TB1 EB3 EB2 TB1 T1st E2nd

You call by PST

Tells Y he is responsible
for #2 and PST will help
PSG and eye LB

4-3 Over Shade 4-3 Over Shade

C#2 * B#1 LB B0 BB2 BB3 B0 B#1 LB

E2nd N1st TB1 EB3 EB2 NB1 T1st E2nd

Stack is not needed as the N is You call by PST

already the 1st Big Guy Tells Y he is responsible
for #2 and PST will help
PSG and eye LB
4-3 Under 4-3 Under

C#2 * B#1 LB BB1 BB1 B#1 LB

E2nd T1st T0 EB2 BB3 EB2 T0 T1st E2nd B#2 *

4-3 Under Shade 4-3 Under Shade

C#2 * B#1 LB BB1 B B1 B#1 LB

E2nd T1st N0 EB2 BB3 E B2 T 0 N1st E2nd B#2 *

48
5-2 5-2

B#1 LB BB1 BB1 B#1 LB

E2nd T1st N0 TB2 EB3 EB3 TB2 N0 T1st E2nd
2

You call by PST You call by PST

Tells Y he is responsible Tells Y he is responsible
for #2 and PST will help for #2 and PST will help
PSG and eye LB PSG and eye LB

5-2 Over Shade 5-2 Over Shade

C/S #2 * B#1 LB BB1 C/S B3 B0 B#1 LB

E2nd T1st N0 TB2 EB3 E B2 T B1 N1st T2nd E#2 *

5-2 Over G 5-2 Over G

C/S #2 * B#1 LB BB1 C/S B3 B B#1 LB

E2nd T1st N0 TB2 EB3 E T N1st T2nd E#2 *

5-2 Under Shade 5-2 Under Shade

B#1 LB B0 C/SB3 BB1 B#1 LB C/S #2 *

E#2 * T2nd N1st T B1 E B2 EB3 TB2 N0 T1st E2nd
2

5-2 Bear 5-2 Bear

B#1 LB BB2 BB2 B#1 LB

E2nd T1st N0 TB1 EB3 EB3 TB1 N0 T1st E2nd
2

You call by PST You call by PST

Tells Y he is responsible Tells Y he is responsible
for #2 and PST will help for #2 and PST will help
PSG and eye LB PSG and eye LB

49
5-3 Stack call 5-3 Stack call

B#1 LB B0 BB2 BB2 B0 B#1 LB

E#2 * T2nd N1st TB1 EB3 EB3 TB1 N1st T2nd E#2 *

5-3 Bear Stack call 5-3 Bear Stack call

B#1 LB B0 BB2 BB2 B0 B#1 LB

E#2 * T2nd N1st TB1 EB3 EB3 TB1 N1st T2nd E#2 *

50
3-5 Stack call 3-5 Stack call

B#2 * B#1 LB B0 BB2 BB3 BB2 B0 B#1 LB

T2nd N1st TB1 BB3 TB1 N1st T2nd B#2 *

3-5 Bear Stack call 3-5 Bear Stack call

B#2 * B#1 LB B0 BB2 BB3 BB2 B0 B#1 LB

T2nd N1st TB1 BB3 TB1 N1st T2nd B#2 *

51
 Examples of Callside Blitzes and FIRE Calls
Split 4-4 FIRE call with A-Gap blitzer 4-4 Under FIRE call with B-Gap blitzer

B#2 LB B0 BB3 BB3 B0

E T B TB1 EB2 EB2 TB1 T B E B

5-2 Bear FIRE call with C-Gap blitzer 4-3 Over FIRE call with C-Gap blitzer

C BB1 BB3 B0 C
E B T N0 TB2 EB3 EB2 TB1 T B E

5-2 FIRE call with A-Gap blitzer 3-5 FIRE call with B-Gap blitzer

C BB1 BB3 BB2 B0

E T BN
0
TB2 EB3 TB1 N1st B T B

Stack call

3-5 Bear FIRE call with B-Gap blitzer Split 4-4 FIRE call not needed because TE is
already assigned to block the OLB

B B0 BB2 BB3 B0 B#1 LB

B T N1st TB1 BB3 EB2 TB1 T1st E2nd B#2 LB

Stack call

52
 HOLY SPIRIT FOOTBAL
50 Series Pass Protection-GUN
*NOTE: Plays are drawn up as MAN blocking in our pass protection but are understood to be ZONE schemes were possible
= Playside G & T are blocking Big on Big (1st Big Guy, 2nd Big Guy respectively, aka BOB)

ODD 50 Pass Protection EVEN 50 Pass Protection

Split 4-4 Split 4-4

B B B0 B B B0 B B
B1 B2 B2 B1
E2nd T1st T E E T T1st E2nd

4-4 Over 4-4 Over

B B B0 B B BB1 B B
B1 B2 B2 0
E2nd T1st T E E T T1st E2nd

4-4 Under 4-4 Under

B B BB1 B B0 B
E2nd T1st T0 EB2 B EB2 TB1 T1st E2nd B

Tight 4-4 (6-2) Tight 4-4 (6-2)

B BB1 BB1 B
B E2nd T1st T0 EB2 B B EB2 T0 T1st E2nd B

53
4-3 Over 4-3 Over

C B B0 B B B0 B C
E2nd T1st TB1 EB2 EB2 TB1 T1st E2nd

4-3 Over Shade 4-3 Over Shade

C B B0 B B B0 B C
E2nd N1st TB1 EB3 EB2 NB1 T1st E2nd

4-3 Under 4-3 Under

C B BB1 C BB1 B

E2nd T1st T0 EB2 B EB2 T0 T1st E2nd B

4-3 Under Shade 4-3 Under Shade

C B BB1 BB1 B

E2nd T1st N0 EB2 B EB2 T0 T1st E2nd B

4-3 Double 1-Tech 4-3 Double 1-Tech

C B B0 B B B0 B C
B1 B2 B2 B1
E2nd T1st T E E T T1st E2nd

54
5-2 5-2

C B BB1 BB1 B C
0 B2 B2 0
E2nd T1st N T E E T N T1st E2nd
2

5-2 Over Shade 5-2 Over Shade

C (or S) B BB1 B0 B
E2nd T1st N0 TB2 E EB2 TB1 N1st T2nd E

5-2 Over G 5-2 Over G

C (or S) B BB1 B0 B
E2nd T1st N0 TB2 E EB2 TB1 N1st T2nd E

5-2 Under Shade 5-2 Under Shade

B B0 BB1 B C (or S)
B1 B2 B2
E T2nd N1st T E E T N0 T1st E2nd
2 2

55
5-3 Base 5-3 Base
Stack call Stack call

B M0 B B M0 B
B1 B2 B2 B1
E T2nd N1st T E E T N1st T2nd E

5-3 Bear 5-3 Bear

Stack call Stack call

B M0 BB2 B B M0 B
B1 B2 B1
E T2nd N1st T E T N1st T2nd E

56
3-5 Base 3-5 Base
Stack call Stack call

B B M0 BB2 B B BB2 M0 B B
B1 B1
T2nd N1st T T N1st T2nd

3-5 Bear 3-5 Bear

Stack call Stack call

B B M0 BB2 B B BB2 M0 B B
B1 B1
T2nd N1st T T N1st T2nd

57
 Examples of Callside Blitzes and FIRE Calls

Split 4-4 FIRE call with A-Gap blitzer 4-4 Under FIRE call with B-Gap blitzer

B#2 LB B0 BB3 BB3 B0

E T B TB1 EB2 EB2 TB1 T B E B

5-2 Bear 4-3 Over FIRE call with a C-Gap blitzer

FIRE call with a C-Gap blitzer

C BB1 BB3 B0 C
E B T N0 TB2 EB3 EB2 TB1 T B E

5-2 FIRE call with A-Gap blitzer 3-5 FIRE call with B-Gap blitzer

C BB1 BB3 BB2 B0 B

B N0 B2 B3 B1
E T T E T N1st B T

Stack call

3-5 Bear FIRE call with a C-Gap blitzer

B B0 BB2
B T N1st TB1 BB3

Stack call

58
 HOLY SPIRIT OFFENSIVE LINE PHILOSOPHY

O-Line

I. STANCE
a. 3pt Stance
i. Feet:
1. Armpit apart
2. Slight staggered-
a. A slight stagger helps to be able to fire off the ball
b. Too big of a stagger prevents us from moving laterally in both directions (right/left) very
effectively
3. Weight on inside seam of feet
ii. Toes:
1. Slightly pigeon-toed
a. This keeps the weight balanced on the inside ball of the feet and allows for quicker
acceleration off the ball
iii. Heels:
1. No more than 2 off the ground
iv. Head:
1. Up
v. Eyes:
1. Look through eyebrows to target. If you cant see your eyebrows then your head is probably too
high which means your butt is probably too low.
vi. Neck:
1. Semi-bowed, not bulled neck (causes tail to drop)
vii. Shoulders:
1. Parallel to LOS
viii. Back:
1. Flat back, not rounded
ix. Butt:
1. Slightly Lower than back
x. Down hand:
1. Nails should be white, finger-tips should be red
2. Thumb should be under eyeball
3. Pinky should be in-line with instep
4. Coaching Point: Reach out and touch imaginary wall then go down
xi. Down Arm:
1. Slight Bend (helps prevents laziness and leaning on down hand)
xii. Up hand:
1. Make C with hand and put it over the knee or rest wrist on knee.
xiii. Up Arm:
1. Elbow close to body (good power position like a boxer) NOT out to the side
xiv. TEST FOR CORRECT STANCE:
1. Lift hand out, move hand outside, move hand around and touch butt. If stance is correct, he should
have to just curl the toes in order to keep position
b. 2pt Stance
i. Toes:
1. Instep stagger
ii. Chest:
1. higher than in 3pt stance
iii. Hands:
1. Make Cs with hands and cover both knees

