Why Perimeter Pass Is More Effective Than Perimeter Run

Why Perimeter Pass is More Effective Than Perimeter Run

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n behalf of the entire offensive staff at Harvard, Jay Mills (offensive coordinator), Jim Turner (offensive line), Chad Klunder (runningbacks), Chip Mitchell (wide receiver) it is an honor to contribute to the 2002 AFCA Summer Manual. I have always looked forward to reading the AFCA manuals, as they have proved to be an outstanding resource. Philosophy For the past 12 years, at different schools, we have run an attack style uptempo, no-huddle offense and this article is a reflection of our philosophy. Some years ago we were having a conversation as an offensive staff that centered on the need for a more viable perimeter running game. By the end of the meeting, we had come to the conclusion that the things we wanted to accomplish with our perimeter running game were already being accomplished with our perimeter passing game.

Tim Murphy Head Coach Harvard University Cambridge, Mass.

Goals of the Perimeter Pass/Run A. Simple B. Low Risk C. Productive D. Efficient E. Compliment Inside/ Off Tackle Run Game F. Wear People Out Furthermore, we had averaged about seven yards per attempt and had been efficient (at least four yards) per attempt over 60 percent of the time with our perimeter passing game. We came to the conclusion that we didn’t have a perimeter run game that was that productive and efficient. Thus our title, “Why Perimeter Pass is More Effective than Perimeter Run.” If you run the toss sweep or the option you are not necessarily handing the ball off. Our perimeter passing game is an extension of that. We are not handing the ball off but we aren’t throwing the ball down the field in this phase of the game either. We are getting the ball to our best athletes simply and quickly, while generally out-leveraging the defense. We actually figure our perimeter pass into our run statistics because that’s how we look at it. Perimeter Pass 1: Bubble Screen The Bubble Screen is probably the best example of a perimeter pass that is little more than a quick pitch or more accurately an option play since we are not blocking the man who is leaving the ball carrier

• AFCA Summer Manual — 2002 •

(receiver) uncovered. The Bubble Screen meets our criteria. It is simple, low risk, efficient, productive, compliments our inside run game and wears people out.

Diagram 1: Bubble Screen

Offensive Line: Block frontside gap aggressively. Frontside Tackle: Cut the defensive end to get his hands down. Z: Block first perimeter defender from sideline. H: Block second perimeter defender from sideline. Y: Get width (not depth) immediately looking for football. Run to the numbers and outflank the defense before making any cuts. A: Block away side end man on line of scrimmage. Quarterback: One-step drop. Throw the ball at receivers facemask. Continue to drop after throw so that lateral doesn’t occur. Perimeter Pass 2: Power Pass The Power Pass is another simple way to get the ball on the perimeter and fits our criteria if called in the appropriate situation (people are attacking your power run).

Diagram 2: Power Pass

Offensive Line: Aggressive Gap Protection. Keep pads low/simulate run. Y: Step inside before releasing, keep pad level low. Run eight yard “banana” route off of deep defender. B: Take kickout course, look defender in the eye and slip defender into flat. A: Simulate power run footwork/aiming point. You are responsible for C-gap defender. Get him on the ground. Z: Run five-yard return route. If you

don’t get the ball over center work back out to open area. X: Run skinny post. Quarterback: Five-step hit and throw, though it could be on third step read B to Y to Z. Perimeter Pass 3: Zone Pass The Zone Pass is another great example of a perimeter pass that is simple and is a great compliment to our inside run game. Like the bubble screen it puts that extra run defender in a bind especially with the play action.

Diagram 3: Zone Pass vs. Cover 4

Diagram 4: Zone Pass vs. Cover 2

Diagram 5: Zone Pass vs. Press Man

Diagram 6: Quick Slant

Offensive Line: Inside zone aggressive playside gap technique/protection. A: Inside zone footwork but be prepared to abort and block perimeter blitz. H: Look defender in the eyes and run flat. X: Run streak vs soft corner, fade vs hard corner and slant vs press on No. 2 (H) four step route to accommodate play action. Quarterback: Three-step drop with token play action fake (four steps to left).

H: Three-step slant (45˚). Must come inside unless your defender buzzes flat in which case throttle and run mini-seam. X: Three-step slant (45˚). Miss snap count to create better timing and spacing. Versus inside press run four-step fade release. Y: Same as H. Z: Same as X. Quarterback: Three-step drop. Read defender over No. 2. Throw it to No. 2 unless they take it away. Versus zero middle linebacker read to field.

Perimeter Pass 4: Quick Pass Our three-step package is a big part of our perimeter pass game and shares the same qualities of the first three perimeter passes we have covered. It allows us to simply and efficiently attack virtually all defensive looks in a productive manner while getting the ball to our skilled athletes in space. Offensive Line: Three-step slide gap protection. Be aggressive but don’t chase more than three steps. If no inside threat take only 1 step to gap and help with man on. Edge tackle jump end man and get his hands down.

Conclusion This article is obviously a simple overview of one phase of our offensive package. Hopefully it contains philosophically, if not in complete detail, some ideas that register with you and can help your program. We have always been the beneficiaries of people who have been willing to share their ideas with us and we would be happy to reciprocate at any time so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Stay Informed About Issues That Affect The Football Coaching Profession Football coaches who are concerned about the welfare of the profession should be aware of major issues within the profession and be well informed about them, especially those which are controversial and sometimes make headlines. Whatever your thoughts on the issues, now is the time to make them known to those who are involved. Make it a point to know about issues that could affect the profession and your job. Communicate with your athletic director, faculty athletic representative and president. Let them know you are vitally interested in your profession, and make your opinions known early in the process. Don’t wait until it’s too late. • AFCA Summer Manual — 2002 •