The Power Spread Offense Old School Power Football with the New School Spread Beauty

The Power Spread Offense Old School power football with the new school spread beauty.

An E-Book by Stephen Lickert Head Football Coach, Campbell County High School Founder of CompleteHeadCoach.com

Background of the System Page 4

The Why’s and What’s of the system Page 5 The Positions Page 8 The Formation System Page 9 Player Alignment Page 12 The Run Game Page 14  The Blocking System and Acronyms Page 15 o The Power Play Page 20 o The Slam Play Page 21 o The Counter Play Page 22 o The Dive Play Page 23 o The Trap Play Page 24 o The Iso Play Page 25 o The Sweep/Toss Play Page 26

The Passing Game Page 27  Protection Schemes Page 27 o The Hot Pass Page 29 o The Quick Pass Page 31 o The Play Action Pass Page 34 o The Sprint Out Pass Page 36 o The Drop Back Pass Page 38 o The Screen Pass Page 43 Play Calling Page 44  The No Huddle Wristband System

Old School power football with the new school spread beauty.

A system designed to spread the field and Run or Pass based upon your personnel.

The origins of this offense come from the split back misdirection offense that we ran while I was a player under coaching great, Dale Mueller at Highlands High School. When I was hired at Dayton High School in 2004, I tried to install the system and found that the rules and blocking schemes were very difficult for my kids to learn and began studying the wing-t and double wing blocking schemes. After spending numerous hours studying and trial and error, I turned our blocking system into an acronym based system and this simplified our rules greatly.

After year one at Dayton, I was also looking for an edge to give our guys the best chance to be successful. We had a returning QB that was a great runner. This was during the beginning of the shotgun boom and we installed the shotgun in order to give our team an opportunity to outnumber teams at the point of attack. It was during this time, that I was also developing our passing game and fell in love with the ease and progression reading system of the Air Raid offense. I did not feel we could run the Air Raid offense exclusively, but we adopted many of the concepts to create a comprehensive menu of offense that we could run and adapt each year, based upon the talents of our players. This was the beginning of the offense that we continue to run today with good success. The offense can be run from under center and I recommend doing it from under center in the youth leagues.

Finally, it would be a total fail to not mention the impact the Georgetown College coaching staff have had on my coaching style and way of doing things. Bill Cronin and Dave Campbell have been instrumental in my development as a coach and the processes behind why we do the things we do!

Acronyms to know while reading

LOS = Line of Scrimmage EMLOS = End Man On Line Of Scrimmage

LM = Lineman MDM = Most Dangerous Man

The power read was developed during the boom of the zone read offenses. After trying to implement zone principals and studying the zone running attack, I noticed that most zone teams were running mostly zone exclusively. The zone is an expensive football play. What I mean by that is it takes a ton of repetitions to perfect and therefore it cost a lot of practice time to perfect. We also have issues with our lineman being foggy on who to block. We found that our kids were much better with a gap and man blocking scheme. The beauty of it is we still get the “read” part of the “read” zone, without running the zone. We have truly found this power read scheme to be a game changer for us, especially on plays when we pull a guard such as power, counter, trap, etc.

Things to Think About While Reading

This book is a basic introduction to the Power Spread Offensive system and focuses mainly on two backs. The system is designed to be run using your best personnel. If you have a bunch of good receivers, you can go 4 wide receivers and 1 back. We utilize the single back run game almost exclusively and have run the QB some years and other years not as much. The reason the book focuses on two backs is because that is probably the best way to teach the system in the first year and then add receivers once the system is mastered.

This is the base, but not the whole system. Many of the single back run game plays and diagrams are excluded as well as some other passes that we run. This was done by design as to not give too much offense. In my opinion, you should almost be able to practice your whole offense in one day. The focus on the book was to give the basics, which on its own is plenty of offense.

Keeping It Simple

The power spread offense is designed to be very simple to run and install. The whole system can be installed within 3 – 5 days and then you get reps, reps, reps. Keeping the rules simple for players allows them to play fast because they know the rules and just need to apply them.

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 4 This is an offensive line centered attack. This means we looked at the offensive line and developed the power read so they don’t have to know a lot of different schemes. The rules also serve as a confidence booster for the kids, because they know they can block any front they may see. All in all, our line needs to know five schemes:

Gap Schemes

1. Power/Counter – These are almost identical blocking schemes. The only difference is who kicks out and who leads through. 2. Trap and Iso– These are a gap scheme with the same blocking rule system as power/counter.

