Pistol Spread Option (PSO)

Luke Ethington(Former) Head Football Coach

Maurice J. McDonough High Schoollethington@ccboe.com

School History• Four State Championships

– ‘83, ‘85, ‘90, 2010• Larry Johnson (Penn

State) former HC• Last five years: One state

championship, two conference championships– 33 players sent on to

college. Three BCS school players.

• Smallest school in the conference.

PSO History• Influenced by Chris Ault/Anthony Pratley• I started running this system in 2008• 1-4 the first half of my first year...

– won the last five games...(6-4)– Year two...7-4 (playoffs)– Year three...13-1 (State Champions; Ranked third in The

Washington Post)– Year four....7-3 – Year five...9-2 (Conference Champions/playoffs)

• Overall record 42-14 in five seasons.

PSO History

• A fad?– I started running the PSO

in 2008...people laughed

• Now 49 Division-I teams and nine NFL teams run some version of the Pistol formation.

• We’ve averaged over 28 pts. a game 4 out of the last 5 years.

Why the Pistol Offense?

• Identity!!!– We needed something to help us play with a certain

mental edge. “Swagger”....”Juice”...”Moxy”• A poll was taken a few years ago. It was

determined that there are four things that give DC’s trouble:– Running QB– Option– Spread– No-huddle or fast tempo

Why the Pistol Offense?

• Multiple formation system– Stress the defense out (horizontally/vertically)

• Multiple formations...Same plays.– We run our base stuff out of 15-20 different looks

• Ability to outnumber defenders at the point of attack (extra hat)

• Reduced the defenses ability to pre-snap read• Forces defense to play from a “balanced” set• Flip plays sides without moving personnel

The truth about the Pistol

"Everybody thinks the pistol is just a read, but the pistol is a formation, and from that formation, if you're a power offense, you can run the power. If you're a counter offense, you can run the counter. It's not just a read offense. I think the read offers another dimension to it, but it's really a versatile formation.“

– Chris Ault (Former Nevada Head Coach)

Keys to the Zone Read

• The Center – QB exchange is vital– offseason/7 on 7’s/pre-practice reps are a must

• A QB that is willing to run 4 yds. • WR’s that are committed to blocking well• A line coach and linemen that will trust the

blocking scheme (you will see what I mean)

Tricks of the Trade: Zone Run Game

• The RB must establish the mesh point – Thumb in shirt pocket...don’t grab for the ball.

• QB must do “first things first.” GET THE SNAP...then make the read.

• OL must work to have feet like marching U.S. Marines– Quick and in unison– Two step drill

• Second and third level blocks must be strongly emphasized.

Blocking Scheme• The main reason that I

chose the PSO was the blocking scheme...period.

• Inferior talent can neutralize superior talent– Philosophy based on leverage

• We work the same steps and skill set everyday.

• Keep the rules simple...don’t overthink it.

• Show blocking rules...

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If a Lineman is covered, meaning he has a threat anywhere on his body (In other words he could reach out and touch him), then we will block the Play side # of that player.

Teaching Trick: Covered=“PS #--Control the DL”

Example: If we are running right, and he is covered by number 64, we would step to block the #4 on his jersey.

Outside Shade Head Up Inside Shade

COVERED LINEMAN

Covered use “Control” technique to LB.

Click the words below to animate.

Play direction

LB

75

LB

75

LB

75

LB

If a Lineman is Uncovered, or if he is covered by our Read man on any play, we will step to the play side gap, double team the first Down Lineman (Read the knee), and work up to the second level.

64

UNCOVERED LINEMAN

Click the words below the diagram to animate.

Play direction

75

Uncovered

Zone Read Explanation

• Read the End Man on the Line of Scrimmage• HB will take a 45 degree step opposite and

then cut in front of the QB to the playside A/B gap.

• Outside WR will Push Crack (push hard up field and crack the alley runner)

• Inside WR will be responsible for sealing the edge.

“Read the Knee”

•Each Lineman tries to work to the Play side # of the DL.•Control Down Lineman and spy LB•Read the Play side knee of the DL.

• If the knee comes toward you, attack it.• If the knee leaves you, work your way up to

second level.• “Hands on Block—Eyes on Backer”

NW

NW

Knee comes to Guard Knee goes away from the Guard

ZONE READ vs. Even Front

FX Y

Z

H

Animate

ZONE READ vs. Odd Stack

FX Y

Z

H

Animate

Let the PSO revolution begin!

Luke Ethington(Former) Head Football CoachMcDonough High School (MD)

lethington@ccboe.com

www.pistolspreadoption.comSee website for PSO coaches clinics, playbooks,

film, and team camps