ELECTRIC FOOTBALL STRATEGY PLAYBOOK
______This book issued to COACH’S MESSAGE
You are holding the heart of this Electric Football© team in your hands. The pages in this playbook contain all your planning and organization for the upcoming season. A football team plays the way it thinks. This is how we think.
Included in this playbook are: 1. Basic information about our formation and positions. 2. A rundown of our fundamental plays and defenses. 3. Brief notes on our philosophy of strategy and tendencies. 4. A lexicon of our terminology.
You are responsible for all the information in this book. You can’t play the game if you don’t understand it, so come back to this book again and again. Ensure your understanding on matters concerning rules and procedures, take notes when you need to and study hard. If you want to win, you have to develop a strategy to do so. Don’t beat yourself! Be smart!
* * * * * * * * *
This book is property of your football team. It shall be kept on your person, in a locked room or in the trunk of your car.
With increased base performance you can achieve many combinations as seen in football. This playbook throughout will illustrate how to run plays as diagramed in a football playbook with basic directional movement or provide an electric football equivalent to it.
2 FORMATIONS AND POSITIONS Offense
QB FB HB
This is our basic offensive formation, typical of most in football (all offensive players are indicated in dark uniforms). There are two running backs, two wide receivers (split end and flanker) and one tight end.
Notice that the offensive line is balanced in strength (there are an equal number of players on each side of the center) except for the tight end. Whichever side the tight end up on is one man strongest. Therefore it is known as the “strong side” and the other side of the formation is known as the “weak side”. Throughout this book, the right side. Keep this in mind.
Defense
LE LT RT RE
LLB (SAM) RLB (WILL)
MLB (MIKE) R CORNERBACK
R SAFETY L SAFETY
The defense (indicated in white uniforms.), naturally, faces the opposite way from the offense (defensive line is indicated by the “blockers”; the three linebackers “backers” and four deep backs by “sprinters and runners). Since the offense in these plays will always have its strong side on the right, the defense’s left linebacker is the strong side linebacker and the left safety is the strong side safety.
In this basic defense, there are four line men, three linebackers and four deep backs. This is always the case except for situations of very short yardage or very long yardage.
3 DEFENSES
A sound team is built on a sound defense. If the other team doesn't score, there is way no you can lose. You aim for a shutout every game. The two defensive concepts in electric football are: (1) linear and (2) circular. The first is used primarily with rookie bases and a defender being at the right place over a certain time of the play. The second will employ Total Team Control (TTC) bases and depending on the amount of area to cover the defender will travel in a circle.
In the following pages are eighteen basic defense formations. Of course you may use other combinations later in the season, but with this 18-defense formation backbone, you have several ways to handle every possible situation.
Our play-calling system has three parts: (1) the formation, (2) what the linemen do, (3) what the pass coverage is. Take the defense “4-3 Key Man-to-Man”: (1) “4-3” means that the teams lines up in the standard defense (four linemen, three linebackers). (2) “Key” means the linemen key (watch their backfield placement): (3) “Man-to-Man” means the linebackers and backs will cover specific men if a pass play develops.
There are many defensive formations and calls in football and you want you to be aware of them also. Schemes were difficult in electric football until now. Based on TOEPRO-Football gameplay, you could deploy many of these schemes.
We cover the positions, formations, defensive areas and, the advantages and disadvantages you make in each setup. Once you understand setup, defense line play, linebacker play and secondary protection you can create your own scheme. Blank pages in the rear of the guide are provided so you can create you own and maintain as complete a playbook as possible.
4 LIST OF DEFENSIVE FORMATIONS
3-0 Base: Designed to cover all downfield passing zones. 3-3 Base: Designed to pressure run gaps while providing an envelop cover. 3-4 Base: Designed to pressure or cover depending on the desires of the defense. 3-4 Beau: Designed to pressure from outside in or cover depending on the desires of the defense. 4-1 Dime: Designed to pressure the passer and cover outside routes. 4-2 Nickel: Designed to pressure A-C gaps while covering outside and deep routes. 4-3 Base: Designed to pressure A-C gaps or cover zones base on needs of the of defense. 4-3 Flex: Designed to pressure run blocking by creating a hybrid lineman-linebacker along the front seven. 4-3 Miami: Designed to pressure up field in any situation. 4-3 Tampa 2: Designed to pressure inside running while covering side passing. 4-4 Base: Designed to pressure run blocking along the front seven. 4-6 Base: Designed to pressure the passer and cover short zones. 5-2 Base: Designed to pressure the C-D gap. 5-3 Base: Designed to pressure the QB while covering short area passes. 6-2 Base: Designed to pressure big package B-C gap runs. 7-1 Base: Designed to pressure big and heavy package runs. 7-2 Base: Designed to pressure big and heavy package runs. 8-0 Base: Designed to pressure only a committed run.