Man Schemes

3. Slam/Dive/Belly – These are all man blocking schemes. Guys go get their number.

Reach Schemes

4. Toss/Sweep/Jet/Hot passes = same reach or pin and pull blocking scheme. 5. Sprint Out Pass

Mixture of Gap and Reach

6. Slam Pass/Boot Pass/Waggle Pass

BOB Slide Protection Scheme

7. Quick Pass = same blocking scheme 8. Drop back pass

Screen Scheme

9. Slip and WR screen = same blocking scheme

As coaches, the days of teaching the kids how to block this front or that front on a weekly basis are gone. This is good because you can focus on what you do and the fundamentals, rather than worrying about what the defense is doing.

The installation of this system is very quick and easy. We have all been to the first day of practice when kids don’t know their rules or blocking assignments so trying to run plays can look like a cluster. With the power read, we utilize a wristband system, but not just any wristband system. Our wrist card not only tells the kids the play, but also it tells them their rule or assignment.

Here is an example of what a Left Tackle card could look like if we just used each play number in a row for a series:

0 trp- SFTCF 1 trp- FBI I would advise against just taking a series like the one to 2 Belly- SFTCF the left and putting them 10 – 19. You would be much 3 Belly- on out bkr better off making 4 counter play number 39 and 5 counter play number 38 or something along those lines. 4 ctr- pull + lead 5 ctr- GDB With utilizing our wristband system, we spend ALL of individual time teaching individual techniques and 6 slam- SFTCF fundamentals like how to gap block how to reach block, 7 slam- GOBkr how to pull, etc. Once they know these fundamentals, we 8 Jet- rch zone R - bkr can run any play on our wristband on day one. We do not 9 Jet- rch zone L - bkr do that, but we could if we wanted to do so. In my opinion, the utilization of our wristband system is easily the best way and most effective way to install an offense.

Balance within the system

The definition of balance within the Power Read is to utilize all eligible skill players. We want the defense to have to defend the whole field. In many years, we have had 8 – 10 guys score touchdowns, catch balls and carry the football. When defenses cannot key on one player, they have a tough time getting stops and they cannot gamble as much. Your opponent must be sound on defense or will get burned by the guy they do not respect. We have had some years where we struggled to get people to respect some of our players and the defense

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 6 loaded the box. As a play caller, you need to have devised a plan to get different positions the football so they have to respect that position and it keeps the defense honest. This distribution can be done multiple ways and very efficiently. We like to consider out hot pass and quick pass game to be extensions of our running game.

Skill Positions

Y = Tight End. Our Y needs to be a tough physical kid who blocks well, but can also catch the football. H = Slot Receiver/ 2nd Running back. This is the smaller, scat back, Wes Welker type of guy. Ideally, this player can also play running back so you can move into a 2 back set without a personnel change. X = Best Receiver. Weak side receiver. Go to guy. Guy you want to isolate in trips formations. Z = Possession Receiver. Strong side receiver in base formations. F = Best Running Back. This player needs to be willing to lead block and pass block. Q = Quarterback. Offensive Line

Tackles – Our Tackles stay Right or Left. They do not switch sides. These are bigger guys that need to be able to run so they can pull on certain plays, but can be less athletic than the Guards.

Guards – Our guards stay Right or Left. They do not switch sides. These can be smaller guys, but need to be able to run because they will be pulling on a lot of plays.

Center – Needs to be able to shotgun snap and block back. Also needs to be smart and able to communicate.

You can use a Strong Side and Quick Side if you choose, but it is always better to be able to have both sides pull without moving people around.

COACHES NOTE - We use pre-practice each day and EVERY lineman works on shotgun snapping. We will never be in a situation where we cannot get the snap because all of our linemen work on snapping the football daily.

The formation is a system of tags off of our base formations that are simply named Left and Right. This system is designed to use as few words as possible.

Y – To the call. Inside Receiver. ON the LOS

Z – To the call. Outside Receiver. OFF the LOS

H – Away from the call. Inside Receiver. OFF the LOS.

