A
long with the outstanding offensive
coaches listed below, it has been my
privilege to learn and share thoughts with
all the excellent coaches and staffs that I
have worked with over the years. It has
also been a learning process as we have
competed against outstanding teams
and coaches at both the high school and
college.
Some great teams at the high school
and college level have had years to attack
our offensive and defensive schemes.
These same schemes are used by some
college and pro teams that we have contin-
ued to study every year! The real credit for
our successes belong to the great players
and excellent coaches I have worked with
and grown with on the great journey of
being a coach!
I consider today a privilege and challenge
to speak with you. We have a great school at
Mainland and are blessed with terrific leader-
ship from principal, to athletic director, teach-
ers and faculty. Our coaching staff is highly
experienced and we have a good balance in
age, excellent chemistry with a lot of com-
passion and respect for each coach regard-
less of age or experience.
There are some things you cannot do
overnight and building a football staff is one
of them! I always believed that in football
you must hire the most knowledgeable
coach, but I now rate a coach’s desire and
love for the game and helping boys
become men as critical qualities! I have
‘Evolution & Influences of Mainland Bucs Offense’
Early Influences:
(In California)
Coaches
Tom Lee, Sid Gillman, Don Coryell
Bill Walsh, Dennis Green, Ted Tollner
(In Michigan & Ohio)
Bo Schembechler, Jerry Hanlon
Lloyd Carr, Bill McCartney, Joe Pendry,
Bob Baker, Jack Bicknell, Earl Bruce,
Nick Saban, Milt Tenopir, Frank Solich,
Paul Brown, Cam Cameron,
Jim Harbaugh
(In Florida)
Ralph Friedgen, Marc Richt, Pete Adrian
Don Solinger, Jimbo Fisher
Mike Kruczek, Larry Little,
Kirk Mastromatteo
strong personal convictions about giving
back to the game. I always tell our players
that the ‘game’is bigger than all of us, none
of us are invincible. For that reason we
A Millennium
have adopted the slogan ‘carpe diem’
(seize the moment) as one of our constant
Offense that
slogans we use every year! It is truly an
honor to play and to coach the great game. Balanc es the
Pas s & Run
Now lets seize the moment—it’s prime
time 8:30-9:30 a.m. I’ve always attended
as many clinics and college and pro visita-
tions as possible as I am eager to trigger
some thoughts and share the concepts that
have helped us be successful.
Our football coaches present today are
responsible for the successes we have had at
Mainland along with our entire football staff,
team and football family. I ask for these coach-
es to stand and if anyone would like to visit
with any of them or myself we will be available
to you for the next few days. I introduce Coach
Marc Lippens (six years) our Defensive
Coordinator (we had seven shut-outs in 10
regular season games this year).
Coach Bud Asher (13 years) our Special
Teams Coordinator and the Mayor of
Daytona Beach. Wade Rollinson (one
year), (seven years in county as a head
coach), quality control coach. Jeff Martin,
Administrative Assistant, Graphics and
Technology.
Evolution & Influences
On Mainland Offense
Nebraska: (Frank Solich, Milt Tenopir)
Colleges
Cal Poly (SLO)
San Diego State, Stanford,
San Diego Chargers
Michigan, Michigan State
Boston College, Ohio State,
L.A. Rams,
Nebraska
Oakland Raiders
Barcelona
University of Miami,
Georgia Tech, LSU,
Bethune-Cookman, UCF, Florida State
Influences: run game, blocking schemes,
option football I formation, Offensive center
techniques.
Georgia Tech: (George O’Leary &
Ralph Friedgen)
Influences: spontaneous back, multiple
packages to attack defenses, offensive
blocking schemes “defensive scheme.”
Florida State: (Marc Richt)
Influences: passing game, quarterback
skills, and development, shot-gun forma-
tion and packages.
Barcelona: (Jack Bicknell, Formerly of
Boston College)
Influences: passing game – progres-
sive reads, multiple sets and motions, one
back offense.
UCF: (Mike Kruczek and Shaun Becton)
Influences: passing: crossing game,
mesh game, distribution and replacement
concept. Defensive concept.
LSU: (Nick Saban and Jimbo Fisher)
Influences: pass and run balance, pack-
aging an offense, universal pass routes.
Defensive package and schemes.
Oakland Raiders: (Wes Chandler and
Jim Harbaugh)
Influences: quarterback, receiving
techniques, skill development drills. Off-
season specific position training.
Philosophy of Bucs Offense
• Run the ball when we want to.
• Pass the ball when we want to.
• Be known as a team that passes, but
runs option with power package.
• Feature explosive plays.
• First down efficiency pass and run
60/40.
• Red Zone Efficiency.
• Ball Security (BS) first and foremost.
• Protect quarterback on blitz and vs.
Eight-man front, not always ‘hot read.’
