Running Up The Middle

"I don't get it. All our coach does is run up the middle. We never get anywhere. I don't get it." That may be one of the most commonly heard complaints about us high school football coaches from our fans and parents. Let's face it, we do run up the middle a lot, but it's not always the way it seems plus I don't think that's what we do all the time. Not to mention, yeah we do gain a lot of yardage from these plays. So, for the benefit of you fans and parents, let's take a look at what's really going on.

First of all, there are three or four type of plays that may look like we're running up the middle from the stands but we're actually hitting three different areas. The play that generally does hit the very center of the line is the Inside Trap. Now I'm not going to explain what that is but yes, it generally runs right over the center or very close to it. It's an excellent play that has the potential to pop for a big gain. Another play that hits near the center but usually over the guard is the Dive. It's a quick handoff to a back going straight ahead to pick up short yardage when needed or to set up another play. When a dive is faked, it freezes the defense for a count or two and can open up the rest of the plays to the outside. If we never run a dive, the fake won't be effective. A third area that hits inside is the Off Tackle play. It is generally run a little wider than a dive and probably just looks like another play up the middle from the stands. This play is sometimes called a Belly Play and attacks the defense a little wider. The coach has to probe the front line of the defense to find out what will work and what the opponent's weaknesses are. Finally, the Power Play, sometimes called Lead or Iso, is usually run over the guard or tackle and again looks like running up the middle. But on this play the ball carrier follows a lead blocker into the hole and attempts to pound the defense like a battering ram. It's meant to wear the defense down and grind out first downs thereby establishing ball control.

By running these inside run plays the defense must commit a good portion of their defense to stop these plays. This in turn leaves the defense more vulnerable to outside running plays and pass plays. Simple concept, right? Yes, and it works. Now add to that when the offense fakes one of these plays but instead passes it or runs the ball outside, the inside running game becomes very important. Oh yeah, the counter play becomes much more effective also.

Are there times a coach might run up the middle too much? Heck yeah, we're human and don't always call a perfect game. They are safe plays that don't usually lose yardage and I guess we can call them more often than needed but the fact remains we must have a strong inside running game. That's it. I hope that helps all of you moms, dads, aunts, uncles, grandparents and Joe sports fans. Feel free to give me your thoughts anytime. By the way, it's time for the playoffs here in Illinois and I can't wait. It's the most exciting time of the high school football season. Chiefpigskin.com