THE MODERN "A" F
THE MODERN "A" FORMATION
ORMATION
A Playbook
A Playbook
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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A
INTRODUCTION:
INTRODUCTION: Taking
Taking the
the “A
“A”
” Train
Train
This is the sequel to a brief paper I wrote in 2004 on one of the most This is the sequel to a brief paper I wrote in 2004 on one of the most
interesting direct-snap offenses I have yet encountered -- the "A" formation interesting direct-snap offenses I have yet encountered -- the "A" formation that Steve Owen
that Steve Owen
invented and coached with the New York Giants from the late invented and coached with the New York Giants from the late 1930's to the early 1950's.
1930's to the early 1950's.
In his 1952 autobiography
In his 1952 autobiography My Kind of My Kind of FootbaFootballll, Coach Owen described how the, Coach Owen described how the A formation came about:
A formation came about:
I had the idea for the A formation from the first time I saw Link I had the idea for the A formation from the first time I saw Link Lyman [a tackle for the Chica
Lyman [a tackle for the Chicago Bears in the go Bears in the 1930's who1930's who
experimented with varying his splits when he lined up on defense] experimented with varying his splits when he lined up on defense] slide off from
slide off from the customary tackle position. the customary tackle position. He showed me He showed me whatwhat line splits could achieve.
line splits could achieve.
I worked out the formation first in 1935 but did not use it until I worked out the formation first in 1935 but did not use it until 1937, against the Redskins in Washington...we finished second in 1937, against the Redskins in Washington...we finished second in '37 and went with the A all the way in '38 to win the world title by '37 and went with the A all the way in '38 to win the world title by defeating Green Bay 23
defeating Green Bay 23-17. -17. But I am not gBut I am not going to claim oing to claim the A didthe A did it all -- we had a bunch of mighty good players, who would have it all -- we had a bunch of mighty good players, who would have been stars in any formation.
been stars in any formation.
My theory behind
My theory behind the A was the A was this: this: I wanted to I wanted to spread withoutspread without losing concentrated attacking power, and yet keep the defense losing concentrated attacking power, and yet keep the defense scattered along a wide front so that it could not jam in on us at scattered along a wide front so that it could not jam in on us at any point.
any point.
To do this I hit on the idea of deploying my line strong to one To do this I hit on the idea of deploying my line strong to one side, and my ba
side, and my backs strong to cks strong to the other side. the other side. So far as So far as I know thisI know this was an original formation.
was an original formation.
In the A, the line shows four men to the right of center and two to In the A, the line shows four men to the right of center and two to the left.
the left. But in the backfield the But in the backfield the weight is to the left of weight is to the left of center,center, with the wingback out
From wingback he moved toward the slot between left half From wingback he moved toward the slot between left half
[quarterback] and fullback, with the timing to arrive there as the [quarterback] and fullback, with the timing to arrive there as the left half spun to
left half spun to make his fakes make his fakes or hand offs. or hand offs. This reverse aloneThis reverse alone made Cuff one of the great backs of football.
made Cuff one of the great backs of football.
When we first experimented with the A we had used the standard When we first experimented with the A we had used the standard single wing, and in practice we called my new system A and the single wing, and in practice we called my new system A and the single wing B.
single wing B. After noting the After noting the possibilities the new possibilities the new formationformation opened up, we thought it should rightly head the alphabet as A, opened up, we thought it should rightly head the alphabet as A, and we forgot about B and the other twenty-four letters as well. and we forgot about B and the other twenty-four letters as well.
Coach Owen added that the “A” formation was also excellent for quick-kicking. Coach Owen added that the “A” formation was also excellent for quick-kicking. (My Kind
(My Kind of Footbaof Footballll - Joe - Joe King, ed.: King, ed.: David McKay, David McKay, New YoNew York, 195rk, 1952.)2.)
Steve Owen's teams were always known for their defense, and were generally Steve Owen's teams were always known for their defense, and were generally composed of two
composed of two-way players. -way players. Both of these faBoth of these facts limited his capacity cts limited his capacity toto explore the outer limits of
explore the outer limits of “A” formation “A” formation football, in my football, in my opinion. opinion. I have takenI have taken his concepts and added some modern passing ideas from the Mouse Davis Run his concepts and added some modern passing ideas from the Mouse Davis Run and Shoot attack, the Hal Mumme Air Raid offense, and from the Bunch Attack and Shoot attack, the Hal Mumme Air Raid offense, and from the Bunch Attack that has been popularized over the past few years by Andrew Coverdale and that has been popularized over the past few years by Andrew Coverdale and Dan Robinson.
Dan Robinson.
