Blocking Schemes or "How Do You Know Who To Block and When ...

Congratulations on becoming a member of the 2007 Fessenden IntermediateFootball Team. You have just received your introductory playbook. Please treatthis playbook with care and caution. Take time to read it over carefully. Forthose of you who are just learning to play football, we have tried to answermany of your questions and have made attempts to simplify this game as muchas possible. We feel that the more you begin to understand the game of football,the greater success you will have. Have some fun with this playbook. We haveeven included some blank play sheets at the end of the playbook. Using ournumbering system, challenge yourself and try making up and designing yourOWN plays.Here are some important things we would like you to consider for this year.#1) Have FUN-Football is a terrific sport-ENJOY IT!!!#2) Work hard and play hard but play fair. At Fessenden, we pride ourselveson always putting forth our best effort. Teams that play us, know that we willprovide them with some tough and challenging competition. However, we donot and will not, tolerate players who exhibit poor sportsmanship or behavior.Great players and great teams NEVER need to play unfairly to succeed.#3) Remember everything you do on and off of the field represents YOU,YOUR TEAM, YOUR SCHOOL and YOUR COACHES. A true champion canboth lose and win with grace, dignity and integrity!!!! We are not only concernedwith your behavior and attitude on the field, but also on the sidelines, in thelocker room, at meetings, in school, on the bus etc.#4) Make some new friends!!! Help out your teammates!!! Remember, we areall in this together. If someone makes a mistake, don't yell at him. Try helpinghim or give him a word of encouragement. Football is a unique game. It takes11 players working in unison, cooperating, listening and all striving for the sameoutcome, in order to be truly successful. Everyone must rely on and supporteach other. THAT'S WHY IT IS CALLED A Football TEAM!!!!!#5) If you don't understand something, then please ASK!!! Part of our job is tomotivate and TEACH YOU the game. If you are confused, or if you don't quiteunderstand what we're doing, then please feel free to talk to a coach.Sometimes, an experienced teammate can help you. The only way we can besuccessful is if we all understand what we are doing and why.Remember-It takes something a little extra special to be a football player. You have tocarry all of that equipment around. Football is played in the rain, dirt and the mud. Youmust spend time learning the plays. It can be a difficult game to play. Let's face it, noteveryone is willing to put forth all of the time and effort it takes to play football. AREYOU??????

I’ve got a Problem Coach, Who do I see?We all know that life here at Fessenden can get a little hectic. If you are havingany problems at all, (personal, academic, social or athletic) please feel free tocome to us at any time. We don’t profess to have all the answers, but we willcertainly do our best to help you or guide you to the appropriate person. Hereare just a few of the many people here at Fessenden who may be of assistance toyouDirector of Athletics-Mr. Sanderson-His office is located inside the entrance tothe New Athletic Center. He is responsible for administering the entire athleticprogram. His Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Gentile (also located in the AthleticCenter) is also a great resource for athletic questions such as scheduling anddirections to our opponent’s schools.Equipment Manager (”The Cage Man”) -Mr. Pacitto (Most everyonerespectfully calls him Bob). He can be found in the area just outside the lockerrooms in the Athletic Center which we call “The Cage”. Bob can help you withmost minor equipment problems, such as a broken shoelace, missing pads etc.He is a great guy to have on your side. DO NOT treat him as your personalservant. He shouldn’t be expected to help put on your equipment or buckleyour helmet. Your teammates can generally help you in those areas.School Trainer (Ms. Sartanowicz)-If you are injured or hurt and need treatment,please let us know and we will direct you to our trainer. Her office is located inthe Fitness Area of The Athletic Center . She will be able to treat your injuriesand will be able to evaluate your "playing status".Director of Residential Life-Mr. Howe-If you are a border and you need to getequipment away from Fessenden such as new cleats, arm pads etc. Then youshould make arrangements with Mr. Howe or his administrative assistant, Mrs.Gobbi. Mr. Howe's office is located in the area outside of the Science classrooms.Mrs. Gobbi can also be found in this area.***Special Note***-Your Advisor-Although athletics are certainly an importantpart of your day, they should not take over other aspects of your life atFessenden. Make sure that Academics always remain a top priority. Seek outyour advisor if you have any problems with any aspect of your life here atFessenden.What should I do If???I won’t be in school. When the school is notified of your absence, they in turntell the Athletic Director, who notifies us. As long as the school knows you willnot be in attendance, we will be made aware. Obviously, if you know ahead oftime, that you will be out of school or that you are going to miss a practice or a

