0000001608 00000 n If that defender does not blitz (no dog), they then look to block the outside defender. By BJ . Backs free release and both TEs block the OLB/OLB-area to their side. Unless a specific protection says otherwise, players not mentioned use the rules described above. Runs to a back behind the QB at a depth of 4-5 yards. Ideally he quarterback will look to throw the receiver running the shallow cross. 0000001929 00000 n TE free releases by default. On either side of the field are two wide receivers along with a tight end lined up next to the offensive line. Against zone coverage, look for the tight end to be open as he crossing the field, especially if another receiver is running pass route underneath or over the top of him. The West Coast Offense would then equate to the tactic of blitzkrieg developed by the Germans in WWII. Linemen in the slide protect the gaps to their back-side/weak-side (the left side in this example), and are also responsible for the Will linebacker. His offense became one of the few not using the power running game as the focus through the 1980s and 1990s. 598 means they fake a 98 run and the line protects the gap to their backside (left), and 599 means they fake a 99 run and the line protects the gap to their backside (right). Scheme: The use of 10 . The Ultimate Guide, Volleyball Scoring 101: The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Score. What exactly is the West Coast offense in football? The two pass routes are designed create a two-on-one isolation on a defender dropping back in a hook zone. 598 means they fake a 98 run and the line protects the gap to their backside (left), and 599 means they fake a 99 run and the line protects the gap to their backside (right). Paperback - July 29, 1997. Your backs and TEs protect the OLBs. 0000002590 00000 n If the ILB blitzes, they sneak a peak at the outside linebacker (OLB) to their side. The West Coast passing offense is comprised of a lot of slants and crossing routes. The West Coast offenses core elements are rhythm, timing, and ball protection. Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy's roots are in the West Coast Offense, which he's now bringing to The Star - with Dak Prescott and "2.5 seconds'' a centerpiece determinant for how well it'll . They release if the ILB does not blitz. 10s: Runs to an offset back at a depth of 4-5 yards coming across the formation/behind the QB (so like a fullback in an offset-I, or a halfback next to the fullback). Teams That Have a Variety of Pass Catchers - The West Coast Offense is famous for involving tight ends, fullbacks and halfbacks, in addition to at least two wide receivers. The Portland passing concept is similar to the Mills concept as the design is to provide an opportunity for the quarterback to look throw deep down the field to a receiver running a deep post if the safety comes up defend the dig route that is being run from the opposite side. The concept exploits the aggressiveness of the defense, as the passing plays are based on faking the most successful running plays. Receivers, tight ends, and running backs will go in motion to try and draw a slower linebacker in coverage to create a mismatch. The weak-side back has OLB, and the strong-side back has ILB/extra/garbage. While the run plays use the standard two digit. This style focuses on short-to-intermediate, precise routes run by receivers. 0/1: Off the centers left/right butt-cheek. True to form of the 'west coast offense' these concepts are excellent ball control, short passing plays which rely on accuracy and timing between the QB & WRs to take advantage of different defensive structures and coverages. The two outside receivers next him both run short in routes. The Ultimate Guide, How Much Do NHL Refs Make? Remember pocket and slide protection that was mentioned above. If the defender does not blitz, they release into a route to receive a pass. TE check-releases off the OLB to their side. Almost every football fan has heard the phrase, establish the run. ThisAir Coryelloffense was originally called the West Coast Offense, but when one player mistakenly called Coach Walshs system The West Coast Offense, the name stuck. 17 Bellstone Drive, Bellingham, MA, 02019. My name is Steven and I love everything sports! The Ultimate Guide, What Is a Touchback in Football? With both passing routes going in the same direction, it creates a high/low read for the quarterback. When the offense feels this is happening, they often take chances by throwing the ball deep down the field. Before the West Coast Offense and other pass-first systems, the forward pass was used as a compliment to the running game. the diagram below. With his heavy outside zone scheme that stretches defenses horizontally, he was able to put together a good running game that finished 13th in EPA per rush. The next receiver to him, runs a flat or a quick out. West coast is primarily about syncing up the QBs footwork with the receivers routes. From Bill Walsh's San Francisco 49ers juggernaut, to Brigham Young University's record-smashing Cougars, to the 1997 Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers, this passing attack is a proven winner. The quarterback looks to take advantage of precise route running by the receivers to complete short, horizontal passes, allowing receivers to make plays after the catch for extra yardage. The Y Cross has the tight end (Y) running an intermediate crossing route. The West Coast Offense is a philosophy that remains relevant at every level of competition. The second element was having pass catchers who could run precise routes and who possessed good hands to catch the ball over the middle of the field. When Brown was at Cincinnati, he had a QB coach named Bill Walsh, who would go on to set the gold standard for modern offensive schemes in the NFL with the 49ers in the 1980s. Unlike the west coast offense which has landmarks of exactly, to the inch, where a receiver should end their route- the Air Raid lives on spontaneity and adjusting based on space. If you have an I-formation, the strong back is the closest back to the TE, so its the fullback. If the call is 314 the slide is going to the left, and 315 means the slide is going to the right. 