1st time OC, HELP!!!!

Coach
Last year was my first yr as oc and what I would tell you is it depends on your players. I put in what they could handle. For me it was almost everything I had! Basically everything and then as the yr progressed we added a few wrinkles. But if your kids understand what your doing then you can keep going.

Assuming High School Varsity?

20 Formations seems like a lot. I would probably cut that in half at least especially since you are new to a school.

Have 4 basic running plays and develop a great quick game and then go from there.

Our thoughts on how much is "too much" - I'm a big proponent at getting very good at "what you do." That being said, I am always less concerned about how many "plays" we run, as how many "blocking schemes" we run (we only run 3). Installing "plays" is easy for the QB, backs and receivers, but if the OL doesn't have the blocking schemes down pat, you are doomed. As long as the "plays" fit an existing scheme, and are profitable (give us something additional that is worth the additional practice time), then OK. If it is something new for the big men, it better be very special for us to add it.

We usually like to keep pretty simple: (1) be able to hit inside and outside with a man scheme play, a zone scheme play and a down scheme play; (2) have a play action pass off your 3 best running plays; (3) 3-4 quick passing concepts; and (4) 3-4 "air raid-type" concepts.

OH SH***!!



I think you have to really challenge yourself to understand how you are going to move the ball on your opponent. How are you going to attack the defense and put your team in successful scenarios. Calling plays isn't about 'imposing your will'........it is about well-calculated decisions based on the information at hand.

If your opponent is in C2 all night, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense trying to beat your head against the wall trying to get that flat throw.....

Have a plan to move the ball based on what you are given. How are those formations affecting the defense to set up the matchup you want?

As alluded to in another thread, you might be better served reading Billick's old book about Game Planning......develop the scope of offense with a purpose and don't be out there just practicing "plays"

1) what is your base package?
2) what is the Week1 defense you will be facing?
3) what is that Week1's weakness?
4) what in your base package would exploit that weakness?
5) what personnel/formations would inherently cause this defense stress?
6) if they stop your 'money play' what is the comparable counter to that play?
7) what are you guys running that is causing the defense to slow down?
8) what prevents your opponent from sending the house at you?
9) what are you doing that is going to keep the DC up at night?
10) what are you doing that your kids will know their assignments in THEIR sleep?

Know the rationale behind what you want those kids to do. Have an answer for when you're down by 10 and that 3 tech is just peeing in your oatmeal all night. Ask the questions NOW so you don't get exposed on Friday

ok,

base formation I, and a variation of the power I, with some single back 2x2 and 1x3

the base blocking schemes would be trap, down, man, reach

we will run mainly out of I with some PA and 3 step, and throw out of singleback (bubble screens, and 4 combination routes) with some run mixed in.

Here are all of the run plays:
Trap (FB goes straight over center)

Fake Toss Trap (FB takes jab step to fake toss then goes back the other way, same blocking as trap for the OL)

Dive (FB runs to the bubble in DL)

Lead (OL down blocks, FB kicks DE, TB follows FB)

Power (OL down blocks, BSG pulls, FB kicks DE, TB follows FB to BSG)

Reach Toss (OL reach blocks, FB leads around end, TB follows FB

Power Toss (OL down blocks, BSG pulls, FB kicks DE, TB follows FB to BSG)

Counter (OL down blocks, BSG pulls and kicks end, FB fills for BSG, TB jab steps and follows BSG

Iso (OL man blocks, FB blocks OLB, TB follows FB)

Reverse (OL reach blocks)

Draw (OL man blocks, FB blocks MLB, TB follows FB)

Fly Sweep (OL reach blocks, FB leads around end, TB fakes option away) the only reason i even thinking of this is b/c i have 8 athletic kids that are WR types (kids that can't run the ball more than 10 times a game) and only 4 RB types.

QB trap (OL trap blocks, FB fakes Dive, TB fakes option, QB fakes to FB then turns and follows pulling G)

Trap QB follow (run trap and QB follows FB)

PAP: BOB pass pro
off of Trap
Power
Toss
Counter

3 step: Slide pass pro
Hitch
Out
Fade
Slant

Combo Routes: Slide pass pro
Flood
Wheel
Smash
and what i like to call "K" (a variation of smash)

Bubble screens: (PST or TE will free release to OLB, rest of OL will block for a 2 count then get up field)
1 (to the outside WR)
2 (to the #2 WR)
3 (to the #3 WR)
4 (to the RB)

i hope this explains what i am trying to do.

last year we went to the spread and scored 20 points in 5 games. i don't think anyone bought into the system. i tried but it wasn't explained to me well. in week six we went to the I. so no i am not keeping the same structure as previous years. in the past 3 years this school is 3-24. I think it's time for a change.

i plan on coaching the OL this year b/c i feel if we can't do it up front it won't matter what we do in the backfield.

i don't plan on just running plays, that is what the HC did. i plan to teach everything in a 1-2-3 method. for example, linemen: first step, second step, finish. i feel that after the first 3 steps you have to react to your opponent. now if you do these 3 steps low and faster than you opponent more than likely you will beat him.

thanks for the comments, i have had all of this info in my head but this is making me put it down on paper and try to think like a HS football player that just learned what football was yesterday.