Sold to

smith.l.greg@gmail.com
RonMcKieFootball.com

Presents

Pin and Pull RPO

By Ron McKie

Copyright 2018 RonMcKieFootball.com

This book was written because I believe the Pin and Pull RPO is one of the greatest run plays ever
invented. You will have an answer no matter what the defense does. If the defense plays the run
then they will get burnt on the pass. If they drop back to stop the pass then they will get killed on
the run.

You will always have the chalk last and there isn’t a damn thing the defense can do about it.

If you enjoyed this eBook then please visit my website – http://www.ronmckiefootball.com

Thanks.

Disclaimer: You will increase your offensive scoring by 14 points per game if you install and rep
the piss out of this play. That’s how great this play is.

But you must practice it every day. You cannot install this play, run it a couple of times in
practice, then complain when it doesn’t work in a game. You MUST SELL OUT to this play. Trust
me, it’s worth it.
 Table of Contents
Introduction: What’s This eBook About?

Chapter 1: Ask Yourself These Questions

Chapter 2: What Defensive Front Dominates Your Region/Conference?

Chapter 3: Primer on Defensive Fronts

Chapter 4: Blocking Pin and Pull Against an Even Front

Chapter 5: Blocking Pin and Pull Against an Odd Front

Chapter 6: Running Back Rules

Chapter 7: Wide Receiver Routes

Chapter 8: Quarterback Reads

Chapter 9: Window Dressing the Play

Chapter 10: Two Play-Action Passes to Punish Defenses

Chapter 11: Drilling the Pin and Pull RPO

Chapter 12: Ten Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 13: That’s it

 Introduction
Why Write This eBook?
You’ve downloaded and read the One-Back Power eBook. You have installed and repped the crap out of
the play in practice. You’ve gashed defenses all year with the One-Back Power RPO.

So, you call the One-Back Power continuously during games, and it is successful.

“I might be onto something,” you say into the head set.

You are marching up and down the field running the One-Back Power RPO. You’re thinking to yourself,
”This is the easiest game I’ve ever called.”

Until the defense stops you. The defensive coordinator thinks he’s figured you out. “You’re nothing but
a one trick pony,” he screams across the field. “This Run Pass Option bullshit isn’t REAL football!”

Then BOOM!

You hit him with the Pin and Pull RPO.

His jaw drops as your running back rips off a 50-yard run, then your quarterback throws a 30 yard pass
on the next play. The defensive coordinator’s head coach is chewing him out in front of their fans.

All you do is smile because your team has scored again. Life is good.

That’s why I wrote this eBook. I don’t want you – the offensive coordinator – to get frustrated if the
opposing team stops your One-Back Power RPO. I want you to have an answer.

This play is that answer.

 Chapter 1: Ask Yourself These Questions
Do You Run The One-Back Power RPO?
Defensive coordinators will get ticked off that you are able to run the ball up the middle using the One-
Back Power RPO, and they will decide to either:

• Pinch their defensive front

• Blitz their inside linebackers
• Pinch their defensive front while blitzing their inside linebackers

They will do everything in their power to stop you from running the ball up the middle. That’s the
number one thing defensive coordinators hate: runs up the middle. Defensive coordinators would
rather someone fart in their mother’s mouth than have the offense run the ball between the tackles on
their defense.

I don’t understand it either, but it is true.

Are you a Shotgun and/or Pistol Team?

If you run your offense from under center and you want to run this play, then I have some bad news for
you.

You can’t do it. Sorry.

However, if you are a shotgun and/or pistol team then you can run this play forever.

In fact, if you are a shotgun and/or pistol team then I would encourage you to run this play. It’s simple to
install, simple to rep, and the results will speak for themselves.

Plus, you will get to see the opposing defensive coordinator get chewed out during the game because
his defense can’t stop this play.

It’s happened while I coached, and I loved it.

Do You Have an Outside Run already in the playbook?

You do? Well, throw it out. You don’t need multiple outside runs. I don’t care what other coaches say.
You only need one run to the outside.

Why?

Having multiple outside runs means less time perfecting the Pin and Pull RPO.
Keep it simple for the kids. Don’t get caught up in running what Alabama or Clemson or Ohio State are
running. You don’t their kind of athletes. If you do then you don’t need to read this eBook.

Your kids need a play they can believe in. A play they know how to block. A play they know how to
execute. A play they can run regardless of the situation they face.

This is that play.

Are Your Wide Receivers Horrible at Blocking?
Listen, we all spout that stupid saying, “If wide receivers want the rock, then they have to block.”

We know that crap isn’t true. Are you going to tell me you’re going to sit your 6’2 star wide receiver
because he can’t block someone? Or what about your small, quick wide receiver who is weaker than
Stephen Hawking, but faster than Antonio Brown?

Please.

Face it. Those guys are out there because they are playmakers. They aren’t out there for their blocking
abilities.

So, what do we do? Do we:

1) Devote valuable practice time to stalk and crack blocking and get on their case throughout
practice and games when they fail to block.

Or

2) Use their talents and have them do what they were put on the field to do – run routes, catch
balls, and score points.

I don’t know about you, but I like option number 2. Besides, if I yell too much then I get a headache. I
don’t want to go home with a headache.

Do You Want to Score Points and Fill Up the Stands?

Of course, you do. That’s why you’ve bought this eBook. That’s why you’ve read this far. That’s why you
and I have become best friends.

Chapter 2: What Defensive Front Dominates Your

Region/Conference?
Asking yourself this question is important, because you will structure your practices around this scheme
the most. What’s the point of practicing against Even, Odd, Bear, Over-G, Under-G, Double Eagle Under-
G, Double Eagle Over Double D fronts if most of your conference runs a simple 50 front?