• Multiple packages and motions.
• Feature the best athletes.
• Continue to develop the athletic millen-
nium quarterback.
• Constant personnel for packages and
schemes.
• Some groupings for situations.
• Ability to release four and five receivers.
• Speed, athleticism, courage requisites of
‘O’.
• System that makes the quarterback
better.
• Must be able to M.T.A. ‘Make The
Adjustment’ to win.
• Balance between run and pass, 200
yards run, 200 yards pass (not 50 percent
pass/50 percent run). • Tampa (squeeze, bunch, cluster).
• Drive defensive coaches nuts. • Blue
• Green
Mainland Bucs Spring Ready List Goal Line & Short yd: Robust:
• Formations: primary, complimentary, “ Bone
package, unbalanced, heavy dink, jumps, “ Heavy
shifts, scatters. “ Posse
• Motions: (every conceivable motion by “ One right & left
position). “ Snug
• Run Game: (it must all look the same). “ Bulls right & left
• Option Packages: featuring blocking Motions
schemes vs. coverages. • ‘FLK” = Fly, Sail, Rocket, Crack
• Draws, screens and shovel packages. • SP: Spontaneous back, ‘F’ = Fin,
• Drop back pass: 70 series, 71, 73, 75, Crazy, Minus
77, 3, 5, 7 step. • ‘H’ = Rip, Liz, Zapp, Tampa Mo, Tulsa Mo
• Action passes: (from every run action). (Jump, Shift, Scatter)
• Bootleg game. • + Formations with built in motions
• Waggle game. • Exception: ‘stay’ do not go in motion
• L.A. & Reno (spring draw package). Pass Protections:
• Naked Actions. • 71, 73 = 1-3 Step (Fire)
• Sprint & Roll Game. • 75 = 5 Step (Cup)
• Shot-gun & gold rush package. • 75 Oklahoma (Big on Big, Backs on
• Scramble package & scramble drill. linebacker’s)
• Pass concepts: progressive reads • 77 = 7 Step (Cup)
(P.S.L.). • L.A. = Slide protection (Left) backs
• Vs. coverages: site and route adjust- right.
ments, mesh package w/crosses, box • Reno = Slide protection (right) backs
package, triangle package, indy package. left.
• Max = Tight end stays in (sometimes it
Offensive Formations is build in).
Pro Sets: • Play action = Base block off any run
• Pro Right One. (Right) Ricky. action.
• Pro Left One. (Left) Lucy. • Backs responsible for rules.
• + Strong, Weak, Snug. • Sprint and dash right and left = reach
• + Ray, Len. protection.
• + Flex. • Roll = right and left reach protection.
• Flanker Right Left (+ above sets). • Boot = right and left base – reach
• Twin right + left (+ sets [Tight end over to • Waggle = right and left
called side]). • Universal oc left fullback right
• Pair right and left (same as twin except • Gun protection backside of quarterback.
x and z are in obie alig).
• Big right and left (+ sets) Pass Actions & Protection
• Dink right + left (+ sets) Boot Action:
• Ricky (+ sets) OL: base – reach unless pulling
• East (+ sets) • ‘F’: Lead playside, block E.O.L.
• West (+ sets) • ‘TB” (Fake double buck opposite
• Cinci (+ sets) direction, & block.)
• Obie (+ sets) Naked Action:
Double Sets: • 28,29 act. (rb block E.O.L after fake)
• Red. • 28,29 act/marked r + l possible herd
• Black. call for “F”
Ace • Offensive line base block
• Ace Right and Left. Waggle Action:
• Cougar. • Universal protection (Two backs & One
• Empty and spread (+ gun). back).
Trip sets: • Center block, left gap (to First threat)
• Trips (+ mo)+ (+ pair) (squeeze, bunch • Fullback block, left gap (to First threat)
cluster). • Halfback block. Backside E.O.L. or run
• Tulsa (squeeze, bunch, cluster). route.
 • Sprint: Full sprint + attack the corner specific reaction after our original alignment. • 44, 45, 46, 47 lead
Gun Blocking Rules: Thus leaving a possible void in their defense. • 36,37 power
• Use regular protection pkg. 8. Motion will also be used to create a free IV. Exotic Plays
• + One back protect b.s. or quarterback. release for the wide receiver. • Sally Right & Left
• Quarterback read hot to strong side. 9. Motion will be used to get us into a pack- • Rev Right & Left
age concept that best attacks a defense or • Bounce Pass
Pass Protection Concepts: coverage. Shovel Pass
• 70 series aggressive or cup protection 10. Motion is used to allow our person- Double L. Hitch Pass
• Quarterback: 1,3,5,7 step nel to feature their multiple talents and not Smiley
• 71, 73 Series: aggressive offensive line let the defense get a bead on them! V. Explosive Plays
keep defensive line hands down attack low. • 24,25 Draw (constant)
• 75, 77 Shorten splits drop back ([cup Categorizing Plays • 28, 29 Zues (constant)
protection] a-b-s-o-r-b). I. Core Plays • 22,23 Slash (constant)
• L.A. and Reno: ‘Slide protection (left 1. 20, 21 Trap • Option package vs. defense structure
& right) from (24,25 draw action) playside 2. 24,25 Draw 22,23 Slash (game plan).
