RUNNING BACK

1
RUNNING BACK HOLE NUMBERING
C
G
G
T
SE
T
E
1
3
4
2
0
8
5
6
4
2
7
3
1
C
G
T
G
T
E
SE
1
3
2
4
2
FORMATIONS
Y
X
Y
X
3
3
4
2
4
2
X
Y
Y
X
2
4
2
3
3
4
3
RULE BLOCKING

• Because of the many different defensive looks and
  stunts now used at the youth level one of the
  major obstacles is teaching the 1st year kid whom
  to block
• Most offensive plays have two different
  identifying calls. The Master calls (Dive,
  Power, Sweep, etc.) made in the huddle, and the
  Blocking calls (Switch, TaG, Double, etc.) which
  the linemen make at the LOS.
• We start out by creating lanes with imaginary
  lines drawn vertically out in front of the
  linemen and past the linebackers.
• We then give them Rules to use to assist them in
  identifying whom to block whether aligned on the
  playside (The side of Center the ball is going.),
  or the backside (The side of Center away from the
  play.)
• Here are the LANES
• CENTER His lane is defined by lines beginning
  on the outside of each foot.
• GUARDS Their lanes are defined by lines
  beginning on the outside of the Centers near
  foot to the outside of their away foot.
• TACKLES Their lanes are defined by lines
  beginning on the outside of the Guards near foot
  to the outside of their away foot.
• TIGHTENDS Their lanes are defined by lines
  beginning on the outside of the Tackles near
  foot to the outside of their away foot.

0
6
5
3
1
4
2
4
Rule Blocking Page 2

• Here are the RULES. And, remember!! ALWAYS
  protect your inside gap first.
• CENTER Man ON, Playside GAP, Backside
  LINEBACKER.
• GUARDS GAP, man ON, most dangerous LINEBACKER,
  to the play, and DOWNFIELD
  in the ball carriers running lane.
• TACKLES ENDS Same as Guards.
• Coaching Points
• If you take the 1st letter of each capitalized
  word you will notice it spells GOLD. That is a
  great way to get them to remember the blocking
  Rules.
• Inside Gap refers to all linemen on both sides
  of ball. It is the space between you and the
  next offensive lineman to your inside.
• REMEMBER The quickest way for the defense to
  get to the ball is through the gaps. We always
  protect them first.
• Example Play Assignments LEFTTHIRTYTWODIVE
  

3
5
BLOCKING RULES CALLS

• Our offensive scheme has two basic play calls.
  The first is the Master call sent to the
  Quarterback by the Coach, and designates the type
  of play called ( Dive, Power, Sweep, etc.).
• The second play call is the Blocking scheme
  used by the offensive lineman on the line of
  scrimmage at the point of attack (Tag, Eat,
  Switch, etc.).
• After the linemen receive the Master call and
  break the huddle they walk to the line of
  scrimmage. This gives them the opportunity to
  get a look at the the defensive alignment and
  quickly communicate with each other the blocking
  scheme they might have to employ at the point of
  attack.
• As an example, say the Master play is a DIVE.
  The base blocking for the Dive play is Solid
  (man) blocking. However, as they walk to the LOS
  the two offensive linemen at the POA see that a
  defender has aligned in a position that calls for
  them to change the blocking scheme to a Switch
  call .
• After the play side offensive linemen align on
  the Center and get into their Ready positions,
  the play side Tackle at the POA makes the
  blocking Switch call. The Tackle on the other
  side of the Center makes false call so the
  defense cant key on where the play is going.
• The Tackles must make the calls loud enough so
  the running backs can hear them and make the
  necessary adjustments.