59
II. TYPES OF RUN BLOCKS
a. Base Block (technique described below)
i. Uses a Base Step
ii. Used when we have no assistance and are blocking a man who is head up on us
b. Reach Block
i. Uses a Reach Step
ii. Used when we have no assistance and are blocking a man who is shaded on us (ex. left or right shoulder)
iii. This is nothing more than a Base block that requires a reach step first (either to the right or left)
c. Combo Block
i. Zone Combo Block (technique described below)
1. Uses either a Reach/Base step (Inside Zone schemes) or an Angle/Pull step (Outside Zone schemes)
2. Used when we have 2 offensive linemen (can be more, ex. Nat/Tan stunts) blocking a DLM and a
LB
a. Inside Zone Combo Block
i. zone combo block with slower replacements/aiming points are tighter
b. Outside Zone Combo Block
i. zone combo block with faster replacements/aiming points are wider
ii. Double Team Block (technique described below)
1. Uses a Reach Step
2. Used when we have 2 offensive linemen doubling a DLM to a BSLB
3. Used on the frontside of Counter/Power
d. GAP Block (technique described below)
i. uses an Angle Step
ii. Used on Counter/Kick blocking when we have a SOLID Front (C and Gs covered) or against inside LBs
who are walked up to the LOS and showing blitz. This block prevents penetration.
e. Pull-Take Over Block
i. Uses a Pull Step
ii. Used backside on Inside and Outside Zone to cut off the last backside DLM.
iii. Also used by the Uncovered man on Outside Zone
f. Pull-Trap Block
i. use a Pull Step and is treated as a running Base block
ii. Used by the BSG on Counter and B-back on Kick
g. Pull-Wrap
i. use a Pull Step and is treated as a running Base block
ii. Used by BSG on Kick and B-back on Counter)

III. TECHNIQUES BASE BLOCK

a. Steps:
i. Good stance
ii. Must get 2 steps in before contact
iii. No step more than 1 off the ground
iv. 1st Step- Power Step:
1. Explode Out
2. First step- about half way to fingers of down hand (heel replace toe)
a. Aiming Point
i. First step should put you in a position to be able to aim your face at the aiming
point
1. Aiming point for inside plays like 10/11-Inside Zone
a. Aim face at the throat of the down man (DLM). The top of your
facemask should be at the bottom of his facemask and staring at
the playside corner of his facemask.
b. Aim face at base of #s for a LB
c. Dont be too concerned with getting position on defender; be more
concerned with vertical movement of defender off the LOS
2. Aiming point for outside plays like Truck, 20/21-Outside Zone, etc.

60
 a. Aim face at the playside # of the DLM. You still want your
facemask to be under his facemask
b. Aim face at the base of the playside # for a LB
3. Create Power Angles
a. Z in the knee
b. Heel is behind knee. If it is further out and closer to defender then the power angles with
legs are lost
c. Knee is over toe
d. Chest is over knee
4. Flat Back
a. If shoulders twist, leg of up shoulder loses power
5. Level Back
a. Shoulders should be lever with hips
i. If shoulders are higher than hips, defender will knock you up
ii. If shoulders are lower than hips, OL will nose dive
6. Throw elbows back but hands stay between knees and chest
a. Thumbs are up (it keeps elbows tight)
b. Fingers are in
c. Elbows rub ribs
v. 2nd Step- Punch Step
1. We must get 2nd step down before we make contact
2. Heel never passes the toe of the 1st step (no space between heel and toe)
3. Proper Aiming Point: (see above)
4. The Punch
a. Unleash the power coiled up in the arms and hit 1yd through the defender
b. Drive the elbows inside and make contact with a triangle of hat and hands (thumbs up) to a
lockout
c. Punch chest UP, perpendicular to his torso (lift him out of his socks on a 45degree angle
with fork lift motion)
d. Grab leather strap/chest plate (depending on type of pads) dont just push him and let go
e. LIFT & DRIVE not push and lean
5. Release power angles into contact (hip, knee, ankle)
a. Shoot the hips (unlock the power)
6. Driving steps
a. Weight is on the inside portion of the feet. Be conscious of it.
7. Feet under you with a good wide base (base gets wider as block moves passed 2nd and 3rd step
8. Maintain contact
9. 2nd and 3rd effort

IV. PHILOSOPHY AND FOUNDATION OF OUR ZONE BLOCKING SCEME

a. The philosophy of our zone blocking schemes is based on the research done by and techniques used by established
O-Line coaches such as:
i. Alex Gibbs (San Diego Chargers, Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons)
ii. Joe Bugel (Washington Redskins, Arizona Cardinals)
iii. Russ Grimm (Pittsburg Steelers)
iv. Jim Hanifan (Washington Redskins)
v. Milt Tenopir (Nebraska University)

V. PROGRESSION FOR TEACHING ZONE BLOCKING

a. Know WHO you are blocking in our MAN SCHEME first
i. Defensive man are numbered
1. #0- Anything Over (MLB), Head-up (N), or Shaded on the callside shoulder of the C
a. If there is nothing in this location, then the #0 becomes the first man to the side the center is
blocking
b. Any time two players are stacked, the DLM will be counted 1st.
2. PS #1- First man to the playside of the #0

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 3. PS #2- Second man to the playside of the #0
4. PS #3- Third man to the playside of the #0
5. BS #1- First man to the backside of the #0
6. BS #2- Second man to the backside of the #0
7. BS #3- Third man to the backside of the #0
ii. O-Line are assigned a number to block in our MAN BLOCKING SCHEME
1. C blocks the #0
2. PSG blocks the PS #1
3. PST blocks the PS #2
4. PSTE/B (on or off the LOS) blocks the PS #3
5. BSG blocks the BS #1
6. BST blocks the BS #2
7. BSTE/B (on or off the LOS) blocks the BS #3
b. Know HOW youre going to block your man (covered/uncovered rule)
i. Once you know who you are blocking in MAN, then follow the Covered/Uncovered Rule
ii. By definition:
1. COVERED = indicates the alignment of a DLM head-up or either shoulder of an offensive lineman
on the LOS. Defender is within 1yd of LOS typically in a 3 or 4 point stance. For example, a
walked up LB over the G would make that G covered.
2. UNCOVERED = indicates the same as covered EXCEPT the defender is off the LOS by one or
more yards. Defender is standing up. We will also consider a man uncovered if he is without any
defending over him at all (ex C vs. 4-4 Split).
iii. We will operate under a Number System and the Covered/Uncovered system
iv. Everyone will use the same rule on any play using the Zone Blocking Scheme, once they know who their
numbered defender is.
1. If you are UNCOVERED zone with your teammate to playside.
a. You will call his name at the LOS to alert him that you will be working with him through
his DLM to your LB
2. If you are COVERED you are man blocking automatically (no help) UNLESS:
a. You hear your uncovered partner call your name at the LOS. This will inform you that he is
able to work with you on your DLM to his LB
b. We have a tag on the play and are sending someone in motion to help you (ex. motion a B
over to the TE to help him seal the edge on TEs DE)
3. 3-on-3 Zone Combos
a. There may be times where we will use 3-on-3 zone blocking schemes depending on
opponent and defensive tendencies
b. One example would be if we are seeing Nat/Tan stunts. In that case we would need to use
the BSG/C/PSG to zone off the stunt
v. Our zone plays operate on a system that moves to playside, NOT toward the hole called. Even numbers,
like 10 and 20, have backfield action that goes to the right. Odd numbers, like 11 and 21, have backfield
action that goes to the left. Neither of these plays (IZ/OZ) goes to a hole but rather goes in a direction of
right or left. A 10-Inside Zone playing going right has just as much chance to cut back to the left of the
center as it does to continue to the right of the center. The RBs reads will determine whether the play stays
playside or cuts back, not the play number.
c. Know your aiming point (toe points at aiming point when you make your 1st step)
i. Inside Zone (10/11)
1. COVERED MAN has an aiming point of the playside # of the DLM
2. UNCOVERED MAN has an aiming point of the backside # of the DLM
ii. Outside Zone (20/21)
1. COVERED MAN has an aiming point of the playside shoulder (or armpit) of the DLM
2. UNCOVERED MAN has an initial aiming point of the shoulder of your playside teammate (a Pull
Step) and then will progress to the playside shoulder pad (or armpit) of the DLM once the
uncovered man has gained ground and position on the DLM.
d. Know and be prepared to deal with the 3 main situations that can occur when zone blocking
1. DLM stays outside/slants outside of the covered man- The covered man will stay on the DLM and
the uncovered teammate works up on LB

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 2. DLM remains head up and anchors in on the covered man- use double team technique driving him
into lap of the LB & stay on him until wiped off by uncovered teammate then work straight up on
LB. NO ONE COMES OFF FOR LB until one of the following happens:
i. LB blitzes/threatens you gap
ii. You have driven the DLM into the lap the LB and one of you will wipe off the
DLM and get the LB
3. DLM stays inside/pinches inside the covered man- The covered man will force the DLM to flatten
his slant/inside position & stay on him, squeezing him down until wiped off by his uncovered
teammate then the covered man works straight up on LB.
a. NOTE:
i. You cant give this DLM a free ride through because the uncovered man wont get
to him in time (dont piss in your partners cheerios)
ii. When forcing him to flatten, it is CRITICAL to keep outside arm/hand free and
maintain contact with inside arm/hand. This will prevent your shoulders from
turning inside which will make it difficult to come off square on the LB in addition
to making it very difficult to be able to pick up a LB who threatens/blitzes your gap

VI. O-LINE SPLITS

a. On general split is a maximum of 18 on all plays
b. On the zone play, we will adjust our splits to better suit the technique being used. We would like to have a
maximum split of 18 between any 2 (or 3) teammates who are zoning together on the first level. Any split wider
than that would make the zone block too difficult and could lead to the defensive lineman creating penetration
c. We may close our splits down to 6-12, if needed, to execute the zone block based on game plan decision or
offensive line personnel

VII. DEPTH OF O-LINE

a. More important than o-line splits is our depth. We MUST BE as far off the ball as legally possible. This
dramatically improves the following:
i. Gives our lineman the ability to get 2 steps down PRIOR to contact with the DLM which is crucial in any
effective block
ii. Our ability to work zone combo blocks
iii. Our ability to have plays succeed even with minimal penetration (ex. counter schemes)

