RUNNING BACK & HOLE NUMBERING

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E T G G T E
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 FORMATIONS

LEFT/RIGHT (Base) “STRONG”LEFT/RIGHT

Left Left
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X Y X Y

3 3

2 4 2 4

“SLOT” LEFT/RIGHT “TRIPS” LEFT/RIGHT

Slot Left Trips Left

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X Y
X Y
2 4
2
3
3

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 RULE BLOCKING

• Because of the many different defensive looks and stunts now used at
the youth level one of the major obstacles is teaching the 1 st year kid
whom to block
• Most offensive plays have two different identifying calls. The Master
calls (Dive, Power, Sweep, etc.) made in the huddle, and the Blocking
calls (Switch, TaG, Double, etc.) which the linemen make at the LOS.
• We start out by creating lanes with imaginary lines drawn vertically out
in front of the linemen and past the linebackers.
• We then give them Rules to use to assist them in identifying whom to
block whether aligned on the playside (The side of Center the ball is
going.), or the backside (The side of Center away from the play.)
• Here are the “LANES”:

– CENTER: His lane is defined by lines beginning on the outside of each foot.
– GUARDS: Their lanes are defined by lines beginning on the outside of the
Center’s near foot to the outside of their away foot.
– TACKLES: Their lanes are defined by lines beginning on the outside of the
Guard’s near foot to the outside of their away foot.
– TIGHTENDS: Their lanes are defined by lines beginning on the outside of the
Tackle’s near foot to the outside of their away foot.

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Rule Blocking – Page 2

• Here are the RULES. And, remember!! ALWAYS protect your inside gap
first.
• CENTER : Man ON, Playside GAP, Backside LINEBACKER.
• GUARDS: GAP, man ON, most dangerous LINEBACKER, to the play,
and DOWNFIELD in the ball carrier’s running lane.
• TACKLES & ENDS: Same as Guards.

– Coaching Points:

1. If you take the 1 st letter of each capitalized word you will notice it spells
GOLD. That is a great way to get them to remember the blocking Rules.
2. “Inside Gap” refers to all linemen on both sides of ball. It is the space
between you and the next offensive lineman to your inside.
3. REMEMBER: The quickest way for the defense to get to the ball is through
the gaps. We always protect them first.

Example Play & Assignments: “LEFT…THIRTY…TWO…DIVE”

3
 BLOCKING RULES & CALLS

• Our offensive scheme has two Example calls:

basic play calls. The first is the
“Master” call sent to the
Quarterback by the Coach, and
“Switch”
designates the type of play Guard & Tackle
called ( Dive, Power, Sweep, etc. switch
assignments
).
• The second play call is the
“Blocking” scheme used by the
offensive lineman on the line
of scrimmage at the point of
attack (Tag, Eat, Switch, etc.).
“Tag”
• After the linemen receive the Tackle &
Master call and break the Guard cross-
block
huddle they walk to the line of
scrimmage. This gives them
the opportunity to get a look at
the the defensive alignment
and quickly communicate with
each other the blocking
scheme they might have to
employ at the point of attack.
• As an example, say the Master
play is a “DIVE”. The base
blocking for the Dive play is
“Solid” (man) blocking. “Eat”
However, as they walk to the End & Tackle
LOS the two offensive linemen cross-block

