Base Playbook

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Offensive Playbook
1
Huddle
TB Y FB
RT RG C LG LT
Z X
QB
7 Yards
L.O.S.
Ball
Sequence to call the play Legend

C = Center
1) Formation RG/LG = Guard
2) Motion (If any)
RT/LT = Tackle
3) Play QB = Quarterback
4) Snap Count TB = Tailback
5) Repeat
FB = Fullback
6) Break QB = Quarterback
Y = Tightend
Z = Flanker
X = Split End
Forming a Huddle
Call Play Twice. Center, Flanker (Z), & Split End (X) Sprint to line
Remaining Players Dispurse on Ready "Break!".
Flanker (Z) & Split End (X) face 45 degrees to QB

Offensive Line foot-to-foot
2
Cadence & Check Off’s / Audibles
Cadence
1) Set
2) Color
3) 3 Digit Number
4) Color
5) 3 Digit Number
6) Set…
7) Hut
Check Off’s
The color given during the cadence will signal if there is going to be any
type of check off or audible. We have some ideas below, but any color
system could be used. I have also used States in this system. (Example:
Texas)
Blue, Green, & Black are Dummy Colors (Run the play called in the huddle)
RED IS LIVE!!!! (Listen for audible)
Or you could say Red is live Pass and Orange is live Run
Another simpler idea: Red could simply mean to run the play to the
opposite side
3 Digits:
1st digit could be dummy number OR blocking and/or backfield action
2nd digit is the Back number OR QB drop steps
3rd digit is the Hole number OR pass route
Example:
Orange 710 could be QB keeper off the Centers right hip.
3
HOLE NUMBERS
9 7 5 3 1 0 2 4 6 8
4 Foot 2 Foot 3 Foot 2 Foot 2 Foot 3 Foot
Line Splits Line Splits

Vs. 4-4 Normal
Back Numbers
QB = 1 FB = 3
TB = 2 Flanker (Z) = 4
Motion
Flanker (Z)
Zoom: On "Set" the Flanker sprints across field past the center.
Zin: On "Set" the Flanker sprints in towards center but NOT past center. Can be used for
crack-back blocks of quick crossing routes
Zak: Flanker sprints across the field past the center 5 feet beyond the Tackle and then
Back to the side he came from (Make turn with back to the defense)
Fullback (FB) Tailback (TB)

Flop: Shuffle from King to Queen Humm: Motion forward and then
or Queen to King across to the direction indicated
4
Formations
Alignment:
FB: Heels at 4 Yards King: FB always aligns to Strong Side
TB: Heels at 6 Yards Queen: FB always aligns to Weak Side
from Ball
X & Z: FB: Heels at 4 Yards (Inside leg of the Tackle)
10 Yards from nearest Lineman
Inside foot back
Flanker Right
X LT LG C RG RT Y
QB Z
FB
TB
Flanker Right King
X LT LG C RG RT Y
QB Z
FB
TB
Flanker Right Queen
X LT LG C RG RT Y
QB Z
FB
TB
5
Formations
Wide Outs have
Pro Right inside foot back
X LT LG C RG RT Y
QB Z
FB
TB
Pro Right King
X LT LG C RG RT Y
QB Z
FB
TB
Pro Right Queen
X LT LG C RG RT Y
QB Z
FB
TB
6
Formations
Twins Right
Y LT LG C RG RT X
10-15 Yards
QB Z
5-10 Yards
FB
TB
Twins Right King

Y LT LG C RG RT X
QB Z
FB
TB
Twins Right Queen

Y LT LG C RG RT X
QB Z
FB
TB
7
Formations
Power "I" Right
X LT LG C RG RT Y
QB
FB Z
FB: Heels at 4 Yards

TB: Heels at 6 Yards TB Flanker (Z): Heels at 4 yards on
inside leg of the Tackle
Big "I"
X LT LG C RG RT Y
QB
FB
Flanker (Z): Heels at 3 yards
TB
FB: Heels at 4.5 yards
TB: Heels at 6 yards
Ace Right
X LT LG C RG RT Y
TB QB Z
FB
FB: Heels at 5 Yards
8
Basic Summary
Now that our holes are numbered and the backs are numbered, we
can call running plays in a simple organized fashion. For example
a 28 toss indicates that the TB (2) will run the ball to the 8 hole or
outside to the right. (See page 4) Holes can be simply memorized
in realizing that runs to the right end in an even number while runs
to the left end in an odd number.
Further clarification: The zero hole is directly off the center’s right
hip while the 2 hole is directly off the guard’s left hip.
Helpful ideas involving motion:

Using the above formations in combination with motion, other
formations can be formed. For example, by calling “Ace right
Zoom” you will end up with Trips left (3 receivers on the left side
of the formation). Motion is a great way to keep a defense off
balance and potentially out flank your opponent.
9
34-35 G
Vs. 5-2
QB reverse pivot to 4:30 &
take the ball deep to the FB
Set up for a pass over the inside
leg of the Strong side tackle
TB runs a sweep course and turns

up in the strong safety area
FB takes open step with playside foot

Crossover on second step
Third step should square shoulders to the L.O.S.
Downhill to target point (Inside leg of the Guard)
Key the A gap
Vs. 4-4


Key the A gap
Vs. 4-3


Key the A gap
Other Formations to run this play from: Flanker Left, Twins Right, Pro Right, Ace
Motion: Can Run Zoom & Zak at will
10
32-33 Dive
Vs. 5-2
QB: Step back to FB. Continue option
fake after handoff
TB: Run to Split End in option
fake
FB: Aim for inside leg
of the guard
Vs. 4-4
QB: Step back to FB. Continue
option fake to freeze the end.
TB: Run to Split End
FB: Aim for outside leg of the
guard
G/T: double team DT & T bounces
the next level (LB)
Vs. 4-3
QB: Step back to FB. Continue
option fake to freeze the end.
TB: Run to Split End
FB: Aim for outside leg of the
guard. Can cut outside off TE block.
G/T: double team DT & T bounces
the next level (LB)
EXCELLENT vs. 4-3
Other Formations to run this play from: Flanker Left, Twins Right, Pro Right, Ace
Motion: Can Run Zoom & Zak at will
11
28 - 29 Toss
Vs. 5-2
The block on the end is key
QB reverse pivots
Vs. 4-4 28 Toss Crack
The block on the end is

key
QB reverse pivots
Z cracks back
FB kicks out Corner
If OLB fires, FB must be prepared
to block now & the TB must be ready to cut
inside the FB's block
Vs. 6-2
The block on the end
is key
QB reverse pivots
FB need to eye the MLB and

pick him up where appropriate
Other Formations: Flanker Right King, Pro Right, Pro Right King, Twins Right,
Twins Right King, Big I, Power I Right
Possible Motion: Queen Flop, Flanker Zoom, Zak, Zin (Crack), Shift Motion, Queen Zoom
12
26 - 27 Power
Vs. 5-2
TB: Open - Cross - Plant
QB: Opens at 45 degrees
You may choose to pull or not pull

FB: Aim for butt of Tackle
Get inside out angle & block
with right shoulder
End head up or outside: Y blocks outside backer

End inside: Y blocks down on end Y signals FB by placing left hand on side of leg
Vs. 4-4
OR
Vs. 6-2
TB: Open - Cross - Plant
QB: Opens at 45 degrees
You may choose to pull or not pull

FB: Aim for butt of Tackle
Get inside out angle & block
with right shoulder
Other Formations: Flanker Right King, Pro Right, Pro Right King, Power I Right, Big I
Motion: Flanker Zoom Kick, Flanker Queen Zoom Kick, Zak, Queen Flop
13
Vs. 5-2
22 - 23 Blast
QB: Reverse Pivot & hand
the ball off deep as possible
This X Block is a more advanced technique

Vs. 4-4 24 Blast X
If Tackle lines up inside guard, Check line

Guard blocks Tackle & Tackle blocks end out
Twins works against 4-4
Vs. 6-2 Big I or Power I Right
If Nose lines up head up or outside Guard,

Run 22 Blast
If Nose lines up inside Guard,

Run 24 Blast
Other Formations: Flanker Right King, Pro Right, Pro Right King, Twins Left,
Twins Left Queen, Power I Right, Big I
Motion: Queen Flop, Zoom, Zak
14
30 - 31 Trap
Vs. 5-2
QB: Reverse pivot
T: Run flat route to get to the LB
FB: Cut off Tackle's back
Line blocks down on play side
Vs. 4-4
QB: Reverse pivot
T: Run flat route to get to the LB
FB: Cut off Tackle's back
Line blocks down on play side
31 Trap from Queen