• Example calls

Switch Guard Tackle switch assignments
Tag Tackle Guard cross-block
Eat End Tackle cross-block
6
PASS BLOCKING - MAN

• TE SE Run your assigned patterns.
• GUARDS Set up quickly on the LOS and block the
  man your lane. He is yours all the way. If
  uncovered stay in your area and Watch out for a
  blitzing LB. If no one comes, help from the
  inside out. Remember The shortest distance to
  the QB is through the Guard-Center (A) gap. So,
  protect it first, just like a run play.
• TACKLES Same as the Guards. Keep an eye on the
  LBs in your area and be alert for a blitz.
• CTR Set up quickly and block the man on you.
  If uncovered and no one comes into your area stay
  home and help protect the A-gaps.
• FB Sprint to weakside and block the 1st rusher
  that shows outside the WT. Expect help from the
  HB if he is not in a pattern.
• WSHB Sprint to weakside and help FB block the
  1st rusher outside the WT. Aim at his outside
  jersey number and try to hook him to the inside.
  If two rushers show the FB takes the 1st one and
  you have the 2nd.
• SSHB Take one play action step toward the FBs
  near foot then turn back to the strongside with
  your butt pointed at the QBs launch point. Your
  primary job is to block the fastest most
  dangerous rusher to show from the Center out
  (usually the DE). Be prepared to help block
  anywhere on the weakside.
• QB All of our drop back passes are three step
  drops. When you receive the snap from Center you
  immediately bring the ball up to your numbers and
  sprint to the area directly behind the weak side
  Guard-Tackle gap. That is your launch point for
  throwing the ball. If no receiver is open, RUN
  outside the FB and WSHBs blocks on the outside
  rusher.
• Coaching Points The pass protection
  responsibilities are identified by odd and even
  numbers. Odd is pass blocking to the left of
  Center, and Even is to the right.
• Rule of Thumb The Fullback always blocks to
  the Splitend side unless assigned to a specific
  pattern.
• To keep them from getting too high on their
  blocks, make them keep their eyes on the bottom
  of the defenders face mask.

50/60 Blocking
70/80 Blocking
90 Blocking
7
MOTION RULES

• On occasion a play will require a running back to
  be in motion to help us gain an advantage over
  the defense.
• The running back to be sent in motion, and the
  motion direction, will be included in the play
  call.
• The motion direction is identified by the
  following
• LIZ is motion to the LEFT at ¾ speed.
• RIP is motion to the RIGHT at ¾ speed.
• LAZER is motion to the LEFT at full speed.
• ROCKET is motion to the RIGHT at full speed.
• The running backs to be sent in motion will be
  identified by their number (2, 3, or 4) and
  proceed the motion direction. For example
• 20 LIZ or 40 RIP
• COACHING POINTS
• The snap count on all plays using motion should
  be either on 3 or 4 to allow the running back
  enough time to get to his launch point.
• Although any of the running backs could be sent
  in motion, the majority of our plays requiring
  motion will employ only the 2 and 4 backs.

• Example Plays Call w/Motion
• SLOT RIGHT/LEFT40 LIZ/20 RIP27/28 TOSS

4
Liz
2
2
Rip
4
8
MOTION RULES

• On the majority of our plays the only offensive
  player to go in motion is the number 4 running
  back..
• Regardless of his alignment within the formation
  called the direction of motion is designated by
  the following calls
• LIZ is motion to the LEFT at ¾ speed.
• RIP is motion to the RIGHT at ¾ speed.
• LAZER is motion to the LEFT at full speed.
• ROCKET is motion to the RIGHT at full speed.
• If any of the other running backs are to be sent
  in motion their number (2 or 3) will be
  designated first. For example
• 20 RIP or 30 LAZER

