Getting an Extra Blocker at the Point of Attack in the Spread 2-Back Running Game Part II

In a previous article I discussed gaining an extra blocker from a one-back set and, as the title implies, I would like to discuss what we do with motion out of a two-back shotgun set.

We name our two-back sets Roger/Luey (See diagram 1) and Ricky/Llloyd (See diagram 2). In these sets it tells the A-slot WR to line up in the backfield instead of his normal position in the weak-side slot. This allows us to now only use one slot as a potential extra blocker and would appear to make us a strong-side-of-the-formation running team. Although we do run to the strong-side a little more, we can use motion from the “Z” to run weak-side as well.

Out of a “Roger” formation, we like to run two plays using motion. Both plays will look similar but we change the responsibilities of the blocking back and the “Z” receiver. The first play we will run is an “iso” play versus an even-front defense. In our “Roger” Formation, it would go to the A back and we would use Zip motion from our Z receiver. The name of the play would be “Roger Zip 24.” On this play the offensive line executes zone blocking principles. The Z receiver, using Zip motion, will motion to the near tackle and at the snap of the ball he will block the first linebacker to the play-side. Out of Roger the B back will be the lead blocker and he will lead up through the hole between the play-side guard and tackle (See diagram 3).

When we see an odd-front defense, we want to attack off-tackle and we run our six and seven hole plays using Zip motion. Out of Roger, this would be called “Roger Zip 26.” The blocking back’s rule is to kick out the 1st man outside the tackle. We commonly see a 3-4 defense so we would kick out the outside linebacker. Using Zip motion, the Z and the play-side tackle will double team the defensive end to the play-side linebacker. The rest of the O-line will use zone rules (See diagram 4).

When we line up in our Roger/Luey or Ricky/Lloyd formation and want to run to the weak-side, we will use what we call “Zap” motion to gain an extra blocker. Zap motion tells the Z WR to kick out the first defender on or outside the offensive tackle. If the play call is “Roger Zap 35,” the Z and the tackle will switch responsibilities. Normally, the tackle would block the defensive end but since we called Zap the tackle will go to the first linebacker head-up to inside and the A back will also be leading through the hole looking for the most dangerous defender (See diagram 5).

We can also line up in “Ricky” Formation and run the same play using “Zig-Zag” motion (See diagram 6).

After running these previously-mentioned plays, the defense sees our Z go in motion and begins to pinch or slant their ends, trying to defeat the kick out or double team block. To combat this, we can send our Z in a similar looking motion but then run sweep off of it. For instance, we are facing a 3-4 defense and we call “Ricky Zorro 39” (See diagram 7).
Diagram 7.
This is a sweep to our B-back around the left edge. Zorro motion tells the Z to motion to the near tackle and return outside the tackle. On the snap the Z will attack the outside linebacker and the A-back becomes the lead blocker. The O-line will block using outside zone rules.

We can also line up in Ricky Formation and run sweep the other way using what we call “Zipper” motion. The Z will motion to the opposite slot. On the snap, he will attack the outside linebacker and the B-back will become the lead blocker. This play would be called “Ricky Zipper 28” (See diagram 8).

As you can see, we have multiple ways to use motion in gaining an extra blocker at the point of attack. You may find that this whole package will work for your entire offense or even a small part. You may be able to create ways for it to fit into your offense. Either way, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to share some of the ideas that have made Washington High School successful over the last few years.

About the Author
Eric Struck completed his 7th season at Washington High School in Sioux Falls, SD. Coach Struck is the O-line and WRs coach at Washington High. He is a native of Sioux Falls and graduated from the U of Sioux Falls in 2001.

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EricStruck@AmericanFootballMonthly.com