Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with the latest trends! If youre a fan of the NFL, youve probably heard the term West Coast Offense. You have also probably seen or heard NFL content where a coach or player says an incredibly long play-name that sounds like a language only C-3PO could translate. Your center and guards protect the center-three defenders of the defense. Fire 2/Fire 3: I got this term from this page, which alters the terminology slightly (so ignore this sheet for this article, except for fire 2/fire 3). H2/H3: H stands for halfback (so think your primary running-back. Due to innovations in offenses, the WCO has also been implemented for shotgun-based offenses. Some teams may refer to it as the triangle. This leads to the question. Additionally, Roger Craig, Dwight Clark, and Tom Rathman were among many Pro-Bowl caliber players on offense during this era. What Doug Pederson will (and can't) steal from the Kyle Shanahan offense His version of the West Coast offense relies on a highly athletic quarterback with an elite arm, as well as skilled receivers who thrive on making plays after the catch. If you have an I-formation, the strong back is the closest back to the TE, so its the fullback. Often this creates a high/low read for the quarterback to make. The Portland passing concept is similar to the Mills concept as the design is to provide an opportunity for the quarterback to look throw deep down the field to a receiver running a deep post if the safety comes up defend the dig route that is being run from the opposite side. memorization is the key. Bill Walsh helped changed the offensive playing field with his West Coast offensive system. an off set back is going to get the . Debunking Jay Gruden's excuse for the Redskins passing on Kaepernick Best train pass for day trips - Frankfurt Forum - Tripadvisor KC Chiefs passing game: What they're doing and why they're doing it 26/27: The back to the strong-side scats and the strong guard/uncovered lineman scat protects. All backs (so two backs) check-release, and the TE free releases if there is one. The two outside receivers next him both run short in routes. What Is The West Coast Offense? Explained With Pictures West Coast Offense - One of the concepts of the West Coast offense is to get five skill players involved in the passing game. The back typically does not come across the formation, or at least behind the QB. Lastly, this means that The Catch came from this philosophy as well. The TE to the weak-side check-releases. The quarterback looks to take advantage of precise route running by the receivers to complete short, horizontal passes, allowing receivers to make plays after the catch for extra yardage. Passing Game Clinics 2021 | Triangle-O Football System Walsh had two elements he found to be crucial to the success of the offense. The West Coast Offense is a philosophy that remains relevant at every level of competition. 1. If the safety does not bite on the dig route, then quarterback would look to throw to that receiver underneath. Using a numbering system and relying on mostly pocket and slide (half-slide) protections, Bill Walsh and his coaching staffs compiled a system that would allow them to flood the field with receivers from all sorts of different angles and personnel groupings, while also giving them multiple ways to protect the QB from the wide range of defensive schemes and blitzes. Slow means a back or tight-end releases only if their assigned linebacker (or linebackers) does not blitz. West Coast - myplaybooks - Google Sites To the left side (or weak-side/back-side), the offensive line will slide. The most basic formation is to have a quarterback in the backfield with a running back and full back split to either side of him. This typically involves getting a linebacker in coverage on a running back, wide receiver, or tight end. They release, because that defender theyre assigned to is not a threat to sack the quarterback, so rather than wasting a blocker, they want those players to get involved as receivers incase the primary receivers on a play are not open. We will feature a 'fully dimensional passing attack' The idea is to anticipate a defensive blitz, get the quick fake to hesitate LBs and the secondary, then quickly get the ball out to the TE or 2nd back. Here, the Redskins run their Hank concept, which is fundamental for the west coast offense. We all know Andy Reid brought the West Coast offense to the Chiefs this season, but let's take a closer look at one of the main passing concepts within his particular West Coast offense. Since the West Coast system has so many pass catchers on the field, when a defensive player blitzes, the quarterback just needs to find the open, unguarded player. A fundamentally sound play that strives to contradict the basic principles of a defense, the play-pass gets the defensive team to commit to a fake run and then throwing a pass behind the defenders off the fake.. As they continue to learn the What Is a Secondary in Football? Rather than using tanks and planes (the passing