The Double Tight Wishbone Offense
The Double Tight Wishbone Offense
The Double Tight Wishbone Offense
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<strong>The</strong> <strong>Double</strong> <strong>Tight</strong> <strong>Wishbone</strong> <strong>Offense</strong><br />
<strong>The</strong> Philosophy:<br />
<strong>The</strong> double tight wishbone’s main concept is running the football every<br />
down to punish the defenders. With adjustments in blocking and running we<br />
can create situations that are unfavorable to the defense at all times. By<br />
having the mass of runners in the center it creates an unbalanced field of 8<br />
verses 7 throughout the entire game. With 6 basic strong running plays<br />
backed by 8 weaker plays and 5 passing plays every game can be won.<br />
Player Requirements:<br />
<strong>The</strong> Quarterback must be a very good athlete but not necessarily the best.<br />
He does not even need to have the best throwing capability. He needs to be<br />
fast, smart, talented, and deceptive.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Backfield needs to be explosive and very tough. Each player must have<br />
the ability to run hard and block. <strong>The</strong> fullback needs to be the toughest of<br />
the three but not necessarily the biggest.
<strong>The</strong> Linemen need to have 2 things: Heart and Speed. This offense is very<br />
friendly to the linemen in the fact that it is easy to remember and there are<br />
not very many plays. <strong>The</strong> center needs to be the best all-around lineman,<br />
followed by the tackles that need to be exceptionally fast.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Tight</strong> Ends need to have the capability of blocking every single down.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y will be needed to run pass routes if needed as well in emergencies.<br />
Player and Gap Numbering:<br />
<strong>The</strong> numbering system is extremely simple and easy to remember. <strong>The</strong><br />
evens are to the right and the odds are to the left. <strong>The</strong> 0 and 1 holes are<br />
basically the center’s body; the holes 2 and 3 make up the guards’ body and<br />
so on. <strong>The</strong> quarterback is 1, the fullback is 4, the tight ends are 7 and 6, and<br />
the running backs are 3 and 2.<br />
Where to run?<br />
On a play such as ‘Base 42’ the ball can either go to the outside or inside of<br />
the strong side guard. This will be determined by where the defensive tackle<br />
lines up. If he is in B gap the guard will call “OUT” meaning he will block<br />
out and the play will run inside of him. If the defensive tackle is in the A<br />
gap he will call “IN” meaning he will block inside and the play will go<br />
outside of him. Against a 5 front the guard and tackle block the DT.
On a play such as ‘34 Outside’ the offensive lineman will yell ‘OUT’ if the<br />
end is in the C gap. He will yell ‘IN’ if the tackle is in the B gap. <strong>The</strong><br />
backside linemen will do the same thing (in a different order of course) to<br />
throw off the defense so they don’t know which side the play is on. <strong>The</strong><br />
backside will be lying to the defense obviously and they will scoop. When<br />
against a 5 front the coaches make the call ‘Inside’ or ‘Outside’.<br />
This will be explained in greater detail later on.<br />
Play Calling:<br />
<strong>The</strong> first number will be the person who runs or has the ball and the second<br />
number will be where we want that person to go. <strong>The</strong> only exceptions to<br />
this system are the plays 44(45) and 56(57). Who carries the ball is very<br />
subject to change though. <strong>The</strong> way a play called is very simple and efficient<br />
when the players have the offense down. Two examples would be:<br />
44 Outside Dive Slant (below)
45 Outside Give (below)<br />
