Some Quick Notes on Tempo and Auburn Hurry Up Drills

Here are some clips of Auburn during the 2013 season working on their tempo. 

•  Great stuff here as the OL really works hard to get lined up quickly.  When trying to play fast, I think you always have to challenge the OL to work extremely hard in getting lined up.  Explain to the big guys that they "drive the tempo" and the faster they play, the faster we can play as an offense. 
• Notice that the play call is basically the same every time in order to play at the fastest pace possible.  I would assume he is using some type of "roll it" call, meaning run the same play again, or an "alpha" call, meaning the same.  If you use "alpha" and "omega" calls, you can communicate quickly to your guys to run the same play (Alpha) or run the same play to the opposite side (Omega).  Very easy verbage, quick communication, and no need to look at wristbands or to the sideline for signals. 
• QBs cadence is the same every play.  You can hear QB saying "black black, GO".  Building in your cadence with specific tempos can be a great way to implement variety into your snap count.  For example..Base Tempo "Black, Black, Ready GO!".. Nascar tempo will always be "Black, Black, GO!" .. !" and your optimum tempo (Cheetah Nascar) "Black, GO!"

Click the link for the first clip from Auburn spring practice 2013. Shows the Auburn offense running up-tempo drill vs. air and allows you to hear QB cadence and some coach communication. I could not get the video to show up here but the link works fine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=129rzGmpkdY&feature=player_detailpage

QB Coaches Mic'd Up

I posted these a couple weeks ago on twitter (@qbadvantage) but wanted to share them on the blog as well.  Here are some of my favorite coaches in the college game right now talking up the QBs in practice.

Here's another good one with coach Gunter Brewer coaching up the WRs at UNC.  He gives some great points on Noose Drill at the beginning of the video.  Good stuff from coach Brewer. 

90s Game - Discussing 92 Mesh

92 Mesh

92 Mesh is one of the classic Air Raid/Tony Franklin System pass concepts.  This is a 3 step drop, 90s protection concept that provides a high-low progression for the QB.  Here is the position breakdown of this play:

QB - Drop = quick 3 ( have started to drift away from hinge and cheat steps.. quick 3 allows my QB's to learn the same drop for all 90s game, more practice time for the same drop, less thinking-more playing.)
        Progression = 1. Corner 2. Playside Mesh 3. Playside Back 4. Backside Mesh 5. Backside Back

Z - 10 Corner --- Landmarks: outside 25 = front pylon .. inside 25 = back pylon
Y - 6 mesh over (will set the depth of the mesh, always will run mesh OVER top the other mesh runner)
X - 5 mesh under (will always run mesh UNDER the mesh runner who is setting the depth)
                         * The MESH routes should meet directly over the center
F - check-check swing (remain parallel to line of scrimmage, running to #'s, slightly gaining ground up field)
H - check-check shoot (3 yards to the flat, run to #'s)

OL - 90's protection

 

 

 

QB Progression 

 

Like all other pass concepts, the QB must first take a great pre-snap picture of the play, this is picturing the play in his mind before the snap...visualize the routes, find grass, see the play in his mind. 

 

1. Upon the snap, QB will take a quick 3 step drop, taking his eyes to the Z on the 10 yard Corner.  Both QB and WR should understand landmarks (back or front pylon).  QB should have decision made whether or not to throw 10 corner by the last step of his drop.  I do not have my QBs read a specific defender of this play.. Keep it simple. If the Z is open, set feet and make the throw to grass.  If the Z (or other corner route runner based on tags) is covered, work feet in the pocket to get hips and shoulder to next progression.  Throwing to grass is key here.. If the FS remains high on the hash, QB can make throw deeper with more air to landmark... If FS jumps off the hash (cover 2 look) QB must make throw more on a line and throw the WR down to grass.  If the CB gets great depth with the corner, we move to next progression.  We work on making both throws in practice.  QB must understand, the corner route cannot be missed back inside toward the defense.  The corner route must be throw OUTSIDE to the sideline, opposite shoulder of the defender. 

 

2. Playside Mesh - QB must have great feet, working hips and front side shoulder to the playside mesh.  Vs Zone the WR will settle into grass 6 yards off LOS, avoiding LBs.  Vs Man the WR will continue to run, slightly gaining ground up field.. WR will not settle vs Man, continue running to sideline.  If QB reads playside mesh as open, throw should be made opposite shoulder pad of the defender.  If QB reads playisde mesh as covered, work in pocket to next progression.

 

3. Playside Back - When in trouble, find a back.  If the back is open on the swing, deliver the football.  Keep it simple, if he's open, throw him the ball. 

 

* Chances are at this point in the progression, the QB has had to move in the pocket and protection is breaking down.  If QB is getting pressure, pocket is breaking down, find a back.  If the back is covered or has stayed in for pass protection, QB must make a play with his legs, get what he can get and get down or throw ball away, play the next play. 

 

4.  Backside Mesh  & Backside Back - If QB has time to get this far in his progression ..Same rules as Playside Mesh and Playside Back..

