Because of the proliferation of quick crossing routes in this pass offense,  there must naturally be some "counters" to prevent defenders from sitting on these stems.   Also, 3x1 sets tend to get the defense "tilted" to the 3 receiver side.  
 
Here is a quick video describing one of my favorite Scoring Zone patterns, called "BUC", which stands for Backside Under and Cross.  A frontside receiver is called to run a Deep 6 (BUC tells him to alter his technique), and we use the NINER Advantage Principle to guide the passer to the thinnest part of the pass defense.

When I put out my second book in late February, it was a departure from the terminology I used when I was coaching.  As I had previously mentioned, the impetus was an attempt to create a structure so that little guys (like the one below) can start learning real passing structures, as opposed to the trick play fest (that, or 1-receiver routes) many teams will run at this age.  While most of the feedback I got was overwhelmingly positive, there were some detractors, expressing concerns that the pass system was not simplified.  All I have seen is proof to the contrary. 

Despite being as green as you could be (only 2 of our 11 kids have played organized football before this summer), the progress has been outstanding.  With just one initial installation meeting, the rules, route tree, and backside tags used were introduced.  I made parent participation mandatory (which also gives them ownership and understanding, curbing questions like "why won't you let my son play quarterback"), and the basic nomenclature was laid out using the same PowerPoints seen here.  The assimilation has been astounding!  

We used 2 of the 3 Advantage Principles, and have installed the following possibilities backside:
- Rule
- Switch
- Drag
- Slide (we are calling "half" - as a 5 yard in is half of the basic 10 yard in
- Beam/ Box (backside streak reads and switched streak reads)

Over the course of summer 7 on 7, we'd hit all 4 different advantage routes for scores (Flag, Seam, Post, and Hook), as well as Wheel, Drag, and Switch routes.  Even more astounding is the availability of the THIRD FIX -- the principle that allows us to attack the full width and depth of a pass defense.  When a group of 8- and 9- year olds can digest this, it is hard to give credence to claims by a few who think the system presented is "too advanced for high school players."

Moreover, I keep getting notes like the one below, from one of my clients in Ohio:

"Two years ago my staff and I went on a search for an offensive system that would help incorporate all of our schemes into an organized pattern and read system.  We were lucky enough to find Dan’s first book and implemented his stuff into our program for the 2012 season.  We finished with an undefeated season and over 5000 yards of offense.  We changed all language and didn’t miss a beat.  It is that simple.  This past off season Dan’s new book Recoded and Reloaded really brought things together.  Dan’s new book is as comprehensive, thorough and simple as they get.  We have been lucky enough to have 5 straight All Ohio Quarterbacks at our place over the past 10 seasons.  We have had a tremendous amount of team and offensive success over the years.  Some coaches feel you shouldn’t mess with successful schemes.  We believe you should continue to find better ways to do the things you do well.  I can say without reservation we found that in Dan’s new book.  Our skilled players have a much better understanding of the offense and our Quarterback has a complete understanding of his reads and progressions.  We decided to have Dan fly up to Cleveland and spend a weekend with our staff.  Dan is fantastic to work with and the whole weekend was spent on the passing game.  We did not have to gut our offense and start from scratch.  We found, in Dan, a way to re –language everything and have the ability to add in any of the best schemes at any time.  I can tell you this, we have had several years with 5000 or more yards in a 10 game season and I feel we are more explosive in the passing game than ever going into camp this season.  How the system uses advantage routes as a first progression has proven invaluable.  In addition, the backside route system is fantastic.  I find myself hoping the advantage route and the concept are covered so we can get to the third fix!!  I would recommend his book to anyone searching for a complete system.  Lastly, I would recommend having Dan come see you and your staff as he is a fantastic teacher.  Five months later he is sending updates and texts as he develops new things.  Great stuff!!"

Matt Duffy
Head football Coach
Willoughby South High School         

The further my clients get into the teaching phase of this pass system, the more convinced I am that this structure of calling pass plays is superior to what I did previously.   Many coaches are hesitant to make such a leap (overhauling a system that had worked so well for so long), but I felt like it was an opportunity to offer the teams and coaches I work with a “catch-all” system of passing that could be taught to literally any level of player, but could also attack a defense with virtually any pattern structure.  

