If running is “power football” then the passing game is more of the “finesse” side. A good passing game is more exciting to most folks, and it’s necessary to “keep the defense honest” about focusing only on the running game. And of course, when you need large chunks of yardage, the passing game is more likely to get you there.
However, it’s been said that four things can happen on a passing play, and three of them are bad (incomplete, sack, interception, complete), so you need to know your team, your opponent, and the various aspects of your passing game.
The components of the passing game are
- the QB – if he can’t pass, you’re off to a bad start. Scout him out.
- the receiver – his hands, quickness, and speed
- the defender – know who’s covering him, whether in Zone or Man coverage
- the offensive and defensive formations
- defensive coverage (attack Man differently than Zones)
- the specific pass pattern/route
Most of the time, if you stay in a Balanced formation (One-Back, Pro Set), then you’re not broadcasting that you’re going to pass. You will want to pass from a running formation occasionally to fool your opponent. In obvious passing situations, you might want to go ahead and line up in a passing formation such as the Shotgun.
Here are some general pointers (see the Patterns page for more information)
- against Zone coverage, throw short passes
- against Zone, throw to backs and tight ends
- against 2-deep Zones, throw a crossing route to the tight end
- 2-Deep Zones are a little tougher on wide receivers and sideline patterns
- against Zone/Pass, throw Screens and Shuffle passes
- against Man/Run, throw deep medium routes or long passes
- against Man, sideline routes or any pattern which has a comeback/hook is better
- Flea Flicker and Halfback Pass work only against Run defenses, and are less effective the more you use them
- Play Action works only against Run defenses
Short Passes
These are quick routes, under 8 yards, and the toughest to defend. Against Zone coverage, you can probably complete 70-80% of these. Man coverage can be a lot tougher, especially if there’s a blitz, or he’s in Short Yardage (against Short Yardage, call Play Action). Again, be sure to look at the different routes.
Medium Passes
There are actually two sets of Medium Passes. The first set has patterns of roughly 10-12 yards, which are generally slightly easier to complete than the second set, which has patterns about 14-17 yards.
The shorter medium pass patterns are better against 3-deep Zones, while the deeper patterns are better against 2-deep Zones.
Screens
If the defense is calling pass every play, especially with Zone coverage, call Screens. However, the Screen isn’t usually effective against run defenses or Man coverage.