Coach ,

As we near week one (some high schools are already in week 2), for an offensive coordinator, the focus off on installation and on to game planning.

Like the variety of offenses in the game, there are many approaches to game planning and attacking a defense that have proven effective over time as well.

Today we take a look at how three coaches approach setting up their game plan to attack a defense.

There is not necessarily one approach that works better than the other, but what is clear is that each of these coaches knows what the key aspects of their attack are, and they set up their offense and game planning based on that.

Distort the Defense

Distortion is a term that has become increasingly popular in the game, especially when discussing offensive strategies. As Andy Kotelnicki, the offensive coordinator at the Kansas, aptly puts it, distortion involves creating grass-hungry coverages or reads for defenders. 

The ultimate goal is to force the defense out of their comfort zone and make them vulnerable to big plays. This can be achieved through various means, such as misdirection, play-action passes, or pre-snap movements. By manipulating defenders and expanding their coverage responsibilities, the offense gains an upper hand and increases their chances of success.

Distortion not only stresses defenders but also puts pressure on them to be option sound in their decision-making. By making defenders cover a larger area or challenging their assignment responsibilities, the offense gains an advantage. This forces defenders to hesitate or second-guess themselves, providing the offense with a split-second advantage to execute their plays successfully. 

Understanding the opponent's defensive schemes and identifying their weaknesses are crucial in developing effective distortion strategies. By employing this strategic approach, an offense can create favorable matchups and exploit the defense's vulnerabilities. Distortion is not merely a buzzword but a proven tactic that holds tremendous potential for offensive success.

Coach Kotelnicki shares his approach in this video:

Video: Distort the Defense

Players-Formations-Plays

By capitalizing on player strengths, leveraging formations, and implementing a diverse range of plays, teams can effectively challenge opposing defenses and gain a competitive edge on the field. It’s something that retired Hall of Fame Coach Larry Kehres of Mount Union instilled in his assistant coaches.

A crucial factor in formulating an offensive game plan is understanding the unique skill sets and strengths of the players on the team. By leveraging their abilities to the fullest, coaches can create personnel groups that complement each other and maximize the team's overall performance. Mount Union Head Coach Dartt emphasizes the significance of this approach, highlighting the need to identify personnel groups and subsequently align them into strategic formations.

These formations serve as the foundation upon which the offensive plays are built. They enable the team to create mismatches, exploit defensive weaknesses, and put pressure on the opposing team. By carefully selecting formations that best suit the team's strengths, the offense can create a solid framework that facilitates a diverse range of plays and provides the offense with multiple options to effectively challenge the defense.

Coach Dartt explains it in this video:

Video: Players-Formations-Plays

Based on the Quarterback’s Ability

Joe Osovet, Head Football Coach Heritage HS, Tennessee, is renowned for his prowess in developing RPO-based offenses.

For Coach Osovet, the game plan begins with a particular focus on the importance of tailoring the offense to suit the quarterback's strengths.

Coach Osevet emphasizes the significance of understanding the quarterback's skill set when constructing an effective game plan. By identifying the quarterback's execution capabilities, Coach Oz devise a game plan that highlights the QB's strengths and maximizes their proficiency. 

For instance, if the quarterback possesses exceptional mobility, the play menu may feature a range of perimeter runs and run-pass options (RPOs) designed to exploit their ability to make plays outside the pocket. Conversely, if the quarterback is less mobile, the focus may shift towards more vertical RPOs to capitalize on their accuracy and arm strength.

He explains his approach based on the QB here:

Video: Based on QB’s Abilities

Organization of Your Process Matters Most

Regardless of the approach, organization of the game plan, translating it into a practice plan, and refining it to the call sheet you use on game day is very important to the process.  It’s something that personally I thought about a long time and developed tools to help me be more efficient and effective.

I love asking the question of coordinators, “How much offense?” Over time I relaized I needed it process that forced better decisions and laid out the paramters of what we would carry into game day.  

It has always been a balance of simplifying yet being sure there are answers.  I created a template for this that allowed me to be more efficient.  It actually scripted my week of inside run, 7 on 7, and team against the various looks we needed to see.  This saved my several hours each week.

I explain the parameters I arrived at here:

Video:  What is in the Game Plan

What matters most is that you find your own process that works best for you. Ultimately, the responsibility fall on the coordinator to best prepare the team.  It’s always worth considering how others do it.  At the very least it allows you to examine and clarify your methods so that you have clarity about what you are doing.

Good luck as you tee it up for game day!

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski

P.S.

I put all of the process and tools I’ve used in this resource. The Coach and Coordinator Podcast and virtual summits, I’ve been able to add perspective from coaches at every level.  You might find it helpful to your work this season.