Wing-t Passing From 100 900

OPENING UP THE WING-T With the Drop-Back Pass

Coach: Here are some thoughts on developing a passing game from the Wing-T. I've included several passes which can be run "as is" from the Wing-T, without having to make any formation adjustments. There are two TE-side and two SEside route packages. All involve a five-step drop by the QB. The important thing to realize about these route packages is that they are directed against a specific pass defender whom you are isolating against two receivers. Through the use of formation and route design, other defenders are diverted so that the isolated man can be "optioned" by the quarterback. The QB looks for his primary receiver; if he is open, the ball is thrown. If not, the QB checks down to the secondary receiver; if he is open, the ball is thrown; if not, you have the choice of either looking for a third receiver, running, or throwing the ball away. This depends upon your assessment of your QB's abilities and what is most suitable for your level of play. The route packages work well against man coverages, because almost all of them include misdirection and/or crossing routes, but they really come into their own against zone defenses. If you let me know what kind of coverages you're likely to face, I can send you more specific and useful ideas. Pass #1: Cross Flat

This route package isolates the HB and TE on the WOLB. The SE clears out deep with a Go route. The WB widens then runs a Go route to hold the strong CB's attention. The FB checks his LB, then releases on a Stop route as a possible outlet. The HB also checks his LB, then releases in a Flat route that will take him +3 yards deep (Note: Ignore the yard lines marked in the diagrams -- I will give you the accurate depth of each route that matters in the text.) The TE Crosses to a depth of +12-15 by the time he reaches the SE's original position. The QB

looks to the TE as primary, then checks down to the HB if the TE is covered or if he doesn't have a throwing lane. The HB should whip his head around to look for the ball as soon as he breaks outside. He is the Q (quick) receiver in this route package in case of a blitz. Pass #2: Hook Trail

This route package also isolates the WOLB, this time against the SE and FB. The HB controls under-coverage with his Angle route after he checks his LB. The WB runs a deep Post to control the deep middle and deep outside 1/3 defenders. The TE blocks the SOLB if he rushes, or releases into the strong flat as an outlet if the LB drops. The FB has no pass blocking responsibilities, so he immediately runs his Trail route, turning downfield when he reaches the SE's original position. FB is the Q receiver if a blitz is on, so he should be ready to receive the ball right away. The SE starts downfield as though he is running a Go route (first widening for three steps, then heading straight downfield), then Hooks inside at about +10-12 yards. The QB drops and reads the WOLB, looking to drill the ball to the SE as he starts his Hook. If the SE is not available, check down to the FB. Pass #3: Drag Wide

This strong-side route package isolates the WB and FB on the strong safety covering the strong flat. The SE runs an In route and the HB an Angle route (after checking his LB) to control the backside coverage. The TE releases inside and heads straight downfield on a Go route to hold the deep middle defender. The WB widens and heads downfield as though he were also running a Go route, but then nods inside to the post before Dragging back outside underneath deep outside coverage. The FB checks his LB, then Widens outside and looks for the ball right away (he is the Q receiver in this route package as well). The QB reads the SS as he drops, looking to hit the WB as he breaks outside. If the route is not there, he checks down to the FB. Pass #4: Banana Angle

The SILB is isolated against the FB and TE. The SE runs a Post, the HB a Flat, and the WB a Go route to engage other defenders. The TE releases outside, then cuts straight downfield and then inside at about +13-15 yards in a Banana route. The FB checks his LB, then heads outside the TE's original position, where he straightens and heads downfield to a depth of +5-6, and finally cuts inside in an Angle route. The QB reads the SILB as he is dropping back to pass, looking to drill the ball to the primary TE as he makes his inside break. If the route is taken away for any reason, he checks down to the FB. Protection: This is designed as BOB (big-on-big, back-on-backer) protection, but the route packages can probably be fitted in with your protection scheme. The important note for the HB and FB is that they must account for their assigned LB before they release into a pattern. Note: In Hook Trail, the TE is assigned the SOLB, freeing the FB to release immediately to the SE side. PS: Let me know if you are interested in the specifics of each pass route -- I can supply any information you need.