X&O Labs Article #3 – March 9, 2018

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

INTRODUCTION: My high school (Milledgeville, Illinois) was very small, but very successful (HFC’s – Les Snow, Gary Hartje and AHC – Rick Malson), using a classic wing-T system (35 wins and 3 losses during those four years). Classic buck sweep is an outstanding concept to apply to a one back spread RPO system. The challenge is to adapt buck sweep using an Hback along with 2nd level RPO concepts in a simple and sound manner. First, buck sweep uses a simple “covered-uncovered” blocking rule. By using a proven test-of-time wing-T core scheme we can attack the defense on the edge and off tackle at the same time. I was fortunate to play and learn under my high school coaches that used legendary HFC Forest Evashevski’s U of Iowa wing-T offense (1958 Big Ten Conference Champions and 1959 Rose Bowl winners over the U of Cal). Again, you can use this same sweep scheme for multiple plays. “Evolved Simplicity” = 1 blocking scheme (Sweep) – Run or Pass Second, sweep is flexible in that it can adjust and fit to the strength’s (talents) of personnel from year to year, week to week and game to game. You can run this strong or weak, from 2x2 or 3x1 alignments and with the back or QB as the ball-carrier. Last, the way we teach sweep the OLine and running back, sweep becomes both an outside and off-tackle running play, as well as a waggle play-action-pass (PAP). Third, use a scaffolding or chunking teaching progression. Scaffolding or chunking of teaching is a process of introducing information in a way where each future concept builds upon or simply expands the previous concept. We can use sweep blocking for run RPO and waggle play-action-pass. Step 1 – Simple

1. Teach using 2x2 and progress to 3x1 alignment 2. Condense QB techniques for both sweep and waggle play-action-pass (PAP) 3. OLine uses a minimum number of blocking schemes for both sweep and waggle pass

Step 2 – Flexible

1. Sweep is both an outside and off-tackle running play along with classic wing-T waggle pass 2. Sweep RPO attacks all fronts and coverages (1 scheme for multiple plays) 3. Sweep has the ability to make QB a runner, thrower or dual threat (play to strengths)

Step 3 – Scaffolding

1. OLine uses only Sweep blocking rule for every type of play 2. Pre and Post-snap defensive recognition process that is used with all no huddle plays. This TRI-O

process is used with both the OC (coaches) and QB (players) = all on the same page 3. Limited communication to simplify processing for players (think and play FAST)

WHAT – WHY - HOW STEP 1 - SIMPLE: We start by installing and teaching sweep from our “Ace” a balanced 2x2 Hback set. Again, this helps with offensive principle #1 = NUMBERS. Both the OC (from the sideline) and QB can easily see if the defense is balanced or overloaded by using a three step, defensive recognition process of pointing @ 1 or 2 high safeties + hanging backers (Mr0’s) and last the mike backer. We start to apply our adjustment with the Hback from both a 2x2 “Ace” and 3x1 “Trips” alignment. Hback now aligns similar to a traditional tight end on the LOS by aligning 1 foot outside the OTackle but, places his toes just behind the OTackle’s hips (off LOS & crowding LOS). This is done with angle blocking schemes in mind, which allows the Hback to get his hands on the defensive end now. If the defensive end aligns wide, we then call power. Thus, applying offensive principle #2 = BLOCKING ANGLES. With our 2x2 sets, 95% of the time our Hback aligns into the boundary. Since defenses must protect the field, this tendency creates opportunities for our strong sweep @ the Hback (into the boundary). 3x1 sweep also achieves a double whammy to the defense by applying offensive principle #3 = SPEED IN SPACE or FIELD while at the same time giving the offense the ability to take advantage of the defensive ends alignment. We simply read the defensive ends alignment and pick either sweep or power. *Diagram 1: notice Hbacks aligns closer to LOS allowing him to get his hands on the defensive end

Next, everything you do in your offensive design must focus on keeping OLine rules, techniques and adjustments @ a minimum! Sweep is simple in that the front doesn’t matter for the OLine. The covered-uncovered defensive recognition rule is also the blocking rule for sweep. If covered you are “big” (base block man over), if uncovered you are pulling. We use a 3-step open-long pull technique with sweep pullers to get depth and wide fast (bucket step + cross over + plant and turn upfield). What we have learned with sweep is that the pullers need to focus on the next backer to the outside and simply run (meaning, not looking back for defenders filling inside and behind the play).

