Flare control???

RB(s) checks assigned potential blitzer (usually assigned to the LBer least likely to come - either an ILB or OLB). If he comes - block him. If he drops - go out on an assigned route (to help control the other men in the coverage). Flare action is a must to hold the backers close to the line to help open up the zones behind them. AKA: "check/release"!

This was originated by Sid Gillman ("Father of the Modern Pro Passinng Game) with the L.A. Rams in the 1950's! I am a disciple of Sid Gillman, & have been doing this since 1961. If you need to diuscuss it further - feel free to PHONE me at: 804-740-4479 (up till 10 PM/EDT).

PS: This is what Bill Walsh said about use of "flare control" at the AFCA Convention in 2003:


"There should be a better way to protect the passer than we do. One way is to use the “tight end” plus “H” & “RB” as pass protectors. All three of them would check and then release, but you would have a way to pick up eight rushers.

You have eight blockers. You’d have a way to pick up eight people. You have two receivers working against man-to-man coverage. Then as those people checking and then releasing, they would release on patterns that would be open vs. the zone. So you could deal with the zone with your late releases, you could deal with man-to-man with your two best receiving people, but you can protect the passer. Do I suggest that you do that full time? No. But I’d have the ABILITY to do it.”