"Pinch" and "Spread OL Assignment and the Run Game

[RogueHominid]

For you experienced players out there, I'm wondering if there's a benefit to these line calls in the running game.

I've experimented some in the pass game, but noticed that the A-gap overload in the run game does not necessarily get registered by the O in a default line call (same for pass plays, and as it should be).

Does any of you know if a "Pinch" call will draw the focus to the A and B gaps and consistently target players in those areas?

Do "slide" L/R work as effectively or better?

And any input on the spread call logic would be appreciated as a bonus.

Thanks in advance!

[LBzrule]

Some people swear by it. I don't. Some guys say you have to make the calls based on the lineman close to the Center. I'm not sure. I think a lot of it is placebo. I think it does work on some plays, but I also think the blocking on some other plays is just terrible. Like most of the power-o plays Do not use these plays. Someone on defense will bust through every single time unless you use motion. And I hate motioning a WR or TE to a certain spot just to try to get this run play to work because then if you don't do it for your pass plays then you tip the person on defense off that you are running. But if you do it on pass plays you take a receiver out of the passing game. Mehhhh.

I've also given up on toss plays. All the person on D has to do is run way outside and the blockers will ignore them. Then turn back in and make the tackle. So that really leaves dives and counters, off tackle and that's all you can run really.

[LBzrule]

To your questions.


Pinch does nothing that I can see. What you are calling spread = aggressive. From what I've read aggressive is good on Straight ahead runs like FB Dive, or any dive play for that matter. But I've seen plays get blown up just like they would if you didn't use it so I don't know.

[CreatineKasey]

Yeah, remember there is a chance that it does nothing at all in the run game. I mean, it is supposed to be for pass blocking so who really knows if they went through and coded logic for every run play to tie in with their pass block calls. I am personally more inclined to say they don't matter on runs, but who knows.

[Pared]

Quote: Originally Posted by LBzrule

Some people swear by it. I don't. Some guys say you have to make the calls based on the lineman close to the Center. I'm not sure. I think a lot of it is placebo. I think it does work on some plays, but I also think the blocking on some other plays is just terrible. Like most of the power-o plays Do not use these plays. Someone on defense will bust through every single time unless you use motion. And I hate motioning a WR or TE to a certain spot just to try to get this run play to work because then if you don't do it for your pass plays then you tip the person on defense off that you are running. But if you do it on pass plays you take a receiver out of the passing game. Mehhhh. I've also given up on toss plays. All the person on D has to do is run way outside and the blockers will ignore them. Then turn back in and make the tackle. So that really leaves dives and counters, off tackle and that's all you can run really.

There are ways to counter those though, especially with the line shifts.

Some plays don't work at times... but to me, that's the balance they are trying to implement. I don't like how they do it mind you... some guys just don't cover their man properly and just flat out don't "hunt" out their assignments... but you can def. get these plays to work.

As well as they should? No, but they can definitely be successful and it is certainly possible to get that seal.

[marcus82]

from what i can tell line adjustments do work. I haven't been able to figure out if pinch and aggressive line audibles change run blocking but left and right sure do. I really only use them against 3-4 defenses.

shiftin the line has been the difference in my guard reaching a MLB on a run up the gut and my tackle reaching on OLB on an outside run play. I've found against the 3-4 if idon't R/L shift my line the outside LB can come off the edge free and blow up the play. it doesn't work every time but going into practice mode i see a noticeable change in blocking assignments

[CreatineKasey]

Quote: Originally Posted by Pared

There are ways to counter those though, especially with the line shifts. Some plays don't work at times... but to me, that's the balance they are trying to implement. I don't like how they do it mind you... some guys just don't cover their man properly and just flat out don't "hunt" out their assignments... but you can def. get these plays to work. As well as they should? No, but they can definitely be successful and it is certainly possible to get that seal.

I can get tosses and Power-O's to work well, they just sometimes totally break down. They seem to be higher risk/reward runs... especially the power O. I fear running that one consistently because of it.

When running the ball on tosses, you can lay off the burst early and if someone does what you say - run around your blockers - hit the gas and burn right up past him for a nice gain.

[Pared]

That's exactly what I do, especially on tosses. You have to stay behind your man until the right moment, then hit the hole.

It's the best counter to the defensive counter. When they overpursue, cut straight up. There's typically a space there. The only downside is you have to wait until the blocker "picks him up." They could def. "hunt" a bit better.