Running the power game

We run what we call "BUCKEYE" because Jim Tressel is who we got it from. If you watched OSU this year they the ran their off-tackle power play more than any other run. You can run from two or one back(with motion). On the play side every one blocks down. If PS TE has a 9 tech he can drive him out, but everyone is looking to block gap inside, looking for double teams. The Frontside LB is accounted for by the backside Gaurd pulling. FB is kicking out on the first man past the TE's down block. The pulling gaurd is following the FB. If FB kicks out Gaurd goes underneath, if FB has to log, gaurd goes outside. The TB takes a lateral step to the callside, gathers his feet and attacks inside leg of OT. He is told to "stay between the cheeks," of pulling gaurd and fullback. This will always take him to the open hole. QB can reverse out or open up to the callside. The center will base a man on and fill if uncovered. BS OT can cut the man over gaurd if Center is covered, and if uncovered, OT can sift the 5 tech to the second level. If you go to www.coachillustrated.com, Tressel has an article explaining "The Off-Tackle Play" as he calls it. We ran it literally 40 times in the state-championship game and rushed for about 400 yards off of "BUCKEYE" and "TOSS." As teams crashed the DE to take on FB, the "TOSS" opened up. They were a great pair for us. I would imagine LOAD OPTION would be even better.

The BLAST play has been a great play for us for a number of years - We originally ran it out of Maryland I with the up back kicking out and the FB and BSG leading through. The pass off of this action was very tough to stop if the Blast was going - the upback ent inside the DE and then into the shallow flat, the TE stepped down on the DT then released on a 12 yard Flag route - the FB took a slightly flat path and logged the DE who was squeezing the down block and kick out. The QB faked the blast and rolled out hiding the ball on his hip as he does on the Blast play. Should be outside contain with 3 options - Deep ball to the TE, short flat pass to the UB or run if both are covered. We have run it with a Wing lately and have the FB kick out and the WB block either inside or out. On the pass play we have the wing pin the DE and the FB runs the flat route. Again your QB should be outside contain with 3 options (Post, Flat, run) This is a great goalline series, especially out of the Maryland I

Coach G
Thanks for the info on your power play. I know you said you are very particular about the crack from the slot/wing player, and I may just not be very smart, but it seems to me that it may be tough to get a good enough crack on the DE to keep him out of the play as you are really blocking him toward the POAttack initially? Our slot player is usually a smaller player. Am I correct in saying that if the slot doesn't dominate the DE (knock him down), you are in trouble? Maybe I am way off. Let me know if this doesn't make sense.

CUI,

I almost forgot!

We have a play-action option off of Power. We call it Deep Option. It is run to the weakside with motion from the strong side to the weakside. Slot gets to the Power crack spot and instead of going after OLB/ILB/MLB, he 'jumps' to a path that takes him into pitch relation with the QB. The FB kicks out the DE/EMOL, the TB fakes Power (TB is now the Dive) and the QB reads first man outside (usually the FS or C).
This works only after establishing sweep and power. And when your QB options the FS and their is nothing but green in front of 'em...... Whoooooa Nelly! - He Could Go All The Waaaayyyyyyy!

- Coach G.

The “Power” Running Game

The “Power” running series, popularized by Joe Gibbs’ Washington Redskins, is still dominant in the NFL and Division I colleges today.

The leading single game rusher in Super Bowl history is Timmy Smith (Redskins) who ran for 204 yards and 2 TD’s in Super Bowl XXII, ALL of it on the “Counter”, which is the key play in the “Power Series”. The third leading single game rusher in Super Bowl history is John Riggins (Redskins) who ran for 166 yards and 1 TD in Super Bowl XVII (in the same offense).

In teaching offensive line play in this series, the following must be stressed:
1. “WHO” (who to block), and
2. “HOW” (how to block)
You must spend as much time on “WHO” as you do on “HOW”, because a poor block on the right man is better than a good block on the wrong man! (Quote from Russ Grimm).

