VEER and MIDLINE from the GUN

This has been a hot topic lately, so I figured this to be a great article. I have some experience coaching this type of gun run game. These plays are very effective because of the option element that always gives defenses fits! However, like any option attack, a lot of time and repetition are needed for a successful play. I prefer the gun veer and midline for many reasons.
1) The QB can be involved in the run game without getting beat up.
2) The read is a bit slower.
3) It can be just as effective from two back, one back (2x2), or one back (3X1).
In the past, my “rule” was run Veer to the 1 tech and Midline to the 3 tech. Now, teams are running either play to any side. Even running Midline to the 1 tech is common! Running Midline to a 30 stack front can be done with some change in the blocking assignments.
There are three factors in perfecting the Veer and Midline options.
1) The QB READ
2) The MESH between FB and QB
3) The pitch phase between the RB and the QB
The best way to teach this is the Perimeter Drill


The first diagram (FIG. 1) shows the lines for the path of the FB to the right.
RED LINE is VEER RIGHT
YELLOW LINE is MIDLINE RIGHT
(BLUE LINE is ZONE READ LEFT) This is not covered in this article.



The second diagram (FIG. 2) shows the lines for the path of the FB to the left.
RED LINE is VEER LEFT
YELLOW LINE is MIDLINE LEFT
(BLUE LINE is ZONE READ RIGHT) This is not covered in this article.



The third diagram (FIG. 3) shows a typical set up for perimeter VEER run. The extra player line up and swap positions. Every three is a good rotation. The DT line is slanted outward to simulate a true veer path if all blocks are completed. I will sometimes have this line hold bags and hit the FB as he runs. I will also have the first player in line slide to one side to get the FB to cutback (FIG. 4).

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The slanted line is also a great reminder of the old school running progression of HOLE-HASH-NUMBERS-SIDELINE-TOUCHDOWN. The QB line is the READ KEY or DE. When first installing the drill you may need to be the read OR stand behind the player and pull him right or left. This is the first spot I will stand because I can see if the QB is looking at the READ KEY. After making sure that the QB in line knows to look for the QB’s eyes I move to the pitch phase. The RB must walk two steps back at an angle to insure proper timing. He must wait and watch the MESH then he opens to get into pitch relationship. Pitch relationship is 5 yards and trail. Yes, TRAIL the QB. If you teach the old school 5 and 1 (or 2) the RB is often 5 yards deep in the backfield. Another key coaching point is the RB MUST adjust his relationship to the QB. The QB must attack the line of scrimmage and avoid bowing back, which loses yards.

When the QB makes a pitch read:

1) He must step to the RB

2) He needs to stay low as he pitches.

3) He needs to FOLLOW the pitch.

4) He should end up behind the RB

These coaching points are for two reasons: the QB avoids contact (always a good thing!) and IF there ever is a bad pitch, he is in a good position to recover the football.

A few rhymes or quotes for the QB read, courtesy of Coach Tony DeMeo.

THE MESH-“If in doubt, GIVE”. The FB should always get 3 yards…

THE PITCH-“Never pitch in a MESS or under STRESS”. The QB should keep the ball if there is too much traffic.

When the QB makes a keep read, HE MUST GET VERTICAL!

VEER ASSIGNMENTS

QB: Secure snap, EYES on READ KEY, SHOULDER SQUARE to LOS, get ball back to start MESH, Steps using a clock would be 5-3-5 (right) and 7-11-7 (left). IF GIVE then carry out PITCH PHASE. READ PITCH KEY.

FB: Step, EYES on FIRST DL past center, MESH with QB. Make sure QB has the snap secure before making second step.

Vs. 1 tech-PRESS the hole (FS A GAP) GET VERTICAL, then look for cutback (BS A GAP).

Vs 3 tech-PRESS the hole (FS B GAP) GET VERTICAL, then look for cutback (FS A GAP).

RB: WALK Two steps back and watch the MESH. After MESH, pivot and get into PITCH Relationship (5 yards and trail QB)

MIDLINE

The fourth diagram (FIG. 5) shows a typical set up for perimeter MIDLINE run. The extra player line up and swap positions. Every three is a good rotation. The DT line is the READ KEY This line is now straight to keep the FB in “GET VERTICAL” mindset. I will sometimes have this line hold bags and hit the FB as he runs. The QB line is also straight to keep the QB in the same “GET VERTICAL” process. The the first spot I will stand will be the DT line, so I can see if the QB is looking at the READ KEY. The RB must get into pitch relationship even though I have never had the QB pitch. If this is your choice too, then I would suggest the RB to carry out a great fake and call out “BALL, BALL, and BALL”. The QB will almost replaces the spot that the DT lines up. That is why the diagram has the QB line going through the DT line.

