Installing The Jet Series: The Jet Sweep

By Football Freak On October 26, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Installing the Jet Series into your offense, or as your offense, is much easier than
you think. It is a series that can provide an advantage to any offense. Teams with
superior skill players, inferior skill players, a great offensive line, a not-so-great
offensive line–it does not matter. The Jet Series is for any offense that is willing to
commit to it and spend the time installing it correctly.

In order to commit to the Jet, one needs to understand the philosophy of the base
play, the Jet Sweep. The idea behind the Jet Sweep is to give the ball to a ball-
carrier with a running start and get to the edge. A simple blocking scheme, similar
to what an offense may already use in running a toss sweep, is used. It is key to
understand that any defender from the front side 3 technique and back does not
need to be blocked. They cannot make the play. Any play run from the series must
look exactly the same as the Jet Sweep. Many teams will add the Jet Sweep to their
offense and not incorporate it into their system. Keep in mind that the Jet and its
complimentary plays are not trick plays. They are a system and, like any offensive
system, require a commitment. With that said, let’s take a look at the base play.

The Jet Sweep

The entire series begins with the Jet Sweep. Each and every play in the series must
look like the Jet Sweep every time. As such, we must begin with a thorough
understanding of the Jet Sweep. We accomplish that with the Jet Drill (See
Diagram 1).

Diagram 1
Jet Drill--Flip to run to the left

With the Jet Drill, you can rotate players or use bags or cones to represent the
offensive linemen. If you have one, you can roll out the tape with the OL markings
on it. Whatever you choose, it’s important for your backs to have landmarks. Then,
you just work the drill stressing the Coaching Points that are seen below.Every
snap should look the same with emphasis on getting the ball to the perimeter.

Basic Rules and Coaching Points

1. The Jet Series is always run “On 1.” Our cadence is “Color-Number,
Color-Number, Set, Hut”.
2. The Jet back goes in full speed motion on “Set.”
3. The QB must get the ball snapped when the Jet back reaches the outside
leg of the OG.
4. The QB footwork involves a lateral 6” step to the playside A gap and then
a reverse pivot to either 5 or 7 o’clock.
5. The ball is handed to the RB in the playside A gap.
6. Upon receiving the ball, the RB takes a small bucket step to give some
ground and then will continue to the hash, to the numbers, and to the
sideline.
7. The FB takes a small lateral step, allowing the RB to clear, and then runs
the Dive/Trap path right through the center.
8. The QB will fake to the FB and then continue with a boot fake.

The basic rules for blocking the Jet Sweep are the same as they would be for
blocking our Toss Sweep or our Outside Zone play. Any defender inside of the
front side 3-technique cannot make the play, therefore, in some situations we will
pull an uncovered OL to get him in front of the ball carrier (See Diagram 2).
Lineman from the center back will track to the playside. If they are covered and
defender slants to the Jet action, they engage the defender. If the defender slants
away from the Jet action, they can continue their track to the next defender. The
same applies to an uncovered OL; he would continue on track to reach the next
defender.

Diagram 2
Offensive Break Down

A look at offenses of college football.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Auburn Run Game - Counter

The third play I'll be looking at in Auburn's run game is their counter. The counter
for Auburn is less of a stand-alone play and more of a scheme that Malzahn has
found numerous uses for. Once again, I'll reiterate the fact that for the most part
everything Malzahn does is very simple scheme wise, it's his ability to "dress up"
his simple schemes with formations, motion, and tempo that makes his offense so
explosive. The counter scheme is no different than the buck sweep and inverted
veer in the sense that Malzahn relies heavily on numerous formations and motions
to disguise the play, but the counter scheme is also extremely versatile and
Malzahn has numerous variations, all of which he employs pretty consistantly.

Brophy already has a great post explaining the blocking scheme for counter, and
includes a diagram and video clips of the play, so head there for a great
explanation of the blocking rules, technique, and idea behind the play. Therefor my
post will be geared more towards the base play and it's variations and the numerous
formations and motions employed to make this scheme so effective.

Base Counter

Below is a diagram for how Auburn's base counter play looks. Similar to their
inverted veer play (which I'm going to refer to as "Dash" from now on because it's
a much better name and easier to type) the frontside of the line blocks down.
The backside guard is looking to kick out the defensive end, but will log if the end
comes down hard. The H is looking to lead through the hole for the tailback, but
will adjust his course as well if the end crashes. The tailback aligns opposite of the
play and is usually two yards deeper than the QB in order to become a downhill
threat.

