Why The Spread Offense Will Fail In Youth Football

Why The Spread Offense Will Fail In Youth Football

As its name implies, the spread offense spreads a defense horizontally with the threat of an option game (double and triple options) and vertically because of the threat of 3 or 4 quick wide receivers. The spread formation features five basic runs (the zone dive; the trap; the trap option, the triple option; and the speed option). The passing game consists of play action and sprint out passes. The quarterback must be able to run and pass.

"Because an opposing defense is unable to stack the line of scrimmage with eight men due to the four and five wide receiver sets, the quarterback has a smorgasbord of options with the running game alone. You will see the quarterback run the ball himself on draw plays, traps where the offense guard will pull and be a lead blocker, and even an occasional quarterback sweep." (Dent 2007)

The threat of the passing game forces a defense into nickel and dime packages, making it easier to run against. The offense allows teams with weaker personnel to move the ball against superior players because all of them need not be blocked. With Multiple formations and uses. This football offense is a strategy that has been around for at least half a century, with many variations in the way it is perceived and executed. You can find a version of it used at every level of the game, from high school all the way up to the pros. However it is set up, its main goal is to spread out the defense across the field so that the offense has many running and passing opportunities to choose from. It can be an extremely effective strategy if done properly.

The most common set-up when it comes to the spread offense is the QB in shotgun formation (at least 5 yards back from the line of scrimmage). Players spread across the field horizontally in 3, 4, or 5 receiver sets, and the linemen may spread themselves out as well. As the defense fans out to make sure everyone is covered, they are creating multiple openings that the offense can take advantage of. Coaches put their own spins on this offense, to varying results. Sometimes it can work well, other times either the defense is prepared for the transition or the QB can't execute it effectively.

There is the pass-oriented version, which assumes the coach and quarterback can analyze the way the defense is set up and make the right call. Another version is the spread option. This requires a quarterback who can run with the ball, which you don't find that often, as well as a line that can trap and receivers who can block. In this scenario the hope is that the defense is anticipating a pass to one of the receivers.

A rarely seen or used version of the football spread offense is called the Pistol Offense, which holds the option for different members ...