Coach’s Corner: Basic overview about the spread offense
Posted at 4:00pm — 7/31/2010
Coach’s Corner: Basic overview about the spread offense
Below is a basic overview about the spread offense:
Basic Elements and Philosophies Nested within the Spread Offense
1) Shrink or limit what a defense can do and make the defense defend the entire field.
2) All 11 players have a definite assignment every play.
3) The spread attempts to create conflict for the defense, if running a play to the left, have something happening on the right to separate the defense.
4) Play at multiple tempos.
5) Make the QB a dual threat- run and pass.
6) Execution – execute well to make the offense simple, but not predictable.
7) Execute well to establish the base plays/make sure the offense is good at something.
Goals of the Spread Offense:
1) Create mismatches by using skilled, fast guys against LB’ers.
2) Get the ball into the playmakers’ hands.
3) Use the shotgun to see the defense.
4) Make the defense defend all of the skilled players.
5) Make the defense play in space.
6) Simplify the O-Line play to minimize mistakes.
Running Plays:
Zone Schemes:
1) Belly or Inside Zone Play, with QB read option: The Rb’s aiming point is the inside leg of OG, QB reads the backside DE.
2) Outside Zone or Tackle read Zone with QB read Option: The Rb’s aiming point is the outside hip of OT, QB reads the backside DE again.
3) Option
4) Sweep
5) Reverse
3-4-5 are used only if needed
Man Schemes for the Spread Offense:
1) QB Iso
2) QB Draw
Pull Schemes for the Spread Offense:
1) Power
2) Trap
3) Dart
The most important people to block effectively are the Olb’ers and SS’s. They should be blocked with logical adjustments. Never ask little guys to block SS’s or Olb’ers.
Things the GBMWolverine Staff believes would help the UM offense:
1) A counter or misdirection, plays used only sparingly by UM- Florida uses two that are excellent in our opinion. One comes off the jet, or slot sweep series. The QB fakes the jet sweep to the slot and the backside OG and OT pull and block for the QB. Another counter comes off the option look: the Florida QB fakes option right and shuffle passes to the TE or slot coming back to the left. UM has a play similar to this called dart.
2) Another option series like the midline used by Oregon. Midline is where the QB reads the 3-technique DT as compared to the 1 hole/A gap of Michigan’s inside belly series.
3) A greater and more varied use of the tight end. The talent is there for the waiting.
4) A well designed and executed vertical passing game that serves to relieve pressure on the base running game and get more talented playmakers involved.
5) The greater emphasis on base-blocking, iso and blast plays inside the five yard line that can get the ball into the end zone when the defense is up close and personal. There is a time in football when the game is very simple and one line will overpower the other.
6) Better tackle play and outside blocking that can gain the perimeter for the playmakers, whether the outside zone plays (read and stretch) or a resurrection of the screen series.
Written by GBMWolverine Staff
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