The Trojan Fast Break No-huddle Offense

The Trojan Fast Break No-Huddle Offense

Kyle Inforzato Head Coach Ortonville High School Ortonville, Minn.

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would first like to thank the American Football Coaches Association for the opportunity to contribute to the 2001 AFCA Summer Manual. As a coach who is entering his 24th year of coaching football, with 20 years as a head high school football coach, I have found that once you have found something that you can hang your hat on, you should keep your hat on the rack! In 1993, when I took over the program at Ortonville High School, I wanted our program to develop an identity. If you look at programs at all levels across the country, teams with any level of success have an identity. Nebraska has the “Black Shirt Defense.” Texas A&M has the “12th Man.” Virginia Tech has their “Pride and Joy” special teams. Over the years, I have also had a tendency to simplify our offense. Particularly since my last two positions have landed me at smaller high schools, where the level of talent and depth can vary tremendously from year to year. However, within the framework of simplicity I felt the need to develop an identity and a more effective way to improve our offense without overcomplicating it. Hence, the birth of the “Trojan Fast Break No-Huddle Offense.” The no-huddle is nothing new. However, after playing against several teams in Kansas where I had previously coached, who incorporated the no-huddle to their advantage, I felt we could do the same at Ortonville. This allowed us to be relatively simple on offense, but provided us a distinct advantage. Prior to 1993, Ortonville had never had a 1,000 yard rusher in the history of the school. Since 1993, we have had 1,000 yard rushers six out of the eight years, including one player who rushed for more than 3,000 yards over two seasons. Our quarterbacks have also had success in this offense, throwing for more than 1,000 yards six out of eight years and more than 50 percent completion rate seven of eight years. Over this same eight year period, we have scored 30 or more points in more than 30 percent of our games. While our numbers may not be impressive in comparison to some of the real high powered offenses around the country, it should be said that this was done with less than average talent, and generally over a nine to ten game season. Our offense is based on the execution of the Twin “I” formation. It should be said

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at this point that the no-huddle offense can be adapted to your existing offense and terminology. The Twin I No-Huddle Offense is a great equalizer between two unevenly matched teams. 1. Our offense causes the defenses to cover the entire field, not just a portion of it. 2. It lends itself very well to the passing game, particularly the three step game. 3. It can be a big play offense as well as an offense that can control the ball. It has not been uncommon at all for our team to have games with 80 offensive snaps. 4. We will do things that you are both physically and mentally capable of executing. This allows us to improve as a football team. Because we run so few plays, we will develop better execution due to repetition. 5. The defense will be required to be very disciplined against the no-huddle offense. a. We will be able to control the tempo of the game. b. The defense will not be able to huddle up. Therefore, is limited to substitutions and adjustments. c. Our offense will appear to be more complex to our opponents than it really is, since the defense is more concerned about getting lined up and ready to go than the formations they are facing. d. Weaknesses in the defense can be more easily exploited, since we are able to see fewer fronts. e. Our opponents are not accustomed to playing at this pace of football. Therefore, conditioning becomes a factor. The no-huddle offense is a system of football. The purpose is to put pressure on the defense, control the tempo of the game, and give us an advantage against teams who have to prepare against it. It creates excitement and confidence that we can score at any time. Play Calling The formation will always be called to the side that our split end “X” lines up on. To avoid wordiness, we try to condense our formation terminology as much as possible. For example an I twins right formation is simply called “Right” (Diagram 1). With “Left” being the opposite. A Pro I right formation is called “Ram.” With “Lion” being Pro left. Our third basic formation is an “Unbalanced Twin I Right” formation called “Rip.” The opposite is called “Long.” Any numbering system and terminology

Diagram 1: Right

split end side include: Trap, Draw, and Lead Option (Diagram 2).

Diagram 2

can be applied when play calling. Here is an example of what is used. Holes are numbered 1-9 from left to right. Backs are numbered quarterback No. 1, fullback No. 2, tailback No. 3. Plays are called with the number of the running back the first number and the hole being run the second number. Example of a sweep left, would be 21 sweep. To call a play, the quarterback will initially call out “Set Alert.” Meaning, “Get SET on the line and be ALERT for the play to be called. It is important for all offensive players to get down and in proper position right away. The sooner we are set, the sooner we can call the play and get it run. Plays are signaled in from the sideline, which will be discussed later. The colors blue and black are used as live and dead colors. One color will be designated as the live color, which will have the play to be called following it. The other color will have a dead number. The live and dead colors can be changed from first to second half of the game or from game to game. The snap count is based upon the play called. If the play called ends on an odd number, the ball is snapped on one. If the play called ends on an even number, the ball is snapped on two. After the quarterback receives the play to be run, he will call the live and dead call twice along with the cadence. Example: If we are running a 21 sweep and the live color is blue, the quarterback will call “Blue 21, Black 80, Blue 21, Black 80, Ready, Set, Hut One!” Within the framework and design of the offense, running plays are called to the tight and side approximately two-thirds of the time and the ball thrown to the split end side two-thirds of the time. This aids in our ability to call plays with as little confusion as possible. Our play calling changes very little regardless of our formation. Running plays generally run to the tight end side include: Dive, Freeze Option, Blast (Iso), Power, Outside Belly, Belly Keep, and Sweep. Running plays generally run to the