Let's go to an actual example. Like on many plays, the tailback #5 Dyer starts out
of the backfield and will motion in.

Once Dyer gets into the backfield we see the actual depth of his alignment,
Auburn's backs align very deep on their counter and power plays and attack
downhill now.

On the snap of the football we will see the right guard pull, along with the H-back
lead while the tailback sets up to attack downhill. I've highlighted the targeted
defensive end.

Here we see how well the left side of the offensive line does at securing their down
blocks and beginning to build a wall of bodies. The pulling guard is set up well to
open the hole for the H-back and tailback to go through.
The guard engages his block as the H-back is heading to block the play side
linebacker.

And finally we see the hole that's been created, even though the pulling guard isn't
able to sustain his block. Dyer is able to make a player in the secondary miss and
this play goes for about 30 yards

Example 2
Here is another example, from a different formation set. Notice the use of another
running back to help pick up the outside linebacker.

The defensive end squeezes with a down block read.

The pulling guard adjusts his path and now logs the end, causing Dyer the tailback
to adjust his path as well.

Dyer ends up dancing too much and pursuit is able to track him down, but overall
an interesting adjustment by using a second running back and a good example of a
defensive end crashing and the pulling guard logging.
Counter II

One of the variations that Auburn runs is to flip the side of the tailback.
Essentially, they counter the counter, which gives defenses another thing to prepare
for with almost no teaching.

Here we see a base alignment for Auburn, except as I stated the tailback aligned
opposite of the H-back.
The tailback takes a downhill course, and attacks the line of scrimmage almost in a
straight line. After taking the hand off he slightly plants on his inside foot and
angles back towards the off tackle hole. We see the pulling guard and H-back
executing the same techniques as the base counter.

Auburn executes well, but are simply outnumbered at the point of attack.
Counter Screen

Here is an interesting wrinkle Auburn showed later that game off of the same
action from above. It's a quick screen to the two receiver side with the exact same
run action.

I was unsure if this was a called screen, or a choice for Newton to make. I'm still
not completely sure, I think there's a big possibility it could be either give to Dyer
or throw the screen. No matter what it is, Dyer's fake is pretty good.
Easy completion, and a nice 5-6 yard gain.

QB Counter

Auburn also makes extensive use of their QB run game off of their counter scheme
as well. They do it in a couple of different ways as well.
 The first QB counter is a very
traditional one that most shotgun teams employing any kind of counter scheme
may make use of. They will have their QB mesh with the tailback and ride him,
after disengaging from the mesh the QB will then become the counter back and
follow the H-back.

QB Counter II

The second kind of QB counter that Auburn runs is actually very similar to "Dash"
in a way and compliments "Dash" well. It also seems to be the preferred choice for
Malzahn.
On this play, the QB rides the tailback once again, except this time the tailback will
be running his sweep path to the side that the play is hitting. The play starts out
very similar to "Dash" in this sense, along with that the DE to the play side is left
unblocked as well. The play starts off almost exactly like "Dash" until the pulling
guard actually engages the unblocked DE and the QB disengages from the mesh
and follows the H-back through the hole.

Once again, the tailback (McCalebb in this instance) starts aligned in the slot and
will motion into the backfield.

Here's a diagram as to what is about to happen, the backfield action is pretty much
the same as it is on the "dash" play. The only difference now being the kick out
block on the defensive end and not the reading of him.
Notice the drastic change in depth of the tailback on this play in order to execute
his job. This depth is used on the QB counter, dash, and buck sweep plays.

As the play starts we see the mesh between Newton and McCalebb and the
blocking up front start to unfold. It's hard not to stress this enough, but Auburn's
offensive line this year was very experienced and very good, and it definitely
shows on almost every play.

Also note the highlighted player. Since South Carolina is in a 3-4 front on this play
the pulling guard is actually looking to kick out an outside linebacker and not a
defensive end with his hand on the ground.
The outside linebacker screams down towards McCalebb who is running his sweep
path creating a chasm in the defense.

Finally, Newton takes care of the rest. This is powerful football at it's best.
Example 2

Here's another example out of a much different set (pardon my drawing, I went a
little nuts on this one.)

Auburn aligns in an end-over set with both tight end and split end on the same side.
Since they do show so much unbalanced this formation is very similar to the one
they run jet sweep out of so much. The flanker to the left would usually be the jet
man and the H-back and tailback make for perfect lead blockers on a jet sweep
play to the right.

