X&O Labs Article #2 - Feb 26, 2018

MAKING COMPLEX SIMPLE: Adapting RPO’s for All Levels Case Two – Power by Paul Hefty 9th Grade Assistant Coach State College High School, PA Instructor in Kinesiology @ Penn State University

INTRODUCTION: If you want to be a physical down-hill run offense while incorporating new RPO concepts, one back power is your answer. It is a great way to also transition from a 2 back and/or under center offense to 1 back spread. The challenge is to adapt traditional power while using an Hback along with 2nd level RPO concepts in a simple and sound manner.

First, power blocking uses classic angle blocking with a lead blocker at the point of attack and a kick out block on the edge. By applying power to 1 back spread, you can become a very physical inside run team. I was fortunate to learn and work under Jim Scott @ Aurora University where his teams were consistently one of the most physical D3 teams in the nation (first Chicagoland D3 program to make the national playoffs). Once again, you can use this same power scheme for multiple plays. “Evolved Simplicity” = use only 1 blocking scheme for OLine (Power) – Run or Pass

Second, power is flexible in that it can adjust and fit to the strength’s (talents) of personnel from year to year, week to week and game to game. You can run this toward the Hback (strong) or away (weakside) while using very simple and natural teaching techniques for all positions (common sense football).

Third, use a scaffolding or chunking teaching progression. Scaffolding or chunking of teaching is a process of introducing information in a way where each future concept builds upon or simply expands the previous concept.

Step 1 – Simple 1. Teach using 2x2 and progress to 3x1 alignment 2. Condense QB reads by using same techniques for both run and pass 3. OLine uses a minimum number of blocking schemes

Step 2 – Flexible 1. Use simple personnel terminology while each position has a natural twin 2. Power RPO attacks all fronts and coverages (1 scheme for multiple plays) 3. Power has ability to make QB a runner, thrower or dual threat (play to strengths)

Step 3 – Scaffolding 1. OLine uses only Power blocking rule for every type of play 2. Pre and Post-snap defensive recognition process that is used with all no huddle plays. This TRI-O process is used with both the OC (coaches) and QB (players) = all on the same page 3. Limited communication to simplify processing for players (think and play FAST)

WHAT – WHY - HOW

STEP 1 - SIMPLE:

We start by installing and teaching everything from “Duo” a balanced 2x2 Hback set. This helps with learning our offensive principle #1 = NUMBERS. Both the OC (from the sideline) and QB can easily see if the defense is balanced or overloaded by using a three step, defensive recognition process of pointing @ 1 or 2 high safeties + hanging backers (Mr0’s) and last the mike backer.

But, we like to install and teach our core 3x1 Hback set with Power. When we go 3x1 or “Trio”, our Hback is the only player to adjust (aligns now toward directional call) and it allows us to use the Hback as a receiver in our weakside power scheme or “Will Power” as we call it. Again, the Hbacks alignment can be adjusted pre-snap (using similar formation calls that again, only the Hback adjusts to). This is done with an offensive concept (blocking scheme) in mind, which allows the Hback to have the best leverage for each play. Applying offensive principle #2 = BLOCKING ANGLES. Both the OC and the QB want to call plays to put the OLine and Hback in the best possible blocking scheme based on blocking angles.

3x1 Power also achieves a double whammy to the defense by applying offensive principle #3 = SPEED IN SPACE or FIELD while at the same time giving the offense the ability to use the Hback as a physical kick out blocker or a receiver threat to the field.

*Diagram 1: notice 3x1 alignment with Hback in a position to be both a blocker and a receiver

Next, everything you do in your offensive design must focus on keeping OLine rules, techniques and adjustments @ a minimum! Power has been our core inside run RPO over the past 5 years because angle blocking creates simple man blocking assignments, allowing the lineman to be physical from start to finish. Once again, the beauty of RPO’s is that it allows everyone to be involved (balance + fun football right from the start). We start by teaching power against a 43 (even) front, then a 42 and last to 34&33 (odd) fronts. Lineman first identify if covered or uncovered by a defensive lineman. We use a “big to back” rule with power, meaning if covered you are big on big (base) and if uncovered block back. *Diagram 2: notice split power RPO – attacking all areas of the defense (opportunity for all)

Last, and most important is the need to condense and/or simplify your QB’s read progression. With power we read 2nd level defenders (backers) in our RPO system. Like our split zone-veer (where we read 1st level defenders = defensive end), we use the same read progression (read key defenders depth and hips). With power we teach a simple mantra, “backer sits = back gets” and “backer fills – drill” (pass). By pre-snap reading the defenders depth (are they a run box threat) and then post-snap reading the defenders hips (hips square to LOS and within a yard of LOS during mesh to be a run box threat), we can easily teach consistent decision making for our QB’s to be successful.