It doesn’t make sense.

DON’T COACH GHOSTS.

Coach the defensive fronts your opponents will run against you. That means you must put in some work
in the offseason.

Ask yourself these questions:

 1. How does my opponent align to our 3x1 formation?
2. How does my opponent align when I motion to 3x1?
3. If my opponent is an Even front guy, then where do they set the 3-tech?
4. If my opponent is an Odd man front, then which side does he like to bring the outside
linebacker?
5. Will my opponent bring the corner off the single receiver side?
6. How does my opponent play man? Do they switch/banjo or do they stick with straight man?
7. How often does my opponent slant?
8. Is my center better than my opponent’s nose guard/1-tech?

These are important questions you need to find out before you start installing this play. My
grandmother used to say, “Measure twice, cut once.” She also said, “If you want to be criticized, marry.”

So take her sayings at face value.

Chapter 3: Primer on Different Fronts

There are only three different types of fronts you will see when you run the Spread Offense:

• Even front
• Odd front
• Stack front

That’s it.

EVEN FRONT

There are two different Even fronts.

There is an Over Front:

And an Under Front:

Difference Between the Over and Under Front

This is how I remember it. If the 3-technique, the defender on the outside shoulder of the guard, is on
the opposite side of the back then it’s an Over Front.

If the 3-technique is on the same side as the running back then it is an Under Front.

It is simpler to distinguish an Over/Under front when you have a Tight End/H-Back in the game.

If the 3-Tech is on the same side of the Tight End then it is an Over Front.
If you have a 3-Technique on the opposite side of the Tight End then it is an Under Front:

Tight Ends/H-Backs help set the defensive front. That’s why coaches like to use them.

ODD MAN FRONT - 50

This is a 3-4 defense, or 50 front, without any of the outside linebackers blitzing. If you throw the ball
more than you run, then this is the defensive front you will likely see. This front is the ideal front to run
the ball against.
Why?

Because the defense only has five defenders against your seven offensive players – five offensive
linemen, quarterback, and running back.

“But coach,” you say. “My quarterback isn’t a runner. He’s slower than a third shift Waffle House
watress.”

Doesn’t matter. That slow quarterback of yours can get you five yards a pop if no one is chasing him. Do
that a couple of times and the defensive coordinator will lose his mind.

Need to know
If the defense this front and not blitzing any linebackers, then they are a 2-gap defense. This means the
defensive linemen are responsible for the gap to their left and right. Most college and NFL teams do this.
Not high school teams.

If you are going up against a defense that is 2-gapping, then they are good up front.

Just a warning.

ODD MAN FRONT – 50 with Blitzing Linebacker

This is a 3-4, or 50 front, that is bringing a blitz. When defenses blitz an outside linebacker in the 3-4,
then the line will be slanting away from the blitzing backer.
ODD MAN FRONT – 3-3 Stack

This is the 3-3 Stack. The ‘Spread Killer’. This defense was created at Georgia Military School for the sole
purpose of defending Spread teams.

Why is it called the 3-3 Stack?

Three defensive linemen with three linebackers stacked right behind them.

Simple enough, right?

Chapter 4: Blocking the Pin and Pull RPO Against an Even
Front
The Even front is the simplest front in the game of football. It’s the front every defensive coordinator
wants to run because it’s ‘Smash Mouth Defensive Football’.

We will crave this front up like a Thanksgiving turkey.

Rules for blocking the Pin and Pull RPO are simple:

• If you have a man head up or outside of you then you will base block the defender.
• If you don’t have a man head up or outside of you then you will block down on the defender in
the backside gap.
• If someone is blocking down for you then you will be pulling.

A guard or center will pull when we run the Pin and Pull RPO against an Even front.

Blocking the Pin and Pull RPO to the 3 Tech:

Front Side Tackle: You will base block anyone head up to outside of you.

Front Side Guard: You will base block the man head up to outside of you.

Center: You will block back on the shade.

Back Side Guard: You will execute a skip pull. Your eyes will be tracking the Front Side Linebacker as you
are skip pulling. This is the man you are going to be blocking.

Back Side Tackle: You are base blocking the man head up to outside of you.

Blocking the Pin and Pull RPO to a shade/1-technique:

Front Side Tackle: You are blocking the man head up to outside of you.

Front Side Guard: You will be blocking back on the shade.

Center: You will execute a skip pull around the play side guard’s block. Your eyes will be on the front
side linebacker as you skip pull. He is the man you are going to block.

Back Side Guard: You are blocking the man head up to outside of you.

Back Side Tackle: You are blocking the man head up to outside of you.

I know you’re thinking, “Coach McKie, I love this blocking scheme. But what if I want to use a Tight End
or H-Back? Is it possible to still run this play?”

First, why would you want to use a Tight End/H-Back? Those are horrible words in my vocabulary and
you should be ashamed of yourself.
Second, of course it is. The only thing that changes is the quarterback’s read. We are adding another
man into the box, therefore the quarterback will add another count to the linebacker.

Blocking Pin and Pull RPO with a Tight End against an Over Front:

Tight End: You are blocking anyone head up to outside of you.

Right Tackle: You do not have anyone head up to outside of you. You do have someone inside of you.
You will block down and pin the 3-technique.

Right Guard: You will be executing a skip pull. Your eyes will be on the front side linebacker. That is the
man you are responsible for.

Center: You do not have anyone head up you, but you do have someone in your backside A-gap. So you
will block back and pin that defender.

Left Guard: You will execute a skip pull. Your eyes will be on the backside linebacker. This is the
defender you are responsible to block.

