Diamond Formation
Many coaches believe the Diamond formation – and variations of it – is the next ‘great offense.’ American Football Monthly featured an article on West Virginia’s use of the Diamond formation in the June issue. Included were detailed plays the Mountaineers use out of this formation that helped put up 70 points on Clemson in the Orange Bowl. One advantage of the Diamond formation is that it gives a team a new power element, misdirection element, and an option element – all on the same play.
JohnAllen Snyder, the Offensive Coordinator at Pequea Valley High School in Kinzers, Pennsylvania developed his own version of the Diamond, implementing a run game that includes a wrap technique, power game, counter and inside zone play. Pequea Valley usually runs a pro-style offense but their version of the Diamond formation has been very effective, and more importantly, is difficult to prepare for.
In this issue of GS, Coach Snyder details a number of plays used in his Diamond formation. The base formation has five offensive linemen and two wideouts split to each side. The quarterback is positioned in the shotgun, four yards from the line of scrimmage. On each side of him, splitting the outside leg of the guards, are the two running backs. Behind the quarterback, five yards back, is the tailback. This is Pequea Valley’s version of the Diamond, giving them many options. Many other high schools and colleges are experimenting with different versions of this offense. Time will tell if it will be the next great offense.
This issue of GS also includes three article on defense – ‘Improving Your Defense in Three Phases – Purusit, Tackling, and Turnovers,’ ‘Defensive Philosophy –Defensive Line Movement,’ and ‘Advanced Linebacker Techniques and Run Drills.’ In the first article, Coach Keith Scott of the University of Arkansas at Monticello, details three drills to take advantage of offensive mistakes.
We hope you enjoy this issue of GS. As always, we welcome your feedback.
Respectfully,
Rex Lardner
Managing Editor