The Backside Tackle in the Spread Run Game

by: Bill Roos
Offensive Line Coach, Marist College
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In 2003 and 2004 seasons the Marist Red Foxes, using 21 players, went a combined 7-12 with an 0-3 record vs. conference champions. They averaged just five points per game in those three losses. In the spring of 2005 we installed the spread offense and experienced a dramatic turnaround. The Red Foxes went 7-4 with a 2-3 record against conference champions while averaging 26 points per game in those five contests.

The inside read and triple option was the basis of our run game. The offensive line blocked inside zone with the exception of the backside tackle. He had to read fronts and adjust to various edges. We used snap count and horizontal width by our receivers to reduce the edges he would see week to week. Quick counts would force the defense to commit early and long counts would allow us to see front and secondary movement before we snapped the ball. While using mostly 31 and 41 personnel with split rules that placed the X and Z at the bottom of the numbers and the H and the Y at the top of the numbers or on the hash, it reduced the defense to either a five or six man box (See Diagrams 1A – 1D).

Diagram 1A-1D

Stance and alignment: Our tackles use a two-point stance. We try to keep their feet as narrow as possible with just a small heal-toe stagger; this allows them to move in several directions without false stepping. The heels of their hands press against the top of their thighs. The tackles will spread their chest with a slight forward tilt; this allows them to see the entire defense. Our normal horizontal split is two feet and vertically we set off the LOS. At the LOS the quarterback will identify the number of defenders in the box in his cadence. His rule of thumb is five-man box: give it; six-man box: read it; seven-man box: throw it.

Diagram 2A

Diagram 2B

Diagram 2C

In any five-man box we will zone the front side and man block (him call) the backside tackle (See Diagrams 2A – 2C). The tackle will use a shimmy step. He lateral steps with his inside foot and then power steps with his outside foot as he punches the inside number and the sternum of the defensive end. In a six-man box with a 3DT and a 5DE (See Diagrams 3A-3B), the tackle will bucket step and read the hip of the DT. If he stays in the B gap he will piggyback his guard and overtake the DT. If the DT spikes inside, he will climb to the LB. He fits his inside hand on the linebacker’s sternum and his outside hand on his backside number and then runs him.

Diagram 3A

Diagram 3B

If there is a bubble on the backside, 0/1 NT and a 5 DE (See Diagrams 4A – 4B), the offensive tackle will take his two shimmy-steps as he reads the ILB. If the backer plays the B gap he will climb and fit on the backer outside in. Most teams play the 1 technique to the side of the back as it is easier to gap exchange the ILB and the DE (See Diagrams 4C – 4D). When the quarterback sees the end spikes inside, he reads pull. The tackle will use a slip block. He will allow the end to cross his face. As he does, the tackle will use his outside hand to club the DE’s outside shoulder, clearing his path to climb to the LB. He now fits inside out. If the tackle gets too wide, it will allow the LB to go under the block and play the QB.

Diagram 4A

Diagram 4B

Diagram 4C

Diagram 4D

Pre Season Installation: We begin with assignment – the tackle’s rule is B gap to ILB and slip blocks the gap exchange. Then we will view cut-ups from last season and finally have a walk through with returning vets. In pre practice we walk through with the rookies and redshirts, using the veterans to coach the freshman in their steps and fits. I am fortunate enough to have an assistant line coach. After we have completed our zone progressions he will coach the centers and guards in their combination blocks while I coach the tackles. This finally progresses to guard / tackle and then three man combinations.

In Season Practice: Tuesday we emphasize the read series. In the pre-practice specialty period we will walk through “issues” before going to stretch. Following stretch we have ten-minute team period vs. bags. Utilizing two huddles, I will coach the scout look in the fronts and stunts that we will face that week. This period allows me to see my linemen’s faces and eyes. In our 30-minute individual time we will concentrate on zone progressions, fundamentals and zone combinations – front side and backside. Our 15-minute inside period will concentrate on interior stunts. When we talk to the team, we highlight edge blitzes with audible bubble screens and LOS passing game.

The spread offense has been the equalizer for us. And the play of the backside tackle is what makes it go.

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