Teaching the “WHO” aspect in the “Power Series”:
The blocking on all 5 plays is constant from ON TACKLE to OFF TACKLE. Only the TE (Y) , HB, & OFF GUARD change men according to the play. Rules for ON TACKLE to OFF TACKLE are as follows (assignments of TE, HB & OFF G will be listed with each play):
A) ON TACKLE & ON GUARD: 1. If inside teammate uncovered – combo with your outside teammate from man on YOU to backside LB. 2. If your inside teammate is covered – combo with him from man on him to backside LB (OR: gap block vs. “solid” look).
B) CENTER: Block first man on LOS away from P.O.A.
C) OFF GUARD: On “Counter” pull & trap EMLOS. On all other plays in the series
pull & turn up thru first daylight to seal playside Lber (if he runs thru trap him).
D) OFF TACKLE: Squeeze B gap and hinge back on pursuit.

Following are the 5 plays in the “Power Series”. Each will be shown vs. an “OVER” (reduced strong) and an “UNDER (reduced weak) look, which constitute about 75% of what you will see on most levels: NOTE: Ball handling & steps for QB & RB = same on all 5 plays!

Diagram #1 = “60 COUNTER”
TE = If the ON TACKLE is covered, down block DE. If the ON TACKLE is uncovered, go thru to the offside LB.
HB = Pull & turn up to seal playside ILB – if he runs thru trap him.
OFF G = Pull & trap EMLOS.

SEE DIAGRAM #1 A&B

Diagram #2 = “60 KIK”
Everything is same as “Counter” EXCEPT: OFF GUARD & HB trade blocks.

SEE DIAGRAM #2 A&B

Diagram #3 = “60 POWER”
Everything is same as “60 Counter” & “60 Kik” EXCEPT:
TE = Block DE wherever he lines up (stops “wrong-shoulder” or “spill” technique).
HB = Block playside ILB.
OFF GUARD = Pull & seal thru first daylight looking inside.

SEE DIAGRAM 3 A&B

Diagram #4 = “40 BIM” (HB ON EMLOS)
Everything is same as “60 Counter”, “60 Kik”, & “60 Power” EXCEPT:
TE = Bluff DE & turn out on OLB.
HB = Block emlos.
OFF GUARD = Same as “60 Power”.
NOTE: This play used almost exclusively vs. a 7 technique that TE can’t block.

SEE DIAGRAM #4 A ONLY

Diagram #5 = “60 POWER-LOAD” (#1 short yardage & goal line play)
Everything is same as “60 Power” EXCEPT:
FLANKER (sub TE) = Block emlos (if ON TACKLE uncovered you & TE combo from DE to offside LB).
HB = Kick out run support.
NOTE: (Off G-HB-RB) play will hit a tad wider.

SEE DIAGRAM #5 A&B

Conclusion: These 5 plays have been drawn from “Double” & “Trips” formations, but can be run from ANY set (1 back or 2 back). Along with the “ZONE SERIES” (inside & outside zones), it gives you a simple & complete running game.

PS - I CAN'T GET DIAGRAMS TO GO THROUGH. THEY CAN BE DRAWN FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS (ABOVE). START WITH 4-3 OVER, & 4-3 UNDER!

Thanks for the explanation.

Against a college 4-3 (Miami) with a 3 and 9 techs to the TE (LB 50 and 00 tech) and 1 and 5 techs (LB 30 tech) to the HB side:

60 Power
1. TE out on 9 tech
2. PSG and PST comb 3 tech to Mike
3. Center blocks 1 tech
4. HB and BSG pull through with lead puller on Sam (50 tech)

60 Counter/KIK
1. TE on Mike
2. PSG and PST comb 3 tech to Mike
3. Center blocks 1 tech
4. HB and BSG trap and block playside LB based upon call.

Versus a pro 4-3 (6-1), everyone gap blocks, unless BIM is called.

Is this correct?

Thanks.

Coach, we have a similar situation in that we run primarily a power game with undersized linemen (not much option though because our QB's are usually comparatively slow). I don't have any secret plan, but the two things I would suggest are (1) try to use as many double teams/combo blocks as possible to retake the weight/strength advantage on the DL at the point of attack, and then work up to the LB's, as opposed to trying to block man for man (this was our coach's failure when I was a senior in high school and we were undersized but strong and quick, but we still single blocked almost everything and went 2-7-1); (2) try to teach your kids to be smarter than the other team by understanding their fronts, slants, and stunts, and teach them schemes that will enable them to utilize their quickness to take the best angles and account for everyone at the point of attack (pulling, cross blocks, fold blocks, etc.).

