Here’s three simple passes you can use to kick-start your offense if you’re having trouble scoring more points and winning games.

Whenever I have tough games throwing the ball I always come back to these basics to help get things rolling again. 

From our success with these plays I can then start looking to add in the wrinkles I have picked up from other teams I have studied like Alabama, Oklahoma, LSU, etc.

The first thing I do is make sure our Bubble Screen game is solid. It is easiest to set this up in Trips formation and most teams will not cover both inside receivers.

So all you have to do is get two decent blocks and your best athlete catching the ball and running it outside.

DO NOT LET THEM CUT IT BACK INSIDE!

Sorry for the all-caps but you and I both know 5yds is all we need and cutting it back not only decreases the chance of getting 5 yards, but also increases the chance of him getting hurt.

Stalk blockers have to attack the outside of their defender and make sure they breakdown at 5yds so they don’t get beat too fast.

When they attack the outside leverage, they are going to be in a great position to make the block. 

The second pass play works to compliment the bubble. I next make sure we can execute the Bubble Slant from that same trips formation. Once those defenders see you running bubble they get all keyed up and think they are going to stop you every time.

And they may even do that! No problem. You have the answer in the Bubble Slant. Now have your two outside receivers run slants instead of blocking – the bubble receiver stays the same. 

As soon as that bubble defender jumps the bubble, like his coach wants him to, you teach your QB to pull the trigger and throw that slant right behind his back to your middle trips receiver. 

I’ve even had this play score because they got so faked out. And it’s a fast hitter too so your line just has to fire out solid and keep their hands down. 

Your QB does not have to fake or anything, just read that outside LB and when he jumps the bubble, throw behind him. Faking takes too much time – this is a catch, one step from gun, look at the bubble and then throw. Under center it’s a 3 step drop. If the LB sits on the inside slant, have your QB throw the outside slant. It should also be open. 

The last play that works quite well to get the passing game going is a simple version of the Run and Shoot “Go” concept. It’s a sprint out but you want them to get the ball out quick. I’ve got it covered in a lot more detail in the picture below.

These are plays we run that can be learned fast and get you immediate passing results. They even worked with lower levels if that is where you are coaching. 

In the end, your best offense is the one that allows you to BE YOU and has plays in it you love to run! 

Keep on studying!

-Coach Hahnstadt