In a previous article, I provided the framework for implementing an effective Season plan. Covering all three phases: Offseason (self-scout, system development, staff prep), Season (practice planning, Install order) to the post-season phase (E.O.Y parent & coaches survey’s).
One of my primary goals is to be Multiple on offense. Meaning, to gain advantage via formation and motion. We achieve multiplicity through the alignment of our Surfaces.
The Surface is the alignment of the X, Y & Z players. Each play call begins with the Surface and is completely independent of the OL and Backfield.
By separating the Surface from the backfield, we can minimize teaching overhead and maximize reps per concept. We can teach 1 play: 31 Zone and adjust the Surface with very little teaching.
The Surfaces are taught to X, Y & Z. The OL and Backfield will only learn the actual play e.g. 31 Zone.
Using this system, we can present 9 distinct ‘looks’ to the Defense without a single change for the OL and back. The 10th look, ‘trips’ requires the H back to adjust his alignment.
This ‘mix n match’ format allows us to appear complex but remain simple.
The Language
While the High School and College offenses love their terminology:
Rip/Liz
Reo/Leo
Ram/Lion
R/L
I’ve found this to be unsuitable for younger players. We WILL use the formations, but we will use our own terms.
Our Surfaces begin with a defined ‘base’ and tagged adjustments:
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Left
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Left Spread
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Left Strong
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Left Over
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Left Trips
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Y
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Attached, L
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Detached. Split diff of X and EMOL
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Attached, L
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Attached, L
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Attached, L
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X
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15x1 or 5 yd from sideline
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15x1 or 5 yd from sideline
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15 yd from EMOL or 5 yd from sideline
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Split diff of Z and EMOL
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Split diff of Z and EMOL
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Z
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15 yd from EMOL or 5 yd from sideline
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15 yd from EMOL or 5 yd from sideline
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Split diff of X and EMOL
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15 yd from EMOL or 5 yd from sideline
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15 yd from EMOL or 5 yd from sideline
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H
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3x1 from EMOL
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Personnel
Left
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Left Spread
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Left Strong
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Left Over
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Left Trips
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21 Personnel
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20 Personnel
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21 Personnel
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21 Personnel
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11 Personnel
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Img 1: Base (Left/Right)
:
Img 2: Adjustments (Spread/Strong/Over/Trips)
Play Calling
Our play calls are structured in the following format:
Surface / Backfield / Play / Blocking
Ex. Left 31 Zone, Left Spread 31 Zone, Left Over 31 Zone
*** If a Backfield is not called, we are in our Base pistol alignment
This structured approach to being multiple, allows the offense to match the play (31 Zone) with the best Surface WITHOUT teaching a new play.
Img 3: 31 Zone
It is easy to see the flexibility of teaching one play and being able to provide 10 different looks.
