As the first offensive resource post here, I decided to post something on a little brain child of my own. Within the 11-man game, an offensive scheme which combines classic and modern elements is the Flexbone Offense. It has four running backs, and 2 receivers, be they wide receivers, or tight ends, or both. The quarterback is lined up under-center and has a "B" back lined up about 4 yards behind him. I love this offense and all that it is. It may have some flaws, but all in all it is a great scheme to bring to the table. So in some of my preciously small free-time, I formulated an 8-man version of this offense. Much the same as there are different versions of offenses with in the 11-man tier, there are two different versions of this offense. This version is the Option-Spread. It is a version that is more inclined toward teams that like to throw the ball more, and like to spread the field. It combines the option, misdirection and the infamous Spread. Because there are 8 men instead of 11, some of the positions must be abridged or combined, so don't read the book by its cover. Within this offense there are: The QB: Lined up in pistol, about 4 yards or so behind the line of scrimmage. The A backs: Two slot backs lined up outside leg of the tight end, or if you want two wideouts, outside of where he would be. WRs/TEs: Lined up in their normal positions. In this set-up, I would recommend two wide receivers, or one of each. The Linemen: I would recommend one foot splits.
As you can see from reading and viewing the formations, this set-up tends to go toward the Spread offense a bit, since it has 4 receivers and no true runningback but the QB. Within this offense, you have a bit more options when throwing the ball than the other variant. With 4 receivers spread, you will be able to thin out the defense, and thus create more running room. Now, as I have made clear, this is an 8-man variant of the Flexbone Offense, thus meaning you run option. So, I'll outline a couple of base plays to use if you choose to install this into your scheme. All of them will be shown with one tight end and one wide receiver, but they can be run in any of the formations. Firstly, you need a base option play, and this is a good 'ole classic: The Triple Option. We'll outline it if you are running the option part to the right. QB: Takes the snap and reads the left hand defensive end. If he crashes down, he hands the ball to the "A" back coming hard right at where the end was. If the end stays, the QB pulls and runs the option to the right. Right side "A" back: Comes in slow motion at the hind foot of the QB, then comes hard downhill right at where the left defensive end is. He is the handoff read. Runs right "C" gap with or without the ball. Left side "A" back: No motion. On the snap of the ball, flies at the hind foot of the QB, and establishes pitch relationship, 5 yards behind the QB, and 1 yard in front. Is the pitch man. WR: Gets inside of the CB and blocks him out. Is the seal block for the motion back, and or the option. Line and TE (if you have one): Reach blocks to the right hand side all along the line. Do NOT touch the left defensive end, as he is the read man.
As you can see, in the document, I used a tight end and a wide receiver. This is just a little easier to use, but any of them will work. This play works well, as it has a lot of misdirection in it. The Achilles heal of this play is what the bane of all option plays is: Can your QB make so many reads in so short a time? This is a major problem. If your QB cannot make all of these reads this quick, then you may want to call the play for him, as in, you call whether he hands off or he runs the option. This hampers the play a bit, but it can still function well. The next play is a favorite of mine, but requires much practice and timing. This play is quite similar to the last, but requires less on the QB's part. This is the Double Option Right. The QB: Takes the snap and sticks the ball out in front of him reading the left end, and meshing with the right "A" back. After the read (if the end sits, pull, if he crashes give), he pivots 180 degrees to the right, handing the ball to the other "A" back coming behind him and hands off. The right "A" back: Comes in motion toward the QB, plants, and comes hard across his face. Takes the ball if it is given. Runs hard at where the left end is or was. The left "A" back: At the snap of the ball, comes toward a spot about a yard behind the QB, then puts his foot in the ground and comes hard right behind him, taking the ball if it is given, carrying out the fake if not. WR: Gets inside of corner and blocks him out. Is the seal block for the first handoff. Line and TE: Reach right along the whole line. Do NOT touch the left end, since he's the read man.
A play with the potential to be bread and butter, the Double Option can get you space to throw the ball. Now, what if there were play action out of this? You would get out next play, the PA Double Option Right Post. QB: Does the same as the Double Option, without giving the ball to anyone, then rolls to the side that he read initially. So if you ran it with the motion from the right "A" back, then he should roll to the left. Right "A" back: Comes in motion the same as the Double Option and runs downhill at the the left defensive end spot. After he gets about 3 yards downfield, he runs parallel to the line of scrimmage, in an out route. Left "A" back: On the snap of the ball, runs the same as he does on the normal play, then turns it into a screen route. WR: Runs a post route, with the cut about 8 yards. TE: Blocks with the lineman, and if you wish could run a block-and-release route across the middle of the field. Lineman: Reach block right, same as the run play. Make sure they don't get downfield though.
As you can see, there are many different uses for this offense. Not only can you run a misdirection based option attack, but you can then turn around and have 4 receivers to throw the ball to. This is a great balanced attack to even the odds if your team isn't as athletic as those you play, and you still want to throw the ball a lot. Thanks for reading, and hope it helps you out!
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