at the POA see that a defender

has aligned in a position that
calls for them to change the
blocking scheme to a “Switch”
call .
• After the play side offensive
linemen align on the Center
and get into their “Ready”
positions, the play side Tackle
at the POA makes the blocking
“Switch” call. The Tackle on
the other side of the Center
makes false call so the defense
can’t key on where the play is
going.
• The Tackles must make the
 PASS BLOCKING - MAN
• TE & SE: Run your assigned patterns.
• GUARDS: Set up quickly on the LOS 50/60 Blocking
and block the man your lane. He is
yours all the way. If uncovered stay
in your area and Watch out for a
blitzing LB. If no one comes, help
from the inside out. Remember: The
shortest distance to the QB is through
the Guard-Center (A) gap. So, protect
it first, just like a run play.
• TACKLES: Same as the Guards. Keep
an eye on the LBs in your area and be
alert for a blitz.
• CTR: Set up quickly and block the
man on you. If uncovered and no
one comes into your area stay home
and help protect the A-gaps.
• FB: Sprint to weakside and block the
1st rusher that shows outside the WT.
Expect help from the HB if he is not 70/80 Blocking
in a pattern.
• WSHB: Sprint to weakside and help
FB block the 1 st rusher outside the WT.
Aim at his outside jersey number and
try to hook him to the inside. If two
rushers show the FB takes the 1 st one
and you have the 2 nd .
• SSHB: Take one play action step
toward the FB’s near foot then turn
back to the strongside with your butt
pointed at the QB’s launch point.
Your primary job is to block the
fastest most dangerous rusher to
show from the Center out (usually the
DE). Be prepared to help block
anywhere on the weakside.
• QB: All of our drop back passes are
three step drops. When you receive
the snap from Center you
immediately bring the ball up to your
numbers and sprint to the area
90 Blocking
directly behind the weak side Guard-
Tackle gap. That is your launch point
for throwing the ball. If no receiver
is open, RUN outside the FB and
WSHB’s blocks on the outside rusher.
• Coaching Points: The pass
protection responsibilities are
identified by odd and even numbers.
Odd is pass blocking to the left of
Center, and Even is to the right.
• “Rule of Thumb” – The Fullback
always blocks to the Splitend side
unless assigned to a specific pattern.
• To keep them from getting too high
on their blocks, make them keep their
eyes on the bottom of the defender’s
face mask.
 MOTION RULES

• On occasion a play will require a Example Plays Call w/Motion:

running back to be in motion to help
us gain an advantage over the “SLOT RIGHT/LEFT…40 LIZ/ 20 RIP …27/28
defense. TOSS”
• The running back to be sent in
motion, and the motion direction,
will be included in the play call.
• The motion direction is identified by
the following:

– “LIZ” is motion to the LEFT at

¾ speed. 4
– “RIP” is motion to the RIGHT
at ¾ speed. Li
z
2
– “LAZER” is motion to the LEFT
at full speed.
– “ROCKET” is motion to the
RIGHT at full speed.

• The running backs to be sent in

motion will be identified by their
number (2, 3, or 4) and proceed the
motion direction. For example:

“20 LIZ” or “40 RIP”

COACHING POINTS :
• The snap count on all plays using
motion should be either on 3 or 4 to 2
allow the running back enough time
to get to his launch point. Rip
• Although any of the running backs
could be sent in motion, the majority
of our plays requiring motion will 4
employ only the 2 and 4 backs.
 MOTION RULES

• On the majority of our Example Plays Call w/Motion:

plays the only “WING RIGHT…LIZ…28 TOSS”

offensive player to go
in motion is the
number “4” running
back..
• Regardless of his
alignment within the
formation called the
direction of motion is L
designated by the iz

following calls:

– “LIZ” is motion to the

LEFT at ¾ speed.
– “RIP” is motion to the
RIGHT at ¾ speed.

– “LAZER” is motion to
the LEFT at full speed.
– “ROCKET” is motion
to the RIGHT at full
speed. R
i
p

• If any of the other

running backs are to
be sent in motion their
number (2 or 3) will be
designated first. For
example:

“20 RIP” or “30 LAZER”

 RUNNING PLAY(S) – “COUNTER TRAP”

• SE: Stalk block the defender on you.

