Packages

The holidays are almost here, and there is nothing quite like receiving a Christmas package: neat, bundled, tidy, and full of surprises.

Such is the nature of a well organized offensive package, as well.

We often think of offenses in terms of plays or, at best, in terms of specific counters. Maybe we even think in terms of genres of plays--dropback, screens, runs, etc. We think that if we can check off X number of plays in each category then we have an offense that will be tough. Or we say that if we can run these plays from enough formations, man, then the defense really will not know what is coming.

There is some truth to this. However, it is also very misleading.

Good offenses are package oriented, which is basically saying that it is a well integrated "system." It is a helpful tool to think of your offense as a package. For example, the run and shoot is essentially a well-organized package: The passing game involves fronting out by the QB to 4 releasing receivers, the key run of the run game is the sprint draw off this front-out action, and then there is also the screen pass which uses the normal pass protection action of the RB to force two defenders to guard him.

Similarly, the wing-t (which I am not an expert of) is a "package" which begins by installing the dive and the trap, then the sweep to the wingback, the bootleg by the QB, the counters etc. Each fits together and builds off of each other.

Or, for another example Spurrier's offense was largely "package" oriented, with the base actions being the lead draw and the play action (and screen) off of that action. Or even with Norm Chow with the straight dropback 5/3 step game, combined with the draw trap that he has run for a million years.

All I'm basically saying is that instead of thinking of your offense in terms of how many plays or formations you have, think of it in terms of:

1. What do I really want to do? (run the iso, throw 5 and 3 step passes)
2. What will be the defenses reaction to this? (8 men in the box, Cover 2 man with great athletes, etc)
3. What can counter this tactic? Effectively countering their counter? (play action, trapping hard charging defensive ends)
4. What will be their reaction to my reaction?
5. What counters this?
6. Cont'd until you get back to the original tactic.

Such is the package.

When plotting your offense, think what package or packages you'd like? Georgetown, KY is a R&S team that also runs an unbalanced Delaware wing-t. During one season they averaged nearly 60 points a game.

As Homer Smith said, when you install your offense, install the base play, then the counter, then the other counter. Then move on to the next concept. This is particularly true for youth coaches.