Though the Pistol-Flex B-back may not have to be as physically large as the prototypical fullback within a Wishbone or T-Formation scheme, he still must be extremely tough! Why? Well, just like a triple-option FB must both lead block and carry the pigskin play after play, so too must the B-back take the physical punishment doled out by the dive-key defender as the QB makes his read.
Depending on how the defense plays our Veer scheme, our B-back may be carrying the ball upwards of 25 times per game! However, if the defense decides to try and take the “dive” option out of the game, then our B-back will still get hammered play after play even though he will not have the ball. Of course, as an offense, we would counter this defensive strategy by calling the B-back “zone dive” play so that we can still include him in our strategy. One thing that an offensive coach can never tolerate is this: allow the defense to dictate to YOUR offense what play you can call or when you can call it! NEVER!! We may have to make a few tweaks and adjustments as the game proceeds but we will never let a defense take away our option run game.
One of the most important qualities that we look for in our Spring search for our starting B-back is toughness. Both physical and mental toughness! The B-back is the featured back within the greater Pistol-Flex Triple Option offense. The success that he has running the ball helps to “feed” the rest of our plays both running and passing. Having said that, on two of our four option plays (Midline and Veer), the B-back will not know whether or not he is getting the ball until the QB makes that decision. If he gets the ball, the B-back must run like a bulldozer to his aiming point and must be able to take on some very mean linebackers. If the QB pulls the ball from the B-back’s belly, he will then be tackled by the dive key defender (play after play). The “toughness” factor comes into play at this point. Let’s face it, it cannot be that exciting to be continually hammered by a 300+ pound DT while not even carrying the ball! The B-back must be able to get back up, brush himself off, and get ready for the next play. He must be both physically and mentally strong. He must want to get hit! He knows he must get hit for the betterment of the team. He can never show any weakness. In short, he must act like a barbarian!
The prototypical size of the B-back at the college level of play is about 220 lbs. Though size is important, a B-back’s “attitude” is even more important. In other words, I would much rather have an “undersized” B-back who has toughness and drive, than a 220 lb. back who does not like to get hit!
So remember coach, when searching for your starting B-back within the Pistol-Flex offense, above all, look for someone who possesses both toughness and heart. The rest will take care of itself!