5 LIST OF LINEMEN AND LINEBACKER ACTIONS
Cover: placement in front of a player pre-snap; occupy a specific area of the field post-snap. Fill: placement in a gap pre-snap. Fire: Linebacker movement to fill a gap. Key: Designed to pressure or cover RBs. Pinch: Linemen pressing in toward a player or a gap. Ride: Align along edge of forward player’s base. Rush: Designed to pressure QBs. Shade: Align over player and occupying a gap at the same time. Slam: Linemen pressing in one direction. Stunt: DL/LB Crossing areas of responsibility during rush.
LIST OF PASS COVERAGES
Cloud: Designed to cover all midfield passing zones. Combo: Designed to double cover receiver X. Leverage: Maintain vertical position downfield. Man: Designed to cover each receiver to their front. Mombo: Designed to double cover receiver Y. Sky: Safety moving up to cover short passing zones. Smoke: Designed show one cover and move to another. Zone: Designed to cover a specific passing area.
6 AREAS OF DEFENSE
OFFENSIVE SIDE
B A
Z D C B A A B C D Y X LINE OF SCRIMMAGE
LINE PLAY AREA
LINEBACKER
PASS COVERAGE
Divided into three areas, each player placed in it, has a purpose. The further back the less likely to be engaged on two-part offensive plays. Line play area is 0-10 yards. The purpose is to contain and fill line gaps. Linebacker area is inside the numerals and 11-20 yards. The purpose is to read and react. Players here move forward defending short throw areas and supporting two-part run plays to supporting one-part run plays. In electric football, unlike real football, it works in reverse. Defend the short pass in route to supporting runs. Pass coverage area is outside the numerals and 21 yards beyond. This area is last line of defense on one-part run plays, support for two-part runs and coverage of pass plays.
7 DIAGRAM SYMBOLS
Offensive player, center; X receiver
X
Defensive lineman, Jack linebacker; defensive back
J
Player blocking
Player movement without the ball
Player movement with the ball
Primary receiver route
QB post-snap PASS movement
Zone coverage area
8 DEFENSIVE PLAY CARD
DEFENSE PACKAGE SCHEME
Use to diagram formation/scheme B A
Z Y X
LINE ACTIONS DL: LBs:
PASS COVERAGES SECONDARY: CORNERS: SAFETIES: SUSPECTED RUN Actions to take on potential runs.
SUSPECTED PASS Actions to take on potential passes.
9 3-0 PREVENT
B A
Z Y X
LINE ACTIONS DL: NT over center; DE shade C gap. LBs: Changed out for defensive backs, 15 to 20 yards back covering mid routes. PASS COVERAGES SECONDARY: Employ deep cover 4, 30 yards deep. CORNERS: Will cover deep outside SAFETIES: Will cover deep inside SUSPECTED RUN Fire the inside linebackers.
SUSPECTED PASS Set ends in C gap to hurry the quarterback.
3-3 BASE
B A
Z Y X
S M W
LINE ACTIONS DL: NT shade weak A-gap; DE shade C gap; slam strong side LBs: fire PASS COVERAGES SECONDARY: 5 backs umbrella cover CORNERS: cover short outside; middle inside routes SAFETIES: deep cover 1 SUSPECTED RUN fire outside corners
SUSPECTED PASS zone outside linebackers
10 3-4 BASE
B A
Z Y X
J S M W
LINE ACTIONS DL: NT over center; DE shade C gap; slam wide LBs: over G and TEs. 10-15 yds back, fire Sam and Mike PASS COVERAGES SECONDARY: various covers; blitzes can employed CORNERS: cover outside routes SAFETIES: cover inside routes SUSPECTED RUN fire Jack and Will
SUSPECTED PASS Jack and Will press TEs; rush
3-4 BEAU
B A
Z Y X
W J S M
LINE ACTIONS DL: NT cover C; slam strong, DEs slam in on T LBs: 4, weak side LB ride DE and blitz, Sam and Mike fire PASS COVERAGES SECONDARY: various covers CORNERS: outside leverage SAFETIES: mombo Y; safety X SUSPECTED RUN fire the inside backers while CBs cover flats
SUSPECTED PASS inside LBs cover short inside routes
11 4-1 DIME
B A
Z Y X
M
LINE ACTIONS DL: fill A-C gap, pass rush LBs: 10-15 back, key closest RB
PASS COVERAGES SECONDARY: two deep triangle coverage CORNERS: cover middle area routes SAFETIES: cover deep outside SUSPECTED RUN fire Mike