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MIDLINE ASSIGNMENTS

QB: Secure snap, EYES on READ KEY, SHOULDER SQUARE to LOS, get ball back to start MESH, IF GIVE then carry out PITCH PHASE. READ PITCH KEY, if in the game plan.

FB: Step, EYES on FIRST DL past center, MESH with QB, PRESS the hole (FS A GAP) GET VERTICAL, then look for cutback (BS A GAP). Make sure QB has the snap secure before making second step.

RB: WALK two steps back and watch the MESH. After MESH pivot and get into PITCH Relationship (5 yards and trail QB), if in the game plan. Or carry out a great fake and call out “BALL, BALL, BALL”.

The Midline play is quicker hitting and the coach must stress the importance of “GET VERTICAL”. Too much “dancing” in the hole can result in the ball carrier getting blindsided.

LINE BLOCKING ASSIGNMENTS for VEER

Y: release inside and look to block SAFETY.

PST: DO NOT BLOCK PLAYSIDE END! Step down hard to inside gap, DOUBLE team block on D LINEMAN.

PSG: DOUBLE team BLOCK on D LINEMAN in playside gap.

C: DOUBLE team BLOCK on most dangerous D LINEMAN.

BSG: SCOOP BLOCK on D LINEMAN in playside gap.

BST: BACKSIDE RULES: No one cross the face into the playside gap, work up to LB level.

LINE BLOCKING ASSIGNMENTS for MIDLINE

Y: release inside and look to block SAFETY.

PST: Short step back with right (playside) foot then drive out Playside Defensive End.

PSG: DO NOT BLOCK PLAYSIDE DL! Step down hard to inside gap, DOUBLE team block on D LINEMAN.

C: DOUBLE team BLOCK on most dangerous D LINEMAN.

BSG: SCOOP BLOCK on D LINEMAN in playside gap.

BST: SLOW BACKSIDE RULES: No one cross the face into the playside gap, work up to LB level.

Blocking the 30 stack is really only changes the PST release. But I would run Midline more against the stack then Veer.

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VARIATIONS by FORMATION

2 x 2 Formation

The RB needs to come in motion to the play side. The motion could be like jet. The timing would need to be worked to make sure the RB doesn’t travel too far.

The other motion could be deep and into the backfield . The motion doesn’t need the timing practice and can provide easy counter action.

3 X 1 Formation

The action is the same as in the perimeter drill. This is a great formation to run play action to expose an over active Safety.

2 back Formation

The only consideration for this formation is the RB needs to be fast and get into pitch relationship.

VEER from a TWO BACK FORMATION




VEER from a TRIPS FORMATION



VEER from a 2 x 2 formation with JET motion



VEER from a 2 x 2 formation with DEEP motion



BLOCKING for MIDLINE and variations coming next!!

WAGGLE PASS

Most coaches will agree that when putting in a play action, that one of the first goals is to:

Simulate your best run play.

I believe the next factors should be:

Where does run support come from?

What zone is vacated by the defense?

And finally:

Use motion to attract the defenses’ attention.

Using motion brings us to one of my favorite play action passes, at one time was called WAGGLE. This was taken from the old school WING-T WAGGLE play. You start with a 2x2 formation and bring one slot in jet motion. This action should attract the attention of the LBs and SAFETY.

The routes are similar to the run and shoot concept known as X Choice. The playside WR can be tagged, but a Skinny or Glance Post is a good start. This helps control the deep coverage. Other possible routes could be Post Corner or Comeback. The Comeback is a nice safe route but not a true Rhythm route in the R4 system. Depth of the routes are pretty standard, however the comeback needs to be adjusted according to timing.

The backside slot runs a diagonal route across the LB box. The main coaching point here is to gain depth and to slow down in “green grass”. This is the READ route in the R4 system.

The Backside WR runs a POST to help control the Safety. This could replace the Skinny as the Rhythm Route.

Finally, the RB will run an arrow to help expand the LB that is dropping to the flats. The SLOT running Jet motion will slow his speed down and SIT near the sideline, after carrying out a good ball fake. Coaching Point to carry out a proper fake is telling the SLOT to grab his jersey near his armpit to make it look like he has the ball. He also needs to pump his arm and turn his chest away from the defense. To help avoid hitting the ball, tell the SLOT to place his bottom hand on his belly, NOT in a normal bottom hand position to receive a handoff. Both are RUSH routes in the R4 system. Some may even say the RB is the RUSH and the SLOT is the RELEASE.

The QB will take his normal 5 step drop. Looking SKINNY, DIAGONAL, ARROW.

In the event he needs to throw to the SIT, he may need to partial roll toward the route to escape pressure.

Here are some links to CLIPS

http://www.vimeo.com/4639288

http://www.vimeo.com/4639123