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. Recently with Patrick Mahomes, arguably the best quarterback in the league, he has moved into more shotgun formations allowing Mahomes more freedom with his decision-making. In the West Coast system, there are countless formations to run the offense out of. Slide Protection: This one can get a little complicated, so take your time. This concept is effective against Cover 2 zone coverage, as well as Cover 3 and Cover 4 coverages. 24/25: The back to the weak-side (away from the TE) scats (free releases) to their side into a route. Scat protection strong-side with both backs free releasing. The Run and Shoot Offense was first developed in the 1960's by Glenn "Tiger" Ellison from Middletown, Ohio. If the defender does not blitz, they release into a route to receive a pass. 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. In slide protection, you call a side to set the protection to (left/right, strong-side/weak-side, whatever). Split flow protection is a pocket protection, where both backs move opposite of each other off the snap (if you have a back to the left and right of the QB, the left back moves left, and the right back moves right). Its the same slide protection described earlier, and as I said before, Ill be doing a more in-depth article on this protection in the future, because its so popular and favored today. This contrasts with the Air Coryell offense mentioned above, which is known for attacking downfield. Developing the West Coast Offense Walsh's "nickel-and-dime" offense was one that relied heavily on a method, ball-control passing game that utilized the backs and tight ends as primary. 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. __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? Listed below are player roles and the qualities they need to have to be successful. we call plays in the following series: a) teens: all runs. In the classic West Coast Offense, they use a numbering system to call their series (plays that have a common set of rules), and specific plays. A Guide to How They Work, What Are Audibles in Football? TE check-releases off the OLB to their side. This makes it a quick pass, where the line and backs will block aggressively and hold the defense at the line of scrimmage. The Y Cross has the tight end (Y) running an intermediate crossing route. . Who Should Not Use the West Coast Offense? It's all about the feet The best way to define the West Coast offense may be to start with what it isn't. The traditional passing game, which NFL teams ran for years, is based on deep drops . The Drive concept has an outside receiver running a shallow cross, while the inside receiver next to him runs a a dig route. Features a well-balanced attack of the pass and run, Originally the system called for a zone run scheme, In the decades since its inception, power running schemes have also shown success, Bill Walsh loved the Play-Pass, also known as a play-action, where the run fake is meant to open up the passing lanes for his QB. His version of the West Coast offense relies on a highly athletic quarterback with an elite arm, as well as skilled receivers who thrive on making plays after the catch. In your summary, you say that an odd number means that the TE is on the left! However, the Walsh offense wanted to use quick, short passes as a partial substitute for a traditional running game. One of the biggest drawbacks in the West Coast and Air Coryell offenses are their elongated play calls. Slide Protection. 29. by Mike Tanier. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. However, this is an efficient offense that has proven to be more than capable of winning championships. Here, the Redskins run their Hank concept, which is fundamental for the west coast offense. If the ILB blitzes, they sneak a peak at the outside linebacker (OLB) to their side. For each play, there is a certain number of steps for the quarterbacks drop back. The weak-side back free releases, while the strong back check-releases to the weak-side. Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with the latest trends! The inner most receiver runs a flat route. The West Coast passing offense is comprised of a lot of slants and crossing routes. In your diagram, you show 3 Jet as being the play call to the left, but the tight end is to the right! Compared to other offensive systems, this style has been said to nickel and dime the defense, due to its short passing attempts, and has led to amazing success by countless teams throughout the years and is a staple in the NFL. The West Coast system looks to establish the pass, to set up the run. This style also limits the defense from stacking the line of scrimmage to stop the run as they are spread across the whole field. The schemes are often based in West Coast or Air Coryell concepts, but incorporate a lot more options in the run game, quarterback reads are minimized, and routes are simplified. Strong flow is the opposite of weak flow (another two-back pocket-style protection). 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). 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. First, our offense uses "precision-timed passing, variable formations, and the exploitation of each player's skills" (quote by Bill Walsh) to attack the opposition. Even numbers mean the TE (strong-side) is to the right. The back typically does not come across the formation, or at least behind the QB. Walsh's original West Coast offense was built around Joe Montana's specific strengths and the players he had to work with. He then break outside towards the sideline at a 45 degree angle. Remember, this book does not use 300 like modern WCO terminology uses it. 