SUSPECTED PASS Mike shade weak side RB
4-2 NICKEL
B A
Z Y X
S W
LINE ACTIONS DL: A-C gap, pass rush LBs: 5-10 back, key closest RB
PASS COVERAGES SECONDARY: box coverage CORNERS: cover middle outside routes SAFETIES: deep cover 3, center safety strong side SUSPECTED RUN fire the linebackers at the selected gaps
SUSPECTED PASS LBs cover short middle routes
12 4-3 BASE
B A
Z Y X
S M W
LINE ACTIONS DL: DTs shade A gap, DEs shade C gap LBs: 10-15 yds, key RBs
PASS COVERAGES SECONDARY: cover 2 press CORNERS: man on man X and Z SAFETIES: cover 2 deep zones SUSPECTED RUN fire linebackers to cover D gaps
SUSPECTED PASS fire weak side LB rush passer, Mike linebacker as weak side safety cover area
4-3 FLEX
B A
Z Y X
S M W
LINE ACTIONS DL: strong side DT, weak side DE drop back one base length; rush LBs: ride ends and rearward tackle; rush PASS COVERAGES SECONDARY: coverages as required CORNERS: cover WRs or outside routes SAFETIES: cover 2 SUSPECTED RUN fire Mike LB
SUSPECTED PASS DTs rush A gap, Sam and Will cover flats
13 4-3 MIAMI
B A
Z Y X
S M W
LINE ACTIONS DL: DTs shade A GAP; DEs shade TE inside; rush LBs: 10-15 yards back over center and tackles; fire Sam and Will PASS COVERAGES SECONDARY: employ any coverage as required CORNERS: cover split WRs SAFETIES: cover 2 SUSPECTED RUN fire Mike also and rush forward at OL to it’s front
SUSPECTED PASS DEs rush the passer; LBs cover all short routes
4-3 TAMPA 2
B A
Z Y X
S W M
LINE ACTIONS DL: over OG/OT; rush A-B Gap LBs: 10-15 yards back, outside LBs cover TEs; Mike 5 yards further back covering the middle of the field PASS COVERAGES SECONDARY: the coverage it’s know for CORNERS: outside leverage to WRs SAFETIES: cover deep outside routes SUSPECTED RUN Fire Sam and Will
SUSPECTED PASS DEs chuck tight ends then loop to passer
14 4-4 BASE
B A
Z Y X
J S M W
LINE ACTIONS DL: in A-B gap loop to outside LBs: Sam and Mike fire forward to fill, Jack and Will contain PASS COVERAGES SECONDARY: Cover 1 CORNERS: Cover mid outside routes SAFETIES: Cover deep middle SUSPECTED RUN anti option play as is
SUSPECTED PASS Jack and Will cover flats all secondary cover deep
4-6 BASE
B A
Z Y X
M S W
LINE ACTIONS DL: over front LBs: Sam/Mike swap, two player under shift two
PASS COVERAGES SECONDARY: SS near the box CORNERS: cover mid inside routes SAFETIES: strong safety 5-10 forward SUSPECTED RUN Fire all near the box
SUSPECTED PASS Sam and Will hurry passer; Mike and SS cover short inside routes 15 5-2 BASE
B A
Z Y X
S M
LINE ACTIONS DL: NT over C, DT over OTs DEs over TEs; fire LBs: over OG
PASS COVERAGES SECONDARY: as desired CORNERS: cover the WRs SAFETIES: cover half the deep zones SUSPECTED RUN fire LBs
SUSPECTED PASS LBs cover short middle routes
5-3 BASE
B A
Z Y X
S M W
LINE ACTIONS DL: NT shade strong A-gap, DTs shade B-gap DEs wide c-gap LBs: Mike shade weak A-gap; Will/Sam shade in C-gap PASS COVERAGES SECONDARY: as desired CORNERS: cover the short outside SAFETIES: cover 1 SUSPECTED RUN fire LBs
SUSPECTED PASS LBs cover the short outside; cover 3
16 6-2 BASE
B A
Z Y X
S M
LINE ACTIONS DL: place outside A-B-C gap; pinch OTs LBs: place inside B-gap
PASS COVERAGES SECONDARY: cover outside areas as required CORNERS: forward 10 yards; cover short outside SAFETIES: cover 1, wide side SUSPECTED RUN fire LBs
SUSPECTED PASS LBs cover middle inside areas
7-1 BASE
B A
Z Y X
M
LINE ACTIONS DL: over C, OG, OT, and TE positions; rush up field LBs: 10 yds back strong side A-gap
PASS COVERAGES SECONDARY: cover outside areas as required CORNERS: forward 10 yards; cover short outside SAFETIES: cover 1, wide side SUSPECTED RUN outside rush up the field while the other lineman slam field side
SUSPECTED PASS cover the MIDDLE outside areas
17 7-2 BASE
B A
Z Y X
S M
LINE ACTIONS DL: over C, OG, OT, and TE positions; rush up field LBs: 10 yds back strong side B-gap