The numbering and nomenclature that follow are entirely mine, as are the The numbering and nomenclature that follow are entirely mine, as are the borrowed pass
borrowed pass plays. plays. The runs, The runs, however, are however, are pure Steve pure Steve Owen. Owen. The half-spinThe half-spin series that he introduced confounded defenders all over the NFL, and remains series that he introduced confounded defenders all over the NFL, and remains one of the best
one of the best and most deceptive play and most deceptive play series I have yet encountered. series I have yet encountered. II believe Steve Owen has been seriously overlooked as an offensive innovator, believe Steve Owen has been seriously overlooked as an offensive innovator, and I think it
and I think it is time he received his due for the is time he received his due for the intriguing “A” formation. intriguing “A” formation. II hope that the 16 plays contained in this brief playbook will help in some small hope that the 16 plays contained in this brief playbook will help in some small way to achieve that recognition.
THE “A” FORMATION SYSTEM THE “A” FORMATION SYSTEM
NUMBERING AND PLAY-CALLING NUMBERING AND PLAY-CALLING
The “A” formation numbering and nomenclature systems are listed above. The “A” formation numbering and nomenclature systems are listed above. Both the holes (large numbers across the top) and the backs (small numbers Both the holes (large numbers across the top) and the backs (small numbers beneath the position
beneath the position abbreviation) are numbered. abbreviation) are numbered. Plays are Plays are all called wall called withith three digits:
three digits:
First digit=series First digit=series::
000
000 - Straight series run without mo- Straight series run without motion - ball snapped to tion - ball snapped to FB or BB;FB or BB; 100
100 - Straig- Straight series run with motioht series run with motion - ball snapped to FB or BB.n - ball snapped to FB or BB.
With these two series, the second digit indicates the ball carrier (BB=2, FB=4), With these two series, the second digit indicates the ball carrier (BB=2, FB=4), and the third digit indicates the hole.
and the third digit indicates the hole.
200
PERSONNEL
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTREQUIREMENTSS
Split End:
Split End: This is not a This is not a position for Smurfs -- position for Smurfs -- the “A” formation the “A” formation split end shouldsplit end should have a bit of size and blocking ability, as well as the kind of football quickness have a bit of size and blocking ability, as well as the kind of football quickness that will help him g
that will help him gain separation from main separation from man defenders. an defenders. He will normally splitHe will normally split from the OT by about 10-15 yards (although we can line him up as close as 1 from the OT by about 10-15 yards (although we can line him up as close as 1 yard outside the OT, and can even replace him in that position with a second yard outside the OT, and can even replace him in that position with a second TE).
TE).
Tight End:
Tight End: A prototypical tight end, A prototypical tight end, big, strong and a big, strong and a good blocker with good blocker with hands.hands. Not too many deep pass routes for him, but plenty of angle blocks on linemen Not too many deep pass routes for him, but plenty of angle blocks on linemen and backers in the defensive core.
and backers in the defensive core.
Wingback (
Wingback (1 back)1 back): : Speed kills. Speed kills. This should be This should be the fastest the fastest man on man on your teamyour team who can catch
who can catch a football. a football. I believe fast people can be I believe fast people can be taught how to run taught how to run thethe half-spin sweep well, but
half-spin sweep well, but you can't teach good you can't teach good runners speed. runners speed. Like the SE, Like the SE, thethe WB must be able to block downfield, although he is called on more often to WB must be able to block downfield, although he is called on more often to drive a defender deep, then screen him off from the ball once he reacts up to drive a defender deep, then screen him off from the ball once he reacts up to the run.
the run.
Blocking Back (2 back
Blocking Back (2 back): ): This is a "third guard" who can be taught to catch shortThis is a "third guard" who can be taught to catch short passes in the flats.
passes in the flats. He should love blocking, aHe should love blocking, and especially laying people nd especially laying people outout on blindside trap blocks.
on blindside trap blocks.
Fullback (4
Fullback (4 back): back): The heart The heart and soul and soul of your of your running game. running game. Once defensesOnce defenses unbalance themselves to shut down the half-spin sweep (Play 311, page 18), unbalance themselves to shut down the half-spin sweep (Play 311, page 18), you have to be able to hurt them with traps and dives up the middle to the FB. you have to be able to hurt them with traps and dives up the middle to the FB.
Quarterback (3 back
Quarterback (3 back): ): Very similar to the T-foVery similar to the T-formation QB, with lots rmation QB, with lots of faking,of faking, ball-handling and passing.
ball-handling and passing. If you have a goIf you have a good runner who is also od runner who is also your bestyour best passer, you can play him here -- but if your best and fastest runner can pass a passer, you can play him here -- but if your best and fastest runner can pass a bit, put him in at wingback and install an option pass for him.
bit, put him in at wingback and install an option pass for him.
