On YouthFootballOnline: Combining the SW Beast formation and ZoneRunning

On YouthFootballOnline: Combining the SW Beast formation and ZoneRunning

Tuesday, June 10, 2014 / No Comments

There is nothing new under the Sun.

I am always looking at what is successful for other coaches and their systems. While researching the Single wing offense, I discovered the Beast formation. Immediately, I knew that I wanted to add this to my Tool box. The results are below.

The History

The Beast is a formation rooted in the Single wing offense. Its origin can be traced back to the early 1900’s and Yale University.

The Formation

As with all formations, there are countless nuanced variations. You can run Beast as both a balanced and unbalanced (double beast) alignment. For my purposes, I prefer the unbalanced version. This alignment equates to a Wing systems ‘tackle over’ formation. Due to its straight forward nature, the Beast formation is a GREAT play to utilize personnel.

The Formation is heavily unbalanced with 4 players to the call side of the Center. The backfield will align 1 yd off the line in the C, D, and E gaps for Sweep. For the Wedge, the backfield will align 1 yd off the line in the B, C, and D gaps. The S back will be at a depth of 3.5 yds behind the Center to receive the direct snap for both Sweep and Wedge.

Img 1: Beast Formations

The Purpose

• The Beast formation serve’s two primary purposes for us:
1. Unstoppable Force: No dancing, no music, just a stampede.
• You CAN Zone block and Wedge
2. Present a challenge to the defense: What are they going to do with 7 players to either side of the midline?

The Plays

In our Beast package, we run two plays:

1. Sweep (Perimeter)
1. S Back to the 7 / 8 hole (Read the block of the QB)
2. Wedge (Off-tackle)
1. S back to the 5 / 6 hole (Follow the QB to daylight)

I love my QB as much as anyone. ‘Personnel’ as desired.

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On YouthFootballOnline: Effective Zone Running at the Youth Level

On YouthFootballOnline: Effective Zone Running at the Youth Level

Friday, June 6, 2014 / No Comments

Effective Zone Running 

The Problem

1. How can we create running lanes with or without a superior OL?
2. How can we help young (inexperienced) RB’s get to daylight?

The Solution

1. Zone Blocking (Double teams at the point of attack).
2. Providing the Runner with a Key to Bang/Bend/Bounce.

What exactly is Zone Blocking?

• Zone Blocking is the concept of blocking the play-side half of a defender in a designated area (Zone).
• The Primary responsibility is the Down Lineman (DLM).
• The Secondary responsibility is the 2nd level defender (LB, Safety, Overhang player).

Defining the Zone

• Have your Linemen extend their left arms to 10 o’clock and their right arms to 2 o’clock. This is ‘the Zone’.

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