PASS COVERAGES SECONDARY: cover inside areas as required CORNERS: forward 10 yards; cover short inside SAFETIES: SUSPECTED RUN fire LBs
SUSPECTED PASS LBs cover middle inside areas
8-0 BASE
B A
Z Y X
LINE ACTIONS DL: place outside A-B-C-D gap; rush up field LBs:
PASS COVERAGES SECONDARY: cover outside areas as required CORNERS: forward 10 yards; cover short outside SAFETIES: cover 1, wide side SUSPECTED RUN slam wide/strong side
SUSPECTED PASS cover outside areas, safety cover Y
18 OFFENSES
You can’t win in this league without a well-constructed offense which allows you to hit any weakness the defense might leave. You have to design your offense with that in mind. Carefully study the diagrams and descriptions so you will choose the right one at the right time. There are many offensive formations and calls in football and you want you to be aware of them also. Plays were difficult in electric football until now. Based on TOEPRO-Football gameplay, you now surprise the defense to execute many of these plays.
Play Calling: General In electric football, having some basic information about packages, formations, backfield position, the holes location, backfield and receiver routes can make you a successful offensive caller. The packages are the type of players used. The number of backs, tight ends and receivers for the formation, contribute the right formation being used and the play’s success. Using this method, your plays are called like all others: formation, run/pass action, receiver route. This method will produce the easiest way of ensuring all types of plays are possible.
Play Calling: Formation The offense must have a legal formation. It is the start from everything your play is created to be. The Pro Set offense is shown but no matter what style of offense you run, the formation can be as you like it. Just know where the backs and receivers are placed on the field, what the rules are for further actions (pre-snap and post snap) and you will succeed.
Play Calling: Runs All players generally centered in the backfield could be a runner at the snap. The quarterback is known as the “1” back. A runner lined up at left halfback (up back in “I” backfield) is known as the “2” back; at fullback/tailback he is known as the “3” back; at left halfback is known as the “4” back. The various holes on the line of scrimmage are numbered getting higher the further from the center, even numbers to the right, odd numbers to the left. Therefore, if you like to send the left halfback into the hole between the right tackle and tight end, it is the 2-back into the 6-hole, a 26 Play. A “37 play send the fullback off left tackle.
Play Calling: Passes On pass plays, the two back are known as A (left) and B (right). The split end the X, the tight end the Y; the flanker the Z. The name of a pass play starts with a number in the 50s or 80s, telling the backs what to do generally, and then call one specific pattern to one man. For instance, “X-Go”. If no other receivers are given routes, you are expected to memorize the play and the routes they are running. 19 RUNNER IDENTIFICATION
1
2 3 4
RECEIVER IDENTIFICATION X Y Z
A B
AREAS OF OFFENSE
DEEP HALF DEEP HALF
MID THIRD HOLE MID THIRD
OUT CURL CURL OUT
FLAT DELAY FLAT LINE OF SCRIMMAGE
X 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 Y 8 Z SWING A B
OFFENSIVE SIDE
20 LIST OF OFFENSIVE PACKAGES/FORMATIONS
Package Running Backs Tight Ends Wide Receivers 00 0 0 5 01 0 1 4 02 0 2 3 10 1 0 4 11 1 1 3 12 1 2 2 13 1 3 1 20 2 0 3 21 2 1 2 22 2 2 1 23 2 3 0
X Y PRO SET Z
A B
X Y ACE B Z
A
X Y Z
I FORMATION B A
X Y EMPTY A B Z
X Y Z
SHOTGUN A B
X Z FULL HOUSE
A Y B
X Z OPEN Y B
A
Y B PISTOL X Z A
X Y TRIPS B Z
A 21 LIST OF LINE ACTIONS
Double: 2 or more linemen blocking one DL. Open: 2 linemen blocking to create a hole in line. Pull: linemen blocking a hole not next to it on line. Trap: Blocking defender beyond line of scrimmage. Pass Protect: Passive block by going tight circles or slow reverse.
