Theoretical Football

Theoretical football is the notion that American football is an exceedingly complex sport that requires a branch of learning. Its goal is to accentuate the cerebral, academic, and quantifiable aspects of American football. - Denauld William Brown

Contact Twitter: @theofootball Email: theoreticalfootball@gmail.com

Defending The Best Offensive Minds Topic: Todd Dodge Head Football Coach Marble Falls High School, TX
By Denauld William Brown

This is a continued series on how to read and defend offensive formations pre-snap. We will discuss the pre-snap formations run by then South Lake Carroll High School , TX Head football coach Todd Dodge. We are taking a detailed look some of the formations that lead Todd Dodge to be the most successful high school coach in the state of Texas.

Next Topic: Tony Franklin Offensive Coordinator Cal

Pro Number of running backs: 1 Number of receivers: 3 Number of tight ends: 1 Formation type: Female Formation demeanor: Pass

What makes a 3x1 formation with a TE so pre-snap or post-snap aspect when likened to 10 pounds. The lighter the dangerous? An ideal running game will strictly assessing formations and not plays. personnel group the more agile the include the use of a TE on or off the line of The second practicality when looking at formation. The heavier the personnel group scrimmage. Adding a 3x1 element to the formations is either as an even the more stout or maybe even cumbersome TEs deceleration allows for both a great formation or an odd formation. The the formation. Todd Dodge is an excellent running and passing formation to the side offensive line is constant. Sure, an offense football coach and understands formations of the Y. The R, or the offset back in can go tackle over but we will discuss very well. It is much easier to lose football this case, balances the formation as much this on a case by case basis. #3, or the Y games than it is to win them. Todd Dodge as possible but the formation is still in this case in on the offensive left side of has won more football games than lost heavy to one side. Heavy meaning the center. Therefore three out of the five and it is no accident that the pre-snap that that #3, or the Y in this case is offensive eligible players are on one side. structure and plan to his formations is weighing the formation down by being This would be considered an odd directly tied to his schematic on the field both on the same side as the F and the formation. The third common sense way success. Z but also being on the line of of looking ay formations is by way of scrimmage. There are three practical ways personnel groups. This is the most popular to look at formations. The first way is to way but not necessarily X the best from a look at a formation from an equal defensive perspective. Think of personnel distribution of the offensive eligible groups as carrying weight. 22 personnel is standpoint or (EDE). There will always be a likened to 22 pounds and 10 personnel is

Pro Slot Number of running backs: 1 Number of receivers: 3 Number of tight ends: 1 Formation type: Female Formation demeanor: Pass

Here we have another 3x1 formation but it is viable because the TE, or the Y in this case offensive eligible players to the quarterback is structured totally different from the previous is on the line of scrimmage. That solidifies the very important when eliminating scenarios on formation. This is a pure slot formation possibility of a solid running play away from defense rather than using the widely used meaning that the X and Z are on the the 4 strong side. The second strength of method of gathering tendencies. There is only same side. Why is that so important? This this formation is to the trips side however, it one other offensive player besides the formation also has a 4 strong element really depends on the width of #1 or the X quarterback, in this case, that is going to be meaning that the R is the 4th offensive in this case. The modern day college defense given the ball by way of pass or hand off? eligible to one side of the center. 4 strong because of the width of the hashes use them Does each offense eligible have an equal formations have been a regular topic during as land marks in their zone drops and chance of getting the ball based on their this defending the best offensive minds distribution. This is a very important point proximity to the quarterback? The answer is series. This formation is some what unique once post snap play starts. How many no! Todd Dodge likes this formation and so do because it has some very obvious strengths. defensive zone concepts use the hash as a I. Most 3x1 formation have a limited run First, it forces the defense to what we call an land mark from outside in? In other words weak element to them. However the TE or automated trigger of checks or (ATC). There would any defender who aligns outside the Y in this case is on the line of scrimmage. are 4 basic checks that a defense can use and hash pre-snap, use the hash as a land mark That aids in balancing this top heavy 4 that an offense can and should assume. These post-snap? Notice the Xproximity of the Z strong slot formation. basic checks include trips, wing, empty, and the F while splitting the hash mark. pressure, slot or (TWEPS) for short. There What is even more interesting is the width of is still the idea that the running game is very #1 or the X in this case. Proximity of