• PST: Drive block the defender on you.
Expect help from TE. We want him at
least 3 yards off the LOS. If
Vs. 53
uncovered, double with PSG at the
defender on him.
• PSG: Drive block the defender on
you. Expect help from the PSG. If
uncovered, chip the man on the CNTR
on your was to the ILB.
• CTR: Block defender in your
shoulder-to-shoulder area. If
uncovered, block the backside
linebacker through the play side A-
gap. You MUST protect the backside A-
Gap 1 st .
• BSG: Pull and lead through the hole.
You have the OLB or the 1 st LB to
show from the inside. Have
aggressive eyes and find him on your
1st step.
• BST: Cheat on your split from BSG
and seal block the A-B gap area. If no
one comes get down field and block
the ball carrier’s running lane.
• TE: Block the 1 st defender to the
inside on or off the LOS. If a man is
on the PST double team him. If not,
read up to the 1 st inside LB. Avoid
contact with anyone on you.
• FB: Because you are so close to the
QB you need to cheat about 6 inches
to the backside so you can get out of
his way. On the snap take one step to
backside & when the QB clears go
down the LOS to playside and block
the 1 st defender outside the TE,
usually the DE. Your target is his
nearest jersey number.
• PSHB: Cross right in front of the
BSHB & hit the 1 st defender outside
the BST. Be quick so you don’t run
into anyone.
• BSHB: Ball Carrier. Take one
counter step to backside to allow the
PSHB to clear, then cut back to
playside. Take ball from and cut
INSIDE the FB’s block.
• QB: Open to playside, give ball to
BSHB then run a great roll out pass
fake to the backside.
Coaching Points:
1. Can go unbalanced by putting Vs. 44
SE on TE side & have him stalk
block the CB. BST & CNTR Stack
must seal the backside A-Gap.
2. Sets up a great play action
deep pass to SE on a Fade
pattern off a stalk block. TE
 RUNNING PLAY(S) – “CROSSBUCK”

• SE: Stalk block the defender

on you.
• PST: Wide splits & block your Vs. 52
lane. Be prepared for Fan or
TAG call.
• PSG: Same as PST.
• CTR: Block your lane. If
uncovered, block the backside
linebacker through the play
side A-gap.
• BSG: Block your lane.
• BST: Block your lane, but try
to get downfield and block the
ball carrier’s running lane.
• TE: Same as the PST & PSG.
• FB: Run a good Dive fake.
• PSHB: Attack the first
defender that shows outside
the PST. If no one shows, run a
good fake pattern to flat area.
• BSHB: Ball Carrier. Take a
quick jab step with the outside
foot toward to allow the PSHB
to clear, then run hard at the
PSG’s area.
• QB: Open to backside, fake to
FB, give ball to BSHB, then run
a belly fake deep and outside
the TE’s area.

Coaching Points :
1. Versus an over-pursuing
linebacker the playside
linemen can either Fan
(kickout) block, or the
PSG & PST can “TAG”
block.
2. Can also run throw play
action pass (Out & Up or
Stop & Go) pattern to SE,
or Delay patterns to FB & Vs. 44
BSHB on weakside.
Stack
 RUNNING PLAY(S) – “DIVE”

• SE: Stalk block the defender

on you.
• PST: Wide splits & block your Vs. 52
lane.
• PSG: Same as PST.
• CTR: Block your lane. If
uncovered, block the backside
linebacker through the play
side A-gap.
• BSG: Block your lane.
• BST: Block your lane, but try
to get downfield and block the
ball carrier’s running lane.
• TE: Same as the PST.
• FB: Ball Carrier. Hit the hole
fast and get four tough yards.
• PSHB: Run an arc route past
the TE position.
• BSHB: Same as PSHB.
• QB: Open to playside, give ball
to FB then drop back and do a
fake pass.

Coaching Points :
1. If the defensive OLBs, or
the defenders responsible
for pass defense in the
flat area, don’t go with
the faking HBs consider
play action off Dive and
throwing to HBs.
2. Can also throw fade
pattern to SE.

Vs. 44
Stack
 RUNNING PLAY(S) – “Fullback TRAP”

• SE: Stalk block the defender on you.