Outside Tackle:
Outside Tackle: Must be a superior one-on-one Must be a superior one-on-one blocker with quick feet -blocker with quick feet -- out- out on an island with
on an island with lots of running plays lots of running plays coming his way. coming his way. Rarely asked to Rarely asked to blockblock more than one gap over, and no pulling or trapping to speak of.
more than one gap over, and no pulling or trapping to speak of.
Inside T
Inside Tackle: ackle: Should Should be your be your biggest, biggest, strongest strongest lineman. lineman. Limited pulling,Limited pulling, mostly down blocks and cut-offs.
mostly down blocks and cut-offs.
Middle Guard:
Middle Guard: Your premier Your premier puller and puller and trapper. trapper. Should be Should be big abig and strongnd strong enough to serve as the point man in a three-man wedge with IT and C. enough to serve as the point man in a three-man wedge with IT and C.
Center:
Center: Must be steady, willing Must be steady, willing to work hard to to work hard to master the long snap to master the long snap to threethree different backs, and the art of snapping and then blocking either gap or
different backs, and the art of snapping and then blocking either gap or straight ahead.
Quick Gua
Quick Guard: rd: Another good Another good puller, but puller, but mainly domainly down and wn and cut-off blocks. cut-off blocks. ShouldShould be a good one-on-one pass blocker.
be a good one-on-one pass blocker.
Line Splits: The three offensive linemen in the middle of the formation -- the Line Splits: The three offensive linemen in the middle of the formation -- the Center, Middle Guard and Inside Tack
Center, Middle Guard and Inside Tackle -- split "for le -- split "for comfort". comfort". That means theyThat means they line up an inch or two from each other, with the MG and IT lining up their
line up an inch or two from each other, with the MG and IT lining up their helmets on the Center's belt.
helmets on the Center's belt. The Outside Tackle, Quick The Outside Tackle, Quick Guard, and Tight EGuard, and Tight Endnd all line up a y
all line up a yard apart from the ard apart from the man inside them. man inside them. The OT and The OT and QG are alsoQG are also lined up with their helmet even with the Center's belt, but the TE can take a lined up with their helmet even with the Center's belt, but the TE can take a bit more of the ball -- he only needs to make sure he is not in the neutral zone. bit more of the ball -- he only needs to make sure he is not in the neutral zone.
The Wingback lines
The Wingback lines up a yard outside aup a yard outside and a yard behind the TE. nd a yard behind the TE. The BlockingThe Blocking Back lines two feet behind the Quick Guard, with his outside foot behind the Back lines two feet behind the Quick Guard, with his outside foot behind the QG's inside foot.
QG's inside foot. The Fullback is The Fullback is 4.5 yards deep, directly behind the C4.5 yards deep, directly behind the Center;enter; and the Quarterback is 4 yards deep, directly behind the gap between the MG and the Quarterback is 4 yards deep, directly behind the gap between the MG and IT.
and IT.
The only variation I have made on Coach Owen's classic “A” formation is to split The only variation I have made on Coach Owen's classic “A” formation is to split the SE out by
the SE out by 10-15 yards, 10-15 yards, depending on the tactical situation on depending on the tactical situation on the field. the field. II am a strong believer in semi-open formations in football, although I would am a strong believer in semi-open formations in football, although I would consider bringing in a second TE to replace the SE in short yardage or goal line consider bringing in a second TE to replace the SE in short yardage or goal line situations.
THE RUNNING GAME: 000 SERIES THE RUNNING GAME: 000 SERIES
Even though I consider the half-spin series to be the center of the “A” Even though I consider the half-spin series to be the center of the “A”
formation attack, I am starting off with straight series runs without motion by formation attack, I am starting off with straight series runs without motion by the wingback.
the wingback. When conditions are wet, muddy, When conditions are wet, muddy, and/or windy, you and/or windy, you want awant a core offense to
core offense to be able to call be able to call upon. upon. I will show the I will show the same plays with same plays with motionmotion (100 series) starting on page 13.
(100 series) starting on page 13.
Play 024 Play 024::
This is essentially a trick play, but one that the defense is forced to respect by This is essentially a trick play, but one that the defense is forced to respect by the placement of the Blocking Back in the crease between the Center and the placement of the Blocking Back in the crease between the Center and Quick Guard, where he can receive a snap at any moment.
Quick Guard, where he can receive a snap at any moment.
The MG, C and QG need to block the gap directly in front of the BB to make The MG, C and QG need to block the gap directly in front of the BB to make this play w
this play work. ork. The method The method shown is only shown is only one possibility.one possibility.
An excellent "reward" play for linemen, to give them a carry late in the game An excellent "reward" play for linemen, to give them a carry late in the game as thanks for their service in the trenches.
