Installation of The Shotgun Offense

Installing an Explosive Run Game

By James Vint
Offensive Coordinator
Iowa Wesleyan College
jvint@iwc.edu
COPYWRIGHT 2005 James Vint. This power point is copyrighted and is protected from unauthorized reproduction by
the copyright laws of the United States. Unauthorized use or reproduction without the expressed, written consent of
James Vint is strictly prohibited.
 Installing the Gun Offense

1. The Mesh and Reading the 5 in the

Gun Offense
2. Mechanics of the Read Game
3. Running The Jet Series
4. The Quarterback Run Game
 Keys To Being Successful
 Train Your Kids In The Off-Season

 If They Can’t Consistently Stop A Play,

Keep Running It

 Don’t Over Coach Or Over Analyze

 Be Prepared and Prepare Your Kids

 Myths of the Gun
 The Gun Is A Pass Only Offense:
Similar to the Run-and-Shoot in the 80’s, people
perceive the gun as pass first
 The Gun Is A Finesse Offense
You can run a power offense from the gun!
 The Snap Is Too Easy To Fumble
How many snaps have you fumbled from under
center? How many of those did you lose? Gun-1
mishandled snap every 201 plays: 1 Lost. Under
Center-1 mishandled snap every 119 plays: 6
Lost
 Your line must be in a 2 point stance in the Gun
You can operate from a 3 point stance.
 You can’t block the box if you spread the field.
 Advantages of The Gun
 Defenses Have To Account For the QB As A
Runner
 Every Play Can Become An Option Play
 QB Has Easier Pre And Post Snap Reads
 QB Already Has Depth In The Pass Game
 Offense Can Read Rather Than Block A
Defender In The Run Game
 QB Works Downhill As Opposed To Uphill From
Under C
 You get your athletes the football in open space
 Basketball on grass, with fast break potential
Comparing The Gun To Being
Under Center

The defense loads the box!

Comparing Gun To Being
Under Center

In the spread gun, we open up

the box.
 Statistically Speaking
 We have averaged 6.2 yards a rush from
the gun over 4 years
 IS Zone from the gun: 6.7 yards w/ the TB
and 7.9 w/ the QB
 IS Zone under Center: 5.1 yards w/ the TB
and no direct QB run
 From the gun we average 7.1 yards per
play. Under Center: 6.3 and 5.3 per rush
 The Gun is Versatile
 You can run the gun from virtually any
offense
 You can be either pass dominated or run
dominated from the gun
 Nearly every personnel package can be
tailored to the gun
 You can use the gun as a change-up or as
a full-time offense
 Comparing The Gun To Under Center
F
 Def Accounts For 4 WR and
C R W M S C 1 Back
E T T E  Defense Does Not Have To
Defend The QB As A Runner
 Defense Can Defend The
Box With 6 VS 6

F Defense Must Account For

The QB AS The Second Back
C R W M S C
Defense Must Account For
E T T E
Four Wideouts
If D Account For 4 Wides,
They Are Left With 6 To Defend
7 In The Box
 Comparing The Gun To Under Center
F
 Def Accounts For 3 WR and
C R W M S C 2 Backs
E T T E  Defense Does Not Have To
Defend The QB As A Runner
 Defense Can Defend The
Box With 8 Men

F Defense Must Account For

The QB AS The Third Back
C R W M S C
Defense Must Account For
E T T E
Three Receivers
The Defense Must Defend
Three Backs With Six or Seven
Players
To Get 8 in the box, D must
play man
 Why Your QB Will Love The Gun!
 He has a wider peripheral field of vision for pre-
snap reads.
 Every time he meshes with a back he will be
moving downhill.
 Your QB will not trip over the centers foot.
 Your QB will have more opportunities to carry
the football.
 Your QB already has depth in the pass game.
 Your QB will be able to see blitzes quicker and
throw hot.
 QB Pre Snap Alignment
 QB Aligns at 4.5 yards from the center
 Feet are slightly staggered with throwing
foot slightly in front
 Hands are comfortable, with fingers
spread
 QB brings the snap through the third hand
 QB Snaps Eyes to Read
 Running Back Alignment
 RB Lines Up 1.5 to 2 Yards Behind QB,
With his crotch splitting the OS leg of the
guard.
 His eyes are straight ahead
 He is balanced, with his hands on his hips
 If his hands go to his knees, he goes to
the bench
 We have some flexibility to his alignment
Pre-Snap Alignment
 Ace Back Run Game
 42-43 Inside Zone
 42-43 Base Dive
 42-43 Trap
 42-43 Counter Trap
 42-43 Influence Trap
 44-45 Gut Lead
 44-45 Fever
 44-45 G
 46-47 Kick
 46-47 Wrap
 46-47 Power (With Motion)
 46-47 Counter Trey
 48-49 Outside Zone
 48-49 Stretch
 40-41 Zone Cutback
 42-43 Inside Zone Read
 42-43 Base Dive Read
 42-43 Trap Read
 42-43 Counter Trap Read
 42-43 Influence Trap Read
 44-45 Gut Lead Read
 44-45 Fever Read
 44-45 G Read
 46-47 Kick Read
 46-47 Wrap Read
 46-47 Power Read (With
Motion)
 46-47 Counter Trey Read
 48-49 Outside Zone Read
 48-49 Stretch Read
 40-41 Zone Cutback Read
 Two Back Gun Runs
 42-43 Inside  Each of the plays
 42-43 Inside Lead on the left have a
 42-43 Iso Read component
 44-45 G Lead  If you want the FB
to mesh with the
 44-45 GUT Lead
QB, then you simple
 46-47 Power change the first
 46-47 Power Kick number of the play
 46-47 Wrap to a 3. We can run
 46-47 Counter 32 Iso, or 36 Wrap.
 48-49 Outside Zone
 48-49 Outside Lead
 Option Game
 12-13 IS Veer  We have tried to
 12-13 Trap run Midline from
the gun, and we
 14-15 Slide Option
have found it
 14-15 OS Veer
difficult to mesh
 18-19 Lead Option
 18-19 Speed Option
 18-19 Load Option
 QB Run Plays
 12-13 QB Dive One of the most valuable aspects of
 12-13 QB Inside the gun offense is the ability to get your
 12-13 QB Inside Lead quarterback involved.
 12-13 QB Iso
 12-13 Inside Read Whether the QB is reading the
 12-13 QB Trap defender, or the QB is running one of
 14-15 QB G the plays to the left, you force the
 14-15 QB Gut defense to have to account for him.
 16-17 QB Power Getting the QB involved in the run
 16-17 QB Power Wrap game will help to open up different
 16-17 QB Power Kick aspects of your pass game.
 16-17 QB Counter
 18-19 QB Outside
 18-19 Outside Lead
 Installation Of The Gun Offense

