Coach ,

Why is easy! 

They can do something with the ball in their hands. It’s obvious to even the novice coach. Let playmakers create an explosive play because 1-2 explosives in a drive greatly increase your chances of scoring in that drive.

How and When are not necessarily as clear cut. Even in the NFL the how and the when are sometimes forgotten. Dan Gonzalez explains the why-how-when here of getting the ball to playmakers here (click on image for video):

One of the basic ways to get the ball to a playmaker is to either force the ball to a player with quick game or with a screen and expect him to create after the catch.  

It’s not always the most productive for that playmaker. The defense can either scheme to take that away and/or the playmaker is forced to take unnecessary shots because the space isn’t there with the screens or quicks. A good defense will do things to ensure that the playmaker doesn’t have much room in these situations.

The other way is to count on him to create the space with route running and athletic ability. This is a good strategy, but it certainly places all of the burden on the playmaker. 

As a coordinator, you should also think about creating the space for him by attacking the structure of the defense allowing for easy throws and space for him to do his thing after the catch.

Coach Gonzalez says it’s about “Creating cavities when the stuff we want to call is taken away by the defense.”

He illustrates an example in the passing game in this video:

When?

Coach Gonzalez and his offensive staff create “Miniscripts” that allow them to speed up the thought process and give the offense a strategic advantage.  

How many times have you looked back after a game and regretted not calling something in the game plan designed to get the ball to a playmaker?

We game plan for a reason, yet we tend to get into the ebb and flow of what we normally do and forget the special tweeks.  

Coach Gonzalez's practice of creating mini-scripts allows them to get those plays in and make sure that studs get the ball more than complimentary players.

Thanks to Coach Gonzalez for the videos in this email. As you prepare for the season have fun creating opportunities for your playmakers.

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski

PS Coach Gonzalez has this available as part of a new clinic bundle