game; then we would appreciate it if you would let us know as soon as possible.I have to miss practice because of a Doctor’s appointment, religiouscommitment, family matter, school related activity , etc. We understand thatsometimes in your busy schedule it’s hard to fit everything in. Personal mattersdo occasionally come up. Being part of a team means making a commitment tothat team. All we ask is that you make every possible effort to attend eachpractice and game. If you know you won’t be in school or have to miss a gameor practice then please notify us as early as possible.I’m hurt, injured or sick. If you are hurt, injured or sick during practice or agame, then please let us know immediately. If you don’t feel well prior to apractice or game, then you should tell us that you need to see the nurse ortrainer. Remember, we are not professionals like the Patriots. We would muchrather have you miss a practice or game rather than risk furthering your illnessor injury. WE WON’T KNOW, UNLESS YOU TELL US. We assume thateveryone dressed for a game or practice is “ready to go-full speed”.I’m missing some equipment-As we just said, we assume that everyone dressedfor a game or practice is “ready to go-full speed”. If you have lost or you aremissing equipment, then you need to take care of that prior to the game orpractice. See Bob in “The Cage”. He is the school’s equipment manager and hecan usually help you. Under no circumstances, should you participate withoutwearing all of the necessary equipment. This includes your “athletic supporterand cup”, sneakers or cleats and a properly fitted helmet.Who do we play, When, and How do my parents get there?-All of our game times, schedule and directions are posted on the school's website www.fessenden.org . Please note that schedules are sometimes alteredthroughout the season so check the website for the most up to date schedule.Additional copies of the fall sports schedule can be found in the Athletic Office.Now Let's Learn How to Play some FOOTBALL!!!

A HOLE is the area, space or lane created by offensive blocking. It alsodesignates the area to be blocked and tells the runner where to go.All offensive holes are numbered 0-8. Hole numbering is simplified when youuse the center (hole #0) as a point of reference. All hole numbers that are ODDare to the left of the center and hole numbers that are EVEN are to the right ofthe center.Hole # 7 is OUTSIDE the left end and Hole #8 is OUTSIDE the right end.All backs are given a designated number (these backs retain their numberregardless of their position on the field.)#1-Is the Quarterback#2-Is the Fullback#3-Is the Left Halfback#4-Is the Right HalfbackIn addition to the back and hole numbering, all plays are given a specificdesignation which also tells you where the play is going.A DIVE play always goes to the right or left of the center (Hole #'s 1 or 2)An OFF TACKLE play always goes over the tackle holes (Hole #'s 3 or 4)A SWEEP play always goes outside the ends (Holes #'s 7 or 8)A REVERSE play means that the play heads in one direction and then REVERSES

to the opposite direction.When a play is called, (for example "21 DIVE")The first number given (in this case 2) tells you which back is receiving the ball(for this particular play the ball carrier will be the fullback or 2-back)The second number given (in this case 1) tells you which hole the back will beheading for ( for this particular play the 2 Back or Fullback is heading to the #1hole (the area to the LEFT of the center)The DIVE play also designates that the play is either going to the right or left ofthe center.Blocking Schemes or "How Do You Know Who ToBlock and When to Block Them"?Very few offensive plays will work without all offensive players blocking theproper defensive players and/or knowing their correct assignments.Remember, there are 11 players on defense and it only takes 1 MAN to make atackle. In order to be successful we MUST make sure we know WHO to block.As we have just told you, each offensive play is designed to let each offensiveplayer know the following information.Who is getting the ball???? You know this by listening to the quarterback. On aplay such as the "21 DIVE You know that it is both a DIVE PLAY and you knowthe first number given tells you which back is getting the ball.Where is he going ???? You know that a DIVE PLAY goes to the right or left ofthe center. The second number (1) tells you that it is going to the #1 hole or tothe left of the center.Who Do I Block ???? We have tried to make this as simple as possible for you.We have a special rule to help you. Make sure you learn this rule!!! Get to knowit by heart!!!! Our ENTIRE offense is based on this simple rule..."MAN ON, MAN OFF, MAN INSIDE""MAN ON" means- If you are on the line and there is a defensive player directlyacross from you then THAT IS YOUR MAN TO BLOCK"MAN OFF" means-If you are on the line and there is no "MAN ON" but there isa defensive player (such as a linebacker) who is not directly across from you buta few steps beyond the line of scrimmage THAT IS YOUR MAN TO BLOCK"MAN INSIDE" means-If you are on the line and there is no "MAN ON" or no"MAN OFF' but there is a defensive player directly inside to your right or leftthen THAT IS YOUR MAN TO BLOCK

