Getting "Sloppy" on the Defense

The title of this article was very close to being “Getting Sloppy with Josh Herring”, thankfully; I decided that may be too risqué for the followers of this squeaky clean blog. Many of you already know that I am a clinic rat. I attend at least three, every offseason. I would go to more, but



                                                                                                        

When I first started attending clinics, I was always seeking out college and pro coaches. A high school coach really needed to pique my interest with a snazzy topic title like...

“Score 112 points in 48 minutes”

“The No huddle, Up Tempo, High Octane, Fast Speed Warp Offense”

“Easy way to score points without practicing”


Now, I really seek out the high school coaches because they can’t just recruit 6’5” 290 lineman or 6’2” athletes. So as I scanned the ever growing library at Coaches Edge Technologies, the iBook I choose was Josh Herring’s “Quick Rhythm Option Routes”. I am always looking for minor or easy expansion for the offense. 

Josh Herring recently completed his 5th year as Offensive Coordinator and QB coach at Lassiter High School in Marietta, Georgia.                                    
                                                                                                                                                          
Coach Herring only talks about two routes in this iBook…however, how he pairs the routes with different concepts and various formations making them versatile and flexible. He goes into more detail about the SLOPPY route. He does a great job teaching the route. He goes through multiple clips to show the route in action. This is much more helpful then seeing the same clip over and over!!

The iBook contains 5 chapters with an additional 4 “chapters” of cut-ups.

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 Sloppy

Chapter 3 Running Back Sloppy

Chapter 4 Dodge

Chapter 5 Teaching and Drilling Option Routes

Chapter 6 Further Review: Cut-ups for your own study

I like how Coach Herring uses HUDL’s playbook as a template. It provides clean and precise lines and proper spacing.

Coach Herring uses a DIG over the TOP of the SLOPPY ROUTE. This DIG proves a better option for the QB and help keep the defense guessing. Sloppy is the route to use for that player you want the ball and that the defense may be keying on. If the Gift of a HITCH is not there, Sloppy provides THREE WAYS to get your stud into open space. 

               

                                

Is your RB the playmaker?
Then teach him to run the SLOPPY from the backfield!

My favorite way may be SLOPPY from #2 Field WR with CROSS by #3!

                                                                                                          

The DODGE route only has two ways to get to open space. Coach Herring described it as “we found that Dodge is a route for which more players have a knack.”

Still need to mess with those pesky Linebackers? Then pair CROSS concept with DODGE from the field #2 WR.

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So there is a little taste of  SLOPPY and DODGE …

You want more? You gotta bust that piggy!

Dan Gonzalez for only $25.00

For those smart people out there that own his books, here is chance to hear him LIVE!

For those that don't own any format of his books... 

Check out my previous post. NOW!



I have been lucky enough to talk to Coach Gonzalez a few times and it has always been informative! Coach Gonzalez’s webinar is set for February 10th at 8:30pm EST. This webinar is loaded with information and sound concepts for attacking and dictating to a defense.  Webinar is available live as scheduled. If you are unable to sit in on the live event, you will be able to purchase the recording. 

Register here:

http://www.anymeeting.com/PIID=EB54D881894A30

Email grabkj@gmail.com. Put “Gonzalez” in the subject line. Upon your registration you will receive a code for A Coaching Arsenal iBook and be entered in a drawing to win 5 Coaches Edge current or future titles of your choice.

Get ready for a new education!!

Coach Grabowski's second "book"

Just as my brain has recovered from last year's MIND BLOWER, I get word that Coach Grabowski has a new "book" near completion. Actually, a series is planned....So I look for the tin foil and prepare myself!

Finally I get an email from Coach Grabowski alerting me of the arrival and a short note...

"I apologize in advance for your head exploding."


So once again, the beauty of this "book" is it's portability. Yea, I know all books are portable but once again, this is more than a book.

Places I was able to "read" it

• My office
• On the exercise bike
• During my son's soccer practice (take that futbol)
• Starbucks
• My truck
• The Man Cave
• Our living room 

As I start the book, my imagination wanders and I think...

How can Coach Grabowski

possibly 

top 

THE MIND BLOWER ?

All it took was the first interactive to be impressed. This book is more than a MIND BLOWER, it is an EXPERIENCE!

 

In return for this experience, I plan to do something different. I am going to add some short video clips of the "book". I will point out that my speaking voice is made for blogging and not vlogging... 

 

Next, Coach Grabowski did step up the quote factor (sorry Coach Gonzales). Heraclitus, James Joyce, Albert Einstein, Knute Rockne, Aristotle, Jim Rohn to name a few....

My Favorite is from Albert Einstein...

"Out of the clutter, find simplicity"

The series is broken down into 4 parts. Parts 1-3 are available now and part 4 is coming soon.