LIST OF RUN ACTIONS
Boot: QB running outside the backfield. Counter: Misdirection run. Dive: A run up the middle. Draw: Delayed run. Drop back: QB running rearward in the backfield usually to pass. End Around: WR takes a handoff directly from the QB. Lead: RB leads another RB on a run. Off tackle: A run just outside the tackle. Pitch: Transfer of the ball to another player in close range. Sneak: QB immediate dive to one side of the center or the other Sweep: Run where OL pull from their positions to create lane for RB. Toss: RB runs to sideline; QB pitches ("tosses") ball to RB.
LIST OF PASS ROUTES
Arrow: RB directly to the flats. Curl: Receiver up field then short in the middle. Dig: Receiver across under medium coverage. Fade: Receiver short outside along the sidelines. Flag: Receiver inside diagonally then deep out the sidelines. Flat: Receiver directly along the flats Go: Receiver directly up field. Out: Receiver up field then short out to sidelines. Post: Receiver outside diagonally then deep in the middle. Slant: Receiver directly diagonally to the middle. Wheel: RB to the sideline then up field.
22 OFFENSIVE PLAY CARD
FORMATION PLAY
LINEMEN Key linemen actions
RECEIVERS X Y Z BACKS A B QUARTERBACK Pre-snap location, direction, run time
23 PRO GUN 17 BOOT
W
X Y Z
A B
LINEMEN OT drive block the LDE
RECEIVERS X block DBs to their immediate front
BACKS A block WLB; B protects backside pursuit
QUARTERBACK GUN, PIVOT TO 7; RUN
PRO SPLIT T 33 COUNTER
X Y Z
A B
LINEMEN LG/LT open 3, or double 3
RECEIVERS
BACKS A: 3, POINT RIGHT, PIVOT TO 3; RUN B: 4, point right, block back side pursuit QUARTERBACK UC, pivot to avoid 24 PRO I FORM 22 DIVE
M
X Y Z
B
A
LINEMEN C/RG open 2, or double 2
RECEIVERS
BACKS A: 3, point right, B: BEHIND QB. POINT RIGHT, PIVOT 2 HOLE; RUN QUARTERBACK mobile UC, point left to avoid contact
PISTOL 30 DRAW
M
X Y Z
B A
LINEMEN LG/C/RG triple 0
RECEIVERS
BACKS A: 3, POINT LEFT, PIVOT TO WIDE SIDE QB; RUN B: false key wheel; block backside QUARTERBACK pistol, SS, angle to deflect 25 SPREAD Y8 END AROUND
S
X Z
B Y
A
LINEMEN RT block LDE
RECEIVERS Y: LEFT, MOTION LEFT, PIVOT REVERSE, RUN BEHIND QB, PITCH, RUN TO 8
BACKS A/B double SAM or DE
QUARTERBACK SS, pistol, PASS until Y on right side, PITCH to Y
PRO FORMATION 45 LEAD
W
X Y Z
A B
LINEMEN LT block RDE
RECEIVERS X: Crack back Will if near
BACKS A: 2, false key right, pivot, block at 5 or Will B: 4, FALSE KEY RIGHT, PIVOT TO 5; RUN QUARTERBACK UC, Mobile got to backside 26 WISHBONE 16 OPTION The option play in electric football.
S
X Z Y
A B
LINEMEN C/RG double 2, RT block 4
RECEIVERS Y: block Sam Z: read CB. If soft, block. If hard, run GO route.
BACKS A: 2, false key left, pivot, run 6, at pause RUN B: 3, back; run 1, QUARTERBACK UN, Read setup, PASS, run at 4; read DE; PITCH
PRO TIGHT 1 CALL SNEAK
X Y Z
A B
LINEMEN LT/LG block 3, RG/RT block 4, C block call side
RECEIVERS X: block DE Y: block DE
BACKS Over tackles, False key wheel: block outside
QUARTERBACK UC, PIVOT PARALLEL CALLED SIDE, RUN 27 PRO FORM 47 SWEEP
W
X Z Y
A B
LINEMEN LT block 5; RG block 1. If DT under pivot 180; pull right
RECEIVERS X: block CB Y: block 7
BACKS A: 2, block 7 B: 4, FALSE KEY RIGHT, PIVOT, RUN 7 QUARTERBACK UC, block back side
PISTOL 48 TOSS
S
X Y Z A
B
LINEMEN RT block DE
RECEIVERS Y: block Sam Z: block CB
BACKS B: 4 FALSE KEY LEFT, PIVOT TO 8, RUN
QUARTERBACK Pistol, run back side 28 PRO GUN 70 ARROW
X Y Z
A B
LINEMEN pass protect
RECEIVERS X: slant Y: curl Z: post BACKS A: wheel B: ARROW to R FLAT QUARTERBACK Gun, pivot right, PASS, roll right
EMPTY ALL CURLS
X Y
A Z B
LINEMEN Pass protect
RECEIVERS X: slant Y: curl Z: slant BACKS A: curl B: flat QUARTERBACK UC, mobile, PASS drop back 29 TRIPS LEFT 52 DIG
W
Y Z X A