Who do I Block if I'm not sure????If you are ever in doubt whom to block,then remember this rule."ALWAYS BLOCK THE DEFENSIVE PLAYER WHO IS THE GREATESTTHREAT TO MAKE THE TACKLE"This simply means-Find someone to block who might be able to make the tackle.It doesn't make any sense to block "YOUR MAN" if there is another defensiveplayer who is ready to make the tackle first.IF IN DOUBT-BLOCK SOMEBODY!!!!Is there ever a time during the game when I shouldn't block anyone?YES!! If our player is clearly going to score a touchdown, then there is no needto block anyone. We don't want you getting a penalty by blocking someonewho won't be able to affect the outcome of the play."HUDDLE UP"The offensive team should "Huddle" about 10 yards from where the ball isspotted by the official. It is the center's responsibility to mark this location priorto the quarterback calling the play. He does this by raising both hands andcalling "HUDDLE UP". The Huddle should look like this......What You Should Do in the Huddle???With the exception of the quarterback and the "Messenger" (this is any player,who is bringing in a play from the sideline) you should get in the huddle andlisten ONLY!!!! This is not a time for you to make suggestions to the quarterbackand it is certainly not a time to look for someone to blame. Remember, everyone of our plays is designed to be a touchdown. We will obviously not score onevery single play. If a play is not a touchdown it usually means that someone onoffense did not make the right play. The huddle is a time to regroup and getready for the next play.

Don't Celebrate-It is exhilarating when a play works well or when wescore. However, let's get ready for the NEXT PLAY. If we have done well andgained a lot of yardage that's great, but now let's score a TOUCHDOWN. If wehave just scored a touchdown, then let's make sure we get the EXTRA POINTS.If we have just scored a touchdown and the points after, then we need to getready for the kickoff. The time to celebrate is in the locker room or on the busride home AFTER we have WON THE GAME.LISTEN AND THINK!!!!! Our offense is designed so that everyoneknows where the play is going and who is getting the ball. Listen carefully to thequarterback's play calling. When you hear the play, get a mental image of theplay BEFORE it happens. Think about who you have to block or where youhave to go. As you hear the play in the huddle, look across at the defense andbegin to figure out what you will be doing.Know the Snap Count-The two greatest advantages that we have onoffense are that we know where the playing is going and we know when the ballis going to be snapped/hiked. Don't forget the snap count!!! Don't forget thesnap count!!! Don't forget the snap count!!! Don't forget the snap count!!! Don'tforget the snap count!!! Don't forget the snap count!!! Don't forget the snapcount!!!g-A sloppy huddle, leaving or "breaking from the huddle" with little or noenthusiasm is not very intimidating to the defense. I want them to be afraid ofus BEFORE the play even starts. A good huddle and a loud break can sometimesgive you a slight edge.