Further Explanation:<br />
In the next chapter there will be more terminology that the line and backs<br />
will use that will enable them to understand the plays fluently. <strong>The</strong> First<br />
thing mentioned is the play (e.g. 44). <strong>The</strong> second thing would be where we<br />
want the backs to do (e.g. Outside Give). <strong>The</strong> last thing mentioned is the<br />
lineman scheme (e.g. Slant). <strong>The</strong>se will be explained later as well. More<br />
examples of plays are as follows:<br />
36 Loop (below)
43 (below)<br />
Terminology of Plays:<br />
<strong>The</strong>re are two forms of terminology to use for the plays of the wishbone in<br />
the huddle. <strong>The</strong> first type of calls is base calls and used against any defense.<br />
<strong>The</strong> second type are adjustments set during game time that require<br />
knowledge of what the defense is doing. <strong>The</strong>se will set the offense on the<br />
correct path and are great to use early so adjustments don’t have to be made<br />
so late as half time.<br />
Basic Calls:<br />
Backfield<br />
Base – Run the play normally<br />
Dive – <strong>The</strong> FB carries the ball<br />
Give – <strong>The</strong> RB carries the ball<br />
Keep – <strong>The</strong> QB carries the ball<br />
Inside – <strong>The</strong> ball carrier is wanted to go inside the base gap<br />
Outside – <strong>The</strong> ball carrier is wanted to go outside the base gap<br />
Option – Instead of running ISO we run option<br />
Slant – <strong>The</strong> RB blocks the defensive end<br />
Cover – <strong>The</strong> RB blocks first man coming at his man (option)<br />
Linemen<br />
Slant – <strong>The</strong> TE blocks down up field (MAX)<br />
Option – <strong>The</strong> line blocks the same, but reach more
Inside – <strong>The</strong> linemen adjust to the defense<br />
Outside – <strong>The</strong> linemen adjust to the defense<br />
Secondary Calls:<br />
Linemen<br />
Gone – <strong>The</strong> center blocks up field, guards block down<br />
Leave – <strong>The</strong> guard reaches up field<br />
Clear – <strong>The</strong> tackle reaches up field<br />
Empty – <strong>The</strong> guard and tackle reach up field<br />
Lost- <strong>The</strong> play side guard pulls to wrong side (vs. 4-4)<br />
Loop – Tackle blocks down, guard runs a SEAL<br />
Combo – Guard scoops DT, tackle helps a second, goes to ILB<br />
(Also be used for center and guard on a DT in A gap)<br />
On – <strong>Tight</strong> end blocks man on him despite play<br />
Arc – <strong>Tight</strong> end reaches up field (OLB on 4-4)<br />
Crosser – <strong>Tight</strong> end blocks down, tackle blocks out<br />
Smack – OT and TE block down, guard hits end<br />
(<strong>The</strong> way the OT and TE block will differ by play)<br />
1. This is a “Gone” call. It is used mainly against the 6-1 defense or 8 man<br />
fronts (10-1). <strong>The</strong> backside guard scoops hard and keeps that nose along the<br />
LOS to run him into the play side nose guard, creating a harmless pile in the<br />
middle. <strong>The</strong> center doesn’t have a great angle, but the middle linebacker<br />
surprisingly won’t see him coming.<br />
2. This is a “Leave” call. <strong>The</strong> center scoops hard, hoping to create another<br />
pile like the “Gone” call.<br />
3. This is a “Clear” call. <strong>The</strong> tackle leaves his man to go block up field.<br />
“Empty” would be a combination of “Leave” and “Clear”.<br />
4. This is “Smack” while running 44(45) Inside Give. <strong>The</strong> goal is to draw<br />
the DT to the FB (who doesn’t have the ball). Look at the hole…<br />
5. This is “Smack” while running 46(47). We’d do this to make a big hole<br />
for the FB.<br />
6. This is “On” call (I also have a “Gone” call made as well). This is used<br />
during option plays where the TE would normally max down.
