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AFM Magazine


Utilizing Play Action Passes With in Your Offense

by: Charlie Stubbs
Former Offensive Coordinator, University of Louisville
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To win consistently:
Offenses – Must be able to run the ball. There are various styles of running the football effectively. Some like ISO, Power, Toss, Counter, Option etc. Other methods include Zone, ZoneRead, Speed Sweep, Reverses. Defenses – Must be able to stop the run. They must force offenses to be one dimensional and predictable.

High powered offenses must complement their runs with a versatile Play Action Passing Game. It is important to slow down the pursuit of the defense. Examples: 1. Aggressive linebacker/safety play 2. Flat (Down the Line Play) by defensive ends.

When designing a P.A.P. scheme you must know the particular defender(s) or defensive technique that you are trying to exploit. Here are three examples of utilizing play action passes within your offense: The Snag Pass (to counter aggressive strong safety play (See Diagram 1); the sweep right, naked left play action which exploits a fast flow by the linebackers and down the line of scrimmage pursuit by the defensive end (See Diagram 2); and the Y Hook, Z Post play action which counters the tight downhill style of safety play (See Diagram 3).

Diagram 1: Snag Pass - Counters Aggressive Strong Safety Support

Diagram 2: Influencing the Flow of the Linebackers and Flat Backside Pursuit: Sweep Right/Naked Left

Diagram 3: Tight/Aggressive Safety Play: Y Hook/Z Post (9 in the box)

Key Play Action Pass Factors

Complement your core run package. Defenders will gang up on you unless you utilize Play Action – to keep the defense so-called ‘Honest.’ Remember: The better you run the football – usually the greater success you will have with your play action passes. Various styles can include nakeds, boots, waggles, solid, Iso and draw (See Diagram 4).

Diagram 4: Sample Launch Points for the Quarterback

Execution of a Quality Play Action Pass

All 11 players on offense are involved. It is important to utilize proper practice methods and stress individual position technique.

• Ball Handling (Faking): The QB and RBs must take pride in this and practice and emphasize it at all times.

• Release (Methods) and Route Running. It is a must to take the proper release – inside or outside – and add flavor to your route. (Example: Slam – Then Release, Fake Crack Block, Hint or Chip Block, Studder and Go). Reminder: Patience by the route runners can be the key to the play’s success. At times you must be an actor.

• Offensive Line has pride in protecting the passer. The OL has to be aggressive. This is not like normal drop back protections.

• Proper scripting in practice is a must to ensure success. The play caller must simulate the flow of a real game and create situations where each play action pass will be used.

Basic Coaching By Position

A. QUARTERBACKS – They must take a pre-snap look at the front and coverage. The QB will execute great faking and ball handling skills. Head fakes may also be utilized. Play action passes can be good in just about all situations – Man, Zone, Blitzes. When coming out of the fake the QB must quickly find his potential receivers. It is important to provide a HOT adjustment route or throwaway outlet to prevent a sack vs. all-out blitz.

B. RUNNING BACKS – They have a major responsibility with the run fake and should stay doubled over as long as possible to simulate carrying a football (never pumping both arms). Note: At times the RB’s will be added to the Pass Protection Scheme; vs. Dog/Blitz the back may disregard the fake to block his assignment. RB’s are excellent options to use in play actions as receivers because it is easier for them to get lost in the confusion.

C. RECEIVERS – Routes are basic, since we want to run our play actions out of numerous formations (Motions/Shifts) and personnel groupings. Releases are important (especially the TE). At times, the TE will ‘Slam’ or block before release – selling the run fake. The receivers will take a pre-snap look at the coverage helping them to know the best technique needed to get open. Man coverage must accelerate; zone coverage may have to throttle down. The alignment by the receivers (possible Flex by the TE) and spacing on the routes are the most important. Don’t overcoach – tell them where you want them to end up. Offenses must not give the defenders a quick read or tip based on pre-snap alignment.

D. OFFENSIVE LINEMEN –They must execute this block as if the play call is the run by being aggressive and staying low. The OL must be aware of the QB launch point and the release time needed for the various styles of play action passes.

AGAIN: A QUALITY PLAY ACTION PASS IS A TOTAL TEAM EFFORT!

When and Where To Use Play Action Passes

• DOWN AND DISTANCE: Throw on First Down! In many situations you will be attacking the most basic defensive alignment and coverage. The proper run/pass downs must be believable. (Example: 1st & 10, 2nd & 6, 3rd & 3).

• EARLY IN THE GAME: It is important to give the QB high percentage confidence throws. Rhythm is important with any offense.

• DEFENSIVE TENDENCIES (Scouting): By knowing much about your opponent, the offense can identify the times the defense is the most vulnerable. It may be down/distance, following a big play, after a change of possession or turnover or location on the field – yard line and hash, etc.

• SHORT YARDAGE AND GOAL LINE SITUATIONS: They are excellent opportunities for use of play action passes. A great fake will force the defense to react quickly and commit to stopping the run.

Four Effective Play Action Passes That Complement the Core Running Play: Inside Zone (See Diagrams 5-8)
Diagram 5: Play - Eagle Left Slot Race Zone Left Naked Right Sail Reads: Vs. Pressure (Low to High) No Pressure (High to Low)

Diagram 6: Play - Zoom to Trips Right Zone Left Naked Right X Sneak (Also Faking Speed Sweep) Read: R/X/H

Diagram 7: Play - Bronze Right Fin Zone Right Fake Reverse Pass Read: X/F/Z

Diagram 8: Play - Tan Left Rex Zone Left Naked/Right Throwback Read: Z/Y/H






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