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. Walshs offense consists of 3, and 5-step drops by the QB with routes that rely on the Tight Ends Running Backs, and Receivers. Two digits. When the offense feels this is happening, they often take chances by throwing the ball deep down the field. Triangle - Defense. Both backs flow weak, and check release. 0000000712 00000 n During his time in San Fran, he worked with two of the most accurate, intelligent, and relatively mobile quarterbacks in the history of the NFL to show the league the dominance of the West Coast offense. With both passing routes going in the same direction, it creates a high/low read for the quarterback. Your backs and TEs protect the OLBs. There are players that play close to the ball and others that play further away. This phrase is a football standard and is the mindset of using the run to set up big plays downfield. Although the system has evolved and integrated with various offensive systems over the previous three decades, the traditional West Coast offense looks to set up the run by passing first,. The Shallow Cross passing concept that teams that like to run the Air Raid offense. While the run plays use the standard two digit. Slide protection to the weak-side (away from TE). Football's West Coast Offense. 0000000571 00000 n Your center and guards protect the center-three defenders of the defense. If the OLB blitzes, the back then becomes the hot receiver, and replaces the OLBs position to get open. We provide the latest Madden Tips, Madden Strategies, Madden Formations, Madden Plays, Madden News, and Madden Videos. We can drop the ball off to a back late and still make 4 to 5 yards. H2/H3: H stands for halfback (so think your primary running-back. Consequently, higher completion percentages are expected and, with that, fewer turnovers. Strong back only has ILB (or Mike) to their side, and check releases off them. In the E-P system, there are no requirements, except for a competent quarterback. This system looks to control the game through the air and sets receivers up to make plays after the catch. A Complete Overview. 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). Weak back free releases. 69 H Option-Lavelle Edwards.pdf. 55 is TE left, so we Rip). In American football, the West Coast offense is an offense that places a greater emphasis on passing than on running. It emphasized the short passing game, although the system has always . Bill Walsh helped changed the offensive playing field with his West Coast offensive system. No more boring Sundays, everyone can enjoy football! 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. Due to innovations in offenses, the WCO has also been implemented for shotgun-based offenses. Both can be a hot receiver. If the ILB blitzes, they sneak a peak at the outside linebacker (OLB) to their side. 100: Any play with a 1 in front of it (making it a triple digit play starting with 100) means the QB takes a 3-step drop. F2/F3: AKA Fox 2/Fox 3 if you want to sound cool, is the same as H2/H3, but now the fullback or other back is faking and taking the A-gap, while the halfback/tailback goes B-gap. The Ultimate Guide, What Is a Touchback in Football? How the POP play streamlines the pro-style approach. Throughout this article, well cover the origin of the system, positional roles, different variations of the West Coast offense and much more so stick around! 1985 BYU Passing Offense.pdf. This one can get a little complicated, so take your time. When first introducing the system, Walsh was criticized as trying to finesse the defense or playing too conservatively. This real football play passing concept features a high-low read between a receiver, who runs a post , and a running back, who runs an angle route. If the defender covers the deep in route, the hitch route underneath will be open. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! You can hear QBs in the NFL today calling this exact protection, with these exact terms. Let the quarterback see and read the defense by utilizing his three or five step drop. 0000004677 00000 n By BJ . In the playbook this article is based off of, Walsh uses three digits. The Ultimate Guide, How Much Do NHL Refs Make? Walsh used a traditional hole-numbering system: Evens right, odds left. Spot The Spot passing concept is design to attack zone coverage. Finally, a tight end will line up at the line of scrimmage next to the offensive linemen. West Coast Offense - One of the concepts of the West Coast offense is to get five skill players involved in the passing game. The original West Coast Offense of Sid Gillman uses some of the same principles (pass to establish the run, quarterback throws to timed spots), but offensive formations are generally less complicated with more wideouts and motion. Unless a specific protection says otherwise, players not mentioned use the rules described above. %PDF-1.2 % The former Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator was given the 21st-ranked offense in 2019, according to EPA per play, and improved the unit all the way to 10th. When there are two backs in the backfield, default rules have both backs going to the same side. Explained With Pictures, Instantly improve your current positional group, Exclusive access to our staff to help answer your questions, Grow your football knowledge & outsmart your friends and colleagues, Complete breakdown of rules, offensive and defensive concepts, Best course for beginners to learn football, Intro courses that provide you the skillset to talk football like a pro, Engage with your spouse during and after the game. A look at common deep pass routes, passing concepts, and route combos. The West Coast Offense provided a blue-print for the modern offensive game in the NFL, primary with its flexibility of various pass protections. The weak-side back has OLB, and the strong-side back has ILB/extra/garbage. The QB should see/feel the backs movement on this, telling them to quickly drop back and look to throw to the hot route, or get into the progression. 