Every offensive concept out there in the collegiate coaching world has its do’s and don’ts. The following are the top two fatal errors that coaching staffs make while running the Pistol-Flex offense.
Error 1: trying to mix an extreme passing concept with the pistol-flex triple option running game. This simply won’t work. For example, trying to mix the passing philosophy of a Mike Leach or Tony Franklin with the Pistol-Flex will lead to failure! Both Leach’s and Franklin’s pass-happy offensive schemes are philosophies unto themselves. Simply stated: both Franklin and Leach PASS the ball first; then, complement that scheme with a basic run scheme. The Pistol-Flex is also a “philosophy” unto itself and it showcases a great triple option run attack in addition to a very basic passing scheme. Attempting to fuse two extreme passing and running concepts together will lead to sub par performances in both categories. There is simply not enough practice time to MASTER two “philosophies”.
Error 2: not devoting enough practice time to the four base plays of the Pistol-Flex offense (Triple, Counter Option, Zone Dive and Midline). These plays must take up at least 75% of each practice. We must get better at something! These four plays are the pillars of this offense.