Brett Dietz, Head Coach, DePauw
Watch the entire presentation on Glazier Drive: Utilizing Fast Motion in the Spread Offense
This article was originally posted on the Glazier Coaching Blog.
See why 33,000+ coaches from schools across the nation trust Glazier Drive to help their program succeed. Glazier Drive has 2,000+ Curated Videos from Top Coaches, 40 Complete Coaching Systems, and Exclusive Content from Top Coaches in the Industry.
Start your free trial by signing up here GlazierDrive.com
Power Read Technique:
- Involves reading the defensive end – if he squeezes down, the ball is given to the motion player
- Uses various blocking schemes adaptable to opponents
- Guard pulls to block, but stays in the alley rather than chasing defenders
- Blocking assignments are split: linemen block for the quarterback while others block for the jet sweep player
- Can be effective with both smaller, faster players and larger tight ends who are harder to tackle
Motion Strategy Benefits:
- Creates defensive hesitation, particularly against teams worried about play action passes
- Can pull defenders out of position, creating running lanes
- Coach emphasizes how motion forces defenses to defend horizontally
Outside Zone with Motion:
- Unlike Power Read, this is a straight handoff to the motion player without a read
- Running backs are instructed to “fire their gun” as lead blockers – hit defenders hard rather than hesitating
- Motion players cut based on the block rather than blockers trying to make perfect blocks
- Used for both boundary and field sides
- Can be combined with inside zone runs for more offensive variety
Strategic Variations:
- “Ghost” motion serves as eye candy to distract defenders without involving the motion player as a ball carrier
- Team adjusts blocking assignments weekly based on opponents
- Uses both field and boundary variations of these plays
- Creates multiple threats defenders must account for simultaneously
Coach Dietiz emphasizes that this offensive approach has evolved over time, with the team continually refining these concepts to create more effective misdirection and exploit defensive reactions.