Left Tackle: You will base block the 5-technique.

Blocking Pin and Pull RPO with a Tight End against an Under Front:

Tight End: You are blocking anyone head up to outside of you.

Right Tackle: You have someone head up to outside of you. You will block that defender.

Right Guard: You do not have anyone up head or outside of you. You do have an A-gap defender. You
will block back and pin that defender.

Center: You have someone in the play side A-gap. The Right Guard will block down on him. You will then
execute a skip pull. Your eyes will be on the frontside linebacker. This is the defender you are
responsible for blocking.

Left Guard: You have someone head up to outside of you. You will block this defender.

Left Tackle: You have someone head up to outside of you. You will block this defender.
Blocking Pin and Pull RPO with a H-Back against an Over Front:

H-Back: You are responsible for the first defender outside the tackle. This could be another linebacker or
safety. Doesn’t matter who it is. You must block him.

Right Tackle: You have someone head up to outside of you. You will block this defender.

Right Guard: You have someone in your play side B-gap. You will block this defender.

Center: You have someone in the backside A-gap. You will block and pin this defender.

Left Guard: You do not have anyone in the back side B-gap. So you will skip pull. Your eyes will be on the
front side linebacker. You are responsible for blocking this defender.

Left Tackle: You have someone head up to outside of you. You will block this defender.
Blocking Pin and Pull RPO with a H-Back against an Under Front:

H-Back: You are responsible for the first defender outside the tackle. This could be another linebacker or
safety. Doesn’t matter who it is. You must block him.

Right Tackle: You have someone head up to outside of you. You will block this defender.

Right Guard: You have someone in the backside A-gap. You will block and pin this defender.

Center: You do not have anyone head up or in the back side A-gap. So you will be skip pulling to the
frontside linebacker. Your eyes must be on this defender. You are responsible for blocking this defender.

Left Guard: You have someone head up to outside of you. You will block this defender.

Left Tackle: You have someone head up to outside of you. You will block this defender.
Chapter 5: Blocking Pin and Pull RPO Against an Odd Front
Why is it that the Spread offense gets a bad rap for ‘following’ college football trends, while nobody says
anything to defenses that are doing the same thing?

Is it because Defensive coaches wish to be on the offensive side of the ball, and they are lashing out us?
Or is it because no one gives a damn about the defensive side of the ball?

Whatever the case, you can bet that most of your teams in your region are going to be running some
form of Odd man front.

Don’t freak out. Odd front teams are simple to deal with as long as you know the Pin and Pull RPO
blocking scheme.

Blocking the Pin and Pull Against a 50 front

Defensive coaches call a 3-4 defense a 50 front. They do this because they want to confuse offensive
coaches.

There are three ways defenses will use the 50 front:

• Straight 5 man box with no blitzers.

• Bringing a blitz from the front side.
• Bring a blitz off the back side.

I’m going to show you how to block each one.

You ready? Good.

Blocking Against 50 Front Without Any Blitzers

Right Tackle: You will block anyone head up to outside of you. Since you have someone head up to
outside of you then you will base block this defender.

Right Guard: You have no one in your play side B-gap. You have no one in your backside A-gap. You will
skip pull around the Right Tackle. Your eyes are on the front side linebacker. This is the defender you are
responsible for blocking.

Center: You have someone covering you. You will base block this man. You are responsible for this
defender.

Left Guard: You do not have anyone in your play side A-Gap. You do not have anyone in your backside B-
Gap. You will skip pull around the center. Your eyes will be on the backside linebacker. This is the
defender you are responsible for blocking.

Left Tackle: You are blocking anyone head up to outside of you. Since you have a defender on you then
you are base blocking this man. This is the defender you are responsible for.

That’s simple, right? That is the look we love to see.

REMEMBER: 5 man box means you RUN THE FOOTBALL!!

Now, defensive coordinators won’t sit back and let you run the ball the entire game. They will bring
pressure once scored four rushing touchdowns from the Pin and Pull RPO.

Are you going to get scared?

Hell no.

You’re going to rub your hands together and prepare your nipples for the massive amount of scoring
you are going to be doing.

Blocking Pin and Pull RPO Against 50 Front with a Front Side Blitz

Right Tackle: You will block anyone head up to outside of you. Since you have a defender head up to you
AND a defender to the outside of you, then you will give a ‘KICK-KICK’ call. This alerts the Right Guard
that he will be KICKING out the defender on the outside of you.

Right Guard: You do not have anyone in your play side B-Gap. You do not have anyone in your backside
A-Gap. So that means you will skip pull around the Right Tackle. You heard the ‘KICK-KICK’ call from the
Right Tackle. That means you will be kicking out the defender that is on the outside of the Right Tackle.

Center: You have someone covering you. You will base block this man. You are responsible for this
defender.

Left Guard: You do not have anyone in your play side A-Gap. You do not have anyone in your backside B-
Gap. You will skip pull around the center. Your eyes will be on the front side linebacker. This is the
defender you are responsible for blocking. You are eyeing this defender because of the Right Tackle’s
‘KICK-KICK’ call.

Left Tackle: You are blocking anyone head up to outside of you. Since you have a defender on you then
you are base blocking this man. This is the defender you are responsible for.

It’s that easy.

Everyone accounted for, and the quarterback knows who to read. The only thing that changes is the
back having to cut up sooner.

That’s no big deal, because he’s repped getting North as soon as possible throughout the week.

Besides, what the running back does isn’t your concern right now. All you care about is being able to
block the defenders up front.

The last way a 50-front team will play you is by bring the blitzer off the backside.

