Tight Formations Can Create Home Run Throws

We had some great feedback on the play. Some coaches wondered how you could read a smash concept with with a 10 yard curl as opposed to a 5 yard hitch. Their point was valid but it brought us back to our original point. This pass play is a cover 3 or cover 1 beater, not a cover 2 beater.

Tight Formations Like This Make a Defense Think Run On Normal Down & Distance

When you look at this formation with 12 personnel it wreaks of run. This is especially true on a normal down and distance situation. Both tight ends are in a position to down block. A simple motion by either the X or the Y across the formation and you have a toss crack sweep threat.

When we called this play from this tight formation, we often did it with a purpose. We called it when the defense was thinking that the run was a real possibility. Once the ball was snapped the quarterback was looking right at the strong side cornerback. The QB would throw to whoever the corner did not cover.

A Good Position Manual Should Include Formation or Formation Recognition

The backside tight end would hold the middle safety with the post. He could even get into the action if for some reason the free safety got involved with the Y corner. Knowing that we were probably going to get cover 3 or cover 1 also made us weary of pressure. That is why we kept the back in to protect and had hots built in to the weak side.

Create Explosive Plays With Play Action & Boot Passes Too

So as you watch this short video, keep in mind that tight formations are something you may want to include as you begin your 7on7 competition this winter. If the defense stays in 2 deep because it’s 7on7 then your quarterback should have plenty of time and can actually get to the F on the post!