By Aaron Meschuk, Head Football Coach, San Diego Jewish Academy, San Diego Calif.
As a coaching staff we felt that because of the size of our players, we could not just line up and play smash mouth football. By using the Spread Formation, we believe that we could utilize each of the player’s talents while still having an effective running and passing game.
We use motion to confuse a defense and to determine if the defense is either man or zone coverage’s. The following 33/34 Counter, 13/14 Counter plays are a perfect complement for the fast-paced style of 8-man football.
Offensive Alignment
• Wide Receivers: Lined up on the LOS with their inside foot on the line. They split the difference between the sideline and the offensive guard.
• Offensive Guards: 3-point stance with their inside foot aligned with the Center’s heal. The splits are 1 to 2 feet depending on what play is called.
• Center: 3-point stance when snapping the ball.
• Halfback: Aligned 3 yards of the LOS and splitting the difference between the WR and OG.
• Fullback: Aligned 4 yards of the LOS. Inside foot is aligned to the center of the back of the OG.
• Quarterback: Aligned 4 yards from the Center.
RUN PHILOSOPHY
Our run game is a variation of the zone runs that are used in the 11-man game. The only difference is that our blocking is not zone, but rather man blocking. We like to use the counter traps a means to hold the Inside Linebacker and backside Defensive End. Our two basic counter runs are the 33/34 Counter and 13/14 Counter. , DIAGRAM 1: 33 Counter.
DIAGRAM 2: “Rip Motion” 33 Counter.
Player Responsibilities
• Left Offensive Guard: In an even front, blocks down on play-side A-Gap. If the defense aligns in an odd front, then blocks on the Nose Guard.
• Center: In an even front, blocks the backside A-Gap. If the defense aligns in an odd front, he blocks the backside A-Gap to the Defensive End.
• Right Offensive Guard: Pulls and traps the DE.
• Wide Receivers: Blocks the Cornerback. Aim for the CBs inside shoulder and blocks from the inside out.
• Halfback: Aligns to the opposite side of the play. Blocks the outside linebacker.
• Quarterback: After receiving the snap, opens up and hands off to the FB. Must carry the fake out to hold the backside DE.
• Fullback: Aiming point is the outside leg of the OG. After taking the handoff, follow the pulling OG while keying the Inside LB. If the Inside LB fills over the top, he must cutback on the inside should of the LB. Must stay low when running with the ball.
14 COUNTER
This is a great play to complement the 33/34 Counter. If the Inside LB is keying the FB, then you’ll have an advantage because no defensive player is accountable for the QB. ,DIAGRAM 3: 14 Counter.
DIAGRAM 4: “Liz Motion” 14 Counter.
Player Responsibilities
• Left Guard: Pulls and traps the DE.
• Center: In an even front, the Center blocks the backside A Gap. If the defense aligns in an odd front, then he blocks the backside A-Gap to the DE.
• Right Guard: In an even front, he blocks down on the play- side A Gap. If the defense aligns in an odd front, then he blocks the Nose Guard.
• Wide Receivers: Blocks the CB and aims for the CB’s inside shoulder and blocks from the inside out.
• Halfback: Aligns to the opposite side of the play called. Blocks the Outside LB.
• Quarterback: After receiving the snap, opens up and fakes the hand off to the FB. Follows the pulling OG through the B-Gap.
• Fullback: Has an aiming point of the outside leg of the OG. After receiving the fake from the QB, blocks the backside DE.,DIAGRAM 5: Sprint Right Pass 72.
DIAGRAM 6: Sprint Right Pass “Rip Motion” 72.