Just like the first example, this play is run exactly the same.
An even better view.

The mesh between Newton and Fannin. The blocking scheme develops as it
appears the defensive end is crashing down hard.
The pulling guard is trying to uproot the defensive end, while two unblocked
defenders are over pursuing on Fannin. This sets up Smith the H-back for a nice
lead through and Newton with a great opportunity to attack downhill into a decent
size hole. At first it was hard to decide whether this play was a read or not. I
originally thought Newton may be reading the over hang defenders for give or
keep, but it just doesn't seem likely as I haven't seen him give to a tailback on the
sweep path when the play is run with the counter blocking scheme.

Smith the H-back actually completely misses the hole and goes for a log block,
maybe the crashing defensive end muddied his read? Anyways, Newton is left 1-
on-1 with a defensive back who is much smaller than him and again he takes care
of business. The play would've been almost perfect had Smith led through the hole,
notice the absolute wall that has been constructed on the right side of the screen?
A few things to note since this is the third run scheme I've broken down on
Auburn.

1) Malzahn uses lots of formations.

2x1, 2x2, 2x2 with a TE, 3x1, 3x1 with a TE, 4x1 And unbalanced versions of
almost everything. Auburn is extremely multiple in this sense. While during many
games Malzahn does get into a rhythm with certain formations he usually does a
good job of opening up drives with a new look, or throwing a new look after a big
play.

2) Speaking of big plays, Malzahn loves to turn up the tempo and use his gadget
plays after getting a big first down.

3) Motion, and a decent amount of it. As I've documented Malzahn uses a lot of
motion by his tailbacks to get into the backfield. They run their fair share of jet
sweep as well, along with almost any compliment to the play you can think of.
They also do the standard motions by their receivers, either into the formation or
across the formation.

4) It is all of these things above (combined with experienced personnel at almost

all positions) that allows the Auburn offensive schemes to remain relatively simple
and yet appear to be a complicated piece of art. Auburn's schemes are not
revolutionary, it's the combinations of all the smoke & mirrors listed above that
really has transformed the Auburn offense into one of the most notable ones in all
of football.

Finally, I would hate to be a defensive end playing against this team. Each play is a
different experience. Auburn will kick you out, with an H-back or a pulling guard.
They'll log you or crack you as well with numerous different players. Sometimes
they'll leave you unblocked too. This means you could be on the front side of the
play like in Dash or veer, or on the backside of inside zone.

Not to mention they can still throw the football. In their arsenal are play-action
passes that have the QB setting up in the pocket and also have him moving the
pocket. They throw just enough drop back passes to keep the secondary honest.
And they keep everyone running laterally across the field, but especially those big
boys up front on one of their many screens.

Defensive end's have a hell of a task and it takes one hell of an effort to not be out
of position at any moment in time. It really is amazing to see all the things they can
do to keep defenses on their toes.

Oh. And it also doesn't hurt to have a manchild of a Heisman winning quarterback
either!

Oregon's Inside Zone Series

In honor of tonight's game I figured I would try to throw together something to

maybe look forward to tonight from Chip Kelly and Oregon. I'm going to briefly
discuss Oregon's inside zone and the series that Chip Kelly has built off of it.

Inside Zone

First, we have their base inside zone play. Oregon is much more of a zone team
than Auburn (whom I've covered recently). Oregon runs a lot of zone, both inside
and outside.

Here is a diagram of their base inside zone play (taken specifically from their game
against Stanford this year). LaMichael James, Oregon's star runningback aligns in
the slot to the left and motions across the formation and into the backfield.
Stanford is aligned in an even front. Like most of the teams running zone read,
Oregon leaves the right defensive end unblocked and QB Darron Thomas reads
him for either give or keep. Oregon will also have their #3 run a bubble route
which is always an option for Thomas to throw to if he pulls.
Zone Bubble

The next play in the series is the bubble off of the inside zone action. While
Thomas (QB) usually has the option to mesh with the tailback on the zone and run
the play from there, he also is afforded the option to simply catch the snap and
throw. I'm assuming this comes from a pre-snap read and determining if the trips
side of the formation has leverage. Below we see an advantageous alignment
which allows Thomas to throw the bubble immediately after catching the snap. The
rest of the offense (o-line and tailback still execute the zone play as called.)
Bubble Now

For inside zone plays with two receivers aligned on the backside Chip Kelly will
replace a bubble by #3 with a now screen by #1. On this play Thomas will ride
James the tailback on his read, and make his decision from there. On this play
specifically Thomas notices the NB creeping into the box before the snap and
committing to the run after the snap. Thomas fully rides James and upon
disconnect immediately throws the Now screen out to the #1. The offense clearly
has leverage on the outside with the ability of the #2 receiver to block the CB and
the NB having abandoned coverage responsibilities.