X – Away from the call. Outside Receiver. ON the LOS

F – Lines up according to the play unless tagged to be in a specific spot. (This is rare)

The formation system is arranged around where our Y (Tight End) and our X (Best Receiver) line up. The Y is always TO the direction call and the X is always AWAY from the direction call. The H (Slot) and the Z (Possession Receiver) are floaters when tagged, but the base rule is Z goes strong with the Y and H goes weak with the X.

From the base Left and Right formations are a number of Tags that tell different people where to line up. Our receivers do line up on both sides due to the passing game that we run and the QB’s progression reads.

MAX – This tells the H to line up in the backfield. If your H is a true receiver type of kid, you can insert a 2nd back when using a MAX set. **THIS IS CONSIDERED THE BASE FORMATION OF THE OFFENSE**

HOP – The H will line up OPPOSITE his base rule.

As you can see, everyone else lines up with normal base rules and only the H moves.

Base Formation Tags for the Z

FLIP – This tells the Z to line up OPPOSITE his base rule and INSIDE the X.

Combination of Tags

Flip Moves the Z opposite and inside the X. Max moves the H into the backfield for a 2 back set.

Formations without a TE.

Rip/Liz are simply right and left formation from a structure standpoint, but Z is ON and Y is OFF the ball. Y is also in the slot splitting the Difference between the T and the Z.

Reo/Leo are simply Right Hop and Left Hop formations from a structure standpoint, but Z is ON and Y is OFF the ball. Y also lines up a minimum of 5 yards from the Tackle.

Utilizing a no TE Max set.

Rip/Liz Max puts the H in the backfield for at 2 back set.

At the Line Of Scrimmage • The W.R.’s will come up to their position in a two point stance. • The backs, offensive lineman, and tight ends will come to their position in a two point stance. • When under center, the backs can utilize a 3 point stance at the coach’s discretion.

Basic Splits and Alignments • The lineman splits generally remain the same while the backs and receivers will vary depending on upon the formation. • Guards: 2 feet with head/Facemask aligned on centers hip. • Tackles: 2 feet with feet aligned on the Guards. • Tight Ends: 2 feet with feet aligned on Tackles

Coaching Point – By Rule, the head of all linemen need to break the plane of the Center’s hips. The depth is needed to create separation for pulling plays.

Base receiver split rules: • Ball on hash • Outside Receiver to field = +5 from hash • Inside Receiver to field = -1 from hash • Outside receiver to boundary = +5 from sideline. • Inside receiver to boundary = split the difference • Ball in Middle of the field • Outside receivers = On numbers • Outside Receivers = Split Difference • ***Reo/Leo – Outside Receiver to field (Z) = Bottom of Numbers

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 12 - #2 Receiver to the field (Y) = Split difference - #3 Receiver to the field (H) = + 5 Off Tackle Running Backs • Outside foot should be aligned on the inside foot of the OT. Toes at 5 Yards. The RB and the QB should basically split the line.

Quarterback  Heels at 5 yards and directly behind the center.

The Base run game consists of 7 running plays in order to create comprehensive attack and forces the defense to defend every hole on the field. These plays are designed to look like each other in order to create deception and conflict in the defense.

The Base plays consist of:

 Dive  Trap  Belly  Counter  Power  Slam  Sweep/Toss The Basics

Hole Numbering The holes are numbered for the purpose of providing a target for each play. In order to do this, we number the man and not the gap. The truth of the matter is the hole will normally end up where the man is lined up anyway when he blocks in or out, so we use the physical LM as our aiming point.

 The Center is split in half: Left side of center 1 and Right side of center is 0.  Even Numbers are the lineman to the Right  Odd Numbers are the lineman to the Left

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 14 Run Blocking Rules and Acronyms Our blocking rules are a progression, acronym based system. This means that the player applies the rule in order and when a defender is lined up in the technique covered by the rule, the lineman stops and blocks that person.

For example, the main rules of the gap scheme system is listed below: Gap = Inside Gap – Defender is in the gap between you and your inside lineman. On = Man on – Defender is “on” the LOS and his helmet is between the shoulder pads of the blocker. You will be the post man on the double team. Keep eyes inside and get hips tight to down blocker. Outside = Outside gap – Defender is lined up between you and the lineman to your outside. Down = Defender is “On” the first man to your inside and no further. Drive block hard to the inside. If defender slants away, DO NOT CHASE! Continue on track to the next level.

