AFQ X's and O's

American Football Quarterly – Football Coaching Blog

Month: January 2013



FOUR VERTICALS

The Pistol-Flex triple option is a run-oriented offensive scheme.  However, when the defense starts to bring 8 in the tackle box (see diagram), it is time to send four WRs down the field to stress the defense (and especially that…



Sweep Action to Enhance the Inside Running Game

The jet sweep and other types of receiver sweeps are nothing new to offenses. They have been around for years and fit into many different offensive systems. The focus in offensive football lately has mostly been on using the jet…



Interview with Ken Mannie of Michigan State by Rob Taylor

A near-legendary strength and conditioning coach, Ken Mannie is in his 18th year on the Michigan State staff. In addition to overseeing the football strength program, Mannie directs the S & C staff for all other Spartan sports.    …



B-BACK OPTION

This play is just a wrinkle to a regular double option play.  Instead of having the QB option the pitch key defender (see circled player in diagram), the B-Back will carry out the option.  Upon the snap, the QB will…

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PASS PROTECTIONS: PART THREE

The Nickel pass protection is a six man protection scheme.  The “Nickel” call is made by the Center.  The F-Back then makes a Roger/Louie call (that is a right or left call).  The Center then points out who the “Mike”…

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Adding Multiplicity with a Flexible Run Scheme – The Counter Play

A play that seems to get very little press today with the popularity of the zone schemes is the counter play. Popularized in the 1980’s by Joe Gibbs of the Washington Redskins, it’s a play that remains a staple in…

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