THIS SERIES IS basically pass-oriented, although running plays such as “Dives” and fullback traps can be incorporated to keep defenses honest. The formation allows you to put pressure on a defense that has shut down your running game. It’s also a great red zone offense and can be used in situations where your team needs a 2-point conversion.

There are four basic patterns, “Lion,” “Panther,” “Tiger” and “Cougar,” which are all run from the same formation and used toward either the right or left sides.
Predator Series Formations

DIAGRAM 1: Predator Formation (Right). Note that the tight end is lined to the left side. The No. 3 receiver is set up 4 yards off the right offensive tackle, while the No. 2 receiver is set 8 yards off the right OT and the No. 1 receiver is set 4 yards to the right of the No. 2 receiver (12 yards from the right OT).

Predator Series Patterns

DIAGRAM 2: Predator Series “Lion.” No. 1 takes two steps and slants in at a wide angle. No. 2 takes a step and slants in deep. No. 3 checks his nearest defender and slants out toward the corner of the end zone (against a zone, No. 3 should look for a quick pass into the seam).


The quarterback looks to the inside receivers first, then lofts the ball toward No. 3 in the corner.


DIAGRAM 3: Predator Series “Panther.” No. 1 takes a jab step forward, comes straight in toward the QB and then cuts upfield. No. 2 takes four steps and slants to the corner. No. 3 takes two steps and and slants in deep.


The QB hits No. 1 with a soft pass on his second or third step.

DIAGRAM 4: Predator Series “Tiger.” No. 1 takes two steps and slants out to the corner of the end zone. No. 2 takes four steps, jets to the sideline two steps, hitches inside and settles. No. 3 takes two steps and slants toward the corner. The QB looks to the No. 1 first and then hits the No. 2 on the hitch.


DIAGRAM 5: Predator Series “Cougar.” No. 1 takes a step and runs Panther route. No. 2 takes 4 steps and slants to the corner. No. 3 takes two steps and slants in deep.


The QB pump fakes a pass to 2 and then lofts a pass toward the tight end releasing to the opposite corner.