How a Champion OL Coach Runs the Perfect Play

Nov 30, 2024 3:16 pm

Coach -

We all want to run a play against the perfect look for it. That's what Kris Sweet has done with the "Wham" play.

Prior to the clinic in May, Kris Sweet sat down with us and re-recorded his presentation on “Wham.” Then he went off and won another Grey Cup Championship with the Toronto Argonauts. The 2024 season ended with the Argos defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 41–24 to win their league-leading 19th Grey Cup championship.

The Wham can be a powerful part of a running game in the way that it separates the defense by targeting key defenders and exploiting their alignment.

What Is the Wham Play?

The Wham play is a gap scheme that divides the defense by trapping a specific defender—usually the backside A-gap defender (often a 2i technique or 1-technique defensive tackle). This creates a running lane while neutralizing interior pressure. The play thrives on precision and relies heavily on the coordination between offensive linemen, the fullback (or "whammer"), and the running back.

Key Components of the Wham Play

Alignment and the "Perfect Look"

The play is ideally run to a frontside 3-technique and a backside 2i/1-technique, with the backside linebacker aligned over the B-gap.
Offensive linemen take wider splits to create separation and maximize blocking efficiency.

Blocking Assignments

Frontside linemen execute a tight zone or plunge blocking scheme.
The backside linemen use "blunt" techniques, taking larger splits to widen gaps and create scapeability (movement from Level 1 to Level 2).

The Fullback’s Role

The fullback (whammer) targets the backside A-gap defender. The block must be aggressive and precise to ensure the defender is neutralized and the lane is created.

Running Back’s Responsibility

The running back executes inside zone footwork, following their standard reads while trusting the blocking scheme.

Adapting to Defensive Alignments

If the defense doesn’t present the ideal look, the play can be easily adjusted:

Hand Signals: A pre-determined hand signal (updated yearly) transforms the play into a split-zone concept.
Formation Adjustments: Simple calls like "Orange" flip the fullback’s alignment or redirect the run to another gap.
On-the-Fly Adjustments: Players call out "Perfect, perfect, perfect" when the ideal alignment is recognized, signaling the team to proceed with the Wham.

Execution Tips

Splits Matter: Larger splits are advantageous, allowing linemen better leverage and movement between levels.
Communication is Key: Calls like "Perfect" and specific blocking terms keep the entire unit aligned.
Practice and Simplification: Sweet emphasized simplifying the scheme to focus on execution against one primary front before introducing versatility.

Kris Sweet reflected on the evolution of the Wham play:

In 2023, the Argonauts struggled with the mental demands of adapting the Wham to multiple defensive fronts, leading to inconsistent results.
Revisiting 2022 film, Sweet identified that focusing on one front and perfecting execution was far more effective.

Here is Coach Sweet covering some of these concepts mentioned:

Video: The Wham Play

The Wham play is a potent weapon when executed with precision. Its success lies in identifying the right look, disciplined blocking, and cohesive communication. While it requires meticulous preparation and in-game awareness, the results can elevate any rushing attack. By simplifying the scheme and focusing on fundamentals, the Wham play can cut through defenses and lead to consistent positive yardage.

Thank you to Coach Sweet for putting this presentation together. If you are looking for a play to enhance your zone running game, this could be it,

Block it up!

The C.O.O.L. Clinic Team

P.S. The C.O.O.L. Clinic has Black Friday savings on clinic presentations (The Wham is 50% off) and bundles of presentations in the BLOCK Friday Sale. You can find those deals (plus deals on other offensive line resources) here: Link to Document