VIII. TECHNIQUES FOR INSIDE ZONE BLOCK (10/11)

a. On Inside Zone, we are more concerned with getting vertical push on the level one defender than we are about
coming off on the LB
b. Inside Zone blocking rules allow our linemen to use the movement and attack angles of the defenders against them.
Whichever way the defender chooses to go, he is sealed off and the running back is prepared to cut off the block
c. Almost all linemen are considered playside on inside zone. This means that the entire O-Line, with only one
exception, will use the same techniques. The only man (men) who will use a different technique is one who is
responsible for a 3-tech defender or a defender wider than a 3-tech. This man will use a PULL-TAKE OVER block
and MUST completely seal off the backside defender from being able to make a play, whether the RB cuts back or
not. The edge can also be sealed using our Kick scheme implemented with our B back or our Z receiver
d. Technique for UNCOVERED man
i. Uncovered man zoning takes one REACH step (toes point straight ahead aim at our aiming point) to bring
his hip in contact with his partners hip (both must get hip-to-hip initially) and to also get our face in-line
with our aiming point (the inside number of the DLM). Our shoulders stay square to the LOS on Inside
Zone. This reach step can be wide, as in the case of a 4-tech on the PST, or short, in the case of a 4i-tech on
the PST for example. You are responsible for the backside half and your playside partner is responsible for
the playside half. Drive the DLM vertical and dont come off too soon to chase a LB.
1. You must think man block and only go to LB under 2 situations
a. You and your partner drive the DLM back to the LB level, then one of you will come off
on LB
b. The LB you are zoning blitzes (delayed or not) through your gap, then you must stop his
penetration
ii. Be prepared for the 3 situations that can occur (see above)

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 e. Technique for COVERED man
i. The covered man will take a one REACH step (toes point straight ahead) with your playside foot this will
get our face in-line with our aiming point (the outside number of the DLM) Second step is with inside foot
directly thru crotch of DLM.
1. You must think man block and only go to LB under 2 situations
a. You and your partner drive the DLM back to the LB level, then one of you will come off
on LB
b. The LB you are zoning blitzes (delayed or not) through your gap, then you must stop
ii. Be prepared for the 3 situations that can occur (see above)
f. Four Hands, Four Eyes
i. Once contact has been made by both blockers on the defender, we want to have 4 hands on the DLM, but 4
eyes on the LB
ii. This positioning will evolve as the play develops and the defenders make there move and the
covered/uncovered guys wipe off/take over the DLM and proceed to LB
g. Technique for Backside Lineman Responsible for the Cut-Off
i. We will cut-off anything on the backside from a 3-tech back
ii. We will use a Pull-Take Over block technique. We will take a PULL step playside and continue this path
until we are in position to throw our backside arm through the defenders playside shoulder and hook
him/cut him off. This is the same technique you will use as an uncovered man on Outside Zone.
iii. We may continue on that pulling path for as long as two linemen over. We must NOT turn up or throw our
backside are BEFORE we are in position.
h. Technique for LINEMEN NOT ZONING (youre covered and BS teammate is covered)
i. Use BASE block.
ii. When coming off the ball you guide with your eyes (aim with your face), and your eyes take you to the
aiming point which is the throat of the defender (get facemask under his)
iii. Your first step is a short reach step which will put you in position to attack the aiming point
iv. On the second step, your power foot must be on the ground and you arm thrust (100% blow delivery) with
your hands into his short ribs (below the pads), tucking your tail and lifting him out of his socks (use the
fork lift technique).

IX. TECHNIQUES FOR OUTSIDE ZONE BLOCK (20/21)

a. Our Outside Zone will be blocked very similarly to our Inside Zone. The difference being that we are now more
interested in forcing the switch faster (between covered and uncovered man) sooner and not as interested in
getting vertical push on the level one defender
b. The play is designed to get the defense moving laterally across the field and create seams in their coverage.
c. Technique for UNCOVERED man (Pull-Take Over)
i. The uncovered man will take a pull step (toe points to sidelines) with the aiming point being the shoulder of
his playside teammate
ii. Stay on track & overtake DLM
iii. Keep eyes on your numbered LB but DO NOT block him unless he is even with your inside shoulder &
threatening the gap.
iv. As you approach the DLM and have the correct position on him, throw your backside shoulder through the
playside shoulder of the DLM (just like you would do on the Cut-Off block on the backside of Inside Zone)
v. Work hard to overtake your covered mans DLM.
vi. Your shoulder ARE ALLOWED to angle into the LOS on Outside Zone (they are must stay parallel to LOS
on Inside Zone)
d. Technique for COVERED man (Rip-Reach technique)
i. The covered lineman executes a "rip-reach" technique.
ii. You can take an ANGLE step (if DLM is on your playside shoulder or possibly head-up on you) or a
REACH step (if DLM is on your backside shoulder or possibly head-up on you) with the aiming point
being the outside shoulder pad/armpit of the DLM and rip with your backside arm across the face of the
DLM (try to rip the DLMs arm out of its socket).
iii. Your job is to turn the DLMs shoulders and get him off-balance and prepared for your partner to him
takeover
iv. Dont let your playside hand block the DLM because it will cause your playside shoulder to turn backside
which may allow a run-through for the LB.

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 v. The covered lineman wants to rip through his DLM to get to the LB, while his uncovered partner takes over
his original block. If the covered lineman is unable to rip through because the DLM fights to the outside,
then the covered lineman stays with that block and his uncovered teammate turns up and finds the
linebacker
vi. Be prepare for the 3 situations that can occur (see above)
e. Technique for LINEMEN NOT ZONING (youre covered and BS teammate is covered)
i. Use BASE block (see details above in Inside Zone section)
1. Your aiming point is the defenders outside number.
ii. MAN blocking on the BACKSIDE of the OUTSIDE ZONE if working alone (covered OR uncovered) you
must use a Pull-Take Over block and block your numbered man. See notes above.

X. TECHNIQUE FOR COUNTER/POWER BLOCK (30/31 and 40/41)

a. We will block Counter and Power the same exact way for our entire O-Line, EXCEPT for the backside man who is
pulling (the wrapper and trapper change)
b. Our blocking scheme for Counter and Power will be very similar to the blocking scheme we will use for our Inside
and Outside Zone. The one exception is that instead of combo blocking the level one defender to the playside LB,
we will combo block the level one defender to the BACKSIDE LB (first LB passed the C)
i. RULES FOR COUNTER/POWER BLOCKING
1. Playside Lineman Rule (PSG, PST, PSTE or man in PSTEs position):
a. If your inside teammate is uncovered, then combo with your outside teammate from the
man on you to the BSLB
b. If your inside teammate is covered, then combo with your inside teammate from the man
on him to the BSLB.
c. NOTE:
i. PSG will ALWAYS block down if C is covered. In the case of a covered C (nose),
the above Playside Lineman Rule would apply to the PST, PSB/Y
ii. Gap Block vs. Solid Look (solid= G-C-G are covered)
2. Center:
a. Block back on 1st man on LOS, includes a shade
3. BSG:
a. Counter: Pull-Trap end man on LOS (EMLOS)
b. Power: Pull-Wrap on PSLB (trap PSLB if he shoots the gap), keep eyes inside as you come
around the double team
4. BST:
a. Slam and Hinge back on edge rusher
5. B-Back or Man in this Position (possibly TE)
a. Counter: Pull-Wrap on PSLB keep eyes inside as you come around the double team
b. Power: Pull-Trap EMLOS
ii. NOTE: Nothing changes for 9 men on Power and Counter. They do the EXACT same thing. The only thing
that changes is the trapper and the wrapper

XI. TECHNIQUE FOR GAP BLOCK

a. Against a Penetrating Defender
i. Angle step to stop the immediate penetration keeping helmet in front of the defender
ii. Outside hand is placed in the armpit and it used to drive the defender down the LOS and preventing him
from being able to penetrate
iii. Inside hand is placed on the inside # of the defender
b. Against a Spinning Defender
i. Follow same technique above EXCEPT place helmet behind the defender to be able to catch him as he
spins
ii. Once the spin is detected and caught, redirect and drive the defender upfield not allowing him to cross your
face

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XII. TECHNIQUE FOR PULL-TRAP BLOCK
a. Take Pull step and physically throw you backside arm through to the playside (dont rip playside elbow back and
throw backside arm, its too slow).
b. Your path takes you into the line of scrimmage (not parallel to it)
c. Approach this defender the same as you would on a Base block, except know your running at him. You will still
use all of the same techniques.
i. Throw your arms threw the defender (fork like technique)
ii. Hit 1yd threw the defender
iii. If he keeps his shoulder parallel to LOS, then you will put your downfield hand on his shoulder and your
upfield hand on his back and explode threw him. Keeping your hand on his back will help you to control
him better and prevent him from slipping under your trap
iv. If he uses a wrong-arm technique, this will automatically and naturally turn into a Log block. DO NOT
approach a trap as a Log block however, let the Log naturally happen as the EMLOS comes underneath you
(which should be very difficult to do if you are pulling into the LOS)

XIII. TECHNIQUE FOR PULL-WRAP BLOCK

a. Your pull is the same as stated in the Pull-Trap section above.
b. You will wrap through first daylight, not necessarily through the hole created by the double team and the trap.
The RB is responsible for getting on your inside hip and following you wherever you go.
c. As you wrap for LB:
i. If he is waiting for you or slow to close, approach this block like a running Base block and use all the same
techniques as the Base block on the LB
ii. If he is blitzing through the hole created by the double team and the trap, you will end up trapping him just
like the trapper trapped the DE. This will then turn into a double Pull-Trap with no wrapper. And no
wrapper is needed since you just trapped the man you were responsible for.