 

Notes on Mesh

 

It is great if you can teach your QB to read the Playside Mesh/Backside Mesh as a whole picture.. therefore making the MESH routes 1 read.  If QB can see this entire picture, makes the Mesh concept more effective.  If the QB is not good enough to see this entire picture, stick to base reads. 

 

Mesh throw should be opposite shoulder pad of defender..never throwing OVERTOP the LBs, only throwing mesh routes to when WR settles in open grass.  

 

Define OPEN - Open is when the QB feels he can complete the pass.  Open may be different for each QB based on his skill set. Whats open for my QB may not be open for yours. If the QB feels he can complete the pass, fitting the ball to the opposite shoulder pad of his WR away from the defender, then the WR should be considered open. 

Tony Franklin often says "when you don't know what to call.. call Mesh".. You cant go wrong with calling Mesh.  Also, Mesh is great in the redzone and vs Man.
 

 

Tags off of 92 Mesh

 

92 Z post, 92 Z post F Wheel, 92 Switch *(Y becomes Corner route runner, Z runs 6 mesh over), 92 Swap *(X will become Corner route runner, Z runs 5 mesh under.. Must be ran out of Blue Flip), 92 Z Pyramid. 

 

92 Z Pyramid - Must be ran out of 2x2 set

Z - 12-14yd Dig

X - 10 Post

H - 5 mesh under, continue running regardless of Man or Zone Coverage

Y - 6 mesh over, continue running regardless of Man or Zone Coverage

F - check-check swing

QB - 1. Post 2. Dig 3. Playside Mesh 4. Playside Back 5. Backside Mesh

Neal Brown Notes 1-21-2014

Here are some of the notes I recorded from one of Neal Brown's 2009 presentations discussing tempo, the spot tag off quick game, and the missile screen.  At this time, Coach Brown was still at Troy University.  Although its from a few years ago, these guys are still doing a lot of the same stuff today.  These are my notes and work for me, there's not a whole lot of description here because I am just trying to pick up a few things to build on what we already do in our system.

TEMPO

NASCAR - Keep it simple

-          Cadence (READY-GO!)

-          Run game – Power Read/Kick

-          Pass Game - Fast Screens, 63 DBL

-          Easy to block people when they cannot get lined up.

CHEETAH NASCAR – No Subs, Same Formation, Few plays implemenented for weekly game-plan

-          First Sound (GO!)

-          Defense tries to sub, illegal participation penalties = +

-          (POWER, ZONE, FASTSCREEN, MESH)

NASCAR FREEZE – Nascar Tempo but no play ---- Cadence (READY-GO-READY -GO-GO..)

-          FREEZE IN THE REDZONE!

-          Spend time going over freeze situations on film.. Check Box for #s, Find Safeties

-          Rep checking freeze alignments in film over and over.

-          Have a check system in place in your mind!

ARMY call – ARMY = KEY WORD! AUTOMATIC TOSS TO SIDEDLINE..UNBALANCED TACKLE OVER. 10 PERSONELL.  ALWAYS RUNNING TOSS OR BUBBLE SCREEN TO SIDELINE.

-          TACKLE MOVES OVER TO SIDELINE

-          BACK MOVES OVER TO SIDELINE

-          WRS TO SIDELINE

-          FULL STRETCH BLOCK TO SIDELINE (MAKE AN UMBRELLA)

-          INSIDE WR (Y) SEAL THE BOX!

QUICK GAME

TAG SPOT ON BACKSIDE OF ANY QUICK GAME OUT OF TRIPS – SPOT-SCAT.

6 YD spot – Inside angle, 6 yards, find grass. Do not show eyes to QB until ready to catch the ball.

Free Scat - similar to swing, but after 5 steps, gaining ground upfield. 

Vs Zone -  SCAT Throw should be on a line

vs Man - SCAT Throw should have air, leading RB downfield (similar to a wheel-type throw)                          

   

MISSLE SCREEN!

COULD BE OUR ANSWER TO HAVING TROUBLE WITH JAILBREAKS.

-          HAPPENS FAST, DOUBLE TEAM ON ALL LBS

-          BACK RUNS SWING AWAY

-          QB – OPEN, SHUFFLE SHUFFLE, EYES TO SWING, RETREAT GET BIG FIND THROWING LANE/

-          QB  vs PRESSURE, RETREAT RIGHT AWAY, FLASH EYES, GET BIG AND MAKE THROW.

-          NEVER RUN IT BACK TO SINGLE WR SIDE

-          ONLY OUT OF ACE OR EMPTY

 

OL – PLAYSIDE TACKLE : 60S SET, HIGHWALL DE

         PLAYSIDE GUARD : 60S SET, RELEASE FLAT, BLOCK ALLEY DEFENDER

         CENTER – 60S SET, RELEASE TO MIKE  (4-1 FIND MIKE, 4-2 FIND LB TO PLAYSIDE)

         BACKSIDE GUARD – 60S SET, RELEASE TO MIKE (4-1 FIND MIKE, 4-2 FIND LB TO PLAYSIDE)

         BACKSIDE TACKLE – 60S SET, RELEASE TO BACKSIDE LB, 4-1 OUTSIDE BACKER, 4-2 LB TO BACKSIDE).

