Option for the new Millenium

by: Ron Finley
Head Coach, Campbellsville University
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We came to Campbellsville in May of 1987 to start a new football program and played a JV schedule that first season. In our first varsity season (1988), we did not win a game. However, since the season of 1989, we have had a record of 57 wins, 57 losses and 1 tie, plus 2 Mid-South Conference Championships (1992 and 1997) and one trip to the NAIA national playoffs. We have attained a ranking as high as second in the nation as a team, and had several top 10 rankings in team offense and team defense.

Our offense at Campbellsville has grown from pure option and play-action pass out of the wishbone formation to a Pro-I and Slot-I formation. We have retained the option running attack and play-action passes that keep defenses honest. In the ³I² formations we have featured the sprint-out pass, which also is a form of option since you either pass or run depending on the reaction of the corner or outside backer.

We have built upon the solid framework that we have in place (our QB was ranked 12th in the nation in total offense in the 1999 season). The adjustments we have made have been twofold: horizontal and vertical based on formation and situation. We put our two wide receivers in a split situation of 4, 8, or 12 yards from the sideline. They use the following markers as guides for their splits: 4 yards is half way to the numbers, 8 yards is on the numbers, and 12 yards is three steps inside the numbers. We prefer them to be at 4 yards for any play where the split would not cause them to have trouble running a certain pass pattern.

Our idea is to stretch the defense horizontally by forcing them to cover the full 160 foot width of the field, and to stretch them vertically by utilizing the size and speed of our receivers. Meanwhile, our interior line (C, G¹s and T¹s) remains constant. Our ZB lines up in one of three positions: wing (2 yards outside of the tackle), slot (split difference between T and WR), and twins (2 yards inside of WR). He goes either right or left based on our formation call.

Our numbering system for play calling is as follows: (1) Holes are numbered from outside in, even to the right and odd to the left. (2) Backs are numbered: QB-1, ZB-2, FB-3, TB-4. Numbering for types of plays are as follows: (0) options, (1) base block/veer, counter, belly, (2) lead plays, (3) traps (used very little), (4) double down and kick out, (5) 3-step pass, open left, (6) 3-step pass, open right, (7) sprint pass left, (8) sprint pass right, and (9) shotgun.

The line splits are based on the wishbone rules: G¹s two feet from C, T¹s 3 to 5 feet from G¹s. Tackles adjust their splits depending on the play (splits are used to set up angles). The FB sets his feet 12 or 13 feet from the LOS and gets in a three-point stance (his stance will be adjusted according to his speed to the TOP /take off point). The TB takes an upright stance (hands on thighs), one step behind FB. We use this backfield spacing because of the need for our backs to hit the line quickly and to set up the distance for the TB and QB in their pitch relationship.

There will be no tight end in our base formation, but if we want to include another player for blocking and receiving purposes, we can bring in our H-back, which is our former tight end type of player. His position will be opposite the ZB and he will assume the Wing position (2 to 4 yards outside the offensive tackle) An example of this follows:

Other formations are as follows:

Any of the previously mentioned formations can be run from the shotgun look merely by adding the term ³Gun.² In this formation, the QB lines up in an upright position directly behind the Center at 4 yards deep and the FB and TB are at 5 yards depth directly behind the G¹s. The FB will be to the formation side. If there is only one back, that back will be to the ZB side.

NOTE: We are able to send either Z or H in motion(moving across ball), or Z in a Tare (move towards ball).

From each of these varying formations, we are able to execute the majority of our running and passing offense. There are a few minor exceptions that have to be taught to the players, so they will recognize them immediately.

RUNNING OFFENSE:

Our running game consists of five groups of plays: options, counters, leads, belly and draws.

The Options are: 1- mid line, 2- inside veer, 3- counter, 4- belly, 5-speed.

The Counters are: 1-tailback, 2-Z back, 3-quarterback.

The Leads are: 1-fullback, 2-H back.

The Belly play.

The Draws are: 1-Sprint, 2- fullback, 3- QB.

The following are examples of one play from each set:

The veer read: first down lineman from 4 tech outside on LOS. The pitch read: first to show from ghost 7 outside (do not block these reads).

The blocking rules are as follows: on tackle block: gap, over, inside; on guard block: gap, on, over, inside; center block: gap away, on, over, backside; backside guard block: reach for center, on, over, backside; backside tackle block: reach, on over ,backside, down field. The WR frontside will run off or stalk corner and the WR backside will release through post for safety. If the ZB is onside, he will block #2 secondary man to outside backer. If the ZB is backside, he will release through the secondary and level a safety.

The FB, with his inside elbow up, will run to daylight (north and south) if he gets the ball. If the FB doesn¹t get the ball, he will feather over and roll to the inside with a great fake. The TB will release parallel to LOS, keeping his eyes on the QB for the pitch. The TB is responsible for keeping the proper relationship, 5 yards from QB and ahead of him as he comes down the line. If TB receives the pitch, he tucks the ball under his outside arm and runs north and south. The QB receives the snap, takes a 45 degree step, and places the ball in FB¹s belly, then snaps his eyes to the veer read; if veer read does not come directly down into mesh point, then he gives to the FB. If the QB pulls, he brings ball to his chest and finds the pitch read, then runs downhill to the inside shoulder of the pitch read. If the pitch read steps up field, the QB keeps and turns down field with the ball tucked under his outside arm. If the pitch read forces, the QB breaks down and pitches with open hand, palm out, fingers up, and with velocity. If QB gives to the FB, he will carry out a fake with the TB.

