Download The Spread Offense - USA Football

Passing
Coaches should commit to passing the football and implement it into their offensive scheme without fear. Like any other phase of the game it
requires practice and coordination to establish proper timing. A solid passing game will involve more players, force the defense to respect the
threat and make running the ball easier.
rOUTeS
We use several routes in the playbook and the depth of the routes should be adjusted for the age and skill level of your
players. It does not make sense to have a player run a 20 yard post route if the Quarterback can not throw the football that far.
hITch: The receiver sprints up field, stops his movement at 4-8 yards with his outside foot, and turns back inside, moving towards
the LOS.
SlanT: The receiver sprints up field at 4-8 yards, plants on his outside foot and angles into the center of the field.
POST: The receiver sprints up field, at 10 yards he then angles inside and up field towards the goal “post.”
hOOK: The receiver sprints up field, stops his movement at 9 yards with his outside foot and turns back inside, moving towards the LOS.
Wheel rOUTe: This is executed by the Slot receiver when he has a Split End to his outside. After the snap, the Slot moves down the line
and outside where the End lined up and then runs a fly pattern down the field.
PrOTecTIOn ScheMeS
Pass protection for the Offensive Linemen can be very difficult and often times it is not their fault when things break down. For younger players
it is important that the pass plays called are quick hitting plays where the Quarterback gets rid of the ball quickly. Often times coaches teach
pass blocking in a retreat manner, where the Offensive Lineman back up and then try to block the defenders as they pursue the Quarterback.
Teaching the Offensive Linemen to fire out and attempt to block on the LOS (not getting down field) may prove to be more successful.
(Continued on next page).
USA Football Playbook 28