When executing the running game, the quarterback knows what call to make based upon the tight end/split end spread sheet. As previously indicated, the three-step passing game is our primary method of throwing the football. It fits very well within the concept of the no-huddle offense, because of the ability to get the offense set, the play called, and the ball thrown quickly. When installing the passing game as part of the no-huddle offense, it is important to keep the quarterback decision making down to a minimum. In doing so, the passing game has a designated receiver for each pass. All three step passes are indicated as our “60 Series.” Our four main passes include: 65 (split end hitch, slot fade, tight end fade), 66 (split end fade, slot five yard out, tight end five yard out), 67 (split end slant, slot wheel, tight end post), and 68 (split end slip screen). Unless designated, each pass has a specific receiver to be thrown to. Example: 65 (split end hitch), 66 (slot out), 67 ( split end slant), 68 (split end slip screen). When we want to throw to a different receiver, add a descriptive term to the receiver being thrown to. Split End = Sam, Slot = Steve, Tight End = Ted. In our 66 pass, which is designated to be thrown as an out route to the slot, if we want to throw the ball to the tight end, the quarterback makes the 66 call. But, adds the word “Ted” to indicate the ball being thrown to the tight end. An example of this call might be Blue 66 Ted, Black 44 Ralph (second call is the dummy call) Blue 66 Ted, Black 44 Ralph, Ready, Set, Hut One, Hut Two! We have allowed our quarterbacks, at times, to take a pre-snap read before making the call and then throw it to the receiver based upon the coverage he is seeing. Signaling of Plays Signaling plays does not have to be

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extremely complex. In fact, we have found over time, the simpler the signals, the better off we are. Most of the time, we will use only one person to signal in plays. Since, at the high school level, staffs are limited, and the opposing players are more concerned about getting lined up and ready for the next play. Some of the plays and hand signals include: Dive (put both hands together as if you are jumping into the water), Blast (pushing both hands down like you are pushing down a plunger for explosives), Power (put both arms like you are making a muscle), Sweep (work your arms and hands as is you are sweeping the floor), Belly (rub your hand on your “belly”). Two examples of pass signals include: 65 (hold up your arm with five fingers waving). Or, when we designate a receiver, such as a 66 Ted (extend arm straight out, followed by putting the same hand on your head, which rhymes with Ted). Rather than go through the entire process, this provides you with examples of play calling. In addition, we also signal in our formations. Our right formation is signaled in by pointing or tapping one hand on the ring finger (R = ring = right). Our left formation is signaled by tugging on the ear lobe (L = lobe = left). Our other two basic formations have simple signals to go along with them. Implementing the No-Huddle Installing the no-huddle, begins on the third day of our pre-season practice. We discuss the concept on the practice field and begin with using the “Right” formation only. We run the plays which have been installed in practice, up to that point. We throw the ball to the primary receiver on the pass plays. Plays begin at the goal line and are run for ten yards at a time up and down the field. Units line up behind each other and wait for the group ahead to get 10-20 yards in front to avoid running into the preceding group. A coach from the staff is assigned a group and signals plays to his group, with each team executing the play called. Each group is expected to demonstrate proper stance, alignment, assignment, take off and execution of the play. All plays are run at full speed. Plays are run up and down the game or practice field two to three times, providing us the opportunity to run anywhere from 40-60 plays in a matter of minutes. We rarely need to do extra conditioning as a result. Our players soon learn

the importance of this part of our practice, particularly when it comes to game time. This period also serves as a reminder to our players that we are working on a built in two minute offense. What I have attempted to do is try to provide you ideas on how you can implement your own no-huddle offense. This has been 80-90 percent of our basic offense the past eight years. Like most teams, we put in some wrinkles from time to time. However, this is what we hang our hat on every week. There are times when we are

just like 99 percent of the teams across the country where we simply huddle up. Our hand signaling system allows us to call plays from the sideline without having to make substitutions if we choose to do so. This usually comes at a time when we want to slow the game down, want to settle our team down, or if a team is starting to pick up on our play calling at the line. As coaches, it is not as important to what we know, but what we can teach and young men can learn. As football coaches across America, we are the last bastion on

decency and discipline. It is important to make ourselves the role model of our communities regardless of wins and losses. As Lou Holtz has often said, “Do your best, do what’s right, and treat others the way you want to be treated.” If we do this in addition to providing our young men with a “faith role model” no matter what church or denomination you belong to, you will be “World Champions.” Because the young men we coach today, will be out in the world tomorrow. And, that’s the place the real world championships are won.

AFCA Districts District 1 Division I-A: Sun Belt Conference, Central Florida, South Florida, Troy State Division I-AA: Atlantic 10 Conference, Ivy League, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, Hofstra Division II, Division III: New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. District 2 Division I-A: Big East Conference, Navy, Connecticut Division I-AA: Patriot League, Northeast Conference Division II, Division III: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and West Virginia District 3 Division I-A: Atlantic Coast Conference Division I-AA: Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, Southern Conference, Charleston Southern, Liberty, Elon Division II, Division III: Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and District of Columbia District 4 Division I-A: Southeastern Conference Division I-AA: Ohio Valley Conference, Southwestern Athletic Conference, Samford, Western Kentucky, Division II, Division III: Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia Louisiana and Florida

District 5 Division I-A: Big Ten Conference, Notre Dame Division I-AA: Pioneer Football League, Gateway Conference Division II, Division III: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Michigan District 6 Division I-A: Big Twelve Conference Division I-AA: None Division II, Division III: Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska District 7 Division I-A: Conference USA, Mid-American Conference Division I-AA: Southland Conference Division II, Division III: Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri District 8 Division I-A: Western Athletic Conference, Mountain West Conference Division I-AA: Big Sky Conference, Southern Utah Division II, Division III: Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana District 9 Division I-A: Pacific 10 Conference Division I-AA: Cal Poly-SLO, St. Mary’s Division II, Division III: Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Alaska

A complete list of all schools in each district will appear in the 2001 AFCA Directory

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