The Fine Points of the 3-Step Passing Game

We have been successful with the 3-step passing game over the last few seasons. Here are the reasons why we use it, the quarterback’s steps and reads, the importance of ball placement and wide receiver routes. Four actual plays within the 3-step game are also included – our 90 pass, 91 switch, 92 double, and 95Y stick.
 
Reasons to use the 3-step passing game:
 
•  Better utilize our skilled athletes - “speed in space”.
•  Take advantage of loose zone or man coverage.
•  Take pressure off the offensive line.
•  High percentage passes.
•  Great use of all personnel with many varied formations.
 
QB Steps & Reads
 
•  Pre-Snap:  Softest, shortest – pick a side – do not try to throw to both sides of the formation.

•  Pivot on your left foot, drive by reaching at 6:00 with right foot and pushing hard off left foot. Gain as much ground as possible in this sequence.

•  Keep right shoulder down, settle on your next two steps and drop the right shoulder.

•  Third step should be shorter. As the right foot hits the ground your right knee should remain bent, the ball of your foot should dig into the ground with the arch of the back foot aiming at your target. Toe in to throw left, toe out to throw right.

•  As your third step plants, snap shoulders to the target, drive off the back foot taking a short step and deliver the ball.
 
Ball Placement
 
•  Long passes:  Throw on rhythm with high trajectory so WR can run under it. Always throw away from the defender, keeping the ball to the WR’s outside shoulder.

•  Out:  Release the ball as the WR starts his break with a sharp trajectory. Throw the ball from the WR’s numbers to his knees.

•  In:  Throw the ball into an open seam as the WR starts his break. Ball should be thrown from numbers to helmet and never through a defender.
 
Routes
 
•  WR should have his inside foot up and his hand ups.
•  Based off steps, not yardage, is best for proper timing.
•  Will convert some routes based off coverage.
 
Protections
 
•  We utilize a seven man protection scheme where the center makes a “Rip/Liz” call and the backs go in the opposite direction (Diagram 1).
 

•  We also have a max protection against both A and B gap pressures (Diagram 2).
 
Pass Plays

•  Our “90” play shows the routes of the X, Y, and Z receivers (Diagram 3).
 

•  Our “91 Switch” shows the routes of the tailback as well as the X, Y, and Z receivers (Diagram 4).

 
•  Our “92 Double” is essentially a 3 X 1 set with the tailback lined-up between the Y and Z receivers (Diagram 5).
 

•  Our “Stick” shows the pattern of the X, Y, and Z receivers as well as the fullback running to the flat (Diagram 6).
 
About the Author: Christian Ozolins joined the Buffalo State staff in 2003 and was promoted to both assistant head coach and offensive coordinator before the 2013 season. He also serves as offensive backs coach, recruiting coordinator and academic coordinator. Ozolins has also coached at Maryville, Methodist College, Alfred University and Hamilton College. He played at Cumberland University (TN) where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree and later completed his Master’s Degree at Alfred. p