The Z should start from the slot position and tare to wing at the snap. The TB and FB do the same as in the veer option. The QB opens to the left at 45 degrees with a jab step and arm extension, then takes a rocker step on his right foot and leans back into the LOS at the A gap with the ball at his chest. The QB then places it in the ZB¹s midsection as the ZB leans into the LOS behind the block of the right G. The playside G and T block the same rules as when they were backside on the veer option. The C and backside G block the same as when frontside on veer option left, unless backside A gap is filled. If so, then C block A gap and backside G pull through to LB. Backside T blocks the same as he does when frontside in the veer option play. The WR¹s block the same as on inside veer option to the left.

The onside G and T base block (gap, on, outside). The G and T MUST NOT BLOCK LB TO THEIR SIDE. The C, backside G and T block on, over, gap away (C and backside G can block A gap, G pull through if applicable). The H-back pulls up through the onside B gap and takes LB. The QB opens 90 degrees away and steps to meet the back (could be FB or TB). After placing the ball in the back¹s belly, the QB bootlegs back to side away, faking as if he had the ball. The backside T gets down field after block on the line. The WR¹s and ZB release down field into flow. Running back runs strong up into the line looking for daylight and using H¹s block.

The onside G and T block gap, on, over, and seal inside. The C, offside G and T block gap, on, over, and seal backside. The WR¹s block onside and down field. The ZB tares to FB spot and becomes pitch back for option fake. The FB¹s path is on hip of the playside G. The TB takes one lateral step playside and runs through the inside hip of the T with inside elbow up, then takes the hand-off and hits the hole hard, running to daylight.

The QB opens with an inside veer step, then rides the ball in the FB¹s belly, pulls and steps down the line to place the ball in the TB¹s belly, then continues around and upfield making a pitch fake to the ZB turning upfield.

The WR¹s will run sprint 800 deep pattern. The ZB will run off, then knock down. The C, G¹s and T¹s will step right, turn, and take inside gap hard with a run block. If no one is there, they will seal a LB. The FB takes first defender to show outside T and kicks out or logs in, whichever path the defender takes. The TB takes two slow lateral steps and opens elbow up towards the QB. The QB releases with his sprint move and places the ball in the TB¹s belly as he goes behind the TB, simulating his sprint out move. The TB then runs off the block of the FB, running for daylight and turning upfield.

PASSING TREE ALL RECEIVERS MUST LEARN

3 STEP (To take off point/ TOP) 0-7-8-9 (front side & back side)

5 STEP (TOP) 1-2-3 (front side)

7 STEP (TOP) 1-2-3 (back side), 4-5-6 (back side)

9 STEP (TOP)4-5-6 (front side)

PASS BLOCKING SCHEMES:

The five interior linemen take up to five defensive linemen and work away from middle. The C and G¹s get the DL moving and then cut them. The T¹s continue to work to the outside and cut as a last resort. The FB checks A gap to outside on call side and the TB takes A gap to outside on the backside.

The five offensive linemen step to playside and pivot 90 degrees on their playside foot, then take any defender that comes into their inside gap and work away from playside. They will cut the defender if he starts to escape. The FB goes for the outside knee and thigh of first defender to show outside playside T. The TB cleans up any defenders that escape to the outside. The FB and TB must cut down the man they attack.

SHOTGUN 900

The same rules apply as in 500 and 600, except the linemen just keep working to the outside (true cup protection) and cut only as a last resort. The backs use the same rules and check A gap to outside. If no one shows, then they run a swing route as an outlet.

PLAY ACTION PASSES AND SCREENS

Play action passes and screens should be run exactly like the running play with aggressive blocking taking the defender away from the QB set up area. The key is a good ride with the QB/FB mesh. The TB becomes a swing outlet. Receivers must provide good fakes. The QB reads the CB coverage as he is riding the FB and can throw immediately when he comes out of his ride. If he does not, the QB must make three quick steps back and set himself to throw.

The blocking is the same as on the running plays, with adjustments to the side where the QB is rolling. The backs must make good fakes and the QB must not be in a hurry (he must be an actor). The backs must run over any blitzes up the middle.

The QB opens, rolls, makes a good fake to the TB, and continues on his rollback path. The FB runs hard over LB. The TB starts into the line and then slips past onside T to the outside and gives ground about 4-5 yards outside the T¹s original position, turning inside to face the QB. The screenside T, G and C step hard into near defender, hold 2 counts, and then let him escape to the inside. They then work their way outside laterally, not letting any defender penetrate through the three of them. The offside G and T work hard to sustain their blocks. The WR¹s and ZB run deep hard patterns. The QB acts out the play, giving ground and throwing after three counts, making sure there aren¹t any enemy shirts between himself and the TB. When the TB makes the catch, he shouts GO and RUNS TO THE OUTSIDE OF HIS BLOCKERS, UP THE SIDELINE. HE ONLY CUTS BACK IF HIS BLOCKING DIRECTS HIM THAT WAY.

Diagram 1. Base Formation Right /Left ( dictated by direction of ZB )

Diagram 2. Formation is Right Wing /Left Wing (H back opposite Z back)

Diagram 3. Trips Right / Trips Left (Both ZB and HB go to same side)

Diagram 4. Guns

Diagram 5. Inside Veer Option - Right, Z motion 035

Diagram 6. Z Back Counter Right, Z Tare 128

Diagram 7. H back lead play Right Wing H motion 246

Diagram 8. The Belly - Left , 146

Diagram 9. The Draws - Left, Z motion, 800 Sprint draw

Diagram10

Diagram 11. 500 & 600

Diagram 12. 700 & 800

Diagram 13. Shotgun

Diagram 14. Inside veer option pass and midline option pass.

Diagram 15. Counter bootleg and Lead rollback

Diagram 16. Lead play screen to TB

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