split back fly

Coach: Everything related to the Fly in my Wild Bunch offense came directly from Coach Mark Speckman at Willamette. When it comes to split-back Fly, he is THE MAN; accept no substitutes.

That said, there is a very good source of Fly-related offense from a Wing-T base, from Coach George Crace of Wilsonville HS in Oregon:

www.coacheschoice.com/product.cfm?pid=3383

So: My advice is that, if you want to switch to a more split-back look and run the Fly exactly the way Coach Speckman teaches it, invest in his stuff:

www.coacheschoice.com/product.cfm?pid=1675

If, OTOH, you want to keep more of a Wing-T look and feel to your offense, invest in Coach Crace's DVDs. You will not be disappointed either way.

And I'm happy to throw in free advice no matter which system you choose, for what it's worth.

We actually have run the exact system that Speckman has in place. We have run it the past three years. Last year was our first Varsity season with seniors (6-4 record) and third overall for the school. We have went to clinics at Willamette and a camp run by Speckmans staff.

Last year was my first as head Varsity. . .. I like the system, but only drawback is short yardage. With Split backs, it is harder to get quick hitters like the trap in the wing T

This year, we are going to have a wing T set so we can run a quick trap out of the offset, but we will still run the the fly as a base. We are also looking to modify some of the names of the formations

It is a good base system. . . It is misdirection running game. It also affords a little more in the way of passing than the wing T (we threw for 1600 yds last year) You might need to modify a few things, the passing system is a little complex in its numbering and play calling. but Willamette is a school for brainacs, as students need a 3.7 and a ridiculous SAT, so they are able to learn it.

I have a copy of the Speckman Video, and I should be able to make a copy (my assistant "magically" is able to do it)

I would love to trade for something Wing T or something on offensive formations. I would be happy to help where I can.

talexander@ycusd.k12.ca.us

Ted:

We are looking to change some of our naming of formations this year. We ran the split back fly exactly as Speckman does, and I am trying to simplify things because:

1) Kids had probs with know where the plays are going because of the simple naming: ie Belly instead of 34 belly. We are going to number them, but also name them (34 lead belly or 25 belly counter)

2) The alignment of Lineman based on strength rather than left or right

3) the passing system
4) the formations: ie Lou instead of having a "left and right" call

I am currently having a little problem re-doing this. Specifically, I have played around with things such as "Slot left, Slot right, wing left, etc. Where I having the problem is having it get wordy when we want to have our Z move, TB, go to trips, trey, etc.

I am trying to settle on either having a lot of 'named' formations ie: slot, tight, trips, trey doubles, twins (left/right) or having less formations, but having tags: Ie; slot left over or wing right dub ace, etc.

Just curious what you think. I have seen a lot of your posts on this and Campbell site, and I respect your knowledge.

Thanks

talexander@ycusd.k12.ca

Coach Morris:

RE: Type of back. . . . In my opinion, it doesn't matter a great deal what types of backs you use with the TB/FB combo. The FB should be a little better at blocking, run and pass. Also, the TB should be the better runner of the two. However, they both run the same type of plays in the split back formation, and ideally you have two guys that are threats to run the ball.

This year, we started out with a 'big' FB. . he was a good blocker, and decent runner. However, when he was suspended because of team rules, we put a scat type guy at FB and ran a lot of one back. . .. this actually made us better (but, of course, he got injured in an off- the field deal)

However, in the traditional one-back, the TB can also run the Fly sweep. . . . although you can modify this if you have a true fly z back.

Coach: All other things being equal, I will always choose simplicity. Of course, when was the last time all other things were equal?



One of the reasons I came up with the Wild Bunch formation was that it allowed me to do the things I wanted to do, run and pass, in both directions, even though the formation is not symmetrical. This also allows me to establish a Spread side and a Bunch side to the formation, although the strength is equal both ways, which is good since that cuts learning assignments for my linemen in half.

So -- I don't call my base Wild Bunch formation anything -- a huddle (or LOS) call of "Right" or "Left" tells everyone where to line up. Beyond that, if I want formation variations, I use a one-word tag:

SNUG: Moves the TE/WB combination in from 6 yards out from their Tackle to 3 yards.
SWAP: Swaps X and Y, places Y tight on the Spread side - part of MAX 8-man pass pro scheme.
SPREAD: Coverdale & Robinson's CLUSTER (base Wild Bunch formation is their SQUEEZE formation).
STACK: Double stacks split 10 yards from each Tackle.
SWING: SWING Right is Wing-T Red, SWING Left is Wing-T Blue formation.

I hope that answers your question. I try to never give the huddle more to chew on than "SWING Right 11 Red Light Sweep on 2" -- and that can just as easily be "STACK 35 Trap on 1".

What are the best two or three running plays out of the Split Back Fly to easily incorporate?

Kurt

Thanks Coach, appreciated very much.

Go Red Devils!

Kurt

user: cookiemonster is a great resource -- on this board -- to ask about split back fly/jet stuff, especially the speckman stuff (red light, green light, yellow light, etc.)

In my one year experience with a team that ran the Willamette fly I would have to say that beside the Fly Sweep our next best plays were the dive and trap with the backside RB. If LBers flowed it really opened up.

Then if the Backers were being honest but the Force came fast vs the Fly sweep the next play (that hits the frontside C-Gap) Was the Power to the Fly side. The kickout was often not needed as the EMOL was going with the fly. The force was not needed to be blocked as the Fly occupied. Since the backers were staying home the down and chip to seal were easier, thus the off tackle was a clear path.