The 60's: multi-stage passing action.

Football is in a constant state of ferment. In no other sport is there such a continual cycle of change. A successful offensive innovation will stimulate a defensive change, and the defensive change will generate another offensive revision. It's a cat-and-mouse proposition, presenting an engrossing challenge to the men who coach it.

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In the 1930's, offensive power was challenged by mass penetration. When this penetration was found vulnerable to quick-hitting traps and outside maneuvers, the T formation came into power (early 1940's).

This was countered with roving linebackers and/or wide-type defenses. Then along came the split T in the late 1940's to exploit defensive reaction after the ball was snapped, and it tore apart the popular defenses of the time.

By isolating individual defenders through the employment of large line splits and by striking quickly at these defenders and forcing mistakes, the Split T became, and still is to a certain degree, a very consistent and effective form of attack.

Of course the game has continued to evolve and defensive design has been methodically altered until the effectiveness of the original, basic Split T attack has been somewhat minimized. This has been accomplished by the addition of one defender in the proximity of the scrimmage line. This has tended to reduce the isolating effect and match the option maneuver man for man.

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With defense again challenging offense, it has become necessary to contrive newer versions of existing maneuvers. Many teams have initiated certain additions to the basic option maneuver to regain its original effectiveness. It has become necessary to add pressure on the defenders at the point of attack and to reduce pursuit along the line of scrimmage, which has become extremely effective.

This has been, to a reasonable extent, accomplished by the addition of stronger blocking and a more deceiving fake in the area under attack--though a certain amount of desired speed is lost when utilizing these innovations.

Diag. 1 illustrates the ability of the altered blocking system to take advantage of any defensive reaction regardless how slight.

A more inclusive and decisive tactic that promotes defensive isolation is the spreading of certain offensive men into the flank areas. Because the passing attack is facilitated by this spread, especially the potent break-in pass, defenders are forced to compensate by moving out also.

While there are certain restrictions and disadvantages with this spread type T, the offense becomes extremely difficult to challenge when the pass is closely integrated with the ground game. Note in Diag. 2 that any reaction by isolated defenders is, because of the distance factor, almost final in nature.

And so the game has evolved to a point at which individual action and reaction is placed at a premium. Of course the original option maneuver introduced this offensive theory; the defense soon countered with the nine-man front (added defender at the scrimmage area).

The offense has met this by increasing blocking power, by adding more emphatic faking, and/or by spreading itself to force added defensive isolation. This spreading effect also increases the offensive arsenal.

To compete with these offensive alterations, defenses now depend more upon prior knowledge of offensive weapons. With this knowledge, defenses are continually improving their ability to key and react to offensive movements. This reaction is designed to bring defenders in definite position to meet specific maneuvers.

Diag. 3 offers an illustration of a defense designed to meet a number of specific offensive weapons. Note defender A plays the possible break-in pass, B moves laterally to meet the swinging back, C fills the off-tackle area by keying the fullback, D moves laterally in pursuit after keying, and E moves down the line to meet possible counter actions.

Although defensive action of this type requires definite knowledge of offensive weapons, this type of complex defensive play is certainly plausible and successful when employed intelligently.

With this situation existing, it's rather obvious that much offensive or defensive success depends upon individual action and reaction. A perfect defensive reaction would theoretically stop any attempted maneuver, regardless of strategy, style of play, or the situation at hand. Superior manpower would alter this situation, but it certainly cannot be counted upon if the class of competition is of comparable caliber.

Consequently, the next turn in offensive design would be to somehow take advantage of the so-called perfect defensive reaction. The theory here would be to make any defensive reaction a mistake.

How can this be accomplished? Possibly by the design and development of maneuvers that unfold after the ball has been put into play, according to the defensive reaction to their assigned keys or their specific responsibilities.

A maneuver of this type could be operated from a basic pattern that offers more than one opportunity to the attacking team. An initial maneuver could be attempted; if the success of it was doubted, another would be immediately initiated; and possibly, if this didn't show promise another could be initiated.

This situation would actually add one or more stages to the original maneuver. A sequence of this nature could be termed a multi-stage maneuver.

