Best backfield alignment

voslos,

first, let me say that the option is difficult to master. however, once mastered, it can be an explosive and sometimes unstoppable offense. my point is that, at first, one type of backfield alignment should be chosen. let the players get good at it before you add another...just my two cents.

we have had a lot of success with the flexbone (double slot) option offense. the flexbone is our choice because
(1) it looks balanced. once a HB (slotback) goes in motion to be the pitchback, it becomes unbalanced. the challenge is for the defense to get another defender to the unbalanced side.
(2) defense should balance. they don't always balance, but you can always audible to run it to the side where you've got numbers.
(3) all options can be run to both sides. this is a big benefit for us. we rely on running midline, ISV and OSV to either side of our formation at any time.
(4) it provides us with a quality play action game. after putting a HB in motion, we can still use 3 on-the-line receivers in our play action game. this forces the defense to use 3 defenders in pass coverage. therefore, they can only use 8 defenders (4 per side) to defend the option.
(5) by running multiple options to either side and using play action, the flexbone allows us to use the whole field.

the flexbone is what works for us (our option philosophy, the type of kids we get, and the 5 benefits listed above).

kc

kc361,

What is a email address you can be contacted at?

I want to discuss some flexbone material.

Tks.

Voslos- run you offense out of a double slot. You can run jet sweep, midline, and inside veer with this formation. I have done this in the past. I would like to discuss this further.

Coach Nicholson-

I agree. That's why I like the I Formation. No motion, no tendencies.

veeroption70,

Its good to hear from another "I" option guy. Do you run any "traditional" "I" formation plays along withh your option game??

We have used an off set formation in the past and had great success running midline follow out of it. I think the backfield set you choose to run has to depend on what type of plays you want to run in addition to the option game. The main reason I prefer the "I" formation is b/c I love to run the traditional Iso and Off-tackle plays along with the option game. I really love a good mixture of option and power football.

Veer,
What is your base blocking rule up front? We tell our kids as a base rule "In, ON, Linebacker"...meaning, man on inside gap, man on you to linebacker. Our base rule is a "man" blocking scheme but we do use combo's as well.

That game has been Tivo'd... so have about seven other Navy games this season. Actually, I'm watching Air Force play Navy right now. Navy just ran midline out of trips flanker motion. How about that for coincidence, John?

Hey guys:
I've been early to bed and early to rise all week. I saw the Middies run out onto the field with the flag and can't remember another thing (I'm an east coaster). I am not a coach with a bunch of trade stuff(I have a very poor quality/no sound vhs of 05 Army-Navy), so I would gladly send a check for the expense of a vhs/dvd and shipping if someone could burn/record a copy for me. Wife actually saw CSU up 10-7 and I was upset until the DC/Baltimore Fox Sports show showed that little Slotback chewing up the Rams.
Thanks for anything you can do.
Grace Alone,
Greg Bailey
huguenotbible@aim.com

Dear John:
Thanks alot.
Also, I have enjoyed looking at your site. Loved the Army Flexbone playbook, but it made me see just how complicated the game can be.
My address is:
Greg Bailey
3303 John Tree Hill Rd
Powhatan, Va 23139

It will probably be after Xmas before I can grab a new tape and get it in the mail, so only hurry if it is convenient to you.
Grace Alone,
Greg Bailey

PS Where is Jackson. I was born in WV and lived in Charleston and Parkersburg. Seems like you are near the River around Point Pleasant or Ravenswood WV.

Thanks John!!!!

Hey Coach Nicholson:
The tape went out this afternoon. Should be your way in a week. Thanks so much for your kindness. I will let you know when yours arrives.
Grace Alone,
Greg Bailey