Play 042 Play 042::
Your best power running back behind three down blocks, a kick-out, and three Your best power running back behind three down blocks, a kick-out, and three lead blockers.
lead blockers. The FB starts The FB starts outside for three steps before cutting sharply outside for three steps before cutting sharply intointo the hole.
the hole. The spacing of The spacing of the “A” formatiothe “A” formation line should ensure blocking anglesn line should ensure blocking angles all along the
all along the defensive front. defensive front. We split the SE We split the SE out to widen the defense on out to widen the defense on thethe Split side of the formation, then we run off-tackle with power inside the wide Split side of the formation, then we run off-tackle with power inside the wide defender(s).
defender(s).
If your SE is a good enough receiver to draw coverage from 1.5 or even 2 If your SE is a good enough receiver to draw coverage from 1.5 or even 2 defenders, the off-tackle play inside him will be extremely effective. defenders, the off-tackle play inside him will be extremely effective.
Play 043 Play 043::
A useful counter off
A useful counter off the previous play. the previous play. If the defense starts to If the defense starts to over-adjust toover-adjust to the off-tackle threat, Play 043, an adaptation of the
the off-tackle threat, Play 043, an adaptation of the classic Wing-T tackle trapclassic Wing-T tackle trap (134 C.T.), can really cut a swathe through the defensive interior.
(134 C.T.), can really cut a swathe through the defensive interior.
Play 043 should also be run exactly as diagramed in Play 042, except that the Play 043 should also be run exactly as diagramed in Play 042, except that the Fullback takes a tighter angle to the off-tackle (2) hole, then cuts back sharply Fullback takes a tighter angle to the off-tackle (2) hole, then cuts back sharply and follows the blo
and follows the block of the pulling ck of the pulling Outside Tackle. Outside Tackle. Blocking Back Blocking Back andand Quarterback pick off any defensive leakage back toward the hole, but there Quarterback pick off any defensive leakage back toward the hole, but there probably won't be much -- the off-tackle threat is a strong one.
Play 044 Play 044::
An inside power
An inside power play with little pretense play with little pretense of deception. of deception. The Fullback The Fullback followsfollows the lead blocks of
the lead blocks of the Quarterback and Blocking Bacthe Quarterback and Blocking Back. k. The "middle 3" linemenThe "middle 3" linemen can block it Wedge as illustrated, or Zone.
Play 045 Play 045::
Basic power off-ta
Basic power off-tackle to the Wing ckle to the Wing side of the formation. side of the formation. Middle Guard has theMiddle Guard has the important kick-out block on the EMLOS defender, but there are three down important kick-out block on the EMLOS defender, but there are three down blocks on the playside and three lead blockers (Blocking Back, QB, and Inside blocks on the playside and three lead blockers (Blocking Back, QB, and Inside Tackle) as
Tackle) as well. well. Fullback takes three steps Fullback takes three steps toward the sideline and cuts, toward the sideline and cuts, justjust like Play 042.
THE RUNNING GAME: 100 SERIES THE RUNNING GAME: 100 SERIES
The 00 series plays can and should also be run with the WB going in half-spin The 00 series plays can and should also be run with the WB going in half-spin (30 series) mo
(30 series) motion. tion. This makes it This makes it much harder for the defense to tee much harder for the defense to tee off on theoff on the half-spin series when you do run it.
half-spin series when you do run it.
Play 124 Play 124::
You will often see the middle LB vacate his position and drift toward the Split You will often see the middle LB vacate his position and drift toward the Split side of the forma
Play 142 Play 142::
The advantages gained from running this play with motion may seem minimal, The advantages gained from running this play with motion may seem minimal, since the defense is probably looking at the 1 and 2 holes as your likely point of since the defense is probably looking at the 1 and 2 holes as your likely point of attack once yo
attack once you send the WB in u send the WB in motion. motion. However, I believe in being preparedHowever, I believe in being prepared for unusual defensive alignments and adjustments, and there is no new
for unusual defensive alignments and adjustments, and there is no new teaching involved in running the play this way, so I have included it. teaching involved in running the play this way, so I have included it.
Play 143 Play 143::
You may not end up calling 144 or 143 very often, but again, I have included You may not end up calling 144 or 143 very often, but again, I have included them to demonstrate what you can do with no extra teaching and in case you them to demonstrate what you can do with no extra teaching and in case you are facing special defensive adjustments to motion.
Play 144 Play 144::
Here the WB is in perfect position to add to the power blocking ahead of the Here the WB is in perfect position to add to the power blocking ahead of the FB.
FB. He forms a He forms a “flying wedge” with “flying wedge” with the BB and QB othe BB and QB on the edges of the C-MG-n the edges of the C-MG-ITIT “troika”.
