In 2011 we became more multiple in our use of tight ends, h-backs and fullbacks, as well as with the compressed formations we used them in. Up to that point, the majority of our passing game revolved around our four vertical package, which we still liked from compressed sets, but we needed an attack that also allowed us to attack short to intermediate areas.
Part of our philosophy is to be a concept based offense with our run and pass concepts having application over multiple personnel groupings and formations. In our search for a concept that could fulfill our requirements, spacing fit our needs. We took the spacing concept and designed our teaching of it to be a full passing attack that has the ability to adjust and attack multiple coverages. Another benefit is that the initial stem of the routes used in spacing looks like the stems of the routes in some of our four vertical variations. Defenders who are used to having to run with seams now have routes snapping down underneath them.
In order for the concept to be multiple, we designed the package in a way that simple tags could give it multiple personalities. In its basic form, it creates a horizontal stretch with five receivers across the defense at 6-10 yards. Structurally, we call the play “Spacing” and we tag the receiver and the route which the quarterback can hit on rhythm on the last step of his drop. His progression will begin with the tagged rhythm route to the other routes within the concept.
The two variations we use as the tagged rhythm are “Spot” and “COP” which stands for corner or post. This route is tagged to the #2 receiver to the spacing side. Spot allows for a route that stems vertically for 7 steps and snaps down with the receiver being stationary. The spot runner will never work after he snaps down. His job is to wall of the defender inside of him if the ball is not thrown to him. COP allows for a vertically attacking route that helps to open the space underneath while attacking an area down field. The receiver will break on his 6th step on the corner and on his 7th step on the post.
The receivers inside and outside have the same assignment on either tag. When they see that the concept is spacing, there assignment will not vary unless they get tagged to run a different route. The #1 receiver (outside of the tagged rhythm) runs what we call a sneak route. His job is to get work off of the alley defender by either getting inside of him, or pivoting away if the defender sits inside. The sneak runner has the ability to adjust and move to get open.
The #3 receiver who is aligned inside of the tagged rhythm is assigned to the flat. If the receiver is aligned near the line of scrimmage, he will run a flat route aiming for 5 yards on the sideline. His job is to quickly stretch the alley player. He gets two angled steps and then runs straight for 5 on the sideline. If the #3 receiver is the running back (meaning that we are running this from a 2×2 formation), he will swing to the numbers creating the same horizontal stretch on the defender as a flat route would.
The default route for the back side is a two man snag combination that also creates a horizontal stretch. In a 3 x 1 formation, the combination is with the single receiver and the back running a swing. The #1 receiver will run the same sneak route that is being run on the spacing side. The back will swing. If the formation is 2 x 2, the #2 will run a flat route.
The quarterback’s progression always starts with the tagged rhythm route. On “Spacing Spot” he will work from the spot to the sneak to the flat. His eyes are working across the board. Based on the initial alignment of defenders, he can work from the spot to the snag side as well working his eyes across the board in the same manner. “Spacing COP” has his eyes working from the COP to sneak to flat in a triangular fashion.
Diagrams
Spacing is good from compressed sets because the bigger body types used do not necessarily need the speed necessary to be vertical threats. The ball is being thrown relatively quickly at almost a quick game rhythm. Because defenders are also compressing against tighter formations, being able to get the ball quickly to the perimeter on flats and swings has the potential for big gains.
In the first example, the flat comes from the fullback in the backfield.
In the next example, we run Spacing COP from a bunch set.
The concept becomes multiple in how we can tag other routes into the package. For many offenses, curl is a separate concept. We fit it right into our spacing concept. Spacing curl gives us the ability to stretch the alley defender a little differently. Tagging curl changes the outside receiver’s route to a 12 yard curl. We typically run this with spot as the rhythm.
A good combination for a wing set is stick. This gives us 5 receivers spaced horizontally across the 6-10 yard range.
We also use spacing as part of our play-action game. Having a full run action coming right at the linebackers helps to open up the passing lanes as the defenders must respect the run. The example is with a flash fake and our normal protection rules.
On our play-action, we always block the run called and tag the passing concept to it. Our linemen know not to be down field illegally, so if a lineman is not engaged with a defender, he will settle and help before he reaches his 3 yard limit. Any variation of spacing can be used with play- action. In the following example we use the curl to give us a horizontal stretch of the defense.
Spacing is great in empty formations as well. Because of its quick rhythm attack, it is good versus teams who like to blitz or fire zone because it has 5 routes that can be hit very quickly and get the ball to a receiver who usually has plenty of space to work after the catch when the defense voids an area with the blitz. Against a fire zone defense that plays three under-three deep, Spacing Spot gives the offense 5 receivers spaced equally against three defenders. The numbers advantage goes to the offense.
Spacing is a very flexible passing concept that can be used in a variety of personnel groups and formations. It’s easy to make it a part of just about any formation package whether it is spread or compressed. Its ability to get the ball out quickly to receivers makes it great in third and medium situations and in the red zone where defenses usually bring pressure. Spacing is not very complicated to teach. Simple tags and adjustments, as shown, can make it a very multiple concept in your offense.