Bubble-Slant

Off of the zone bubble concept Oregon will throw a play-action bubble/slant series
to take advtange of corners and safety's who jumping the bubble. Thomas will
quickly ride the tailback then shoulder pump to the bubble and hit one of the slants
behind it. Very simple stuff.
Bubble-Go

The final play in the series is just the next step from the bubble-slant concept.
However, instead of throwing a slant after shoulder pump to the bubble Thomas
will look to hit the #2 who has run a seam route past the creeping safety. The
outside receiver will either run a slant or a curl and is also another option if the
safety stays high and runs with the seam.
Now Oregon isn't the only team to run these series of plays, I saw Michigan on
more than a few occasions this year utilize these. Oregon's big impact comes from
the fact that they go fast...really fast. Along with that they line up and go from
sideline to sideline across the field, getting defenders moving. During a few series
alone Oregon would simply go from inside zone, to bubble, to screen, to bubble the
other way, to inside zone. It appears to me that for the most part Oregon is
definitely more uptempo than Auburn, yet like Auburn is still relatively simple
scheme wise. They execute well and do this at a fast paced.

All I know is I am excited for tonight. Hopefully it's a great game and both
offenses show some new things.

Showing posts with label Oregon. Show all posts

Showing posts with label Oregon. Show all posts

Thursday, January 13, 2011

How Not To Run The Option - By: Darron Thomas

One of the things that has left the football blogosphere a little bewildered were the
expansive use of new sets by Oregon during the BCS National Championship this
past Monday.It was highly suspected that both Chip Kelly of Oregon and Gus
Malzahn would have some new tricks up their sleeve seeing that they had over a
month for preparation. However, Kelly's use of so much new "stuff" at the
beginning of the game would have one wonder whether he tried too much, or
whether his QB was just not coached up enough on some of the new looks.

Oregon QB Darron Thomas looked specifically uncomfortable and befuddled

running a few different option plays towards the beginning of the game.

Inside Zone Triple Option

The first was actually the second play of the game. Oregon aligned with an H-back
and tailback in the backfield, two receivers to the left, and one to the right. Before
the snap the slot to the left will motion into the backfield.

On the snap the motion man will become the dive back on the inside zone portion
of this triple option play. I've highlighted the hand off key that Thomas will be
reading. The H-back will release to block the force defender, and the set tailback
will become the pitch man on the triple option play.

Here we see the end zone view.

The defensive end will come down the line of scrimmage during the mesh and
Thomas will make the correct decision and pull.

At this point in time Oregon has the numbers and Thomas needs to be attacking
down hill.

Thomas actually has a clear lane and if he accelerates should be able to at least get
a first down. He needs to get up the field now.
Instead, Thomas takes a left turn and begins running towards the sideline.

Now Thomas has taken a wrong turn, and is only going to make it worse when he
attempts a free throw over the Auburn's defenders head to get the ball to
LaMichael James.

The play ends horribly for Oregon, when it should have been a first down.
Lessons Learned:
1 - Take what the defense gives you, Thomas should have had a first down.
2 - Don't pitch unless you absolutely have to and should, neither of which Thomas
was forced to do on this play.

The Shovel Option

A play that was made popular by Urban Meyer and Dan Mullen at Utah and
Florida, and has been adopted by numerous spread offenses across the country is
the shovel option. It can be run as either a double or triple option and is
characterized by a back running laterally down the line of scrimmage and the QB
forcing the defensive end to play contain and tackle the QB or sit tight and tackle
the trailing running back who could receive the pitch.

Oregon lines up with a bunch set to the right. Before the snap James the tailback
will motion out of the backfield and past the bunch.
On the snap of the ball Thomas will run laterally to his left, hoping to draw the
attention of the defensive end. The right guard will pull and lead on the play and
the #3 man of the bunch will become the pitch man.