Play 145 Play 145::
The WB’s motion can help turn this straightforward off-tackle run into a The WB’s motion can help turn this straightforward off-tackle run into a misdirection play if the defense is over-reacting to motion.
THE RUNNING GAME: 300 SERIES THE RUNNING GAME: 300 SERIES
The Owen half-spin series from the “A” formation anticipated the "Orbit" sweep The Owen half-spin series from the “A” formation anticipated the "Orbit" sweep by several decades, and was by all accounts a really tough series to slow down, by several decades, and was by all accounts a really tough series to slow down, much less stop.
much less stop.
Play 311 Play 311::
This is the essential
This is the essential threat of the “A” threat of the “A” formation half-spin series. formation half-spin series. In play 311,In play 311, the ball is snapped to the point where the quarterback will be when he the ball is snapped to the point where the quarterback will be when he half-spins, allowing him
spins, allowing him to move forward to move forward and accept the snap in one and accept the snap in one motion. motion. HeHe hands the ball to the wingback, then fakes to the fullback before bootlegging hands the ball to the wingback, then fakes to the fullback before bootlegging away from the sweeping wingback.
away from the sweeping wingback.
The fullback takes a lateral step, as he does with all the plays in this series, to The fullback takes a lateral step, as he does with all the plays in this series, to give the wingback time
give the wingback time to pass in front of to pass in front of him. him. He then gives a gHe then gives a great fake of reat fake of taking the hand-off from the quarterback, and plunges full speed into the line taking the hand-off from the quarterback, and plunges full speed into the line ahead of him,
ahead of him, looking to alooking to attract as many defenders as ttract as many defenders as possible with his fake. possible with his fake. If If he is tackled at
he is tackled at the LOS, he is doing the LOS, he is doing his job. his job. The wingback takes The wingback takes the hand-off the hand-off and heads for the
and heads for the hash marks, numbers, hash marks, numbers, and sidelines. and sidelines. This is a wide This is a wide play, andplay, and speed matters.
Play 312 Play 312::
Slight deception regarding the point of attack, although the EMLOS defender Slight deception regarding the point of attack, although the EMLOS defender may not think
may not think it slight. it slight. After a steady diet oAfter a steady diet of hooking him inside f hooking him inside on Play 311,on Play 311, he now gets kicked out and the cavalcade of blockers heads downfield inside of he now gets kicked out and the cavalcade of blockers heads downfield inside of him.
him. Easy to Easy to get defenders get defenders overshooting the overshooting the POA on POA on this play. this play. Call it when Call it when thethe defense starts bringing the EMLOS defender hard upfield to cut off the 311
defense starts bringing the EMLOS defender hard upfield to cut off the 311 sweep.
Play 336 Play 336::
The QB bootleg
The QB bootleg off the half-spin aoff the half-spin action. ction. It provides the vital third threat thatIt provides the vital third threat that makes the half-spin
makes the half-spin series go. series go. Defenses cannot load up to Defenses cannot load up to the sweep side or inthe sweep side or in the middle, or else the
the middle, or else the bootleg will break them. bootleg will break them. MG pulls and tries to hook MG pulls and tries to hook thethe EMLOS defender to the
EMLOS defender to the Wing side of Wing side of the formation. the formation. BB slides out through theBB slides out through the line and into the Wing side flat, while TE cuts to the Corner after faking an line and into the Wing side flat, while TE cuts to the Corner after faking an inside block -- the
inside block -- the cut should take place cut should take place at about +5 yards. at about +5 yards. SE runs a ShaSE runs a Shallowllow Cross, while WB turns his Swing route into a deep Wheel, and can become a Cross, while WB turns his Swing route into a deep Wheel, and can become a "transcontinental" throwback possibility for
"transcontinental" throwback possibility for the QB. the QB. The QB should look The QB should look at theat the BB first -- if he is open, throw the ball; if he is covered, throw it to TE if you BB first -- if he is open, throw the ball; if he is covered, throw it to TE if you are being pressured, or run if
are being pressured, or run if you are not. you are not. The QB’s path wThe QB’s path will probably beill probably be wider than diagramed -- he must get around the EMLOS defender if this play is wider than diagramed -- he must get around the EMLOS defender if this play is going to work.
Play 343 Play 343::
The inside complement to
The inside complement to the outside threat posed by the outside threat posed by Play 311. Play 311. We will trapWe will trap the first DL to the Wing side of the Center, with the Fullback taking the ball the first DL to the Wing side of the Center, with the Fullback taking the ball inside the trap block of the MG.