• Example Plays Call w/Motion
• WING RIGHTLIZ28 TOSS

Liz
Rip
9
RUNNING PLAY(S) COUNTER TRAP

• SE Stalk block the defender on you.
• PST Drive block the defender on you. Expect
  help from TE. We want him at least 3 yards off
  the LOS. If uncovered, double with PSG at the
  defender on him.
• PSG Drive block the defender on you. Expect
  help from the PSG. If uncovered, chip the man on
  the CNTR on your was to the ILB.
• CTR Block defender in your shoulder-to-shoulder
  area. If uncovered, block the backside
  linebacker through the play side A-gap. You MUST
  protect the backside A-Gap 1st.
• BSG Pull and lead through the hole. You have
  the OLB or the 1st LB to show from the inside.
  Have aggressive eyes and find him on your 1st
  step.
• BST Cheat on your split from BSG and seal block
  the A-B gap area. If no one comes get down field
  and block the ball carriers running lane.
• TE Block the 1st defender to the inside on or
  off the LOS. If a man is on the PST double team
  him. If not, read up to the 1st inside LB.
  Avoid contact with anyone on you.
• FB Because you are so close to the QB you need
  to cheat about 6 inches to the backside so you
  can get out of his way. On the snap take one
  step to backside when the QB clears go down the
  LOS to playside and block the 1st defender
  outside the TE, usually the DE. Your target is
  his nearest jersey number.
• PSHB Cross right in front of the BSHB hit the
  1st defender outside the BST. Be quick so you
  dont run into anyone.
• BSHB Ball Carrier. Take one counter step to
  backside to allow the PSHB to clear, then cut
  back to playside. Take ball from and cut INSIDE
  the FBs block.
• QB Open to playside, give ball to BSHB then run
  a great roll out pass fake to the backside.
• Coaching Points
• Can go unbalanced by putting SE on TE side
  have him stalk block the CB. BST CNTR must
  seal the backside A-Gap.
• Sets up a great play action deep pass to SE on a
  Fade pattern off a stalk block. TE runs a Delay
  pattern to the Flat area. QB must do a great job
  hiding the ball.

Vs. 53
Vs. 44 Stack
10
RUNNING PLAY(S) CROSSBUCK

• SE Stalk block the defender on you.
• PST Wide splits block your lane. Be prepared
  for Fan or TAG call.
• PSG Same as PST.
• CTR Block your lane. If uncovered, block the
  backside linebacker through the play side A-gap.
• BSG Block your lane.
• BST Block your lane, but try to get downfield
  and block the ball carriers running lane.
• TE Same as the PST PSG.
• FB Run a good Dive fake.
• PSHB Attack the first defender that shows
  outside the PST. If no one shows, run a good
  fake pattern to flat area.
• BSHB Ball Carrier. Take a quick jab step with
  the outside foot toward to allow the PSHB to
  clear, then run hard at the PSGs area.
• QB Open to backside, fake to FB, give ball to
  BSHB, then run a belly fake deep and outside the
  TEs area.
• Coaching Points
• Versus an over-pursuing linebacker the playside
  linemen can either Fan (kickout) block, or the
  PSG PST can TAG block.
• Can also run throw play action pass (Out Up or
  Stop Go) pattern to SE, or Delay patterns to FB
  BSHB on weakside.

Vs. 52
Vs. 44 Stack
11
RUNNING PLAY(S) DIVE

• SE Stalk block the defender on you.
• PST Wide splits block your lane.
• PSG Same as PST.
• CTR Block your lane. If uncovered, block the
  backside linebacker through the play side A-gap.
• BSG Block your lane.
• BST Block your lane, but try to get downfield
  and block the ball carriers running lane.
• TE Same as the PST.
• FB Ball Carrier. Hit the hole fast and get
  four tough yards.
• PSHB Run an arc route past the TE position.
• BSHB Same as PSHB.
• QB Open to playside, give ball to FB then drop
  back and do a fake pass.
• Coaching Points
• If the defensive OLBs, or the defenders
  responsible for pass defense in the flat area,
  dont go with the faking HBs consider play action
  off Dive and throwing to HBs.
• Can also throw fade pattern to SE.

