8/7/2019 Wishbone Offense by Carl Dennis
1/19
RUNNING BACK & HOLE NUMBERING
CG G T SETE
1
3
42
CG TGTE SE
1
3
2 4
80
5 6427 3 1
8/7/2019 Wishbone Offense by Carl Dennis
2/19
FORMATIONS
LEFT/RIGHT (Base)
Left
|
STRONGLEFT/RIGHT
Left
|
SLOT LEFT/RIGHT
Slot Left
|
TRIPS LEFT/RIGHT
Trips Left
| |
Y
4
X
3
2
Y
4
X
2
3
Y
3
4
2
XX
2 4
Y
3
8/7/2019 Wishbone Offense by Carl Dennis
3/19
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 Mastercalls (Dive,
Power, Sweep, etc.) made in the huddle, and the Blockingcalls (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
65 3 1 42
8/7/2019 Wishbone Offense by Carl Dennis
4/19
8/7/2019 Wishbone Offense by Carl Dennis
5/19
BLOCKING RULES & CALLS
Our offensive scheme has two basic
play calls. The first is the Master
call sent to the Quarterback by theCoach, 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 Mastercall 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 theDive 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 theirReady 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 necessaryadjustments.
Example calls:
Switch
Guard & Tackle
switch assignments
Tag
Tackle & Guard
cross-block
Eat
End & Tackle
cross-block
8/7/2019 Wishbone Offense by Carl Dennis
6/19
PASS BLOCKING - MAN
TE & SE: Run your assigned patterns.
GUARDS: Set up quickly on the LOS andblock the man your lane. He is yours all theway. If uncovered stay in your area andWatch out for a blitzing LB. If no one
comes, help from the inside out.Remember: The shortest distance to the QBis through the Guard-Center (A) gap. So,protect it first, just like a run play.
TACKLES: Same as the Guards. Keep aneye on the LBs in your area and be alert for ablitz.
CTR: Set up quickly and block the man onyou. If uncovered and no one comes intoyour area stay home and help protect the A-gaps.
FB: Sprint to weakside and block the 1st
rusher that shows outside the WT. Expecthelp from the HB if he is not in a pattern.
WSHB: Sprint to weakside and help FBblock the 1st rusher outside the WT. Aim athis outside jersey number and try to hookhim to the inside. If two rushers show the FBtakes the 1st one and you have the 2nd.
SSHB: Take one play action step toward theFBs near foot then turn back to thestrongside with your butt pointed at the QBslaunch point. Your primary job is to blockthe fastest most dangerous rusher to show
from the Center out (usually the DE). Beprepared to help block anywhere on theweakside.
QB: All of our drop back passes are threestep drops. When you receive the snap fromCenter you immediately bring the ball up toyour numbers and sprint to the area directlybehind the weak side Guard-Tackle gap.That is your launch point for throwing theball. If no receiver is open, RUN outside theFB and WSHBs blocks on the outsiderusher.
Coaching Points: The pass protectionresponsibilities are identified by odd andeven numbers. Odd is pass blocking to theleft of Center, and Even is to the right.
Rule of Thumb The Fullback alwaysblocks to the Splitend side unless assigned toa specific pattern.
To keep them from getting too high on theirblocks, make them keep their eyes on thebottom of the defenders face mask.
50/60 Blocking
70/80 Blocking
90 Blocking
8/7/2019 Wishbone Offense by Carl Dennis
7/19
MOTION RULES
On occasion a play will require a runningback 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
speed.
RIP is motion to the RIGHT at
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) andproceed 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 besent 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
2
4
Liz
4
2
Rip
8/7/2019 Wishbone Offense by Carl Dennis
8/19
MOTION RULES
On the majority of our playsthe only offensive player togo in motion is the number4 running back..
Regardless of his alignmentwithin the formation calledthe direction of motion isdesignated by the followingcalls:
LIZ is motion to theLEFT at speed.
RIP is motion to theRIGHT at speed.
LAZER is motion tothe LEFT at full speed.
ROCKET is motion tothe RIGHT at full speed.
If any of the other runningbacks are to be sent inmotion their number (2 or3) will be designated first.For example:
20 RIP or 30 LAZER
Example Plays Call w/Motion:
WING RIGHTLIZ28 TOSS
Li
z
Ri
p
8/7/2019 Wishbone Offense by Carl Dennis
9/19
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 atleast 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 CNTRon your wasto the ILB.
CTR: Block defender in your shoulder-to-shoulder area. If uncovered, block thebackside linebacker through the play sideA-gap. You MUST protect the backsideA-Gap 1st.
BSG: Pull and lead through the hole.You have the OLB or the 1st LB to showfrom the inside. Have aggressive eyesand find him on your 1st step.
BST: Cheat on your split from BSG andseal block the A-B gap area. If no onecomes get down field and block the ballcarriers running lane.
