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.
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
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.
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.
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 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.
Quick inside run; a guard traps a penetrating DT.
Blocking: Playside down-blocks; backside guard pulls and traps.
Ball: RB through the trap lane.
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
Week 1: Shotgun snap mechanics (huge priority), alignment, 2×2 formation; install Inside Zone + Jet Sweep.
Week 2: Add the Bubble Screen and package it with the run (read the box count).
Week 3: Add QB Power/Iso and Trap for interior toughness.
Week 4+: Add sprint-out or vertical pass; only if the QB is ready, simple zone-read/RPO.
Full Playbook
30 playsA 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.
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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →Quarterback reads the flat defender against the stick and flat combo.
Key: Slot runs a stick sit-down at five yards while the back runs the flat to stress the defender.
Full breakdown →Four receivers stretch the field vertically and the quarterback reads the safeties.
Key: Line sets full drop-back protection while receivers spread and bend seams versus the coverage.
Full breakdown →Two receivers cross underneath creating a natural rub for an open man.
Key: Slot and backside receiver cross at five yards while the back checks release to the flat.
Full breakdown →A hitch-corner combination attacks the flat and deep corner high-low.
Key: Outside receiver runs a hitch while the slot runs a corner over the top of the flat defender.
Full breakdown →Inside receiver runs a deep crosser as the primary read across the field.
Key: Line big-on-big protects while the crosser clears zones and a dig comes underneath.
Full breakdown →Quarterback sprints right with three receivers stretching the sideline at three levels.
Key: Line reach-protects to the sprint side while receivers run corner, out, and flat to flood the zone.
Full breakdown →Slot receiver runs a bubble and catches a quick throw in space.
Key: Outside receiver and slot stalk-block the corner and safety to spring the alley.
Full breakdown →Outside receiver catches an immediate throw behind a receiver's block.
Key: The inside receiver blocks the nearest defender while the ball comes out instantly.
Full breakdown →Receiver catches a screen with the whole line releasing to block downfield.
Key: All five linemen release to the perimeter to lead-block for the receiver.
Full breakdown →Running back slips into the flat and catches a screen behind pulling linemen.
Key: Two linemen release after a brief set to lead-block for the back in space.
Full breakdown →Combination of a slant and flat gives an easy high-low quick read.
Key: Line sets quick protection while the slant clears and the flat replaces underneath.
Full breakdown →Quarterback fakes zone then boots the opposite way to a crosser and flat.
Key: Line run-blocks then the quarterback boots as the tight end drags across and a receiver settles in the flat.
Full breakdown →Off zone fake, receivers run a post and wheel combination downfield.
Key: Line sells run before setting while the slot wheels up the sideline behind a clearing post.
Full breakdown →Receiver catches a quick screen then throws back across the field to the quarterback.
Key: Line blocks the screen action while the quarterback leaks to the opposite flat uncovered.
Full breakdown →Running back starts a sweep and hands to a receiver coming the opposite way.
Key: Backside must cut off pursuit while a lineman or slot leads around the far edge for the reverse.
Full breakdown →Offense fakes a bubble screen then the receiver takes off deep behind the biting defense.
Key: Blockers sell the screen a beat before releasing the deep runner past the aggressive coverage.
Full breakdown →More offense systems
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