LTE: Gap-Down-Backer.

LT: Gap-Down-Backer.

LG: Pull, kick-out contain player.

C: Step play-side, base the N.

RG: Pull, wrap for PS linebacker.

RT: Step down- replace the RG.

RTE: Step down- replace the RT.

T: Fake hand off to the right- fantastic fake is needed!

QB: Catch Snap, fake to the T, follow the RG’s lead / wrap block. Right as the RG crosses face, jab and go!

S: Bubble Screen,

Z: Block the most dangerous defender to the bubble.

If you don’t have a mobile QB or don’t want to get your QB hit, you can also direct snap to a running back.

𝐁𝐮𝐛𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐩 𝐑𝐏𝐎

If the defense doesn’t match the two receivers you can have the QB catch the snap, throw the bubble to the S. If the bubble is thrown, nothing changes for anyone.

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Inside Zone Blocking Scheme: Rules, Techniques, and Coaching Points

Inside Zone is not just a play—it is a run game philosophy. It teaches offensive linemen to work together, create movement at the point of attack, and adjust to different defensive fronts. When coached properly, Inside Zone can become the foundation of your entire offense.

What Is the Inside Zone Blocking Scheme?

The Inside Zone Blocking Scheme is a run concept where the offensive line blocks an area rather than one specific defender. The goal is to create vertical movement and give the running back a clear read based on how the defense reacts.

Unlike gap schemes, where blockers usually have specific down blocks, pullers, or kick-out assignments, Inside Zone is built around zone steps, double teams, and climbing to linebackers.

The running back is usually aiming for an inside track, often toward the play-side A-gap or B-gap. However, the ball can hit in multiple places depending on how the blocks develop.

Inside Zone gives the running back three basic options:

Bang: Hit the play-side gap downhill.

Bend: Cut the ball back behind the flow of the defense.

Bounce: Take the ball outside if the defense collapses inside.

That flexibility is what makes Inside Zone so difficult to stop.

Coach Drayson’s Playbook: Essential Passing Concepts 

Benefits of the Inside Zone Play

The Inside Zone Play gives your offense several major advantages. The best advantage is that you can build you offense around the play- you only have to teach one blocking scheme!

First, it is great against multiple defensive fronts. Because the offensive line is blocking zones instead of chasing specific defenders, Inside Zone can adjust to odd fronts, even fronts, shaded fronts, and movement from the defense.

Second, it helps your offensive line play together. Inside Zone teaches linemen how to communicate, combo block, and work from the defensive lineman to the linebacker. This builds chemistry and makes your offensive line more consistent.

Third, Inside Zone is a downhill, physical run concept. It allows your offense to attack the defense vertically and force defenders to fit their gaps with discipline. If the defense over-pursues, the running back can cut back and make them pay.

Fourth, it pairs very well with play-action, RPOs, and quarterback reads. Defenses must respect the inside run, which opens up throws behind linebackers and gives your quarterback simple answers.

Finally, Inside Zone is great for youth football because it can be taught with simple rules. Once players understand covered and uncovered rules, zone steps, double teams, and linebacker tracks, the play becomes easier to install and repeat.

Coaching Points for Inside Zone

Here are key coaching points that will help your team execute Inside Zone more consistently:

No penetration. The offensive line must stop defensive linemen from crossing their face and getting into the backfield.

Stay square. Linemen should avoid turning their shoulders too early. Staying square allows them to adjust and handle movement.

Work together. Combo blocks are the heart of Inside Zone. Linemen must communicate and feel when to come off to the linebacker.

Do not chase linebackers too early. Secure the defensive lineman first. A great linebacker block does not matter if the defensive tackle is in the backfield.

Running back must press the track. The back has to make the defense commit before making his cut.

One cut and go. Inside Zone is not a dancing play. The back must get downhill.

Finish blocks. Inside Zone requires effort, toughness, and strain. Linemen must run their feet and finish through the whistle.

Common Mistakes When Running Inside Zone

One of the biggest mistakes is poor first steps by the offensive line. If linemen step too wide, step backward, or cross over, they lose power and balance.

Another common mistake is leaving double teams too early. Young offensive linemen often want to climb to the linebacker right away. The problem is that this allows defensive linemen to split the combo block and disrupt the play.

Running backs also make mistakes by bouncing too early. Inside Zone is designed to hit downhill. If the back immediately runs sideways, the defense can rally and make the tackle.

Another issue is poor communication. The offensive line must identify fronts, understand who is covered and uncovered, and work together. If linemen are not on the same page, Inside Zone becomes very difficult to execute.

Playbook: Inside & Outside Zone Playbook

Final Thoughts

The Inside Zone Blocking Scheme is one of the best run concepts in football because it gives your offense structure, physicality, and flexibility. It teaches offensive linemen to work together, creates downhill running lanes, and gives the running back multiple options based on how the defense reacts.

