Coach - 

The "Banana" concept, presented by Josh Herring, QB Coach at Lassiter High School, is a versatile and effective play in the passing game. As part of the Post-Wheel series, it offers a variation that can challenge defenses and create explosive plays. 

Today, we will explore the banana concept's benefits, purpose, and uses, providing you with insights on incorporating it into your playbook.

Purpose and Structure

The Banana concept is a part of the broader flood package used in Herring’s offense. A flood concept typically involves a high, medium, and low route progression, attacking different levels of the defense on the outside third of the field. The Banana play maintains this structure, making it familiar and easy to remember for the quarterback and the offensive unit.

Benefits of the Banana Concept

1. Versatility Against Defenses: The Banana concept is effective against quarters coverage and Cover 3. It can stretch the field vertically and horizontally, forcing defenses to cover multiple levels simultaneously, making it harder for defenders to stay disciplined and in position.
2. High Percentage of Explosive Plays: According to Herring, the Banana concept has consistently generated explosive plays for Lassiter High School. By creating mismatches and exploiting defensive tendencies it allows for big gains downfield.
3. Simplicity and Consistency: The concept’s integration into the flood package ensures that the quarterback's reads are straightforward—high, medium, low—and consistent across different plays. This reduces the quarterback's cognitive load, allowing for quicker and more confident decision-making.

Here is Coach Herring giving an overview of the Banana Concept:

Video: Banana Overview

“Banana” Diagram:

Detailed Breakdown

1. Route Progression: The primary route progression for the Banana concept involves reading from a post route to a stalk circle route and finally to a flat route. The post route aims to occupy deep defenders, the stalk circle (a delayed vertical route) aims to stress intermediate defenders, and the flat route serves as a check-down option.
2. Formation and Motion: The Banana concept can be run from various formations and often includes motion to disguise the play and create advantageous matchups. Motioning a receiver or backfield player can simulate other offensive actions like screens or runs, adding to the defense’s confusion.
3. Protection Considerations: Play-action protections are often used to ensure the quarterback has enough time to make the reads. This helps protect the passer and sells the run fake, further stressing the defense.

Strategic Uses

1. Attacking Coverage: The Banana concept is beneficial against defenses that rely heavily on zone coverages like Cover 3 and quarters. By stretching the field at multiple levels, it can create gaps and open spaces for receivers to exploit.
2. Complementing the Run Game: The Banana play can be effectively paired with the run game and screen passes. By running similar motions and formations, the offense can make it difficult for the defense to distinguish between a run, a screen, or a deep pass, leading to hesitation and mistakes.
3. Game Planning: Offensive coordinators can adapt the Banana concept to their weekly game plan by varying the formations, motions, and specific route combinations based on the defensive tendencies they expect to face. This adaptability makes it a valuable tool in the playbook.

Video: Banana Game Film

The Banana concept implemented by Josh Herring offers a high-reward addition to any offensive coordinator’s playbook. Its ability to create explosive plays, versatility, and simplicity make it a potent weapon against modern defensive schemes. By understanding and utilizing the Banana concept, offensive coordinators can enhance their passing game and put their team in a position to succeed on the field.

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski