So Goes The Line, So Goes The Game

So Goes the Line, So Goes the Game

Brad Bernard Offensive Line Coach Bethune-Cookman College Daytona Beach, Fla.

I

would like to thank the American Football Coaches Association for giving BethuneCookman College the opportunity to share some offensive line philosophies. I would also like to thank my head coach, Alvin B. Wyatt (1998 MEACCoach of the Year) for giving me an opportunity to coach on the Division I-AA level, as well as the rest of the offensive staff: Kirt Mastromatteo, Raymond Gross, Greg Ross and Jeff Fagan. I was asked to write on a subject that plays an important role in the offense and that is the offensive line. Here at B-CC the statement is, “so goes the line, so goes the game.” The past two years we have had some success with our offense. We have averaged over 350 yards of offense per game and 4.6 rushing yards per play. The most important statistic is the 51 rushing touchdowns in the last two seasons. The pride of the line is having two different positions rushing for a 1,000 yards (quarterback and singleback). If the offensive line is playing as one, blocking and successfully working together, the line should be able to lead a team to victory. At B-CC, we call our offense the Wyattbone. The Wyattbone is a form of the spread option package. The offensive line has a huge responsibility when blocking for the spread option. The line must block for the run and provide pass protection for the quarterback. In this article, I will share our views on how the offensive line must perform both physically and mentally. Our offense is based on the triple option or veer offense. We basically run five running plays and use different variations off each play. When blocking for the run, the line should be down in a three-point stance with 65 to 68 percent of weight going forward with knees bent slightly, light under the heels and the feet should be shoulderwidth apart heel to toe. The back should be straight with a slight bend in the arm. The head needs to be up to focus on the landmarks. This stance allows a player to come off the ball and establish a new line of scrimmage. When coming off the ball, a player should use arms and legs simultaneously when making contact against a defender. After contact has been established, the feet must take short quick choppy steps while drive blocking a defender. The offensive line must provide pass protection for the quarterback. The same stance is used for running and passing plays so the play is not given away before the snap. We have three different types of

• AFCA Summer Manual — 2000 •

pass protection. They are play-action, sprint-out and dropback. Each require a different blocking scheme. For play-action, we sell the run with aggressive pass protection on play side and step hinging on the back side. For sprint-out, we gap protect. For the dropback, we use a basic big on big and back on linebacker protection. In all the protections, we try to stay as simple as possible. In pass protection, you must have a “bad case of the wants.” You must not want the defender to get past you and reach the quarterback. In the Wyattbone offense, the line splits play an important role in the game. The center guard split is two to three feet and our guard tackle splits are three to four feet. The purpose of having large splits is to make the defense create natural holes and it also requires the defender to cover a large amount of area. The alignment with the line of scrimmage is off the ball as far as possible. This alignment gives room that is needed when pulling and sealing the backside (Diagram 1).

Diagram 1

An offensive lineman must present himself as an athlete who includes toughness, willingness to give extraordinary effort and must be a technician. In order to play a national level style of football, being a tough player on the field is a priority. The way one plays tough is playing each play in the game one at a time and as aggressively as one possibly can. Alineman must be willing to put forth an extraordinary effort which means a lineman must out work the other team from beginning to end. Every team we play has quality athletes, the difference is which team is going to out execute the other team on Saturday. Knowledge of the technical aspect of the position is the key toward gaining the edge over your opponent. We must be willing to study the techniques and be willing to work on improving it. Athleticism is not just a genetic trait, but an acquired one. We want to line up with lineman who have the attitude of athletes. The image is they must react athletically to any movement or action a defender may give them, whether

it is a defensive lineman, a linebacker or a defensive back. It is true that athleticism is a genetic trait, but is also a trait that can be nurtured and developed with proper emphasis and concentration. I would like to share with you one of the plays B-CC has been successful with on the field. I refer to this play as our “bread and butter” play. It is the triple option or veer option. This play is designed to show the physical nature of the game. As a coach, I have to sell to the offensive linemen that this play can work against any given defense (Diagram 2). I teach my offensive line when executing this play, they must follow certain rules. The playside tackle slams and seals the playside linebacker. The playside guard bases. The center steps playside. The backside guard and tackle are stepping to playside sealing the backside. There is an exception to this rule. If the guard is uncovered, the tackle will go around and seal the playside line-

backer. It is imperative that the offensive line come off as a unit creating a new line of scrimmage.

Diagram 2

At any given time on this play, we can make adjustments to a more dominant defensive player. An example of an adjustment might be double teaming the noseguard. We would do this if the guard is uncovered. The most important aspect of this is selling it to the offensive lineman and making sure they know the rules. An offensive lineman must possess certain qualities. When recruiting players, I

look for the ability to come off the ball, good hip movement and the ability to have second and third efforts. Tackles must have the ability to go get linebackers on running plays and also need to be the best pass protectors. Guards are the work horses in this Wyattbone attack. They must have the ability to base block, pull and make decisions on the run. Centers have to possess leadership qualities and have the ability to set a noseguard going to playside to backside linebacker. I have discussed what qualities each individual offensive lineman must possess but they must also learn to work as a team. In conclusion, “so goes the line, so goes the game.” The offensive line is the heart and soul of the offense. If you are ever in sunny Daytona Beach, Florida, please stop by B-CC and talk some football with us or please feel free to call. A special thanks to AFCA for being a great asset to the game of football.

Membership Benefits of The American Football Coaches Association 1. Members of the AFCA are represented by a strong national leadership organization which protects the football coaching profession’s best interests — your best interests — and strives for the highest possible professional standards, as outlined in its Constitution, Bylaws and Code of Ethics. 2. AFCA membership enhances your professional growth and gives you an opportunity to contribute to the improvement of your profession. 3. It provides new contacts, a line of communication and a forum for the exchange of ideas and information within your profession. 4. Active members (those coaches associated with a fouryear collegiate coaching staff) are eligible to vote for the AFCA Coach of the Year Award. 5. Members are eligible to attend the AFCA convention as well as the AFCA Kickoff Luncheon and Awards Luncheon. Active members who vote for Coach of the Year also can attend the Coach of the Year Banquet. 6. AFCA members receive a subscription to The Extra Point, the official newsletter of the Association. 7. AFCA members have access to AFCA On-Line, the Association’s World Wide Web site. 8. Each year, AFCA members receive the three primary publications of the AFCA:

The AFCA Proceedings Manual contains a complete summary of the Association’s national convention, including all speeches given at the Coaching Clinic. The AFCA Summer Manual contains coaching articles by some of the nation’s outstanding coaches, keeping you in touch with the most current trends in the game of football. The AFCA Directory contains a complete listing of the AFCA membership, providing you with the names and addresses of those in the profession who are vitally interested in the future of the football coaching profession and its improvement. If you know someone on your staff who is not a member, encourage him to get in touch with the AFCA office today. Address:

AFCA 5900 Old McGregor Road Waco, Texas 76712-6166 Phone: (254) 776-5900 Fax: (254) 776-3744 e-mail: [email protected]

• AFCA Summer Manual — 2000 •