• PST: Double team man on PSG or
block 1 st inside LB. Avoid man on you Vs. 53
by going inside or outside him.
DON’T TOUCH HIM!
Eagle
• PSG: Double team w/PST man on you.
If uncovered, double man on CNTR.
• CTR: Double team w/PSG man on
you. If uncovered, block the backside
linebacker through the backside A-
gap.
• BSG: You are pulling to play side.
Your target is the PSCB, but block
anyone that tries to cross you face to
make a tackle.
• BST: Shorten the split between you
and BSG. Cut block any defender on
BSG. If he is uncovered, get
downfield and block running lane.
• TE: Block your lane. If uncovered,
block 1 st inside LB.
• FB: Ball Carrier. Cheat about 6
inches toward the backside. On the
snap STAY LOW, take the ball, wait
for BSG to cross your face then run to
daylight on play side.
• PSHB: Run a good fake outside the
BST position. If BSHB: Run right at
the BSDE’s inside number and block
him if he crashes. If comes up field
run a scheme pass pattern to the flat
area.
• QB: Open to 6 O’clock, give ball to
sitting FB, fake handoff to BSHB, then
make a good boot fake past the PSDE.

Coaching Points:

• Double team must get the defender at

least three yards off the LOS.
• FB has to stay low for the handoff.
• BST must seal & cannot allow any
defender into the backfield.
“Shoeshine” anyone on the BSG. Vs. 44
Stack
 RUNNING PLAY(S) – “GEE”

• SE: Stalk block the defender on you.

• PST: Block 1 st defender to the inside
on/off the LOS. Do not let anyone Vs. 52
cross your face into the backfield.
• PSG: Pull to play side and block the
1st defender that shows outside the TE
toward the sidelines. If no one shows,
turn up field and block the closest
defender to you from the inside out.
Get your helmet in the hole.
• CTR: Block your lane. If uncovered,
block the backside linebacker
through the play side A-gap.
• BSG: Block your lane.
• BST: Block your lane, but try to get
downfield and block the ball carrier’s
running lane.
• TE: Same as the PST.
• FB: Ball Carrier. Open toward play
side and cut inside PSG’s block.
• PSHB: Run an Arc route to playside
and stalk block the defender
responsible for outside contain
(usually the CB).
• BSHB: Run a great fake option route
to playside.
• QB: Open to playside, give ball to FB
and continue outside the TE’s
position with a good belly fake.

Coaching Points:
1. TE and PST’s 1 st step aiming
point is the ball. They can’t
allow anyone into cross their
face and get into backfield. If
no one is on the LOS to their
immediate inside, they read-up
to the 1 st LB to the inside.
2. PSG’s aiming point is the
closest number on the
defender’s jersey.
3. If the HBs and the QB run
great fakes they should draw
the OLB and CB upfield which Vs. 44
will give the FB a great Stack
running lane.
 RUNNING PLAY(S) – “LEAD”

• SE: Stalk block the defender on you.

• PST: Double team man head up on
PSG. If he is uncovered block your Vs. 53
lane.
Eagle
• PSG: Double team w/PST man on you.
If uncovered, double man on CNTR.
• CTR: Double team w/PSG man on
you. If uncovered, block the backside
linebacker through the backside A-
gap.
• BSG: Block your lane.
• BST: Block your lane, but try to get
downfield and block the ball carrier’s
running lane.
• TE: Block man on you or 1 st man you
your outside away from the play.
• FB: Lead through the play side B-gap
and block the first defender to show
from the inside. Usually the inside
LB.
• PSHB: Lead through the play side C-
gap and block the 1 st defender to
show from the outside. Usually the
outside LB or Cornerback.
• BSHB: Ball Carrier. Use a crossover
step with the away foot. On your 2 nd
step turn into the hole and read your
blocker. Run to daylight.
• QB: Reverse pivot and handoff to
BSHB, then make a good boot fake
past the PSDE.

Coaching Points:

• Double team must get the defender at

least three yards off the LOS.
• FB scrapes the double team and seals
the inside.
• BSG cannot allow any defender into
the backfield.
• TE is the Key block. PSHB helps TE if
defender’s jersey number shows in C-
gap.
Vs. 44
Stack
 RUNNING PLAY(S) – “POWER”

• SE: Stalk block the defender on you.