By: James Vint Christopher Columbus

High School

The QB Mesh and Reading The Backside

5 Technique
COPYWRIGHT 2005 James Vint. This power point is copyrighted and is protected from unauthorized reproduction by
the copyright laws of the United States. Unauthorized use or reproduction without the expressed, written consent of
James Vint is strictly prohibited.
 Ways We Mesh
 Same Side Mesh (Front Side Read)
 Backside Read
 Designed Give Play
 Designed Pull Play
 TAZ Mesh
 OS Veer Mesh
 Play Action Mesh
 QB Footwork And The Mesh
 If The back is crossing the QB, the QB will
take a flat step toward the back. We call
this Flat Step, Short Step.
 He reaches the ball deep and feels the
belly of the back, snapping his eyes to his
read.
 He rides the back through while making
his read.
 “Squeeze and Chase, Pull and Replace”
QB Footwork And The Mesh
 RB Footwork And The Mesh
 The back aligns 1.5 to 2 yards behind the
QB, straddling the outside leg of the
guard.
 If the back is crossing the QB, he will take
a step opposite the QB, then get downhill.
 He must make a deep pocket, with the top
palm up.
 The back must feel the QB read, and not
snatch at the football.
 Reading The Backside 5
 This is the whole concept that began our
craze with the gun offense
 The offense does not have to block a
backside player
 This allows us to get one more lineman to
the second level
 Allows us to put 5 techniques in conflict
 Why Read The Backside 5?
 We get one more blocker to the second level
 We allow the offense to always give the ball to
the right player
 We put the 5 technique in conflict, and 5
techniques tend to be very good players
 We allow the 5 tech to see several different
looks
 The defensive line must practice facing multiple
looks
 We give ourselves a chance to be successful
against a stud by having him take himself out of
the game
 SQUEEZE AND CHASE, PULL
AND REPLACE
 If the 5 technique squeezes and chases,
pull and replace
 If he does anything else, give the football
 If the 5 tech slow plays, give the football
 If the 5 tech comes upfield, give the
football
 If the 5 tech comes at the QB, give the
football
 Read the Backside 5 Technique

The main concept that started the whole phenomenon with the gun is the ability
of quarterbacks to read the backside 5 technique. The QB will read the backside
5 technique. This allows the backside tackle to work up to the second and third
level. Under center, the quarterback is not able to read the backside 5 technique,
he is working uphill. From the gun, the QB can read the backside 5 tech and use
his rule.
QB’s Rule: Squeeze and Chase, pull and replace.

If the 5 technique squeezes the tackle’s release and chases the back the
quarterback is meshing with, the QB will pull the football and replace the 5
technique. This is a way of reminding the QB to get downhill. If the 5 tech does
anything else, the QB gives the ball and carries out a downhill run fake to hold
the pursuit. We drill this with our MESH DRILL. The QB’s and running backs
work together getting their mesh down, while the QB reads the 5 tech.. We vary
how the 5 technique plays in each situation as we drill the mesh and read.

Mesh Drill If the DE squeezes and chases, the QB

DE
will pull the ball and replace the DE. We
C want the QB to get downhill.
If the DE sits at home, or goes upfield,
the QB will give the ball and continue a
QB downhill run fake.
RB
 Reading The Backside 5 Technique

Diagram Of The Mesh

E Read Key

 The QB Takes A Flat Step To The Back, then a short

step. His feet should face the Sideline, in a heel toe
relationship at the mesh point. His weight should be
slightly right
 Reading The Backside 5 Technique
The 5 Comes Upfield
E Read Key

 If the 5 tech comes upfield, give the

football to the back and carry out your run
fake.
 Reading The Backside 5 Technique

The 5 Squeezes and Chases

E Read Key

 If the 5 technique squeezes and chases, the QB will pull

and replace.
 The QB Must Get Downhill
 Reading The Backside 5 Technique

The 5 Squeezes and Chases

E Read Key

 If the 5 technique squeezes and chases, the QB will pull

and replace.
 The QB Must Get Downhill
 The QB/RB Mesh

QB gets his eyes to his read

Always simulate a
snap
The QB is giving the
football as the 5
technique is coming up
field.

This is a great view of the quarterback’s footwork on the

mesh. You can see the angle of his feet allowing the
back to cross in front.
 Reading the Backside 5 Tech
 When we read the backside 5 tech, the back will
align opposite the call side. The back will step
opposite the QB and mesh, as per his opposite
side mesh rules.
 We can run virtually all of our offensive run plays
reading the backside 5 technique
 Allows us to account for a defender with a read,
allowing us to block one more second level
defender
 We put good defensive ends in conflict
 Mesh Drill
 We run our mesh drill with our
quarterbacks and running backs every
day.
 We run active mesh at least two days a
week where we add our offensive tackles
and tight ends
 We have an inside run period with 5
minutes designated for our read game
 Keys To A Good Mesh
 The QB must secure the snap first!
 The QB MUST get his eyes to his read
 The RB must make a deep soft pocket
 The RB must be patient, don’t rush
 The Tackle must reduce his shoulder to
avoid allowing the DE to collision him
down the line
 The QB must be soft with the football
 Coaching Points On The Mesh
 The quarterback and running back do not
need to fight over the football
 The QB makes the decision, not the RB
 RB keeps his top palm up and out
 QB must be soft with the football
 Coach the QB on his eyes
 Installing The Run Game In The
Spread Gun Offense

Installing The Inside Read Play

In A Gun Offense
COPYWRIGHT 2005 James Vint. This power point is copyrighted and is protected from unauthorized reproduction by
the copyright laws of the United States. Unauthorized use or reproduction without the expressed, written consent of
James Vint is strictly prohibited.
 Inside Zone Read Play
 The inside read play is our number one play
from the gun
 This is the first play we installed from the gun
 We use our zone blocking system for this play
 Based on game planning decision, we will use
zone combinations and or fold blocks to get
movement
 We read the backside 5 or #3 defender
 The TB reads Will To Mac To Go
 Inside Zone Rules
 Our offensive line rules begin with the playside gap
 Our landmark is the playside jersey number of the
defensive lineman
 We want to dent the line of scrimmage and get movement
 Our offensive line takes a six inch zone step to the play
side at a 45 degree angle, depending on the technique of
the defensive lineman
 On our first step, our offensive lineman will grab their guns
(This term tells our lineman to get their hands cocked)
 The second step is through the crotch of the defender
 The offensive lineman is trying to punch through the
playside jersey number
 We keep our feet moving to get our head across the
midpoint of the defender
 We must keep our feet moving to get to the playside
 Inside Zone Read Rules
 Center: Must Establish The Ohio (Ohio is
our term for the 0) The Center Has
playside Gap to 0
 Guards: Playside Gap #1
 Tackles: Playside Gap #2
 TE: Playside Gap #3
 The key is the Center MUST establish and
communicate who the OHIO is.
Illustrating Our Count System
42 Inside Read

1 1
M W
Read Player 3 2 2
E T T E

We number out from the Ohio on both sides.

Each lineman will point out who one and two
are. We are reading number three to the
backside in most cases.
 Inside Zone Read From Ace Lion
F
C R W M S C
E T T E

 The 0 is the Mac in the case above

 The offensive line call out one and two
 QB Reads Backside 5 Tech
 TB and QB Utilize Mesh Footwork
Lion 42 IS Read vs a 3-5-3
F
C
B W M S C
$
E N E

We get three combinations on the LOS

We have a numerical advantage
Line calls ensure lineman know who they are working with
 42 IS Read vs a 13
F
C $
S M W C
E T N T

One Tech to the call side is the Ohio. The offensive line
executes their inside zone steps. The QB reads the
backside nine technique.
Even 42 IS Read vs a 50 Solid
F
C $
M W C
S T N T E

This look can be tough because 50 teams will give us a solid look vs
spread gun and play with one backer in the box. Either the $ or the W
will overplay the box. The Free safety will usually move to the side of
the overplay. We now will zone combo the 0 Nose who is the Ohio,
tracking the Mac backer.
 Dealing With Stunts
F
C R W M S C
E T T E

 When the defensive line stunts, our lineman

must understand their first responsibility is
playside gap
 They must have their heads up and eyes open
 TB and QB Utilize Backside Mesh Footwork
 Handling Stunts
B
B B
L
E T T E

This is a two-on-two drill

working two offensive
lineman vs. a defensive
lineman and a backer. This
is a generic drill where we
will put guards with tackles
and centers with guards.
We want this to be a game
speed drill once the initial
teaching is done.
This is our three on three drill we do a lot
because of stacked fronts. We get head up
tackles that will slant. We work this drill with
the frontside, then the backside. We get
our eyes up and this teaches the kids to be
able to work an inside threat. We teach
patience in this drill and we follow a very
strict rule, “Don’t Chase Backers.”

