It's a crazy time we are going through, but it also means that coaches are being given the chance to have more time to study.  We always talk about controlling what we can control, and to me, part of that means working on football.  Yesterday, I loaded up an installation webinar that I did for a group of coaches on CoachTube.  

After the video was cleaned up, there is almost two and a half hours of video content and 31 different sections in which I detail the process, rationale, and teaching sequence for the Read & Shoot offense, which has been help teams achieve incredible (in some cases, unprecedented) success as discussed HERE.

The webinar goes practice by practice, beginning with whiteboard instruction...

...followed by the accompanying HUDL video:

The "Read & Shoot Installation Webinar" can be found HERE. 

Below are a few samples of content that can be found from my 6 current courses on the Read and Shoot offense.  The courses I have out right now are:

- Creating Half Field Passing Concepts.  Here, we discuss the need to have half field packages in addition to full field progressions.  One of the many pattern examples given,  Stick/Levels, is shown here:

- Expanding the Vertical Package.  No pattern has seen more adaptation than that of "4 Verts;" this course discusses how we have stayed ahead of the curve by looking at defensive trends in staying ahead of no-huddle, spread offenses and used this teaching to our advantage. 

In the next 2 weeks, I will be coming out with 2 new courses: Restructuring the Passing Game, and Empty Passing. Hope you guys find this information useful!

It's been another great season for our client base, with multiple teams advancing to title games, making deep playoff runs, and establishing an offensive identity that is feared by opponents.  It's a balanced, multiple system that truly creates problems.  And, since December 1 - we made it to where it can be communicated quickly without the use of wristbands!   Having spent the 2019 season studying game operations of teams like Memphis, LSU, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, and Alabama, there is great confidence that plays can be communicated with all the same information as before, with no tradeoff in tempo.  As usual, the packaging allows for intuitive learning on the part of the player.  

From coaches across the country who have been immersed in the system and seen the results: 

How many times have you heard, “The quarterback is successful because of the system he runs?” Danny gave us the framework and the foundation to run OUR system. This year, our QB threw for 3,669 yards and 50 touchdown passes! But that’s not all – he also ran for another 978 yards and 14 TDs. Danny Gonzalez is one of the country’s best offensive minds. He is always working to upgrade the offense against the defensive changes.  Stop being a “3 downs and a cloud of dust” offense. Get your boys in the modern age.  They will get pumped up every Friday night!  When you start seeing other teams use your plays that is when you know you have something special. Thank you Danny Gonzalez! 
 
Ron Peduzzi, Head Football Coach 
Hilton Head Christian Academy, Hilton Head, SC.
2019 – SCISA 2AA REGION CHAMPIONS 
SCISA 2AA STATE RUNNER UP
 
 
Dan's system does an amazing job of simplifying the process for the quarterback. The basic progression principles allow the quarterback to attack any defense or scheme. The systematic approach allows athletes to make plays instead of constantly thinking or looking for the best situation. The overall presentation of a play to a defense can look very complex, but the execution of each play is very simple. Dan has obviously invested of great deal of time into making a complete system that addresses all the situations that defenses are creating for offenses today. Dan's schemes enable coaches to comfortably call plays when facing aggressive or passive defensive schemes. 

Steve Hale
Head Football Coach
Olentangy Liberty H.S.
Powell, OH
 
As an offensive staff we try to stay on top of new passing game developments every off-season.  Studying Dan’s newest innovations and what they can add to or enhance in our own passing scheme has been part of our offseason routine for years.  I’ve had the opportunity to study Dan’s latest system update, which relies on new concept-based verbiage, and was blown away.  A lot of passing game teaching methods out there are good only with the most basic concepts, or use sophisticated concepts but are needlessly complicated.  The great thing about Dan’s system is how intuitive it is.  It allows for tiered learning so that principles can carry over from the most basic concepts run at lower levels or feeder programs to the most sophisticated NCAA/NFL concepts.  This has always been the case, but now Dan has created a method of communicating his system in which a play can be called with 3, 4, or 5 words that communicates formation, pass pattern, QB thought process, and even navigation tags.  Any coach that wants to stay on the cutting edge of the passing game owes it to himself to check it out.
 
2019 Season:

• 12-2 record, 30 points per game
• 3167 passing yards 1876 Rushing
• 29 TD passes/ 4 Int
• #1 5A passer in Georgia
• #2 and #3 in receiving yards in 5A
• 5A State Offensive POY

 
Josh Herring
Offensive Coordinator/QB Coach
Jones County High School
Gray, Georgia



Since 2016, we have gotten great results using ACTS and Dan's passing system since 2016.  The genius of the system lies in the combination of a simple method of reads for the QB, versatility in route structures, and the ability to use the navigation tags.  Until now, the challenge was limiting verbiage and hand signals as a no-huddle no-wristband team.  The new updated verbiage removes those challenges completely, giving us the ability to keep the variation in patterns and navigation tags while maintaining simple communication.  We now can communicate the protection, all WR/TE/RB routes, and QB read in just 3 signals.  There is no need to choose between being multiple and playing fast.  The new terms give us the best of both worlds. 
 