Last, and most importantly you can use sweep rule blocking for an RPO, a drop back play-action-pass and classic waggle (counter, roll out play-action-pass). Since the pulling lineman get 3 yards of depth you can easliy throw a pass without lineman getting beyond 1 yard and use the same technique for pocket or waggle pass. Again we condense the QB’s read progression by reading the Mike backer for sweep RPO, focusing on his depth and hips. The key point is that the Mike backer must be filling fast to the play side in order to impact sweep run, if filling or blitzing backside you can still give to back because his hips are behind the run point of attack. The backside receivers run over routes replacing the Mike fill-blitz, getting over backers and over the ball horizontally while finding open grass.

Minimize the techniques to Maximize the execution ADAPTION: One of the first teaching points that pulling lineman must learn is they must get depth and run when pulling. We us a “give ground to gain ground” teaching cue (also with power for backside guard puller). We researched the University of Oregon’s sweep under then HFC Chip Kelly (currently HFC at UCLA), we applied their open-long pulling technique. When running strong, toward an Hback or tight end (versus even fronts) you will most likely have the front side OTackle uncovered and pulling, resulting in a great lead puller outside. You then will get either the center of backside guard as 2nd puller, where we teach them to replace the first puller inside the edge blocker (Hback or tight end if strong). By “giving ground” at the start they can then “gain ground” or get upfield with their hips and shoulders square to the LOS and fit up with backers better. They must not look back and “eyeball” the next backer outside, hence the teaching cue, “just run and they will run into you.” To drill, we put cones at a 3-yard depth from the LOS and 2 yards to the side you are pulling, to force all lineman to learn the proper 3-step open-long pull technique for sweep (Thanks Doug Arnold again).

*partner work on strike progression Work on proper open pull technique while eyeballing Backer (eat up whole body) Goals – to work pulling technique while feeling pressure of a moving-real defender Rotate – 3 quality reps each way *Use Cones (diagram) to get depth on pull

Second, we have the back read the edge block (Hback if toward or OTackle if away). The key is for the back to consistently take his 3 mesh steps across and in-front of the QB, then 2 more steps down the line before “sticking their foot” in the ground with a 45-degree cut to attack the LOS now. We teach them to run to the backside or “butt” of the edge blocker (inside or outside). Third, we applied a jet or fly sweep technique for our QB and back mesh. We teach the QB to take 3 small shuffle steps laterally during the mesh and read with the back. Our RPO read key is the mike backer (middle) using “mike backer run through”, filling gaps fast and underneath pullers play side. The 3-step shuffle mesh allows our backside receivers time to replace the Mike and/or find open grass running over routes, plus it sets up our play-action-pass with sweep (pocket and waggle).

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By combining old and new techniques to classic buck sweep, we were able to keep the integrity of the sweep concept while adapting to the techniques for each position so as to match up the timing of the play consistently across the board. Here is an example of our sweep open-long pull techniques toward the tight end (or Hback) from a 3x1 set (3x1). We originally used mostly tight end alignments (on LOS) so that the tight end could get his hands on the defensive end now. We found that by using an Hback with the ace set (Hback crowds LOS but, is off LOS) we were able to manipulate the defensive alignment inside for a better blocking angle and still allow the Hback to get his hands on the defender for a quality fit and block. Hudl (2015, October 7) State College High School 9th Grade Football vs Central Dauphin, PA *CLICK ON VIDEO TO PLAY

Clip 1: notice open-long pull by lineman and Back being consistent with 5 steps, then cutting upfield Last, the coach-OC can also communicate (signal) to the QB to “Alert” him of a potential RPO backer blitz (Weak Mr0, Will or Mike). This tells QB to think pass first (versus run to pass), taking advantage of an open throwing lane (hot over routes backside). Again, this helps both the QB and coach to be on the same page while allowing the offense to take advantage of defensive pressures. Here is a diagram of a strong sweep (toward Hback) from a 2x2 set (Ace). When defenses try to blitz from the backside we can easily find open grass with the double over routes by the A and Z receivers. All being done without having to call a new play by simply telling the QB to reverse his thinking of the RPO.