PART ONE

Define the System and Build a Foundation $6.99

PART TWO

Structure a Starting Point and Develop Coaching Methods $6.99

PART THREE

Develop the Fundamentals $7.99

Coach Grabowski starts with a guided self reflection. As this clinic season winds down, many coaches are trying to add the newest "play of the week". My head coach recently said "That is why I don't like to go to clinics...there are too many plays I see and want!" Smart football coaches attend clinics to see what is new and what could fit into their offensive scheme. As coach Grabowski explains...

"Many coaches adhere to the philosophy of 'revolution' instead of 'evolution'."

He goes on to say

"What I would actually like to convey in this series is a thought process for looking at offense. I don't' claim that we do it better than anyone else, but I do believe in building on a sound foundation, and in sharing how we do it. I hope to spur thinking that can help in evolving your offense, or choose to radically change your system, provide a process in which you can streamline your adaptation and reduce your learning curve by focusing on the right questions you should be thinking about."


CHAPTERS INCLUDE
1. Build or Evolve a System
2. Define the System
3. Build a Strong Foundation
4. A Starting Point: The Basics of the Stretch Play
5. Teaching & Coaching Methods: Implementing the Stretch
6. Offensive Line Fundamentals
7. Fullback Fundamentals
8. Tight End Fundamentals
9. Tailback Reads and Techniques
10. Quarterback Techniques for Stretch
11. Receiver Techniques
12. Putting it all Together
13. Application of Strategy: Stretch to the Split End Side
14. NOTES and DIAGRAMS

Yes! There is even a place to take digital notes!!!

I will admit I was disappointed to see all the I FORMATION "stuff". I just figured Coach Grabowski was being sympathetic to those two coaches down south, to remain nameless...

You are lucky I didn't post the shirtless picture!

When it comes down to the player chapters, every one is like a mini clinic.

Breakdown of blocking using screen shots!

Below are four pictures taken from the KEYNOTE blocking progression for the Line.

And here a few of my favorite plays

TOP TEN REASONS to buy Coach Dan Gonzales' Recoded and Reloaded

YES I have been busy but I must give some props to Dan Gonzales. The new book is great! I have wanted to do a FULL review but life happens...So at least I wanted to give you some before the season starts.

RECODED and RELOADED

My only complain is it not be available in eBook form. I'm a bit spoiled from the Mind Blower
(Coach Keith Grabowski's  101 Pro Pistol Plays)

10. It gives you a reason to buy his first book...

Concept Passing 

9. Drill ideas: This is not just clinic talk, he diagrams "how to" ideas to coach the routes and concepts

8. A READY LIST that organizes all of his concepts. It makes you think if you have a complete pass game.

7. PLENTY of PICTURES!

6.  A quote from Ben Franklin
 "Observe all men; thy self most" 




5.  A route tree that makes sense. Routes that are used daily...not just ones that make a TREE look pretty.

4. Acronyms! I love them!
DOLPHIN = QB read in OUTSIDE to INSIDE
HIDE = HITCH then IN
BRONCO = Back  Runs Option, Clear Out

3. Color coded blocking
 GREEN and GOLD = RB is GONE
BROWN and BLACK = RB is check release

2. The backside chapter alone is worth the price. No more Mirror. Mirror...

1. So simple a system an 8 year old can learn it! 

I have tinkered with some of these concepts. This Summer, my favorite has been combining our top concept with a Coach Gonzales inspired HIDE backside tag.

I hope to finish the FULL REVIEW soon. Coach Gonzales provided me with some excellent insight!

Combining 3 step and 5 step Pass plays

Does Anyone have video of this play?

Coming from the SMART FOOTBALL article on packaging 3 and 5 step pass plays.

Inspired by Coach Dan Gonzalez (who is a big Norm Chow fan).

I have also seen Andrew Coverdale packaging SPACING concept with a SINGLE WR route...

Andrew Coverdale Spacing Power Point

THE QUICK GAME

Often overlooked, the quick game can be a very effective part of the offense. Timing of the routes plays an important role in the installation of the concepts. The Concept begins as a mirrored half field process. Each concept begins mirrored, but will end with a frontside and backside concept. You should never expect a QB to be successful trying to look at the widest side of the field, then redirect to the opposite widest side. That is why there is a need for a backside concept which puts the WRs on the move looking for open grass.

As I am preparing for the 2010 season, I have come to the early conclusion that four combinations are a solid foundation to the quick game.

o ALL HITCH

o FADE and OUT

o SKINNY and ARROW

o IN and SEAM

The QB uses a presnap read to determine which side to run the combination. If a QB’s decision making is questionable then one solution would be to run the combination to the wide side of the field. Another solution would be using a freeze cadence to help the QB, sideline coach or pressbox coach see the coverage alignment.