After-huddle Calls<br />
Linemen<br />
In – <strong>The</strong> player blocks inside<br />
Out – <strong>The</strong> player blocks outside<br />
Dog – <strong>The</strong> play should go outside the tight end<br />
Tag – <strong>The</strong> guard and tackle double-team their man<br />
An after-huddle call is not an audible. It is a call the line makes to tell the<br />
offense how they are blocking the defense. If they are told to run ‘34 Inside’<br />
against a 5 front defense then the guard would block the DT (he would yell<br />
“OUT” to indicate that’s where he is blocking), the center would take the<br />
nose (alone), and the OT will ‘Tag’ the DT to help DRIVE him back.<br />
34 Inside (below)
<strong>The</strong> same system can work against a 4-3 defense. On the defense’s weak<br />
side ‘34(25) Outside’ would require an “OUT” call by the offensive tackle,<br />
he would block the defensive end, the tight end would block the corner, and<br />
the guard would block inside. Another example of an “OUT” call would be<br />
if the DTs in a 5 front were in a 5 tech (C gap). OT blocks out, TE blocks<br />
outside, the guard blocks inside… this will leave a huge hole for 34(25).<br />
“DOG” is used against a 4-4 defense where basically the B and C gaps are<br />
shut down leaving the D gap (hence Dog). <strong>The</strong> tight end should drive the<br />
DE to the C gap (or back is always good!)<br />
Audibles:<br />
<strong>The</strong> audible system is very simple and easy to remember. If the quarterback<br />
doesn’t see something he likes he can change the direction, runner, or both<br />
with different calls while under center.<br />
‘RED 27’<br />
<strong>The</strong> last number (7) means that we want to change the direction of the play.<br />
So 44 Give would become 45 Give. It’s that simple.<br />
‘BLACK 31’
<strong>The</strong> last number (1) means that we want to change the runner of the play. So<br />
a 44 Give Outside would become 44 Keep.<br />
1 – QB<br />
2 and 3 – RB<br />
4 – FB<br />
‘WHITE 29’<br />
This can be obvious to the defense but it works in emergencies. <strong>The</strong> first<br />
number is the runner and the last number is the change in direction. 44 Dive<br />
Outside would become 45 Give.<br />
‘GREEN 39’<br />
Green works for pass plays. <strong>The</strong> (9) means that we want Blue 34 to become<br />
Blue 25.<br />
Strong Running Plays:<br />
42(43)<br />
This ISO play is a great play because when you delay the FB the Middle<br />
Linebacker also freezes as well. <strong>The</strong> FB should run at a little angle so the<br />
linebacker doesn’t have a good attack route on him. Against a 5 front the<br />
“OUT” call is made, but not against a 6 front… against that we will run<br />
outside. <strong>The</strong> great thing about this is the ‘Option’ call that can be made after<br />
it. <strong>The</strong> line still blocks the same and the corner and safety are forced to<br />
respect it. <strong>The</strong> tight end should make an extra effort to scoop of course…
34(25)<br />
This is the base power ISO for the wishbone. <strong>The</strong>re are two ways to running<br />
the ISO… one would be the basic power, double team at the line, run right<br />
over them kind… the other would be the less powerful but better when it<br />
came to match ups in the box. When you run double combo you do it<br />
assuming the box will be stacked. When you run the base you assume they<br />
are easing up a bit in the secondary because your QB can pass the ball. How<br />
many times do you think that corner will want to tackle the running back?
44(45)<br />
<strong>Double</strong>-teaming in NON-EXISTANT. <strong>The</strong> backs are trying to find the gaps<br />
and holes. <strong>The</strong> line’s main job is to keep his man at bay and not let him into<br />
the backfield. Larger splits can be made to delay the defensive linemen.<br />
Dive – FB dives into outside shade A gap<br />
Outside Dive – FB dives into the outside shade B gap<br />
Give – <strong>The</strong> RB dives into C gap<br />
Inside Give – <strong>The</strong> RB dives into B gap<br />
Outside Give – <strong>The</strong> RB dives into D gap<br />
Keep – <strong>The</strong> QB keeps into outer D gap
Inside Keep – <strong>The</strong> QB keeps into C gap<br />
16(17)<br />
Triple Option at it’s best. If the defensive tackles are trying to get up field to<br />
disrupt the belly series then you run triple option and kill them with the<br />
fullback dive. Even if the defensive tackle takes the dive you can still run<br />
option efficiently even though most of the time they will be numerically<br />
equal to the number of players running the option. <strong>The</strong> lead blocker reads<br />
the second option (first guy outside the tight end) If he goes up field for the<br />
pitch the lead blocker bellies up field and destroys the corner. Quarterback<br />
should see this and follow.
36(27)<br />
This is a power off-tackle play. It is blocked just like 34(25) with the<br />
exception that the tight end will max down. It looks a lot like the 34(25) as<br />
well if you look at it. With a “smack” call the guard can pull and block out<br />
on the end. When “smack” is called the running back and fullback should<br />
block as if it were 34(25). If you notice vs. the 4-4 the tight end should<br />
block out on the outside backer who’s close to the L.O.S.
46(47)<br />
On paper unstoppable. Against a 5-2 defense invincible. An off-tackle play<br />
can be made out of this by adding the ‘Slant’ call. On this play we don’t<br />
really wish to have the fullback carry the ball, we want to pitch it to the<br />
running back to get the most yards. <strong>The</strong> biggest problem with this play is<br />
that it tends to string out so much that the QB doesn’t know what to do…<br />
this is why the QB can’t be afraid to run. Another good play that doesn’t<br />
fool around with reads so much is “46 Combo”… explained later in the<br />
“Additional” chapter.