I have highlighted the flat footed defensive end, as we notice the pulling guard
leading the play and the pitch man trailing the play. Thomas needs to keep moving
laterally as the defensive end has not committed to either him or the pitch man.
Here we see Thomas prematurely pitches the ball while the defender, who he is
supposed to be reading is sitting and waiting. Note the corner back to the play side
has fallen down.

Lesson Learned: Thomas should have kept pushing laterally and if the defensive
end did not show an adjustment should have worked to the sideline. At some point
the defensive end would have had to adjust or risk losing contain. It is up to
Thomas to open the hole for his pitch man, not hang him out to dry like he did in
this instance.

Outside Zone Read

The final play I will look at was another interesting new look for Oregon. In the set
below Oregon aligns with a dual H-back look in the backfield. Before the snap of
the ball the slot to the left will come in motion and become the hand off man for
the zone read play.

Here we see at the snap of the ball, the defensive end towards the top of the screen
will be left unblocked and will be the hand off key. Both H-backs will go opposite
the play and look to seal the backside for a QB keep (and help set up the two naked
pass plays Oregon will run later.) Note that the defensive end will have to come
down pretty hard in order to tackle the running back who has built up some
momentum from coming in motion.

Here we see after the snap that the defensive end has gained depth and has put
himself in a position to make the tackle on Thomas who has kept the ball. James
most likely would have been able to make something out of the play as it appears
Oregon is pretty well manned up on the front side of the play. And while Thomas
would not be tackled by the defensive end, he would not make anything of the
play.

Lesson Learned: When in doubt give the football.

Darron Thomas looked uncomfortable running the option during the National
Championship game. I can only assume so much, but it would appear that Thomas
did not have as much time practicing these plays as maybe he should have. If that
was the case then only that can be put on Chip Kelly, but for all I know Thomas
could have been executing at a high level in practice and the National
Championship could have been an oddity for him.

On the shovel option play particularly I would blame Kelly, only because I feel the
threat of the shovel being a true triple option by adding a dip pitch back could have
opened up the play more than it was and would not have placed as much pressure
on Thomas.

Overall, we can speculate to all hell, the fact of the matter is that Darron Thomas
has shown us how not to run the option...and just so happened to do it on the
biggest stage of college sports.

Posted by Ten % at 8:11 PM 2 comments

Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook

Labels: Chip Kelly, option, Oregon

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

BCS Championship - Oregon's New Looks

Chip Kelly and Oregon unveiled a few new looks for the BCS Championship
Game this past monday night. It definitely appears as though these new looks may
be a glimpse into part of the base Oregon that Kelly and the Ducks will operate out
of next season. With Kelly being one of the big innovators currently of the spread
offense in college football (along with his counter part Guz Malzahn) it appears as
though he is looking for more ways to use misdirection and the option while also
involving the numerous athletes he has at his disposal.

No pictures yet, only diagrams.

The first look Oregon took to the field with was a two-back look with one being an
H-back, very similar to some of Auburn's standard sets. Before the snap they
motioned the slot into the backfield, who eventually becomes the dive back on the
inside zone read. The H-back releases outside to block the force player, and the set
tailback becomes the pitchman. In all reality this isn't something that's completely
out of left field. Other teams have been motioning backs into the backfield and
running zone read already.
They also showed the exact same play, they just moved the H-back to other side of
the formation. This play appeared to be more of a double option than the first time
they ran it, with the dive being simple a flash fake. I could be wrong or it could've
been the comfort level of the QB and RB working the mesh.

Off of the same look as the first play, they ran a direct isolation play with the H-
back leading through the interior of the line and the motion man taking the hand
off.
Another look they showed was motioning James the tailback out of the backfield,
creating an interior bunch with a flanker look. On the second play of the game they
threw a spacing concept to the backside receiver out of this formation. Shortly after
they would run a shovel option play using the #3 of the bunch as the pitch man.
They ran shovel a few times that night.

Another prominent new look was a dual H-back look they used a few times. The
first time they ran it they motioned the slot into the backfield and ran what could
be considered an outside zone or jet sweep read. Thomas (QB) ended up keeping
on this play, but wasn't really able to do much. The dual H-backs lead opposite of
the play, apparently to seal backside if the QB were to keep it.

Off of this play they executed a few different pass plays. They ran two different
naked plays away from the jet motion. The naked was set up nicely because of the
dual h-back's flowing opposite on the original play.
Finally, Oregon scored a touchdown throwing a screen to the RB away from boot
action.