Defensive Positions and ResponsibilitiesDefensive Ends-This may be one of the toughest positions on our team to play.The Defensive End must be strong, quick and VERY SMART. Your basic job is“CONTAINMENT”. This means you MUST keep the play from getting outsideyour area. You don’t necessarily have to make the tackle, just make sure youkeep the flow of the play inside you. Neutralize the offensive end or any backtrying to block you. DO NOT pursue or chase any play unless you are CERTAINthat this play will not get REVERSED and come back to you.Defensive Tackles-Your job is to disrupt the action in the middle. You muststop any plays that are run up the middle and you are also responsible forputting pressure on the quarterback during a pass play. Don't get knockeddown and/or taken out of the play.Nose Guard/Middle Guard-Your position is directly across from the center.You should be in on the tackle on any play that is run up the middle. Your job isto disrupt any play run up the middle. You also must pressure the quarterback.Middle Linebacker- A great middle linebacker must be able to do a variety ofdifferent things well. He must be able to recognize a play as it begins to develop.He must be able to “READ” the play and anticipate WHO will be getting the balland WHERE it is going. You will be the defensive “quarterback” who calls theplay. You may be asked to rush the passer or drop back to pick up a receiver.Outside Linebacker-Like the defensive end, you must make sure that you do notallow the play to get outside you. You must react quickly and read the play todetermine if it is a run or pass. You will be given specific pass coverage. Morethan likely a pass play completed on your side of the field is YOUR FAULT.Don’t allow this to happen.Cornerbacks and Safety-Your primary or first concern is to prevent any passcompletions. You will work together with each other and the outside linebackeron pass coverage. NEVER, I repeat, NEVER, allow any receiver to get BEHINDyou. Unfortunately, a completed pass behind you may end up as a touchdown.In addition to pass coverage, you will also be expected to come forward to makethe tackle on any run plays. Don’t get fooled though, MAKE SURE it isn’t a passplay.LOOK OUT FOR THE REVERSE!!-DO NOT LET THE RUNNER GET OUTSIDE!!MOST LONG YARDAGE TOUCHDOWNS ARE SCORED ONREVERSE PLAYS OR PLAYS THAT ARE RUN TO THE OUTSIDE.

SafetyCornerbackCornerbackMiddle LinebackerOutside Linebacker Outside LinebackerEnd Tackle Nose Guard Tackle EndBasic 5-3 DefenseThis is called the 5-3 Defense or 53 Defense because you have 5Defensive Players on the Line of Scrimmage and you have 3Linebackers off of the line of Scrimmage.To make this Defense a 5-4 Defense we would either bring up theSafety or one of the Cornerbacks to play in the middle next to theMiddle LinebackerWant to see examples of some offensive plays??Here is a sample of some of the plays we have run in thepast!!1) 4 2 Dive Right Halfback takes the ball over the Right Guard2) 3 2 Dive Left Halfback takes the ball over the Right Guard3) Double Wide Slot- 2 2 Dive Fullback takes the ball over the Right Guard4) Double Wide Slot- 2 1 Dive Fullback takes the ball over the Left Guard5) 22,32 Fake -4 4 Off Tackle Ball is faked to the Fullback and the Left Halfbackand then the Right Halfback takes the ball over the Right Tackle6) 21,31 Fake - 4 3 Off Tackle Ball is faked to the Fullback and the LeftHalfback who go over the Left Guard and then the Right Halfback takes the ball over theLeft Tackle7) 22,32 Fake - 4 1 Counter Ball is faked to the Fullback and Left Halfback who

go over the Right Guard and then the Right Halfback takes the ball over the Left Guard8) 23,33 Fake - 4 2 Counter Ball is faked to the Fullback and Left Halfback who goover the Left Guard and then the Right Halfback takes the ball over the Right Guard9) Triple Slot Right-QB Sweep Right Fullback and Halfbacks slot right andthe Quarterback takes the ball and sweeps Right.10) Slot R-QB Sweep Rt, Slot Revs Right Halfback slots right and theQuarterback takes the ball and sweeps Right and then hands off to the Slot Man (RightHalfback)11) Slot L-QB Sweep Left,Slot Revs Left Halfback slots left and theQuarterback takes the ball and sweeps Left and then hands off to the Slot Man (Left Halfback)12) Double Slot Lt-QB Sweep Left Right and Left Halfback Slot Left and theQuarterback sweeps right.13) T- 4 7 Pitch Right Halfback takes the ball to the left side14) T-Fullback Slot L-4 7 Pitch PassRight Halfback takes the ball to the left and passes to the fullback.15) T- 3 6 Pitch Left Halfback takes the ball to the right side16) T-Fullback Slot R-36 Pitch PassRight Halfback takes the ball to the left and then passes to the Fullback.17) T-Slot R-Split R-Bomb /or Post Right Halfback slots to the right and theright end splits out. Pass goes to the Right End. Right Halfback blocks.18) T-Slot L-Split L-Bomb /or Post Left Halfback slots to the Left and the Leftend splits out. Pass goes to the Left End. Left Halfback blocks.19) T-Double Slot-Bomb RightHalfbacks slot to each side. Pass goes to the Right End20) T-Fullback Slot Right-BombFullback slots Right, Fullback goes out for a Bomb21) T-Post toRight EndRight End (Quarterback makes the call) gets a pass on a Post Pattern22) T-Bomb to Right EndRight End(Quarterback makes the call) go out for a long pass (Bomb)