So with this scheme, if the player’s rule is GOD or Gap-On-Down, he will look to his inside gap, if a defender is in the gap, he will block him. If not, the LM will progress to ON. If a player is ON him, he will block the ON defender. If nobody is on him, the LM will progress to the 3rd progression of DOWN. If there is a player DOWN, the LM will block him. If nobody is DOWN, then the LM will progress to BACKER by default. EVERY RULE has a silent letter of B=Backer to end the acronym. **Coaching point 1: These rules become PATHS for the lineman when the defender in his rule runs away. Our LM will NOT chase that defender. The LM will simply continue the path he is on to the next level defender.**

**Coaching Point #2: The LM cannot let the player in his progression cross his face, he must block the person in his rule unless that defender runs away.**

Common Question: How do double teams occur? An ON block with a DOWN block will become a double team by rule. For example, If a guard and tackle both have the rule GOD=Gap-On-Down and the defender is lined up ON the guard with no defender in the tackle’s GAP or ON. He will go DOWN. In the case, the guard would be the POST man and the tackle would be the DRIVE MAN. Both players will execute the double team rule of “4 Hands, 4 Eyes”. This mean both sets of HANDS will be on the defensive lineman being double teamed and BOTH sets of EYES will be on the linebacker they are doubling to. If the linebacker presses the inside gap, the G will come off onto the LB and the T will overtake the down LM. If the LB presses the LOS to the Outside gap, the T will come off onto the LB and the G will need to get his hips around

Acronyms G.O.D. = Gap – On – Down G = inside gap / Back Side Gap O = man on / Covered D = Down block

G.O.O.D. = Gap – On – Outside Gap – Down (This rule is rarely used) G = inside gap / Back Side Gap O = man on / Covered O = Outside Gap / Play Side Gap D = Down block

G.D.B = Gap – Down – Backer G = inside gap/ Back Side Gap D = down block B = Backer

F.B.I. = First backer inside – This is blocking the first linebacker to the inside. This rule is used to prevent blocking the guy we plan to trap. NB = Near backer – This is blocking the backer closest to you regardless of his alignment. TD Block B.S = Backer to safety (block the backer if he is a threat or unblocked, then work up to safety. Block the most dangerous of the two players. SCTCF = Stop Firing Tackle Cross Field – Cut off the defensive LM and do not let the defensive lineman cross your face. Make him go around you. Then head up field for a backer or safety. This is a back side rule. S2C = Seal To Center – This rule is used when the player to an offensive lineman’s inside is pulling to kick out or lead the play. Its purpose is to seal off the gap he left and not allow any penetration or defensive player run through. MOMA = Man on Man Away Jam MOMA = Stop the penetration of the man on, and then block the man away. This rule allows the guard to block down on the NOSE

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 16 Reach = A reach block is to block the nearest lineman to linebacker that is outside of you. The goal is to get your head across and to the outside. Pull&Kick = Pull and Kick Out called guy Pull&Lead = Pull and Lead the play through the called hole. 4 Hands 4 Eyes – when blocking with another LM you must have 4 hands on the down LM and 4 eyes on the backside LB. BOB – pass blocking term for Big On Big (OL on DL) and Backs On Backers (running backs on line backers)

How we Identify who to block based upon our rules? There are 3 ways in which defensive players can be identified Defensive Man – Used when man blocking Lineman – Used when identifying who we will kick out or read on option plays Alignment of defensive lineman – Used when applying the acronyms Defensive Man #0 = FIRST MAN DIRECTLY OVER THE CENTER #1 = FIRST MAN TO YOUR SIDE OF THE CENTER #2 = SECOND MAN TO YOUR SIDE OF THE CENTER #3 = THIRD MAN TO YOUR SIDE OF THE CENTER #4 = FOURTH MAN TO YOUR SIDE OF THE CENTER

Coaching Notes: IF THE DEFENSE HAS A NM WITH A STACKED MIDDLE LB, THE NM IS #0 AND THE MIDDLE LB IS #1. (SEE FIG. C) IF A LINEMEN AND A LB ARE STACKED, THE LINEMAN IS THE FIRST NUMBER AND THE LB IS THE SECOND. (SEE FIG. D)

Coaching Point – Our lineman count defensive man on EVERY SINGLE PLAY. It is the second thing we do when we get to the line after we get our proper splits. We do this to keep the defense from knowing when we are man blocking, gap blocking, pass blocking, etc. We have found that counting also makes the OL look at the defense.