Vs. 4-4
QB: Reverse pivot
FB first step Right foot to

left leg of the center
Other Formations: Flanker Right, Flanker Right Queen (31), Pro Right, Pro Right Queen
Twins Left King
Motion: Zoom, Zak
15
Vs. 5-2
26 - 27 Counter Trap
FB: Lateral step - shoulders square
Fill inside leg of Tackle
Playside Tackle:
Step with inside foot
Any backside blitz: Backside

Tackle should pick up
Vs. 5-2 out of Twins

FB: Lateral step - shoulders square
Fill inside leg of Tackle
Vs. 4-4 out of Twins
FB: Runs underneath the QB
Other Formations: Flanker Right, Flanker Right Queen, Pro Right, Pro Right Queen
Twins Right, Twins Right Queen
Motion: Zoom, Zak, King Flop
16
Sprint Option Right
Vs. 5-2
QB: Open to 6 o'clock & get a balance step
Keep ball near numbers as you run

to inside shoulder of the end.
Bend knees & step to the TB to pitch. Turn

your thumb down & under palm of your hand.
Vs. 4-4
QB: Open to 6 o'clock & get a balance step
Keep ball near numbers as you run

to inside shoulder of the end.
Bend knees & step to the TB to pitch. Turn

your thumb down & under palm of your hand.
Other Formations: Flanker Right, Flanker Right King, Pro Right, Pro Right King
Twins Right, Ace with lead block
Motion: Zoom, Zak, Queen Flop
17
Criss Cross / Counter Trap
Vs. 4-4
Ball carrier receives an inside

handoff. Line & FB are blocking as if
counter trap.
Work on timing... Left slot must delay

a count or two before leaving to receive
the ball
26 Counter Trap
Vs. 4-4
Left slot receives ball
on the outside of the QB &
follows the tackle.
QB opens up to the FB.
The above are ideas to run out of a new formation we have not introduced...
The "Double Slot"
18
49 Counter Sweep
Vs. 5-2
FB cheats up to 3.5 yards off ball
prior to snap & always goes to the
side of the call.
FB & TB fill for the guards.
QB opens up to the FB & after

faking hand off... STAY THERE!
Vs. 4-4
FB cheats up to 3.5 yards off ball

prior to snap & always goes to the
side of the call.
FB & TB fill for the guards.
QB opens up to the FB & after

faking hand off... STAY THERE!
19
48 Reverse
Vs. 5-2
FB pulls and blocks contain
QB reverse pivots as if 29 toss

then checks for blitz or fumbles
Line blocks 29 toss
26 Toss G
Vs. 5-2
TB opens 3 o'clock
delays & then runs to
the inside leg of the end
FB responsible for playside ILB
Vs. 4-4
TB opens 3 o'clock
delays & then runs to
the inside leg of the end
FB responsible for playside ILB
20
28 Toss pass
10 yards
7 yards
TB must make it look like a run.

WR must break down to block before going deep.
Te must get a good hit on the outside man prior
to starting route so FB can pick him up.
26 Power Pass
10-15 yards
3 yards upfield
Must make play look like 26 Power.

TE blocks down for 2 seconds and releases.
FB aims at end and slide into the flat.
TB fakes having ball and blocks end.
QB opens at 45 degrees & sprints out.
QB must be sure to get shoulders square to L.O.S.
Tuen shoulders towards receiver prior to throwingthe ball.
21
49 Reverse
Vs. 5-2
FB fills for the guard
TB: Look the ball into the Flanker
Vs. 4-4
Vs. 6-2
22
Flood Pass
15 Yards
10 Yards
5 Yards
Playside blocks must be aggressive

Backside will cup
Center steps and cups playside
QB open at 45 degrees and get shoulders
sqare to the L.O.S.
23 Blast Bootleg Pass

