Changing Formations with Motion

Coach-

I have been a very big believer in the fact at the lower levels, namely high school and below, that motion forces the defense to either show its intentions or check out of what they were doing into something more basic. I use long motion across the formation, short motion, a yo-yo motion where the WR returns to his original spot after getting to the QB, an out motion by a WR, deep motion by a slot, and 3 types of running back motion - all in 7th and 8th grade. I have also started to add the element of shifts with either pre- or post shift motion.

When motioning a receiver, the primary objective they have to remember is to eye the defense and help determine either man or zone cover. Once they see the defensive cover movement they call out man or zone so the QB and O line hear it and the proper progressions can be made.

Lochness -

Where is that post located?

I love the idea of using motion to create extra blockers. Im not as crazy about the motion that is used in the flex formations to positioin a pitch back for the option game. I feel it creates way to many tendancies which alllows the defense to easily figure out where the ball is going. Of course there are many plays that can be ran back against the motion but I am more of an "I" formation guy myself.

Coach, I know this a thread about running the ball, but here's just an example I've seen:

Here's an effective way for an I-form team to get a great opportunity with their best wide out. Line up in I-Right, with your X receiver at a 7-8 yard split. Motion your FB out of the backfield left past the X therefore becoming the widest man. The corner may bump out on the FB, leaving your best WR with a mismatch. Also the FS may slide out with the motion giving you a very good indication of blitz and openinging up a real home run possibility for the X on a post.

(P.S. this can be an effective running set to the right to TE side)

Danny

"MOVEMENT"

MOVEMENT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO OUR TOTAL OFFENSIVE SYSTEM.
THERE ARE SEVERAL REASONS FOR MOVEMENT IN OUR OFFENSE; AMONG
THE MOST PROMINENT REASONS ARE:

1. To create a personnel advantage by creating mis-matches on our Receivers or Backs.
2. To create a personnel advantage by effecting changes in run support and force responsibilities.
3. To create secondary movement in an effort to better enable our Quarterback to recognize coverage.
4. To get our personnel in better position to execute their given assignment.
5. To create problems for the defense in Man under coverages when attempting to hold or bump Receivers at the line of scrimmage.
6. To create an opportunity for indecision, confusion, and/or mis-alignment by the secondary.
7. To cause movement on the part of the Defense in an effort to realign their personnel with the coverage calls and changes and not allow them to set themselves and react to familiar offensive patterns. Make the Defense "play on the move".
8. To force opponents to spend practice time and effort on adjusting to movement patterns rather than improving defensive skills and schemes.
9. To create a visual complexity to the defense, yet be able to run the same basic plays from a variety of looks.