B
LINEMEN Pass protect
RECEIVERS X: go Y: go at Will Z: go BACKS A: DIG UNDER WILL B: wheel QUARTERBACK UC, PASS drop back
ACE X FADE
X Y Z A
B
LINEMEN Pass protect
RECEIVERS X: FADE Y: go Z: STOP FADE (SPIN IN CIRCLE) BACKS A: go B: flat QUARTERBACK UC, PASS drop back, when X clear pressing CB, PASS 30 SPREAD Z FLAG
X Y Z
A B
LINEMEN Pass protect
RECEIVERS X: go Y: slant Z: FLAG BACKS A: wheel B: wheel QUARTERBACK UC, PASS drop back
TRIPS RIGHT 81 FLAT
X Y B Z
A
LINEMEN Pass protect
RECEIVERS X: tight, slant Y: go Z: go BACKS A: ARROW TO RIGHT FLAT B: go QUARTERBACK gun, PASS, roll right 31 PRO LEFT X-MOTION GO
W
Y Z X
A B
LINEMEN Pass protect
RECEIVERS X: FALSE SLANT, PIVOT, GO Y: post Z: slant BACKS A: swing B: flat QUARTERBACK UC, PASS, drop back
ACE Y-MOTION POST
W
X Z Y B
A
LINEMEN Pass protect
RECEIVERS X: go Y: FALSE WHEEL, PIVOT, POST Z: slant BACKS A: pass protect B: go QUARTERBACK UC, PASS, drop back 32 TRIPS RIGHT 51 CENTER SCREEN
M
X Y
B Z
A
LINEMEN Pass protect outward, C to Mike; pivot OTs to pick up outside rush
RECEIVERS X: slant Y: go Z: go BACKS A: FALSE WHEEL, DELAY B: go QUARTERBACK UC, PASS, drop back
PRO OPEN Y SLANT
S
X Z Y
A B
LINEMEN Pass protect
RECEIVERS X: go Y: FALSE WHEEL, PIVOT, SLANT Z: go BACKS A: swing B: swing QUARTERBACK UC, PASS, drop back 33 PRO FORM LEFT 53 WHEEL
W
Y Z X
A B
LINEMEN Pass protect
RECEIVERS X: slant at Will Y: slant at SS Z: go BACKS A: WHEEL B: flat QUARTERBACK UC, PASS, drop back
TRIPS LEFT GUN X MOTION SCREEN
W
Y
X A Z
B
LINEMEN Pass protect
RECEIVERS X: FALSE KEY GO, PIVOT FLAT Y: go at CB Z: slant BACKS A: false key wheel, pivot go at Will B: flat QUARTERBACK Gun, PASS, drop back 34 SPECIAL TEAMS
A well constructed electric football game has special teams play. When it does, you will find this being important to a win in this league. With great special teams play, you have field changing momentum and scoring opportunities. If forgotten, your team’s weakness will be exploited from a field positioning aspect. We have designed special teams with that in mind.
Special Teams: Free Kicks The free kick is designed to start a game, half or following a score or try. Once the ball is kicked possession does not belong to the receiving team unless they catch it, recover it or it goes out of bounds. Until then, go to the ball. Free kick return play is designed to recover the kick and return it for maximum gain. Having players downfield will assist in quick recovery of the ball. Knowing the game situation also is important. Having players in position for the onside kick, but not so close that a kick bounces off your player and is closer to the kicking team.
Special Teams: Punts and Returns The punt is designed to transfer possession to the opponent with the least amount of return. When in punt formation the first priority during a KICK play is to protect the kick. Once away, get down field to touch it or quickly tackle the runner. Returns of punts are the same as returning free kicks, however, your priority changes in two phases. First, block the kick then, return the kick. Setting up for a return is good strategy for better offensive starting field position.
Special teams: Field Goals The offense’s one special team scoring chance and in some instances, the last play of a game. Practice for that pressure kick is a must. You must have a legal formation and in some instances the holder (a quarterback) is placed near the kicker. Protecting the kicker is still priority one, then a steady kick. Only job of the defense is to block the kick so sending players after it is a must. The time to rush the kicker is short so hit gaps and come from the outside. Set up by the rules and have fast, tall guys to get in front of the kicker.