guard to backside E.O.L. must fan out: on (Inside Zone blk) • Screen package and 71 passes
backside detached rush end or outside blitz 3. 24,25,26,27 db. Bk. (game plan).
from weak side! 4. 28,29 (Zues) 28,29 ‘P’ • Specialty packages.
• Backs: 24,25 draw action (opposite II. Complimentary Plays • Ex: mesh, triangle, box, etc.
direction of LA & Reno Call) 1. 34,35 T. Tp.
• ‘F’: Block E.O.L. 2. 46, 47 Guard–option Master Ready List “Spring” Runs
• ‘TB’: Block playside linebacker (A, B, Speed option Right & Left (Diagram 1)
CA Gap) (Then backside help). Center option Right & Left
• Sprint & Rollout ‘Reach protection’ 3. 24,25 (26,27) db. Bk. ‘W’ The Sneak
(possible hinge) 4. Any run naked Right & Left We have two types of sneaks in our
• Sprint Right & Left Quarterback – Full Any run quarterback/tail offense. In both types the quarterback will
spring action attacking the corner on run; or Center Right & Left call the formation – type of sneak – back-
run. III. Short Yard – G.L. field faking – type of blocking – the count.
• Roll Right & Left Quarterback Five • 42, 43 ‘C’ & ice at 2,3 Surprise Sneak: This type will be used
steps toward sprint, set up behind the right
Diagram 1
or left hip of offensive guard.
‘F’ & ‘H’ attack & block E.O.L. unless
called routes!
• Also use on called dash, & scramble
• Example LA, Reno dash right or left.,
75 dash right or left. 36,37 dash right & left.
• Also roll left scramble right or roll right
scramble left.

Motion
1. Motion will be used to out number our
opponent on a specific play if they are not
adjusting with their defense. This can be an Off-T (4-6)
extra receiver or extra blocker. Outside Off-T (5-7)Inside Middle(1-0) Inside(2) Outside(8)
2. Motion will be used to allow our 29 Zues 25 Draw Ice AT QB Sneak Ice AT 2, 24 Draw 28 Zues
receivers better blocking angles on specific 3&4C 42’C’
plays. 29 ‘P’ 25,27 DBBK 3 Opt Lt. 20, 21 Trap 3 Opt. Rt. 24, 26 28 ‘P’
3. Motion will be used to standardize or (39 Give) DBBK (38 Give)
dictate the coverage and thus eliminate 3 Lt. ‘P’ 37 Power Midline Midline Midline Rt. 36 Power- 3 Rt. ‘P’
certain stunts. Buck Lt. Block Rt. & Lt. Block Buck
4. Motion is used to create soft end and Speed 34,35 T, TP 23 Slash QB, FB Draw 22 Slash 34 T, TP Speed Rt.
corner play. Lt. (LD.D) P (LDD)
5. Motion will be used to create the Boot Lt. Sally Lt. Ice at 0,1 Sally Rt. Boot Rt.
match up or mis-match we want. (Naked Lt.) & TN out
6. Motion will be used to give the Rev. Lt. Ctr. opt. Ctr. opt. Rev Rt.
defense many looks and mis-direction with- Lt. Rt.
out affecting our efficiency. 47 ‘G’ 47 ‘G’ 46 ‘G’ 46 ‘G’
7. Motion will be used to make the Opt. Opt.
defense uncertain and force them into a
as a long gainer or in long yardage situa-
tions – the blocking on the surprise sneak
will be drawn specifically each week in the
pre-game offensive plans.
Short Yardage Sneak: This type will be
used, a the name implies, on short yardage.
“wedge style” blocking will be used and will
remain constant throughout the season.
Note: Ends – on wedge type sneaks ends
will line up close unless otherwise designated.
This will help on the double team blocking or if
you have the looping-fill-in block.
Tackles: On all cut-of blocks use the
looping filling maneuver
Quarterbacks: Whenever possible
favor “D” block in your sneaking action.
Short Yardage – Wedge Blocking
Gap Eight – Even Spacing
(Diagrams 2-7)
Diagram 2
Diagram 3
Diagram 4
Diagram 5
Diagram 6
Diagram 7
Passing Game Concepts
1. Create a true balance, not a number
balance. 400 Yards (200 yards pass 200
yards run) not number of times run or
pass.
2. Must keep the Defensive Coordinator’s
calls in check. Throw 1st and 10, 3rd and 2.