Blocking the Pin and Pull RPO Against 50-Front with Back Side Blitzer

Right Tackle: You will block anyone head up to outside of you. Since you have someone head up to
outside of you then you will base block this defender.

Right Guard: You have no one in your play side B-gap. You have no one in your backside A-gap. You will
skip pull around the Right Tackle. Your eyes are on the front side linebacker. This is the defender you are
responsible for blocking.

Center: You have someone covering you. You will base block this man. You are responsible for this
defender.
Left Guard: You do not have anyone in your play side A-Gap. You do not have anyone in your backside B-
Gap. You will skip pull around the center. Your eyes will be on the backside linebacker. This is the
defender you are responsible for blocking.

Left Tackle: You are blocking anyone head up to outside of you. Since you have a defender on you then
you are base blocking this man. This is the defender you are responsible for.

“Wait,” you say. “This is the same way we block the Pin and Pull RPO when the defense doesn’t bring
any blitz. How is that possible?”

First, great job on being able to recognize the blocking. You’re learning and that’s freaking amazing.
Second, the blitzing defender is the quarterback’s read key. Since the defender is blitzing then the
quarterback pulls the ball and throw it to the snag route.

We’re getting ahead of ourselves. Just know if the defense decides to bring pressure off the backside of
the play then we will be scoring at will

The last way an Odd Front defense will try to stop you is by using the 3-3 Stack.

NOTE: If you are facing a 3-3 Stack team, then it is important to get into some form of 3 x 1. It doesn’t
matter how – motioning to 3 x 1, starting out in 3 x 1, shifting to 3 x 1 - just get it done. Why? Because
this ‘BREAKS’ the stack and makes it easier for your kids to recognize who to block.

Blocking the Pin and Pull RPO Against a 3-3 Stack

Right Tackle: You will block anyone head up to outside of you. Since you have someone head up to
outside of you then you will base block this defender.

Right Guard: You have no one in your play side B-gap. You have no one in your backside A-gap. You will
skip pull around the Right Tackle. Your eyes are on the front side linebacker. This is the defender you are
responsible for blocking.

Center: You have someone covering you. You will base block this man. You are responsible for this
defender.

Left Guard: You do not have anyone in your play side A-Gap. You do not have anyone in your backside B-
Gap. You will skip pull around the center. Your eyes will be on the backside linebacker. This is the
defender you are responsible for blocking.

Left Tackle: You are blocking anyone head up to outside of you. Since you have a defender on you then
you are base blocking this man. This is the defender you are responsible for.

“Now wait a freaking minute,” you say. “This is the same blocking scheme again. Why in the world did I
buy this freaking eBook? All you did was copy and paste the same damn blocking scheme? I want a
refund.”

Easy there coach. I’m not trying to hustle you. This is how you block a 3-3 Stack. That’s the beautiful
thing about this blocking scheme – it stays consistent for your guys. That allows them to play fast and
hard. That’s what we want.

“Fine, whatever,” you say. “Then give me my money’s worth. How do I block the 50 or the 3-3 Stack if I
have a Tight End the game?”

I like the way you think coach. Putting a Tight End into the game, especially against Odd Front teams,
gives you an addition puller.
Blocking Against a 50 Front with a Tight End

Tight End: You have someone head up on you, but you notice the Right Tackle has someone head up
him. You will give a ‘KICK-KICK’ call. This tells the Right Tackle that you are going to down block on his
man, and that he will skip pull to kick out the man head up you.

Right Tackle: You have a defender head up you. You would normally base block this defender, but you
hear the Tight End’s ‘KICK-KICK’ call. This alerts you to the fact that you will be skip pulling and KICKING
out the defender head up the Tight End.

Right Guard: You have no one in your play side B-gap. You have no one in your backside A-gap. You will
skip pull around the Right Tackle. Your eyes are on the front side linebacker. This is the defender you are
responsible for blocking.

Center: You have someone covering you. You will base block this man. You are responsible for this
defender.

Left Guard: You do not have anyone in your play side A-Gap. You do not have anyone in your backside B-
Gap. You will skip pull around the center. Your eyes will be on the backside linebacker. This is the
defender you are responsible for blocking.

Left Tackle: You are blocking anyone head up to outside of you. Since you have a defender on you then
you are base blocking this man. This is the defender you are responsible for.
“What if the defense brings a blitz off the front side with the Tight End?” you ask.

Then you better be throwing the ball because they are bringing one more than you can block.

“Okay then,” you say. “What if they bring a blitz off the backside?”

The quarterback will be throwing the ball. Remember, that’s the quarterback’s read key.

Trust me, this play is that easy. Do not try to over complicate this scheme. It is easy, and it will stay this
easy. Unless you mess around with it.

STOP TRYING TO MAKE THIS PLAY HARDER THAN IT IS!!!!

Chapter 6: Running Back Rules

The running back will line up with his heels even on the toes of the quarterback. He will line up in the B
gap. When the ball is snapped, he will take a little jump hop before turning his shoulders perpendicular
to the line of scrimmage. His eyes, while he is sprinting towards the sideline, will be on the play side
tackle/tight end.

If the tackle or tight end blocks their man towards the sideline, then the running back will put his foot in
the ground and cut up the field. If the tackle or tight end reaches their man and hooks them, then the
running back will get to the outside before cutting up the field.

Yep, it’s that simple. Now, let me answer some quick questions I know you will ask.