101 Plays from The Coastal Carolina Offense, 101 Plays from the College Playoff Book Bundle, 101 Plays from the Georgia Offense - 2022, 101 Plays from the 2022 Ohio State Offense. Along the way, Ill also answer general sports related questions. As with any offensive system, specific player qualities are needed for each position. The West Coast Offense is an innovative horizontal passing offense based on timing and route running. If man coverage is called, the tight end will generally matched up against slower linebacker or a smaller defensive back. A West Coast staple passing concept is called Texas. Initially, Reid treated the quarterback in his system like an NBA point guard, using short accurate passes to get talented pass catchers the ball in space. Weak back free releases. 0000000571 00000 n This is necessary, because both backs are going strong-side, giving the O-line no potential help to the weak-side. Usually, they work inside-out, blocking the inner-most defender first. Slide Protection. 74/75: Both backs free release to the backside, and the O-line scat protects to the weak-side (guard/uncovered lineman double reads ILB to OLB). 2/3: A-gap (between center and guard), 4/5: B-gap (between guard and tackle), 6/7: C-gap (between tackle and TE), 8/9: Outside. A popular way offenses like to attack zone coverage is flood one side of the field with mutiple receivers. Joe Montana, Steve Young, andJerry Riceare all now in the Hall of Fame. 30s: Trap and toss plays from an offset back at 4-5 yards. The most basic formation is to have a quarterback in the backfield with a running back and full back split to either side of him. MOFC means "middle of the field closed," or is there a deep middle guy. The inner most receiver runs a flat route. On 300, the slide goes away from the call. A look at common medium pass routes, passing concepts, and route combos. Therefore that back attacks A-gap, and the second back attacks B-gap. The TE is not blocking at all, and both backs go weak, so there are only lineman blocking to the strong-side, requiring the scat protection. St. Louis Rams Shallow Cross concepts.doc . The Double Dig has two receivers running dig routes to the same side of the field. Weak flow with scat protection to the strong-side: The TE is now free releasing. Football's West Coast Offense. 2 means fake action to the right, and 3 means fake action to the left. 284/285: Slide to the weak-side (284 means slide is left, backs right). In American football, the West Coast offense is an offense that places a greater emphasis on passing than on running. which alters the terminology slightly (so ignore this sheet for this article, except for fire 2/fire 3). The essence of the West Coast system is rhythm & timing, and ball protection. The three-step drop is designed to be the ball control section of the passing game. In slide protection, you BOB to the call side, and slide to the other side, with the uncovered lineman on the slide side checking the Will LB first (because in slide, the sliding linemen are responsible for the Will LB), then look for the OLB to that side. A Complete Overview, What Is a Blitz in Football? In the last three seasons under Moore, the Cowboys offense ranked 14th in 2020 when Prescott missed 11 games with a fractured ankle, first in 2021 when Prescott set franchise record for passing . By them switching, it creates an opportunity for a big play deep down the field. memorization is the key. NEW System Evolutions. However, since both backs are going away from the TE off the snap (weak flow), the TE is now check-releasing by default on all 70s plays, primarily to block the OLB to their side. With a passing attack based on short throws, there is a smaller chance of homerun-type plays. __CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"eb2ec":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default","value":{"colors":{"eb2ec":{"val":"var(--tcb-skin-color-4)","hsl":{"h":206,"s":0.2727,"l":0.01,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]},"original":{"colors":{"eb2ec":{"val":"rgb(57, 163, 209)","hsl":{"h":198,"s":0.62,"l":0.52,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__, {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}, __CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"f3080":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1},"f2bba":{"name":"Main Light 10","parent":"f3080"},"trewq":{"name":"Main Light 30","parent":"f3080"},"poiuy":{"name":"Main Light 80","parent":"f3080"},"f83d7":{"name":"Main Light 80","parent":"f3080"},"frty6":{"name":"Main Light 45","parent":"f3080"},"flktr":{"name":"Main Light 80","parent":"f3080"}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default","value":{"colors":{"f3080":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.7)"},"f2bba":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.5)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"l":0.09,"s":0.02}},"trewq":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.7)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"l":0.09,"s":0.02}},"poiuy":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.35)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"l":0.09,"s":0.02}},"f83d7":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.4)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"l":0.09,"s":0.02}},"frty6":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.2)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"l":0.09,"s":0.02}},"flktr":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.8)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"l":0.09,"s":0.02}}},"gradients":[]},"original":{"colors":{"f3080":{"val":"rgb(23, 23, 