Theses are three effective plays from our short passing game. We use a simple terminology and numbering system to help players learn the formation and routes. “Red” refers to our formation.
The numbers refer to routes and are as follows: “1” is an out-route at 4 to 6 yards, “2” is a deep slant, “3” is a deep-out route at 12 to 14 yards, “7” is a post-corner route, “8” is a post route, “9” is a deep fly route and “4” is a TE drag route.
DIAGRAM 1: “Red Mesh 7744” This is a pass play with crossing routes that puts LBs and CBs in a bind. It can be run under center with quick play-action to the FB or from the gun with dart/option action. The wideouts run tight post corner routes. The TE meshes over the top of the SB at 6 yards. The two mesh routes “read the green” and adjust, running at or underneath the LBs.
DIAGRAM 2: “Red Motion Sprint 9381” The SB runs a flat motion route, Z runs a deep fly route and the backside SE runs a post route. The TE blocks or bumps the DE and swims into a deep out route. The FB blocks the DE or the first defender outside of the right OT.
On the SB’s flat motion route, he cuts off the C-gar and turns it into a shoot route into the flat. The QB sprints right and looks for either the TE or SB as primary receivers.
DIAGRAM 3: “Red 2-Wheel Swing” (824 Wheel). This play complements our “Red Set” quick-pitch series and can also be run from a wing or motion set. X runs a “2” route (deep slant), while the SB follows quickly outside to the boundary on a deep wheel route. The backside WR runs a post route and the TE bumps the DE with inside leverage and drags left at 10 yards. The FB flashes his hands out as if to receive a quick pitch and then runs a swing route. The QB fakes the pitch left, takes a 3-step drop and checks down high-to-low, from the wheel route (SB) to the drag route (TE). The SB and TE are the primary receivers.
—Frank De Graauw, Offensive Coordinator,
Vermilion Catholic High School, Abbeville, La.