1. Won’t the running back’s alignment give the play away?

a. Yes. Do we care about that? No, we don’t. We will be utilizing tempo. That means that if
the defense can get their play in, get aligned, notice where the back is lining up, alert
the defense to where the back is lining up, and then check to whatever they game
planned to stop the Pin and Pull RPO then you aren’t going fast enough.
2. Should the quarterback take a shuffle step as well?
a. Yes. The quarterback will take a shuffle step. He does this because it helps influence the
Read Defender. We will talk about that later in the Quarterback chapter.
3. Why is the running back hopping before sprinting towards the side line? Is he rabbit?
a. I don’t know if your player is a rabbit, but I can tell you why he is going to mini-hop. It
helps for the timing of the quarterback read and gives the guards time to pull.

Let’s look at some diagrams.

End Man on Line of Scrimmage Gets Blocked to the Sideline

As you can tell, the tackle is forcing his defender towards the sideline. The running back should be
sticking his foot in the ground and getting North and South as quickly as possible.
End Man on Line of Scrimmage gets Hooked

As you can tell, the tackle/tight end has hooked their defender. What point is it for the running back to
plant his foot in the ground and get North and South now? There isn’t one. Unless the running back
wants to get yelled at and watch the rest of the game from the sideline.
Tackle Gives ‘KICK-KICK’ Call

This is a situation you need to rep. The running back needs to see that the play side tackle has a
defender head-up him and a defender outside of him. The running back needs to know there is going to
be a ‘KICK-KICK’ call from the tackle. When the tackle gives a ‘KICK-KICK’ call then the running back
knows he will be sticking his foot in the ground and getting North and South as soon as he passes the
play side tackle.

Side Note: The Running Back needs to know the blocking scheme of this play. He needs to understand
how there will only be one pulling lineman when the defense is in an Even Front, and how there will be
two pulling linemen when the defense is in an odd front.

What does the running back do when the quarterback pulls the ball? He sees how many defenders he
can fake out by pretending he still has the ball.

We call it Riding the Wave.

If the quarterback pulls the ball, then the running back kicks it up another gear and SPRINTS to the
sideline. We want the Academy Awards to nominate him for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

Why?

The play-action will pull the Read Defender away from the snag route. This will make it easier for the
quarterback.

Chapter 7: Wide Receiver Rules

Here is some advice I wish I knew a long time ago:

Wide Receivers don’t need to block anyone!

I know a lot of coaches will baulk at that and say, “If wide receivers don’t block, then they aren’t getting
the ROCK!”

I was one of those coaches.

I was stupid.

If I wanted wide receivers to be blockers, then I would line up in the I formation and run the old school
power. Receivers here to catch balls and make the quarterback look good. They aren’t here to destroy
safeties and corners.

Let them do what they were put onto the field to do.

Score touchdowns.

Route Rules
The rules for this play are the same rules as our One Back Power RPO.

Closest wide receiver to the running back will have a snag route. His aiming point is one yard behind the
Read Key. Every other wide receiver to the back’s side will be running a five yard in – called a Fin route.
Wide Receiver Routes Versus an Odd Front with no Blitzing

The highlighted linebacker is the Read Key. Notice how he is on the same side as the running back.
That’s the guy the F Receiver needs to know we are reading.

L Receiver: If the Corner is five yards or more off you then you will run a three-step hitch. You should
expect the ball on your third step. Do not be surprised. If the corner is less than five yards off you then
you will run a mandatory outside release vertical. You need to get the corner to turn his hips and run
with you. If he doesn’t run with you then you will block him.

F Receiver: You will run a Snag route. Your aiming point will be one yard deeper than the Read Key’s
initial position. Once you get to this spot you will stick your toe in the ground and show your hands to
the quarterback. Do not drift.

Y Receiver: You will run a five yard In route – called a Fin route. If there is a defender over you or slightly
inside of you then you will attack his outside shoulder when you release. This opens the Snag route
more for the F receiver and makes it easier for the quarterback to throw the ball.

R Receiver: You will run a five yard In route – called a Fin route. You are the ‘Oh Shit’ route. You do not
have to burst out of your stance. You need to attack the Corner’s outside shoulder for five yards. Make
him turn his shoulders. You do this to open up the first Fin route and make it easy for the Y Receiver and
the quarterback.
Wide Receiver Routes Versus an Odd Front with Front Side Blitzing

The defense is bringing front side pressure. Does this change the wide receiver routes? Heck no. Notice
how the Read Key is the same defender as before. The wide receivers know the rules. They are the same
as before.

L Receiver: If the Corner is five yards or more off you then you will run a three-step hitch. You should
expect the ball on your third step. Do not be surprised. If the corner is less than five yards off you then
you will run a mandatory outside release vertical. You need to get the corner to turn his hips and run
with you. If he doesn’t run with you then you will block him.

F Receiver: You will run a Snag route. Your aiming point will be one yard deeper than the Read Key’s
initial position. Once you get to this spot you will stick your toe in the ground and show your hands to
the quarterback. Do not drift.

Y Receiver: You will run a five yard In route – called a Fin route. If there is a defender over you or slightly
inside of you then you will attack his outside shoulder when you release. This opens the Snag route
more for the F receiver and makes it easier for the quarterback to throw the ball.

R Receiver: You will run a five yard In route – called a Fin route. You are the ‘Oh Shit’ route. You do not
have to burst out of your stance. You need to attack the Corner’s outside shoulder for five yards. Make
him turn his shoulders. You do this to open up the first Fin route and make it easy for the Y Receiver and
the quarterback.
Wide Receiver Routes Versus an Odd Front with Backside Blitzer

This one seems different. Does the Wide Receiver run his Snag route behind the blitzing linebacker? No.
That’s not the Read Key. Remember, the general rule is the Read Key is the first linebacker lined up on
the same side as the running back. Is the blitzing linebacker the first linebacker to the back’s side? Nope.
Nothing really changes for the wide receivers.