Vs. 52
Vs. 44 Stack
12
RUNNING PLAY(S) Fullback TRAP

• SE Stalk block the defender on you.
• PST Double team man on PSG or block 1st inside
  LB. Avoid man on you by going inside or outside
  him. DONT TOUCH HIM!
• PSG Double team w/PST man on you. If
  uncovered, double man on CNTR.
• CTR Double team w/PSG man on you. If uncovered,
  block the backside linebacker through the
  backside A-gap.
• BSG You are pulling to play side. Your target
  is the PSCB, but block anyone that tries to cross
  you face to make a tackle.
• BST Shorten the split between you and BSG. Cut
  block any defender on BSG. If he is uncovered,
  get downfield and block running lane.
• TE Block your lane. If uncovered, block 1st
  inside LB.
• FB Ball Carrier. Cheat about 6 inches toward
  the backside. On the snap STAY LOW, take the
  ball, wait for BSG to cross your face then run to
  daylight on play side.
• PSHB Run a good fake outside the BST position.
  If BSHB Run right at the BSDEs inside number
  and block him if he crashes. If comes up field
  run a scheme pass pattern to the flat area.
• QB Open to 6 Oclock, give ball to sitting FB,
  fake handoff to BSHB, then make a good boot fake
  past the PSDE.
• Coaching Points
• Double team must get the defender at least three
  yards off the LOS.
• FB has to stay low for the handoff.
• BST must seal cannot allow any defender into
  the backfield. Shoeshine anyone on the BSG.

Vs. 53 Eagle
Vs. 44 Stack
13
RUNNING PLAY(S) GEE

• SE Stalk block the defender on you.
• PST Block 1st defender to the inside on/off the
  LOS. Do not let anyone cross your face into the
  backfield.
• PSG Pull to play side and block the 1st
  defender that shows outside the TE toward the
  sidelines. If no one shows, turn up field and
  block the closest defender to you from the inside
  out. Get your helmet in the hole.
• CTR Block your lane. If uncovered, block the
  backside linebacker through the play side A-gap.
• BSG Block your lane.
• BST Block your lane, but try to get downfield
  and block the ball carriers running lane.
• TE Same as the PST.
• FB Ball Carrier. Open toward play side and cut
  inside PSGs block.
• PSHB Run an Arc route to playside and stalk
  block the defender responsible for outside
  contain (usually the CB).
• BSHB Run a great fake option route to playside.
• QB Open to playside, give ball to FB and
  continue outside the TEs position with a good
  belly fake.
• Coaching Points
• TE and PSTs 1st step aiming point is the ball.
  They cant allow anyone into cross their face and
  get into backfield. If no one is on the LOS to
  their immediate inside, they read-up to the 1st
  LB to the inside.
• PSGs aiming point is the closest number on the
  defenders jersey.
• If the HBs and the QB run great fakes they should
  draw the OLB and CB upfield which will give the
  FB a great running lane.

Vs. 52
Vs. 44 Stack
14
RUNNING PLAY(S) LEAD

• SE Stalk block the defender on you.
• PST Double team man head up on PSG. If he is
  uncovered block your lane.
• PSG Double team w/PST man on you. If
  uncovered, double man on CNTR.
• CTR Double team w/PSG man on you. If uncovered,
  block the backside linebacker through the
  backside A-gap.
• BSG Block your lane.
• BST Block your lane, but try to get downfield
  and block the ball carriers running lane.
• TE Block man on you or 1st man you your outside
  away from the play.
• FB Lead through the play side B-gap and block
  the first defender to show from the inside.
  Usually the inside LB.
• PSHB Lead through the play side C-gap and block
  the 1st defender to show from the outside.
  Usually the outside LB or Cornerback.
• BSHB Ball Carrier. Use a crossover step with
  the away foot. On your 2nd step turn into the
  hole and read your blocker. Run to daylight.
• QB Reverse pivot and handoff to BSHB, then make
  a good boot fake past the PSDE.
• Coaching Points
• Double team must get the defender at least three
  yards off the LOS.
• FB scrapes the double team and seals the inside.
• BSG cannot allow any defender into the backfield.
• TE is the Key block. PSHB helps TE if defenders
  jersey number shows in C-gap.