Alignment of the Defensive Lineman • Even Numbers (02468) – The DL is head up on the offensive LM starting with “0” Technique(head up on the Center) to 8 Technique (Head up on the Wing) • Playing the “eye”(2i,4i,6i,8i) – The DL is aligned on the inside of the offensive LM. The DL’s “outside eye” is aligned with the offensive lineman’s “inside eye” • Odd Numbers (13579) – The DL is aligned on the outside of the LM. The DL’s “Inside eye” is aligned with the offensive lineman’s “outside eye.”

Coaching Point: The techniques are not particularly used in the blocking schemes. We use these to identify where the defense is lined up so we can communicate and make adjustments.

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 18 The QB Read Each play, the QB is assigned a player on the defense to read. This player is normally on the back side of the play and we are looking to make a fast flowing team be honest. If they are not honest and keep somebody on the back side of the play, the QB will pull the ball and make the defense pay. The QB has two simple rules.  Rule #1 = “DE squeezes and chase, Pull and replace”. This means the QB will pull the ball and go opposite vs. a hard flowing DE.

 Rule #2 = “When in doubt, give the ball”. This means if the read is foggy, it is safer to give the ball to the called back, than it is to keep it. ***The QB can never be wrong giving the ball.***

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 19 The Power Play The power play is very similar to counter except the lead back kicks out and the guard leads onto the backer. The power is a very good change up from counter when having trouble with being chased down from the back side and also with attacking blitz heavy teams. Keys to the play:  Gap blocking scheme that is great against all fronts.  Flexible on whom to block, whom to kick and whom to lead onto.  Gives ability to outnumber the defense at the point of attack.

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 20 The Slam Play Slam is the first play we install in our offense. It is the easiest play to block because we simply count and block defensive men. We run slam as a 2 back play or 1 Back QB Run play. We will also use this play against a 7 man box with 2 high safeties. We can block slam 2 ways, but don’t have to. The first way is utilizing our number system. We utilize this mostly against ODD front defenses, but it can be used all of the time for simplicity sake. The second way is our gap scheme blocking. We use this mostly against an EVEN front defense and when using a TE. You can block this using defensive man exclusively, but we have found that it is better to get double teams at the point of attack some times. Keys to the play:  Gets a body on a body, fast.  Decide by game plan what you want to do at the point of attack. Who do you want the TE to block and who do you want the back to block.  Can be effective against all fronts because of the numbering system. Block your guy no matter what. All players should know who they have and get them.

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 21 The Counter Play The Counter is a misdirection play that involves pulling a back side guard to kick out and the backside tackle lead up through the hole. Some call this Counter GT or Counter Trey. This play can be run with 2 backs, 1 back, or with the QB. The counter is my favorite play and probably the best play in the offense. Keys to the play:  We want to leave 2 defensive players at the point of attack. One to kick out with the G and one to lead onto with the T.  Do not block the 2nd LM if there is one. We want to kick him.  You must seal off the back side so you do not get run down from behind.

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 22 The Dive Play The Dive play is a very simple, easy play to install and run for a quick hitter with no pulling. We use our numbering man blocking scheme to run the dive. The objective is to hit the bubble in the defense fast. The dive play is used mostly as a 1 back scheme play, but you can also run dive Lead with the QB when trying to outnumber the defense at the point of attack. Key points:  Mostly run at TE because of numbers.  Quick hitting play with a body on a body.  Can utilize option on the backside when running away from the TE. QB can read Front side #3 when running the play away from the TE. Utilize the Squeeze and Chase, pull and replace principles.

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 23 The Trap Play The trap play is a very easy installation and a very effective play. It is a simple trap play where we trap the 1st LM that is head up on the Guard (2 Technique) or Wider. We also can utilize the option portion of the play as well when teams are overflowing the play side. Keys to the play:  Useful with DL that fly up field.  Quick hitting.  Gets the back North fast.