8 Backup Plays<br />
In the very small chance that some of the main plays aren’t working some<br />
other plays are available to mix things up more.<br />
30(21)<br />
This counter dive play involves a great deal of speed for the OT. If the<br />
safety is fooled the play can result in a lot of yardage against the 4-4. If the
defensive backfield is drawn inside you can run ‘Option’ if you wish… you<br />
just might to have the FB block that DT instead of the DE.<br />
40(41)<br />
It’s like 44(45) with the trap factor involved. If the DT closes very good (or<br />
too good) run a ‘Give’ or ‘Keep’ call. <strong>The</strong> play side tackle and tight end’s<br />
block will vary depending if the call is ‘Dive’, ‘Give’, or ‘Keep’. Against a<br />
6 front a ‘Wedge’ call might be used to mean everyone scoops inside and the<br />
FB just tries to burrow his way for that one-yard.
22(33)<br />
This play is just straight out ISO. <strong>The</strong> blocking is the same as 42(43) but<br />
there is no FB delay factor so it’s not as good. Run ‘Option’ if needed.
32(23)<br />
This cross buck ISO is great against defenses with a MLB that read FB.<br />
26(37)
This veer play is to help get a better angle on the dive. All of the calls<br />
shown can also be used with the 46(47) Veer, considering they are both,<br />
basically, the same play. An “arc” call means we want the TE to reach up<br />
field and block the OLB. This “arc” call can also be used in 16(17). If you<br />
like you can have him blocking the corner instead. Running “leave” for a<br />
Veer play is dangerous but most effective if the center is good enough to<br />
keep his man along the LOS.<br />
56(57)
This counter play is great against the 5 or 6 front defense. It requires a line<br />
that is somewhat fast and willing to run that far! <strong>The</strong> guard kicks out the DE<br />
and the tackle runs a SEAL. <strong>The</strong> FB picks up the loose defensive tackle,<br />
while drawing away the linebacker(s) at the same time. Deception is a big<br />
key… when executed properly it can lead to a lot of yards.<br />
18(19)
This miss direction series is great against teams that rely on the FB to figure<br />
where the play is going. If their defense somehow flows with the FB then<br />
use this to throw them completely off-guard. <strong>The</strong> blocking is just about the<br />
same as 44(45) and no matter the call (Dive, Option, Give, Keep, QB Curl)<br />
that blocking remains the same (except on QB Curl where the center blocks<br />
front side). <strong>The</strong> hardest part is getting the linemen to remember that 18(19)<br />
doesn’t mean pull like in 28(39)… but you can also adjust your blocking to<br />
make it like that (which appears as such on the web page).
28(39)<br />
<strong>The</strong> line DOES pull this time. This sweep is also supposed to throw off the<br />
defense because you can run a ‘Toss’ or ‘Keep’ call to run a QB keep to the<br />
backside. This way there are little-no backside defenders running the RB<br />
down. This is very good against 6 fronts.<br />
46(47) Combo<br />
Additional
If you use the call “Combo” with 46 Veer, you can adjust the play so the<br />
fullback (along with the nearside back) helps lead block on the pitch (or the<br />
QB belly if the DE goes up field). This resembles much of what Nebraska<br />
runs out of their main Straight I formation. <strong>The</strong> line must reach their man<br />
and at least slow him down.<br />
Depending on how good your TE is you can arc release him or have him just<br />
block the first man inside on the second (or third) level.<br />
18(19) Sweep<br />
This is a solid QB sweep play. It is basically a giant QB Iso with a guard<br />
support.