284/285: Slide to the weak-side (284 means slide is left, backs right). O-D Kick Game Install 2021. One receiver runs a shorter dig, while other receiver runs a deeper dig. The essence of the West Coast system is rhythm & timing, and ball protection. On either side of the field are two wide receivers along with a tight end lined up next to the offensive line. 60s: Runs to a back behind the QB at a depth of 4-5 yards. Ohio is a features two receiver route combo that has outside receiver running a go route, while the inside receiver runs an out route. Heres a little bonus. My name is Steven and I have a passion for sports and staying physically active. 78/79: Both backs flow weak, and check release. The Switch concept is a popular Run-&-Shoot passing concept that has outside receiver running a post route with an inside receiver. If a run is called with pass tagged onto it, like 16 power pass, or 19 BOB pass, the offense executes the running play, but blockers do not go downfield so that a pass can be thrown. Low-inside, high-outside. 1. The goal of this offense is to use the quarterbacks dropbacks to establish the timing for plays, while receivers run horizontal routes across the field. means all backs and tight-ends release, and the protection always becomes pocket protection (so if slide was called, max turns it into pocket protection). We know that on first down our ball-control passing is vital. 9,884 posts . . Gruden had spent his 10 years out of coaching . One of the most important elements in this system is the quarterback dropback. The back on the side called check releases on the inside linebacker to that side. If he is unable to complete the correct number of steps for his drop back or is moved out of the pocket, he will have a tough time finding an open receiver. Defensive Install 2021. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Swap: When there are two backs in the backfield, they essentially cross each other off the snap. We break the sections down with quick pass, medium pass, and deep pass. If that defender does not blitz (no dog), they then look to block the outside defender. Understanding the West Coast offense is more complex than simply knowing that it emphasizes the short passing game. For those that dont know MOFO simply means "middle of the field open," or no deep middle safety. 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. In slide protection, you call a side to set the protection to (left/right, strong-side/weak-side, whatever). The second way to stop the West Coast offense is for cornerbacks, or those guarding the receivers, to try and jump the route to intercept the ball. The West Coast Offense would then equate to the tactic of blitzkrieg developed by the Germans in WWII. 500: Gap protection: The O-line steps to the back-side/away from the call and protects the gap. The West Coast offense was one of the most revolutionary offenses when it first hit the scene. Runs to a back at 6-7 yards behind the QB (so a tailback). Backs protect inside-out, meaning they block an inside rush threat first, then work outside if there is no inside threat. The weak-back coming to the strong-side double-reads the ILB to strong OLB (Mike to Sam). Against zone coverage this creates a 2 on 1 situation. The inside receiver, runs a wheel route down the sideline. If the call is 314 the slide is going to the left, and 315 means the slide is going to the right. The offense relies on a smart, accurate, and mobile quarterback running the offense under center. 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. 1. If the cornerback (flat defender) sits on the receiver running the low read, then the receiver running the high read will be open. A new kind of offense has taken over the college level and has made its way into the NFL recently called the Spread offense. The middle receiver, runs a spot route, while the outer most receivers runs some type of hook route. Use players in motion before the snap to make the defense show their scheme. Once gains separation or leverage he is will be open. Another route is used to compliment the Divide pass route is a receiver on the outside running a go or streak route. Offensive schemes and tactics This is a discussion on Offensive schemes and tactics within the EA Sports College Football forums. The Curl Flat route combo has the outside receiver running a curl, while inside receiver runs a flat route. A few years ago, there was a lot of speculation about what Jon Gruden's offense would look like in his return to the NFL. This style focuses on short-to-intermediate, precise routes run by receivers. . I created this website to share my passion with all of you. It's a great concept: the shallow pulls the linebackers while the square-in -- aptly known in Airraid . 2 means fake action to the right, and 3 means fake action to the left. The Mills (Anchor) passing concept is designed to get a to bite on the dig route, allowing for the receiver running the post to get behind him for big play. A core concept in West Coast systems, here are four combinations within the Hi-Lo series that we see across the league. Walsh then added more layers by sending players in motion to create mismatches and used the passing game to set the tempo of the game. Offensive Packages. Requires a TE on each side. As they continue to learn the What Is a Secondary in Football? 