Likewise, high school teams that have switched to the system have reported a great ease in installation, and have added their feedback to improve the overall system in general.   Because of the frontside tree (seen by some as too cumbersome), we are able to make adjustments that bring not only flexibility, but minimize learning burden as well. 

In this post, we'll look at some very inexpensive (from the offense's standpoint, in this way of teaching) adjustments to the "Big 3" patterns in this offense: Stick, Verticals, and Drive.

We first examine STICK:

The diagram above represents the way I learned the play, with the backside “Glance” or “Quick Post” providing an individual Advantage Route, discouraging defensive rotation over the Stick/ Flat combination.  This setup, however, had a “point of no return” when the passer chooses the glance; if he chose incorrectly, there was no way to get back to the stick/ flat combo.  However, if we deepen the depth of the Stick, giving a receiver more ability to adjust, we can now give the passer the best of both worlds:

Further, with the rules built in to our system, we can alter the QB’s thought process, without the need for a Sideline discussion in between series:

The 9 is NOT an individual Advantage Route, and we can tell adjust the Z’s route when we don’t need him to be on a post.  Because the passer’s eyes will be inside, there is no need for a post.  Because of the system, we can adjust a receiver’s assignment without burdening memorization.  Another example of a situation specific adjustment could feature this pattern in anticipation of tight man coverage:

Another nifty adjustment that takes advantage of a team’s gifted option-route runner is seen below.    Using the RAM principle, the W is always in a bind.  A complete write up on this can be found. 

We are also able to incorporate the option route from 3-1 sets, utilizing the option route described above and mating it with the popular “Y Cross” pattern:

Though this pattern isn’t technically a member of the vertical game, I included it in this article to give an example of how to attack a specific response by a defense.  The changeup above specifically attacks a pass defense’s attempt to cover up the 3x1 Four Vertical pattern, with M and F riding the #3 and the S walling off the #2 receiver:

Once again, our system can help a QB navigate the murky waters of a pass defense, and use Streak Read adjustments to or away from the 3 receivers.  Keep in mind that the streak read is a univeral route in this system; the core routes of the offense are taught to all position groups so that there is no new learning when making such an adjustment.

We are also able to “slow down” the locked seam for the QB, and try to manipulate the S who is taught to wall #2, once again with no added learning burden:

This method of re-distributing rules on the backside also greatly aided the DRIVE pattern; the utilization of a THIRD FIX of the passer’s eyes frequently finds a receiver the defense cannot account for. 

Getting the ball to a drag route in a vacated flat area is a primary goal of the DRIVE pattern. Once again, we are able to attack defensive responses without increased learning burden, and without changing the picture for the QB:

DOT is a tag that stands for "Drag with an Outside Two;" the "2" route enters the area that was previously occupied by the back.  Since we are wheeling him to the frontside, this a cheap, easy way of creating the same look for the QB.

Pass Situation Passing will cover the following down and distance categories:
- 2nd and 10 +
- 3rd and 3-5
- 3rd and 6-12
- 3rd and 13+

The thing to note here is that while 3rd Downs are obviously important, they are not necessarily a measure of offensive success (Turnovers, Explosive Plays, Scoring Zone TD %, and 1st Down efficiency are all more tangible metrics of a dominant offense).  This is because the difference between the BEST 3rd Down team and the WORST 3rd Down team is often negligible -- NO ONE is good on 3RD and 12+.  Where an offense can make a difference is in the 3rd and short/3rd and meduim categories.  This article is about some simple ideas for making the most of these opportunites.  Again, from the first article, our mythical defense is a Cover 2/4 team... 

In 2nd and 10+, the main objective is to get HALF THE DISTANCE to the first down; this way, the offense would be back on schedule with a manageable 3rd Down. This is, of course, nothing new.  What I would like to offer are some ideas for making the defense play a bit more conservatively than one would think in 2nd and Long from a reaction standpoint.

Many teams dedicated zone teams will revert to their base defense in this situation, or use this as an opportunity to come after the QB via zone blitz.  I see the latter as a great opportunity for the offense on 2nd Down because contrary to popular belief, fire zones are intended to make the ball come out fast (not sacking the QB); since the goal is half the yardage; this could be achieved with proper anticipation and planning.