Be able to run the ball when you want to run.
3. The conversion pass package is a
key to success of the pass package.
4. The routes begin as one type and
ends up something different after the ball is
snapped. Man or zone.
5. Designed to exploit Cover Two or
Cover Three Zone and combat the M/M
blitz.
6. With the different coverages and dis-
guise techniques that defenses utilize today,
it is important to fit the route adjustment to
the coverage after the ball is snapped.
7. Corner press in Cover Two – “Z” will
run a Post – Corner (Shake) if funneled
inside.
Principles of the Passing Attack
• Object Receiver … Look to One
Receiver .. Option.
• Direction Reads.
• Vertical Game. Four & Five Receivers
Deep (& Tags).
• Triangle Read—Strong and Weak.
• Distribution and Replacement Package.
• Progression and Over/Under Concept
(1, 2, 3).
• Develop the Passing Square.
• Develop the Mesh Package Squeeze
Bunch Cluster.
• Develop the Tri-Angle Concept.
• Develop the Box Concept.
Scat Package Concepts
Eye fix for the QB
• QB stays frontside except on will blitz.
• Trigger and throw.
Read “Mike Backer”
A. Zone Drop
B. Runs with back
C. Mike blitz
D. Box out on “Y”
Read “Backer”
A. Curl Drop – throw flare.
B. Flat Drop – throw curl.
C. Will Blitz – hit “3 yard out – hot”
Line Blocking.
• Protect “A & B” Gaps.
• C-M-W.
• PT – Dual read on sam and backer.
Passing Game
Controlled pass – anything five yards
deep. Run five yards. 80% completion
rate. hitch, stop, slant, arrow, choice,
shoot route.
Home run – 20 + yards pass explosion
plays (passes)
Option Routes (for all receivers & backs)
1. Good vs. all coverages.
2. High percentage control type pass.
3. Requires exact timing of the quarter-
back and receiver.
4. Simple concept..Easy learning.
5. Routes, patterns and half field
orientation.
6. Isolate a great athlete one-on-one.
Quarterback Reads
1. Read free safety for pre-snap read.
Where is strong safety?
2. Put yourself in a formation to attack
the blitz pressure.
3. Use formations to get our best on
their second best. Slots inside and stacks
motion. Motion to and from doubles and
triples.
4. Look to throw everything from the
three-step drop. Start with three and
expand to five. R-L-R shuffle-shuffle.
5. No back – go to shot gun to handle
the outside blitz.
6. Corner Read.
a. Did corner squat or drop to a third.
b. Read depth of the corner. Hard cor-
ner or bail.
c. Read eyes of the corner. On receiv-
er or the quarterback.
d. Read leverage of corner. Inside or
Outside.
7. Concept: protect quarterback’s back-
side and read “hot” on front-side.
 Scat Package/Cougar Right
X Line up 11 yards from the ‘OT’
F Line up three yards from the ‘OT’
Y Line up seven yards from the ‘OT’
Z Line up four yards from the ‘Y’
Quarterback under center or in gun
SB Line up at four yards deep
“X” Line up 11 yards from the ‘OT’. Take
inside release and run “come back” route at
12 yards. Find the opening to the quarter-
Practice Safety-First Coaching Techniques
Excerpted from an article by Dick Schindler for the National Federation News
1. Keep the head up.
2. Discuss risk of injury.
3. Keep the head out of contact.
4. Explain how serious injuries
can occur.
5. Involve parents in early season
meeting.
6. Have a set plan for coaching
safety.
7. Clearly explain and demonstrate
safe techniques.
8. Provide best medical care
possible.
9. Monitor blocking and tackling
techniques every day.
10. Repeat drills which stress
proper and safe techniques.
11. Admonish and/or discipline users
of unsafe techniques.
12. Receive clearance by doctor
for athlete to play following head
trauma.
back Outside…hitch: inside…roll outside. Diagram 8
Come back down the stem.
“F” Release off the los and run ‘out’ at
three yards. Three step rollover. Uncover –
look for ‘green seven.’ On blitz outside –
look for ball on break – “hot”
“SB” ball release and run a flare through
the outside foot of “Z”.
“Y” prancer step and release over the
middle – catch the ball and get up field.
Coaches’ Checklist
13. Stress safety every day.
14. Don’t glorify head hunters.
15. Support officials who penalize
for illegal helmet contact.
16. Don’t praise or condone illegal
helmet contact.
17. Provide conditioning to strengthen
neck muscles.
18. Entire staff must be “tuned in” to
safety program.
19. Check helmet condition regularly.
20. Improper technique causes spinal
cord injuries.
21. Helmet must fit properly.
22. Be prepared for a catastrophic
injury.
23. The game doesn’t need abusive
contact.
24. Player safety is your responsibility.
25. It’s a game — not a job — for the
players.