The option, or forced reaction, type running play, such as the split T or belly type, or any option run-pass action, such as the popular roll-out type, could, to a limited extent, be considered multi-stage maneuvers. If that one action is attempted with an alternative available, these maneuvers could be termed the simplest form of a two-stage action.

Diag. 4 illustrates the stages of the roll-out pass-run play; the circled number indicate the sequence of action.

The true multi-stage maneuver entails more distinct and varied stages than the originals. The pass, because of new techniques now being utilized, integrates well with the running tactics that have been described. There's no distinct order necessary, although the pass maneuver, because of its larger ground-gaining qualities, is given preference.

Another important aspect is that of the optimal area to strike. Apparently, more potential success is possible when defenders are spread from each other or isolated. There's also more probable chance of success when playing area is available in which to maneuver.

These effects are probably best available when a spread type T formation is utilized. With its ability to strike the open flank areas quickly with the break-in pass or quick toss, plus the ability to readily turn the outside corner--consequently adding pressure on defenders stationed to the inside--the Spread T appears ideally suited for the multi-stage action.

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With these weapons available, most multi-stage pressure can be directed to the outside with one or more stages involving the break-in pass, quick toss, or both.

Multi-stage thrusts to the inside (between offensive tackles) are difficult because of the time factor. Mental decisions cannot be made quickly enough, plus the fact that defensive recovery can be made successfully in this more restricted area.

A multi-stage maneuver will now be offered that should offer food for thought to the coach, and can be considered a possible trend.

A maneuver of this type certainly requires practice time and repetition. An offense cannot consist entirely of multi-stage maneuvers for this reason. Yet one maneuver, either as extreme as these or less so, can complement present type offenses very effectively.

The quarterback is definitely the key to this style of play; proper training and practice are certainly mandatory. An accurate, controlled arm and good mental and physical reaction abilities are requirements.

Roll-Out Sequence (two stage). Maneuvers of this type have been successfully used by a number of prominent passing teams. This can be considered a two-stage sequence; the first stage being the break-in pass to the flanked back, and the second a roll-out pass-run action.

The break-in pass is certainly one of the most potent pass maneuvers in the game today; the defending team must give it serious consideration. Probably the most successful method of meeting it is to position defenders in the flat areas as illustrated in Diag. 2. The defenders play the flanked receiver by restricting his pattern to the inside and by following him in, very closely, until the break-in threat is eliminated.

This is a difficult assignment, especially against an accurate passer and large, fast receiver. It's the offense's first weapon; if defensive reaction isn't adequate, the pass will be attempted. Diag. 5 illustrates inadequate defensive reaction and the consequent completion of the first stage of this maneuver.

If the defensive reaction to the first stage is adequate, the break-in pass is simulated, and the flanked receiver then breaks deep, as illustrated in Diag. 6, and attempts to drive behind the defensive halfback.

It's hoped, and very possible, that this defender will commit to the inside in concern of the first stage. This situation is accomplished, first by employing the end as a blocker (it's common to key the end for pass action); second, the break-in attempt itself tends to bring about defensive secondary commitment.

As the original first stage receiver breaks deep, the set halfback runs a pattern designed to free him in the flat area. Note the extreme pressure put upon the outside linebacker. He must commit himself immediately to the dangerous break-in pass, an outside running thrust, or the halfback driving into the flat area.

Regardless of his action, the offense can utilize it to advantage. The quarterback rolls out immediately if the first stage isn't successful, creating the possibility of an outside running thrust behind the fullback's block. As this is executed, he attempts the pass whenever a receiver breaks free.

His decision to run is made if the defensive halfback retreats and, for some reason, the receiver in the flat area is covered. Of course the largest potential gain is given priority; in this case it's the deep pass.

Defensive pursuit can be injurious to this maneuver; the onside line must maintain contact and the offside protect penetration from that area. The off side split ends takes a pattern designed to force the defensive safety to cover him; he may be considered an important receiver.

(Originally published in the May/June 1961 issue)

By BILL WALSH, Asst. Coach, University of California 

"A COACH IS SOMEONE WHO CAN GIVE CORRECTION WITHOUT CAUSING RESENTMENT."
--JOHN WOODEN, UCLA.

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