To run Inside Zone successfully, your team must master the fundamentals: proper first steps, strong double teams, good communication, disciplined running back reads, and physical finishes. When coached the right way, Inside Zone can become a core play in your offense and a reliable way to control the line of scrimmage.

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Download: 22 Personnel Playbook 

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Single Back Formation Power Run Concept

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Beast Right Power Lead

Center: Block backside A-gap defender. If he has a head up defender he blocks the head up nose guard.

Right Guard: Inside-Over-Free blocking scheme. You can have your G double a nose guard if he is a good player.

Right Tackle: Inside-Over-Free blocking scheme.

Left Tackle (tackle-over right): Block defensive tackle.

Left Guard: Inside-Over-Free.

Left TE: Base backside defensive end. He must always secure his inside gap first.

Fullback: Look to cut off backside linebacker pursuing to the ball carrier.

Blocking Back: Lead through the hole, look to block middle linebacker.

Wing-back: Lead block, look to block outside linebacker.

Related Content: Beast Formation Playbook 

Coaching Points 

• Break the huddle, get set, and snap the football! Don’t give the defense time to adjust.
• You can work double teams at the point of attack if you are facing a good defensive line.
• You can run ISO, Power, and pretty much any other gap scheme out of this formation.

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The Best Wing T Plays for Youth Football

The Wing T is a good offense because it works with all age levels and team skill sets. It’s an offense that features a series of plays that all complement each other. There are several different Wing T Formations but we’ll cover the basic formations here. Below are the best Wing t plays in football.

Wing T Plays Featured

1. Buck
2. Buck Sweep
3. Fullback Toss
4. Trap
5. Counter
6. Belly
7. Counter Pass
8. Buck Pass

All these plays can be executed out of the Shotgun Wing T as well. There are several other great Wing T Plays but these are the best plays for youth football.

Why Run the Wing T Offense?

• It’s deceptive! The misdirection makes it hard to defend on the youth football level.
• It features a system of plays that all complement each other.
• Strong run game that will allow you to control the clock.
• Explosive play-action passing plays!

Buck off of Jet Sweep Action

The play-side TE and LT all block Gap-Down-Backer blocking rules. The Play-side LG pulls and kicks out the contain player. The backside guard pulls and wraps for the play-side linebacker. This play is great for when defenses put heavy emphasis on the DEs / Contain players “boxing”.

Buck Sweep off of Jet Action 

Play-side TE and RT have Gap-Down-Backer blocking rules. The play-side RG logs / seals the defensive end and the backside LG pulls and leads outside, looking for the CB. This play is great for when defenses are squeezing or their contain players are biting inside. Buck and Buck Sweep are very similar, however the only difference is Buck hits inside, Buck Sweep hits outside. The blocking rules remain the same for all players except the pulling guards.

Fullback Toss

The Fullback Toss is a great play for youth football. It’s easy to execute and it will allow you to get your RB the ball in space very quickly. This video gives you everything you need to install this play- alignment, blocking rules, and play diagram breakdown! It’s an easy install that also has a lot of options in regard to tags and formations / alignment.

Trap 

The Trap Play is fast hitting and takes advantage of overaggressive defensive tackles that are taught to penetrate. When you see defensive tackles shooting gaps or firing off the ball fast and getting penetration, trap them! This video gives you a complete breakdown of the Trap scheme. This video shows Trap off of Rocket Sweep, but the blocking rules don’t change, regardless of the Wing T Formation you are running it out of.

See Also: Winning with the Trap Play Clinic

Counter Play 

There are several different Wing T Counter Plays. This video breaks down the GW Counter (Guard / Wing Counter). The GW Counter out of this Wing T Formation is the best way to run it (in my opinion). It’s an easy install and you only have one pulling linemen, which will allow you to be stronger upfront- especially when defenses start keying or blitzing over the guards. This play gives you a strong element of deception, while also giving you numbers at the point of attack.

See Also: 7 Reasons why the Wing T Offense is Great for Youth Football

GW Counter Pass 

The GW Counter will definitely be one of your best run plays and you should always have a play-action pass off your best run plays. This Counter Pass is nasty! It will hit big- especially when you call it on a run down and distance. This passing concept gives you 3 different passing options. You will almost always have at least one of these passing options wide open. This play-action pass gives the defense a lot of backfield movement and deception- which will make the defenders bite up.

Belly Play 

The Belly play is the Wing T Iso Play. It’s usually ran to the 2-man surface (OT & OG) with the wing inserting. I like this play a lot because it works blocking angles- the play-side Tackle and play-side Guard cross block. The Belly blocking scheme is a great equalizer when your offensive line is undersized. It’s an easy scheme to install and can be executed with great success out of any formation. This video will give you a great breakdown of the Belly Play- it includes everything you need to install this play.

