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Offense · Ages 10–14

Spread (Shotgun)

A wide-open, shotgun-based offense that spreads receivers to horizontally stretch the defense, get athletes the ball in space fast, and (with a mobile QB) add a run/pass read.

BalancedSpace & speedNeeds a snapper + QB
TGCGTWRSSWRQBRB
Base offense alignment — schematic, not to scale

Best fit

Great when you have several skill athletes, a QB who can handle a shotgun snap and make a simple read/throw, and speed on the perimeter. Less ideal for very young or ball-security-fragile teams.

Base formation & personnel

QB in shotgun ~4–5 yards deep. Common youth sets: 2×2 (two receivers each side) or 20 personnel with two backs; 5-wide/empty for screens. Wider line splits create lanes; an RB often offsets next to the QB.

Core philosophy

  • Spread the defense horizontally so there are fewer defenders in the box to run against.
  • Get the ball to athletes in space fast (jet sweeps, screens) where they beat 1–2 defenders.
  • Use jet/orbit motion to attack the edge and force the defense to widen.
  • With a mobile QB, add run/pass conflict (zone read, RPOs) so one defender is always wrong.

Bread-and-butter plays

Inside Zone

RB runs downhill between the tackles.

Blocking: Linemen zone-step playside; combo down linemen up to linebackers.

Ball: RB; as a read, QB keeps if the backside end crashes.

Jet Sweep

Slot in full-speed motion takes a quick handoff to the edge.

Blocking: Playside receivers stalk/crack; line reaches; backside cuts pursuit.

Ball: Motion receiver — only need to block 2–3 defenders.

Bubble Screen

Quick perimeter throw to a slot who bubbles back and out.

Blocking: Outside receiver stalks the corner; line shows screen release.

Ball: QB throws immediately — punishes a crowded box.

QB Power / Iso

QB keeps and runs downhill behind a lead blocker.

Blocking: Playside down-blocks; backside guard pulls to kick/lead (Power) or back isolates a LB (Iso).

Ball: QB — makes the read game honest.

Trap

Quick inside run; a guard traps a penetrating DT.

Blocking: Playside down-blocks; backside guard pulls and traps.

Ball: RB through the trap lane.

4 Verticals / Sprint-Out

Basic vertical or half-field passing shot.

Blocking: Slide or sprint-out protection; outsides run verticals, slots run seams.

Ball: QB throws to the open vertical.

Install progression

1

Week 1: Shotgun snap mechanics (huge priority), alignment, 2×2 formation; install Inside Zone + Jet Sweep.

2

Week 2: Add the Bubble Screen and package it with the run (read the box count).

3

Week 3: Add QB Power/Iso and Trap for interior toughness.

4

Week 4+: Add sprint-out or vertical pass; only if the QB is ready, simple zone-read/RPO.

Full Playbook

30 plays

A complete install menu — every play/call grouped by type. Tap any play for a full breakdown: every position's job, how to teach it, and common mistakes to fix.

Run14
Inside Zone Right
Base down

Running back takes the handoff and reads the first down lineman for a cutback lane.

Key: Offensive line zone-steps playside, combo-blocking to the linebackers off double teams.

Full breakdown →
Inside Zone Left
Base down

Running back runs inside zone with a bang-bend-bounce read.

Key: Linemen take playside zone steps and climb to the second level after securing the down linemen.

Full breakdown →
Outside Zone Right
Base down

Running back stretches the ball wide and reads the edge to bounce or cut up.

Key: Line reach-blocks playside trying to hook defenders and seal the edge.

Full breakdown →
Outside Zone Left
Base down

Running back runs the wide zone stretch looking to turn the corner.

Key: Linemen take flat reach steps to overtake outside shoulders and pin defenders inside.

Full breakdown →
QB Power Read
Goal line / 2-pt

Quarterback reads the end and either gives the sweep or keeps on power.

Key: Playside blocks down and the backside guard pulls to lead on the quarterback keep.

Full breakdown →
Zone Read Right
Base down

Quarterback reads the backside end to hand off or pull and keep.

Key: Line blocks inside zone while leaving the read defender unblocked for the quarterback's decision.

Full breakdown →
Speed Option Right
Base down

Quarterback attacks the edge and pitches to the back off the force defender.

Key: Playside blocks the perimeter while the quarterback options the unblocked contain man.

Full breakdown →
Draw
Base down

Quarterback shows pass then hands to the back on a delayed run up the middle.

Key: Line pass-sets to invite the rush then drives defenders past the running lane.

Full breakdown →
Counter Trey
Base down

Running back takes a counter step and follows a pulling guard and tackle.

Key: Backside guard kicks out the end man while the backside tackle wraps through the hole.

Full breakdown →
QB Draw
Base down

Quarterback drops as if to pass then tucks and runs through the middle.

Key: Line sets pass protection to spread the rush and open an inside lane for the quarterback.

Full breakdown →
Inside Zone / Bubble RPO
Base down

Quarterback reads the box and either hands the zone or throws the bubble.

Key: Line run-blocks inside zone while the quarterback reads the overhang defender for the give-or-throw key.

Full breakdown →
Inside Zone / Slant RPO
Base down

Quarterback reads a linebacker and either hands off or throws the backside slant.

Key: Line run-blocks while the slot runs a quick slant into the space vacated by the read defender.

Full breakdown →
Zone Read / Now Screen RPO
Base down

Quarterback reads the box then hands the zone or flips a now screen outside.

Key: Line blocks zone as the receiver runs a quick now route with a stalk block outside.

Full breakdown →
Power Read / Pop Pass RPO
Base down

Quarterback runs the power read and can pop the ball to the slot on a seam.

Key: Line run-blocks power while the slot runs a quick pop-pass seam behind the linebackers.

Full breakdown →

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