Minimize the techniques to Maximize the execution

ADAPTION: We learned from year one of teaching 1 back power, that 9th graders struggle getting a good blocking fit if we teach upfield steps off the ball. Since 1 back power (from a timing standpoint) is similar to a draw, we teach our lineman to slide with their first step toward the defender they need to fit up with while focusing on hand placement (tight reach – near hand in sternum). This allows our backside OTackle to execute a slide and “lock” block on the defensive end with every power play (simple and sound).

Second, we adjusted traditional off-tackle power (C gap) to a “gut” power play which attacks the A&B gaps. The backside pulling guard uses a drop-skip and square technique to lead block on the Mike backer by reading the natural running lane like a fullback either through the A or B gap. We use a simple partner drill with cones to work on developing the proper technique of the power pull (Thanks to Doug Arnold – retired 9th grade Head Football Coach of 35 years & OLine ball coach @ State College High). *partner work on strike progression Work on proper drop-skip & square technique while eyeballing Backer (eat up whole body) Goals – to work pulling technique while feeling pressure of a moving-real defender CH – direct Backers Rotate – 3 quality reps each way *Use Cones (diagram) to get depth on pull t

It is important the Back and QB do not rush the mesh. We use a “slow to fast” mantra to teach the back to take 3 steps slowly before sticking his foot in the ground and attacking LOS, following the guards lead.

Third, we adjusted our strongside OTackle (next to Hback) to use a “Down” blocking technique on the 3- tech defensive tackle, turning their shoulders down the LOS and driving the defensive lineman down versus combo blocking him to the backside backer. This allows our strongside OTackle to be aggressive and decisive right from the start = physical down-hill power play. The Hback always looks to dig out (get helmet inside and kick out) the defensive end while our QB reads the strong backer (SAM or hanging backer) for the Run-Pass option. These different techniques allowed us to keep the integrity of the power concept while adapting to the needs of a 9th grader football mindset.

Last, the coach-OC can also communicate (signal) to the QB to “Alert” him of a potential RPO backer blitz (Will or Sam). This tells QB to think pass first (versus run to pass), taking advantage of an open throwing lane (hot Pop-lookie route). Again, this helps both the QB and coach to be on the same page.

STEP 2 - FLEXIBLE: Again, the beauty with one back power is that you have the ability to run it both strong (near Hback) and weak (away from Hback) while using the same RPO route combo (Pop) regardless of the direction.

Next, this system and concept fits both a running oriented QB and a passing oriented QB by using the same blocking scheme with the OLine while simply making the QB the ball-carrier. You can add a suffix cue to your power call which indicates that the back fakes and blocks away while the QB now becomes the ball-carrier. The OLine only has to know that this will create a counter look for the defense (particularly the backers) and thus, slow the backers read and fill. This can only help your OLine to make great fits on the front when using QB power. *Diagram 3: notice QB becomes ball-carrier with Back faking away and blocking Will backer blitz

ADAPTAION: We started out running power both strong and weak while always reading the Will backer, with great success (Will Power today). Defenses eventually caught up as they always do, so we evolved to a strong (near Hback) power where we read the sam backer and still kept the weakside power (away from Hback or Will Power) scheme. This provided us the ability to read both the sam and will backers on the 2nd level of any defense.

Here is an example of our power techniques and rules toward the weakside (Will Power). This is where we started with power back in 2013 and have now evolved our RPO power concept strong while keeping the scheme, techniques and reads consistent. This enables us to attack the defense in multiple ways and across a broad front (Strong – weak – RPO – run – pass – counter – screen – QB ball-carrier).

Hudl (2014, October 23) State College High School 9th Grade Football vs Cumberland Valley, PA *CLICK ON VIDEO TO PLAY

Clip 1: notice pre-snap Will backer’s depth is deep and then post-snap he sits (does not fill inside) – QB then gives to B back (Will sits = Back gets).

Most important, the OLine still uses the same power rule (big to back) while having the backside guard always pulling using a drop-skip and square technique no matter if strong or weak. The QB adjusts by reading the sam backer strong and the will backer weak (hence, Will Power). Since the guard is the puller and the center must shotgun snap while blocking back on a 3-tech defensive tackle at times, we like to put our best lineman at center (shotgun snap) and then learn the guard position as their twin to be a puller in our power scheme.

Last, the power RPO allows you to attack the front and the coverage all at once and in multiple ways (pass-run-read). Here is an example of all the different pre and post-snap options on every power play. We are able to minimize the techniques for the QB by using the same mesh and read cues of “depth and hips” with all power plays (RPO, run or pass).

See the example of how we apply the QB’s TRI-O read progression of “depth and hips” versus a will backer – very easily taking advantage of what the defense gives you.