You must work against twists

and loops
Offensive Line Stunt Drills For The IS Zone

Coaching Point:
Coach Your O-Line
To Open Their Hips
Against Fast Flow

This Is A 3-on-3 Drill Called Flow

Because The Defense Is Working A Fast Flow Concept, We
Work To Get To Our Landmarks and Stun the defender
The Back Most Likely Will Cut-Back When He Sees This Much
Flow
When We See This In A Game, We Are Ready To Call The
Counter Play To Slow Flow
42 IS Read With Fold

R M L
E N E

If the playside end is slanting inside, we like to kick him

out with the guard and bring the tackle under to the
PSLB.
 Our HIPPO Concept
 We also use zone combinations with our
lineman getting hip to hip
 Offensive Linemen will drive the defensive
lineman into the linebacker
 The direction the linebacker goes will determine
which lineman accounts for the backer
 Our landmark is the near ear/near number of the
down defender
 We teach the offensive lineman to get four eyes
to backer
Teaching a Near Ear Vertical Push
 Offensive lineman will take a flat step to the near
number
 On the flat step the offensive lineman will cock
their hands
 The second step is a vertical step and punch the
near number of the down defender
 We call this Flat Step, L Step
 We drive the down guy into the linebacker
 We DO NOT chase backers
 Near Ear Vertical Push
(Take/Overtake)
B B
T T
G T G T

The linebacker attacks the The linebacker attacks the

guard’s gap, so the guard tackle’s gap, so the tackle
takes the backer and the takes the backer and the
tackle overtakes the down guard overtakes the down
defender. defender.
 Lion 46 Counter Read
R W M S
E T T E

Vs a 3-5 to the call side we will kick out the 5 tech with the BSG,
and the BST will lead through. We assign two players to the PSLB.
Our FSG takes the blitz away and the Y inside releases and looks
to seal the Mac. The PSG will NOT chase the Mac. We can also
have # 2 block the OSLB and have the pull lead through account
for Mac to FS
 Lion 46 Counter Read
B R M L S
E T E

This is the counter read vs. a 30 Stack Defense. There are many different
ways to block this play. We will make adjustments based on how each
defense plays the 30. Our first adjustment is to block the R with the
Center, down block the T with the PSG, and put the PSLB on the Mac.
The Rover usually is not a problem because he gets caught up in the flow
when we reacts to the pulling of the G and T.
 42 Trap Read vs 31 Front
F
C R W M S C
E T T E

 Again, Allows You To Account For The Will LB

 Short Trap is Quicker Than The Tackle Trap
 You can move the QB up to 3.5 Yards
 Great Play vs. a 31 Front
 42 Trap Read vs. 13 Front
F
C R W M S C
E T T E

 Again, Allows You To Account For The Will LB

 Short Trap is Quicker Than The Tackle Trap
 You can move the QB up to 3.5 Yards
 Great Play vs. a 31 Front
 42 Trap Read vs. 50 Eagle Weak
F
C R W M S C
E T T E

 Again, Allows You To Account For The Will LB

 Short Trap is Quicker Than The Tackle Trap
 You can move the QB up to 3.5 Yards
 Great Play vs. a 31 Front
 Dart From Ace Lion
F
C R W M S C
E T T E

 Oline uses base dive scheme

 Great vs. 1-5 technique playside
 TB and QB Utilize Same Side Mesh Footwork
 QB Gives, there is no read
 Center Cuts Playside One Tech
 Dart Fold From Ace Lion
F
C R W M S C
E T T E

 Center and PSG will Fold vs. aggressive

one tech
 Guard Blocks Down, Center Steps Around
 TB and QB Utilize Mesh Footwork
 Creates Angles For A Quick Hitting Play
 Dart Seal From Ace Lion
F
C R W M S C
E T T E

 Center Pulls and logs the 5 tech

 PST Inside Veer Releases To PSLB
 TB and QB Utilize Same Side Mesh Footwork
 Quick Hitting Play to Put the 5 Tech On Ice
 42 Iso Read
F
C W M S R C
E T T E

 Offensive Line Uses Inside Zone Blocking

Techniques
 QB Reads Backside 5 Tech
 TB and QB Utilize Mesh Footwork
 Alamo Rip 42 Iso
R W M S
E T T E

We can use motion from one of our inside receivers to

become the lead backer. Using motion forces the defense
to adjust.
 The Scissors Concept
 The scissors action uses misdirection to
slow the linebacker reads.
 Using scissors action gives you a lead
back for your quarterback on a pull read.
 You can use a second back or a slot to be
the scissors player.
 Scissors ride allows us to ride the scissors
back.
 46 Scissors Read
F
C W M R C
E T T E S

 Scissors Action Holds The Backside Flow

 Scissors Read Allows You To Read the BS End
 Allows You To Have A Lead Blocker For The QB
 Counter Blocking Scheme
 The “Taz” Call
 The Taz call alerts the backfield their will be two
meshes
 We use Taz from two back gun sets
 The QB will mesh with the crossing back, then
the back getting the ball
 The meshing back steps in front of the QB to
mesh
 The QB takes a short flat step slightly downhill to
mesh with the back
 The QB then steps with his inside foot towards
the back getting the ball
 The QB is not making a read when we call TAZ.
 TAZ Footwork Illustrated
TAZ With A Right Left Mesh TAZ With A Left Right Mesh

This illustrates our TAZ This illustrates our TAZ

mesh from the right to left mesh from the left to right
for even numbered plays for our odd numbered plays
 Green 42 Tackle Trap Taz
F
C R W M S C
E T T E

 Tax alerts our QB that he will mesh with both backs

 Our QB will ride the FB, then give to the TB
 We will NOT read the backside end
 The crossing action of the back slows the linebackers
 The first ride back must block the backside 5.
 Green Taz 46 Counter
R W M S
E T T E

