By Henry Stanford, Head Coach and Adam Moses, Co-Offensive Coordinator
Now, we take that same trail concept and we adjust the formation to a 3 x 2 set. With implementing the trail concept into this new formation (Example 2), the concept is still fully intact from a landmark triangle pass game perspective for the QB. The major adjustments come from the formation and the WR understanding their routes. The weak side triangle still exists with the leverage, drag, and bubble triangle. Similarly, the strong side low-to-high triangle with the drag to bubble decision creates the same landmark triangle read for the QB.
The extra addition to this simple concept are the two different choice routes built into the concept; that is, the leverage throw into the boundary and decision throw down the middle of the field. The boundary leverage throw is meant to be a man beater. My guy versus your guy, with the idea that my QB/WR combination will win that more times than not. This instills a large amount of confidence in the boundary #1 WR as well as the QB showing them you believe in their abilities. The boundary #1 WR decides based on the pre-snap and post-snap movement of the boundary corner. Inside leverage, off corner = out route; Inside leverage, press corner = comeback; Outside leverage, off corner = in route; Outside leverage, press corner = curl; Slow feet corner = go route.
To the field side of the concept the decision route is a simple middle of the field open / middle of the field closed read by the WR. (Versus heavy post snap spin teams its simplicity can be broken down to 2 high shell vs. 1 high shell.) This allows the decision route WR to make the decision that will open the field side triangle read. Ultimately, the field side triangle can turn into a high-medium-low down the middle of the QB vision. Or, it can be a high-medium-low to stretch the field horizontally by stretching the field flat defender with the corner and swing/square in look.
These simple adjustments to the passing game can create a lot of havoc to a defense forcing them to prepare for what seems like a multitude of different passing concepts you run week to week. This is a one day install for the offense that is simply the landmark concept of getting your players into the same landmarks from different locations. Our goal is to allow our players to showcase their ability without being minimized based on the coverage and landmarks.