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 24 The Iso Play Our Iso play is a typical Isolation play in the Pro I offense. The front side back or fullback is going to lead onto the inside linebacker. We run this play out of 2 backs and as a 1 back QB run play. This is a Gap scheme rule blocking play. We typically run this play away from the TE to the open B gap, but it can be run strong to the TE side. Keys to the Play:  Great weak side play.  Can be very effective QB run opposite trips.  You get a body on a body.

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 25 The Sweep/Toss Play The blocking scheme is the same on sweep, toss and jet. On Toss, the Front side back would get the toss and the back side back would fake the trap.

Other Run Plays Include  Wrap  Fan  Draw and Sprint Draw  Jet Sweep Package  Reverses  QB Run Game  Single back run game  Etc.

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 26 The Passing Game The passing game in the power spread consists of hot passes, Quick passes, sprint out pass, play action passes, screens and some drop back pass plays. From the standpoint of timing and ease, the drop pattern of the QB is different on each concept.  Hot Pass = catch and throw. Treat the ball as if it is a “hot potato”. We tell the QB not even to find the laces. Just catch and throw to the called receiver.  Quick pass = 0 to 1 step drop from the gun. Catch the ball, change your feet and find the laces while reading the key defender and throw the ball opposite the key defender drop.  Drop Back passes = 3 step drop from the gun. Catch the ball. Drop and find laces with eyes on progression read.  Sprint out pass = drop step banana roll out to call side. Full sprint with eyes on progression. Get shoulders square to the throw.  Play Action Pass = sell fake to back. Same as sprint out from there. Take your time on fake.  Screen = Sell 3 step drop pass with eyes down field. Throw to called receiver while fading away from contact. If he is not open, throw at feet. Do not over throw unless thrown out of bounds.

Being in the shotgun exclusively, the QB must rely on pre-snap reads in order to make good decisions because his eyes and focus after the snap has to be catching the snap from center. This is different than concepts under center when the qb gets the snap immediately and can make read during full drop. Luckily, the passing game we use in the power spread is based upon a key defender, a progression, or a mandatory throw to a certain receiver. The 5 step game is there when needed, but we have gone many years where we do not run much 5 step concept at all. It is all up to the ability of your QB and the personnel of your team.

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 27 Pass Protection The pass protection system is a Big On Big/Back on Backer System by rule. The front will designate the protection based upon the call of the back. The back will make a Right or Left call each play. You can choose any R or L word to designate the direction in which he will be blocking. KEY POINT: The RB makes this call EVERY SINGLE PLAY regardless of run or pass in order to not tip off the defense.

Man Protection We will also simply man protect vs. some fronts when we feel it is best to help us win. When doing this we utilize our numbering system similar to slam blocking. In this situation, Center will have #0. Guards will have #1. Tackles will have #2. RB’s will have #3. This can be very effective in quick passing situations with 2 backs, because the ball will be gone quick and the RB can attack #3 and get their hands down.

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 28 The Hot Pass Hot passes are a system of bubble screens, juke screens and swing screens that are quick hitting and designed to get 5 yards. The QB need to catch and throw immediately to the called receiver. These are very effective ways to get the ball fast to your play making receivers in space. The blocking rules are very simple. With the new trend in RPO’s the hot pass series is a great way to introduce them. The Juke Route The Juke Route goes to the most outside receiver on the called side. The WR simply takes one step and pops back behind the LOS.

The Bubble Route The bubble Route goes to the #2 inside receiver on the called side. The WR gets a little more depth when lining up, then takes a drop step and bubbles the route with his eyes inside to the QB. This can sometimes be a difficult throw for the QB to make, but can be perfected with practice reps.

The Arc (3rd most IR)/Swing(4th most IR) Route The Arc Route goes to the #3 inside receiver on the called side. This can go to the back if he is #3 or the 3rd most inside WR. When #3 is a WR gets a little more depth when lining up, then takes a drop step and bubbles the route with his eyes inside to the QB. QB needs to take a drop step when throwing this route to the back because we want to ensure a forward pass and not a fumble if the pass is dropped.