game) to support the infantry, attack head-first with your planes first, tanks second, then let the infantry bat clean-up. don't try to compare it to any other offense. Since the 1980s, football teams have used the West Coast Offense to win championships. Triangle - Defense. The types of passes coming out of this concept are quite numerous, but typically pass-catchers will have short to intermediate routes sending them horizontally across the field. What Kevin O'Connell's offense might look like if he were the Redskins Runs to a back at 6-7 yards behind the QB (so a tailback). The back to the weak-side (away from the TE) scats (free releases) to their side into a route. Coach Bill Walsh is credited with inventing this system as a Quarterbacks Coach for the Cincinnati Bengals. The Ultimate Guide, What Is a Touchback in Football? Post Corner High-Low Isolation Vs Cover 2 Zone Coverage, Gun Trips Left Hb Strong S Motion Z Post. Therefore that back attacks A-gap, and the second back attacks B-gap. They then would blitz the quarterback using a zone blitz in an attempt to disrupt their timing. MOFC means "middle of the field closed," or is there a deep middle guy. In addition to wide receivers running routes, the running back and tight end typically will also run routes to overwhelm the defense. The TE free releases by default, because now both backs are coming to their side. Due to its quick horizontal passes, the defense cant crowd the line of scrimmage, leading to linebackers playing in coverage against the quicker wide receivers. When Brown was at Cincinnati, he had a QB coach named Bill Walsh, who would go on to set the gold standard for modern offensive schemes in the NFL with the 49ers in the 1980s. Although the system has evolved and integrated with various offensive systems over the previous three decades, the traditional West Coast offense looks to set up the run by passing first,. These are great for setting up boot passes to get the defense going one way, so the QB has room to run the other way. Some of the most notable are the following: With all of the advantages of the West Coast system, it can be hard to imagine a way to stop this type of offense. Compared to other offensive systems, this style has been said to nickel and dime the defense, due to its short passing attempts, and has led to amazing success by countless teams throughout the years and is a staple in the NFL. The weak-back coming to the strong-side double-reads the ILB to strong OLB (Mike to Sam). These series also require a 2nd TE to be in the game to the weak-side (so theres a TE on both sides, or the TE is actually to the weak side, or away from the call side). 400: Slide protection away from the call with a cross-action/misdirection backfield or run fake. The Mesh passing concept has two receivers running shallow crossing route but from opposite directions. Along the way, Ill also answer general sports related questions. In the E-P system, there are no requirements, except for a competent quarterback. In the play-option pass, all these schools are seeing the marriage of pass and run in a way that's changing the game. The 4 main schools of spread offense - Football Study Hall The Passing Game II: Slants and Flats | Football Outsiders Matt Canada Bringing West Coast To Pittsburgh, According To Dwayne His offense became one of the few not using the power running game as the focus through the 1980s and 1990s. Against zone coverage, look for the tight end to be open as he crossing the field, especially if another receiver is running pass route underneath or over the top of him. It worked; the Packers won Super Bowl XLV. This style focuses on short-to-intermediate, precise routes run by receivers. What Is the West Coast Offense in Football? A Complete Guide On all play actions, if the faking back sees their primary blocking assignment blitz, they come off the fake immediately to make the block. trailer << /Size 291 /Info 271 0 R /Root 281 0 R /Prev 675259 /ID[] >> startxref 0 %%EOF 281 0 obj << /Type /Catalog /Pages 273 0 R /Outlines 266 0 R /OpenAction [ 282 0 R /XYZ null null null ] /PageMode /UseNone >> endobj 289 0 obj << /S 918 /O 996 /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 290 0 R >> stream 500: Gap protection: The O-line steps to the back-side/away from the call and protects the gap. Mike McCarthy hopes to make Cowboys offense more efficient | Fort Worth This makes it a quick pass, where the line and backs will block aggressively and hold the defense at the line of scrimmage. This system looks to control the game through the air and sets receivers up to make plays after the catch. The concept exploits the aggressiveness of the defense, as the passing plays are based on faking the most successful running plays. This site is owned and operated by Coaching Kidz. Scat protection weak (TE to that side free releases). It has one receiver running a shallow crossing route from one direction, while another receiver runs a dig route from the opposite direction. The Ultimate Guide, How Much Do NHL Refs Make? The West Coast