In all honesty, I really don't think any of this stuff was revolutionary. Bits and
pieces of what Kelly was doing Monday night have already been done by the likes
of Urban Meyer, Dan Mullen, Rich Rodriguez, Tony Demeo and more. The thing
that excites me as a lover of offense is the fact that I think Kelly was barely
skimming the surface of possibilities. Kelly now has an entire offseason to tinker
with these ideas and take his offense in an even more expansive direction, tailoring
it to the fact that he will literally have a stable of runningbacks next year.

I definitely expect more dedication by Kelly to an actual option game (Thomas

looked very hesitant pitching the ball). Along with that I would expect more
formations and looks involving three backs in the backfield using motion to
achieve this, but also out of set looks.

I think Kelly will also need to add some true counters in order for these kinds of
looks to be as effective as they can be. Much like Malzahn at Auburn I think Kelly
is reaching the point of combining the misdirection of the wing-t, with option, from
both spread and condensed sets. Combine that with the break neck speed they (can)
play with and the it now appears that Kelly is only starting to figure out what he
can really do.

More than anything I'm just excited to see what comes.

Posted by Ten % at 8:50 AM 2 comments

Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook

Labels: Chip Kelly, option, Oregon, pass game, run game

Monday, January 10, 2011

Oregon's Inside Zone Series

In honor of tonight's game I figured I would try to throw together something to

maybe look forward to tonight from Chip Kelly and Oregon. I'm going to briefly
discuss Oregon's inside zone and the series that Chip Kelly has built off of it.

Inside Zone

First, we have their base inside zone play. Oregon is much more of a zone team
than Auburn (whom I've covered recently). Oregon runs a lot of zone, both inside
and outside.
Here is a diagram of their base inside zone play (taken specifically from their game
against Stanford this year). LaMichael James, Oregon's star runningback aligns in
the slot to the left and motions across the formation and into the backfield.
Stanford is aligned in an even front. Like most of the teams running zone read,
Oregon leaves the right defensive end unblocked and QB Darron Thomas reads
him for either give or keep. Oregon will also have their #3 run a bubble route
which is always an option for Thomas to throw to if he pulls.

Zone Bubble

The next play in the series is the bubble off of the inside zone action. While
Thomas (QB) usually has the option to mesh with the tailback on the zone and run
the play from there, he also is afforded the option to simply catch the snap and
throw. I'm assuming this comes from a pre-snap read and determining if the trips
side of the formation has leverage. Below we see an advantageous alignment
which allows Thomas to throw the bubble immediately after catching the snap. The
rest of the offense (o-line and tailback still execute the zone play as called.)
Bubble Now

For inside zone plays with two receivers aligned on the backside Chip Kelly will
replace a bubble by #3 with a now screen by #1. On this play Thomas will ride
James the tailback on his read, and make his decision from there. On this play
specifically Thomas notices the NB creeping into the box before the snap and
committing to the run after the snap. Thomas fully rides James and upon
disconnect immediately throws the Now screen out to the #1. The offense clearly
has leverage on the outside with the ability of the #2 receiver to block the CB and
the NB having abandoned coverage responsibilities.
Bubble-Slant

Off of the zone bubble concept Oregon will throw a play-action bubble/slant series
to take advtange of corners and safety's who jumping the bubble. Thomas will
quickly ride the tailback then shoulder pump to the bubble and hit one of the slants
behind it. Very simple stuff.

Bubble-Go
The final play in the series is just the next step from the bubble-slant concept.
However, instead of throwing a slant after shoulder pump to the bubble Thomas
will look to hit the #2 who has run a seam route past the creeping safety. The
outside receiver will either run a slant or a curl and is also another option if the
safety stays high and runs with the seam.

Now Oregon isn't the only team to run these series of plays, I saw Michigan on
more than a few occasions this year utilize these. Oregon's big impact comes from
the fact that they go fast...really fast. Along with that they line up and go from
sideline to sideline across the field, getting defenders moving. During a few series
alone Oregon would simply go from inside zone, to bubble, to screen, to bubble the
other way, to inside zone. It appears to me that for the most part Oregon is
definitely more uptempo than Auburn, yet like Auburn is still relatively simple
scheme wise. They execute well and do this at a fast paced.

All I know is I am excited for tonight. Hopefully it's a great game and both
offenses show some new things.