<strong>The</strong> blocking is very simple. <strong>The</strong> tackle blocks the first man down, the<br />
guard pulls and hits the first thing inside… the fullback always has the<br />
corner (we want him to destroy the corner).<br />
38(29) Power Sweep<br />
<strong>The</strong>re was the old 28(39) Toss Sweep that was very good if you had a<br />
smaller back who could make things happen. If you just want to run them
over (and if they are stacked in the middle) run this. It is a quick little pitch<br />
from the QB so he can help block.<br />
<strong>The</strong> variety of the sweep (whether the QB or RB handles the ball) is to add<br />
flexibility to your offense. If your QB is faster than the RB than he should<br />
take it. If your QB is of the larger not-as-fast side, then have him lead block<br />
and get someone.<br />
This is a fullback trap play with a twist. It’s called 40(41) cutback because<br />
instead of a direct trap the fullback goes to the opposite side then he cuts<br />
back into the hole. This brings advantages because it gives the blockers
more time to block the flowing linebackers and it gives the fullback a bigger<br />
hole to run through this way. If the linebackers are flowing big time run this<br />
play.<br />
6 Base Pass Plays<br />
Blue 34(25)<br />
<strong>The</strong> most effective pass play of the wishbone is 34(25). <strong>The</strong> Linebackers<br />
think that it is ISO so they fill the gap. <strong>The</strong> QB should have around 3-4<br />
options of who to throw it to.
Blue 34(25) Screen<br />
<strong>The</strong> line scoops to the backside and then blocks up field. <strong>The</strong> trick is to fool<br />
the backside into thinking that this is a 34(25) play and have them help<br />
support it.<br />
Blue 42(43)<br />
This is a great trick play to use against defenses that have their corners<br />
playing basically a Cover 1. We are looking for the throw back. <strong>The</strong> safety<br />
should be playing run support.
Blue 44(45)<br />
This is a desperate play action bomb to the tight ends. Hopefully you will<br />
never need to use this in a game.<br />
Blue 46(47)<br />
This is a great goal-line play to use against defenses with corners that are<br />
playing close run support. Having the tight end run a quick out catches them<br />
off-guard.
Blue 48(49)<br />
This is a very good screenplay to use when the defense tends to move their<br />
backside to the play side very quickly. <strong>The</strong> FB screen catches them off<br />
guard and it results in a lot of yards.<br />
<strong>Tight</strong>-End pass plays<br />
<strong>The</strong> tight end pass plays are a system of play-action passes where we send<br />
the tight end a certain route while faking a 44(45) play. <strong>The</strong> goal is to draw
the defensive backfield to the LOS forgetting that there is actually a tight<br />
end that they are assigned to cover. This works great against teams stacking<br />
the line with the corners.<br />
<strong>The</strong> way these plays are called is very simple. A ‘Right’ or ‘Left’ call is<br />
made to determine the direction of the fake 44(45) play. Even though it is<br />
not shown, the running back faking the ‘Give’ can go out to the flat just in<br />
case. After that the tight end’s number is called followed by the pass route.<br />
<strong>The</strong> lineman-blocking scheme is very simple: block AWAY from the<br />
direction of the right or left call.<br />
Right 62 (below)<br />
<strong>The</strong> line must find someone on the LOS to block; we don’t want to give the<br />
defense even a clue that we are going to pass the ball. This throw back is<br />
excellent against any defenses because the play side corner is thinking ‘runstop’<br />
more than ‘pass-protection’. <strong>The</strong> play side running back should block<br />
the defensive end or first man uncovered if the tight end that is running the<br />
route happens to be on that side.<br />
Sending both tight ends out is also possible.<br />
Left 73 62 (below)
A play like this isn’t recommended. <strong>The</strong> whole purpose of the tight end pass<br />
plays is to get our tight end in a certain spot easily. Think of this almost as a<br />
sneak pass play. Something like the play above would give it away. Here is<br />
another example of a good tight end pass play. <strong>The</strong> QB can call a play like<br />
this from under center.<br />
Right 79 (below)<br />
Lineman Blocking Scheme<br />
<strong>The</strong> double-tight end wishbone offense is very lineman friendly. Here is an<br />
outline of each of the lineman’s blocking responsibilities on the right side.
Here is the blocking scheme to the left side. Notice how it’s the exact same.<br />
Against the Stacked Fronts:<br />
<strong>The</strong> 8-man front is a GAM defense that relies on the defensive lineman’s<br />
ability to control his gap. <strong>The</strong> linebackers are lined up just inside the tight
end and are suppose to jam him (slow him down so the stud middle man can<br />
mop up). This defense is terrible against the option because there is no one<br />
reading the quarterback. This defense is also weak against the double tight<br />
wishbone because splits can be widened on either side and the defense won’t<br />
be able to know which side the play will go to. This is why the double tight<br />
bone is so great. Here are some plays against the 10-1.<br />
30(21)<br />
This is a bit weak of a play but it can work nonetheless if that weak side DT<br />
tends to go up field.<br />
On 34(25) the splits between the tackle and tight end should be significant as<br />
well (or guard and tackle again if you wish to run ‘34 Inside’). On the<br />
option, veer (basically anything that ends in 6) the splits should be tighter. If<br />
all this fails (and it won’t) just pass the ball with the tight ends!<br />
34(25)<br />
Once again notice the splits. This is more like a 36 off-tackle play but it<br />
works if that linebacker jams the tight end. Use the “Gone” call to send the<br />
center up field to slow/stop the middle linebacker.