84/85: Scat protection weak (TE to that side free releases). More like you only need two or three at most. Additionally, Roger Craig, Dwight Clark, and Tom Rathman were among many Pro-Bowl caliber players on offense during this era. 90s: Runs to a back at 6-7 yards behind the QB (so a tailback). Every NFL team's offensive scheme, illustrated and explained - Washington Post From run-pass options to the West Coast offense: Breaking down all 32 offensive schemes in the NFL. Hb```f``:&23 ?s4 9L*. By them switching, it creates an opportunity for a big play deep down the field. Walsh had two elements he found to be crucial to the success of the offense. Romo will turn out to be an all time announcer for CBS. The terminology you will see in this article are being borrowed from this. Typically, there will be two backs in the backfield split to either side of the quarterback. The West Coast offense is a fast-paced system that relies on short and quick throws to sure-handed receivers who run precise horizontal routes. Even in the West Coast offense run by some other guys the Ravens have interviewed, like Gary Kubiak, it's pretty specific what you need to make it work including a stout O-line because running backs are used primarily as pass catchers instead of extra blockers. NEW System Evolutions. Doing so spreads the defenders, making them each responsible for more area to cover. Defenses have found the best way to do so is by attacking the element that makes this offense elite the timing. Kaepernick has been running a West Coast offense for the entirety of his NFL career. 2 means fake action to the right, and 3 means fake action to the left. The deep back/tailback is the weak back. In any 2-back formation, the back closest to the TE is the strong back. This pass route is highly effective against man coverage providing the receiver has move speed than the defender covering him. Also a pocket and two-back protection series. Trap and toss plays from an offset back at 4-5 yards. 228/229: Slide protection to the weak-side (away from TE). The concept is good versus both man coverage and zone coverage. While thats a general overview of the West Coast offense, theres a lot more that goes into calling and running plays in the system. If the defender covers the hitch, the deep in route will be open. Doug Pederson, another West Coast. 86/87: Scat protection strong-side with both backs free releasing. Even with countless formations, the West Coast offense will have several consistent elements: NFL offenses have taken these elements to create their own unique variation of the West Coast system. Can I buy on ebay or otherwise a United or Lufthansa lounge pass for Frankfurt intl airport ? The West Coast Offense is a philosophy that remains relevant at every level of competition. On 300, the slide goes away from the call. The Passing Game II: Slants and Flats. 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. They then would blitz the quarterback using a zone blitz in an attempt to disrupt their timing. Therefore that back attacks A-gap, and the second back attacks B-gap. 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. If that defender does not blitz (no dog), they then look to block the outside defender. A good pass route to get the quarterback in rhythm. So 416 means theyre faking a 16 run play and using 400 protection. If you look at the playbook link, the best description of the pass protections begins on page 251. Bill Walsh helped changed the offensive playing field with his West Coast offensive system. Up to this point the teams running backs and tight ends were used in power runs to set up the vertical pass. The side the TE is on is the strong-side, and the side away from that is the weak-side. 0000002590 00000 n memorization is the key. Since the West Coast system has so many pass catchers on the field, when a defensive player blitzes, the quarterback just needs to find the open, unguarded player. AKA Fox 2/Fox 3 if you want to sound cool, is the same as H2/H3, but now the fullback or other back is faking and taking the A-gap, while the halfback/tailback goes B-gap. A Complete Overview, What Is a Blitz in Football? Answer 1 of 17: Hi all, thanks to previous posts I have been able to understand quite a bit about the trains and connections in Frankfurt- but I would like advice on the following: I will be in Frankfurt from Aug 31-Sept 5 and would like to do a few day trips. Since timing is so important, there are times when the ball is thrown before the receiver is open. The back away from the call side is coming over to that side to get the blitzing ILB. The second number indicates the specific type of protection/modification within that series. 0000001929 00000 n The West Coast offense was one of the most revolutionary offenses when it first hit the scene. The goal of this website is to provide you with content that will help you get a leg up on the competition, whether thats in the realm of coaching or on the field itself. Initially, the Spread looked to be a variation of the West Coast offense, but its a unique offensive system. 0000001450 00000 n Before the introduction of the West Coast offense, defenses would simply play man-to-man defense and send an extra pass rusher at the quarterback. Backs protect inside-out, meaning they block an inside rush threat first, then work outside if there is no inside threat.