A solid running game is a quarterback’s (and coach’s!) best friend. A successful running game:
- controls the clock
- opens up Play Action passes
- pulls the defense in closer and closer, opening up trick plays and deep passes
- keeps your quarterback healthier (less sacks)
- frustrates and tires your opponent
To maximize your running game, learn to recognize matchups which favor you, whether it’s a defensive formation or your formation, or maybe running on a passing down.
If your opponent is keying on one back all the time, then hand off to another back or run some reverses. If he’s keying Flow, then you should mix in misdirection plays (traps, draws, reverses).
You’ll also move your runs around if your opponent is shifting his line around.
- if he keeps shifting Over, run to your left
- if he shifts Under, run to your right
- if he shifts Tight, run outside (although a short yardage defense is still tough)
- if he shifts Wide, run up the middle
- if he’s calling pass and zones, run Draws
- if he’s calling pass and blitzing, run Traps or even Dives
- if he’s calling run and you still want to run, then mix reverses and counters
Of course, your formation is important, too. If he knows you’re going to run, and your teams are balanced, then you need to use your formation to your advantage. You can run to your formation’s strength – such as running to the right out of a Near or Power-I Right – or mislead the defense by doing the opposite.
Middle Runs
“Dives” into the line (also called “Plunge”) are the basic straight-ahead play, and are effective against “pass” defenses. Also use these when you need a yard.
There are two middle runs which are particularly good against most Pass defenses – Traps and Draws. The Trap is best if there’s a defender right over the center, as in the 3-4-4 defense or if they’ve shifted Over or Under, or if they’re in the 4-3-4 and blitzing the MLB.
Draws work best against zone coverage, but can go either way against blitzes. You might get a big gain or get nailed for a loss.
Inside Runs
These are your “bread-and-butter” runs. Off Tackle runs are usually run to the right side, while counters are usually to the left. Call counters to stop him from keying flow all the time.
Outside Runs
Runs to the outside are riskier, and require quickness. They can, however, net nice gains, especially if the defense is shifted tight or to the wrong side. Reverses are better against “run” defenses, but less so versus Man coverages. Be aware that blitzes can BURY reverses.