Play 344 Play 344::
A counter trap to the fullback, Play 344 will gain yards after the defense starts A counter trap to the fullback, Play 344 will gain yards after the defense starts to adjust to the 311/
to adjust to the 311/343 portion of the series. 343 portion of the series. This play is a good waThis play is a good way to hity to hit off-tackle to the Wing side with deception -- you can count on a number of off-tackle to the Wing side with deception -- you can count on a number of defenders following the motion back, while others will be planted in the defenders following the motion back, while others will be planted in the middle waiting for the
middle waiting for the quick trap to the fquick trap to the fullback. ullback. Play 344 Play 344 serves almost as aserves almost as a Counter Gap play once you establish the first two running plays in the series. Counter Gap play once you establish the first two running plays in the series.
THE PASSING GAME: 200 SERIES THE PASSING GAME: 200 SERIES
201
201 ChoicChoicee::
Choice is a classic Run and Shoot route package adapted to the modern “A” Choice is a classic Run and Shoot route package adapted to the modern “A” formation.
formation. The other receivers clear out The other receivers clear out for SE, who for SE, who runs a route based oruns a route based onn how the cornerback plays him:
how the cornerback plays him:
If the corner plays inside leverage, run a Speed Out at +5 yards; If the corner plays inside leverage, run a Speed Out at +5 yards; if the corner presses, run the Fade route;
202
202 StiStick:ck:
A great ball-control route package, but with a very effective deep shot built in. A great ball-control route package, but with a very effective deep shot built in. BB runs a quick Shoot at +1 yard deep, looking for the ball as soon as he breaks BB runs a quick Shoot at +1 yard deep, looking for the ball as soon as he breaks outside; TE runs a Stick, breaking outside at +6, while WB runs a landmark Fade outside; TE runs a Stick, breaking outside at +6, while WB runs a landmark Fade that puts him about 16 yards wide of his tackle and at about +10-12 when the that puts him about 16 yards wide of his tackle and at about +10-12 when the ball is
ball is thrown. thrown. SE runs SE runs a quick a quick Post on Post on the backside. the backside. Coverdale and Coverdale and RobinsonRobinson call this “Turn”.
call this “Turn”.
QB is thinking Stick
QB is thinking Stick -- the Shoot pa-- the Shoot pattern becomes a reaction ttern becomes a reaction if the defenderif the defender takes the Stick away.
takes the Stick away.
Zone coverage:
Zone coverage: The flat The flat defender is QB's defender is QB's read. read. If he If he hangs and hangs and takes awatakes away TE'sy TE's Stick, throw the S
Stick, throw the Shoot immediately to hoot immediately to give BB space to run togive BB space to run to. . If he jumps theIf he jumps the Shoot, TE
Shoot, TE will have lots of will have lots of space to makspace to make the catch. e the catch. Hit his downfield numberHit his downfield number with the ball to let him spin and head straight downfield in the same motion. with the ball to let him spin and head straight downfield in the same motion.
Man coverage:
Man coverage: BB's hidden position complicates BB's hidden position complicates his man's job his man's job enormously --enormously --there are too many bodies to run through to cover the quick Shoot with any there are too many bodies to run through to cover the quick Shoot with any reliability.
reliability. Switching won't wSwitching won't work, either -- ork, either -- notice all three notice all three patterns arepatterns are breaking outside,
breaking outside, leaving an inside leaving an inside switcher with nothing switcher with nothing but air to cover. but air to cover. WeWe probably have a speed mismatch somewhere, most likely WB's Fade -- if QB can probably have a speed mismatch somewhere, most likely WB's Fade -- if QB can hold the ball and wait, you can hit a big play.
203
203 SpacSpace:e:
Once you establish 202 Stick as a consistent package, the Wing-side Corner will Once you establish 202 Stick as a consistent package, the Wing-side Corner will start flying wide and deep as soon as he sees the WB release on what looks like start flying wide and deep as soon as he sees the WB release on what looks like his landmark Fade
his landmark Fade from 202. from 202. In 203 SpacIn 203 Space, however, the WB cuts vertical e, however, the WB cuts vertical atat about +4 ya
about +4 yards and curls back inside to rds and curls back inside to look for the balook for the ball. ll. TE runs a shortishTE runs a shortish (+7) Hook
(+7) Hook route. route. Like the WB on Like the WB on his Mini-Curl, the TE his Mini-Curl, the TE will show his numbers towill show his numbers to the QB if he is open.
the QB if he is open.
With the BB’s Shoot route, this gives the QB an easy distribution of three With the BB’s Shoot route, this gives the QB an easy distribution of three
receivers separated by significant amounts of horizontal space, but not so deep receivers separated by significant amounts of horizontal space, but not so deep that he has to
that he has to hold the ball for longhold the ball for long. . The SE will run The SE will run a conditional Slant routea conditional Slant route on the backside -- Slant if the defender is 5 or more yards off you at the
on the backside -- Slant if the defender is 5 or more yards off you at the decision point (about +3 yards), otherwise Fade.
decision point (about +3 yards), otherwise Fade.
