OT: coaching

[LanderPoke]

If you had a youth football team that is deficient on the lines, but have good speed at “skill” positions, what is the best way to neutralize a deficiency on the lines? What offensive formations, strategies or schemes are most effective?

I have a defensive philosophy that seems to work well when you are soft in the middle.

These kids don’t pass well yet, so don’t say spread offense.

 

[TheRealUW]

If by "deficient on the line" you mean small and not very strong, then I would recommend a zone blocking scheme of some sort. The stretch play is probably the easiest to execute if you are talking about a youth team.

Zone blocking schemes usually allow for the offensive lineman to initially double team the defensive linemen which help with initial push. The idea is generally that one of those offensive linemen peel off the double team to the next level and engage the linebackers. Then you rely on your RB's to use their athleticism to run to open space and use their athleticism to make people miss.

If you are feeling extra adventurous, you could try installing a WR reverse. If run correctly (and that's a BIG if when you are talking about youth teams), they will go for TD's more often than not.

 

[OrediggerPoke]

I might try running some motion with my receivers and using their athleticism on some end around or reverses. Ideally - I would have the QB do a ‘fly sweep’ or ‘jet sweep’ pass where the QB pitch/push the ball forward less than a yard as opposed to a handoff. This turns your potential fumble problem with kids that age merely into an incomplete pass if dropped. Gets your athletic players out in space hopefully and neutralizes the poor line blocking.

You can thank Bob Stitt and Dana Holgorsen for that pass innovation.