The Diamond Formation - Oklahoma Sooners

The Sooners showed an array of different plays from their use of the diamond
formation, although once again none of it was truly revolutionary. Like the
Cowboys and Horned Frogs they took a formation and ran their base offense from
it. Lets take a look at what they showed against their rivals the Cowboys this year.

Inside Zone

The Sooners showed the same type of inside zone play as the Cowboys with the
right halfback leading and the left halfback cutting off the defensive end pursuit
from the backside.
Inside Zone Cross

The other version of inside zone that the Sooner's showed was a criss-crossing
backfield action. On this particular play which is zone to the left the left halfback
will cross the formation and cut off backside pursuit by the defensive end. The
right halfback will flash fake in front of the QB and run an outside sweep path and
the tailback will run his zone course. This was their most prominent way of
running the inside zone.
This would have bee a good play had the back hit the hole to his right.

Power

The Sooner's also showed a power play. This one is to the right with the right
halfback kicking out the defensive end and the left guard leading through for the
tailback. The left halfback sells his outside fake once again.
Dash Solid?

The final run play from Oklahoma was tough to figure out. I originally thought it
was outside zone just glancing at the backfield action, however after seeing the
blocking scheme upfront it more closely resembles the dash play that TCU ran,
with one key difference. Instead of reading the frontside defensive end Oklahoma
had him blocked by the play side halfback. Since they're blocking him I don't think
we can really call this dash because it's not a read, but I'm not sure what to term it.
The front side of the offensive line down blocks and the play side halfback cuts the
defensive end.
Notice the cut block on the defensive end?
Play Action

Here is the first of three play action passes the Sooner's showed. The split end to
the right will run a dig, with the other running a skinny post it appears. The
backfield action resembles the inside zone crossing series
Jones will eventually hit the dig over the middle, which I've highlighted.
Waggle

This next pass play looks like a basic waggle play, it is off of the inside zone action
with a halfback and tailback faking one way and the opposite halfback sneaking
under the formation into the flat. The halfback in the flat is a bear to cover because
of the inside zone action with him crossing the QB's face to cut the defensive end,
and on this instance running past him and uncovered into the flat. It was hard to tell
which routes the split ends were running because Jones gets rid of the ball pretty
quickly.
Swing

This is similar to the waggle, we have both halfbacks crossing the QB, this time
however we will see the right side of the offensive line release downfield
specifically to help seal the inside backers as Jones looks to dump a quick screen to
the tailback. Along with the right side of the line the left halfback will lead for the
tailback as well.
I'm sure Oklahoma did more out of this formation, as this was only a one game
sample. The same can be said for OSU and TCU as well. A few parting points on
the diamond:

1) It's only a formation.

2) However, with the said I think you can do a TON from this formation, as I've
noted all three teams really didn't do anything outside of the box of what they
would normally do on offense out of this formation.

3) I think this formation will get some more use this coming season from more
college teams and I'll be interested to see some more misdirection run plays, and
see what teams that do more gap-scheme blocking do in the running game.

4) I think you could adapt most offensive ideas to this set, and I think the three
biggest things this formation offers to an offense are the possibility of a deceptive
running game from the shotgun, a power running game from the gun, and the play-
action passes off both of those.
5) Thanks to the poster who asked to see this, I not only was able to check into this
formation but also into what Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and a little of TCU did
this season. So many offenses, so little time.

If anyone ever has a suggestion or would like me to cover something in particular

I'll do my best to research into the different offensive schemes and ideas of the
college football landscape.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

The Diamond Formation - Oklahoma State Cowboys & Texas Christian

University Horned Frogs

As many coaches will tell you, formations are simply that...formations. They are
sets which offenses align in to execute their style and type of offense. One of the
big formation tweaks to grace the college landscape this season was the Diamond
formation, in which a QB aligned in the shotgun with a back behind him, and two
backs flanking each of his side. The formation, which I'm sure has been doodled on
paper by hundreds of coaches, and probably experimented with at lower levels
offers many different options and could provide any style of offense with a new,
and I'll admit fun formation to play around with.

This post came about from a comment on one of my other posts requesting a look
at the Oklahoma State diamond formation. And while I tried looking for as much
information on the Cowboys use of the formation, I was able to find even more
information from both Oklahoma and TCU. So this post will deal with each teams
use of the diamond formation.