One example of a call to consider would be something like this:

Using the NUMBERS Advantage Principle, we are able to take 2 very basic patterns, and apply them to attack the defense called.  If they roll to a single high coverage (including zone blitz), the QB will work the single receiver side.  Picture the big play presented as the defense sends a field zone blitz, with B and W rotating to the deep and short holes to the field, and the DE covering the back -- an explosive play to Z!

If the defense elects to play 2 high, we work the multiple receiver side combination, which should feature an easy completion to Y if Mike carries with the H. One should also notice the personnel on the field; on 2nd down, the presence of a TE/ H-back body, could help keep a defense in 4-down base personnel, rather than substituting a 3 down defense.

The popularity of "packaged" calls can also fit nicely in this situation.  Though not a dropback pass, the action below can will tie in to SCORING ZONE PASS applications: 

With the underlying theme being one of simplicity for the offense, a Day 1 Installation pass will serve a number of strategic situations.  Here, if the Cover 4 defense will have F "cross key" to the Y's vertical release, there is another potential shot to Z.  If not, the Z can be put on a "5" (Comeback) and use the Drag as the advantage route (BADGE = Advantage Drag)

STANDARDIZING COVERAGE is a key factor in 3rd and 6-12, as this is the down and distance where coverage variability will be the greatest.  As an offensive coach, the challenge is to create pictures for the passer that are easy to interpret; while many do not think of 2 TE/ H-Back types on the field, a defensive coordinator concerned with personnel match ups would be hard pressed to answer the below with anything but a base defense:

If a base defense is called, the stacked receivers on the right will almost assuredly present some type of BANJO coverage, even if some type of 2 Man is called.  Even if the defense did subsitute DBs to go DIME, you will likely still get a good matchup with Mike on B.  Remember, Mike is often the last guy substituted. The 3 on 2 on the stack can leave a lot of room for the M to cover one of the offense's best athletes.

While Stack/ Bunch is often thought of as a man to man principle, our teams have come to use it to PREDICT a zone defense - teams will often check to a BANJO or zone principle to avoid getting rubbed off. As a result, we can get softer zone throws than we would against standard width formations.

The formation above does three things:
1. It gives a EMPTY look, while still having a 6 man protection (More on EMPTY in the Scoring Zone)
2. The formation system allows to get a bunch alignment AWAY from the TE, so the S and W can both be attacked (Strong LB from standard Bunch)
3. No new assignments for the offense!

Another thought in regard standardizing coverage is to use the RAM principle once again, throwing opposite the drop of the MLB:

Throwing opposite the MLB's drop provides great possibilities vs. Cover 4, and has been a staple 3rd 7-8 call for years.   

As the yardage needed for the first down gets into the 10 or more range, ZONE BLITZ must be a part of the offensive plan.  Naturally, 7 man protections are desireable from certain personnel groups; the ability for the QB (or OC in the booth) to make protection checks is of the utmost importance.  Once again, the use of no huddle tempo can be an effective weapon.  Picture the possibilities with 4 VERTICALS because the QB is able to re-direct his blockers...

Losing the underneath crosser to protection has been a concern; this concern gave birth to the REPLACE variation.  In doing so, the passer has a full compliment of receivers, and gains a RAC possibility versus ZONE BLITZ.  In the diagram below, a protection check is made, giving the OL the four down and M linebacker; the RB has the OLBs.  This accounts for the "4 to a side" problem of zone blitz.  Once again, without having to throw "hot,"  the defense is vulnerable in the seams.

Here are some cutups of 471 (or snag or spot or whatever you call it)...they
are pretty old - 2001 season, but you get to see advantage throws, then concept
immediately if the corner bails, and the last play is a 3rd fix.

One thing we told the QB was he could hitch if the flag was there...he could
pause to allow #9 (1st team all state)  time to work.  What he did
have to do was, as we said - be off of it by the end of the drop.

What the clip can also give a flavor for is our movement, formations, and tempo. 
Given that it was 2001, we felt like we were doing some good things...