XIV. O-LINE DRILLS

a. Stance/Starts
i. Work on getting into a proper stance until they can get in and out of it comfortably and quickly
ii. Test their stance using the technique above
b. 1-step Birddogs- 5 Run Steps
i. From a proper stance work on the 1-step (Power Step) of each of our 5 run steps (Base, Reach, Angle, Pull,
Bucket)
c. 2-step Birddogs- 5 Run Steps
i. From a proper stance work on the first 2-steps (Power Step and Punch Step) of each of our 5 run steps
d. 1-step Birddogs- 3 Pass Steps
i. From a proper stance work on the 1-step of each of our 3 pass steps (Kick-Slide, Power-Slide, Jump Set)
e. 2-step Birddogs- 3 Pass Steps
i. From a proper stance work on the first 2-steps of each of our 3 pass steps
f. Hand Pops
i. One man on his knees with the other man over him with a shield (shield should touch head of man on his
knees). The man on his knees with repeatedly work delivery the hand blow into the shield in an upward
movement and unlock the hips
g. Boards
i. Boards are placed rows and the O-line with work stance and starts over the boards for about 5steps. This
helps them work on a wide base.
h. Fit Drill
i. Line up against a defender and just get into a good fit position (from feet to eyes)
i. Fit and Freeze
i. From a proper stance, offensive player will take his first 2-steps and get into a good fit position. Can work
Base and Reach steps. He will Freeze on the finish so that a coach can evaluate
j. Fit and Drive Drill
i. Line up in the same fit position and on a command the offensive player will drive the defender back (good
wide base, weight on inseam of feat). Can work Base and Reach steps
ii. Variations: Start from a proper stance and work to a fit position and drive (put it all together). Can work
Base and Reach steps

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 iii. This can also be done in chutes to keep offensive man low
iv. This can also be done on a 5 or 7-man sled
k. GAP Blocks
i. There are 2 things the defender will do to us when we GAP block. During this drill we will work both of
these scenarios and how to handle each.
1. They will penetrate hard
a. We must get our head in front of the DLM
2. They spin over us when we go to GAP block him
a. We must keep our head behind the DLM
l. Pull Trap Blocks
i. Align defender at proper width with a shield
m. Pull Wrap Blocks
i. Can be done the same way as the variation on the Fit and Drive Drill. The only difference is that we will put
the defender about 5yds wider and 4yds deeper than the offensive player. From a proper stance the
offensive player will use a Pull Step and square up on LB. Aiming point is between the numbers. Take him
where he wants to go and let the RB decide where, if at all, to cut
n. 2 on 1 zone combos
i. Used to work our zone game. This drill allows us to concentrate on the most important aspect which is the
DLM. Align 2 offensive players against 1 DLM. Shade the DLM in different techniques and work steps,
aiming points, and driving the DLM off the ball.
o. 2 on 2 zone combos
i. Same as the 2-on-1 drill except now we will incorporate the second lever defender (LB). A coach can have
the 2 defenders do various reactions.
p. Double Team Blocks
i. Used to work our double team blocks on our Counter/Kick series. Each man is assigned of the defender
and must take proper steps to get to that aiming point. The inside offensive player must keep eyes inside to
simulate him looking for the LB run through.
q. Pass Protection:
i. Used to work the various technique of our passing game (incorporates the 3-pass steps mentioned above)

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 BASICS OF PASS PROTECTION

1. The blocker must always know where the QB set up point is. This knowledge is vital so that the blocker
will position himself properly in relation to the QB and the rusher.

2. The blocker must be patient and not commit too soon. Let the rusher make the first commitment (50 Series)
unless it's a pass play requiring an aggressive technique (60/90 Series).

3. The blocker must get into the pass set quickly not allowing the rusher to make contact while he is the
process of getting into the fundamental pass pro position.

4. Use of hands is vital. The player who establishes inside hand position on his opponent first will almost
always win.

5. If the blocker is covered by a DLM, he must always know if he has help and where that help is coming
from. Never allow yourself to get beat away from your help

6. Maintain a loose and relaxed posture prior to contact. Don't tie yourself up by being too rigid prior to
contact. You won't be able to adjust to a move by the defender.

7. Stay off your toes. You will be susceptible to being pulled. Stay relatively flat-footed with the weight on
the inside of bother feet.

8. Don't lean on the defender after contact. Use your legs to provide the power to stop a rusher rather than
leaning on him.

9. When the hands and arms extend to jam the rusher, the head goes back.

10. Cover in the direction the pass is thrown in case of an interception.

11. The inside foot is the POST foot and the outside foot is the SET foot.

12. Make contact with the rusher on or near the line of scrimmage. Dont bail out

13. Cover the defender with your feet (your feet opposite his). You won't see it but will feel it.

14. In most cases, be dominant with the inside hand.

15. Always have a target which is a small point on the defender's uniform on which the blocker focuses. The
target is determined by the man's strongest or best move.

IMPORTANT: The following information is geared toward our 50-Series Protection (5-Step QB Drop). All other
protections (60/90/Play Action) are much more aggressive in nature and therefore use more of an attack
philosophy as the ball is going to be release much quicker or is going to be Booted or Sprinted by the QB
outside of the traditional QB pocket. In addition, our 60/90/Play Action pass protections all incorporate facets of
zone blocking schemes into the protection and therefore there are limited true 1-on-1 pass blocks, as there may be in
our 50 Series Protection.
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 BASICS OF PASS SET

Getting quickly from the stance and into a pass blocking position is vital. If the set is slow, the defender
has a great advantage as he will be into the blocker before the blocker is in a position to take on the rusher.
Getting proper foot, body, and head position is the basis for great pass position. If the blocker can "win the first
second" of the battle with body position, hands, etc., he will usually win that confrontation.

Although footwork will vary on different sets based on the alignment of the defender, there are key
elements present in every pass set:

1. Head and upper body come up quickly.

2. The butt sinks and the knees remain bent.

3. Weight remains on the inside of the feet with about 60% of the weight on the inside or Post leg.

4. Maintain a stagger but not so much that the weight goes to the heel of the Post foot.

5. Stay off the toes. This causes leaning and makes it easy for the defender to pull the blocker.

6. Hands come up to shoulder to chest level. The lower the blocker sets, the higher he can carry his hands.
The elbows are close to the body and bent so the arms are 8-10" from full extension. The hands should be
relaxed with the thumbs 4-6" apart.

7. The upper body should be loose and relaxed with the shoulder slightly forward and the neck also relaxed.
If the blocker sets in an upright, rigid position, the rigidness is also felt in the legs and the ability to move
prior to contact is restricted.

8. Throughout the set, the eyes are on a target, a spot on the defender's jersey. Where the target is depends on
different factors such as the alignment of the defender or if the blocker has help from an uncovered
teammate. The target is the spot where the blocker wants his nose aligned in relation to the defender.

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 PASS SET FOOTWORK

For communication purposes, the outside foot will be called the SET foot and the inside foot will be
called the POST foot.

Footwork

1. Kick step - Outside step with the SET foot. Keep weight concentrated on inside foot and leg. The ankle is
wider than the knee and the knee is wider than the hip. This helps to maintain the weight on the inside leg.
If the weight transfers to the outside leg, the ability to continue kick stepping is lost. The nose should stay
aligned with the crotch.

2. Power Step - Aggressive, inside step with the post foot. It is intended to take away inside rush lanes.
NOTE- the Post foot must gain slight forward movement (ex. heel to toe) or it may provide an open gate
for the DLM to rush inside (helps prevent the blocker from bailing out). Once again, don't let the head
go past midline of the body.

3. Slide - Move by opposite foot after Kick or Power step.

Pass sets are determined by the alignment of the defender in relation to the blocker and the QB.
Shown below are alignments and how they are labeled.

Tackle Loose 5 tech

In one on one blocking, it is the objective of the blocker to set his body in a position where he always has the
defender in a tight 3 (Guard) or 5 (Tackle) technique. That is, always set so that the nose of the blocker is aligned
with the inside number of the defender which will insure a slight inside out position on the defender.

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 The following sections will only cover the footwork of the pass sets. The punch, etc. are covered in later
section.

Footwork vs. Tight 3 Technique (Guard) or Tight 5 Technique (Tackle)

1. Set in place. Drive the post knee to the ground (prevents standing up).

2. Move the set foot to establish stagger and to cover the man.

3. Time the punch.

4. If defender rushes outside, kick step and stretch the defender. Keep the heel of the set foot on the
ground (prevents learning)

1st step - Kick

2nd step - Slide
3rd step - Kick
4th step - Slide

a. Maintain 60% of weight on inside foot. The blocker can't continue to kick and widen the
rusher if the weight is on the outside foot.

b. Keep the nose over the midline of the body.

c. Maintain full lockout.

5. If defender rushes inside, POWER step after initial set and flatten rusher to the inside.

1st step - Kick

2nd step - Power
3rd step - Slide
4th step - Power

a. Deny inside penetration

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 b. Don't "bail out" and create a soft inside shoulder (think in terms of tripping the
defender with the inside foot.)

c. Blocker may be required to turn this into a drive block to deny inside penetration.

Footwork vs. Loose 3 Technique (Guard) or Loose 5 Technique (Tackle)

1. Kick step gaining width and depth to deny rusher path to QB. The wider the defender, the wider
and deeper the kick step.

2. Establish nose to inside number of defender.

3. If the defender is really loose, it might take more than 1 kick step to establish position.

4. If the defender rushes outside, continue to KICK step and stretch defender.

5. If the defender rushes inside from outside alignment, POWER step after initial set and flatten
him to the inside. DON'T BAIL OUT.

Footwork vs. 1 Technique (Guard) or 4i Technique (Tackle)

1. Power step to the inside, denying penetration. Jam the ball of the post foot into the ground, and
slide the set foot.

1st step - Power

2nd step - Slide

2. Don't take too big a power step. The defender may make an outside move from an inside alignment

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 3. Continue power stepping and sliding to flatten the rusher.

4. DON'T BAIL OUT. A bail out creates a soft shoulder.

5. To deny penetration, the blocker may have to revert to drive block type technique once the defender has
committed to the inside move.

6. If defender rushes outside from inside alignment, kick step and stretch him after initial set.

Footwork vs. 2 Technique (Guard) or 4 Technique (Tackle)

1. Power step inside to take away inside when there is no help from the inside.

2. Get nose to inside number alignment.

3. Don't overset to the inside because the rusher can easily rush outside from a head up alignment.

4. If the defender goes inside or outside, execute the techniques previously outlined.

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 Footwork and Technique vs. Wide Rush End

The most difficult skill to master in pass protection is the Tackle's block on the wide aligned rusher.
Below are techniques and tips for blocking the wide rusher:

o Narrow the stance with the toe pointing outward slightly. The narrower stance allows the
blocker to cover more ground on the kick step. Increase the stagger of the stance.

o Determine the junction point. The junction point is the point at which the defender will turn
toward the QB (and the Tackle). Knowledge of the junction point is important because the
blocker's shoulders should be parallel with the shoulders of the rusher when he turns toward
the QB to prevent the outside should from being grabbed.