From a play calling standpoint, you might move away from power and iso toward more counter and trap type plays using all of your backs as ball carriers (FB, TB, QB, SB) to provide some multiplicity. Also, I think you should be able to stick with your option package because your linemen don't have to really knock people off the ball as much as being quick and explosive getting up to LB's. Coach Campbell would be a great resource for talking about the option game.

I know these aren't novel ideas, but I really believe that with a small, but strong and quick offensive line, you can have a very successful power game if you utilize your strength and quickness to get more people than they have to the hole, more quickly and more explosively. I learned this principle when I first started coaching, luckily, at one of the most successful schools in our area, and I've stuck with it until today.

Tobster,

Are you using a covered/uncovered rule looking playside? This rule ends up with your blocks as the PSG looks to combo with PST and not center.

I think the "near ear" rule proposed by Coach Campbell would have the guard combo with the center. Is that right?

It seems the major difference in the two rules, from a blocking standpoint is how to handle inside shade players. The covered/uncovered will result in more horizontal movement as everyone reaches initially (steps playside), sort of like an outside zone, but with a closer landmark.

The "near ear" rule is better for creating vertical seams as linemen will both step to a double-team on a gapped defender.

I would also think that the covered/uncovered rule makes it a bit easier for linemen to get off the combo to the LB because many times their initial steps are towards the LB and not away (step towards the 5 tech with a 30 tech LB over the PSG). In the "near ear" rule the PSG who combos on the 1 tech has to step to A gap, but be ready to redirect to B gap in the opposite direction. I think the footwork and change of direction are harder, especially against an aggressive LB who fills B immediately.

Does anyone have experience with this?

I don't think one technique is better than another. It probably depends upon your team's strengths.

With a big, strong, but relatively less agile offensive line, the near-ear rule probably makes more sense since they will excel at double-teams because of their size. The block on the LB is less critical if they get a good vertical push,

A smaller but more athletic line would probably be better off with the uncovered/covered rule which will create more horizontal seams. Also, it would be possible to incorporate more fold blocking to handle gapped defenders while running inside zone. I think Oneback makes a reference to the older Redskins using fold blocking (called TAG) within their scheme against 3 techs.

What do you think?

REPLY TO CLLEW (post of 6/8/04):

60 Power vs Miami 4-3 (3 & 9 on TE side).

You are correct on everything EXCEPT PSG & PST combo 3 tech. to WILL (not Mike) - build the wall to the backside (PSG would get Mike ONLY if Mike shot A gap - you don't chase Mike). Y gets Mike.

SAMR ON "KIK"

Hope this answers your questions.
Bill

Always tough to have big (especially tall) people keep their back's flat as they step into the blocks. Use chutes (not the real long ones - but the one that allows you to climb the block when you get defender moving back). Also - stress aiming point of THROAT in drive block vs. DLM (eyes take you to this point, which helps keep you low). Start by teaching the basic DRIVE BLOCK with this technique:

BASE DRIVE BLOCK

1. Explode out.
2. Short first step (1/2 way to fingers of down hand; knee rolls over toe – NOT behind).
3. Back flat.
4. Bull neck.
5. Proper aiming point (aim face at throat of DLM; base of #’s of LB). Look the block in.
6. Second step MUST be beyond first step to win. Make contact on second step (most important step). Hit 1 yard through defender.
7. Whip the arms.
8. Blocking surface (drive the elbows inside & make contact with a triangle of hat & hands (thumbs up) to a lockout; contact the short ribs & “lift him out of his socks” on a 45 degree angle with fork lift motion).
9. Shoot the hips (unlock the power).
10. Driving steps.
11. Feet under you – good base.
12. Maintain contact.
13. 2nd & 3rd effort.

QUESTION: When do you whip the defender?
ANSWER: When he tries to escape the block – you come alive and finish (STAY ON BLOCK).


Here are some Joe Bugel Drills that help agility & balance: JOE BUGEL – OFFENSIVE LINE DRILLS (REDSKINS)

“FOUR CORNERS” = Better warm up drill that stretching. For a guy who is stiff – improves feet. Go ¾ speed. Put 4 cones at the corners of a square – 10 yds. apart. Teaches how to run (over exaggerate arm pump) . Go forward-lateral-backward-lateral. RUN to first cone & come under control – SHUFFLE to next cone (with a slight stagger of L foot if going L & R foot if going R) in a bridge position (sit down & bend, with a wide base – bridge neck – keep hands up - be sure to SHUFFLE – not gallop). BACKPEDAL – then SHUFFLE again. NOTE: Your feet can move TOO fast in pass pro).