Buck Pass 

As I said before, you will need a pass play off your best run plays! Here’s a play we call Buck Pass- it’s a play-action pass off of Buck  (Buck is one of our best plays)! This is a great pass concept that will allow you to utilize a Tight-end. This play will also give 3 passing options, including a deep post that will give you an opportunity for a big play. This concept is great against man and zone coverage. The SE will run a post, the TE will run an over route, behind the pre-snap depth of the linebackers (TE must continue to the field). The 3 comes in full speed jet motion, fakes jet sweep and continues out on a swing route. QB is looking for the TE on the over route, but if the middle of the field is open you can have him check the post first. Offensive line half-slide protect to the play-side.

See Also: Jet Gun T Offense Playbook 

See Also: Jet Gun T Offense Playbook 2.0

These are the best Wing T Plays for Youth Football because they are all part of a system of plays. They are easy to install and work great on all age levels of football. These Wing T Plays have stood the test of time! There are a lot of coaches on all age levels of football that are scoring a lot of points with these plays. The Wing T is great because it will give you team an identity and it will give your offense a package of plays that all complement each other.

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One of the biggest advantages of the Super Power is its simplicity. It doesn’t require elite athletes or complex schemes. It’s plug-and-play: easy to install, easy to teach, and highly effective with repetition and toughness. Whether you’re coaching a seasoned squad or a team full of first-year players, the Double Wing Super Power gives you a reliable way to move the chains and dominate the line of scrimmage. If you’re not running Super Power yet, it’s time to add it to your playbook. It’s not flashy—but it wins.

Double Wing Clinic: Dominating with the Double Wing Offense Clinic 

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How the Trap Play Works:

1. The offensive line deliberately allows a specific defensive lineman (often a defensive tackle) to go unblocked at the snap.
2. A pulling guard comes from the opposite side and delivers a “trap block” on the unblocked defender, hitting them from the side.
3. The running back takes the handoff and runs through the gap created by the trap block.
4. There are short and long trap options- long trap is just trapping a defensive linemen playing a wider technique.

Trap Blocking technique

The guard that is pulling and trapping has to pull tight off of the centers butt. This will ensure that the guard can still trap block the defensive tackle if he slants or squeezes down. The aiming point is the near hip of the defensive tackle- engage and run feet!

Why Every Coach Should Install the Trap Play

Simplicity & Easy Execution

The trap is simple to teach and execute, making it great for young athletes still learning blocking schemes.
It requires minimal complex reads for the running back, allowing them to hit the hole quickly.
Provides simple blocking rules that work against any front.

Deceptive & Effective Against Aggressive Defenses

The play takes advantage of aggressive defensive linemen who fire off the ball too fast.
By letting a defender penetrate before trapping them with a pulling guard, the play creates a natural running lane.
The vast majority of coaches want their defensive tackles to penetrate into the backfield- so this play will work against the vast majority of defensive tackles.

Quick-Hitting Play

The ball carrier gets up-field fast, reducing the chances of negative plays.
Since it develops quickly, it doesn’t rely heavily on linemen holding blocks for a long time.

Works Against Bigger & Faster Defenders

If an opposing team has dominant defensive linemen, the trap can neutralize them by using their aggression against them.
Smaller offensive linemen can be successful because the scheme relies more on positioning and angles rather than pure strength- trap is an equalizer.

Creates Big-Play Potential

Once the initial trap block lands, there is usually a wide-open running lane.
If the running back gets past the second level, it can lead to huge gains.

Versatile & Easy to Integrate

The trap can be run from multiple formations (I-formation, Wing-T, Shotgun / Spread, and even Single Wing).
It’s a nice complement to your core running play.
It can be executed out of any formation. You can also run QB trap if you have an athletic kid at QB.

Download: Winning with the Trap Football Play Clinic

Helps Develop Offensive Linemen

It teaches linemen proper footwork, angles, and pulling techniques, which are essential for advanced blocking schemes.
Most middle school and high school teams run the trap play.

The Trap play is easy to install and it works great on all age levels of football. It’s a play that isn’t as hard to install as people think. It takes advantage of over-aggressive defensive linemen. It also provides you linemen with simple blocking rules. The trap play is a must-have in any youth football offense. It’s simple, effective, and keeps defenses on their toes. If you’re looking for a way to gain an edge over aggressive defenses, incorporating the trap play into your playbook is a smart move.

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3 Plays Every Coach Needs in Their Playbook

Jet Sweep Play

Benefits of Jet Sweep

• Only have to block 2-3 defenders to get big time yardage.
• Gets your ball carrier the ball in space very quickly- defense is standing still.
• Play-action passing and counters off of Jet Sweep hit big!

Jet Sweep is one of the best plays in football for these key reasons. You will only need to block 2-3 defenders to get big yardage. If you can get the the play-side DE, CB, and OLB blocked you’ll get a big play. Jet will allow you to get your ball carrier the football in space extremely quickly. The defense will be standing still, while your back is getting the ball running full speed.

