Coach Hinton Football Tutorial IT ALL STARTS UP FRONT Formations Gaps and Holes Offensive Terminology

Formations The alignment of all 11 players on offense and defensive prior to the start of a play. Two offensive players we want the boys to become familiar with are the Pro set and the I-formation. Pro set Image formations listed below.

The Pro set is a split back or two back formation. The 2 running backs are split to the left or the right of the quarterback. Two wide receivers may be split to opposite sides of the formation. The tight end is positioned to the right or left sides of the 5 offensive linemen. This formation gives a balanced backfield meaning there are an equal number of running backs behind the center. Q1) Is the offensive line balanced in this formation? Explain your answer.

Coach Hinton Football Tutorial I formation Image listed below.

The I formation is an offensive set that aligns the running backs in single file behind the center and the quarterback. The image above featuring the University of Texas football team, illustrates the positioning of the players in the shape of the letter I. In the space below have your player draw the Pro set or the I formation.

Coach Hinton Football Tutorial

GAPS AND HOLES Gaps and holes refer to the spaces between offensive line players where a play can succeed or fail.

The numbering system is an offensive communication used to dictate which player is running the ball, and the hole he is running to. Ex: QB = 1 RB = 2 FB = 3 Coach calls the play 23 Dive. Using the illustration above 2 is the RB, 3 is the hole between the LT and the LG, and Dive refers to the blocking scheme of the lead blocker and the offensive line. Although it is not illustrated in the diagram above, the 0 hole refers to a play designed to run directly through the centers position. An example would be the QB sneak. Q2) What two numbers are used to call the QB Sneak?

Coach Hinton Football Tutorial Q3) In the diagram above, the arrow indicates the direction the player will run the ball. What are the two numbers used for this play? Which player will get the ball? The defense uses letters to identify GAPS in the Offensive line. GAPS are points of attack for the defense. Defensive line players are responsible for a GAP to shoot. Players behind the line (line backers) may be assigned a GAP to shoot as well.

The image below shows the Defensive Tackle/Nose Tackle lined up on center. The DT is responsible for the A GAP.

The A GAP is the space between the Center and the Guards. Have your child identify between which players the B, C, and D gaps are located.