Tips to determine the junction point:

1. If the rusher's outside foot is back, he will usually make his move to the QB on
the 3rd step. Be ready to get shoulders parallel to rusher's shoulders when he
begins his 3rd step.

2. If the rusher's inside foot is back, he will usually make his move to the QB on the 2nd step.
Be ready to get shoulders parallel to rusher's shoulders when he begins his 2nd step.

NOTE: If the rusher's backbone is pointed in rather than upfield, the above does not apply. Now
block him like a normal rusher.

3. The target is the inside shoulder. If the blocker looks at a point on the defender wider than the inside
shoulder, he may set too wide and expose himself to an inside rush. The defender is only as far
upfield as his inside shoulder.
74
4. When blocking a wide rusher, emphasize most of the weight on the balls of the inside foot while
in the stance. This allows for a better kick step to cover more ground. A common fault on
blocking the wide rusher is not covering enough ground on the first step, then trying to make up
for it by leaning out with the upper body. The blocker again becomes exposed to the inside rush.

5. Kick step with width and depth to the rusher. The wider the defender, the deeper the kick step.

Kick, slide until reaching the junction point.

6. Be in control at the junction; that is, the nose should be over the midline, the weight on the inside of the
feet with more weight on the inside leg, and have equal ability to move back inside or continue kicking
outside. This position must be maintained throughout the approach and at contact.

7. Punch the defender when you can "reach out and touch him." If only the shoulder is exposed at the
time of the punch, then punch the shoulder with both hands, attempting to pry his upper body into a
position where his shoulders become parallel to the side line. If the rusher has exposed his chest to the
blocker as will often be the case, then punch the chest with both hands. Maintain a slight inside-out
position on the rusher throughout the block.

8. The blocker "works the line" for 3 yards on a 5 step drop (and 5 yards on a 7 step drop if we have a 7-
step drop eventually). This means that the blockers outside foot much remain on a vertical line for these
specified distances before allowing the defender to close toward the QB. By keeping the defender
working upfield for these distances, the blocker will be able to push him past the QB once he starts to
close on the QB

75
 9. If the defender is not forced vertically for certain distances, they will have a path to the QB.

10. When the blocker gets the rusher "past the point of no return", he then pushes the rusher upfield.
Maintain inside leverage.

76
 MAKING CONTACT

Contact with the rusher is made with a punch of the hands into the chest area of the defender. Listed
below are techniques relating to the punch or contact phase of pass protection:

1. Timing of the punch is vital. Ideally, the elbows will lock out at the same moment as contact is made
with the rusher. If the punch is too early, there is a tendency to lean into the defender plus there is no
"pop" to stop the charge of the defender. If the punch is late, the arms never get locked out which
allows the defender to get his hands on the defender. The blocker always wants to maintain separation
between his body and the body of the blocker.

2. The primary thrust is delivered with the heels of the hand. The thumbs are up, the fingers extended
loosely and the elbows in. If the elbows face out, the arms can be easily collapsed by a bull rusher.

3. The punch starts at the shoulders and extends through the elbow, wrist, and hands. Don't lean forward
during the punch. Maintain the bent knee position for power in stopping the rusher.

4. The head and arms work together. When the arms extend, the head comes back with the chin tucked.

5. On contact the base widens while maintaining a stagger. Continue to maintain the bent knee position.
The upper body is now more upright and rigid than before contact.

6. The blocker would prefer to punch at a slight upward angle. This can only be achieved if the knees are
bent which lowers the body allowing for the upward punch.

7. The player, either blocker or rusher, who first establishes effective hand placement, will usually win.

8. Inside hand placement usually wins.

77
 AFTER CONTACT
After the blocker sets and punches, he now has to maintain contact with the rusher, allowing as little
closure to the QB as possible. Listed below are techniques and tips to accomplish this:

1. Don't try to get separation. Once contact is made, lock on (the exception is a tackle blocking a wide, upfield
rusher) and maintain a full lockout position, with the elbows in, thumbs up, and open hand into the chest of
the rusher.

2. Don't "lean on the hands". Use the power generated through bent knees and the stagger to stop the forward
progress of the rusher.

3. Keep the head out of the block with the upper body upright and rigid.

4. The base should widen after contact to aid in lateral stability.

5. The weight should still be on the inside of the feet with about 60% of the weight on the inside leg.

6. The heel of the outside or stagger foot should be on the ground to prevent tipping forward or getting pulled
by the rusher.

7. If the defender tries to rush through the outside shoulder, widen him.
a. Maintain nose to inside number alignment.

b. Hard pressure with inside hand to prevent defender from coming back inside.

c. Maintain bent knee position with outside foot stagger.

d. Don't "lean on hands".

e. Keep the weight concentrated on the inside leg so that the outside foot can continue to kick up and
widen the rusher. If the weight shifts to the outside foot, the ability to continue to kick out is
eliminated.

8. If the defender tries to rush inside, power step to the inside, flattening the rusher to the inside. Try to trip the
defender with the post foot. You won't actually trip him but by emphasizing this, the post foot won't bail out
(drop back) which creates a soft inside shoulder and allows a rush lane inside to the QB.

9. If the defender tries to power or bull rush through the defender, brace up (drop hips) as if you were
being pushed off a cliff.
a. Keep the head out. Don't lean on hands (The rusher may be setting you up for a pull or jerk move).

b. Stop the defender with leg power generated by bent knees.

c. Maintain the stagger. If the defender has leverage and is "walking" the blocker back to the QB because
the blocker has lost his stagger, the blocker should "hop" back with the feet to regain the stagger. The
blocker may loose a little ground by doing this but he will regain his base. This is much better than
continuing to be walked back by the rusher because of a lost stagger.

a. If inside hand placement has been lost, re-establish inside hand position by bringing hands under the
defenders arms, then aggressively up into his chest.
78
 PASS RUSH MOVES AND COUNTERS

The ability to counter a pass rush move is important. Below are some common moves and their
counters:

1. Swim - The rusher will grab a shoulder and pull, then attempt to bring his opposite arm over the
blocker while bringing his off leg past the leg of the blocker to the side of the pull.

Counter:

a. First of all, make punch so effective that the defender misses the grab.

b. If he gets the grab, the blocker presses hard with the hand to the side of the grab. Don't allow
that hand to lose contact with the defender. Press with more force than the defender is pulling
with.

c. As the opposite arm swims over the blocker, the blocker places the hand to that side into the
armpit of the swim arm and pushes hard.

d. Keep the foot and body moving in the direction of the swim move so the lane to the QB is
shut off.

2. Rip - The rusher will rip his upper arm into the opposite arm pit area of the blocker, at the same time,
bringing the opposite leg past the leg of the blocker.

Counter:

a. Clamp and trap the rip arm in the armpit.

b. The blocker drops the center of gravity (with the rip arm trapped) to prevent the rusher from
completing the rip

c. With the off hand, the blocker pushes on the hip of the rusher to widen him.

d. Keep the feet and body moving in the direction of the rip to shut off the rush lane to the QB.

79
 BLOCKING TWISTS

As a general rule, zone block all twists. There are two components to a twist, the PENETRATOR
and the LOOPER.

Pre-snap looks can help in determining twist possibilities.

Examples: A loose 3 technique and a tight 5 technique indicate a twist possibility.

A wide rusher and a tight 3 technique would be less likely to twist.

1. Blocker who has PENETRATOR.

a. Jam the penetrator at the LOS and flatten him. (You might have to put chest into penetrator
to flatten him.) If he gets upfield too much, you and the blocker who has the LOOPER
could be on different levels resulting in the LOOP blocker getting "picked".

b. Force the defender flat in the direction of the LOOPER and then shove him into your
adjacent blocker. When shoving the defender, do it with a turn of the upper body but
attempt to keep the hips and feet from turning to the sidelines. The blocker is in better
position to pick up the LOOPER if he's parallel to the LOS rather than the sideline.

c. Don't come off the PENETRATOR until you feel your adjacent blocker. However, you can
anticipate a LOOPER is coming by realizing that the man you are blocking
(PENETRATOR) is doing "something different" from a normal rush technique. Trying to
grab you more than trying to rush. Attaching more toward blocker who has LOOPER than
toward you and the QB.

80
 2. Blocker who has LOOPER.

a. When LOOPER starts his loop, drop foot to the side of the loop so as to get some depth to
prevent being picked, then "attack" in the direction of the loop toward the PENETRATOR.

b. Drive block the PENETRATOR. By drive blocking the PENETRATOR, you can "push the
pile" into the path of the LOOPER if the PENETRATOR has grabbed his blocker in an
attempt to keep him from coming off on the LOOPER.

c. The blocker can recognize a LOOP before it happens (allows him to prepare to attack the
PENETRATOR just a little quicker) by realizing "something is different" about the rush.
- Not really rushing toward passer with his normal intensity.
- Not trying as hard to get his hands on your.
- Looking in the direction of the loop.

The key point in zone blocking the twist is not allowing penetration by the PENETRATOR.

NOTE- A Tackle who has the PENETRATOR doesn't have to come off on the LOOPER as quickly
as a Guard who has the PENETRATOR because of the relative position to the QB. The Guard blocking the
LOOPER has to meet the LOOPER on the LOS and get "all of him" but the Tackle can let the LOOPER
cross his face, and then ride him by the QB.

81
 CONCEPTS OF COMBINATION BLOCKS
In addition to one on one pass sets and blocks described earlier, there are situations where blockers work in
combination. Some of these will be discussed below.

