By Scott Dieterich, Offensive Coordinator,
Parkview Baptist High School, Baton Rouge, La.
DRAW PLAYS HAVE become a big part of our offense. We’re a 2-slot, option-style offense that doesn’t throw the ball a lot, but our two main passing actions are a 3-step drop and the sprint out. The two main draw plays that we run come directly off those actions.
1. Quarterback Draw Off 3-Step Drop.
2. Halfback Draw Off Sprint-Out Action.
Many coaches don’t run draw plays or believe that draws are only good in a pass-based offense. But a draw play can be very effective under the following conditions:
• It comes off your regular pass action.
• The play is sound even if the defense doesn’t overplay the pass look.
WHY USE DRAW PLAYS
Regardless of how well or how much you throw the ball, draw plays cross up the defense’s normal reaction to a pass read.
There are several other reasons to incorporate draw plays into your offense.
• A running play from a passing look (draw), limits the defense’s aggressiveness.
• They are great “bail-out” calls for tough situations such as third-and-7 or more when you don’t want to throw against a good defense.
• They allow you to get the ball to a specific player.
• Draw plays offer a simple rule for your offensive linemen — “Show pass and kick tail!” On draw plays, simply execute the pass action called with the offensive lineman who’s uncovered going for the nearest linebacker.
• Draws give the ball carrier freedom to run where the opening develops.,QUARTERBACK DRAW
DIAGRAM 1: QB Lead (Iso) Draw.
Play-Side Guard: Pass set on first defensive lineman.
Play-Side Tackle: Pass set on second defensive lineman.
Center, Backside Guard: Combo on the first defensive lineman backside to the first LB backside — may fold this.
Backside Tackle: Pass set on the backside defensive end.
(LINEMEN NOTE:) On all pass sets, show pass for two steps, then take your man where he wants to go.
Fullback: Shuffle toward the play side for two steps, then iso-block the play-side LB.
Receiver Y: Release to show a passing look.
Receiver T: Show-and-go to the first threat outside of the backside DE.
Quarterback: Takes 3-step drop; sells the pass play with arm pumps and footwork. Hits the hole where it opens. Expects the opening to come from the call-side first.
Receiver X, Z: Push the corners as deep as possible, then inside stalk them.
,INSIDE SLOT DRAW PLAY
We usually align or motion to trips to run this draw.
DIAGRAM 2: Sprint Draw to Inside Slot Vs. 4-3.
Offensive Linemen: Attack anything that shows in your gap. If no threat shows, go to the nearest LB. Don’t chase defensive linemen who are out of your gap responsibility. This creates open gaps!
Fullback: Check the blocking from the inside-out on the DE to the call side, or the first thing off the tackle’s butt. Help where needed.
Receiver Y: Drop step 2 steps, settle, wait on the ball and hit the hole where it opens from the near gap to the backside gap.
Receiver T: Usually aligns in trips, release to the first secondary defender.
Quarterback: Show the sprint-out, adjust angle slightly to slip the slot back the ball underneath, continue on sprint-out path and sell.
Receiver X, Y: Push the corner deep, inside stalk.