“SHUFFLE DRILL” (pass pro) = Break down in good “football position” – wide base – don’t worry about speed. Shuffle to lines - 5 yds. – 10 yds. – 5 yds. When changing directions at line - don’t stop & plant to change – keep on balance – keep wide base – don’t gallop or get crossed over.

“STRAIGHT LINE DRILL” (like the Secondary’s “Run the Line” drill) = Straddle line – run backwards – coach waves off & he turns hips keeping eyes on coach. Everything in football is usually below the waist – “you block with your feet”. Teach stiff kid how to turn – break down & stay low, working feet & hips.

“BAG DRILL” = Over the bags – another shuffle drill. Keep hands up – neck in bridge position – back & forth, back & forth, & break. NOTE: How you FINISH any drill is important – put towel 15 yds. downfield & he has to break on ball to towel.

“UP & BACK DRILL” (4 bags in a straight line) = Back-shuffle-forward-shuffle (moving feet) – up & back, up & back. Don’t go 100 MPH – concentrate on moving feet quick - keeping shoulders square – moving in a good “football position”.

“SOFTBALL DRILL” = Used to teach big man to bend at knees – go down & pick up object where you have to use hand & eye coordination to see it (moving target). Use an area with 2 cones 10 yds. apart. Roll softball to farthest point of cone – he runs shuffles laterally & he has to bend knees with both hands down – pick up ball with both hands & throw it to coach. Coach then rolls it to the other farthest point. Direction drill where big guy has to bend & pick it up. GOOD CONDITIONER.

“PUNCH DRILL” = Teaches man how to roll hips, get under target, & deliver blow. Vs. shield, get man in football position – move feet (not a chop) with just bounce movement – step & hit UP – roll hips & hit up thru target. Step & deliver 10 right & 10 left.

“MIRROR DRILL” (pass pro) = Get in perfect fit position with bridge back – service guys grabs rt. arm – blocker sits down & applies pressure (he’s on rt. shoulder). Back & forth a couple of times on a juke – guy tries aggressively to jerk him (doesn’t try to penetrate). Blocker never stops moving feet (doesn’t have to be too fast). “Stack the deck” so offense wins!

“2 MAN BULL SLED DRILL” = Teach how to be explosive. 2 step blow delivery (don’t drive the sled after second step). Parallel stance – frontal position – step – blow delivery. OVER EXAGGERAGE use of fists or heels of hands (with thumbs on top) by taking first directional step & second step is 100% BLOW DELIVERY – throw arms out of sockets on first step (wind up with elbows back for good arm thrust) – second step hit & lift sled up in air.

“TRIANGLE DRILL” = Blocking Lbers (base or cutoff). Use on hand & face on outside number – stay square.

“DRIVE DRILL” = Cutoff drill. Get a perfect fit – drive 10 yds, - stay square.

NOTE: No longer run wind sprints after practice because players will pace themselves. Get the running by: #1 TEAM PERIOD – 40 PLAY SCRIPT – THROWING - line sprints 15 yds. downfield on each pass to cover (like covering punts). #2 “RIGGO DRILL” = 15 plays (40/50 GUT) & RB/Line sprints 30 yds. on each snap. “SELL THE RANCH” during these two drills!!!

Coach Wolverine,

in the running of the traditional power play, the quick(backside) guard either pulls and traps (kicks out) the DE or pulls and leads up in the hole underneath the FB kickout of the DE. What does he do in your scheme? If your looking at a vanilla 52, he is uncovered of course, then he would just go to the second level defender? If looking at a 52 eagle weak, which is what most teams play now days, he would have a 2 tech over him more than likely so he would then just get his head across ? Thanks in advance for your time.

J.C.Easton

Any problems with running power to the open side?

We've used that Pass Set technique on traps too, where the OT has to block a wide player. Our term for it is SUBA... Set Up & Block Away.

I've noticed just about everyone runs the Power with the Back G pulling. We ran it with the PSG kicking out, and the FB leading through the hole.