Note: The F Receiver must be mindful of a fake blitz and drop by the blitzing linebacker.

L Receiver: If the Corner is five yards or more off you then you will run a three-step hitch. You should
expect the ball on your third step. Do not be surprised. If the corner is less than five yards off you then
you will run a mandatory outside release vertical. You need to get the corner to turn his hips and run
with you. If he doesn’t run with you then you will block him.

F Receiver: You will run a Snag route. Your aiming point will be one yard deeper than the Read Key’s
initial position. Once you get to this spot you will stick your toe in the ground and show your hands to
the quarterback. Do not drift.

Y Receiver: You will run a five yard In route – called a Fin route. If there is a defender over you or slightly
inside of you then you will attack his outside shoulder when you release. This opens the Snag route
more for the F receiver and makes it easier for the quarterback to throw the ball.

R Receiver: You will run a five yard In route – called a Fin route. You are the ‘Oh Shit’ route. You do not
have to burst out of your stance. You need to attack the Corner’s outside shoulder for five yards. Make
him turn his shoulders. You do this to open up the first Fin route and make it easy for the Y Receiver and
the quarterback.
Wide Receiver Routes Versus 3-3 Stack

Do the Wide Receivers care that the defense is in a 3-3 Stack? Nope. The only thing they care about is if
the Read Key changed. Does it? Nope. Nothing changes for the wide receivers. This is simple, isn’t it?

L Receiver: If the Corner is five yards or more off you then you will run a three-step hitch. You should
expect the ball on your third step. Do not be surprised. If the corner is less than five yards off you then
you will run a mandatory outside release vertical. You need to get the corner to turn his hips and run
with you. If he doesn’t run with you then you will block him.

F Receiver: You will run a Snag route. Your aiming point will be one yard deeper than the Read Key’s
initial position. Once you get to this spot you will stick your toe in the ground and show your hands to
the quarterback. Do not drift.

Y Receiver: You will run a five yard In route – called a Fin route. If there is a defender over you or slightly
inside of you then you will attack his outside shoulder when you release. This opens the Snag route
more for the F receiver and makes it easier for the quarterback to throw the ball.

R Receiver: You will run a five yard In route – called a Fin route. You are the ‘Oh Shit’ route. You do not
have to burst out of your stance. You need to attack the Corner’s outside shoulder for five yards. Make
him turn his shoulders. You do this to open up the first Fin route and make it easy for the Y Receiver and
the quarterback.
Wide Receiver Routes Versus Even Front

Should the Wide Receivers care if this is an Under or an Over front? Nope. Like Kimberly “Sweet Brown”
Wilkins says: “Ain’t Nobody Got Time for That!”

The only thing the Wide Receivers need to care about is the Read Key. Where’s the read key in an Even
front? It is the first linebacker lined up on the running back’s side.

L Receiver: If the Corner is five yards or more off you then you will run a three-step hitch. You should
expect the ball on your third step. Do not be surprised. If the corner is less than five yards off you then
you will run a mandatory outside release vertical. You need to get the corner to turn his hips and run
with you. If he doesn’t run with you then you will block him.

F Receiver: You will run a Snag route. Your aiming point will be one yard deeper than the Read Key’s
initial position. Once you get to this spot you will stick your toe in the ground and show your hands to
the quarterback. Do not drift.

Y Receiver: You will run a five yard In route – called a Fin route. If there is a defender over you or slightly
inside of you then you will attack his outside shoulder when you release. This opens the Snag route
more for the F receiver and makes it easier for the quarterback to throw the ball.

R Receiver: You will run a five yard In route – called a Fin route. You are the ‘Oh Shit’ route. You do not
have to burst out of your stance. You need to attack the Corner’s outside shoulder for five yards. Make
him turn his shoulders. You do this to open up the first Fin route and make it easy for the Y Receiver and
the quarterback.
 Chapter 8: Quarterback Rules
The Quarterback needs to check a couple of things before he gets the play started.

The first thing he needs to do is make sure the Running Back is lined up correctly. Now, I know this
shouldn’t be his job, but if the running back isn’t lined up correctly with the quarterback then the timing
of the play will be off. We don’t want that.

This play is like a well-made watch. Everything must be in sync. If the running back isn’t even with the
quarterback, then the play won’t work. So the quarterback has to be mindful of that. Yes, the running
back will line up correct the more times he reps the play. However, in the beginning you need to make
sure the quarterback helps him out.

Once the quarterback is sure the running back is even with him, then he will look over at the single wide
receiver’s side. The quarterback must ask himself this question: Is the Corner playing more than five
yards off the receiver? If the answer to that question is a Yes, then the quarterback will throw the hitch
route all day long.

ALL DAY LONG!!!!

You need to train him that you are okay with taking the free five yards every time. As a matter of fact,
you need to train yourself that YOU are okay with him taking the five yards every time.

Remember, “If it is FREE, then GIVE IT TO ME!”

If the FREE YARDS isn’t there, then the quarterback needs to locate the Read Key. The rule for this play is
as follows:

• If it is an EVEN front, then you are reading the SECOND linebacker away from the side the play is
going too.
• If it is an ODD front, then you are reading the THIRD linebacker away from the side the play is
going too.

Again, just like the Wide Receivers, the quarterback can use this general rule:

The Read Key will be the first linebacker on the same side as the running back.
Quarterback Thoughts Versus a 50 Front with no Blitzing

The quarterback must keep an eye out for that linebacker to the single receiver side. He may undercut
the hitch route.