16(17)<br />
Life is good… well… not so good if you’re running an 8-man front. On<br />
16(17) the guard doesn’t block up field if there is a nose or man in the A<br />
gap. An “On” call is made to instruct the tight end to block the linebacker.
26(27) or 46(47)<br />
Same thing. This works just as good. “Gone” call is made… and yes it does<br />
work!<br />
36(27)<br />
“Gone” call again… it really does work… that linebacker won’t even see it<br />
coming!
56(57)<br />
<strong>Double</strong>-team that defensive end to drive him out of the way.<br />
Against <strong>Double</strong> Safeties<br />
What I mean by “double safeties” is that the teams you play move their two<br />
safeties inside to read the two running backs. <strong>The</strong>re are a number of ways to<br />
beat these kinds of defenses. On paper they can be seen as trick plays… but<br />
in reality they are just exploiting the weaknesses. Notice that they have to<br />
change their defense to adjust to yours; they are automatically at a<br />
disadvantage. Giving a play a call can change it significantly enough to beat<br />
these kinds of defenses. <strong>The</strong> 3 plays I show are the strongest.
If the DT doesn’t go for the FB run 44 Dive Empty or 16(17) Option.<br />
In this adjusted 5-2 the linebackers read the FB and flow to the play side<br />
gaps. This is the key in beating this kind of defense. <strong>The</strong> nose will try and<br />
read the center but as we all know this doesn’t work to well come game<br />
time. When the fullback gets in their backfield and their safeties are forced<br />
to take him run Give and Keep all night.
Remember that the line needs to be fast enough to at least disrupt the safety.<br />
Or you could just run sweep all night long…<br />
More on Belly<br />
<strong>The</strong> 6 plays I gave you don’t really go into the<br />
wishbone’s belly too much. <strong>The</strong>y key for this kind of<br />
play relies on the linemen. <strong>The</strong> center must be fast<br />
enough to get to linebackers, the guards must be good
enough to reach and base an outside shade, and the<br />
tackles have to do some things that don’t look so<br />
great on paper… but will still produce yardage.<br />
<strong>The</strong> blocking of the center and guards are assumed… if there are two inside<br />
shades as defensive tackles the backside guard reaches (or cuts) the man<br />
inside him while the center goes for the linebacker. If the center has a man<br />
over him he will base him. If the nose guard is in-between the guard and<br />
center he will be blocked by the lineman he is closest to. If he is in the<br />
middle the guard will reach him if he can… if he can’t make this very<br />
difficult block this should be communicated.<br />
This part is very simple… but the tackles have it difficult in some aspects.<br />
Depending on your patience you can either have the tackles block the first<br />
man off the line of scrimmage inside or you can have him block the first<br />
man ahead of him like I show on the 44(45) Belly in the “Strong Running<br />
Plays” chapter.<br />
When the tackle blocks the first inside it can cut off any defensive flow that<br />
the defense is running. In most cases this means that the tackle will be after
the inside linebacker… if the tackle can get to him before the linebacker fills<br />
the gap you can run dive all night long. If this is not working you can call<br />
“clear” and have that tackle block straight up field.<br />
With this you can really eliminate the random “loop” calls and such. Now<br />
you can mix it up on the line, and completely bewilder defenders at what<br />
your next move is.<br />
<strong>The</strong> highlighted plays:<br />
42(43)<br />
34(25)<br />
44(45) “Base” “Clear”<br />
16(17)<br />
46(47) “Base” “Combo” (46 Combo is better ran the way the “Additional”<br />
chapter shows it)<br />
38(39)<br />
BELLY IS GREAT FOR ALL AGES (ESP. YOUNGER KIDS)<br />
Notes on Running Plays
On 40(41), 30(21), 56(57) splits of the linemen need to be made according to<br />
where the gap is. For instance the gap between the center and right guard on<br />
40 need to be split a little more against a 4 front to give the left guard time to<br />
block the tackle. <strong>The</strong> same goes for 30. On 56 the play side tight end needs<br />
to split just a little more to give the guard more time to hit the defensive end.<br />
