Line splits with the option

I would widen to three, to create running lanes for the diveback and to widen the read key.

Do you guys think it is possible to actually widen the read key too far out to where it would create a fuzzy read for the QB??

Well what would be the con's of extremely wide splits (bigger than 30 inches)?? I have been talking with the other guys I coach with about how wide we want to have our splits this year and one of them mentioned moving the read too far out. We are leaning toward going with 24 inch splits b/c we have concerns about our line not being able to handle going any wider. Would you guys share your thoughts??

CUI I agree with you. Coach CAmpbell

Yes we actually started working on the point method for the 1st time this week and we had ZERO fumbles the very first time.

How far off the LOS do you guys have your Oline and why??

jOHN,

WHEN WE RAN THE ISV/OSV FROM THE PRO WITH THE "I"BACKS AND BONE, ALWAYS SPLIT AT 2 FT BETWEEN C-G-T AND 2.5 FT FROM T -TE. WHEN ZONE BLOCKING ALWAYS SPLIT FROM 18-24 INCHES.
WE ALWAYS ALIGNED ON THE CENTER'S BELT BUCKLE TO AVOID ALIGNING IN THE NEUTRAL ZONE AND GETTING A CRITICAL PENALTY AT THE WRONG TIME! IF ZONE BLOCKING FOR AN ISZ PLAY WE WOULD CHEAT UP A LITTLE TO INSURE GETTING A GOOD VETICAL PUSH, BUT NOT ENOUGH TO TIP THE DEFENSE! I, PERSONALLY, WOULD NOT CARE FOR LOU'S SCHEME OF HAVING SET STANDARDS FOR ONE SIDE OF THE LINE AND ANOTHER SET FOR THE BACKSIDE AS IN THE EXAMPLE OF SCOOP BLOCKING HE USES, AS TO ME THAT WOULD CREATE A VERY NOTICIBLE TENDENCY. WIDE SPLITS ARE A SPECIAL TACTIC TO ISOLATE A DEFENDER AND PIT YOUR BEST AGAINST THEIR BEST, AND AS LOU SAYS TO WIDEN THE RUNNING LANE. BUT, I ALWAYS WENT BY THE OLD ADAGE: THE WIDER THE SPLIT, THE DEEPER THE PENETRATION. I SAW KEN HATFIELD USE WIDE SPLITS TO RUN THE OPTION AS A SPECIAL GAME PLAN AGAINST FLA STATE ONE NIGHT WHEN MY BOY PLAYED FOR HIM AT CLEMSON AND WAS VERY SUCCESSFUL WITH IT, LOSING BY A COSTLY FUMBLE IN THE WANING MINUTES OF THE GAME AFTER FIGHTING BACK FROM A 10-0 DEFICIT EARLY ON TO TAKE THE LEAD AND WINNING RIGHT UP UNTIL ABOUT 4 MINUTES TO GO IN THE GAME WHEN CHARLIE WARD LED A GREAT COMEBACK DRIVE TO WIN FOR FSU. LOU KNOWS ME WELL ENOUGH TO KNOW I AM CERTAINLY NOT DISSING HIS PHILOSOPHY, JUST OFFERING MY OPINION.

Coach Easton

Three feet splits are appropriate.If a defense will go with you,get wider.But if they get in the gap,three feet is wide enough to stop the penetration.We try to scoop the backside with these splits also.Linemen are in the clipping/chopping zone.It definitely makes the defender being read/unblocked a noticeable key for the QB.

John,

Having run option at the college level, we spread our splits out as far as the DL would go. I am talking about 4 foot splits. if the DL widens with u, its a give. if they line up in the gap, who cares. you have a FB isolated on that DL and u pull.

spreading the DL out can turn a shoulder tackle into an arm tackle - and in that case the offense wins. no DL should tackle your FB in the option series with their arms.

Colerain will split up to 4 ft here in cincinnati. they have a few state championships to prove that it works.


take a chance, u can always close them down.

A Chop Block is cutting a defender below the waist while he is engaged high with another blocker. An example would be your Guard base blocking a 3 tech while your T cuts his knees. The 49ers used to make a living on it until it was outlawed.

COACH LO,

The description of a CHOP BLOCK given by coach above is accurate. It is a very easy way to BREAK SOMEONES BACK! A team that employs dirty tactics still try to use it without getting caught! In my opinion, the first time they are caught using this illegal block should be grounds for the two players performing it to be ejected on the spot! It is that dangerous!

Coach Easton

How do you guys breakdown responsibilities between your Oline coaches? For example when doing Individual tech. and drills in practice does one coach take Centers and Guards and the other take the Tackles??

quote:

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He said he saw all kinds of techniques in college, but very quickly informed me that there is no cutting in the NFL out of respect for each other not wanting to blow another guys knees!

Coach Easton

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Tell that to the Broncos.