• PST: Double team the defender on
you with the TE. If uncovered, Vs. 53
double team with PSG the man on
him.
Eagle
• PSG: Double team the defender on
you with the PST. If uncovered,
double team with the CNTR the man
on him.
• CTR: Block defender in your
shoulder-to-shoulder area. If
uncovered, block the backside
linebacker. Expect help from PSG
• BSG: Pull to play side and lead
through C-gap. Scrape the double
team block and get the closest
defender from the inside out, usually
the MLB.
• BST: Cheat on your split from BSG
and seal block the A-B gap area.
• TE: Double team with PST any
defender on him. If he is uncovered,
block the 1 st inside LB.
• FB: Kick out on the 1 st defender to
show outside the TE. If no one shows
turn upfield and block the closest
most dangerous defender to the hold.
• PSHB: If the SE is on the play side
help FB block the defender
responsible for outside contain. If SE
is on the backside, scrape the DE’s
outside shoulder and block the CB.
• BSHB: Ball Carrier. Open with play
side foot and on 3 rd step turn up into
hole and follow the BSG. Read his
block and run to daylight.
• QB: Open to back side at 6 O’clock.
Give ball to BSHB and do a great belly
fake outside the BST.
Coaching Points:
1. Can go unbalanced by putting
SE on TE side & have him stalk
block the CB, or run a Scheme Vs. 44
route away from the play.
Stack
2. Ball carrier should not be in to
big a hurry to get into the hole.
He should stay at least an
arm’s reach plus 12 inches
from BSG’s back to read his
block. His MUST stay inside
the FB’s block on the DE.
 RUNNING PLAY(S) – “X Reverse”

• SE: Take a quick jab step at the man

on you with the outside foot, then
turn and run toward play side. Your
aiming point is 1 yard behind the Vs. 53
nearest HB’s original position. He is Eagle
coming at you, so run under him,
take the toss from the QB and run fast.
• PST: Take two quick steps to the
inside as though you were going
downfield to block, then turn back
outside, run around the TE’s original
position and block the 1 st different
color jersey. Remember…DON’T
CLIP! If you can’t block a front jersey
number, let him go and block
someone else.
• PSG: Block anyone in your lane for
one count, then release and block the
outside defender on play side.
Usually the CB.
• CTR: Block defender in your
shoulder-to-shoulder area. If
uncovered, block the backside
linebacker.
• BSG: Block your lane. However, if
uncovered get downfield and into
the ball carrier’s running lane. Block
anyone that tries to cross your face to
make a tackle.
• BST: Same as BSG.
• TE: Release to the inside as for the
first few steps then turn up field and
stalk block the deep defender.
Usually the FS.
• FB: Run a good Belly fake off the
BSG’s butt then be a great blocker.
• BSHB: Run to backside and hit the 1 st
defender that shows outside the BST.
• PSHB: Run a great Option fake to
backside behind the BSHB’s original
position.
• QB: Flash fake at the FB, take two
steps and (soft) toss the ball to the SE.
Protect yourself.

Coaching Points:

• Timing is everything on this play.

Adjust the SE’s split from the BST Vs. 44
until he is in the right position to get Stack
the toss.
• The SE watches the QB’s hands for
the toss. If he doesn’t…he will fumble
the ball.
• This is a great Red Zone play when a
fumble would still give you good field
position.
 RUNNING PLAY(S) – “SWEEP”

• SE: Stalk block the defender on you.

Be prepared to play the strong (TE)
side and crack down on OLB/SS. Vs. 53
• PST & PSG: You two are responsible
for the A-B gap DT and/or the play
side outside contain defender.
Communicate! When in doubt, stay
home and block your lane.
• CTR: Block defender in your
shoulder-to-shoulder area. If
uncovered, block the backside
linebacker through the play side A-
gap.
• BSG: You are responsible for the A-B
gap DT. If uncovered pull around
CNTR and block the BSLB.
• BST: Cheat on your split from BSG
and seal block the A-B gap area. If no
one comes get down field and block
the ball carrier’s running lane.
• TE: Square block any defender head
up on you & turn him inside. If
uncovered, get the 1 st defender to
your outside. FB: You have the play
side ILB. He is yours all the way, so
get your eyes on him and go where
you need to go to get him.
• PSHB: Clip the outside contain man
(usually the DE) while enroute to
block the outside deep defender
(usually the CB).
• BSHB: Ball Carrier. Read TE’s block
and cut off it.
• QB: Reverse pivot, toss ball to BSHB
and either lead and help block or run
a great roll out fake to the backside.
Coaching Points:
1. Can go unbalanced by putting
SE on TE side & have him stalk
block the CB or block down on
the OLB or SS. DON’T CLIP!!!
Also, the BST is an eligible
receiver so don’t forget a QB
Boot pass.
2. Best ran against a team that
plays their defensive Ends
head up or to the inside. Vs. 44
Stack
 RUNNING PLAY(S) – “SWEEP/TOSS (Weak)”