A. Guard and Center blocking NG and onside LB in a base protection.

1. LG power steps to a position next to and slightly deeper than the Center

- Eyeball the LB. If he doesn't come and NG rushes to your side of the center, take 1/2 of the
defender, maintaining your stagger, be prepared to take over the N if the LB blitzes to
opposite side. Youll feel the C abandon the N for the blitzing LB and you must be prepared
to handle him

- If the NG works to the other side of the Center, expect a LB blitz to your side, if the LB
doesn't come, get depth and look for an escaping rusher. Really stick him.

- If the NG rushes your side and the LB dogs to the opposite gap, force the switch and take
over the NG

2. Center takes a short kick step away from his help (LG) establishing a stagger and taking
away the rush lane away from help.

- Jam with the inside hand and keep the outside hand relatively free. See the LB with
peripheral vision.

- If the NG works toward you, take him. Don't expect help.

- If the NG works toward your helper and the LB doesn't blitz the frontside gap, squeeze your
1/2 of the NG and double with Guard.

- If the NG works toward your helper and the LB comes frontside gap, take the LB. Maintain
stagger throughout block. 82
B. Guard and Tackle blocking DT and DE (base block)

1. The techniques of the Guard and Tackle have already been described. One thing the Guard must
be aware of is a twist possibly to determine exactly what his set can be. As discussed in the
section on twists, the DT and DE alignment can give a clue as to the twist possible.

a. Example: The DT is in a loose 3 position and the DE is in a tight 5. The Guard

should be aware of a possible DT/DE twist (DT penetrating, DE looping inside).

2. If the DT/DE twist is a possibility, the Guard should set as wide as possible (still maintaining
inside leverage) in order to flatten the defender so he doesn't get upfield and "pick" the tackle
when he tries to switch with the Guard.

3. If the DE is aligned wider, the threat of a DT/DE is less and now the Guard can be more inside
conscious on his set, allowing more upfield penetration by the DT. This allows the Guard to
better protect against the inside move.

83
I. BASIC ZONE AND COUNTER DBL TEAM DRILL PROGRESSION- See OL Fundamentals also
1. Drill used to work the initial dbl team block on our zone and counter schemes.
2. Set up will be the same for 10/11, 20/21, 30-40 all that will change will be the technique/aiming points that
are used on the various plays
3. Divide players into 3 groups (where applicable)
i. Coach A- potential varsity players
ii. Coach B- the other of potential varsity players
iii. Coach C- JV/Sophomore players
4. Part I- 2 on 1 Drill- 10min: (or of that particular period)
a. Each coach will divide is group up into groups of 3 linemen
b. Each coach will first work 2-on-1 blocks at his station with the rotation drawn below so that each
player gets to the inside and outside blocker.
c. This will be broken down into two phases
i. Step- Coach will call out Step and players will use appropriate first and second step (base,
reach, angle, or pull depending on the play being worked). After taking the fist two steps
players will momentarily freeze in the Fit position until coach calls out next command.
ii. Drive- Coach will call out Drive once players have taken their steps and aligned in the
fitted position. Players will then duck-walk their defender back.
iii. Rotate players as shown
iv. Put it all together- If there is time, we will put it all together and perform this block without the
pause after stepping. The coach will give direction to DLM as to how to react
d. Coaching Points (see O-Line Fundamentals for detailed explanations techniques for IZ/OZ/Cntr)-
i. Reinforce to the players that while they are doing this drill they are not looking at the DLM but
will rather have their eyes on the imaginary LB (who will be in the next phase of the drill).
Hands on DLM, Eyes of LB
ii. Rotate the alignment of the defender to an inside and outside shade on the outside blocker to
work all possible alignments (as time permits)
iii. Switch the play to work the opposite direction (ex. 10 vs 11)
iv. There may be several groups of three in each coachs group. That said, to best utilize time/reps
the coach may want align groups side by side and the coach will go down that line having one
group go at a time or having all groups go together
Zone Game Setup Counter Game Setup
(10 or 20 shown) (31/41 shown)

3 3
Inside Outside Outside Inside
1 2 blocker 1 2
blocker blocker blocker

2 2

3 1 3 1

1 1

2 3 2 3

5. Part II- 2 on 2 Drill- 10min: (or of that particular period)

a. Each coach will divide is group up into groups of 4 linemen
b. Each coach will now work 2-on-2 combos at his station with the rotation drawn below so that each
player gets to work the inside and outside blocker.
84
c. This will be broken down into two phases
i. Step- Coach will call out Step and players will use appropriate first and second step (base,
reach, angle, or pull depending on the play being worked. After taking the fist two steps
players will momentarily freeze in the Fit position until coach calls out next command. The
players must concentrate on having their eyes on the LB
ii. Drive- Coach will call out Drive once players have taken their steps and aligned in the
fitted position. Players will then duck-walk their defender back eyeing the LB and how he
reacts to their block on the DLM
iii. Rotate players as shown
iv. Put it all together - If there is time, we will put it all together and perform this block without
the pause after stepping. The coach will give direction to DLM and LB as to how to react
d. Coaching Points (see O-Line Fundamentals for detailed explanations of techniques for IZ/OZ/Cntr)-
i. Reinforce to the players that while they are doing this drill they are not looking at the DLM but
rather have their eyes on the LB. Hands on DLM, Eyes of LB
ii. Rotate the alignment of the defender to an inside and outside shade on the outside blocker and
the reaction of the LB to work all possible alignments.
iii. Rotate players like we did in the 2-on-1
iv. Switch the play to work the opposite direction (ex. 10 vs 11)
v. There may be several groups of three in each coachs group. That said, to best utilize time/reps
the coach may want align groups side by side and the coach will go down that line having one
group go at a time or having all groups go together

Zone Game Setup Counter Game Setup

(10 or 20 shown) (31/41 shown)
4 4
3 3
Inside 2 Outside Outside Inside
1 blocker
1 2
blocker blocker blocker

85
II. INDIVIDUALIZED ZONE DBL TEAM DRILLS- See OL Fundamentals also
1. For working specific aspects of the Zone Game
2. Divide players into 3 groups (where applicable)
a. Coach A- varsity
b. Coach B- varsity
c. Coach C- assist with Coach B (or monitor a 3rd station if needed)
3. 4-3 Zone Drills-
a. Station 1- 20min (or the entire period): Coach A
i. T/Y/B- Works the T/Y/B zone blocking vs. a 4-3 front
1. Flip the drill to work 11/21
2. Vary reaction of Y (DE), B (OLB) and T (SLB) eventually working slants/angles/blitz
stunts
3. Ts can rotate at 10mins

Works 20 Works 10
T
B T
Y
B Y
T Y
T Y
B can come B
from motion B Practices
Kick

b. Station 2- 20min: (or the entire period): Coach B and C

i. T/G/C/G- Works the T/G/C/G zone blocking vs. a 4-3 front
1. Flip the drill to work 11/21
2. Vary reaction of T (WLB), G (DTs) and C (MLB)
3. Vary the alignments of the DTs
4. Coach B watches backside and Coach C watches frontside
5. Ts can rotate at 10mins
Simulates EMLOS Works 20 Works 10
which BST will never Simulates EMLOS
block in Zone Game T C
which BST will never
block in Zone Game T C
G G
G G
Simulates EMLOS
which BST will never

T
block in Zone Game

G C G T G C G
Depending on the speed of the C and Gs we can either
have the C assisted the BSG with a 1-tech or keep him on
the 3-tech playside as in 20. If there is a heavy shade on
the C however we will want the C to get a piece of the
shade prior to working to MLB to give the BSG a chance

86
c. Additional 4-3 Zone Drills: Work the various alignments that BST may say on the backside of the 4-
3 front
i. In the following example, the BST is suppose to rip passed the DE and work with BSG from
the DT to the W. The DE however is on a stunt with the W and is trying to rip across the face
of the BST to get into the B-Gap while the W is blitzing off the edge to replace the DE
responsibilities. In this scenario the BST has to sense this stunt and will then seal off the
pinching DE (treating him as though he were the W, or BS #2) and allow the W to go (treating
him like a EMLOS, or BS #3) since the B/Q/Z will most account for him with a
Kick/Fake/Reverse Motion look.
1. NOTE- There would end up being no zone combo with the BSG since this stunt would
end up with the BST and BSG both being covered

E T
T G

ii. In the following example the W is walked up on the LOS. This is an easier situation to handle
for the BST. Once he sees this he immediately know he is taking the DE (since that is BS #2)
and B/Q/Z will most account for W (since he is EMLOS, or BS #3) with a Kick/Fake/Reverse
Motion look.
iii. The DE may vary his alignment (5-tech, 4-tech, 4i-tech) but regardless of his technique, once
the W aligns where he is below the BST knows that the W is not his man and is only
responsible for the DE.
1. NOTE: There would be no zone combo with the BSG since they are both covered

W E T
T G

87
 4. 4-4 Zone Drills-
a. Station 1- 20min (or the entire period): Coach A
i. T/Y/B- Works the T/Y/B zone blocking vs. a 4-4 front
1. Flip the drill to work 11/21
2. Vary reaction of Y (DE), B (OLB or BSDE) and T (SLB) eventually working
slants/angles/blitz stunts
3. The B is checking the DE and either staying on the DE (because a X/Z is handling the
OLB) or bouncing out for OLB
4. Depending on the reaction of the DE, the T or the Y will end up being a Bonus Blocker
on 20/21 (meaning he has no man-blocking responsibility)
5. Ts can rotate at 10mins

Y is a Bonus
Works 20 blocker in this case Works 10

T B
T
Y
B Y
T Y
T Y
B can come B
from motion B

b. Station 2- 20min (or the entire period): Coach B and C

i. T/G/C/G- Works the T/G/C/G zone blocking vs. a 4-4 front
1. Flip the drill to work 11/21
2. Vary reaction of T (WLB), G (DTs) and C (MLB) eventually working
slants/angles/blitz stunts
3. Vary alignments of the DT
4. Coach B watches backside and Coach C watches frontside
5. Ts can rotate at 10mins

Works 20 Works 10
Simulates EMLOS
which BST will never Simulates EMLOS
block in Zone Game which BST will never
T C block in Zone Game T C
G G
G G
Simulates EMLOS
which BST will never

