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AFM Magazine

AFM Magazine


The Triple Shoot

by: Clancy Barone
Former Offensive Line Coach, Wyoming, now at University of Houston
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During the early winter months of 1999 the University of Wyoming installed a new run-and- shoot-style offense called the "Triple Shoot."

We knew going into the season that we would have the usual growing pains associated with the implementation of a new offense. We also had the added concern of starting three freshmen on the offensive line, a freshman at superback (running back) and a freshman in the starting rotation at receiver.

We tried to stay as balanced as possible and were able to mix in a variety of play passes and action passes. It was our belief that to have success against more experienced defenses we would need to make a commitment to play passes and action passes. We truly believed that even the most disciplined defense on our schedule could have problems defending this aspect of our offense.

This element of our offense helped keep opposing defenses off-balance and helped our superback position rush for nearly 1,300 yards. And our young offense matured, gaining over 2,000 yards of total offense and scoring over 120 points in the last four games of the season. That gave us the opportunity to play for a conference championship.

Play Pass vs. Action Pass

We have defined Play Pass as one which stems off a run fake, with the quarterback launch point between the guards.

Action Pass is also a pass that stems off a run fake with the quarterback rolling to the perimeter. This is usually coupled with a pulling lineman for added protection. While the action of these two types of plays and the defender(s) we are trying to attack are different, our commitment to have every member of the offense practice them on a daily basis with painstaking precision remains consistent.

At season's end, we evaluated this aspect of our offense to determine which run and corresponding play-action pass was the most efficient for us and produced the most yards for our offense. Without question, it was our Counter and the Action Pass from which it was developed.

Key Elements of the Counter

Diagram A

Can be run against a multitude of fronts.

• Can be an "attitude" play for the offense.

• Play-side tackle should draw or fan the five technique. We have found that the play hits cleaner and we don't have to spend as much time teaching the pulling tackle and superback to read the guard's block vs. a "spill" (i.e., logblock) or vs. a penetrator (i.e. kickout). This way the pulling tackle and guard, along with the superback, have less hesitation and can play more aggressively.

Technique

Offensive Line: The first thing we ask the offensive line to do before each snap is organize their thoughts. Instead of lining up and blindly running a play, they must first: 1) identify the defense and understand how the alignment of the defensive line or the deployment of the linebackers or safeties might affect their blocking assignment, 2) understand the proper technique required to make the block and, 3) what call(s), if any, should they make to a teammate to help execute the play properly.

Play-side Tackle: Use a draw technique, taking a slight inside set and forcing the defender to take an uphill rush. Set hands inside and force the defender deep. The instant the defender alters his rush (i.e., retraces his steps, crossface. . . ), finish him with a cut or drive. Alert the pulling guard of the two defenders to his outside. In this case, he'll block the C-gap defender.


Diagram 1

Play-side Guard: Secure A-gap. If vs. a two-I or shade, down block. If vs. a two technique, BIMM-step inside (i.e., zone influence). If vs. a three technique, set with width (see Diagram 2).


Diagram 2

Center: Backside A-gap. If vs. a three technique, fan him. The objective is not to blow up the A-gap, rather have it secured. Be alert for any backside twists or dogs.(see diagram 3)


Diagram 3

Pulling Guard: Identify target before snap. Pull downhill to the play-side linebacker. If a dog shows, trap him. Be alert for an outside call from the play-side tackle.(diagram 4)


Diagram 4

Pulling Tackle: Identify your target before the snap. Pull downhill, hugging the block of the play-side guard (can't drift). Keep eyes inside and block the back-side linebacker.

Superback: Settle, cross over, receive the handoff and read your blocks inside out.

Quarterback: Take shotgun snap, hand off and boot away with your eyes downfield.

Key Elements of the Action Pass
(see diagram B)

Must appear as close as possible to a run play being faked.


Diagram B

•Offensive line blocking must be aggressive to help sell the run.

• Superback must run the same course and sell the fake for as long as possible. Blocking responsibility is limited.

• Quarterback action must be the same as a run.

• Specific periods should be established each week for team execution (ball handling and faking; offensive line technique and assignments; and wide receiver routes).

It is tremendously important that the Action Pass appear as close to the run play as possible. Each player must execute the play with the same mechanics and intensity that is given to the run play.

One way we have found to accomplish this goal is to film our Action-Pass period from the side as well as from the end zone. We will then run a script of about 15 plays with a mixture of Counter and Counter-Dash.

The reason we film this drill from the side is three-fold. First is to view the technique and intensity of the offensive line. The main thing we look for is if there is any space between the offensive linemen and the defensive linemen. Too much space indicates to the defense that it is a pass. It also indicates that the offensive line is playing cautious. Unlike a Play Pass, in which the quarterback launch point is between the tackles, our Action Pass gets the quarterback on the perimeter. With this in mind, our linemen can be more aggressive, keep lower pad level and not be as concerned with losing their block late.

The second reason is to see the path and intensity of the superback. His footwork, pad level and speed to the line of scrimmage and beyond should be the same on both plays. The third reason is to see the reaction of the defense. The defense should have the same initial reaction on the run play and the Action Pass.

We will run this drill toward the end zone camera as well. The main reason for this camera angle is to afford us the opportunity to view the play through the eyes of the defense. When we watch the tape with our players, we ask each to focus on his position. At the point of the quarterback-superback exchange, we'll pause the film and ask each player if it is the run or the pass. If our execution is flawless, the response should always be: "run." If it is not, we'll analyze the reasons.

Often it's the tackle saying, "I was slow and cautious coming off the ball." The quarterback saying, "My eyes were downfield too soon." Or the superback saying, "My pads were too high and my arms weren't right." Of course, it takes a few film sessions for the coaches to teach the players how the play should look when executed properly. Through proper teaching and repetition, the players will be able to identify errors and correct them immediately.

Another aspect of this drill is to have the offensive players not involved in the drill focus on their position and be able to evaluate the performance of their teammates and hear the feedback from their position coaches. This helps them eliminate making the same errors and helps us to constantly improve.

Technique

Offensive Line: Again, have organized thoughts at line of scrimmage.

Play-side Tackle: Same assignment and technique used in the run. Alert pulling guard or superback of the two defenders outside (see diagram 5).


Diagram 5

Play-side Guard: Rock-step and pull with depth. Look to cut or log the backside five technique.

Center: Gap-step, release flat behind the defenders and block pursuit. If no pursuit, settle and listen for the quarterback's "go" call.

Pulling Guard: Pull full-speed and trap or cut the first defender past the center (see diagram 6).


Diagram 6

Pulling Tackle: Pull full-speed and cut the first defender before the center (see diagram 6).

If vs. 50, cut the nose. If vs. 50 with two outside, BIMM the five technique (see diagram 7).


Diagram 7

Superback: Same footwork as the run. Hold the fake through the line of scrimmage.

Quarterback: Take a shotgun snap, fake to the superback and boot away with the guard and center.

We have evolved the blocking scheme in two ways. First, we have allowed the pulling linemen to cut on the Action Pass. This helps ensure that their pad level will be down and also allows them to play more aggressively, which helps us to sell the run. Secondly, we have released the guard and center. This gives the quarterback more time to throw slower developing routes or to set his feet and throw backside. We will also run this play without releasing the center and/or the guard.

The routes we use will vary each week depending on the coverage or personnel matchups we are trying to exploit.

Through our commitment to this aspect of our offense, we can run it against any front, coverage or blitz that we expect to see on Saturday, with slight variations to the package due to coverage or personnel adjustments in the green zone or on the goal line.






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