TE: Block the 1st defender to the insideon or off the LOS. If a man is on the PSTdouble team him. If not, read up to the1st inside LB. Avoid contact with anyoneon you.
FB: Because you are so close to the QByou need to cheat about 6 inches to thebackside so you can get out of his way.On the snap take one step to backside &when the QB clears go down the LOS toplayside and block the 1st defenderoutside the TE, usually the DE. Yourtarget 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 toclear, then cut back to playside. Takeball from and cut INSIDE the FBs block.
QB: Open to playside, give ball toBSHB then run a great roll out pass faketo the backside.
Coaching Points:
1. Can go unbalanced by putting SEon TE side & have him stalkblock the CB. BST & CNTRmust seal the backside A-Gap.
2. Sets up a great play action deeppass to SE on a Fade pattern off astalk block. TE runs a Delaypattern to the Flat area. QB mustdo a great job hiding the ball.
Vs. 53
Vs. 44Stack
8/7/2019 Wishbone Offense by Carl Dennis
10/19
8/7/2019 Wishbone Offense by Carl Dennis
11/19
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 ballcarriers 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 ballto FB then drop back and do a
fake pass.
Coaching Points:
1. If the defensive OLBs, or
the defenders responsible
for pass defense in the flat
area, dont go with the
faking HBs consider playaction off Dive and
throwing to HBs.
2. Can also throw fade pattern
to SE.
Vs. 52
Vs. 44
Stack
8/7/2019 Wishbone Offense by Carl Dennis
12/19
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 BSTposition. IfBSHB: 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
8/7/2019 Wishbone Offense by Carl Dennis
13/19
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 getdownfield 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:
1. 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.
2. PSGs aiming point is the closest
number on the defenders jersey.
3. 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
8/7/2019 Wishbone Offense by Carl Dennis
14/19
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
8/7/2019 Wishbone Offense by Carl Dennis
15/19
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:
1. Can go unbalanced by putting SE
on TE side & have him stalk
block the CB, or run a Scheme
route away from the play.
2. 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. HisMU
ST stayinside the FBs block on the DE.
Vs. 53
Eagle
Vs. 44
Stack
8/7/2019 Wishbone Offense by Carl Dennis
16/19
RUNNING PLAY(S) X Reverse
SE: Take a quick jab step at the man onyou with the outside foot, then turn andrun toward play side. Your aiming pointis 1 yard behind the nearest HBs original
position. He is coming at you, so rununder him, take the toss from the QB andrun fast.
PST: Take two quick steps to the insideas though you were going downfield toblock, then turn back outside, run aroundthe TEs original position and block the1st different color jersey.RememberDONT CLIP! If you cantblock a front jersey number, let him goand block someone else.
PSG: Block anyone in your lane for one
count, then release and block the outsidedefender on play side. Usually the CB.
CTR: Block defender in your shoulder-to-shoulder area. If uncovered, block thebackside linebacker.
BSG: Block your lane. However, ifuncovered get downfield and into theball carriers running lane. Block anyonethat tries to cross your face to make atackle.
BST: Same as BSG.
TE: Release to the inside as for the firstfew steps then turn up field and stalkblock the deep defender. Usually the FS.
FB: Run a good Belly fake off theBSGs 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 tobackside behind the BSHBs originalposition.
QB: Flash fake at the FB, take two stepsand (soft) toss the ball to the SE. Protect
yourself.
Coaching Points:
Timing is everything on this play. Adjustthe SEs split from the BST until he is inthe right position to get the toss.
The SE watches the QBs hands for thetoss. If he doesnthe will fumble theball.
This is a great Red Zone play when a
fumble would still give you good fieldposition.
Vs. 53
Eagle
Vs. 44
Stack
8/7/2019 Wishbone Offense by Carl Dennis
17/19
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:
1. Can go unbalanced by putting SEon 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.
2. Best ran against a team that plays
their defensive Ends head up or to
the inside.
Vs. 53
Vs. 44Stack
8/7/2019 Wishbone Offense by Carl Dennis
18/19
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 onhim 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 agreat roll out fake to the backside.
Coaching Points:
1. SE can stalk block the CB or
block down on the OLB or SS.
DONT CLIP!!! .
2. Best ran against a team that plays
their defensive Ends head up,
inside, or crashing.
Vs. 53
Vs. 44Stack
8/7/2019 Wishbone Offense by Carl Dennis
19/19
DEFINITIONS
MAN BLOCKING: Specific area blocking assignment the linemen in the Run
attack.
DOUBLE-TEAM BLOCK:
When two players on offense are assigned to blockone 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 theE
ndA
ndT
ackle on offense.
KICK-OUT BLOCK: When a player on offense blocks the first defender on his
outside shoulderaway 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 adefender away from a ball carrier.
COMBO BLOCK: When two linemen work together to block a defensive
lineman and a linebacker in tandem alignment.
Top Related