The easiest way to read this is from SE to TE to WB to BB, backside to The easiest way to read this is from SE to TE to WB to BB, backside to frontside.
frontside. If you If you have an experienced QB, have an experienced QB, however, especially at however, especially at the HS levelthe HS level or above, you can have him make the WB his object receiver -- look to him first or above, you can have him make the WB his object receiver -- look to him first and throw if
and throw if he’s open. he’s open. Otherwise, if the Otherwise, if the Mini-Curl route is invaded Mini-Curl route is invaded fromfrom outside, look next to BB’s Shoot; if the Mini-Curl is invaded from inside, go to outside, look next to BB’s Shoot; if the Mini-Curl is invaded from inside, go to the TE’s Hook.
the TE’s Hook.
Either way, save this package for situations where the defense is playing a Either way, save this package for situations where the defense is playing a
204 Under: 204 Under:
As much as I like the Bunch Attack of Coaches Andrew Coverdale and Dan As much as I like the Bunch Attack of Coaches Andrew Coverdale and Dan Robinson, I am not a big fan of their Bunch Mesh route package from the “A” Robinson, I am not a big fan of their Bunch Mesh route package from the “A” formation.
formation. To me, the To me, the Whip-Read route by the Whip-Read route by the #1 receiver in the Bunch is just#1 receiver in the Bunch is just not as easy to run or effective when you run it from a tight wing, as from the not as easy to run or effective when you run it from a tight wing, as from the Single Wing or “A” formation.
Single Wing or “A” formation.
However, I like the “Under” tag that Coach Coverdale has developed for the However, I like the “Under” tag that Coach Coverdale has developed for the Mesh package so much that I have made it one of the principal parts of the “A” Mesh package so much that I have made it one of the principal parts of the “A” passing game.
passing game. The TE runs a The TE runs a Corner route and the BB a Corner route and the BB a Shoot route just Shoot route just asas they would for the
they would for the Bunch Mesh package. Bunch Mesh package. However, the SE aHowever, the SE and WB run Shallownd WB run Shallow Cross routes that mesh near the LOS with the WB crossing over the SE to scrape Cross routes that mesh near the LOS with the WB crossing over the SE to scrape off any tight man coverage.
off any tight man coverage.
The QB thus has three receivers in his line of sight at various depths, making The QB thus has three receivers in his line of sight at various depths, making the reads on this play
the reads on this play extremely easy. extremely easy. You can either hold the ball You can either hold the ball and lookand look for the TE deep, dropping down to the BB and SE as necessary; or you can for the TE deep, dropping down to the BB and SE as necessary; or you can prioritize the BB’s Shoot route and come inside to the SE if the Shoot isn’t prioritize the BB’s Shoot route and come inside to the SE if the Shoot isn’t there.
there. The WB becomes The WB becomes an option for the an option for the QB if the defense starts to QB if the defense starts to ignoreignore him.
him.
Finally, you can also tag the SE with anything you want after the defense starts Finally, you can also tag the SE with anything you want after the defense starts to grow accustomed to his S
to grow accustomed to his Shallow Cross -- a Post, Dig, ahallow Cross -- a Post, Dig, anything. nything. You will findYou will find it very easy to get him in one-on-one coverage situations with this route
it very easy to get him in one-on-one coverage situations with this route package.
215 Cross 215 Cross
The next two pass route packages use half-spin motion by the WB, but since I The next two pass route packages use half-spin motion by the WB, but since I do not suggest using aggressive line blocking, they cannot really be classed as do not suggest using aggressive line blocking, they cannot really be classed as play action.
play action. Instead, they operate best Instead, they operate best if the defense is expecting a passif the defense is expecting a pass..
The TE Cross packag
The TE Cross package is an old favorite of Norm Chow’e is an old favorite of Norm Chow’s from his BYU days. s from his BYU days. ItIt gives the QB a triangle read on the SE’s Go route deep, the TE’s Shallow Cross gives the QB a triangle read on the SE’s Go route deep, the TE’s Shallow Cross coming from the backside, and the WB’s Swing route outside and down low. coming from the backside, and the WB’s Swing route outside and down low. The BB should check for a blitz by the ILB or OLB to his side, then release into a The BB should check for a blitz by the ILB or OLB to his side, then release into a Wheel route on the backside of the play to keep the secondary honest.
216
216 FlFloooodd::
The Flood mechanism
The Flood mechanism has been in use for many has been in use for many years by many years by many teams. teams. It givesIt gives the QB three receivers in his line of sight at different depths, and allows him to the QB three receivers in his line of sight at different depths, and allows him to check down
check down quickly and easily. quickly and easily. Because all three receivers sBecause all three receivers start on the tart on the wingwing side of the formation at the snap, this play develops quicker than 204 Under. side of the formation at the snap, this play develops quicker than 204 Under. In addition, the motion by the WB adds an element of misdirection.