*Diagram 2: notice how the QB reads the Mike fill (front side) with the inside receiver (A slot) replacing and then the outside receiver (Z) also filling open grass on the backside (spacing is the key for receivers)

STEP 2 - FLEXIBLE: Again, the beauty with one back sweep is that you have the ability to run it both strong (near Hback) and weak (away from Hback) while using the same RPO route combo (Over) regardless of the direction. Next, this system and concept fit both a running oriented QB and a passing oriented QB by using the same blocking scheme with the OLine while simply making the QB the ball-carrier and using classic wing- T waggle (roll out option run or pass). This is a great way to compliment back sweep by running away from Hback (weak) and using the Back as the outside lead blocker. Here is a diagram of QB sweep with Back lead block outside. QB uses a bucket step play side with all QB lead runs to first read his PASS option in the RPO system. Again, using our “slow to fast” teaching cue with even the QB. This also allows the pullers to get out and to better fit up on defenders. You will find that initially the backs (and QB) will want to take off fast. This is why you need to run a backfield play strip drill everyday (even if only for a few minutes). We like to focus on only one or two run concepts a day so as not to create information overload. We also like to work our QB run steps while we take our center snaps to start our offensive fundamental drills (only taking 2 minutes, but the QBs are working steps and timing instead of just getting a snap), making for efficient practice methodologies (chunking). After the diagram there is a video clip providing an example of QB sweep with back lead toward the Hback. QB sweep is also great versus fronts where only 1 lineman is uncovered (or single puller). Again, you can see why we like to have our best lineman at center so if uncovered they can get to the edge.

*Diagram 2: notice defensive numbers are overloaded strong @ Hback (backers). So we simply run QB sweep with back lead blocking away (see “BOZ” block by back – Block On Zero)

Hudl (2017, November 1) State College High School 9th Grade Football vs Central Dauphin, PA *CLICK ON VIDEO TO PLAY

Clip 2: Notice QB takes bucket step to keep timing consistent and reads Mike backer RPO while the center is the uncovered lineman and can still get in front to lead around the edge

ADAPTAION: By having the QB use a 3-step shuffle mesh with sweep, we were able to apply the same blocking rules and techniques for both the OLine and backfield when running wing-T waggle. The play side puller still looks for first backer outside, but if no fill (which often happens since run action is opposite), the puller now looks to help the edge blocker with a double team either inside or outside depending on defender’s depth. The backside puller still looks to replace the outside puller looking for backer run through or then helping the near lineman with a double team. The QB must not rush the sweep 3 step shuffle mesh-fake (this sets up the blocking and again buys him time with the read and roll). When rolling out the QB must “feel” the edge block or defensive end while keeping eyes on the cornerback (pass read). If the defensive end gets upfield, the QB must never try to out run behind and rather climb the pocket and release under and outside. This give us a great run-pass option for the QB with our waggle. Most important, the OLine still uses the same sweep rule (covered-uncovered) while the uncovered lineman still uses the 3-step open pull technique.

Minimize the techniques to Maximize the execution Last, the sweep RPO allows you to attack the front and the coverage all at once and in multiple ways (pass-run-read and waggle). Here is an example of our waggle pass play. Hudl (2015, November 4) State College High School 9th Grade Football vs Mifflin County, PA *CLICK ON VIDEO TO PLAY

Clip 3: notice OLine using sweep blocking and the Tight End (Hback) “Slams” to arrow route

