Offensive Hole Desiginations

Offensive Hole Designations

This drill introduces the basic hole designations used in offensive play calling.

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

• • For simplicity coaches are encouraged to start with the basic straight T offensive formation shown below. As time and the players' experience progresses variations may be introduced. But it is important to keep things simple when young players are still trying to master fundamental techniques.

• Hole Numbering--The spaces between each offensive linemen.

  • Even Hole numbers are on the right side of the offensive line, the  Odd numbered holes are on the left.

  • The hole closest to the Center and between the Center and the Right Guard is hole #2, the hole between the Right Guard and the Right Tackle is hole #4 and so on as shown below. Similarly the holes on the left side are odd starting with hole #1 between the center and the Left Guard, and so on.

  • The four backs are identified as follows--the quarterback is #1 the left half back is #2, the full back is #3 and the right half back is #4. The back keep these numbers no matter where they line up.

• Spacing (or splits) is the distance between the offensive linemen

• The Split between the Guard and the Center is 1.5 feet.

• The Split between the Guard and the Tackle is 3 feet.

• The Split between the Tackle and the End is 3.5 feet.

• Coaches should ensure that proper splits are maintained. Players tend to bunch up close together.

• Backs

  • In the straight “T” formation, the running backs line up “one-arm length” apart with the Fullback directly behind the quarterback.  In “Spread” or “Power” formations, the Halfback may line up in spread positions as follows:

    • The “Notch” Back lines up between the Tackle and the End, and 1-yard in the backfield.

    • The “Flanker” back lines up 1-yard outside the End and 1-yard in the backfield

SETUP

EXECUTION.

EXAMPLE

SKILL PROGRESSION MATRIX

DRILL PARAMETERS

EQUIPMENT

COMMENTS