In electric football, one stipulation is to keep the ball in play by striking the field inbounds. Balls kicked out of bounds without touching inbounds can lead to very good field position for your opponents. Practice with your kickers also. They do more than just field goals and is important to the overall team’s success.
35 SPECIAL TEAM FREE KICK
K
ACTIONS Kickoff-Own 35. Safety kick-Own 20. Make sure ball touches inbounds.
SPECIAL TEAM FREE KICK RETURN
M
W S
ACTIONS 10 yards from free kick line. SPECIAL TEAM PUNT
P
ACTIONS Make sure ball touches inbounds.
SPECIAL TEAM PUNT RETURN
W S
M
ACTIONS No one over center. SPECIAL TEAM FIELD GOAL
H K
ACTIONS
SPECIAL TEAM FIELD GOAL BLOCK
W S
M
ACTIONS No one over center. STRATEGY—INBOUND MARKERS
We can’t decide what plays to call if we don’t know where we are on the field. A good coach is always thinking about the position of the ball relative to the inbound markers (hashmarks), left and right. Of course, no play starts outside the hashmarks. Even if the runner runs out of bounds the ball is always in at the nearest inbound marker.
If we are on the left inbound marker, for example, your situation is obviously different than if you are in the center of the field or on the right inbound marker. We have much less room to left than your right.
Logically then you should run to your right, to “wide side” of the field rather than the “close side” or to your left. Trouble is the defenders know this also and able to over shift their lines to the wide side and use zone or combination coverage strongest to the wide side. In that instance, the field will be not so favorable to the offense’s left and the defense is strongest to the offense’s right.
In this situation, we may choose to run to the close side, into the defense’s weakness. We can make some yards and force the defense to play honest. Then you chose your best plays. Sometimes you will have use a play to get into the center of the field, or to the other inbounds marker in order to set up the play we want.
In any case you want to keep the inbound markers in mind all the time. Concentration is the key to electric football.
39 STRATEGIES AND TENDENCIES
Football is a game of tendencies, so too is electric football. Electric football coaches have their habits and their favorite way of doing things. All the teams of your league have a tendency to use similar strategies in similar situations.
If we want to defeat coaches, we must know their tendencies and talents. If they like to throw to X on third down we have to know it and stop it. If they lack the ability to pass, force them to do so to areas of the field uncomfortable to them.
If you want to keep yourself loose and smart, we have to know our own tendencies. If you have gotten lazy and run five times in a row on first down, then the defense will expect a run. Let’s pass and use your tendencies to fool the defense.
Different teams reflect the personalities of their coach. Some like to run and others would rather pass. Some play percentages and others like to gamble.
To beat your opponents, you have to know their personality and to know their personality, you have to watch their tendencies.
Study your opponent before you play. Be alert on the field.
All teams are different, but here are a few tendency types you can recognize.
When they have the ball: • Some teams are conservative and ball-control oriented. These teams will usually run on first down and often on second down as well. They throw only when they have to, and then throw safe passes. • Some of our craftier opponents will often run the bad percentage play. They will run toward the closer sideline, throw long on third and ten, run the ball on third and seven. • Some teams “work the ball”. They will mix up runs and passes, screens and draws — trying to drive the ball down the field, but looking for a good chance to throw the long ball.
40 STRATEGIES AND TENDENCIES
When you have the ball: • Some defenses always play safe and follow the percentages. They play runs on first down, passes on third down and always out to the wide side of the field. They often run zone coverages — giving up short passes but cutting of the bomb. • Certain defensive-minded coaches like to smash up first down. They will use a tight defensive coverage or even run a max blitz. • Almost all teams, when forced inside their own 20, blitz more and play tight defenses. There is not much reason for them to play deep zones since we can’t throw deep anyway down that close. • A couple of our opponents like to gamble with their defenses, trying to throw us for big losses of force interceptions.
TENDENCY TALLY SHEET
On the next page is a tally sheet for one of our simple tendency charts. We use the sheet to get an organized idea of what our opponent like to do in certain situations.
Watch the team play a game, for two to three games, and mark down what they do in every situation. By the time we have completed a sheet we have a good idea of how often they want to run on first down, how often they throw on third and ten, whether they tend to run to the wide side or thigh side and most other pertinent information.
Throughout the season, maintain tendency charts on all of your opponents and yourself. Nothing will help us improve more than making and studying these charts. Sound strategy is really difficult without them.
CONCLUSION During the season you will be playing opponents that have better personnel than you or may have a superior game plan. Record the tendencies, develop a strategy, and create schemes and plays that will help assist your team’s chances of victory. We have provided advise and tools you can use. Blank pages of what you will need to create this are also in the rear of the book.
Enjoy Electric Football Coach. Remember, good luck is also part of great strategy.