Vs. 53 Eagle
Vs. 44 Stack
15
RUNNING PLAY(S) POWER

• SE Stalk block the defender on you.
• PST Double team the defender on you with the
  TE. If uncovered, double team with PSG the man
  on him.
• PSG Double team the defender on you with the
  PST. If uncovered, double team with the CNTR the
  man on him.
• CTR Block defender in your shoulder-to-shoulder
  area. If uncovered, block the backside
  linebacker. Expect help from PSG
• BSG Pull to play side and lead through C-gap.
  Scrape the double team block and get the closest
  defender from the inside out, usually the MLB.
• BST Cheat on your split from BSG and seal block
  the A-B gap area.
• TE Double team with PST any defender on him.
  If he is uncovered, block the 1st inside LB.
• FB Kick out on the 1st defender to show outside
  the TE. If no one shows turn upfield and block
  the closest most dangerous defender to the hold.
• PSHB If the SE is on the play side help FB
  block the defender responsible for outside
  contain. If SE is on the backside, scrape the
  DEs outside shoulder and block the CB.
• BSHB Ball Carrier. Open with play side foot
  and on 3rd step turn up into hole and follow the
  BSG. Read his block and run to daylight.
• QB Open to back side at 6 Oclock. Give ball
  to BSHB and do a great belly fake outside the
  BST.
• Coaching Points
• Can go unbalanced by putting SE on TE side
  have him stalk block the CB, or run a Scheme
  route away from the play.
• Ball carrier should not be in to big a hurry to
  get into the hole. He should stay at least an
  arms reach plus 12 inches from BSGs back to
  read his block. His MUST stay inside the FBs
  block on the DE.

Vs. 53 Eagle
Vs. 44 Stack
16
RUNNING PLAY(S) X Reverse

• SE Take a quick jab step at the man on you with
  the outside foot, then turn and run toward play
  side. Your aiming point is 1 yard behind the
  nearest HBs original position. He is coming at
  you, so run under him, take the toss from the QB
  and run fast.
• PST Take two quick steps to the inside as
  though you were going downfield to block, then
  turn back outside, run around the TEs original
  position and block the 1st different color
  jersey. RememberDONT CLIP! If you cant block
  a front jersey number, let him go and block
  someone else.
• PSG Block anyone in your lane for one count,
  then release and block the outside defender on
  play side. Usually the CB.
• CTR Block defender in your shoulder-to-shoulder
  area. If uncovered, block the backside
  linebacker.
• BSG Block your lane. However, if uncovered get
  downfield and into the ball carriers running
  lane. Block anyone that tries to cross your face
  to make a tackle.
• BST Same as BSG.
• TE Release to the inside as for the first few
  steps then turn up field and stalk block the deep
  defender. Usually the FS.
• FB Run a good Belly fake off the BSGs butt
  then be a great blocker.
• BSHB Run to backside and hit the 1st defender
  that shows outside the BST.
• PSHB Run a great Option fake to backside behind
  the BSHBs original position.
• QB Flash fake at the FB, take two steps and
  (soft) toss the ball to the SE. Protect
  yourself.
• Coaching Points
• Timing is everything on this play. Adjust the
  SEs split from the BST until he is in the right
  position to get the toss.
• The SE watches the QBs hands for the toss. If
  he doesnthe will fumble the ball.
• This is a great Red Zone play when a fumble would
  still give you good field position.

Vs. 53 Eagle
Vs. 44 Stack
17
RUNNING PLAY(S) SWEEP

• SE Stalk block the defender on you. Be
  prepared to play the strong (TE) side and crack
  down on OLB/SS.
• PST PSG You two are responsible for the A-B
  gap DT and/or the play side outside contain
  defender. Communicate! When in doubt, stay home
  and block your lane.
• CTR Block defender in your shoulder-to-shoulder
  area. If uncovered, block the backside
  linebacker through the play side A-gap.
• BSG You are responsible for the A-B gap DT. If
  uncovered pull around CNTR and block the BSLB.
• BST Cheat on your split from BSG and seal block
  the A-B gap area. If no one comes get down field
  and block the ball carriers running lane.
• TE Square block any defender head up on you
  turn him inside. If uncovered, get the 1st
  defender to your outside. FB You have the play
  side ILB. He is yours all the way, so get your
  eyes on him and go where you need to go to get
  him.
• PSHB Clip the outside contain man (usually the
  DE) while enroute to block the outside deep
  defender (usually the CB).
• BSHB Ball Carrier. Read TEs block and cut off
  it.
• QB Reverse pivot, toss ball to BSHB and either
  lead and help block or run a great roll out fake
  to the backside.
• Coaching Points
• Can go unbalanced by putting SE on TE side
  have him stalk block the CB or block down on the
  OLB or SS. DONT CLIP!!! Also, the BST is an
  eligible receiver so dont forget a QB Boot pass.
• Best ran against a team that plays their
  defensive Ends head up or to the inside.