Flag
15 Yards
10 Yards
QB reverse pivot & fake blast

FB & TB run blast FULL SPEED &
fill for the guard
RG & RT are responsible for playside protection
QB must read the outside block
If hooked, continue sprint action
If the gets kicked out, pull up to throw
23
Screen Left
Like should hold initial blocks for 2 seconds
prior to getting outside for screen
LT blocks first defended found
LG takes a middle lane
C peals back as clean-up
QB must get depth
TB blocks for 2 seconds then
Get 5 yards outside the end and
3 yards deep
26 Screen Left
Like should hold initial blocks for 2 seconds

prior to getting outside for screen
LT blocks first defended found
LG takes a middle lane
C peals back as clean-up
QB fakes 26 then must get depth
TB fakes 26 then continues into screen
Get 5 yards outside the end and
3 yards deep
24
The Passing Tree
The passing tree is a very simple yet universal base passing attack.
There are a few basic rules that make understanding it simple. It is
a basic 2 digit system. The first digit signals the pass drop and
pass protection. The second digit signals the pass route. In
general, odd routes tend to be outside pass routes while even routes
tend to be inside pass routes. The passing tree numbering system
can be used in our audible system as well.
To begin, let’s outline the pass drop and pass protection. Just like
in the running game, an even first digit will signal a play to the
right, or in this case a pass to the right. As you guessed, odd will
signal a pass to the left.
60’s: 3 step QB drop to the right

70’s: 3 step QB drop to the left
80’s: 5 step QB drop to the right
90’s 5 step QB drop to the left
In general, the FB will always pass protect to the strong side, while
the TB will always pass protect to the weak side. If the TB is lined
up wide like in Ace, the FB will still pass protect to the strong side.
The specifics of both the 3 & 5 step drop pass protection can be
found on the following pages.
25
3 Step Pass Protection
80's vs. Even (4-4)
80's vs. Odd (5-2)
90's Protection
Same as above
Opposite direction
26
5 Step Pass Protection
60's vs. Even (4-4)
FB looks inside first
60's vs. Odd (5-2)
RG pulls to get big on big

70's Protection
Same as above
Opposite direction
LG pulls to get big on big

27
QB Drops
3 Step Drop
1) Ball is up to ear level immediately. Take a big step back with your right
foot. (For right handed)
2) The next 2 steps are cross over & balance or plant step.
3) Throw on the third step.

Big step – cross over – plant – throw
4) Try to get 3.5 to 4 yards off the L.O.S.
5 Step Drop
1) Ball is up to your ear level immediately.
2) Big step at 6 o’clock – cross over – step – cross over – plant
3) Depth should be at 7 yards.
The following pages with detail the routes that correspond with the second
digits of the tree. In addition, correct QB reads and coaching points will be
given. Using this system, a complete offensive passing attack can be
created. In most circumstances a third inside receiver could be added to the
mix running a post type route up the middle of the field to run the safety off.
We will illustrate 3 step routes (80’s & 90’s) first. The 5 step routes (60’s &
70’s) will follow. All of the following routes can be run from different
formations. Again, even numbers are inside routes & odd numbers are
outside routes.
Coaching points for pass routes

1) Push off L.O.S. at full speed at all times
2) On outside cuts, run at DB’s inside shoulder
3) On inside cuts, run at DB’s outside shoulder
4) The SE runs a read route on 5 step drop passes
28
3 Step Routes
81
6
4
4
QB reads the OLB

If he runs out, throw to the TE
If he goes back, throw to the Flanker
Flanker runs fulls speed and rounds it 91 is a mirror of the above to the opposite side
off at 4 yards, catch the ball at 6 yards
Do not chop feet or square this off Remember! These all can be run from different
Split End runs a slant route formations including Ace. Ace could run as
TE runs a seam route (Ace right 91) TB running seam & TE pass protect
This is exception where FB blocks weak side
82
5-6
5-6
QB reads the OLB

Flanker run FULL SPEED off the ball
Split End run FULL SPEED off the ball
TE runs a seam route
92 is a mirror of the above to the opposite side
29
3 Step Routes
88
4
4 4
QB reads the OLB

Throw to the open window
TE runs a diagonal
Flanker & SE run slants
98 is a mirror of the above to the opposite side
89
4
4
QB reads the OLB

Flanker runs to inside number of
the DB & breaks outside (Fade)
TE runs diagonal
SE runs slant 99 is a mirror of the above to the opposite side
30
5 Step Routes
62
10-12 10-12
Read
QB reads the ILB to the OLB

Throw to the open window
TE runs a curl finding mid-field pocket
Flanker runs a curl 72 is a mirror of the above to the opposite side
SE reads corner to the safety
Remember! These can all be run from different
formations including Ace.
63
10-12
Read
10-12
QB reads the OLB