In addition, the motion by the WB adds an element of misdirection.
Use of the half-spin motion followed by pass blocking should cause two things Use of the half-spin motion followed by pass blocking should cause two things to happen:
to happen: the linebackers will surge forward at the linebackers will surge forward at the snap, then "bail the snap, then "bail out" deepout" deep when they see the pass-block
when they see the pass-block key from the okey from the offensive line. ffensive line. This in turn shouldThis in turn should allow both the BB and TE to get out into their routes quickly and easily.
allow both the BB and TE to get out into their routes quickly and easily.
The QB should peek at the TE’s Corner route, then come down to the BB and The QB should peek at the TE’s Corner route, then come down to the BB and finally the WB.
finally the WB. The WB’s Swing The WB’s Swing route is also the route is also the QB’s “Q” (QB’s “Q” (quick) route in thisquick) route in this package in case of early defensive pressure.
ATTACKING WITH THE “A” ATTACKING WITH THE “A”
I will address the remarks that follow to two audiences: I will address the remarks that follow to two audiences:
Direct-snap coaches:
Direct-snap coaches: The best way The best way to view the “A” to view the “A” formation is as formation is as Steve OwenSteve Owen designed it -- a formation with the backfield strong in one direction and the designed it -- a formation with the backfield strong in one direction and the line strong in
line strong in another. another. If you If you currently run an unbalanced currently run an unbalanced formation, defensesformation, defenses you face which are comfortable with the idea of shifting one man over to your you face which are comfortable with the idea of shifting one man over to your strong side will show strong schizoid tendencies against the “A” -- which way strong side will show strong schizoid tendencies against the “A” -- which way do they shift?
do they shift? If your formaIf your formation is balanced, the defense will probation is balanced, the defense will probably line upbly line up its middle man over your center, but may not feel comfortable staying aligned its middle man over your center, but may not feel comfortable staying aligned that way for
that way for long. long. In any event, yoIn any event, you will have a psychologicau will have a psychological advantage simplyl advantage simply by coming out and lining up in (or even better, shifting into) the “A”.
by coming out and lining up in (or even better, shifting into) the “A”.
The 000 series will be very familiar to those of you who run a power series in The 000 series will be very familiar to those of you who run a power series in your offense.
your offense. The 100 series aThe 100 series adds the wrinkle of “dds the wrinkle of “half-spin” motion by the Whalf-spin” motion by the WBB to keep defenders honest.
to keep defenders honest. The 300 series, The 300 series, as I have noted before, as I have noted before, is one of theis one of the best and most deceptive ha
best and most deceptive half-spin series I have seen anywhere. lf-spin series I have seen anywhere. It is just aIt is just ass effective as Mark Speckman’s Fly offense, in my opinion, and involves many of effective as Mark Speckman’s Fly offense, in my opinion, and involves many of the same elements -- a motion back threatening a fast sweep; a QB with his the same elements -- a motion back threatening a fast sweep; a QB with his back to the defense “dealing the cards” as backs run by him, then dropping and back to the defense “dealing the cards” as backs run by him, then dropping and either setting up to pass or bootlegging outside, away from the sweep; and a either setting up to pass or bootlegging outside, away from the sweep; and a powerful thrust inside by the FB, who in this attack is your best power runner. powerful thrust inside by the FB, who in this attack is your best power runner.
Finally, the 200 series combines some of the most advanced concepts in the Finally, the 200 series combines some of the most advanced concepts in the modern passing game with the classic “A” formation, along with a split receiver modern passing game with the classic “A” formation, along with a split receiver to try and draw more defenders away from the offensive core than was the to try and draw more defenders away from the offensive core than was the case with Steve Owen’s
case with Steve Owen’s original version. original version. The whole passing The whole passing game is there --game is there --the deep shot, --the ball-control pass, --the action pass with --the QB threatening the deep shot, the ball-control pass, the action pass with the QB threatening both to run and throw the ball, and even a draw play of sorts -- you can run 024 both to run and throw the ball, and even a draw play of sorts -- you can run 024 or 124 with the QB faking a drop-back pass to influence the linebackers.
or 124 with the QB faking a drop-back pass to influence the linebackers.
QB-under-Center coaches:
QB-under-Center coaches: I do not recomI do not recommend the “A” formamend the “A” formation as ation as a “surprise” offense that y
“surprise” offense that you can install to throw ou can install to throw opponents off-guard. opponents off-guard. I thinkI think you would be much better served by trying the single wing instead, if that is you would be much better served by trying the single wing instead, if that is what you are looking for.