When we use Taz action with the counter read we use our zone
away rules on the frontside. We can run this using our hippo
technique, but we find the zoning away helps sell the defense.
Using TAZ Give and Taz Follow

 TAZ Give alerts we will give the ball to the

first back and fake to the second back
 This creates conflict within the linebackers
 TAZ Give allows us to hit the defense
quickly, with action that holds the backside
 TAZ Give allows us get great angles on
backers in our trap and counter game
 Green Taz 33 Inside Give
R W M S
E T T E

The 33 Taz Inside Give is simply an inside zone play to the H or 3

back. The QB will give the ball on his initial mesh with the H. He
will carry out his fake with the A or TB and sprint outside.
 Green Taz 13 Iso Follow
R W M S
E T T E

With our TAZ action we can alert Follow to tell the QB to fake both
the H and the A and follow the H. Iso alerts the offensive line we
will be blocking our isolation play through the 3 hole.
Running Jet Sweep From The Gun
 You can run Jet Sweep from the gun
 You can set the blocking up with multiple
schemes
 You can run Jet Trap and Jet Counter
Criss Cross
 You can run either from one back or no
back sets
 You can run Jet with OS Zone blocking, or
your jet rules
 Gator Navy 49 Jet Sweep (Jet Scheme)

F
C C
W M $
E E
T N T

Vs. an odd front, the PST and Slot combo the DT to the PSLB. The PSG Pulls and
fights to get to the outside jersey number of the DE or inverted OLB. The backside
of the line executes outside zone footwork with fast flow, aiming for the outside
bicep of the offensive lineman. The QB puts the A back in motion and snaps the
ball when the A back is at the middle of the BSG. The QB will mesh in front and
sprint to the backside to hold the pursuit. The TB sprints to get outside and finds
the first gap. The PSG is looking to log the DE.
 Gator Navy 38 Jet Sweep (Jet Scheme)

F
C C
R W M $
E T T E

We will run the Jet Sweep with the H back as well to the trips side. When the defense keeps
six in the box and has two inverts versus Gator, you can outflank the defense. Vs. an even
front defense you can get everyone leveraged to the 3 technique side. If the Will steps up to
blitz, the backside alerts and the backside will account for the Will. You can also alert base
and put the center down on the one tech, the guard on the Will, and the BST on the DE. If the
Rover goes with motion, you can read the backside end.
Gator Navy 49 Jet Sweep (OS Zone Scheme)

F
C C
W M $
E E
T N T

This is the Jet Sweep vs. an odd front with our OZ Zone scheme. We are blocking
this with our outside zone footwork and the PSG does not pull. The line is going to
bucket step to gain depth and get to the outside bicep of the down defender. We
are looking to lock the box while working our blocks in tandem. We want to get the
ball on the edge.
Gator Navy 38 Jet Sweep (Jet Switch Scheme)

F
C C
R W M $
E T T E

If the Sam is beating your guard, you can make a “Switch” call. This puts
the OSWR cracking the #2 defender and puts the pulling guard on the
corner. Everything else stays the same. This helped us get the ball on
the perimeter. When you get a hard corner, we use this scheme and then
run the post corner our Jet Switch Special which is a pass off the Jet.
Navy 38 Jet Sweep (Jet Switch Scheme)

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Jet Sweep can be run from a one back set as well. You will notice that
you block the play the same as you would from your empty set. The only
real difference is the starting point for your tailback. We can also run this
play with trap action to hold the Mac.
Navy 38 Jet Blast (Jet Switch Scheme)

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We can run the Jet Sweep with the trap fake off the Jet action, just as
many Wing-T teams run from under center. The QB will give on the jet,
fake to the FB, and sprint opposite. You can put the back on either side to
run this play. Essentially, instead of blocking the Mac, you are holding him
with the trap fake.
Navy Jet Trap (Influence Trap Scheme)

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This is Navy H Jet 42 Influence Trap. This takes advantage of the Mac flying with
the guard. The backside guard will pull and trap the 3 technique. If the 3 widens
with the guard, turn this up. The PST releases over the DT and blocks the second
level A gap. He must be alert and quick to blow up a Mac Blitz A. The Slot
releases over the top and Blocks the second level B gap.
Adding The Option Game To The Gun

 Forces The Defense To Play Assignment

Football
 Slows Down Blitzing Linebackers
 Gets The Ball To Your Athletes On The
Perimeter
 Creates Opportunities For The Big Play
 Slows Down Pursuit of Front Seven
 Allows You To Account For More Defenders
 QB Makes Reads While Working Downhill
Installing The Option Game Into
Your Gun Offense
 IS Veer
 OS Veer
 Load Option
 Lead Option
 Speed Option
 Speed Lead Option
 Belly G Option
 Slide (Shovel) Option
 Counter Read Option
 Tackle Trap Read Option
 Option Plays From The Gun
 Inside Veer
 Outside Veer
 Load
 Lead
 Speed
 Belly
 Counter
 Trap
 Slide
 Installing the Inside Veer
 Attacks the Playside 5 Tech
 Can be run as a double or triple option
 Allows you to get downhill quickly
 QB and RB utilize same side mesh footwork
 Offensive line uses slow rotating zone
combinations
 IS Veer gives you leverage on linebackers
 Run to the open side of the defense
 Inside Veer From Two Back Gun
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 QB Reads 5 Tech For Give Read, OLB or R for Pitch