Jet Sweep is great if you don’t have team speed- it makes your team fast, even if you don’t have fast players. If you do have team speed, Jet Sweep will kill defenses. Last but not least, Jet Sweep will force defenses to shift or get beat outside. Once the defenses start adjusting to Jet, then you kill them with the complement plays (counters, play-action passes).

Best Formations to Run Jet Sweep out of: 

• Wing T
• Spread Formations
• Any formation with a wing back / slot receivers
• Can be executed out of Gun or from under center

Jet Sweep Game Film 

See Also: Single Wing Jet Sweep 

See Also: Attacking the Defense with Slot Jet Series

Want a great system that is built around the Jet Sweep? We have a playbook for you! Our Gun T Jet Series Playbook features the Jet Sweep and will give you a system of plays that all complement the Jet Sweep play. We’ve been among our leagues leading scorers every single season running this system. Score more points, win more games! Click the banner above.

Trap Play

The Trap play is a highly effective offensive concept in youth football, especially when facing aggressive defensive linemen. Here are the key benefits of running the trap play:

Exploits Aggressive Defenses

The trap play takes advantage of defensive linemen who charge up-field aggressively- that are taught to get ‘penetration’. By allowing them to penetrate, the offense can use a quick-hitting run inside, leading to big gains.

Creates Misdirection

Defenders often overcommit to the initial backfield movement, allowing the ball carrier to run through the vacated space. This misdirection is especially useful against undisciplined defenses.

Utilizes Quick-Hitting Action

The play develops fast, reducing the chances of defenders reacting in time. A well-executed trap play can break for large yardage before the defense adjusts.

Neutralizes Bigger Defensive Linemen

Instead of blocking dominant defensive tackles head-on, the trap play allows offensive linemen to use angles and movement to block them effectively. This minimizes the impact of bigger, stronger defenders.

Works Well Against Blitzing Defenses

When defenses blitz, they often leave gaps open. A well-timed trap play can turn a defensive blitz into an easy big gain for the offense.

Best Formations to Run Trap out of: 

• I Formation
• Wing T
• Spread Formations (QB Trap)

See Also: Offset I-Formation Playbook

Blast Play

The blast play is one of the best run plays for youth football because of its simplicity and effectiveness. The Blast Play will get you multiple lead blockers at the point of attack. It’s easy to execute and it’s a play that needs to be in your playbook.

Benefits of the Blast Play 

• Simple and easy to execute.
• Multiple blocking scheme options.
• Works against most defenses.
• Sets up play-action.

The blast play is a straightforward inside run where the fullback and /or lead blockers clear the hole for the running back. It doesn’t require complex blocking schemes, making it ideal for young players who are still learning the game. A play is considered ‘blast’ when you have 2 or more blockers leading the way. There are several different blocking schemes that can be utilized. You can utilize base blocking, down blocking, or even double teams at the point of attack.

Beast Formations to run Blast out of: 

• Direct Snap / Beast Formation
• Wishbone Formation
• Full-house Formation

See Also: Beast Formation Playbook 

See Also: Wishbone Formation Clinic

The blast play is effective against common youth football defenses like the 5-3, 4-4, and 6-2 because it attacks the middle, where younger defenders often struggle to hold their ground. Once the defense starts focusing on stopping the blast, it opens up the passing game. A simple play-action pass off the blast fake can lead to big plays downfield. At the end of the day, Blast is great because you just get more blockers at the point of attack than the defense has defenders.

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These passing plays can be executed on any age level of flag football / 7v7 football. Most of our passing concepts have a zone beater to one side and a man beater to the other. This will allow us to always have an answer for what the defense does.

This is important because they may show man coverage pre-snap, then actually play zone post snap- or vice versa. Also, some leagues do not allow the center to go out for a pass. If you coach in one of those leagues, disregard the center’s route.

7v7 Flag Football Coverage Beaters

Beating Cover 1 in Flag Football

Cover 1 is a defensive coverage were all the underneath defenders are playing man and there is one middle safety playing zone. That safety is usually playing deep and in the middle of the field. Many man free (cover 1) teams will have their safety read the roll-out / shoulder of the QB.

Cover 1 Beater (off / press man): Slant-Arrow & Post-Out 

Play Calling QB Read Note: This is a great concept against press or off man coverage. If you are facing press man, have the QB look to the slant-arrow side. If you’re facing off man, have him look to the post-out side.

Slant-Arrow (right side)

Slant-Arrow is a great passing concept that is quick hitting and will allow you to take advantage of off man coverage defenders. Most defensive backs aren’t good at driving on the football out of their backpedal. The slant and arrow routes are easy to execute and are very easy throws for the QB. It’s pretty good against press man as well- especially if your receivers are good at beating press coverage.

