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Football Instruction/Reading an Offense
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Green-Backer wrote at 2008-11-18 03:37:26
Watching film is the for sure way to read an opponent in general. Every team has a tell on every play, either a pulling guard, the way the QB moves after taking the snap, or even the way the RB steps when the ball is snapped. Figuring this out weekly is the most important and effective way to learn to read opponents.
In general, Guards are easy reads for LB's. Pulling guards will almost always take you to the play (depending on team once again) as they are pulling for a reason. Another easy read are the O-Line's helmets. Helmets firing skyward quick indicate pass, while a lower forward motion show run.
TE's are also a good read, as you can tell by their attacking motion if they are staying to block, or releasing to run a route. You'll need a good second or two though, as good TE's will pretend to block before releasing on some teams.
When I play inside, my checkdown list is normally this.
Identify formation
Call the strength and any all defensive calls (blitzs, coverage, adjustments, etc)
Check step
Read through the offense in this order. Guards, Center, Backfield.
When I play outside, my checkdown list is normally this.
Identify formation
Call the strength and any all defensive calls (blitzs, coverage, adjustments, etc)
Check step
Read through the offense in this order. TE, Guards, Center, Backfield.
This takes palce all in a second, with the first being my main focus, me last being in my peripheral vision.
This technique works for me, but every LB is different.
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Answers by Expert:
Coach Perl
Expertise
Almost everything you ever wanted to learn about the offensive side of the football. I can assist you in learning / teaching proper conditioning, offensive schemes and game-planning, player placement for each position, set and position descriptions, efficient scouting of opposing teams, play calling, and post-game breakdowns of your teams performance / breaking down game films. Although I spend most of my time on the offensive side of the ball, I have coached and played defense, so questions about defense are welcome as well. I DO HAVE ONE MINOR REQUEST - Make sure and read through the "Past Answers" section before you ask your question. There is a good chance it might save you a lot of typing time! A lot of the questions have already been answered in past responses!
Experience
I began my career in school as a running back and outside linebacker, but eventually ended up as the starting quarterback in both the "wing-t" (JR year) and "run and shoot" (SR year) offenses throughout high school, eventually being elected into my high school's athletic hall of fame. After my playing days were over, I began coaching as an offensive student-assistant at the Div. 1 SEC school I attended. I have also served as a position coach and Offensive Coordinator at the semi-professional level. I am currently the Offensive Line, Running Backs, and Offensive Run Coordinator for The Cleveland Lions (Semi-pro in Cleveland, Ohio).
Publications
"Sports Officiating Handbook" - Lawyers Register Publishing (1996-97)
Education/Credentials
Bachelors of Science in Hospitality Management; Minor in Business; Certified conditioning trainer (ACE)
Awards and Honors
High School Athletic Hall of Fame inductee (2005)- Football and baseball.
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