RUNNING BACK & HOLE NUMBERING

C
E T G G T SE
1

2 4

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7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8

C
E T G G T SE
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 FORMATIONS

LEFT/RIGHT (Base) “STRONG”LEFT/RIGHT

Left Left
| |

X Y X Y

3 3
2 4 2 4

“SLOT” LEFT/RIGHT “TRIPS” LEFT/RIGHT

Slot Left Trips Left

| | |

X Y
X Y
2 4
2
3
3
4
 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 1st 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 1st 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 basic Example calls:

play calls. The first is the “Master”
call sent to the Quarterback by the
Coach, and designates the type of
“Switch”
play called ( Dive, Power, Sweep, Guard & Tackle
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.).
• After the linemen receive the Master
“Tag”
call and break the huddle they walk to Tackle & Guard
the line of scrimmage. This gives cross-block

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.
However, as they walk to the LOS the
two offensive linemen at the POA see
that a defender has aligned in a
position that calls for them to change “Eat”
End & Tackle
the blocking scheme to a “Switch” cross-block
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 calls loud
enough so the running backs can hear
them and make the necessary
adjustments.
 PASS BLOCKING - MAN
• TE & SE: Run your assigned patterns.
• GUARDS: Set up quickly on the LOS and 50/60 Blocking
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 in a pattern.
• WSHB: Sprint to weakside and help FB 70/80 Blocking
block the 1st 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 1st one and you have the 2nd.
• 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 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
90 Blocking
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 running Example Plays Call w/Motion:

back to be in motion to help us gain an
advantage over the defense. “SLOT RIGHT/LEFT…40 LIZ/20 RIP…27/28 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.
– “RIP” is motion to the RIGHT at ¾ 4
speed.
Liz

– “LAZER” is motion to the LEFT at 2

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 allow the
running back enough time to get to his
launch point. 2
• Although any of the running backs could be
Rip
sent in motion, the majority of our plays
requiring motion will employ only the 2 and
4 backs.
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 MOTION RULES

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

the only offensive player to “WING RIGHT…LIZ…28 TOSS”

go in motion is the number
“4” running back..
• Regardless of his alignment
within the formation called
the direction of motion is
designated by the following
calls:
Li
z
– “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.

• If any of the other running

backs are to be sent in Ri
motion their number (2 or 3) p

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 uncovered, Vs. 53
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 1st.
• BSG: Pull and lead through the hole. You
have the OLB or the 1st 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 1st 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 1st
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 1st defender outside
the TE, usually the DE. Your target is his
nearest jersey number.
• PSHB: Cross right in front of the BSHB
& hit the 1st 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 SE
on TE side & have him stalk block
the CB. BST & CNTR 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 runs a Delay Vs. 44
pattern to the Flat area. QB must Stack
do a great job hiding the ball.
 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 &
BSHB on weakside. Vs. 44
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
1st inside LB. Avoid man on you by Vs. 53
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 1st 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 1st defender to the inside
on/off the LOS. Do not let anyone cross Vs. 52
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 1st 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 1st 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 will give
the FB a great running lane.
Vs. 44
Stack
 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 lane. Vs. 53
• PSG: Double team w/PST man on you. Eagle
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 1st 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 1st 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 2nd 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, double team Vs. 53
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 1st
inside LB.
• FB: Kick out on the 1st 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 3rd 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
route away from the play.
2. Ball carrier should not be in to big
a hurry to get into the hole. He Vs. 44
should stay at least an arm’s reach Stack
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 nearest HB’s original Vs. 53
position. He is coming at you, so run Eagle
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
1st 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 1st
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 until he is in
the right position to get the toss.
• The SE watches the QB’s hands for the Vs. 44
toss. If he doesn’t…he will fumble the
ball. Stack
• 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 1st 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 contain man Vs. 53
(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 head up,
inside, or crashing.

Vs. 44
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 Tackle And Guard on offense.
• EAT: A cross-block with the End And Tackle 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.