offense is a fast-paced system that relies on short and quick throws to sure-handed receivers who run precise horizontal routes. TE free releases by default. The West Coast roots come from an under-center, quick, methodical passing game. This phrase is a football standard and is the mindset of using the run to set up big plays downfield. The West Coast was, at the time of its inception, known for being very pass heavy, which helped revolutionize offensive football during the 80's and 90's. McCarthy always fully embraced those. The receiver fakes route in one direction and then runs the route in the opposite direction. Walsh took this offensive system and perfected it during his years with San Francisco. If he is unable to complete the correct number of steps for his drop back or is moved out of the pocket, he will have a tough time finding an open receiver. The essence of the West Coast system is rhythm & timing, and ball protection. This is important to help you frame your offense. The Spacing is quick passing concept that has three receivers running a three route combo. They pay Tony Romo about 17 million dollars a year to tell you this on Sunday, and Thursday Nights. If the ILB blitzes, they sneak a peak at the outside linebacker (OLB) to their side. means a back or tight-end releases only if their assigned linebacker (or linebackers) does not blitz. The Flood concept does this by having three receiver running pass routes towards the same of the field. If a run is called with pass tagged onto it, like 16 power pass, or 19 BOB pass, the offense executes the running play, but blockers do not go downfield so that a pass can be thrown. The West Coast Offense is an innovative horizontal passing offense based on timing and route running. It's all about the feet The best way to define the West Coast offense may be to start with what it isn't. The traditional passing game, which NFL teams ran for years, is based on deep drops . Those combined, with the wide zone running offense, make for a deadly play-action passing game that stresses linebackers to their extreme. The back to the strong-side scats and the strong guard/uncovered lineman scat protects. West Coast offenses love to use concepts like Lion and Dragon to get the ball into the hands of the receiver while they're on the move. Slide Protection: This one can get a little complicated, so take your time. link to 17+ Basketball Games for Kids The Ultimate List, link to What Is a Secondary in Football? Common Pass Routes and Route Combos - Xs Os Football West Coast Offense Orientation & Terminology Inside Jon Gruden's modern West Coast offense coming alive with the To the left side (or weak-side/back-side), the offensive line will slide. A Complete Overview, What Is a Blitz in Football? 2 means fake action to the right, and 3 means fake action to the left. Football 101: Understanding Basic NFL Offensive Concepts 2/3: A-gap (between center and guard), 4/5: B-gap (between guard and tackle), 6/7: C-gap (between tackle and TE), 8/9: Outside. You certainly don't need more than five 5-step concepts for a given game since you don't want to practice passes you won't run. 0000004677 00000 n Hb```f``:&23 ?s4 9L*. The guard or uncovered lineman to the weak-side must now scat protect to that side, meaning they double read the ILB to OLB on the weak-side. 60s: Runs to a back behind the QB at a depth of 4-5 yards. BYU Offense.doc. However, this is an efficient offense that has proven to be more than capable of winning championships. A look at common quick pass routes, passing concepts, and route combos. The Slot Cross has an inside receiver running a intermediate crossing route underneath the outside receiver who is running a deep dig route. Rip/Liz to the strong-side only. The original Air Raid was basically taking the West Coast passing game, simplifying it to a purely conceptual level, and then making every formational and personnel decision around maximizing those passing concepts. In the Spread, the fullback is replaced by another receiver; the running back is also used to block more. West Coast Offense Football Coaching Guide (Includes Images) The quarterback looks to throw to the receiver once he makes his break towards the side line. Unlike the west coast offense which has landmarks of exactly, to the inch, where a receiver should end their route- the Air Raid lives on spontaneity and adjusting based on space. Scat protection strong-side with both backs free releasing. The Stick is a passing concept that features the inside receiver running a stick route, often he has option to run a quick out route as well depending on the type of pass coverage. Concepts Efficient language. Therefore that back attacks A-gap, and the second back attacks B-gap. Cook, who was drafted as a big-armed, vertical passer, no longer had the arm strength to throw the ball deep. Initially, Reid treated the quarterback in his system like an NBA point guard, using short accurate passes to get talented pass catchers the ball in space. Rip/Liz only applies to the weak-side (so 54 is TE to the