• SE: Stalk block the defender on you.

Be prepared to Switch block with the
PSHB & crack down the defensive Vs. 53
contain man (OLB/DE).
• PST & PSG: You two are responsible
for the A-B gap DT and/or the play
side contain man, usually the DE.
Communicate!
• CTR: Block defender in your
shoulder-to-shoulder area. If
uncovered, block the backside
linebacker through the play side A-
gap.
• BSG: Same as the strong side Sweep.
You are responsible for the A-B gap
DT or BSLB. If necessary (&
uncovered) pull around CNTR to the
BSLB.
• BST: Cheat on your split from BSG
and seal block the A-B gap area. If no
one comes get down field and block
the ball carrier’s running lane.
• TE: Release inside. Chip any
defender on you and get downfield
and block the ball carrier’s run lane.
Block anyone that tries to cross your
face to make a tackle.
• FB: You have the play side ILB. He is
yours all the way, so get your eyes on
him and go where you need to go to
get him.
• PSHB: You have the far contain man
(usually the DE or OLB). Be prepared
to help the PST/PSG or Switch block
with the SE.
• BSHB: Ball Carrier. Read PST/PGS’s
block and cut off it.
• QB: Reverse pivot, toss ball to BSHB
and either lead and help block or run
a great roll out fake to the backside.
Coaching Points:
1. SE can stalk block the CB or
block down on the OLB or SS.
DON’T CLIP!!! .
2. Best ran against a team that
plays their defensive Ends Vs. 44
head up, inside, or crashing.
Stack
 DEFINITIONS

• MAN BLOCKING: Specific area blocking assignment the linemen in

the Run attack.
• DOUBLE-TEAM BLOCK: When two players on offense are assigned
to block one defender.
• CHIP BLOCK: When a player on offense makes a high partial
shoulder block on one defender to help a teammate before going to
block another defender.
• SWITCH BLOCK: An exchange in blocking assignments between to
linemen on offense. This call is normally made when a lineman that
can’t reach a defender that is too far outside/inside to block.
• TAG: A cross-block with the T ackle A nd Guard on offense.
• EAT: A cross-block with the E nd A nd T ackle on offense.
• KICK-OUT BLOCK: When a player on offense blocks the first
defender on his outside shoulder away from the play.
• DOWN BLOCK: When a player on offense blocks the first defender
on his inside down toward the Center.
• READ-UP BLOCK: When a lineman is “DOWN” blocking and no
defender is on the LOS to his inside, he “reads up” and blocks the
first inside LB.
• SEAL BLOCK: When an offensive lineman occupies space vacated
by another offensive lineman to prevent a defender from crossing
the line of scrimmage.
• CUT (Shoe Shine) BLOCK: When a lineman on offense blocks down
toward the Center and forces a defender to trip over him.
• REACH BLOCK: When a lineman on offense blocks a lineman on
defense that is positioned on his inside or outside shoulder.
• FIRE BLOCK: A pass blocking technique used by the linemen on
offense where they cross the line of scrimmage and low block at the
defender’s knees.
• STALK BLOCK : A blocking technique used by a wide receiver on a
deep defender during a running play.
• SCHEME PATTERN: A fake pass pattern executed by a wide
receiver to take a defender away from a ball carrier.
• COMBO BLOCK: When two linemen work together to block a
defensive lineman and a linebacker in tandem alignment.