STEP 3 - SCAFFOLDING: The key to making complex simple is to use some basic teaching methods that have proven to allow anyone at any level to learn and process complex information quickly and consistently. Scaffolding or chunking of learning is a process of introducing information in a way where each future concept builds upon the previous one. The image is of when building a house, the builders continue to build upward and onward by adding more scaffolding as they go (not new, but adding to what already exists or is learned). Again, the challenge was to take 1 blocking scheme for the OLine and scaffold plays to attack across a broad front (Woody Hayes, HC @ Ohio State), while using every player (all get touches = balance). ADAPTION: Here is an example of scaffolding technique using sweep with play-action-pass (PAP) backside pocket pass. Great way to attack a defense with the no-huddle / up-tempo offense. Pocket play-action-pass backside *Diagram 3: notice the OLine and backfield techniques are the same as sweep RPO – only the receivers adjust their rules by running POP combo used with our power RPO (chunking of concepts in system)

Teaching and Drilling: The key to making RPO’s work is to daily teach and drill tactical skill development (decision making combined with technical-fundamental reps). Routine is essential with young 9th graders, therefore we use a simple daily progression with our “Sweep Drill” and then “Wag Drill”, both key components to our success. Here is an example of our daily “Sweep Drill” and “Wag Drill” teaching process to develop quality decision making by all players.

*Diagram 4: notice how we can work tactical skills (decision making) while developing sound technical skills (fundamentals) at the same time = efficient practice methodology to learn sweep concepts

*Diagram 5: notice how we break up the frontside and backside components of the waggle pass reads and techniques for the QB while allowing the OLine to work the protection versus the different defenses

VARIATIONS: We are able to scaffold other plays using the sweep concept as the foundation. Here are some complimentary plays or variations that we use. Pocket play-action-pass play-side *Diagram 6: notice now how we can attack defenses vertically with play-action-pass (PAP) to the frontside by running sweep pass from our 3x1 set (trips0 - chunking concepts in the system again

Waggle play-action-pass @ Hback *Diagram 7: notice the Hback slam blocks the defensive end before releasing to arrow route

Waggle play-action-pass @ slot (A & Z receivers) *Diagram 8: notice when running waggle back to the slot we still high low the cornerback by using a smash concept with a whip route (A & Z always run smash-whip when waggle pass @ them = simple)

CONCLUSION: For us the key to making complex simple was to first study and really learn the details of a quality and proven system first and foremost. Second, we were able to keep the integrity of that system while making small adaptations for the needs of our 9th graders. Next was the flexibility the system provided - we have been able to alternate 2 QB’s each season along with using multiple backs and receivers to help the overall development for the players future in the varsity program. Last and most important, this is fun football! It provides opportunities for every position player to not only be involved, but be successful doing it. All while the OLine learns and executes 1 blocking scheme. A commitment to BALANCE creates opportunity. As my old college OC stated (back when I was playing QB in the 80’s @ Luther College in Iowa) - Mike Eayrs, Retired Head of Research and Development for the NFL’s Green Bay Packers, over the last 30+ years in the NFL, the distance of 12 or more yards on runs and 16 or more yards for passes are the minimum distance needed to trigger a dramatic increase in scoring probability. When these distances are achieved on a run or a pass they are labeled Explosive Plays. In that same timeframe, the NFL team with a positive turnover ratio and more explosive plays (You get more than you give up) win 91% of the time! KEY STATISTICS: In the first two years of going completely no huddle-spread RPO’s, our QB’s threw 37 TD passes to 10 interceptions while averaging 20 yards per catch (Explosive plays). We also had 62 rushing TD’s while averaging 6 yards per carry (9th grade HS level @ State College, PA) *note – we averaged 39 points per game and went 19 and 1 during those two years = Fun Football!

MEET THE COACH: Paul Hefty – Currently an Instructor @ Penn State University in the Kinesiology Department – teaching Coaching and Leadership courses and supervising coaching internships – while an assistant coach for 9th grade football @ State College High School. Previously an OC and HC @ the small college - D3 level in the Midwest for 20 years before retiring to raise a family and teach at Penn State University. This is a series of RPO’s being Adapted for Any Level: Case One = Split Zone RPO Case Two = Power RPO Case Three = Sweep RPO If interested contact me from my website – love talking about coaching. Hefs Coach Talk Website: http://sites.psu.edu/hefcoach14/