Flanker runs full speed and rounds
off at at 10 and catches ball at 12
Do not chop feet or try to square
TE gets putside release and runs curl
turning over outside shoulder
SE reads corner to safety 73 is a mirror of the above to the opposite side
31
5 Step Routes
64
14-12
Read
QB reads the OLB

TE runs diagonal
Flanker inside releases and breaks
curl to the outside
SE reads corner to the safety 74 is a mirror of the above to the opposite side
65
15
Read 10
10 End at 12
Stem for 4
QB reads the Corner

Flanker stems inside for 4 yards
Pushes upfield to 10 yards
Thens take it 5 yards to the corner
Plant your feet and comeback to 12
TE outside release and runs Flag
32
5 Step Routes
66 15
10
QB reads corner to safety

TE runs diagonal & up
Flanker stems 6 yards inside
Pushes up to 10 yards, post for 5 yards
Square in at 15 yards
SE runs a 9 route 76 is a mirror of the above to the opposite side
67
3 steps
Read
12
10-12
5 yard stem
QB reads the Corner

Flanker stems inside for 5 yards
Pushes upfield to 12 yards
Thens takes 3 steps to the post
Roll back outside to the corner
looking over your outside shoulder
TE diagonal to 10 yards - curl & face QB 77 is a mirror of the above to the opposite side
SE reads corner to safety
33
5 Step Routes
68 15
10
QB reads corner
TE runs diagonal & up
Flanker stems 6 yards inside
Pushes up to 10 yards, post for 5 yards
Run up the hash
69
Read 10
QB reads the Corner

Flanker push off hard. Try to close
Cushion to 1 yard, then step to
the outside of the defender & run by him
TE runs flag 79 is a mirror of the above to the opposite side
SE reads corner to safety
34
Summary
Now that we have outlined the passing tree, we have
a complete and basic offense installed. Please use
these ideas to the fullest as we believe they are
proven winners! We will be adding supplements to
this playbook in the future so stay posted. Remember
one thing as you move forward. Football is all about
having fun and expressing emotion. Get you players
excited to play together and success will be yours!
35

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Footballplays.

Sequence to call the play Legend

Flanker (Z) & Split End (X) face 45 degrees to QB

4 Foot 2 Foot 3 Foot 2 Foot 2 Foot 3 Foot

Line Splits Line Splits

Fullback (FB) Tailback (TB)

Flanker Right King

Flanker Right Queen

Pro Right King

Pro Right Queen

Twins Right King

Twins Right Queen

FB: Heels at 4 Yards

FB: Heels at 5 Yards

Helpful ideas involving motion:

TB runs a sweep course and turns

FB takes open step with playside foot

TB runs a sweep course and turns

FB takes open step with playside foot

TB runs a sweep course and turns

FB takes open step with playside foot

EXCELLENT vs. 4-3

Vs. 4-4 28 Toss Crack

The block on the end is

FB need to eye the MLB and

QB: Opens at 45 degrees

You may choose to pull or not pull

End head up or outside: Y blocks outside backer

QB: Opens at 45 degrees

You may choose to pull or not pull

This X Block is a more advanced technique

If Tackle lines up inside guard, Check line

Twins works against 4-4

Vs. 6-2 Big I or Power I Right

If Nose lines up head up or outside Guard,

If Nose lines up inside Guard,

T: Run flat route to get to the LB

FB: Cut off Tackle's back

Line blocks down on play side

T: Run flat route to get to the LB

FB: Cut off Tackle's back

Line blocks down on play side

31 Trap from Queen

QB: Reverse pivot

FB first step Right foot to

Any backside blitz: Backside

Vs. 5-2 out of Twins

Vs. 4-4 out of Twins

FB: Runs underneath the QB

Keep ball near numbers as you run

Bend knees & step to the TB to pitch. Turn

Keep ball near numbers as you run

Bend knees & step to the TB to pitch. Turn

Ball carrier receives an inside

Work on timing... Left slot must delay

QB opens up to the FB.

FB & TB fill for the guards.

QB opens up to the FB & after

FB cheats up to 3.5 yards off ball

FB & TB fill for the guards.

QB opens up to the FB & after

QB reverse pivots as if 29 toss