QB Progression: Look to hit the slant first. Read- (1): slant. (2): Arrow.

Coaching Points: If the defense is playing off man, but the CB is playing with inside leverage you can have the QB look arrow first. It really depends on the match up. They’re pretty much the same routes, slant is in-breaking, the arrow is out-breaking. Make sure the wide receiver cheats his split out pretty wide. This will give him room and space to slant inside. This is a catch the snap, and throw the football concept!

Post-Out (left side) 

The Post-Out Concept is one of the best passing concepts in football. It’s a great man to man coverage beater, as well as a zone coverage beater. With that said, the post-out concept is deadly against off man. This is a 3-step drop.

QB Progression: (1): Out. (2): Post.

Coaching Points: Make sure the inside receiver cheats his split in- this will give him more space to execute his out route. This is especially important on flag / 7v7 football fields (usually the fields are smaller).  The post player is driving his route 8 yards then breaking to the post. The out player is driving his route 8 yards and breaking on the out route. Make sure your receivers execute great route stems.

Bonus Play! Flag Football Coverage Beater-  Post-Out and Up

Once you beat the defense with the out route, hit them them with the post-out & up concept!

Coaching Point: On the out and up you will want your player to break on his out route at no more than 5 yards (instead of 8 yards on the post-out). This will force the defensive back to drive on the out right away, and have no time to recover when he realizes it’s an out and up. You can also have a double move to the slant-arrow side- do a slant-arrow & up. The inside receiver will run an arrow route, show hands and run a go. Out of all of our 7v7 flag football coverage beaters the Post-Out  & Up is one of my favorites.

Cover 2 Man-Under Beater (off & press man): The Mesh Concept 

Cover 2 man under is a coverage where the defense plays with 2-high safeties, splitting the field in half. The 5 underneath defenders are all playing man. They will be playing either off man or press man coverage- mesh is good against both. This is a coverage that will be used in leagues where the center isn’t eligible. 

The mesh concept is one of the best man coverage beaters in football. It’s utilized on all levels of football- from youth to the NFL. Mesh is a great way to allow your athletes to work in space and utilize the width of the field. This version of the mesh concept is fantastic because the outside receivers are going vertical, which will hold keep the two safeties deep- not allow them to roll down or jump / rob the crossing routes.

QB Progression: (1): 4. (2): 2. (3): 6 ‘check down’. You can change the QB’s progression to reading the 2 (underneath crosser) first, then looking for the 4 (over mesh) second. I recommend seeing where you have the best match and have the QB look for that player first.

Coaching Points: Make sure that your crossing route players do not collide. The 2 comes underneath and the 4 is over the top of the 2. When they cross you want them tight. Also, make sure they do not slow down- make the defender chase them- use the width of the field, run to the outside- the outside receivers are clearing out. The two outside WRs  (1) & (5) need to outside release and get vertical. They need to clear out the CBs and keep the safeties deep! This is critical.

Cover 2 Zone Beater: Scissors / Post-Corner

The best way to beat zone coverage is to flood an area! You can flood vertically, or horizontally. These zone coverage beaters below are nasty!

The Post-Corner / Scissors Concept is the best cover 2 zone beater. This concept isolations the safety- if the QB sees the Safety play the post, he throws the corner route to the 2. If the S plays the corner route, Q throws the post to 1. The 6 will swing, which should hold the CB and not allow him to climb / carry the 1 on the post. There is a man to man coverage beater to the other side(slant-fade). Keep in mind, you can swap the concept sides- meaning run the post-corner on the right and the slant-arrow to the left.

QB Progression: (1): Corner Route to the 2. (2) Post Route to the 1. (3): Swing Pass to the 6. The QB is reading the post-corner side FS. He covers the post, throw the corner. If he covers the corner, throws the post. If it’s man coverage or they check to man coverage, have him look to the slot fade / slant side.

Coaching Points: Make sure your receivers (1) & (2) cheat their splits in, this will help open up the corner route and give the (2) more space for his outbreaking corner route.

Download: Lightning 7v7 Playbook 

Beating Cover 3- Zone Beater: Flood Concept

The Flood Concept is what we call an any zone coverage beater! It’s good against cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4. It’s particularly good against cover 3. When the defense plays cover 3, they will only have 2 outside zone defenders- a deep 3rd CB and a CB that is responsible for the flat. When you send 3 receivers, they can only cover 2 of them.

If the defense is coached properly, they will have the CB get depth and get underneath the out, and then rally down to the 3 on the swing- which is fine, just throw the swing. However, most of the time the out will be open.

Coaching Progression: (1) Corner route from 1. (2) Out route from 2. (3) swing pass from 3. Most of the time the out will be open, but make sure your QB works high to low. You don’t want him to miss the deep corner route if it’s open for a touchdown or a huge gain.