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 30 The Quick Pass The Quick passing game is a very valuable, easy to use system that is predicated upon finding the flat defender in the defense and reading him. This is a timing based system in which the QB will catch, read and throw. The base quick pass system is hitch and seam, fade with out, and slant with arrow. These three concepts give you an attack that can be utilized to defeat what the defense is doing and give you an opportunity to attack different parts of the field. The quick pass system is also a mirrored system, which means the front side and back side run the same route combinations. The name of the play tells the Outside #1 receiver what to do. IE. Hitch = #1 receiver running hitch, Slant = #1 receiver running Slant, etc. Quick Pass Hitch The hitch is designed to be an easy throw and catch. It is best used against loose coverage by a corner. WR needs to sell deep and then break of route and get head around.

Quick Pass Slant The slant is designed to be thrown between the flat defender and the curl defender. It is a 1 read catch and throw.

Quick Pass Fade The fade is designed to be thrown into a hole in the coverage or overtop of the deep area defender. We believe in the motto “1 on 1 is 1 on none” because we believe 1 guy cannot cover our guy. Throw it to a spot and give our guy a chance to go get it. We will take what the defense gives us though and take the Out per the game plan.

Other Quick Passes Include  Speed Out  All Hitch  All Slant  Gangster Right & Left

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 32 The Play Action Pass Slam pass is a great play in the power spread. It is an awesome compliment to the power run game and an easy throw and catch for the QB. The QB read is Deep to Middle to Short. A lot of the time, the QB does not have this much time and by default, we tell him we want the 5 out. This play is best run to the TE or 2 receiver side to get the true flood route, but is also good weak.

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 33 Boot Pass Boot pass is a really good play to attack the away from the TE. It can be run both ways, but we prefer slam pass to the TE and boot Pass Away. The QB read is deep to middle to short. He needs to gain depth on his roll out and use the guards block to his advantage. The other part is that the QB has a run or pass option when the field is clear.

Other Play Action Passes Include  Waggle Pass (Counter Pass)  Power Pass

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 34 Sprint Out Pass We tag our sprint out passes, Rodeo and Lasso. This is an air raid concept, but we did it to limit words in our system. Before renaming it Rodeo/Lasso, we would call Right Sprint out Pass Comeback, which is 5 words. We now say, Rodeo Comeback. The rodeo lasso scheme, utilizes a reach and hinge protection from our offensive line. The scheme can be run out of any formation and the routes do not change. Regardless of the formation, #1, #2 and #3 receivers from call side run the same Routes. We have several Rodeo/Lasso plays in our system, but these are two of the best. Other Sprint Out Passes Include  Post  Flood  Out  Smash Rodeo/Lasso Protection is a Gap scheme protection. All linemen reach their play side gap looking to the defensive player in that gap. If no player enters that gap, the lineman will hinge back looking for chasers on the back side. The play side back will Lead and seal the edge player. When running Rodeo Lasso with 2 backs, the back side back will chase across the center looking to clean up and then hinge back. The QB has a run pass option on Rodeo Lasso.

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 35 Comeback The comeback is a go to 3rd down type of play it is designed to get the first down, but all Rodeo/Lasso gives the QB a run/Pass option so you can take what the defense s giving you. We will run this play on any down and it is one of the best plays in our system.

Rub Rub is a great man coverage play and is very effective in short yardage and goal line situations.

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 36 The Drop Back Pass The drop back pass series uses mostly Air Raid Concepts and are progression reads. This basically makes the drop back game back yard football. The QB looks at his 1st read and if he’s open, he throws it. If he’s not open, he moves his eyes to his 2nd read. If he is not open, he moves to his 3rd read. Very rarely, if ever will the QB get to his 4th and 5th read. We do utilize multiple run and shoot concepts as well as 4 verticals, but for the purpose of the 2 back game. These are the plays we focus on. Although the passing scheme is a progression read, it is still important the QB understands coverages. I have created a PowerPoint that explains the process we use and it is available under free playbooks and is named Coverage PowerPoint. The plays in the drop back game are:  Mesh  Y-Cross- Weak side flood  Y-Sail – Strong side flood  Curl  Shallow Mesh The mesh is a great play! It is excellent on the goal line when teams like to man up. It is difficult for LB’s to cover. Mesh is a good play any place on the field.

Y-Sail- Strong side flood.

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 38 The Curl The curl is a great play because it can go weak or strong based upon matchups. It is good vs. 2 high or 1 high defenses. Also gives the ability to max protect.