Vs. 53
Vs. 44 Stack
18
RUNNING PLAY(S) SWEEP/TOSS (Weak)

• SE Stalk block the defender on you. Be
  prepared to Switch block with the PSHB crack
  down the defensive contain man (OLB/DE).
• PST PSG You two are responsible for the A-B
  gap DT and/or the play side contain man, usually
  the DE. Communicate!
• CTR Block defender in your shoulder-to-shoulder
  area. If uncovered, block the backside
  linebacker through the play side A-gap.
• BSG Same as the strong side Sweep. You are
  responsible for the A-B gap DT or BSLB. If
  necessary ( uncovered) pull around CNTR to the
  BSLB.
• BST Cheat on your split from BSG and seal block
  the A-B gap area. If no one comes get down field
  and block the ball carriers running lane.
• TE Release inside. Chip any defender on you
  and get downfield and block the ball carriers
  run lane. Block anyone that tries to cross your
  face to make a tackle.
• FB You have the play side ILB. He is yours
  all the way, so get your eyes on him and go where
  you need to go to get him.
• PSHB You have the far contain man (usually the
  DE or OLB). Be prepared to help the PST/PSG or
  Switch block with the SE.
• BSHB Ball Carrier. Read PST/PGSs block and
  cut off it.
• QB Reverse pivot, toss ball to BSHB and either
  lead and help block or run a great roll out fake
  to the backside.
• Coaching Points
• SE can stalk block the CB or block down on the
  OLB or SS. DONT CLIP!!! .
• Best ran against a team that plays their
  defensive Ends head up, inside, or crashing.

Vs. 53
Vs. 44 Stack
19
DEFINITIONS

• MAN BLOCKING Specific area blocking assignment
  the linemen in the Run attack.
• DOUBLE-TEAM BLOCK When two players on offense
  are assigned to block one defender.
• CHIP BLOCK When a player on offense makes a
  high partial shoulder block on one defender to
  help a teammate before going to block another
  defender.
• SWITCH BLOCK An exchange in blocking
  assignments between to linemen on offense. This
  call is normally made when a lineman that cant
  reach a defender that is too far outside/inside
  to block.
• TAG A cross-block with the Tackle And Guard on
  offense.
• EAT A cross-block with the End And Tackle on
  offense.
• KICK-OUT BLOCK When a player on offense blocks
  the first defender on his outside shoulder away
  from the play.
• DOWN BLOCK When a player on offense blocks the
  first defender on his inside down toward the
  Center.
• READ-UP BLOCK When a lineman is DOWN blocking
  and no defender is on the LOS to his inside, he
  reads up and blocks the first inside LB.
• SEAL BLOCK When an offensive lineman occupies
  space vacated by another offensive lineman to
  prevent a defender from crossing the line of
  scrimmage.
• CUT (Shoe Shine) BLOCK When a lineman on
  offense blocks down toward the Center and forces
  a defender to trip over him.
• REACH BLOCK When a lineman on offense blocks a
  lineman on defense that is positioned on his
  inside or outside shoulder.
• FIRE BLOCK A pass blocking technique used by
  the linemen on offense where they cross the line
  of scrimmage and low block at the defenders
  knees.
• STALK BLOCK A blocking technique used by a wide
  receiver on a deep defender during a running
  play.
• SCHEME PATTERN A fake pass pattern executed by
  a wide receiver to take a defender away from a
  ball carrier.
• COMBO BLOCK When two linemen work together to
  block a defensive lineman and a linebacker in
  tandem alignment.