Many teams prefer a HITCH and SEAM combination. I like the all hitch combination because it helps control the OLB from drifting to the outside hitch. I also like the inside hitch depth to be deeper to help provide a better window for the throw and the inside hitch is the second read for the QB. If the inside hitch is too short then the WR may not be open when the QB looks to him. The inside WR should be alert for a hot throw. A good starting point for the outside WR is 4-5 yards. The WR should use a good plant step with the outside foot. He should whip his head around quickly looking for the ball. On a quick hitch, the WR should use less choppy steps then most quick routes but instead lower his body to slow him down. The inside WR should expect a collision and may have to “post up” the defender. When a first down is needed, you may want a STICKS tag to alert the WRs to run to the depth of the first down marker. I would not use this if the yardage for a first down was greater than seven. The QB’s presnap read needs to be the CBs depth or cushion and coverage ability. The read is outside hitch to inside hitch unless the defense causes him to throw hot.

I like this better than SLANTS and ARROWS. The frontside slant is difficult to teach, both to the QB and WR. The drop of the OLB will often determine the timing of the slant. This is hard to replicate in practice. I hate the outside slant, unless used as a “rub” to get the arrow open. The outside WR makes a post cut at the depth of six yards. He only needs to bend it slightly inside to get position on the defender. The inside WR needs to make sure his inside foot is up because his outside foot is the first to move. The first step needs to be diagonal about a forty five degree angle. On his second to third steps, he needs to whip the head to see the ball. He needs to gain depth with the route to five yards. The QBs presnap read should be the OLB’s run support position and coverage ability. The read is skinny to arrow unless the defense causes him to throw hot. If the outside WR gets position early, then a hot throw could go to him, otherwise throw to the arrow.

The FADE and OUT combination is a great catch and run combination. When you first introduce this, you may want to stress to the QB that the fade’s purpose is to clear the coverage for the out. You may need to adjust the splits of the inside WR to the QB’s arm strength. The outside WR needs to stem inside before his outside release. I always teach the WRs to stay on the numbers to give yourself room to make the catch. Often times the WRs end up one yard form the sideline and catch the ball…out of bounds! Look for the ball sooner than later, the WRs and QBs always seem to make this throw longer than needed. As with the arrow route, the inside WR’s foot should be up. The first and second steps are upfield with his third step rolling to the sidelines. The WR’s fourth and fifth steps are to gain ground to get to the five yard depth. As he is making his third step, he should turn his head and look for the ball. The QBs presnap read should be the OLB’s run support position and coverage ability. The read is fade to out, unless the defense causes him to throw hot. If the outside WR gets position early, then a hot throw could go to him, otherwise throw to the out.
A newer combination is the IN and SEAM. The outside WR needs to take a plus split (outside of the numbers) to give him proper spacing. The outside WR runs to a depth of five yards and make a square cut to the inside. You must stress to him that out of the break NOT to speed up because a full speed cut to the inside could take him right into coverage. The inside WR needs draw the attention of the OLB. Run AT him not INTO him. The QB’s presnap read needs to be the CBs depth or cushion and coverage ability in addition to the OLB’s run support position and coverage ability. Easy way to teach this is look for the most grass. The combination is similar to FADES and OUTS because the SEAM’S first purpose is to freeze the OLB. The read is look to the seam then in hitch unless the defense causes him to throw hot.

COVERAGE BEATERS

All combinations beat Cover Three and Cover Four which is most commonly seen in high school.

ALL HITCH versus Cover Two: the inside WRs need to find the grass in the short coverage. The outside hitch may be converted to a comeback, easier to complete then a fade conversion. (Right side of FIG. 2)

FADE and OUT versus Cover Two: the outside WRs need to look for the ball after defeating the Cover Two CB. QB can’t throw to the OUT route. (Left side of FIG. 2)

SKINNY and ARROW versus Cover Two: the outside WRs may convert to a post route.

(Left side of FIG. 1)

IN and SEAM versus Cover Two: the inside WRS may convert to corner route.

(Right side of FIG. 1)

BACKSIDE IDEAS

First, there is no need to include the RB in the protection. The ball should be out quick enough before any rush gets to the QB, so the first protection rule would be playside tackle slide to DE and rest of the linemen slide weak. QB takes care of unblocked blitzer that he can see.

In the event the playside quick combination is not open then the backside concept of slants and swing can be utilized. Slants on the backside is good. There is no hurry to get open, no need for a quick read by the QB. The WR run the routes and find open grass. This concept will be new for 2010 and was inspired by Dan Gonzalez’s book www.amazon.com/Concept-Passing-Teaching-Modern-Game/dp/1606790447/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264767271&sr=8-1. The QB will recognize the combination is covered and redirect to other side of the field.

The inside WR breaks to the inside after one upfield step and find grass over the center in the just outside of QB’s vision. The Outside WR takes two upfeld steps to the outside shoulder of CB then planting to the inside while gaining depth. Where the WR settles depends upon the OLB drop. If the OLB flys to the flats, then the WR will run past him and settle in the hook curl zone. If the OLB stays inside, then the WR then will have a quicker settle. The back will run a swing route. (FIG. 3)