Coaching Points: It’s very important that your receivers cheat their splits in, so they give themselves room on their out break. The 1 will drive his route 8 yard and break for the corner- this is a vertical route to the corner of the endzone- not an out. The 2 will drive his route 8 yard and break on the out. The 3 will swing wide, look for the football. If it’s a late throw, the 3 should be facing the QB (square up to him). Going 4-verticals is also a very good cover 3 and cover 2 beater.

See Also: The Best Flag Football Plays 

Beating Cover 4 Zone: Drive Concept

Cover 4 in flag football is really just 4 deep zone defenders (quarters) and 3 under defenders. Cover 4 is mostly used in situations were they want to defend deep. That’s why the Drive Concept is great- it has the potential to hit deep even though the defense is playing 4 defenders deep.

QB Progression: The QB is reading the middle linebacker- that’s who this concept is high-lowing. If he sits or stays flat, hit the deep dig from 3. If he gets depth on his drop, hit the shallow cross underneath. If the safety drives on the dig, you can hit the post to the (1) behind the safety. Most of the time the deep dig is open.

Coaching Points: Make sure the receivers line up a little wider, this will give themselves room for their in-breaking routes. This is basically just a flood, but down the middle of the field with in-breaking routes.

The (3) will drive his route up field for 10 yards, then break on the dig. The (2) will get right into his shallow route, with a slight climb as he crosses. You can also have him sit between the M and the W. The (1) will drive his route up-field for 8 yards, then break on the post. The (5) will outside release and get vertical (clear out). The 4 will attack the flat- pull that W outside.

See Also: Free 7v7 Playbook 

See Also: 6v6 Flag Football Plays

See Also: 10 Best Flag Football Plays

Conclusion 

These 7v7 Flag Football Coverage Beaters are all easy to execute and will work well on all age levels of youth football. These plays can be executed out of any formation really. If your center isn’t eligible, then just disregard their routes.

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However, many 20p formations will utilize two tail backs (shotgun split backs). This alignment of 20p is becoming very popular. Several teams that we played against this past season utilized this formation. This formation will give you several different run scheme options- gap schemes and zone schemes can easily be utilized.

Tailback Power 

C: Block backside A-GAP Defender. If there is a N head up on the center, he would step play-side and block him.

RG: Pull, wrap for play-side linebacker (W).

RT: Step down, replace the pulling (RG).

LG: Double team play-side (DT) / N) with (LT).

LT: Double (DT) / N with the LG, combo off onto linebacker.

H: Kick-out defensive end. Aiming point is the inside hip.

T: Take handoff, aiming point is the inside foot of the LT, cut inside of the (H)’s kick-out.

S: Bubble screen. You can also just have him stalk block.

X: Block nearest threat to the bubble screen. You can also just have him stalk block.

Z: Stalk block the (CB).

Q: Catch snap, hand to the (T), fake to the right.

Side Note: If you’re facing man coverage, you can also have all the receivers ( X, S, & Z) just run their defender off.

Download Playbook: 20 Personnel Playbook 

Quarterback Counter

C: Block backside A-gap defender. If he has a head up N, he will step play-side and base block him.

RG: Double team play-side DT with RT.

RT: Double team play-side DT with RG, then combo off onto linebacker.

LG: Pull, kick-out the defensive end. Aiming point is the inside hip.

LT: Step down, replace the pulling LG.

H: Wrap, lead through the hole, block play-side linebacker.

T: Fake Power handoff to the left. Great fake is needed.

S: Run bubble screen. Or you can have him just stalk block.

X: Block defender covering the S. Or you can him just stalk block.

Z: Stalk block the CB.

Q: Catch snap, fake handoff to the T, then get behind the H, cut off of his lead block.

Tailback Counter (same side)

C: Block backside A-gap defender.

RG: Double play-side defensive tackle with right tackle.

RT: Double team the play-side DT with right guard.

LG: Pull, kick-out defensive end.

LT: Replace pulling LG, step down.

H: Wrap for play-side linebacker.

T: Fake Power to the left, take handoff coming back to the right. Get right behind the H’s wrap / lead block.

S: Fake Bubble Screen.

X: Block like it’s Bubble Screen.

Z: Stalk block the CB.

Q: Catch snap, hand to the T back, carryout fake.

Side Note: Counter is block the same way by your offensive linemen and H back- regardless who the ball carrier is.

Wham

C: Block backside A-gap defender, double team with LG.

RG: Cross face of the DT, work onto middle linebacker.

RT: Work onto OLB. Do not block the kick-out defender (T).

LG: Double team defensive tackle / N with the Center.

LT: Work onto linebacker.

H: Pull, kick-out (wham block) the defensive tackle. He is whamming the first defensive linemen past the center.

T: Take handoff, get up the midline, cut inside of H’s wham block.

S: Bubble screen.

X: Block bubble screen.

Z: Stalk block the CB.