T G
block in Zone Game

C G T G C G

88
5. Addition 4-4 Zone Drills: : Work the various stunts/blitzes that PST/Y/B may see on the frontside of a 4-4
front
a. Hot Stunt with OLB and DE-
i. In the following stunt the DE will slant out and the OLB will sneak around and blitz through
the C-Gap (will be referred to as a HOT stunt).
ii. When executing this the stunt the DE has a tendency to cheat his alignment from an inside tech
(or 7-tech) to a head-up technique to ensure that he doesnt get pinned inside and is able to
slant out to handle the OLB responsibilities. In addition to the DE cheating, the OLB also has
a tendency to align in closer relationship with the DE which will allow him to execute his C-
gap blitz effectively. Below is drawn a No Hot look and a Hot Alert look to illustrate the
difference. How each is handled is also diagrammed
iii. No HOT Look:
1. Treated as our normal progression with T/Y handling the DE and ILB and the B
checking the DE and either staying on the DE (because a X/Z is handling the OLB) or
bouncing out for OLB
2. NOTE- The play diagrammed is 20. If it were 10 the B would be executing a Kick
block on backside edge and the T/Y would be zoning the DE to the OLB
B
B
E
T Y
B can come B
from motion

iv. HOT Alert Look:

1. An alert is made based on the wider alignment of the DE and/or the tighter alignment of
the OLB
2. In this scenario the Y and B will handle the slanting DE with the B tying to work up to
get a piece of the scraping PSLB if possible.
3. The T will need to be alert for a OLB blitz around inside and will end picking him up
4. This essentially turns into a 3-on-3 zone combo (gang) similar to the one that a G-C-G
would see in a NAT/TAN stunt vs. an even front
5. In addition to cheating inward, an OLB may also cheat in and up on the line to make it
look as though he is going to blitz outside the TE. So we will work both looks.
6. NOTE- The play diagrammed is 20. If it were 10 the B would be executing a Kick
block. In that case, no one would have the ILB scraping outside but the ILB would
most likely slow play it with an IZ look from the A-back, therefore the ILB would end
up being handled by the C (#0) and PSG (#1)

B B

T Y
B can come B
from motion

b. Squeeze Stunt by OLB and DE-

i. In the following stunt the DE and OLB will be executed a SQUEEZE stunt whereby the DE
pinches through C-gap and OLB, who is normally walked up on LOS, blitzes of the edge

89
 ii. The end result will have the Y squeezing down on the pinching DE to hand him to the PST
who will then pick him up. The Y will then work his way up to the ILB if possible. The Y
must get a piece of the DE (squeeze the DE down inside to PST) as he pinches or else the PST
will be out of position which will allow the DE to cause penetration (which kills zone and
counter schemes)
iii. The B will end up on the blitzing OLB. His main goal is to not allow penetration. A stalemate
is fine in this scenario as the RB will make his read off that block. Penetration will disrupt the
RBs read and could destroy the play.
iv. NOTE- The play diagrammed is 20. If it were 10 the B would be executing a Kick block. On
10, the T and Y would handle the SQUEEZE stunt with the PST handling the DE (#2) and
the PSTE bailing immediately to handle the OLB (#3). In that case, the PST/Y would not able
to get a piece of an ILB scraping outside but the ILB would most likely slow play it with an IZ
look from the A-back. Therefore the ILB would end up being handled by the C (#0) and PSG
(#1) on 10
v. SQUEEZE Stunt:

E
B

T Y
B can come B
from motion

90
6. 5-2 Zone Drills-
a. Station 1- 20min (or the entire period): Coach A
i. Y/B- Works the Y/B zone blocking vs. a 5-2 front
1. Flip the drill to work 11/21
2. Vary reaction of Y (DE) and B (SS/C/OLB)
3. B needs to practice:
a. Dbl the DE with Y and staying with no release to SS/C/OLB but rather keeping
eyes inside looking for something trying to scrap over the top
b. Dbl the DE initially then a release out to SS/C/OLB

Works 20 Works 10
B seals edge then
releases to OLB B
Y
Y
B
Y
Y
B can come B
from motion B

Works 20
B seals edge then keeps
eyes inside for scraping LB
B is a Bonus
blocker in this case
B

Y
B can come B
from motion

b. Station 2- 20min (or the entire period): Coach B

i. T/G- Works the T/G zone blocking vs. a 5-2 front
1. Flip the drill to work 11/21
2. Vary reaction of T (DT), G (LB) eventually working slants/angles/blitz stunts
3. Vary alignments of the DT
4. Ts can rotate at 10mins
Works Frontside of 20 Works Frontside of 10

G G
T T
Simulates EMLOS
which BST will never
block in Zone Game

G T
G T

91
c. Station 3- 20min (or the entire period): Coach C
i. BST/G/C- Works the BST/G/C zone blocking vs. a 5-2 front
1. Flip the drill to work 11/21
2. Vary reaction of C (N), G (LB)
3. Vary alignments of the DT
4. NOTE- This group can be combined with B to make 1 group with the Coach B
watching frontside and Coach C watching backside
5. Ts can rotate at 10mins

Works Backside of 20 Works Backside of 10

G G
BST works T C BST works T C
cutoff Simulates EMLOS
which BST will never
block in Zone Game
cutoff
technique T G C technique
T G C

92
III. INDIVIDUALIZED CNTR DBL TEAM/TRAP/WRAP DRILLS- See OL Fundamentals also
1. For working specific aspects of the Counter Game
2. Divide players into 3 groups (where applicable)
a. Coach A- Trap/Wrap Station ( of B/Y/G)
i. If we use only two groups Coach B will be with Coach A to work the Trap or Wrap station
b. Coach B- (all Ts and the other of B/Y/G)
c. Coach C- Center station (all Cs)
i. If we only use two groups Centers will then go with Coach B to work the Ts Slam-Hinge in
conjunction with the Cs blocking back on gap schemes.
ii. This will be done after the initial installation of the Cntr play as this is an advance technique
we want to work prior to the season.
iii. NOTE- Coach C can also work independently of A and B and work a trap/wrap or dbl team
station with the JV players
3. Trap/Wrap Station-
a. Station 1- 10min (or of the period): Coach A and C
ii. of B/Y/G- Works the trap and wrap technique for G/B/Ys for 30/31 and 40/41
1. Flip the drill to work the other side
2. Vary reaction of those playing the LB (ex. shoot C gap, delay blitz) and DE (ex. wrong
arm) as the trappers/wrappers get comfortable with the basics
3. This group will rotate with Coach Bs of B/Y/G at 10mins (or the half-way mark)
who are working dbl teams
4. Below are illustrated two variations on how the drill can work
iii. Variation #1
1. B/Ys align in the normal alignments with extras behind them.
2. Coach will say Set to put one B in motion (on bottom of diagram) and Hut when he
reaches the playside butt cheek of the C ( ) and he will trap the B/Y waiting for his
turn to trap. At the sound Hut the other B/Y will pull and wrap on the B/Y waiting to
trap (the represent the way the rotation would work)
3. Rotate the drill to rep trap/wrap in the other direction
4. Coach A will work with one group while Coach C works with the other (this is for the
earlier part of the year until we feel comfortable and want to make a center station to
work the N swimming across the Cs face vs. penetrating on the Cs back block on our
Counter series
Variation #1
Y

B
B

B
B
Hut or Snap of Y
ball

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 G
G

G G

G
G

G
iv. Variation #2
1. This variation would be used if we want to work and Gs and Bs together so that they
each see how they fit with the other in this trap/wrap scheme.

Variation #2 G G
works 30/31
B
G
B

Hut or Snap of B
ball

works 40/41

B
G
G
G
B

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4. Dbl Team Station
a. Station 2- 10min (or of the period): Coach B
i. Other of G/B/Y and all Ts- Works the T/G/Y/B dbl teams blocks for 30/40 vs various
fronts
1. Flip the drill to work the other side
2. Vary reaction of those playing the LB (ex. shoot playside A gap, play over the top, blitz
frontside LB delay blitz) and DE (ex. wrong arm)
3. This group will rotate with the of B/Y/G that with Coach C at 10mins (or the half-
way mark)
4. Since the dbl teams of the Counter Series are unique to various front (4-4 vs. 4-3 vs. 5-
2) below are diagrams depicted each of the various setups vs. these fronts.
5. NOTE- If Centers are at this station they will work blocking back on each other. They
can also go down and work with Qs if they are needed until we start the Center Station
ii. 4-3 Front Drills-
1. Coach can either make two setups and walk from behind one to the other two watch
each as they go right after the other. Or he can use one set up and just flip the

G Y Y G

T T
G T Y Y T G

iii. 4-4 Front Drills-

G G
T T
T Y Y T
G T Y Y T G

iv. 5-2 Front Drills-

T
T
Y Y
G G
G T Y Y T G

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5. Center Station (if used)
a. Station 3- 20min (or the entire period): Coach C
1. All Centers- Works the Cs gap block technique for 30/40 series vs. a penetrating DLM and a
spinning/swimming DLM backside
a. The Centers will take turns blocking back on each other against the following techniques
i. Penetrating DLM- This is a backside DLM who is trying to gain penetration into
the backfield to disrupt the play and backside trapper/wrapper.
1. The C must Angle step flat down the line and get his head in front of the
DLM to help stop his penetration. The BST will assist slightly in stopping
the penetration by using his Slam-Hinge technique.
2. The Cs backfield hand is place in between the #s on the front of the
DLMs jersey. The Cs upfield hand is placed into the armpit of the DLM
3. The C will then drive the penetrating DLM flatdown the line.

