DIAGRAM: 1-Strong, 893 Hand-Up. This is one of our favorite plays. The ball is snapped to the FB who hands it off forward to the TB. The TB runs downhill to the point of attack. The play-side TE and OT co-op on the defensive lineman in their area and one of them will chip off to the Mike LB. The blocking back kicks out the last man on the LOS and the inside OG pulls up in the off-tackle area looking for the Sam LB.
We can account for everyone except the off-side corner and if he consistently has to make play — then we are having a very good night. It’s basic single-wing football — double team and trap with a lead blocker at the POA.
DIAGRAM 2: 1-Strong, 974 Hand-Up. This is our favorite counter play. The ball is snapped to our TB, who sprints to the play side, simulating our strong-side power play. The wing takes an open step and comes underneath the TB who hands the ball forward to the wing (hence the name “hand-up”). The weak-side end and OT co-op on the defensive linemen in their area and one of them will chip to the Mike LB, depending on how the block evolves. The blocking back traps the last man on the LOS. The ST pulls up into the short-side off-tackle area, looking for the Will LB or corner.
In this play, we’re leaving several people unblocked, but if we establish the strong-side power play, the counter-action usually catches the defenders out of position.
—Steve Isaacs,
Head Football Coach,
Western Albemarle High School,
Crozet, Va.