The Shallow Series The shallow is a great series because it is fairly simple QB read and the rules for receivers are easy. The play can be called to any receiver and that tells the other 3 receivers what to do. It is an excellent concept because it crosses 2 receivers from different sides of the field. It is essentially, 1 play that is run 4 different ways to look like 4 different plays for the defense to prepare for.

Other Dropback Passes Include  4 Verticals  Hardnose  Delay  Option  Switch  Smash

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 41 The Screen Pass The screen pass system in the power spread is based around a slip screen and a wide receiver screen. Both of them, are double screens. The QB needs to sell drop back pass and then reads #1 to #2. The screen package is great because the QB does have options and the WR screen and F screen look the same. The only thing that changes is who the QB looks at first. On Slip Screen, the back is #1 and WR is #2. On WR screen, the WR is #1 and the back is #2. The Slip Screen

The WR Screen

Other Play Action Passes Include  Jailbreak Screen

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 42 Play Calling The system is predicated upon plays working together to so you have a base play and a counter play. The backfield action on both plays look very similar for some deceptive backfield action. Plays the counter each other within the offense:

1. Slam 1. Trap 1. Passes 1. Dive/Belly 2. Power 2. Toss 2. Screens 2. Power 3. Counter 3. Hot Passes 4. Slam Pass 5. Waggle Pass 6. Boot Pass The actual calling of the plays is done with a unique wristband system. We utilize signals or verbal communication of the formation and numbers and colors to call a play. A play call for us could be as simple as “Right, Right” (The kids will line up in Right Formation) “76, 24” (The will look at play 24 on the wristband and run it). Although we change what series colors are every year, below is an example of what the wristband could look like:

A COACH 20 40 60 80 1. 21 41 61 81

2. 22 42 62 82

3. 23 43 63 83

4. 24 44 64 84

5. 25 45 65 85

6. 26 46 66 86

7. 27 47 67 87

8. 28 48 68 88

9. 29 49 69 89

10 30 50 70 90

11 31 51 71 91

12 32 52 72 92

13 33 53 73 93

14 34 54 74 94

15 35 55 75 95

16 36 56 76 96

17 37 57 77 97

18 38 58 78 98 19 39 59 79 99

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 43 Utilizing this wristband, we can call plays multiple ways. 1. 2 number system play call, ie. “22 – 69” communicated as “Twenty Two” – Pause – “Sixty Nine” a. We tell our kids per series or game, the first number or second number is live. i. So if the first number is live and we wanted to run play 22. We would communicate verbally “22 – 87”. The kids would look at 22 to get call and assignment. # 87 is a dummy call. ii. So if the Second number is live and we wanted to run play 22. We would communicate verbally “64 – 22”. The kids would look at 22 to get call and assignment. # 64 is a dummy call. 2. 3 digit number play call, IE. “792” Communicated as “Seven Ninety Two” a. When utilizing 3 digit numbers, the last two numbers are always the play call. The first digit is dummy call and you can use any digit. i. Example: 309 would be pronounced “Three Oh Nine” and the play would be #9. 3. Color and number, IE. Red 6 a. Using this method, you would eliminate the first digit of the actual number. i. Example: “Red 6” would be number 46 on the wristband above. ii. Example: “Blue 9” would be number 59 on the wristband. ***Coaching Point: Change the way you call plays by series, quarter or game and practice it each way during the week. We can utilize color and number any time during a series, but the use of double number or 3 digit number system is done on a series, quarter or game basis. *** Finally, don’t be worried about the other team catching on to your play calls because you are in control. You can play fast or slow. You can call your plays in multiple ways. And if the other team is trying to dissect your play calls, they are not focused on how to stop the plays.

Copyright © CompleteHeadCoach.com All Rights Reserved 44 Conclusion Thank you for reading. I hope you have enjoyed reading the book and it has given you some good insight into what the Power Spread Offense is all about. This is a very basic introduction into the system. Keep checking back on CompeteHeadCoach.com for posts about the variations within the system. The Power Spread has been very effective for us with various amounts of talent and different types of athletes. The diversity of the system allows you to pick and choose from the menu of offense to do what will help you win that year, without having to change the system and terminology. Also, if you like what you have read, look into joining our paid membership community and start running the system today. It will be the easiest installation you have ever done and you will be able to focus on fundamentals and techniques, rather than teaching plays and rules. You will not be disappointed. Spread ‘em and Shred ‘em.