 Great vs. 1-5 technique playside
 TB and QB Utilize Same Side Mesh Footwork
 Great vs. 8 Man Fronts
 O Line Uses Zone Combination Blocks
 IS Veer Vs a 13 Front
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 QB Reads 5 Tech For Give Read, OLB or R for Pitch

 VS 3-5, we combo the 3 tech to backer
 TB and QB Utilize Same Side Mesh Footwork
 Great vs. 8 Man Fronts
 O Line Uses Zone Combination Blocks
 Alamo 13 Veer
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 From a one back set, the veer allows us read the 5 tech,
but eliminates the pitch phase
 We can motion a back to become the pitch man
 We can motion a back out of the backfield to clear the
box
 Alamo 13 Follow
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 13 Follow is a QB Iso play with veer action

 The QB will ride the fullback and follow him up into the
hole
 Versus a 3 and 5 tech to the playside, we will have two
base blocks and the QB will read the block on the 3 tech
 Alamo 13 Follow Vs 3 and 5 tech
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 13 Follow is a QB Iso play with veer action

 The QB will ride the fullback and follow him up into the
hole
 Versus a 3 and 5 tech to the playside, we will have two
base blocks and the QB will read the block on the 3 tech
Alamo 13 Follow Opposite Vs 3 and 5 tech
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 When the BSLB is flowing hard over the top we can run
follow opposite.
 The QB will ride the FB who will show iso, then bend
backside and kick out the BS five tech
 The RT will release and wall the Mac.
 Alamo 13 Follow Opposite Kick
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 When the BSLB is flowing hard over the top we can run
follow opposite.
 The FB will protect the A gap and attack the Will.
 The RT will release and wall the Mac.
 Kick tells us to use our fever rules.
 We fold on the playside
 Installing The Speed Option
 Allows you to get the ball into the alley quickly
 You can get your athletes the ball in open space
 Uses inside veer blocking rules
 QB slides to the play side and attacks the
defensive end’s IS shoulder
 If the end goes upfield, keep
 If the end attacks QB, pitch
 We use inside veer blocking rules for speed
option
 Speed Option From Alabama
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 O-Line Uses Inside Veer Blocking

 Great vs. 1-5 technique playside
 TB Drop Steps and Gets Into Pitch Relationship
 QB Slides and Attacks PS DE
 Zone Combination Blocks Get Great Movement
 Speed Option From Texas
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 Since we have an extra player to the call side, we would

use motion to account for the extra defender
 We can also make a call to flip the play
 The QB can check out of the option called
 Speed Option To Trips
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 If the defense does not adjust to the trips set, we would

adjust run speed to the trips side
 If the back is on the backside, he will dropstep and sprint
on the snap
 #3 checks the force player then works to the first jersey
inside
 #2 has the force player and exchanges if #2 has force
 Slide Option
 QB Slides To The Playside and Reads
The 5 Tech. If the 5 squeezes, the QB
attacks the next defender. If the 5 comes
upfield, the QB shovels the ball to the
Under Back.
 Use Veer Blocking
 Puts the five in another lose-lose dilemma
 Alamo Gun 15 Slide

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From The Even look, the ISWR becomes the pitch man. You can also
bubble him and use the bubble as the second option. Keep the bubble
behind the line as you have lineman going upfield.
 Two Back Gun 15 Slide

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From The Even look, the ISWR becomes the pitch man. You can also
bubble him and use the bubble as the second option. Keep the bubble
behind the line as you have lineman going upfield.
 Alamo Liz 15 Slide Cowboy

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This gives us motion to trips with the back becoming the shovel player
and the motion man becoming the pitch man for the second level.
 Gator 15 Slide

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Slide option can be run well from an empty set as well. You can run
slide option as a double option to either side. You can also use motion
from an empty set to get an extra blocker or a pitchman to the playside.
 State Rip 15 Slide

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Motioning the H to Texas and putting the back on the trips side forces
the defense to adjust. When they adjust, you come back with speed
option away from the motion. The Y becomes the shovel man.
 Gun Slot 15 Slide

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This is a triple option with the FB being the

shovel option and the Tailback being the pitch
option. The QB shovels off the 5 tech. If the 5
comes upfield, shovel the ball. If the 5
squeezes, attack the next defender for your
pitch key.
 Using Misdirection
 You can change the direction of the
football to create confusion in the defense
 You can run Counter Criss Cross from the
gun
 There are a variety of ways to block each
play
 If you already run a counter criss cross or
sally play under center, keep the blocking
 Counter Criss Cross
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 Shown above with IS Zone Action

 QB Seals 5 Tech
 Can Be Run From Multiple Formations
 This example shows base blocking, but we can
block this with the tackle pulling.
 Jet Counter X

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Off of our Jet Sweep Action we can run the Counter XX play. This is great when you get the
defense fast flowing with Jet Sweep Action. This is a great play from a one back set and your
empty set. You can run this from a one back set with Jet Sweep and Trap Action, and Counter
XX coming Back. The Counter X has big play potential and slows down pursuit.
 Gator Navy 38 Jet Y Counter X