Kickoffs, Kick Returns, and Punts(otherwise known as “Special Teams”)These can often be plays that are extremely pivotal to the game. There will be atleast 2 kickoffs each game. The game starts with a kickoff and at the beginning of the3rd Quarter (after half-time ends ). Additional kickoffs occur after the extra pointsfollowing touchdowns. In some instances, a player’s only time on the field may beduring kickoffs.Kickoff CoverageKickoff coverage can be basically broken down into three different components.Obviously, you have the position of the kicker. His main job is to get off a goodkick and to give his team a chance to properly cover the ball and/or ball carrier. Insome instances, we may attempt an “Onside” kick. An “Onside” kick is when thekicker tries to kick the ball at least 10 yards from the tee (often he wants the ball tobounce wildly) so that his team has an opportunity to recover the ball before ouropponents. During a long kick, we will usually ask the kicker to stay back and act as a“safety” to prevent any long runbacks or touchdowns. We usually prefer a kickwhere the ball is bouncing around and the returner has to run after it over a long endover end kick that can be handled easily and quickly returned.Next you have the player next to the kicker. His role is to set the huddle prior tothe kickoff as well as call the type of kickoff we will be running. He may call for an“Onside” kick, long kick, kick right or kick left. After the huddle he helps our alignmentand counts players to make sure we are ready to put the ball in play. Like the kicker,during the return, his job is to stay back and help prevent a long runback.All other positions on the kickoff team must run down the field quickly toeither recover the ball (REMEMBER AFTER 10 YARDS A BALL IS “LIVE”-Thismeans that any player can recover the ball). Each position will cover an amount ofterritory called a “lane”. Your job is to contain the runner and make or help to makethe tackle.Our Kickoff Team usually looks like this prior to the kickoff.The KickerXX X X X X X X X X XPlayer who callsthe kickIt is very important during a kickoff to be alert as you are running down the field. Inaddition to trying to tackle the returner, you also have to be aware of blockersapproaching you from many different angles. Make sure you stay in your “lane” andclose off the runner.

Kick ReturnOur Line-Up prior to the kickoff looks like this.X X X X XWe have five players who are spread out 10 yards from the tee of the opposingteam. It’s important that these players be prepared for an “Onside kick”.Remember, after 10 yards the ball is “LIVE” and can be recovered by either team.However, if the ball is touched by the return team before the ball is kicked 10 yardsthe ball is considered “LIVE”. Any player on the front line who recovers a ballshould cover up and protect. They should NEVER try to run with the ball. A ballproperly recovered during an onside kick gives us excellent field position.X X X XWe have four players who are positioned about 10 yards back from the front line.These players should be aware of bouncing or rolling balls and be prepared torecover any ball that is in front of them. A ball that is caught directly by any of theseplayers can be returned. Depending on how the ball is kicked a ball kicked behindone of the outside players may have to be recovered or returned by that player.XXWe have two players who line up “deep” and are the Return Men. If the ball iskicked long one player will return the ball and the other player becomes the “leadblocker”.Some key things to remember.....1) A ball is “live” if it is touched by the return team or goes 10 yards.2) Do Not Block anyone from behind. (Clipping)3) If our “returner” has a clear path to the end zone DO NOT block anyone.4) A good return is usually dependent on good blocking.5) A good return provides us with advantageous field position.

Punting the ballOur Lineup for punting looks like this.During a punt the lineman close up their splits. They must protect the punter andthen go downfield to tackle the returner.The halfbacks move behind and outside the ends for outside protection. Once theball is kicked they pursue the returner.The quarterback moves back, calls the signal, and acts as inside protection. After theball is kicked he acts like a safety during the returnThe kicker’s primary responsibility is to receive the snap and get off a kick as quicklyas possible.The main objective of the punt is to give our opponents poor field position.(Naturally, a fumbled punt and a recovered fumble would be a bonus for us.)Once a ball is touched by an opponent the ball is “LIVE”

The Fessenden School Intermediate 2007 Football ScheduleYou can find our schedule at www.fessenden.org***It is always important to update the schedule bychecking www.fessenden.org