Q: Catch snap, hand to the T, fake the Bubble to the S.

Side Note: If the defense doesn’t respect your two receivers have the QB throw the Bubble to the S. Of all these 20 Personnel Formation Run Plays, this is our favorite. It’s nasty!

Sweep

C: Step play-side reach / cut off middle linebacker.

RG: Inside-Over-Free.

RT: Inside-Over-Free.

LG: Inside-Over-Free.

LT: Inside-Over-Free.

H: Seal defensive end / contain player.

T: Lead block for the QB. Take first defender that shows outside of the H.

Q: Catch snap, get outside. Cut off of the T’s block. Get outside!

S: Stalk block defender covering him.

X: Stalk block defender.

Z: Stalk block the CB. You can also have him work to the middle safety.

Side Note: You can put a running back in at QB and do the direct snap to him (if you don’t have a mobile QB or you don’t want to get your QB hit).

The 20 Personnel Formation is a great formation that creates alignment conflict for the defense. It presents a strong run strength along with a strong pass strength. This formation will give you a structured attack- that will allow you to attack all areas of the field. This formation has gotten very popular as of late on the youth football level.

We are seeing this 20 personnel formation more and more. Zone schemes can easily be executed out of this formation as well. Inside and outside zone, as well as split zone can be utilized with great success out of this formation. I hope you guys enjoyed this 20 Personnel Formation Run Plays article. It’s a great offense that can be utilize at any age level with great success.

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The Post-Out Passing Concept

Center: Block backside A-gap defender. If he has a head up defender he must block him.

Right Guard: Inside-Over pass blocking rules.

Right Tackle: Inside-Over pass blocking rules.

Left Guard: Inside-Over pass blocking rules.

Left tackle: Inside-Over pass blocking rules.

Tight-end: Secure inside gap, hinge (protect the backside of the QB).

Split-end: Post Route- stem for 8 yards, break for the post.

4 (slot receiver): Out Route- stem for 8 yards, break for the out.

H: Seal the edge. Maintain outside leverage- cannot allow edge pressure. Attack the edge defender.

2 (tailback): Fake sweep to the right (great fake needed), continue out on a swing pass.

1 (QB): Catch snap, three step drop, look to hit the out.

QB Progression: 1) out,  2) post, 3) swing.  If the QB feels pressure he can throw to the 2 on the swing route.  If the middle of the field is open, you can also have the QB look for the post first.

I love the post out passing concept out of this formation because it gives you a 3 man route concept, with a strong seven man protection. You can also have the tailback block 92), making it an eight man protection. This play is simple and easy to execute. It has several different elements built in that will allow you to beat the defense- regardless of what they’re doing. This is great against man coverage because of the play action and the out route. It’s great against zone because it’s pretty much a flood- you have a high-low as well (out route is high / swing route is the low).

See also: Quarterback Training Manual 

This play features a 3 route concept, has 7 man protection (option to go to eight man protection), play-action, man beater, and it’s a zone coverage beater. If you could only install one passing play, I’d recommend installing this.

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The Best Situational Football Plays to Win More Games

Situation Football Plays for Shortage

Our go-to football play for shortage is our Beast Formation Power. This is a simple play that will allow you to outnumber the defense at the point of attack (backfield is unbalanced), while giving your beast player a direct snap. Snapping it right to your back will give you an extra blocker at the point of attack.  We run Power out of two different beast formations. The first formation is Beast Right / Left. The second formation is our Diesel Heavy Right / Left formation.

Beast Formation Power 

The Power play (this can also be considered duo- which is power without a puller) we unbalanced the backfield which will allow you to outnumber the defense to the play-side. We also love coming out of the huddle fast, getting set and running this play. This doesn’t give the defense time to shift. The best part about this play is that the ball carrier gets the ball snapped right to him and he’s able to get downhill very quickly.

Diesel Heavy Formation- Power 

I love going tackle-over and running power with two receivers to the play-side. This does two things- it gives us a 3-man blocking surface, with a H back and a T lead blocking. This gives us 5 blockers at the point of attack, while the tow receivers will put a defender out of the box. If the defense doesn’t respect the two receivers we have an option to throw a now screen out there. Honestly, even if they don’t match, you can still run it down their throat. This is a nasty formation that most defense don’t align properly against. Below are a few clips of our Diesel Formation Power / Duo. We don’t pull the backside guard because we already have extra players aligned at the point of attack.

Download: Beast Formation Playbook

Situation Football Plays for Long Down and Distances

We have several different plays that we like for long down and distances / in situations when we have to pass. Our two go-to concepts are our Slot-fade Passing Concept and our Flood Passing Concept. These passing plays are both what we consider ‘any coverage betters’. This means they are great against man to man or zone coverage. What’s great about these concepts is it puts the concept side safety in conflict- which is great for when teams go two safeties on us.