Hudl (2014, October 16) State College High School 9th Grade Football vs Central Dauphin, PA *CLICK ON VIDEO TO PLAY

Clip 2: see pre-snap Will backer’s depth indicates “blitz” off edge (Coach can signal “Alert” to QB) – then see post-snap, will backer blitz results in QB drilling Tight End on “hot pop” pass (Will fills = Drill).

STEP 3 - SCAFFOLDING: The key to making complex simple is to use some basic teaching methods that have proven to allow anyone at any level to learn and process complex information quickly and consistently. Scaffolding or chunking of learning is a process of introducing information in a way where each future concept builds upon the previous one. The image is of when building a house, the builders continue to build upward and onward by adding more scaffolding (not new but, adding to what already exists or is learned).

Again, the challenge was to take 1 blocking scheme for the OLine and scaffold plays to attack across a broad front (Woody Hayes, HC @ Ohio State), while using every player (all get touches = balance).

ADAPTION: Here is an example of scaffolding technique using power with play-action-pass (PAP). We now add a prefix cue to our power call indicating to the offense that it is a quick pass all the way. Everyone still uses same power scheme and technique, only the OLine does not go beyond 1 yard of the LOS. This creates the most realistic play-action you can give a defense while minimizing the schemes and techniques for the offense. We can use one scheme to accomplish multiple plays as an offense. Great way to attack a defense with the no-huddle / up-tempo offense.

POWERS KRYPTONITE: As with everything, there is a weakness to power = TNT defensive front (Center and both guards have a defensive lineman over them). You can still run power strong (toward Hback) with everyone following “big to back” rule. Just not weak, not enough blockers (go strong power).

*Diagram 4: notice OLine uses power blocking scheme (not going beyond 1 yard downfield) while the backfield fakes power and receivers execute same “Pop” routes for a play-action-pass (PAP).

Teaching and Drilling: The key to making RPO’s work is to daily teach and drill tactical skill development (decision making combined with technical-fundamental reps). Routine is essential with young 9th graders, therefore we use a simple daily progression with our “Power Drill” a key component daily to our success. Here is an example of our daily “Power Drill” teaching process to develop quality decision making by all players. *Diagram 5: notice receivers working Power Pass (PAP) and OLine with backs working power RPO

VARIATIONS: We are able to scaffold other plays using the power concept as the foundation. Here are some complimentary plays or variations that we use.

Slot Fade PAP *Diagram 6: notice the (slot) A receiver runs fade route while Z and X run flat lookie routes. Great to use versus 1 high safety and man under (very popular defensive trends versus RPO offenses = 42-5)

Shovel Bubble *Diagram 7: notice OLine still uses power blocking rules with Back running arrow bubble behind LOS

Will Power (Hot Pop) PAP *Diagram 8: notice Hback Hot Pop route replacing blitzing Will backer

CONCLUSION: For us the key to making complex simple was to first study and really learn the details of a quality and proven system first and foremost. Second, we were able to keep the integrity of that system while making some small adaptations for the needs of our 9th graders. Next was the flexibility the system provided - we have been able to alternate 2 QB’s each season along with using multiple backs and receivers to help the overall development for the players future in the varsity program.

Last and most important, this is fun football! It provides opportunities for every position player to not only be involved, but be successful doing it. All while the OLine learns and executes 1 blocking scheme.

“Evolved Simplicity” = 1 blocking scheme (Power) – Run or Pass

A commitment to BALANCE creates opportunity. As my old college OC stated (back when I was playing QB in the 80’s @ Luther College in Iowa) - Mike Eayrs, Retired Head of Research and Development for the NFL’s Green Bay Packers, over the last 30+ years in the NFL, the distance of 12 or more yards on runs and 16 or more yards for passes are the minimum distance needed to trigger a dramatic increase in scoring probability. When these distances are achieved on a run or a pass they are labeled Explosive Plays. In that same timeframe, the NFL team with a positive turnover ratio and more explosive plays (You get more than you give up) win 91% of the time!

KEY STATISTICS: In the first two years of going completely no huddle-spread RPO’s, our QB’s threw 37 TD passes to 10 interceptions while averaging 20 yards per catch (Explosive plays). We also had 62 rushing TD’s while averaging 6 yards per carry (9th grade HS level @ State College, PA) *note – we averaged 39 points per game and went 19 and 1 during those two years = Fun Football!

MEET THE COACH: Paul Hefty – Currently an Instructor @ Penn State University in the Kinesiology Department – teaching Coaching and Leadership courses and supervising coaching internships – while an assistant coach for 9th grade football @ State College High School. Previously an OC and HC @ the small college - D3 level in the Midwest for 20 years before retiring to raise a family and teach at Penn State University.

This is a series of RPO’s being Adapted for Any Level: Case One = Split Zone RPO Case Two = Power RPO Case Three = Sweep RPO

If interested contact me from my website – love talking about coaching.

Hefs Coach Talk Website: http://sites.psu.edu/hefcoach14/