I’ve told our quarterback to never throw that pass because I don’t know what the linebacker will do.
Now, you may have a quarterback with a cannon, so you might be okay with your quarterback making
that throw. My guy doesn’t have the strongest arm, so I’ve always told him to not throw it.

Since the quarterback has eliminated free five yards, then he turns his attention to the backside. He
locates the Read Key. Who is it? The first linebacker lined up on the same side as the running back.

Quarterback’s Thought Process:

• If the Read Key stays still or drops back to cover the Snag route after the ball is snapped, then I
will hand the ball off.
• If the Read Key follows the Guard pull and crosses the Center’s face, then I will pull the ball, flip
his hips, and throw the Snag route.
• If I see color enter the GRASS area where the Snag is at, then I will throw the Fin route.
Quarterback Thoughts Versus a 50 Front Frontside blitzing

The Quarterback has already checked to make sure the Running Back is lined up right. He locates the
Single Receiver side. The Corner is five yards or more off the Single Receiver. Where’s the Front Side
Linebacker? He’s blitzing. The Quarterback now has the green light to throw the hitch.

You must stress to your Quarterback to TAKE THE FREE YARDS!!!!

Okay, so the defense has gotten sick of giving up the free yards, and they have made their corner press
the Single Wide Receiver. Now the Quarterback needs to locate the Read Key. Does it change? Nope. It’s
still the first Linebacker lined up on the same side as the Running Back.

Quarterback’s Thought Process:

• If the Read Key stays still or drops back to cover the Snag route after the ball is snapped, then I
will hand the ball off.
• If the Read Key follows the Guard pull and crosses the Center’s face, then I will pull the ball, flip
his hips, and throw the Snag route.
• If I see color enter the GRASS area where the Snag is at, then I will throw the Fin route.
Quarterback Thoughts Versus a 50 Front with Backside blitzing

The Quarterback has already checked to make sure the Running Back is lined up right. He locates the
Single Receiver side. The Corner is five yards or more off the Single Receiver. Where’s the Front Side
Linebacker? He’s not blitzing. The hitch route is dead.

Now, the Quarterback finds the Read Key. Does it change? Nope. It’s still the first Linebacker on the
Running Back’s side. BUT, he must be careful about that blitzing linebacker coming off the backside. If
the Quarterback gets a pull read, then he needs to be mindful of the linebacker faking the blitz and
jumping the Snag route.

Quarterback’s Thought Process:

• If the Read Key stays still or drops back to cover the Snag route after the ball is snapped, then I
will hand the ball off.
• If the Read Key follows the Guard pull and crosses the Center’s face, then I will pull the ball, flip
his hips, and throw the Snag route.
• If I see color enter the GRASS area where the Snag is at, then I will throw the Fin route.
Quarterback Thoughts Versus a 3-3 Stack

The Quarterback has already checked to make sure the Running Back is lined up right. He locates the
Single Receiver side. The Corner is five yards or more off the Single Receiver. Where’s the Front Side
Linebacker? He’s a part of the 3-3 Stack. There is nothing but grass out there. The Quarterback now has
the green light to throw the hitch.

You must stress to your Quarterback to TAKE THE FREE YARDS!!!!

Okay, so the defense has gotten sick of giving up the free yards and they have made their corner in the
Single Wide Receiver’s face. Now the Quarterback needs to locate the Read Key. Does it change? Nope.
It’s still the first Linebacker lined up on the same side as the Running Back.

Quarterback’s Thought Process:

• If the Read Key stays still or drops back to cover the Snag route after the ball is snapped, then I
will hand the ball off.
• If the Read Key follows the Guard pull and crosses the Center’s face, then I will pull the ball, flip
his hips, and throw the Snag route.
• If I see color enter the GRASS area where the Snag is at, then I will throw the Fin route.
Quarterback Thoughts Versus an Even Front

The Quarterback has already checked to make sure the Running Back is lined up right. He locates the
Single Receiver side. The Corner is five yards or more off the Single Receiver. Where’s the Front Side
Linebacker? He’s not there. That’s strange. Why isn’t he there?

Oh, dang. The defense is in an Even front.

Does the Quarterback have to wonder if it is an Under or an Over Front?

Nope.

The only thing the Quarterback is worried about right now is if there is a Front Side Linebacker threating
the hitch route.

Is there? Nope. There is nothing but grass out there. The Quarterback now has the green light to throw
the hitch.

You must stress to your Quarterback to TAKE THE FREE YARDS!!!!

Okay, so the corner is sick of giving up free yards and takes it personnel. He has decided to get in the
Single Wide Receiver’s face and talk about the Receiver’s mother. That’s fine.

The Quarterback knows the Hitch is dead and now locates the Read Key. Does it change? Nope. It’s still
the first Linebacker lined up on the same side as the Running Back.

Quarterback’s Thought Process:

• If the Read Key stays still or drops back to cover the Snag route after the ball is snapped, then I
will hand the ball off.
• If the Read Key follows the Guard pull and crosses the Center’s face, then I will pull the ball, flip
his hips, and throw the Snag route.
• If I see color enter the GRASS area where the Snag is at, then I will throw the Fin route.
Simple reads, right?

I know what you are going to say. “Coach McKie, my quarterback has a ton of ‘What-Ifs’ he needs to
process. That makes me uncomfortable.”

You’re right. He does. That’s why we drill the play every single day so that the ‘What-Ifs’ become second
nature.

Chapter 9: Window Dressing the Pin and Pull RPO

Defensive coordinators aren’t that stupid. If you run the Pin and Pull RPO from the same formation
throughout the entire game, then they will catch on and stop you.

What are you going to do? Quit running this play after the first half? Run the play every other quarter?
Every other game?

