complimenting with offset I

Coach:

We have always looked at the offset I as "half I, half splitbacks". This means that your halfback should be aligned at the same alignment he would take in the straight I. The fullback should be aligned exactly as he would if he were a splitback. This allows you to run any plays you could normally run out of either set (split or I) out of the offset I. Splitbacks is a fine formation for running inside and outside veer option, and this being the case, you should be okay. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, the "Split Back Veer" is an older offense that a lot of teams used to run. So, if you can get the steps of your QB and RB's down to get your mesh points and pitch relationships, you should be able to run whatever you like.

Other plays that are good from offset I:

Iso (obviously)
Toss Sweep (obviously)
Belly (or "Double Dive" as Wing-Ters call it)
Cross (a bend back, away from the offset FB by the TB. Starts off like ISO)
Counter Trey (away from the offset FB)
FB counter trap (TB fakes Iso to the off tackle hole near the offset FB. FB runs a track directly for the opposite A gap. Run standard FB trap blocking)
Quick Pitch (to your offset FB if he's got wheels. They'll never expect it)
Dive (to your FB or to your HB to the opposite side)
Flanker Reverse (off Iso action towards your offset FB)

I hope this helps.

I think that the offset I is a good formation to run the inside and outside veer from with the exception that our defense will spy on the fullback with an ILB making the dive a difficult thing to accomplish. you will hand off and our LB will meet your FB in the hole for a minimum gain. I just think the offset I provides too much of a key for running the option out of. There has been a similar discussion in the past on the Homer Smith website. Many of the coaches there have suggested that when you offset the FB you can forget running the option.

With all of the popularity of spread/double slot looks for option, a better way to look at it might be to create a double offset look (just picture an inverted wishbone) ... I back ... FBs offset behind each tackle or B gap ... two split ends ... we can trade information to those who are interested. With a double offset look you are real close to a spread look with no side/direction keys for the defense. You can "play" with the depth of the FBs and TB. Dive veer is possible both ways now along with load, lead, speed, a variation of midline, counters .... the possibilities are endless! It puts a lot of pressure on the defense to declare strength, keys are "lost", etc. Email comments/questions to me at demaze4@hotmail.com The only way I could figure out how to diagram it was to put in periods for all the spaces ... otherwise there was no spacing ... sorry!

SE..............................T..G..C..G..T...............................SE
.............................................Q........................................
..................................................................................
.................................FB...............FB.................................
............................................TB......................................

Comments? Concerns? Another great thing about this balanced look is that it opens a lot of potnetial complimentary plays (inside zones, zone stretch, power, jet with late motion, etc.)