right, meaning weak side is left, so Liz is ran. Since this article is about pass protection, we will cover what in Walshs system are the 20s, 50s, 70s, 80s, and a BASIC introduction to 2/3 Jet protection. The deep back/tailback is the weak back. In any 2-back formation, the back closest to the TE is the strong back. If the defender does not blitz, they release into a route to receive a pass. Cowboys FILM ROOM: New 'West Coast Offense' - Can Dak Be 'Fixed'? Mike McDaniel's Background and Offensive Scheme Defenses then developed the zone defense, where defensive players would cover a certain part of the field rather than a certain player. The terminology you will see in this article are being borrowed from this. 1-3 of 3 replies Sorted by. Run-game terminology is much more simple. Cornerbacks can take advantage of this by playing underneath the receiver or looking to jump the passing lanes to beat the receiver to where the ball is being thrown. Once gains separation or leverage he is will be open. In Theory: Shawn Watson's Offensive Philosophy - Card Chronicle If the defender covers the hitch, the deep in route will be open. If that defender does not blitz (no dog), they then look to block the outside defender. The Double Dig has two receivers running dig routes to the same side of the field. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. We can drop the ball off to a back late and still make 4 to 5 yards. The final aspect of the West Coast offense is the use of pre-snap motions to create mismatches on the defensive side of the ball. If the number called is even, it means the TE is to the right. Its the same slide protection described earlier, and as I said before, Ill be doing a more in-depth article on this protection in the future, because its so popular and favored today. that can be found on Google. Slide protection away from the call with a cross-action/misdirection backfield or run fake. 1. July 14, 2006, 12:04 pm ET. Please, The West Coast Offense Walsh used primarily relies on numbers to call pass protections. Two digits. It can be ran from three, two, or one-back formations. A look at common deep pass routes, passing concepts, and route combos. Copyright 2023 vIQtory Sports, all rights reserved. Watch for defenders dropping back in buzz zones as they do a good job at defending corner routes. Recently with Patrick Mahomes, arguably the best quarterback in the league, he has moved into more shotgun formations allowing Mahomes more freedom with his decision-making. True to form of the 'west coast offense' these concepts are excellent ball control, short passing plays which rely on accuracy and timing between the QB & WRs to take advantage of different defensive structures and coverages. You can hear QBs in the NFL today calling this exact protection, with these exact terms. Requires a TE on each side. Attack the defense and force them to adjust and react. The 49ers started to work in power running concepts using their stalwart fullback Kyle Juszczyk as a lead blocker. The weak back and guard double read ILB to OLB to the weak side, and the back check-releases vs. no blitz. Strong back only has ILB (or Mike) to their side, and check releases off them. 17+ Basketball Games for Kids The Ultimate List. His very popular version of the offense averaged scoring a touchdown every ten plays and once scored 98 points in a single game. This contrasts with the Air Coryell offense mentioned above, which is known for attacking downfield. The three-step and five-step drop back each had their own role in Walshs system. During Olson's tenure, BYU produced. Offensive schemes and tactics - Page 18 - Operation Sports F2/F3: AKA Fox 2/Fox 3 if you want to sound cool, is the same as H2/H3, but now the fullback or other back is faking and taking the A-gap, while the halfback/tailback goes B-gap. The second number indicates the specific type of protection/modification within that series. By BJ . Since timing is so important, there are times when the ball is thrown before the receiver is open. 100: Any play with a 1 in front of it (making it a triple digit play starting with 100) means the QB takes a 3-step drop. The West Coast Offense is an innovative horizontal passing offense based on timing and route running. YT. Outstanding breakdown. Offensive Packages. Regular five-on-five basketball is a fun game on its own, but its always nice to have some variety in the types of games that can be played, especially with kids. During his time in San Fran, he worked with two of the most accurate, intelligent, and relatively mobile quarterbacks in the history of the NFL to show the league the dominance of the West Coast offense. The Ultimate Guide, Volleyball Scoring 101: The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Score. He then break outside towards the sideline at a 45 degree angle. AKA Fox 2/Fox 3 if you want to sound cool, is the same as H2/H3, but now the fullback or other back is faking and taking the A-gap, while the halfback/tailback goes B-gap. 78/79: Both backs flow weak, and check release. When McCarthy