41 TENDENCY TALLY SHEET TEAM/COACH: OPPONENT: GAME:
LEFT HASH CENTER RIGHT HASH FIRST AND 10 RUN L R RUN L R RUN L R
SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R
LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R
SECOND AND 8+ YARDS RUN L R RUN L R RUN L R
SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R
LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R
SECOND AND 4-7 YARDS RUN L R RUN L R RUN L R
SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R
LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R
SECOND AND 2-3 YARDS RUN L R RUN L R RUN L R
SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R
LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R
SECOND AND 1 OR LESS RUN L R RUN L R RUN L R
SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R
LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R
THIRD AND 8+ YARDS RUN L R RUN L R RUN L R
SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R
LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R
THIRD AND 4-7 YARDS RUN L R RUN L R RUN L R
SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R
LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R
THIRD AND 2-3 YARDS RUN L R RUN L R RUN L R
SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R
LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R
THIRD AND 1 OR LESS RUN L R RUN L R RUN L R
SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R
LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R
LEFT HASH CENTER RIGHT HASH 42 LEXICON A In pass plays, running back on the left. B In pass plays, running back on the right. Blast Defensive linemen charge is after quarterback. Blitz Linebackers and/or secondary rush the passer. Combo Combination pass coverage on X receiver. False Key Placement a receiver to confuse defenders. Fly Deep vertical route. Fold block Center block DT; Guard block Mike backer. Jack Outside linebacker in 3-4 Defense Defensive linemen/linebacker placement on certain backs as Key a clue to the play. Leverage Maintain vertical position downfield. Defensive pass coverage, where specific defenders specific Man-to-man receivers. Mike Middle linebacker Mombo Combination pass coverage on Y receiver. Over Defensive linemen shift to the strong side of the offense. Pinch Two or more linemen rush to the same gap or lineman. Play Action Pass play that appears to be a run action. Prevent A defense to stop desperation passes. Quick Trap Fast cross-blocking by center and guard. Rub Cross receiver patterns Route Receiver patters Sam Strong side linebacker. Safety X Weak side safety crosses to his outside. Short yardage Less than two yards to line to gain or touchdown. Slam DL tactic to in rush one direction. Strong Side The side where the tight end lines up. Stunt DL or DL/LB cross to confuse blockers. Tendencies Play calling habits An eligible pass receiver, who lines up close to the offensive Tight End linemen, known as “Y”. Tight Side Closer to the sideline. A defensive linemen is allowed to charge in, then blocked Trap from the side. Under Defensive linemen shift to the weak side of the offense. Weak Side The side where the tight end does not lines up. Pass receivers/ends lined up most away from offensive line; Wide receivers known as “X” and “Z”. Wide Side Further from the sideline. Will Weak side linebacker. X Wide receiver on the left. Y Tight end. Z Wide receiver on the right. Zone Pass defenders cover an area of the field. 43
B A
Z Y X
LINE ACTIONS DL: LBs:
PASS COVERAGES SECONDARY: CORNERS: SAFETIES: SUSPECTED RUN
SUSPECTED PASS
B A
Z Y X
LINE ACTIONS DL: LBs:
PASS COVERAGES SECONDARY: CORNERS: SAFETIES: SUSPECTED RUN
SUSPECTED PASS
LINEMEN
RECEIVERS
BACKS
QUARTERBACK
LINEMEN
RECEIVERS
BACKS
QUARTERBACK SPECIAL TEAM
ACTIONS
SPECIAL TEAM
ACTIONS TENDENCY TALLY SHEET TEAM/COACH: OPPONENT: GAME:
LEFT HASH CENTER RIGHT HASH FIRST AND 10 RUN L R RUN L R RUN L R
SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R
LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R
SECOND AND 8+ YARDS RUN L R RUN L R RUN L R
SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R
LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R
SECOND AND 4-7 YARDS RUN L R RUN L R RUN L R
SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R
LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R
SECOND AND 2-3 YARDS RUN L R RUN L R RUN L R
SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R
LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R
SECOND AND 1 OR LESS RUN L R RUN L R RUN L R
SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R
LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R
THIRD AND 8+ YARDS RUN L R RUN L R RUN L R
SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R
LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R
THIRD AND 4-7 YARDS RUN L R RUN L R RUN L R
SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R
LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R
THIRD AND 2-3 YARDS RUN L R RUN L R RUN L R
SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R
LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R
THIRD AND 1 OR LESS RUN L R RUN L R RUN L R
SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R SH. PASS L R
LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R LG. PASS L R LEFT HASH CENTER RIGHT HASH 47 © 2019 Tudor Games, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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