This article was originally posted on the Glazier Coaching Blog.
Jason Tone, Head Coach, T.L. Hanna HS (SC) provides a detailed breakdown of the Waggle play’s mechanics, highlighting the importance of flexibility, precise route running, and strategic blocking.
The video is a portion of the Gun Package & Adjustments: Play Action Pass from the 12 Lesson Jason Tone Wing-T Offensive System. You can view the entire system on Glazier Drive.
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Key Points about the Waggle Play:
- Formation Flexibility
- Run the Waggle play from both under-center and shotgun formations
- Route concepts remain largely consistent between formations
- When no fullback is present, the wing back often takes the flat route traditionally run by the fullback
- Offensive Line Blocking Scheme
- Play-side tackle: Gap down on defender, attacking outside shoulder
- Play-side guard: Pull and jump pivot (slightly quicker in shotgun)
- Center: Block away or head-up defender
- Backside guard: Pull flat, get depth, look to kick support player
- Backside tackle: Step down, punch, then hinge to protect quarterback
- Receiver Routes
- Consistent routes across formations:
- Wing/Fullback: Flat route
- Tight End: Post/corner route
- Slot/Z Receiver: Drag route
- X/Split End: Post or comeback route
- Strategic Objectives
- Create run-pass option for quarterback
- Get best players the ball in space
- Spread out defense
- Create passing lanes, especially for drag route
- Coaching Points
- Emphasize proper blocking technique
- Encourage receivers to flatten routes
- Take advantage of open spaces in coverage
- Adapt formation based on defensive alignment