      

SKILL -  BACKSIDE INSIDE WR – ATTACK BACKSIDE LB, DOUBLE TEAM WITH BACKSIDE TACKLE

        RB – SWING, KEEP RUNNING TO #S

       BACKSIDE OUTSIDE WR – STALK MOST DANGEROUS, SET A BASE, UNDER CONTROL

       PLAYSIDE INSIDE WR – STALK MOST DANGEROURS, SOFT CORNER = ATTACK ALLEY DEFENDER, HARD CORNER = GET FLAT AND KICK OUT

      PLAYSIDE OUTSIDE WR – FAST FEET, QUICK JAB STEP UPFIELD, GET FLAT DOWN L.O.S. AT ABOUT ¾ SPEED, CATCHING BALL JUST OUTSIDE OF PLAYSIDE TACKLE. GET NORTH, BANG YOUR HEAD ON THE GOALPOST.

 

 

Keeping It Simple

My recent goal has been to work on simplifying our offense into fewer concepts while increasing efficiency, communication, and tempo.  The more I watch and breakdown teams such as Texas Tech, Baylor, Auburn, ect.. I see that they are keeping this game very simple, while dressing it up to look more complex than what it actually is.  I have fully bought in to this idea.  I don' think you need 15 different run plays, 20 pass concepts, and 30 formations to put my players in a position to be successful.  I would much rather become really good at a few concepts, play faster than anyone else on our schedule, and allow my athletes to think less-play more.  Here is a sample of the concepts I believe  can be extremely successful. At Raceland, our OC does a great job of keeping things simple for our players and over the last several years we have been able to expand on our offensive package with great success.  But starting out, I say put in place the concepts you truly believe in, practice them in game-type situations, mix up tempos, and roll with it.

Run Game - Power Read, Joker, Speed Option.
Pass Game - Quick Game; 60 (Speed Outs), 67 (Slants), 68 (Y Stick), 66 (Hitches).
                     90s Game ; Shallows, Mesh, Smash, Verticals, Y-Cross, and Y-Sail.
Screen Game - Fast, Slow, Jailbreaks.
Sprint Out - Rodeo/Lasso, F-Draw.
Play Action - Two best run plays and two best  pass plays, combine for P.A.

There you have it..  By taking these concepts and running them using a variety of formations (10-15 formations at the most) and a variety of motions (4 or 5 motion looks), I feel it gives my players the best chance to fully understand the offense and play faster than the other teams on our schedule.  With that being said, there will always be slight changes, tags, and looks to implement in order to build on this package. Communication is key, and finding the best way for your players to understand on-field communication should never be over-looked.  I want to keep that simple as well, no game of charades and a poster board to convey my plays.  Key words, basic hand signals, and lets go compete. 

Bringing things back up to speed..

Its been way too long since my last post on here... Sorry for the procrastination/laziness on my part. Recently I have gained some great insight on the importance of posting and staying active on my blog.  Along with everything else in our world today, coaching has been greatly affected by the social media explosion, and as coaches we must use this technology to our advantage.  Sharing ideas is what this business is all about, therefore the more I contemplated my procrastination of this page, the more I felt I was cheating the game.  I am constantly looking up other resources for information, so why not share mine while I'm at it... So, here we go..QB Advantage 2014 is under way. 

Just wanted to take a quick second and bring everyone up to speed on my coaching experiences the past couple years.  The 2013 season was my fourth year as QB coach at Raceland High School in Raceland, KY.  2013 was very good to us as we finished 11-3, making it to the Kentucky Class A State Semi-Finals, along with being Regional and District champions.  This past season, our quarterback, a 3 year starter, completed his career by becoming the schools all-time leader in wins, and also his 3rd consecutive season of throwing for over 1,200 yards, 15+ TDs, and completing over  60% of his passes.  Our offense at Raceland usually displays about a 65/35 Run/Pass ratio.  However, depending on the game and the situation, we feel we have the ability to manipulate that ratio either way in order to help us win.  2013 also marked my 10th year playing or coaching in the Tony Franklin System.  Although we have drifted away from some of the original Tony-isms of the offense, we still continue to focus our basic package around the same concepts Tony Franklin has been using since his days at the University of Kentucky.  If I had to put a label on it, I would call us a "spread, run-first, multiple formation offense" with the ability to play fast and put the ball in the air as much as needed throughout any given game.  But make no mistake about it, we want to RUN THE FOOTBALL and have been very successful in that category over the past several years. 

Ok so now its 2014 and the I'm starting to understand more and more that the off-season is where you become a better coach.  I've only been at this for 4 years so saying that I am "learning more everyday" is an understatement. I'm really looking forward to this off-season, to read and study, watch and learn, and to write and post about this game and the quarterback position.