AFM Home | The Staff Report | Apr 2003

Offense: Lenti’s 15 Theories and
Principles to Goal-Line Success

Frank E. Lenti
Head Coach,
Mt. Carmel High School

Frank Lenti has spent the past 19 years as the head coach of Mount Carmel High School in Chicago. Lenti has coached the likes of Donovan McNabb, quarterback of the Philidelphia Eagles, and Simeon Rice, defensive end of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Coach Lenti’s success (222-30) has spanned two decades with nine state championships (runners-up twice) with the last one coming in 2002 in Illinois’ Class 6A level. Here are 15 theories and principles to goal-line success from Coach Lenti and a look into his offensive philosophy:

1) Attack the defense in two ways: First, attack in an area where the defense is somewhat weaker. Second, attack a particular individual whose style of play can be exploited.

2) Present a well-balanced offensive attack inside the 10-yard line.

3) Force the defense to balance up to your offensive formation. Be able to go from three wide receivers to two tight ends with the same personnel.

4) Run option football inside the 10-yard line. Continue to attack on a broad front.

5) Maintain good line splits. Gap defense gives you good angles.

6) Eliminate mistakes, such as fumbles, penalties and missed assignments.

7) Control the line of scrimmage. If they penetrate, use it to your advantage.

8) Sustain and block lower: get your shoulders into the endzone.

9) Use many backs (up to four) so that you can run plays to either side with equal speed, deception, finesse and power.

10) Backs run lower and harder thru the endzone.

11) Throw the play-action pass off your most effective run crossing patterns versus man, also dump and curls.

12) Keep the pressure on the defense. Your tempo and intensity must be at its best.

13) Use sequence football when possible. You only need 4/5 runs - 3/4 passes.

14) Effort + Execution = Success.

15) Make your weekly goal-line package a limited version of your base package. Remember, consistency.