This section will help in identifying how we set formation strength and how we identify our play calling. Our method of determining which backfield set, formation, and what side we want the formation to be set is done in the following ways. The backfield set is called by the formation and the direction we set the tight end. We then follow up with the type of play we want to run and add motion if needed. An example of this would be as follows: Right 13 Inside.
The tight end will always follow the right or left call made in the huddle. The side the tight end aligns to is known as the tight side and the side away from the tight end is known as the open side. The term “Backside” is that side away from the play being called in the huddle.
The Z and X receivers will align according to the type of formation called. The Z receiver will follow the Right or Left call with the X receiver always aligning opposite unless a formation call puts the “Z” and “X” on the same side.
The running game is broken down into series, with each series determining the type of footwork and how the quarterback will open up on the snap of the ball.
The Teen Series pertains to the option game. The teen series can be run from either the gun, pistol or from under the center. The teen series involves the quarterback being apart of the play with the option of keeping, giving, or pitching the football.
The Thirty Series requires the quarterback to reverse out, also known as a belly action.
Forty Series plays is fronted out by the quarterback and requires a 45 degree initial open step towards the play called. The forty series plays puts the ball in the hands of the tailback.
With any one back formation the fullback will remain in the backfield.
Basic Formation and Play Identification
This section will help in identifying how we set formation strength and how we identify our play calling. Our method of determining which backfield set, formation, and what side we want the formation to be set is done in
the following ways. The backfield set is mentioned first followed by the formation and the direction we set the
tight end. We then follow up with the type of play we want to run and add motion if needed. An example of this
would be as follows: Right 32 Inside. The tight end will always follow the right or left call made in the huddle. The side the tight end aligns to is known as the tight side and the side away from the tight end is known as the open side. The term “Backside” is that side away from the play being called in the huddle.
The Z and X receivers will align according to the type of formation called.
Our running game is broken down into series, with each series applying to whom may get the ball.
The Teen Series pertains to the option game from under center that requires the quarterback to front out or open up towards the option being called.
Examples would be:
18 – 19 Load, 18 – 19 Speed options. The teen series involves the quarterback being apart of the play with the option of keeping, giving, or pitching the football.
The Thirty Series requires the quarterback to reverse out, also known as a belly action. The thirty series is a
play that involves the fullback.
Forty Series plays is fronted out by the quarterback and requires a 45 degree initial open step towards the play
called. The forty series plays puts the ball in the hands of the tailback.
Hole Numbering System / How Plays Are Called
The hole numbering system is based upon even and odd numbers. All even numbered plays are run to the right and all odd numbered plays are run to the left. The following information will give you the information needed for understanding how we number our plays.
All running and passing series plays will be designated a number. With the running game each play called in the huddle will be given two numbers which designates the type of play to be run and the area the play will be run at. The type of play (ISO, Toss, etc.) to be run will always follow either the formation or motion needed to execute the play called. The first number with the running game designates the type of series to be run followed by a second number that tells us which hole to run to.
The hole numbering system is based upon even and odd numbers. All even numbered plays are run to the right and all odd numbered plays are run to the left. The following information will give you the information needed for understanding how we number our plays.
All running and passing series plays will be designated a number. With the running game each play called in the huddle will be given two numbers which the first digit designates who will get the ball and the second number the direction and how we will block the play. We will always tag the two digits to alert the quarterback and backs to the type of play being run. The type of play (ISO, Toss, etc.) to be run will always follow either the formation or motion needed to execute the play called. The first number with the running game designates the type of series to be run followed by a second number that tells us which direction and how the offensive line will block the play.
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.