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Matt Jones, Head Coach, Kentucky Country Day

Full video at: Midline & Double Option in the Flexbone: Taking the Offense to the Next Level

MIDLINE PLAY COACHING BREAKDOWN

This transcript covers detailed coaching instruction for running the midline play in the flexbone offense, focusing on precision footwork, player assignments, and common mistakes.

KEY TERMINOLOGY AND ASSIGNMENTS

The backside slot runs a "Viper path" - taking five steps with the fifth step hitting where the fullback's heels are, then going straight to the line of scrimmage looking outside to lead block for the quarterback rather than running to empty space. The backside guard executes a reverse base block with an inside lead step, racing to get his helmet between the defender and the potentially ball-carrying fullback. The inserting slot must align to the outside hip of the number one defender, requiring proper defensive counting rather than relying on gap letters which can be confusing.

BASE BLOCKING SCHEME VS 4-3

Against a 4-3 defense, the playside guard veers and clears to climb, the center executes a backside A gap bounce to climb, and the split tackle uses an inside step then hinges back to protect B gap. The tight end blocks number three unless adjusted. The split tackle takes an inside step then hinges to prevent B gap penetration that could hit the quarterback from behind.

GAME ONE LEARNING EXPERIENCE

The team struggled in their first flexbone game because players weren't properly taught to count defenders on the split side for midline. Against a 6-4 (or 7-4 with corner) defensive alignment, the play should have gone to the split side, but improper counting caused confusion. The tackle incorrectly blocked the five technique instead of the two, and the slot tried going inside instead of outside hip of the read key, resulting in poor execution and limited scoring.

QUARTERBACK MECHANICS

Critical details include keeping the chin on the front shoulder, getting the ball outside the back hip, maintaining proper foot positioning with feet close together and aligned (not one far behind the other), and the coaching cue "hands and feet" - getting hands outside the knee while getting feet in the ground quickly. The backup quarterback showed excellent growth in bursting and getting square despite limited game repetitions.

FULLBACK ALIGNMENT PRECISION

The fullback must run on the midline, not straddling it or off to one side. When running "10" (right), the fullback's left foot should step outside the line, not on it. Poor alignment allows the number one defender to play both the dive and step back to tackle the quarterback. This precision is why many coaches avoid teaching this offense today.

COMMON COACHING MISTAKES

The coach initially positioned himself as the read key where he couldn't properly see fullback alignment issues. He should have stood where he could observe the fullback's path from day one, though they were able to correct problems on film. Issues included fullbacks straddling cones, quarterbacks with improper foot positioning, and one starting quarterback consistently kicking cones by drifting off the midline through his second, third, and fourth steps.

PRACTICE OBSERVATIONS

Film study revealed the quarterback sometimes pushed the fullback off the midline with his front foot positioning. Later practice footage showed improvement with better quarterback footwork - quick hands and feet in the ground, proper alignment, and better decision-making on pull reads. The team also worked on processing pre-snap movement where the number one defender shifts positions, requiring quick quarterback adjustments.

 

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