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This is the Counter X off 38 Jet Action. This is a great way to take
advantage of an over aggressive defense. This is a very quick reverse
with our line using fold blocks to create angles.
All of the previous plays can be run from
two back sets. The backside back can
cross in front (scissors), or dropstep and
get into pitch relationship of the QB gets
a pull read. That is the great thing about
the gun run game is every play can be a
double or triple option. You can adapt
the gun to virtually any offense!
 Getting Your QB Into The Run Game

 This allows you to take advantage of the

box as you spread the field
 QB can run Iso, Power, Sweep, Trap,
Counter, and Zone
 You can run your misdirection game with
the QB giving the ball to other players
 Forces the defense to account for your QB
as a runner.
The Horses Set
 The Horses Set
 Horses is a one back wing set with 12
personnel
 We take the Z out and bring in a tight end
to motion and crack the EMOL
 We use angle blocking
 We get great movement and force the
defense to defend the flank
 We run several plays from this set to keep
the defense form loading up on the sweep
 The Horses Set
The horses set is a set we used to get our QB on the perimeter. We ran
the horses set with great success. The base play is 18-19 Horses. We
complement this play with 12-13 Iso, and all of our read plays. We also
run our zone play, and run play action off the horses. The horses set is
designed to get angle blocks on our opponents.

The Horses Set

Motion
 Rules For 18-19 Horses
 The motion man will crack the EMOL
 The Wing Will block the invert to Sam
 The TE will block gap down backer
 PST Will Block Down if there is a 3 and
pull if the down gap is open
 PSG Will use OS Zone footwork to backer
if he is uncovered… If he is covered he
will pull
 The center will block on or over
 We will zone the backside
Getting Your QB In The Run Game
Zip 18 Horses

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Zip Motion

The Horses Set Allows You To Get The QB To The

Perimeter
Playside O-Line Blocks Down if There Is A Man Inside
We Zone the Backside
Getting Your QB In The Run Game
Zip 18 Horses

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Zip Motion

The Horses Set Allows You To Get The QB To The

Perimeter
Playside O-Line Blocks Down if There Is A Man Inside
We Zone the Backside
 Zip 19 Horses

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This is 19 Horses to a solid front on the playside. Following our blocking

rules, our TE and PST would block down and our PSG would pull and lead
through. We would have our backside zone to the play.
 Complementing The Horses Play
 QB Iso is a great complement to 18-19
Horses
 You can also run quarterback trap
 You can throw the football from what is
essentially a bunch set
 You can run all of your read plays
 Using Your QB as a TB
 In the one back gun, your QB can become
the tailback
 Your ace back becomes your fullback
 You can run your regular two back run
plays from the gun
 This is great if you have a very athletic
quarterback
 Getting Your QB In The Run Game
Alamo Gun 13 ISO vs. 30 Stack

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From an Even set under center, you couldn’t run the Iso without
motioning a slot. From the gun, you the defense has to account
for two backs in the backfield, and still account for four wides.
Versus the 30 stack, you can run QB Iso.
 State Right 12 Iso
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You don’t have to have the A back to the same side as the QB to run QB Iso. QB Iso can
be run away from the side of the back. Vs a 50 the State formation gives you an
advantage to the play side as you have a slot to block the DE. Even if they invert the
Strong Safety, he becomes a non-factor. We can double team the PSDT and use fast
zone footwork with the center and BSG to account for the Nose and the Will. We do tell
the Center to work the playside jersey number of the Nose to allow the Guard to overtake
the block. If we get the nose shaded to the backside, we would use a HIPPO combo to
the BSLB.
 State Right 12 Iso vs a 31 Front
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Versus a backside on against a more traditional 4-4 look, we use our

HIPPO combo on the one tech. If they invert the Strong Safety, we
block him with the PSWR and put the H on the FS. If they invert him,
however, they become weak to the backside versus the pass game.
 14 QB Iso Influence Trap
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This is a great adjustment off of the 14 QB trap with the PST outside veer releasing to the
Strong Safety and the FB leading up on the PSLB. BST protects against B gap run
through on the backside. Let BST go unless he is a super stud. A good down block on
the Nose eliminates the run through. The QB is not faking pass at all as this is not a draw.
He takes the snap and he is off to the races. The frontside slot tightens up to 4 yards and
blocks the backside safety. In red is an alternate path for your backside slot if your tackle
can not get the Strong Safety. We put this in against a 50 team and had two big plays.
14 Influence Scissors Wrap Vs. 50 (Designed Keep)

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This is another variation of this play from two back gun. The outside veer release of the PST
widens the DT, and the fullback kicks him out. The BSG pulls and leads through. The
scissors action holds the LB’s. You can also run this with the BSG pulling and kicking out and
the TB leading up.
 15 QB CTR

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This is a great play if the defense is fast flowing to the play

side, or trying to squeeze/scrap. The QB shortens his steps
on the mesh and gets a longer ride. The back must fly
outside after the ride as if the play is OS zone.
Alamo Rip 16 QB Counter Base
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This is a designed QB Keep off power action with rip motion.