called plays as Green Bay HC, he used the West Coast offense a system dependent upon short passing. The first digit indicates the type of play action protection, and the 2nd and 3rd numbers indicate the run action. The Passing Game II: Slants and Flats. West Coast 1983 San Diego Chargers OFF.pdf . If you have any requests you would like to make, please reach out and comment below. The first was using the timing of the quarterback dropbacks to set the pace for the play. Both backs free release to the backside, and the O-line scat protects to the weak-side (guard/uncovered lineman double reads ILB to OLB). Football's West Coast Offense. The first number also sets the default rules for all numbers in that series. Low-inside, high-outside. A common Flood concept would be to have one receiver run a flat, second receiver runs a deep out, and the third runs a go route such as shown in the diagram above. 10s: Runs to an offset back at a depth of 4-5 yards coming across the formation/behind the QB (so like a fullback in an offset-I, or a halfback next to the fullback). Empty protection (no backs or TEs in protection; just the five linemen) could be done with either pocket or slide protection. If the number called is odd, it means the TE is to the left. If you call the protection to the right, that means the offensive linemen on that side will BOB protect. 56/57: Rip/Liz to the strong-side only. The quarterbacks dropback is critical to the timing of the offense, so defenses have targeted this element in an attempt to disrupt the offensive scheme. Scat means a back free releases (meaning they run a route right off the snap, and have no blocking responsibility. 88/89: Requires a TE on each side. If the call is 314 the slide is going to the left, and 315 means the slide is going to the right. Adjusting Y Cross Heres a little bonus. Another route is used to compliment the Divide pass route is a receiver on the outside running a go or streak route. Frankfurt, Germany. The West Coast offense does the exact opposite. These plays are designed to get the ball thrown before the defense has time to respond; there are a few different variations within the five steps to further confuse the defense. 9,884 posts . Slide Protection. The West Coast passing offense is comprised of a lot of slants and crossing routes. Football's West Coast Offense - Google Books For West Coast teams that love to use quick-hitting pass plays to move the chains, the POP play is a God-send for how it integrates what that team has to spend practice time on. From this alignment, the West Coast Offense can run the majority of their route combinations, which include slants and curls, to attack the underneath half. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And When to Call Them, What Is a Tight End in Football? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! They release if the ILB does not blitz. The quick slant is the signature play of the West Coast Offense. The Switch concept is a popular Run-&-Shoot passing concept that has outside receiver running a post route with an inside receiver. With his heavy outside zone scheme that stretches defenses horizontally, he was able to put together a good running game that finished 13th in EPA per rush. If you were to compare this to warfare, think of the running game as your infantry, and the forward pass as planes, tanks and armor support. The Dagger is a two receiver route combo that has the outside receiver running a dig route, while the inside receiver next to him runs a streak down the seam. Your backs and TEs protect the OLBs. With all of this success, Reid has passed his knowledge to his assistants who have gone on to be successful NFL coaches in their own right. These are great for setting up boot passes to get the defense going one way, so the QB has room to run the other way. Teams That Have a Variety of Pass Catchers - The West Coast Offense is famous for involving tight ends, fullbacks and halfbacks, in addition to at least two wide receivers. On either side of the field are two wide receivers along with a tight end lined up next to the offensive line. A Guide to How They Work, What Are Audibles in Football? Instead, Walsh turned them into pass catchers and gave them horizontal routes designed to get them in space. This article does NOT cover all the pass pro terminology in this playbook, but it covers all the basics. Report inappropriate content . It emphasized the short passing game, although the system has always . First digit indicates whos carrying the ball, and the second number is the hole, or point of attack the ball carrier takes it to. Remember, this book does not use 300 like modern WCO terminology uses it. In the West Coast system, there are countless formations to run the offense out of. Bill Walsh was the leader in creating the system, which is still used todays game. It worked; the Packers won Super . Walsh preached that at the end of the drop back, the quarterback should know exactly where the pass catchers are in their routes and be able to predict where to go with the ball.