Becker bulldog: 3-step package.

A 3-step drop and four routes which enabled two different QBs to throw for 2,000 yards and 20 TDs

Over the past two seasons at Becker (MN) H.S., we worked with two quarterbacks who threw for over 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns. We attributed their success in large part to a 3-step drop package that allowed us to take advantage of what the defense was giving us and that helped keep the linebackers off the LOS.

Since we expected to throw the ball in less than two seconds, we did not need a great deal of protection for our passer. Nor did our QB have to have a rocket arm to get the ball to the outside receivers.

We threw four routes in our 3-step package: the Fly, the Stop, the Slant, and the Four Verticals. The receivers' alignments depended upon the location of the ball.

If the ball was in the middle of the field, we wanted our receivers to split the difference between the hash marks and sideline.

If the ball was on the hashmarks, we wanted the receiver on the wide side of the field to align one to two yards outside of the hashmark, and the receiver on the short side to set up no closer than six yards from the sideline.

PROTECTION

Our 3-step protection involved both a 7-man and 6-man scheme. On the backside, we counted the defensive man over the center as 1, the first man outside the center as 2, the next man as 3, and the last man as 4. On the playside, we counted the first man past the center as 1 and counted the rest the same as we did on the back side.

Our five inside men were responsible for the five inside men on defense, regardless of the front.

Our fullback was responsible for the #3 man on the playside and had to explode into his playside to get his hands down.

The QB was responsible for #4 if he came off the edge.

The backside wingback was responsible for the #4 man on the backside.

Our guards took two-foot splits from the center and joined the tackles in taking a step toward the center and aggressively run-blocking on twists and LB stunts. We did not want them to turn their shoulders, back up, or chase the defensive linemen in our 3-step protection.

50 FRONT (DIAG. 1)

The center locks onto the noseguard and the guards step down and squeeze the A gap, looking for a LB blitz and helping out on a noseguard slant. The tackles step down and get inside leverage on the DTs. The fullback blocks #3 on the playside, while the backside WB blocks #4.

40 FRONT (DIAG. 2)

The playside guard and tackle run-block the inside stack, looking for a DT/ILB twist. The center checks the ILB and then looks to protect the backside A gap. The backside guard and tackle step inside and squeeze the A and B gaps. The backside tackle protects against a crashing defensive end, then turns him upfield. The backside WB steps down hard and helps on the DE, but is responsible for #4. The FB blocks #3 on the playside inside-out, which creates a passing lane.

Note: The backside receiver mirrors the playside receiver's route on all 3-step patterns.

FLY ROUTE (DIAG. 3)

This is one of the first routes we teach, since it is one of the toughest routes to cover. We like the Fly against man or Cover 3 because it leaves the defender one on one.

Receivers: We teach them to explode off the LOS at the defender's inside shoulder to furnish an inside threat. At six yards, they must break past the DB's outside shoulder, working to get width and verticality.

The QB throws to a point 25-30 yards downfield and 4-6 yards from the sideline. The receiver is expected to catch the ball over his inside shoulder with his thumbs out and his body between the ball and the defender. This is a tough route which we work hard to make look easy.

Versus Cover 2, we want the receiver to get an outside release and fade to the side pocket at 18-20 yards and expect a bullet. Under no circumstances are the receivers allowed to take an inside release on the fly route.

Playside Wingback: The wingback takes an arc release and runs a seam route straight up the field. We want him to stay wide and, if #4 rushes, to look for the ball 6-8 yards downfield.

If he doesn't get the ball on the quick seam, the WB must run the vertical route and look for the ball on the second level, 15-18 yards downfield.

QB Read: Vs. Cover 3 or man, we throw the Fly on the third step. Vs. a 6-2, the wingback will be the first target on the quick seam. If he is not open, we will still throw a Fly on the third step.

Vs. Cover 2, we will read the FS on the hashmark. If he sits, we will throw a bullet into the hole. If he runs to the hole, we will throw the vertical pattern to the WB on the second level.

STOP ROUTE (DIAG. 4)

The Stop route is a great complement to the Fly. We prefer the Stop to the six-yard Out because it is a safer pass and easier to throw. We love this route vs Cover 3.

Receivers: The Stop receiver pushes straight upfield, forcing the DB to give ground. At six yards, he plants his outside foot and snaps his head toward the QB, expecting the ball toward the sideline. The receiver always has to keep his body between the ball and the defender.

Playside Wingback: The WB runs the same seam route as he does on the Fly. In this case, he is looking to occupy the OLB and cause him to drop straight back and open a throwing lane for the Receiver.

Vs. a 6-2, the WB is the primary target; he looks to get an outside release and beat the OLB up the seam.

QB Read: Vs. a jam Cover 2 look, we want to get out of the Stop and into another play. Vs. Cover 3 or a loose man, we want to key the OLB or SS. If the QB drops with the WB, he throws the Stop on the third Step. If the QB runs to the flat, we want to throw the quick seam to the WB.

SLANT ROUTE (DIAG. 5)

The third route (Slant) has big play potential, but must be executed precisely. The reads are straightforward, but must be followed with a tremendous amount of discipline.

Receivers: They work to the outside shoulder of the defender, taking a bigger split than normal, but not so much as to give the play away. The receiver plants his outside foot at six yards and breaks at a 45 degree angle.

We emphasize the depth of this cut to the receiver. If he cuts too soon, he will run into the LB; and if he cuts too late, he will run into the FS. The receiver should catch the football no deeper than 10 yards from the LOS.

Playside Wingback: We try to stretch the OLB to the outside (isolating him) by running a bubble route, working for width. The WB attempts to cross the LOS at a point near the receiver's original alignment. If the WB does not get the ball on the LOS, he must head upfield and look for the ball in the hole at 10-12 yards.

QB Read: The pass requires the most discipline in our entire package. The throw must be made on the third step, no later. The QB keys the OLB. If he jumps the flat, the QB must throw the slant on the third step. If the OLB drops, the QB must turn his shoulders and throw a dart to the WB on the LOS.

If the WB is not open, the QB must drop two more steps and look to hit the WB in the hole at 10-12 yards.

FOUR VERTICALS (DIAG. 6)

The Four Verticals combine the fly patterns of both sides and utilizes the entire field. We like to use the play vs Cover 3 because it can isolate the free safety.

Receivers: Both receivers take wide splits and run fly routes 4-6 yards from the sideline. Their objective is to pull the corners wide and take them to the sidelines while trying to get behind them.

Wingbacks: Both wingbacks take an arc release and run wide vertical routes. If either OLB rushes, the WB has to settle and look for the quick seam. If the OLB rushes, the WB has to settle and look for the quick seam. If the OLB does not rush, the WBs must look for the football over the LBs and between the safety and corner at 15-18 yards.

QB Read: This pattern allows the QB to take three steps and settle. If either OLB rushes, the QB has to be ready to throw the quick seam. He must read the free safety and throw the vertical away from the defender.

Since the QB's natural read is right to left, we tell him to look at the right WB first. That will usually cause the safety to jump that vertical - helping open up the left wingback down the seam.

Christopher J. Meidt Offensive Coordinator Bethel College (St. Paul, MN)