Slot-Fade Concept 

The Slot-fade is a great concept against single safety or two safeties. It floods the concept side of the field with two vertical threats. So the safety or the safety on that side (against a two safety look) is put in conflict and can’t cover both. The fade is very difficult to defend on the youth football level so that’s never a bad throwing option. If the middle of the field is open, the seam is the QB’s first read. If the middle of the field is closed (one middle safety) then the first read for the QB is fade. This is a great play because you have 3 receiving options, while still having a 7 man pass protection.

Here’s a look at our Slot-fade.

Flood Concept 

The Flood Concept is a very good concept. It’s great against any coverage, but it’s particularly great against zone. This concept floods one side of the field with a high, mid, and lower route. One of the 3 routes will be open. However, the deep out by the inside receiver (4) will almost always be open. If you’re able to complete that, it’ll be a nice gain of yardage for you. You also have the option to keep the TE in to block. If you are going to slide protect, like shown here, you then could probably have the TE run an over (as drawn) or even send him vertical.

Situation Football Play of ‘when you need to score quickly’ or have to throw

The Slip Screen is one of the nastiest plays in football. It’s great against blitzes and it’s great for when the defense is playing heavy pass coverage. This play does take some practice, but it’s well worth the investment. We do run the Slip Screen two ways- one to our Running Back and one out of a spread formation to our TE (as showed). I like spreading the field and going empty because it really gives the defense a look that a deep pass is coming. This will force them to back off and it will give your TE room to slip out. Below is our TE Slip Screen as drawn up.

Our Running Back Slip Screen video below gives great insight into how to install and execute the Slip Screen. The video features a whiteboard breakdown along with actual game film. Definitely check the video out.

It’s important to have situational football plays, but it’s also important to practice executing those plays so that when you get into that situation in a game your kids can execute. So many football games come down to who can execute the best in situational football. Below are some different situational football things you need to practice- outside of having the plays.

Situational Football Coaching Tip

• Practice your two-minute/ hurry up offense. Make sure your kids and coaches can execute it properly.
• Practice how to punt properly- in regard to snap execution, blocking, punt direction, and coverage.
• Practice an onside kick, get really good at it- you’ll probably need it at some point.

These are the best situational football plays to win more games. You will need plays for these different situations. Make time in practice to rep your situational football execution.

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How to Run a Fade in Football

Note: A fade route isn’t a vertical or go route. It’s a fade! WR fades to the slides, while climbing vertically- making the defensive back turn his back to the football.

Receiver Alignment: Start by lining up on the line of scrimmage or off the line (depending on the formation) as a wide receiver, with a compressed split. The receiver has to compress his split in so that he gives himself room to fade outside.

Receiver Stance: Your stance should be athletic and balanced. We teach our receivers to have their inside foot back, but at the end of the day it doesn’t matter. We want our receivers to be comfortable. However, the 3rd step is the fade step, so having the inside foot back makes sense. The weight distribution should be 80% on the front foot, 20% on the back foot. Knee should be over toes. This will help prevent false steps and improve explosion on the get off.

WR Release: Off the snap of the ball, release from the line of scrimmage by taking a quick, explosive 3 step stem (drive route up field), plant foot, then fade to the slides. Accelerate after your initial release, fade up-field at top speed. The goal is to create separation from the cornerback- make them chase you. . Accelerate quickly, and maintain a smooth, fluid stride.

Beating Press Coverage: When facing press coverage, we will hit the hands away and rip through with our inside hand, restack the defensive back then break to our fade.

Tracking the Ball: As you continue downfield, locate the ball in the air. The quarterback will target a spot over your outside shoulder. Look the football in!  Depending on the flight of the ball, you may need to make adjustments to your route. If the ball is underthrown, you might need to slow down or come back to it. If it’s overthrown, you might need to accelerate to catch up to it.

High-Pointing: When the ball is in the air and within reach, focus on “high-pointing” it. This means reaching your hands up and attacking the ball at its highest point to prevent the defender from making a play on it.

Catch: Secure the ball with your hands and bring it into your body. Look the ball into your hands, then into your body!!

See Also: Wide Receiver Route Stems

Here’s How We Run Our Fade Route

1) Catch the football, step and throw the ball high and outside.

2) Step up and plug up any interior penetration.

3) Fake Jet Sweep, continue route outside- swing.

4) Block the defense end- attack the block.

TE) Hinge the backside.

O-line: Inside-Over pass blocking rules- aggressive block, just don’t go chasing linebackers.

Remember that the timing and execution of a fade route can vary depending on the specific offensive system, age level, and the quarterback’s preferences / ability. The Quarterback and Wide Receiver timing does need to be practiced often.

We practice our fade every single day, before and during practice. It’s very important that you stress to your QB to throw the football high and outside. When running the fade route in football it’s important that your receiver outside releases and fade to the sidelines- this is not a go route.

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