Sam Adams
Head Football Coach
Hillcrest HS
Tuscaloosa, AL
 
 
I contacted Dan late last spring to see what he could do for our passing game.  I had no idea that changing some verbiage and a few routes ideas would lead the Marauders to the 3rd best record in the history of Marcus High School.  Simply talking to our QBs about Taking the Advantage …the Concept and then the Third Fix to Scramble was brilliant for our kids.
 
       2018 Stats                                                 2019 Stats
       1,639yds Total Passing yds                       3,869yds Total Passing Yds
       164yds Per Game                                     298yds Per Game
       12 Passing TDs                                         39 Passing TDs
       56% Completion Rate                               66% Completion Rate
 
Kevin Atkinson
Athletic Coordinator
Head Football Coach
Marcus High School
 

​
Working with Dan Gonzalez has helped us to improve our passing game tremendously while staying true to our offensive identity. We have become more multiple formationally and our receivers are able to play outside or in the slot effectively because of the short learning curve.  Dan's terminology has allowed us to make easy adjustments based on what we see defensively and to attack in a variety of ways.  The navigation tags and consistent progressions have elevated our Quarterback play at every level.  Dan is constantly updating and improving the information that he provides and is readily available when a question arises.  He does a tremendous job!

2019 5A State Finalist
Led State in Passing – 3694 yards
Led State in Completion Percentage (73.9%)
32 TD, 8 INT
 
Ron Nelson
Coeur d' Alene High School
Coeur d' Alene, Idaho
 

One of the most under-utilized aspects of coaching, in my opinion, is the usage of the QB in helping get coaching points across.  I used to tell my QBs - "receivers will listen to you faster than they will me, because they want the ball from you."   

In order to do so, QBs must then have intimate knowledge of coaching points -- we as coaches must provide this.  As one prepares for the off-season, it is the QB who has unlegislated access to his receivers, not the coach.   For this reason, we have had snippets like below in our QB Manual.  If you have been keeping up with my posts and tweets, I am have developed for my clients much more condensed verbiage with all the same information. ​ This is obviously old, so please note that the verbiage has/ can change, but the coaching points often remain constant.  

It’s been a great, eventful season, both personally and for my clients.   Personally, my 9th grader was pulled up from the freshman team to QB the JV team during camp.  While it’s taken me getting used to the fact that I am not coaching him for the first time ever, he has some amazing coaches and team mates, and his growth is evident.  It has been a great experience for him, as he’s played at a really high level, completing 63% of his throws with 14 TD/ 2 INT through 7 games versus older competition.  

Meanwhile, clients across the country have also been winning -- and putting up great stat lines along the way.   Just a small sampling includes:

• In Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, their first year starter is completing 72 percent of his passes with 20 TD through 8 games.  Moreover, they are undefeated in league play.
• In Hilton Head, SC, the HHCA Eagles just notched their 7th straight win and are averaging 43 points per game.  In just 8 games, they are averaging 290 yards a game and have thrown 30 TD passes with just 5 INTs. 
• In St. Amant, Louisiana, another first-year client has been exhibiting a balanced attack.   Through 7 games, they have rushed for 1221 yards and 23 TD; in the air, they are completing 69% of their passes for 1,559 yards and 14 TD (3 INT). 
• In Powell, Ohio, Oletangy Liberty is following up last year’s state final four finish with an 8-0 mark; not only did they have to replace a 3-year starter at QB, but had to deal with season-injuries to the QB, RB, and LT this season. 
• In my home state of Texas, two highly respected programs are in their first seasons using A.C.T.S. as a means to drive their passing game.   In the 5A ranks, Cedar Park HS has won 7 straight games, and has thrown for 2,012 yards with 18 TD (5 INT) while completing 65% of pass attempts.   At the 6A level, Marcus HS is averaging 35 points per game, and completing 66.8% of their throws.  At 6-1, the Marauders have already eclipsed last season’s win total, and their completion percentage is up from 56.3% in 2018.  

The importance of processing information cannot be overstated, and that what this system of assembling pass patterns and guiding the QB's eyes will do.  More than ever, the method of teaching we have employed for years is showing that results are easily replicated.  The fact that we can not only dial up just about any pattern possible, let alone direct the passer on every down to the easiest lane of completion is the hallmark of what has been developed here.   So, what are the perceived drawbacks?

Admittedly, this flexibility came with a decent amount of verbiage.  Though teams running this system have no problems playing at a fast pace, some find the wristband method too cumbersome, while others are not comfortable with the usage of numbered pass patterns…
​
But WHAT IF I had developed something that could get a pass play called in three words/ signals, while still carrying all the information as we had before?  WHAT IF the network of verbiage could communicate the exact same flexibility, with the same direction for the QB on a down-by-down basis?  That’s what I have been working on the past few months, and will be offering as an alternative to clients this coming offseason.   I won’t discontinue the free updates for those clients who wish to stay in the old format; I’m simply offering a broader alternative to those who liked the “X’s and O’s” but could not make wholesale changes due to terminology.