Oklahoma State

Inside Zone
The Cowboys align in the diamond and they're going to simply run one of their
base plays, the inside zone to the left. The half back on the right will cut off the
pursuit by the defensive end, and the halfback on the left will lead through for the
tailback.
Inside Zone Motion

On this version of the inside zone the Cowboys once again align in the diamond,
before the snap the left halfback motions over to the right.

The motion halfback will lead through play side on the zone to the right and the
original half back on the right will cut off the backside pursuit of the defensive
end.
Outside Zone

Oklahoma State also showed an outside zone out of this set to one of the half
backs, with the other half back and tail back leading on the play. The halfback will
cross in front of the QB and receive the hand off. This is really no different than
any other shotgun outside zone play except for the ability to get another lead
blocker out in front of the runner with having the tailback.
Inside Zone Play Action

The play action pass that OSU showed was a simple vertical route by the two split
ends, while the backs showed an inside zone action.
Texas Christian University

Dash Keep

One of TCU's featured plays this year was the Dash or inverted veer play (which
I've already covered here). As I stated at the beginning of the post I mentioned that
the diamond is nothing more than a formation to operate YOUR offense out of, and
that is what TCU did by adapting the formation to the dash play.

This particular dash play will feature a read of the highlighted defensive end, the
left guard pulling and leading for the QB and the halfback on the right and tailback
leading for the left halfback should he receiver the hand off.
On the snap of the ball we see the mesh between the QB and RB. We also see the
unblocked defensive end begin making his way up the field.
On this particular play the QB (Dalton) should have given and is quickly
swallowed up by the unblocked defender.
Dash Play Action

This play action pass is highlighted by the two split ends running stutter-go routes
on the outside, which really opens them up. The backfield executes a play action
fake off of the Dash play.
Curl/Flat

This is a simple drop back pass, which seams to be a curl flat route, with the flat
coming from the left halfback.
Outside Zone Read

Here is TCU's version of the outside zone, with a read on the backside defensive
end. They execute it the same as OSU with the tailback and one halfback leading
for the other.
Outside Zone Play Action

Play action pass off of an outside zone fake. We have a dig, post, and wheel by the
left halfback.
Dalton looking to hit the halfback running the wheel up the sideline.
Dash Give

Here's the dash play with a give to the running back on his sweep path with two
lead blockers.
As you can see both OSU and TCU provide a few different looks from the
diamond formation, but play wise it is really nothing new. And that is what most
coaches will tell you, formations are cheap, plays are not. Oklahoma State and
TCU were able to run their base offensive plays from a new look, nothing too
revolutionary about it.

Tomorrow I will post some of the things the Oklahoma Sooners did from their
version of the diamond formation. As interesting as all of the things these teams
are doing are, I think a more daring thing to think about is what could YOUR team
execute from this set? Would it be beneficial to your offense? Does it translate
over well to things you already do. With that being said, I definitely see this as
being something these teams and others will expand off of next year.

ow to Make the Jet Sweep More Effective

By Football Freak On August 29, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Looking at the Jet Sweep, I believe one can increase the chances of success by
utilizing a three-man surface as compared to two. In essence, use formations and
the field to dictate the defensive front to make the jet sweep more effective.

Looking at Diagram 1, we see an offense in a Doubles formation. The jet sweep is

run to the right. Versus a 3-technique and a 5-technique, the OG and OT will
reach, or zone, block each. The Y will look inside for a hard scraping OLB or for a
strong safety but, he can’t account for both.

Diagram 1

Note, when numbering defenders, the 3- and 5-techniques are blocked, the corner
(#3) is blocked, and the Y can account for #4 or #5–but not both–leaving a
defender to disrupt the play.

Now look at Diagram 2 versus the same defense. By using a three-man surface
(introducing a tight end into the formation) and creating an unbalanced formation,
check out the defender count now. With no significant adjustment by the defense,
the offense can now account for the most dangerous defenders and insure the
success of the jet sweep.

Diagram 2
Adapting the idea to Diagram 1 to achieve a similar result, we can tweak the
formation. (See the diagram below.) Bring the X over and compress the Y into a 1
x 1 position off of the OT. This creates the same situation (three-man surface plus
unbalanced) as in Diagram 2. The offense again can account for the most
dangerous defenders and execute the Jet Sweep potentially more effectively than in
Diagram 1.

The Jet Sweep is still an effective play to the two-man side. And, of course, the
entire Jet package can counteract defensive adjustments. But the base play, the Jet
Sweep, is more effective when you create a three-man surface and use an
unbalanced formation.