All fake field goal attempt decisions are made by the head coach, except those made within the execution of the “gate” scheme. The holder is responsible for making the call alerting the unit to the play to be performed.
The design of fake field goals is game plan specific. They are designed to attack the opponent’s defensive alignment or create a specific match-up. The stack alignment can allow for a number of fakes. It can also stress the defense with shifts and movements.
The “stack” can be used in an attempt to draw the defense offsides with a shift. It is more effective if the line stays in a two-point stance. However, the players that are shifting, since they are covered, must remain in a two-point stance.
The holder will make the call “Stack – Red” which indicates a right shift. On “go” the players will shift and guards will get in a three-point stance using a staccato move. If the defense does not jump offsides, the attempt is executed, or a fake can be run.
The “Stack 821” can be executed directly from the stack alignment, or run with a shift (Red Stack 821). The shift is an excellent play because it takes the single receiver side of the formation to trips upon the shift. The defense must either adjust, which slows the rush on an attempt, or they are running to change their alignments. In either case, the field goal team has gained an advantage.
Coaching Point: The call to shift to a stack trips alignment to the left would be Black Stack. The attempt can be tried, or a fake run out of the new alignment. The mesh route to the left would be 911.
One final point about fakes is that if your kicker can throw, you can direct snap to the kicker and the holder becomes an extra blocker. Otherwise, the snap is to the holder, and the kicker gets involved either as a blocker or receiver option.
FAKE FIELD GOAL CALL: STACK 821
Coaching Points
• The players releasing on routes must have eligible numbers; 0-49 or 80-99.
• The stack players must “punch” before releasing. This creates better timing for the meshes.
• The call “Red Stack 821” alerts the players to shift to the formation.
| Position | Technique |
|---|---|
| Line | Execute sprint-out protection which is a drop-step, crossover rip through, commonly known as “circle the wagons” technique. |
| Left End | Run right to the middle of the goal post, one foot from the end line. This is the last option, and the holder will throw the ball high at the middle of the goal posts – jump and make a play. |
| Left Wing | Pin the outside defender inside, and then spin release (last to release) working for a depth of 4 yards into the end zone. Make an outside cut, and throttle in the open space (“void”). Be ready to block if the holder elects to run for the corner. |
| Right End | First to release, using a 45° angle to get width, bending on an outside cut one foot into the end zone. If you get near the sideline, plant and work back, staying parallel to the goal line. Be ready to block if the holder elects to run the ball. |
| Right Wing | Block the first defender inside, most likely the player aligned over the right end. Then release vertically (2nd to release), behind the right end, breaking to the back corner of the end zone. Get separation from the defender. |
| Holder | Catch the snap and spin out, rolling to the right. There are three receivers in the “line-of-sight”, pick one looking short-middle-deep. If you are unable to run the ball in, the desperation throw is at the middle of the goal posts – high. |
| Kicker | Release immediately to the left running a swing route; gain width (5 yards or more) outside the left end’s alignment. If covered, fade to the back cone, otherwise keep the route vertical. |
The next fake field goal is an additional one that we have used in the past:
FAKE FIELD GOAL CALL: “3” or “800 Corner”
Coaching Points
• Good call versus a team that overloads. Run the motion away from the overload.
• The right end must block before they release on the “delay”.
| Position | Technique |
|---|---|
| Line | Execute sprint-out protection which is a drop-step, crossover rip through, commonly known as “circle the wagons” technique. |
| Left End | Run right to the middle of the goal post, one foot from the end line. This is the last option, and the holder will throw the ball high at the middle of the goal posts – jump and make a play. |
| Left Wing | Motion after the “ready” call. Time the motion to be inside the right wing as the ball is snapped, and then release at a 45° angle to get width, bending on an outside cut one foot into the end zone. If you get near the sideline, plant and work back, staying parallel to the goal line. Be ready to block if the holder elects to run the ball. |
| Right End | Down block on the first defender inside. Secure the edge for the holder, and use a spin release working for an open space no deeper than 3 yards into the end zone. Find a clear lane or “line-of-sight” with the holder. |
| Right Wing | Release vertically, behind the left wing, breaking to the back corner of the end zone. Get separation from the defender. |
| Holder | On the snap, move the ball toward the “spot or tee”, and then spin out rolling to the right. If you can run into the end zone do it, otherwise look flat to corner to delay. If the three players are covered, throw the ball high at the middle of the goal posts. |
| Kicker | Step up as though still kicking, and then execute a block protecting the holder’s backside. |
Click to read: Fake Field Goals Part 2
About the Author of this post:
Jerry Campbell has over 30 years of high school and college coaching experience. He has experience as a head coach, offensive coordinator, and various position coaches. He has written numerous football coaching articles in various publications, is the author of over 30 books on coaching football, and has produced 12 coaching video series. Additionally, he is a nationally sought after speaker on the coaching clinic circuit.