Counter base alerts us we will have only a pull kick out with no
lead through. This keeps the defense from getting flow to
the motion to defend your counter read. When the DE to
the mesh side flies upfield, this slows him down.
Getting Your QB In The Run Game
Alabama 17 Power

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From an ace set under center, you couldn’t run the power without
motioning a slot. From the gun, you the defense has to account
for two backs in the backfield, and still account for four wides.
Additional Option
Concepts
 Installing The Load Option
 Load Option gets the ball on the perimeter
quickly
 We load the alley player (usually the free
safety)
 Offensive line uses slow rotating zone
combinations
 Load is a double-option with a pitch phase
and a keep phase
 Puts the 9 technique in conflict
 Fullback on Load Option
 The Fullback will block the first defensive
player past our pitch read
 The fullback runs at the inside jersey of
the read
 If the read goes upfield, the FB turns up
inside of him to block the next color
 If the read squeezes, the fullback goes
outside the read to block the next color
 Load Drill

D D

F F

The fullback sees the defender The defender comes down hill
going upfield to take the to take the quarterback, so the
pitchman, so the fullback turns fullback goes outside of him to
up field to load the alley player. load the alley player.
 Load Option From Gun vs. a 4-3
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 O-Line Uses Slow rotating zone combinations

 Great vs. Any Defensive Front Minus an Invert
 FB Flashes Hands and Works To Alley Player
 QB Slides, Then attacks 9 Tech
 Zone Combination Blocks Get Great Movement
Load Option From Gun vs. a 1-5-9
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 O-Line Uses Load Blocking

 Pitch off the first man outside the 9 Tech
 FB Flashes Hands and Works To Alley Player
 QB Slides, Then attacks 9 Tech
 Zone Combination Blocks Get Great Movement
 Load Option From Gun vs. a 4-4
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 O-Line Uses Slow Rotating Zone Combinations

 Great vs. Any Defensive Front Minus an Invert
 FB Flashes Hands and Works To Alley Player
 QB Slides, Then attacks 9 Tech
 Zone Combination Blocks Get Great Movement
 Load Option Weak From Gun
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 O-Line Uses Slow rotating zone combinations

 Great Versus Any Front
 FB Flashes Hands and Works To Alley Player
 QB will slide, and then attack the IS 5 tech
 Zone Combination Blocks Get Great Movement
 Switch Call On Load Option
 Allows us to crack the alley player
 Puts the FB on the Corner automatically
 Allows us to lock the alley player inside
 The defense must prepare for this
change-up
 18 Switch vs. a 1-5-9
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 O-Line Uses Load Blocking

 Pitch off the first man outside the 9 Tech
 FB Flashes Hands and Works to corner
 QB Slides, Then attacks 9 Tech
 PSWR Cracks the alley player
 46 Counter Read Option
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 From our State set, the H back becomes the

pitch man
 We use our counter read blocking
 This allows us to put the defense in conflict
 46 Counter Read Option
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 Counter Read Option gives us the ability to add

a third phase into our read game
 We use our counter read blocking
 We can run this from one or two back gun
 Pairing Option Plays
 We call two option plays in the huddle and
allow the quarterback to have a check
 We can flip each of our option plays at any
time based on the defensive front, stunt,
or coverage
 We can use motion to gain an advantage
at the point of attack, using our two
tracking two concept
 12-13 Veer Check
 We will call Virginia check when we play
even front teams
 We want to run veer to a 1-5 technique for
best case scenario
 We can use motion to get an extra blocker
 Our QB will check to the 1-5 side.
 Green Virginia Check
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When we call Virginia Check, we are alerting the offense that the
QB will be calling Veer at the line. He will look for the one and 5
technique. In the case above, we would check 13 veer.
 Green Virginia Check
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The QB will check to 12 Veer with the 1-5 combination on our

right side. If we run veer from Green, the Y will block the free
safety and we will pitch off the OLB.
 18-19 Check
 When we run load or speed to the open side, we are
looking for a 1-5 technique, just like we do for inside veer
 We can use motion to gain an extra blocker
 Our QB can flip the call to get the play to the 1-5 side
 When we work with a TE, we want our load option to go
to the 1-5-9 technique
 This gives us two double teams at the point of attack
 We can slot the TE and use Tom motion to get the TE to
the playside
 He can then Trey with the PST tracking the PSLB
 This allows us to combo the 1 tech with the PSG and
Center tracking the Backside linebacker.
Green Tom Louisiana Check
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If the TE is on the call

side, he will motion to
the center, settle, and
shuffle back.

18-19 Check works the same way as 12-13 check. We

want to check to the 1-5 technique. We will usually use
Tom motion to get a combo on the 5 tech to the PSLB.
The reason we run load to the 1-5 tech with Tom motion is
to get two combos on the playside.
Green Tom Louisiana Check
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In the case above, we would check to 19 Load. The QB will put

the TE in motion and snap the ball when he is one yard outside
the PST. We get two combos to the point of attack.
 Two Tracking Two
 We can motion our Y or H to the playside
depending on our formation
 We get an extra blocker to track the PSLB
 The Tackle and motion man will track
PSLB to Free Safety
 Two Track Two Drill Illustrated
We are tracking the Will with our W
motion man and the PST. If the T E
Will steps up, the PST picks him
up and the motion man goes to
safety.
F
W
The Will flows over the top, so
the motion man picks him up
T E
and the PST goes to FS.
 Orange Tom 13 Veer
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Tom alerts the Y he will be in motion to the playside. When we

put the Y in Tom motion, he will be the second player tracking the
PSLB to FS. The QB will snap the ball when the Y gets one yard
outside the PST. We will pitch off the invert
Orange Tom 13 Veer (Continued)
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If we were in a check mode, we would want to run the 13 veer

with a 1 and a 5 technique on the left side. If the 1-5 were on the
tight side, we would check to Tom 12 Veer.