22)","hsl":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09}},"f2bba":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.5)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.5}},"trewq":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.7)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.7}},"poiuy":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.35)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.35}},"f83d7":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.4)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.4}},"frty6":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.2)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.2}},"flktr":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.8)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.8}}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__, Bill, Coach, Dwight Clark, football, Joe Montana, Offense, Philosophy, Strategy, The catch, Walsh, WCO, West Coast Offense, What Is The West Coast Offense? The Spacing is quick passing concept that has three receivers running a three route combo. New York went from a vertical concept with elements of the old run-and-shoot implemented by Kevin Gilbride to more of a West Coast offense, in which the emphasis was put more on short to . In slide protection, you call a side to set the protection to (left/right, strong-side/weak-side, whatever). The login page will open in a new tab. This default/watered down play action system is a slide protection (so half-slide in modern terms, just like 2/3 Jet). Lastly, this means that The Catch came from this philosophy as well. The strong-side back free releases, and the weak-side back check-releases. Visit our Shop to see our latest tools to help you work faster! Part of the reason this works so well is due to the offenses willingness to throw on any down or distance. 78/79: Both backs flow weak, and check release. The West Coast Offense essentially provides a blue print for the modern game we know today. The following are three of the most basic plays to pair with a three-step drop back: The offense builds upon these three basic plays by adding layers of disguise through players in motion, quarterback rollouts, and play-action plays. The Divide is a passing route that that has a receiver running towards the middle of the field. One of the most important elements in this system is the quarterback dropback. This was effective as defenses could keep offenses guessing by blitzing linebackers, safeties, or cornerbacks from any part of the field. Outstanding breakdown. Slow means a back or tight-end releases only if their assigned linebacker (or linebackers) does not blitz. Walsh ended up winning three Super Bowls utilizing the West Coast offense and was named the NFL Coach of the Year in 1981 and the NFC Coach of the Year in 1984. 200/300 Jet is the same protection, but now the QB is taking a 3-step drop, and the line is blocking aggressively. The West Coast Offense Walsh used primarily relies on numbers to call pass protections. Consequently, higher completion percentages are expected and, with that, fewer turnovers. He so firmly believed in this, every play was created with a predetermined number of steps for the quarterbacks drop back. The TE free releases by default, because now both backs are coming to their side. And When to Call Them, What Is a Tight End in Football? The first number indicates the type of backfield action/movement the backs will take, and the basic type of protection. Due to innovations in offenses, the WCO has also been implemented for shotgun-based offenses. This contrasts with the Air Coryell offense mentioned above, which is known for attacking downfield. Im always open to feedback as well, so if there is something you feel is incorrect or should be described more thoroughly, please drop a comment! The West Coast Offense is a passing ball control offense. Conversely if the cornerback sinks back on the receiver running the high read, then the low read receiver will be open. West Coast Offense - One of the concepts of the West Coast offense is to get five skill players involved in the passing game. Please, The West Coast Offense Walsh used primarily relies on numbers to call pass protections. Here, the Redskins run their Hank concept, which is fundamental for the west coast offense. The 'West Coast Offense' is not easy to define. The back to the strong-side scats and the strong guard/uncovered lineman scat protects. In terms of protection, scat indicates that the side a back free releases to calls for the offensive guard, or uncovered lineman to that side to double-read the the linebackers to that side. Play action is where the offense fakes a run in an attempt to make the defense react to the run, then uses the quarterback to roll out and pass to a receiver running down the field. If both blitz, they block the inside defender. The offense relies on a smart, accurate, and mobile quarterback running the offense under center. What the West Coast offense does is exploit the natural holes and weaknesses of a defensive formation or structure with short, fast, precisely timed passes before the defense can flow to the ball, or drop to their coverage areas (these are the planes that initially attack strong-points to soften defenses for the tanks). The weak-side back free releases, while the strong back check-releases to the weak-side. The Curl-Flat passing concept is one of the oldest and most popular passing concepts in football. These series also require a 2nd TE to be in the game to the weak-side (so theres a TE on both sides, or the TE is actually to the weak side, or away from the call side). When the backs release, the faking back who is more inside will break to the inside, and the back protecting outside will release outside. But, two statements do help explain what it is all about. We know that on first down our ball-control passing is vital. These types of pass routes are very effective in man coverage is called. Runs to an offset back at a depth of 4-5 yards coming across the formation/behind the QB (so like a fullback in an offset-I, or a halfback next to the fullback). Walsh ignored the critics and at the end of his career Walshs system started a new era in the NFL with the passing attack being the focus of offenses. 