One Back Help

Joe Gibbs gave me this suggestion in 1981 - when I was switching from a PRO-I to the ONEBACK. Line up the same as Pro-I EXCEPT put your FB (OR another TE) either 1 yd outside the OT on the split end side, OR 1 yd outside the TE (OFF the ball in both cases, of course). Here is his advice (I've been using it ever since):

The easiest approach — and the logical one — is to think of the set-up as you would the "I". But, now you have the "I" fullback up near the L.O.S. on either side, and he is called the "H" back.

Much of your motion comes from moving your "H" from one side to the other. The movement creates problems for the defense in that they must determine how to support the corner of the defense and at the same time account for coverage on each receiver.

By being close to the L.O.S., the "H" back has a higher percentage block than your ordinary "I" fullback would have. At the same time, the "H" position allows a quicker release if he is to be a receiver. Of course, he is not the running threat that your "I" fullback would present, but most "I" teams do not run the fullback as a feature anyway. In addition, you do not have the versatility (of having strength to either side on the snap) that you have in the "I". However, the position close to the L.O.S. does compensate for all of this by being a more effective blocker and receiver as a "H" back (and forces the defense to protect an extra gap). And with the created defensive problems (with movement) as an "H", it more than compensates for the reduced element of surprise. We use our "Counter-Gap" play to keep the defense honest and not over-compensate for the position of the "H" back. A very effective play. (SEE COUNTER-GAP BELOW)

The One-Back concept fits our personnel very well. If we played two backs simultaneously, one would have to do the blocking for the other. When Riggins carried, Joe Washington, who weighs only 180 pounds, would have to block for him. We would rather have one of those backs sitting on the bench resting and have a 250 pound tight end blocking for us.

COUNTER-GAP:

H- Pull and lead through hole (inside LG's block)
LT- seal
LG- Pull and kick out end man on line of scrimmage
C- Gap down
RG- Gap down
RT- Gap down
Y- Gap down
RB - Jab opposite POA & hit downhill. Follow block of LT

Hey Bill,

This will be my 600th post on the forum and it is, without a doubt, very deserving that it go to you. I sincerely thank you for all that you have shared to this point! I have learned a great deal on the many facets of our game that you have posted, and after 40 years of coaching, I am tickled to death to have made your acquaintence here via the net. Your postings on Sid Gillman's methods have changed some ingrained techniques that I have taught for a long time, while at the same time reinforcing others!
What did you think of Rod's performance Monday night, he was tough the whole game wasn't he, albeit in a losing cause? I thought they had pulled it off for sure, if he could have just had the presence of mind to get out along that boundary! But, that clock management was a little off for some reason, and it cost them dearly. Oh well, they have 13 more to go, they will get it right. Thanks again, Bill, for your shared knowledge!

JC

Oneback,

Something you could help me with is how to call the motions/shifts for the H back and terminology to designate the type of block at the POA.

Also are you familiar with the new set that I first saw from the Panthers (that sort of a reverse wishbone for lack of a better term)where you have a tailback and two other backs in the backfield?

Gage 22 - I am having a problem with my HOTMAIL that I am trying to work out. FOR NOW - shoot me any questions on this site.
Bill

J.C. - thanks!

Rod did great! The "zebras" cost the Skins a TD & gave Dallas one! FIRST time I ever remember Gibbs' BLASTING the officials in the press. They were HORRENDOUS calls (not even close). Skins deserved to win 24-14!

Bill,

Those refs were absolutely lousy, your right about that! I was hoping Rod would have a breakout year, stay healthy, and help win a Super Bowl! With that game, he has a good start on it. They will get them next time!

JC

SIMPLE RUNNING GAME: (Patterned after Joe Gibbs offense 1981-1992)
1. Inside Zone
2. Outside Zone
3. Counter (G trap & H lead thru)
4. Power (H kick out & G lead thru) = SAME BALL HANDLING AS COUNTER.
5. H or Z Reverse (off Inside Zone Sweep)
6. Toss Sweep

That is ALL except a DRAW PLAY.

Almost EVERY OneBack team uses these. The University of Minnesota does a GREAT job running the ball with the same plays.

ZOOM = a LINE UP OPPOSITE & MOTION INTO THE FORMATION CALL. Example - he would "ZOOM" from in the slot left to a flanker position right (TE side).

ZING would be if he lined up to TE side right & morioned inside left towards a "wing" position..

As to Z MOTIONING from a flanker position right to the slot left - it would be ALSO be a ZOOM.

These are all motions - not shifts. On shifts - align in a PLANNED (not called) Pre-Shift formation & shift to formation called (for a WR to do this would be a POP or SINK.

Another way (depending on the level it maybe easier) is to just us numbers. i.e. H4 tells your H to motion to the 4 hole. It is a natural extension of the numbered hole system and keeps it simple. It prevents players and coaches from having to know a number of different words.

Oneback / Coach MtJoy.....etc

Coaches,
I am a "defensive" guy since forever, but after reading that NFL Insider article back in 1995 (about the 1-back sceme w/ W.Floyd) I was really interested in the problems offenses were evolving to.

Question for you guys, I plan on using this next off-season on studying offense in a great detail, and more specifically the Gillman / Coryell principle of mismatching. What direction can you folks point me in to catch up on this stuff? I plan on purchasing some Martz / Shea playbooks to study. I have to admit, I have learned TREMENDOUSLY from coach Mtjoy's posts....thanks, fellas

if you can, drop me a line at mjbrophy@netexpress.net for your insights into the one-back offense

Hi OneBack...

Sorry I've been out of touch for a while but the wife and I had a beautiful baby girl a couple weeks ago. Add being a new father in with coaching, and teaching full-time... I'm a busy camper!

I just wanted to add that I have some of these video/print resources for the 1-back offense... up for trade to help others.

Miami Offense Erickson VHS
Colorado 1 back (92 & 94) VHS - 2 tapes McCartney and Neuheisel (fair quality)
Russ Grimm - Power Series COOL Clinic VHS
Joe Bugel - Counter Series - Gilman VHS
I also have most of OneBack's descriptions that he can email you of the Gibbs offense running plays in an electronic form with diagrams.

PS. I also recently found a video (4hr) of one of the Redskin's assistants giving a clinic talk on the Gibb's offense on eBay (the guy thinks it is Coach Burns)... it has not arrived yet but it will be available when it does.

I can be emailed at BlackFly73@yahoo.com