How #17 K-State Uses Pin & Pull to Drive Their Top 15 Rushing Attack
Jul 28, 2024 4:00 pm
Coach -
Kansas State brings a black and blue style of offense behind a strong running game to the BigXII. Today we take a look at #17 K-State and focus on their Pin & Pull Play. Let's look at the outlook of the 2024 season first.
Season Preview Capsule
Chris Klieman has proven that he can turn a program and is a constant winner at the FBS level. The Wildcats won the Big 12 last year and of their 3 regular season losses each came by less than 10 points.
Klieman returns his coordinators and main pieces in his coaching staff. Expect the Wildcats to continue their success behind the strength of their returning offensive line. But, we will see a new face to the Wildcats as their QB, RB and top 2 WR’s departed for the next level.
Defensively, “super-senior” Daniel Green will be the leader for the Cats with 219 career tackles under his belt being accompanied by 2022 team leading tackler Austin Moore the strength lies in the linebacking corp.
From there the efforts of Van Malone and Joe Klanderman will be put to the test. With most of the defensive backfield departed after last season, look for them to develop some of their various transfers as well as scheme around their secondary.
The schedule will be tough featuring a variety of road games in a conference that appears to be evenly matched across the board. Expect Chris Klieman and his staff will face challenges along the way but utilize their experience and schemes to guide the Wildcats to a top level finish.
Developing a Complete Run Game - Utilizing the G Scheme to Improve your Run Game
Complementary plays is the name of the game now-a-days. Finding ways and schemes that align and relate to items you already run but that offer you a change of pace that becomes a tendency breaker is what takes you to the next level. Coach Conor Riley takes us through the Pin & Pull G Play they use to complement their power schemes in this video:
Video: Pin and Pull K-State G Play
The Backfield
When looking into zone and other schemes we know that timing is everything and it clears up the reads. This still applies when we move to the g scheme principles. Allowing the LOS to clear and the picture to open up based on consistent timing and spacing is a principle that can be applied across all levels.
When we look into the pin and pull play, have the running back understand that his depth, timing and spacing being continually consistent will be a keystone in making this play work.
Video: Backfield Coaching Points
A total understanding of the play and the process is the running backs best friend so that they can fully incorporate their athleticism and use their mind as well as their physical attributes to really make the run hit.
The key point to emphasize here is the importance of timing and patience for running backs. Often, running backs lose patience, which disrupts the quarterback's reverse out and the pullers' ability to set up their blocks. This impatience can lead to missed opportunities and a muddled picture of the play. Understanding and maintaining proper timing is crucial. By being consistent and patient, the pin and pull play can become a reliable part of any run game.
Why Pin & Pull
The pin and pull play becomes a staple in many offenses for several reasons. This play leverages the athleticism of offensive linemen while gaining leverage, filling the gaps left by traditional zone and power plays.
Its versatility allows it to be used in multiple personnel sets, especially 11+ personnel. While traditional zone and toss plays have their merits, the pin and pull slows defenders' reads, covers linebackers, and kicks edge defenders, making it an ideal changeup in a heavy run game.
One crucial tip: skip pull if you have athletic linemen. Let them use their speed and familiar movements to clear lanes for the running back. This will free up the picture and create downhill running opportunities. The pin and pull is not just a changeup but can be a cornerstone of your offense, enhancing the run game significantly.
-Coach Grabowski, Coach Kauffman and the CoachesClinic Team
Other Clinics from Kansas State Staff:
Drill Manual - Van Malone, AHC/PGC/CB
The Ultimate Linebacker Training - Joe Klanderman
Building Culture - Q&A with Bill Snyder, Former HC
Resources for the 2024 Season:
2024 Prep for Camp - OL Edition
2024 Prep for Camp - WR Edition
2024 Prep for Camp - RB Edition