Looking for ways to keep your opponents on their toes and maximize your playmakers' potential? In this video, Rochester (IL) High School Head Coach Derek Leonard breaks down three funky formations he uses to leave defenses guessing and help you get the ball in the hands of your best players when it matters most.
This video is from the Derek Leonard Spread Offense Glazier Drive System. The lesson is: Trick Plays and Funky Formations.
Summary
This video features several creative offensive formations and tactical adjustments designed to confuse defenses. Here are the key coaching points covered:
## Unbalanced Line Formations
- Moving linemen to create unbalanced sets (two linemen shifted to one side)
- Keeping running back and fullback in for protection
- Forcing the defense to choose between bringing out linebackers or linemen
- Using these formations for go routes, quick screens, and quick escape passes
## Alternative Snap Techniques
- Training multiple linemen to snap the ball, not just the center
- Shifting formations pre-snap to change the designated snapper
- Using this versatility to create favorable matchups against dominant defensive ends
## Bubble/Slant Combination
- Running bubble slant packages to the two-receiver side
- Quarterback reading one defender to determine the throw
- Using quick screens when numbers are favorable (4-on-3 situations)
## Pre-Snap Motion and Shifts
- Shifting linemen to change defensive players' angles and vision
- Example from a state championship game where shifting changed a defender's boot/reverse responsibility
- Using shifts to force defensive adjustments or timeouts
## Quick-Snap Tactics
- Snapping quickly while the defense looks to the sideline for adjustments
- Example of a fade route execution where defenders hesitated after looking at the sideline
- Creating timing advantages by catching the defense off-guard
## Deceptive Personnel Usage
- Disguising tight ends as tackles in formation
- Breaking huddle quickly to prevent defensive adjustments
- Using half-roll and throwback concepts with these disguised alignments
Coach Leonard emphasizes creativity while maintaining core offensive principles, noting they experimented with many "goofy" concepts during the COVID year while still executing their base plays from different formations.