As another season approaches, I have been creating the latest round of Installation Videos for my consulting clients, and in reviewing, the more excited I am for the season.  One of the really neat things about interacting with so many coaches is that there is cumulative effect from their experiences, and adjustments come much, much faster.  As I look at the archives of past installation videos, I am proud to see that many adjustments of the past, that may have seemed like unnecessary extras, are now at the forefront of many offenses.

We are also seeing that the structure of our system allows for these adjustments, without any wholesale changes.  While many are scrambling to develop a process to have an all-encompassing method for reading pass patterns, we have always believed in the usage of both Pure Progressions to go along with Advantage Principles, which split the field into 2 complete patterns for the passer.  Moreover, and perhaps most importantly, we are able to build the same "pictures" in the QB's brain.  This kinesthetic memory lasts a lifetime (as the reader can no doubt remember their first home run in little league, or position of the ball in the air when they realized they are about to be intercepted).  

Below, no matter what the read type is, the act of putting the eyes out in front of an inside-breaking route and coming into them is a fundamental aspect of this pass offense, and can therefore lead to an abundance of attack possibilities, whether, the passer is asked to key the boundary safety in determining 1-high or 2-high coverage (Figure 1), coming off of a seam-wheel combination (Figure 2), or throwing an option route/all curl pattern away from the Mike (Figure 3).
​
Figure 1:

Figure 2: 

Figure 3:

The result is that creative coaches can keep attacking.  At this weekend's Texas HS Coach's Association Coaching School, Jake Spavital noted how static spread offenses are dead, and that movement and varied adjustments are now necessary to stay ahead of the defense.   Such things like the usage of RB motion outside (Rock/Load) have been staples since 2015:

​

The overall benefit to having a well-built infrastructure?  So that defensive trends like Iowa State's 3 safety defense doesn't pose such a threat to an offensive staff, making them go against the roots of the offense.  ​Then, the offense can keep attacking. As early as 2016, the need for more efficient teaching of the popular "Mesh" pattern was identified. We called it "Dribble", parlance for "Drag with an Inside Bengal."  This past off-season, even Air Raid pioneers Dana Holgorsen are now citing a new approach, and teams like the Chiefs shredded defenses with version of the pattern:

My unique perspective the past few years has allowed my clients to identify trends and combine them with a structure that has proven to support these adjustments, without unnecessary learning burden.  And even though many ideas are shared in my last book, Read and Shoot, some ideas have already been replaced with updated versions.  This game, like life, is about continuous improvement, and not only must we strive for that, but we must have a way to enact those changes as well. 

For the next 7 days, I am putting all four of my courses in a discounted bundle.  All four of the courses are available at half the regular price!   There is brand new material and video in these courses, and the reviews I have gotten have been really positive.  Below is an excerpt from the vertical package.

The bundle for the link can be found HERE.

**If you have already purchased a course (so all 4 at a discount doesn't help), just shoot me a message when you are ready to make a purchase, and I will send you a LOYALTY COUPON to other courses 1/2 off.**

Below is an excerpt from one of my four courses on CoachTube entitled "Expanding the Vertical Package."   I will soon be adding another project involving pass protection.


My courses can be found here:
Creating Half Field Drop Back Concepts 
Expanding the Vertical Package
​Smashing Defenses with the Corner Concept: Section 1
​Smashing Defenses with the Corner Concept: Section 2 - Advanced Combinations

I have gotten a lot of questions about my new book, Read and Shoot:  Coaching a Multiple Read Passing Game in the Spread Offense.    For this work, I tried to be as detailed as possible, while still allowing for ideas that can be implemented in any passing game.  
​
A broad array of topics are covered in the book, including a method for setting up a system, to teaching parameters, to the use of verbiage and tempo, to player development and calling a game.  Here, I wanted to give a small sample of the text as it relates to Installation:

From here, the remaining installation schedule is covered, and the rest of the book is really set up so that one has insight into all the elements of coaching a pass-first offense, from how to format an animated QB Manual, to how to tag data for game planning.  Read and Shoot can be found HERE.

I am happy to announce that in addition to my new book, Read and Shoot: Coaching a Multiple Read Passing Game in the Spread Offense (found HERE), I have begun to release the first of a series of courses designed tap into newer developments in the passing game.   These courses can be found on CoachTube, and the first one is entitled Creating Half-Field Passing Concepts (which can be found HERE).  

In it, using over an hour and a half of white board and video analysis, I cover some new pass pattern structures that are applicable to any system.  Coaching points, from protection to pattern philosophy and assembly, are discussed.   As mentioned previously, new classes are already developed and will be released soon; the next one will be entitled Expanding the Vertical Passing Game.  Many defensive trends have led to the 4 Verticals package losing effectiveness; this course will look at updated strategies in pushing the ball down the field.  

As always, I can be contacted via social media (@Dan_Gonzalez16) with any questions.