0000004677 00000 n Instead, Walsh turned them into pass catchers and gave them horizontal routes designed to get them in space. There are players that play close to the ball and others that play further away. Low-inside, high-outside. The second number indicates the specific type of protection/modification within that series. . I don't have status on either airline and have a 5 hour layover in Fra for a Fra-Dulles flight. On 300, the slide goes away from the call. A fundamentally sound play that strives to contradict the basic principles of a defense, the play-pass gets the defensive team to commit to a fake run and then throwing a pass behind the defenders off the fake.. Below are some more features of the system: Finally, if you have more questions about the West Coast Offense, let us know below! This phrase is a football standard and is the mindset of using the run to set up big plays downfield. If the defender covers the hitch, the deep in route will be open. A core concept in West Coast systems, here are four combinations within the Hi-Lo series that we see across the league. From big throws downfield to power running the football, there are countless ways to run an offense in the NFL. Both backs flow weak, and check release. The West Coast Offense has a simplified play action pass protection system to easily incorporate run fakes on almost any play. Cornerbacks can take advantage of this by playing underneath the receiver or looking to jump the passing lanes to beat the receiver to where the ball is being thrown. The slide begins at the first offensive lineman to the strong-side/play-side that does not have a defender in their play-side gap. In slide protection, you call a side to set the protection to (left/right, strong-side/weak-side, whatever). . The Choice route gives the receiver the option of running one of two or one of three pass routes. The terminology you will see in this article are being borrowed from this 356 page, 1985 49ers Playbook that can be found on Google. Gap protection: The O-line steps to the back-side/away from the call and protects the gap. Omaha is a quick pass that features a receiver running a quick out route. In the E-P system, there are no requirements, except for a competent quarterback. On all play actions, if the faking back sees their primary blocking assignment blitz, they come off the fake immediately to make the block. In this playbook, there are two primary types of protection. Coach Bill Walsh is credited with inventing this system as a Quarterbacks Coach for the Cincinnati Bengals. The Pivot passing concept has an outside receiver running a dig route over the top of the inside receiver next to him, who is running a pivot (zig zag) route. This article does NOT cover all the pass pro terminology in this playbook, but it covers all the basics. The Levels concept has the receiver furthest inside running a dig route. Your backs and TEs protect the OLBs. The final passing concept is the play-action pass. Run-game terminology is much more simple. In most conventional offenses, the idea is to run the ball to draw the safeties and linebackers in closer to the line of scrimmage, thus opening up . The West Coast was, at the time of its inception, known for being very pass heavy, which helped revolutionize offensive football during the 80's and 90's. McCarthy always fully embraced those. The Levels concept does an excellent job at attacking zone coverage. Report inappropriate content . Rip/Liz to the strong-side only. In the playbook this article is based off of, Walsh uses three digits. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 400: Slide protection away from the call with a cross-action/misdirection backfield or run fake. Both can be a hot receiver. If the call is 314 the slide is going to the left, and 315 means the slide is going to the right. In order to fully grasp such an intricate philosophy, one must be able to appreciate how a play-caller schemes his receivers into space. Feel free to use this page as quick reference if you are confused about these type pass combos, pass concept, and pass routes are designed for. This site requires JavaScript to run correctly. This includes swing passes to the Running Backs and hitches to the Tight End with a regular route tree for receivers. Rather than using tanks and planes (the passing game) to support the infantry, attack head-first with your planes first, tanks second, then let the infantry bat clean-up. The goal was to get these pass catchers the ball in space as they ran across the middle of the field to allow them to make plays after the catch for extra yardage. 17+ Basketball Games for Kids The Ultimate List. Those combined, with the wide zone running offense, make for a deadly play-action passing game that stresses linebackers to their extreme. It emphasized the short passing game, although the system has always . The weak back and guard double read ILB to OLB to the weak side, and the back check-releases vs. no blitz. The West Coast offenses also use a lot of play-action plays. I think it's basically a West Coast offense, but instead of using the short passing game as the primary focus to move the ball (Traditional West Coast), the power north/south running game is the primary focus while maintaining West Coast passing concepts when needed. Doug Pederson, another West Coast. The Shake has a receiver making a quick fake before running a shallow crossing route. We provide the latest Madden Tips, Madden Strategies, Madden Formations, Madden Plays, Madden News, and Madden Videos. Pocket/Cup Protection, and 2. During these years, BYU regularly led the nation in passing offense. Bill Walsh helped changed the offensive playing field with his West Coast offensive system. If the cornerback (flat defender) sits on the receiver running the low read, then the receiver running the high read will be open. Some other terms you need to know before going into the numbered series: Scat: Scat means a back free releases (meaning they run a route right off the snap, and have no blocking responsibility. There are a few spread offenses in college that are markedly different than what you see in the NFL and worth mentioning. While there may be some deep throws made downfield, the focus is on quick and short passes that have a high chance of completion. You certainly don't need more than five 5-step concepts for a given game since you don't want to practice passes you won't run.