By Scott Dietrich, Offensive Coordinator, Parkview Baptist High School, Baton Rouge, La.

OFFENSIVE COACHES ARE always looking for plays where they can gain the most yards while blocking the fewest defenders. An intriguing play that fits that description is the jet sweep.

This offense quickly attacks the defense and is relatively simple to execute. We use jet plays 5 to 8 times a game and have averaged 7 to 8 yards per attempt. It is exceptionally hard to defend when used with the option.

Offensive Philosophy

The jet can easily be blended into any offense by simply getting into a formation that has a wing or a slot position. You can even utilize the jet as your base play and run other plays off it. An ideal formation for incorporating this attack is a 2-slot formation. Many wing-t teams have ditched the buck sweep in favor of the jet.,Executing The Jet

(DIAGRAM 1: This is the base 2-slot formation called Ace.)

The jet sweep is unconventional because it's executed with only 3 players being blocked. The other defenders are simply out of position and out run on the play.

With the ball carrier receiving the handoff at full speed and being closer to the LOS than the linebackers, it often takes only one block for the play to be successful. The focus of your blocking should be on the play-side tackle and the play-side wing back.

,Player Assignments

(DIAGRAM 2: The edge (DE and force) area is the key area to be blocked.)

Offensive Line: Full reach blocking to the play side. Try to get to second level. Don't waste a block on any defensive linemen inside a 5-tech. You will outrun any other DL if the play is timed correctly. Note: The play-side OT is responsible for the defensive end. He may get help from a tight end or halfback, depending on the formation. This is not a tough block!

Play-side HB: Block force. If the force is taken away by formation, then help inside on the LB or DE.

Ball-Side HB: The ball carrier. Begin motion on sound before the snap. Sprint 1 yard behind the quarterback, receive handoff and stretch it until he can go north and south.

Fullback: Fake speed option away. This action sets up the counters.

QB: Secure ball, pivot 180-degrees, gets his back to the defense and make a soft exchange slightly play side. Fake the speed option away.

Play-Side End: Stalk the corner. Use perimeter rules.

Ball-Side End: Cut off the corner.

,Perimeter Blocking Rules

(DIAGRAM 3)

You can run the jet sweep from different formations and even with multiple receiver sets. Here is the simple rule for blocking any perimeter look.

The 1-2-3 Rule: The widest or number 1 receiver blocks the widest defender. The number 2 receiver blocks the second widest defender and so on. This rule will give you a lot of flexibility to run the jet from multiple sets.

Advantages Of Using The Jet

Regardless of your offense, there are many advantages to the jet sweep:

- You can gain yardage without whipping people on the line of scrimmage on every down.
- The ball carrier gets a sprint start while the defense is in the blocks.
- There is great misdirection and play-action potential.
- It allows a team with average speed to pose a real threat to the perimeter.
- It helps to minimize blitzes and stunts inside.
- It's very easy to run and requires very little practice time.
- It can be run out of many formations.