C C
C C

ii. Spinning/Swimming DLM- This is a backside DLM who is trying to spin out or
swim across the centers face when he either senses the Cs down block or when he
senses the BSGs pull away from him. We will use the following technique on all
of our Counter schemes if the DLM is doing this on a consistent enough basis when
the BSG pulls/C blocks down.
1. Follow same technique above EXCEPT place helmet behind the defender to be
able to catch him as he spins (hand placement is the same as above)
2. Once the spin is detected and caught, redirect and drive the defender upfield not
allowing him to cross your face

C C
C C

iii. Reading DLM/Inconsistent Spinner/Swimmer- This is a backside DLM who is not

spinning/swimming the C when the BSG pulls/C blocks down on a consistent
enough basis to automatically put our head behind him, thereby weakening our
ability to handle him if he decides to penetrate. Since, in this scenario, we are
unsure of whether the backside DLM is going to penetrate or spin/swim the C, we
need to approach this situation differently since we cannot determine (pre-snap)
which side of the DLM to place our head (frontside or backside).
1. The C will begin to crab crawl through the frontside of the near knee of the
DLM (stops initial penetration, if any)
2. The C will then proceed to swing his butt/legs upfield to take the legs out
from under the DLM in the event that he decides to try and spin/swim across
the face of the C.
3. PROs to this technique-

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 a. This technique will handle both a penetrating DLM and a
spinning/swimming DLM
4. CONs to this technique-
a. Requires more coaching and is probably more difficult for the center
to do compared to the other two ways described above considering
he has to snap the ball prior to beginning his crab-crawl technique.
b. What we gain in protection (doesnt matter if he
spins/swims/penetrates) we lose a little in terms of movement. This
isnt a big deal since the only two ways the backside DLM can hurt
the Counter/Power play is if he 1) penetrates or 2) spins/swims
across the face of the C. This technique handles both of those
concerns

Legs of C

Legs of C
Butt of C
Butt of C
C
C
C C
Head of C
Head of C

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6. Additional Trap/Wrap Drills-
i. There are several important adjustments that our linemen must make in the Counter Series.
Below are illustrated drills that are designed to deal with each of these defensive actions and
our adjustment to them
a. DE Using Wrong Arm Technique-
a. In this defensive technique the DE utilizes a wrong-arm technique on our trapper. This is
usually done when teams coach their DEs to come hard down the LOS when the OLM on
them (TE/T/B) blocks down.
b. In this scenario the trappers trap block should naturally turn into a log block as the trapper
will be unable to get under a DE who is properly using a wrong-arm technique. The important
word there is properly because it is a difficult thing to teach and even though they may be
trying to use a wrong-arm technique it is still quite possible that our trapper (if trained well)
can still get under and kick out a DE who is ineffective at the wrong-arm technique. This
creates a HUGE hole as the PSLB is expecting the play to spill outside and therefore is not in
position to stop the play when it cuts up inside a wrong-arming DE who is actually still kicked
out by the trapper.
c. When the backside wrapper sees that the DE is being logged instead of kick out the wrapper
may need to gain a little more depth into the backfield to avoid a collision with the logged DE
and work his way around to pick up the PSLB who is now most likely playing over the top of
the wrong-arming DE.

E
G
B

E
G
B

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IV. INDIVIDUALIZED PASS PROTECTION DRILLS- See OL Fundamentals also
1. Drill used to work proper footwork and technique in our passing game
2. Divide players into 3 groups (where applicable)
a. Coach A- varsity players
b. Coach B- varsity players
c. Coach C- JV/Sophomore players
3. Footwork Station: 20min (or the entire period) or can be combined with a 1-on-1 drill with our defensive
linemen (10min footwork and 10min 1-on-1 or all 1-on-1s depending on what we need)
a. Split the players up among the three coaches as mentioned above
b. Focus is on having players us the appropriate footwork vs. the various DLM alignments
c. Players will be paired together each taking turns acting as the DLM in an inside shade, outside
shade, and head up. The blocker will need to take the correct footwork as determined by the DLM
alignment.
d. The DLM will carry out the predetermined rush (and redirect when appropriate) while the blocker
uses the appropriate footwork and techniques for that type of rusher
e. ADVANCED PHASE- As the players get comfortable with their footwork we will have the DLM
start out in one direction (ex. rushing outside) then come back in an opposite direction (ex. cut
back to an inside rusher). The blocker will need to adjust his footwork from an outside rusher
(kick-slide) to an inside rusher (power-slide) in that example. Vary the alignments and techniques
of the DLM
f. Footwork/Technique vs. an Inside Shade/Inside Rusher- See OL Fundamentals also
i. When presented with an inside shade/inside rusher we want to Power-Slide to get into a
position where our nose is aligned with his inside #. This will take away the DLM most
direct route to the QB
ii. If the DLM redirects from an inside rusher to an outside rusher we will redirect our feet
from a Power-Slide to a Kick-Slide technique and force the DLM to go wide and thus away
from the QB
Inside Shade- Inside Rushers (Power-Slide)
OL has no help
2 4 6 8 10
Inside 1 3 5 7 9 Outside

g. Footwork/Technique vs. an Outside Shade/Outside Rusher- See OL Fundamentals also

i. When presented with an outside shade/outside rusher we want to Kick-Slide to get us into a
position where our nose is aligned with the inside # of the DLM. This Kick-Slide may be
as tight as simply doing it in place (as is the case with a DLM on our outside shoulder since
are nose is already aligned with his inside #) or it may be a wider step in the event we have
a wide-5 technique for example. Regardless, we want to get our nose to his inside # and
react to his movement from that position.
ii. If the DLM redirects from an outside rusher to an inside rusher we will redirect our feet
from a Kick-Slide to a Power-Slide technique and force the DLM down inside and thereby
removing his most direct path to the QB
Outside Shade- Outside Rushers (Kick-Slide)
OL has no help

2 4 6 8 10
Inside 1 3 5 7 9 Outside

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 h. Footwork/Technique vs. a Head-Up Defender- See OL Fundamentals also
i. When presented with a head-up defender we want to Power-Slide to take away any inside
rush move and to get into a position where our nose is aligned with his inside #. This will
take away the DLM most direct route to the QB. Be careful not to overset too severely
because the DLM can easily rush outside from a head-up alignment.
ii. Execute the proper footwork/technique based on whether he rushes inside (power-slide) or
outside (kick-slide)
iii. If the DLM redirects from an inside rusher to an outside rusher we will redirect our feet
from a Power-Slide to a Kick-Slide technique and force the DLM to go wide and thus away
from the QB
Inside Shade- Inside Rushers (Power-Slide)
OL has no help
2 4 6 8 10
Inside 1 3 5 7 9 Outside

i. Footwork/Technique vs. a Wide Outside Rusher- See OL Fundamentals

i. When presented with a wide outside rusher we want to:
1. Narrow our stance to give us better ability to cover more ground on the first step
2. Determine the Junction Point (See O-Line Fundamentals Pass Protection)
3. The target is the inside shoulder. If the blocker looks at a point on the defender
wider than the inside shoulder, he may set too wide and expose himself to an inside
rush. The defender is only as far upfield as his inside shoulder.
ii. If the DLM redirects from an outside rusher to an inside rusher we will redirect our feet
from a Kick-Slide to a Power-Slide technique and force the DLM down inside and thereby
removing his most direct path to the QB
Outside Shade- Outside Rushers
OL has no help

2 4 6 8 10
Inside 1 3 5 7 9 Outside

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4. One-on-One Station
i. Coach A- varsity players with Kick-Slide Station
ii. Coach B- varsity players with Power-Slide Station
iii. Coach C- JV/Sophomore players working Kick-Slide and Power Slide
a. Kick-Slide Station: 20min (or the entire period)- Coach A
i. of all varsity lineman (C, G, T, and Y/Bs if they are present)
ii. Use to work the Kick-Slide technique vs. an outside defender in our 50 Series (5-step)
iii. Have our OL work against each other or against our DLM in a tight-5, loose-5 and wide
rush techniques.
iv. Have the defender rush outside (kick-slide) and make an inside rush move from an outside
alignment (kick-slide converted into a power-slide)
v. Number of groups will depend on number of lineman
vi. Groups will rotate after 10mins (or half of the period)
vii. Here is an example of how the groups could be set up:

E/B E T T E E/B

Y T G G T B

b. Power--Slide Station: 20min (or the entire period)- Coach B

i. of all varsity lineman (C, G, T, and Y/Bs if they are present)
ii. Used to work our Power-Slide technique vs. an Head-Up or Inside defender in our 50
Series (5-step)
iii. Have our OL work against each other or against our DLM in head-up and inside techniques
iv. Have the defender rush inside (power-slide) and make an outside rush move from an inside
or head-up alignment (power-slide converted into a kick-slide)
v. Number of groups will depend on number of lineman
vi. Groups will rotate after 10mins (or half of the period)
vii. For an example of how the groups could be set up see the station above

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5. Combo Pass Blocks Station
i. Coach A- with all C/Gs working combo pass blocks
ii. Coach B- with all T/B/Ys working combo pass blocks
iii. Coach C- with JV/Sophomore players working all combo pass blocks
a. G-C-G Combo Station- 20min (or the entire period)- Coach A
i. All C/GS
ii. Used to work the combo pass blocks on the backside of our protection
iii. Have our OL work against each other or against our DLM/LBs
iv. Groups will not rotate
v. Here are some set ups for this station:

Works C-G backside pass combo vs. 4-4

(DTs can be in a shade, 1, 2, or 3-tech)

B B

T T
G C C G

Works C-G backside pass combo vs. 4-3

(DTs can be in a shade, 1, 2, or 3-tech)

B B

T T
G C C G

Works C-G backside pass combo vs. 5-2

B B

N N
G C C G

Works C-G backside pass combo vs. 5-3 with a STACK call from C
(brings G down on N instead of 1-on-1 blocking the DT outside of him)

B B

N N
G C C G

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b. T-B-Y Combo Station- 20min (or the entire period)- Coach B
i. All T/B/Ys
ii. Used to work the combo pass blocks on the backside and frontside of our protection
iii. Have our T/B/Ys work against each other or against our DLM/DEs/LBs
iv. Groups will not rotate
v. Here is set up for this station (Y and B can be substituted in the diagrams below)

Works T-Y pass combo vs. 4-4

(work Hot and Squeeze Stunts)

B B

E E
Y T T Y

vi. If there are a few Gs available the following setups can be worked:

Works G-T-Y pass combo vs. 4-3

(T makes a YOU call and helps G with DT and eyes LB)

B B

E T T E
Y T G G T Y

Works G-T-Y pass combo vs. 5-2

(T makes a YOU call and helps G with DT and they both eye LB)

B B

E T T E
Y T G G T Y

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