If the defense picks up on this split scheme STOP. Another thing on 40(41)<br />
is technique. If the play is ’40 Give’ then the guard should use his inside<br />
shoulder to hook the tackle just incase.<br />
On 32(23) the fullback can also be given the ball if a ‘Dive’ call is made.<br />
This would be used if the linebackers don’t fall for the fake... against a 4-4<br />
defense he could be sent in the opposite A gap instead of so wide. This<br />
could lead to huge yards if the inside linebackers don’t believe he has the<br />
ball.<br />
On 34(25) the play can be ran with a “Combo” block by the play side guard<br />
and tackle verse a DT in the B gap. <strong>The</strong> tight end should read the DE and<br />
make him overrun his assignment. If the DE goes inside the tight end should<br />
run him into the DT who is being scooped by the guard to make a pile. <strong>The</strong><br />
FB should aim for the outside heel of the OT and block the second man<br />
inside not on the LOS. <strong>The</strong> other lead blocking RB aims for the first man<br />
inside. This way the safety is the only one left to tackle the running back.<br />
On 42(43), 26(37), Blue 42(43) the play side running back needs to edge up<br />
a little more (not so much parallel to the FB but closer) to have a better start<br />
to the hole. <strong>The</strong> number 2 and 3 running backs are standing up and the<br />
fullback is down in a 3-point stance. <strong>The</strong> defense shouldn’t see this coming.<br />
If ‘Option’ is called the line blocks the same.<br />
On 44(45) the lead blocking RB blocks the first man filling the hole each<br />
time unless a ‘Slant’ call is made. If the defense is playing the wishbone as<br />
a “hit the first man you see” then you can run ‘Outside Dive Give’ meaning<br />
that the FB dives into B gap but the RB has the ball! When an ‘Outside<br />
Dive’ call is made the offense tackle should make an extra effort to bring<br />
that DT down into A gap (basically making him overrun the FB).<br />
On option plays like 16(17), 26(27), 46(47) the line just needs to create<br />
havoc for the backside defenders aiding the play side. We want to PITCH<br />
the ball, that’s where all the yards off these plays come from. <strong>The</strong> lead<br />
blocker can be assigned ‘Cover’ at the end of the play to just pick up the first
man attacking pitch. If they are playing Robber coverage then forget about<br />
pitch and play out the option. On 16(17) the play side linemen reach up<br />
field. “Combo” and “Leave” calls will be used a lot in this offense.<br />
You can rename 18(19) to 54(55) or 14(15) if that helps the linemen<br />
blocking scheme. Remember that the running backs need to take a counter<br />
step.<br />
On 28(39) if the center is fast enough he can cut the DT so that both guard<br />
and tackle pull. This would be used against the 4-4 or 4-3 on the strong side.<br />
Notes on Passing Plays<br />
<strong>The</strong> only thing the linemen need to know is that they can’t go up field, they<br />
need to block away from the last number (on Blue 42 they block left and on<br />
Blue 45 they block right), and they need to hit something on the line of<br />
scrimmage. <strong>The</strong>y can’t give the defensive backfield the notion that we are<br />
trying to pass so they find someone as quick as they can or if they detect<br />
blitz pick that guy up. Splits should be a little bit closer than normal.<br />
Final Notes<br />
Deception and Power are the key elements in the wishbone. If any member<br />
of the defense is not sold on the fact that a certain person has the ball this<br />
offense can fail. 34(25) is undoubtedly the most obvious play in this<br />
playbook as to has the ball. Defensive coordinators will scheme and figure<br />
innovative new ways to try and beat the wishbone and the line of scrimmage<br />
will be crowded in most of your games. What needs to happen is that you<br />
have to work on the option and deception factor of the wishbone. A team<br />
cannot prepare for an offense like this in 4 days. Find the cracks in their<br />
defense (and there are always cracks and weaknesses), have people watch<br />
their defense and see what the scheme is, adjust to what they do and kick<br />
their ass. Have fun!<br />
Andrew Ward<br />
14313 Lakeview Drive<br />
Wichita Kansas, 67230