Crap no.

You are going to mix it up. Same play, different formations. Because we are offensive coordinators.
That’s what we do.

Note: All the blocking schemes are against an Even Front for simplicity. If you need to see how to block
the play against an Odd Front, then scroll up to the Blocking Against an Odd Front Chapter.

Two Back Pin and Pull RPO with a Quick Screen

Why run this?

Most defensive coordinators like to roll down a Safety and shove seven defenders in the box when they
see a Two Back formation. That is fine. We will use this reaction against them.

Offensive Line Blocking

Front Side Tackle: You will base block anyone head up to outside of you.

Front Side Guard: You will base block the man head up to outside of you.

Center: You will block back on the shade.

Back Side Guard: You will execute a skip pull. Your eyes will be tracking the Front Side Linebacker as you
are skip pulling. This is the man you are going to be blocking.

Back Side Tackle: You are base blocking the man head up to outside of you.

Wide Receiver Rules

This is where the play gets different. The Wide Receivers aren’t running their normal routes. Instead,
they are running a Quick Screen to the F Receiver. They are doing this because it is the fastest way to
gain the advantage over the defense.

L Receiver: If the Corner is five yards or more off you then you will run a three-step hitch. You should
expect the ball on your third step. Do not be surprised. If the corner is less than five yards off you then
you will run a mandatory outside release vertical. You need to get the corner to turn his hips and run
with you. If he doesn’t run with you then you will block him.

F Receiver: You will go in motion when the Quarterback gives you the signal. You will take five hard
steps towards the sideline before whipping your head around to look for the ball. You will expect the
ball the second you turn towards the Quarterback. You will catch the ball and continue sprinting
towards the sideline. You will now key the blocks of your teammates and make the appropriate cut.

Y Receiver: You will block the first defender head up to inside of you.

R Receiver: You will block the first defender head up to inside of you.

Quarterback’s Thought Process

• There are more than six people in the box. We are outnumbered. I will give a little flash fake to
the Running Back and then throw the ball to the F Receiver.
 Spread 2 x 2 with Quick Motion Pin and Pull RPO

Why run this?

This is a change up when you want to run a version of your Y-Stick concept but want to pair it with a
Run. Also, if you have been running your Inside Zone scheme with Quick Motion and Bubbles and the
defense is over playing your Quick Bubble Screen.

Offensive Line Blocking

Front Side Tackle: You will base block anyone head up to outside of you.

Front Side Guard: You will base block the man head up to outside of you.

Center: You will block back on the shade.

Back Side Guard: You will execute a skip pull. Your eyes will be tracking the Front Side Linebacker as you
are skip pulling. This is the man you are going to be blocking.

Back Side Tackle: You are base blocking the man head up to outside of you.

Wide Receiver Rules

Wide Receivers will be running a version of the Air Raid Y-Stick Concept. The only difference is the R
Receiver will be blocking the man head up to inside of him.

L Receiver: If the Corner is five yards or more off you then you will run a three-step hitch. You should
expect the ball on your third step. Do not be surprised. If the corner is less than five yards off you then
you will run a mandatory outside release vertical. You need to get the corner to turn his hips and run
with you. If he doesn’t run with you then you will block him

F Receiver: You will go in motion when the Quarterback gives you the signal. You will be motioning to
one yard in front of the Quarterback. You will bubble back when the ball is snapped. You want to end up
in the same place when you were in the Two Back set. You will look for the ball when you pass the Right
Tackle. If you get the ball, then you will sprint to the sideline with your eyes on the R Receiver. You will
make your cut based on the R Receiver’s block.

Y Receiver: You are taking five steps and turning inside towards the Quarterback. Since you are on the
right side, then you will be turning toward your left shoulder. If there is someone head up or slightly
inside of you then you will work yourself inside of that defender. You are doing this because you are
creating a larger window for the quarterback to throw the flat route. If there isn’t anyone inside of you
then you are expecting the ball on your fifth step.

R Receiver: You will block the first defender head up to inside.

Quarterback’s Thought Process

You will put the F Receiver in motion and hike the ball when he is behind the Left Tackle. Your eyes will
go to the Read Key.

• If the defender over the Y Receiver takes the Bubble route by the F Receiver, then you will throw
the Y-Stick route.

• If the defender over the Y Receiver takes the Y-Stick route, then you will throw it to the F
Receiver running the Bubble route.
 3 x 1 Switch Pin and Pull RPO

Why this?
When the defense has had enough and has decided to go man. Doesn’t matter to us. We will now use a
‘rub’ route to spring our wide receiver free.

Offensive Line Blocking

Front Side Tackle: You will base block anyone head up to outside of you.

Front Side Guard: You will base block the man head up to outside of you.

Center: You will block back on the shade.

Back Side Guard: You will execute a skip pull. Your eyes will be tracking the Front Side Linebacker as you
are skip pulling. This is the man you are going to be blocking.

Back Side Tackle: You are base blocking the man head up to outside of you.

Wide Receiver Rules

They are running a ‘Rub’ route. Or what the defense likes to call a ‘Pick’ route. It is important that the
receivers make it look like they are trying to run a route. The Receivers cannot make it look obvious they
are running a ‘Pick’ route.
Note: If you think this is cheating then you do not have to run the route. I promise you though. It isn’t
cheating. Stop being a baby.

L Receiver: If the Corner is five yards or more off you then you will run a three-step hitch. You should
expect the ball on your third step. Do not be surprised. If the corner is less than five yards off you then
you will run a mandatory outside release vertical. You need to get the corner to turn his hips and run
with you. If he doesn’t run with you then you will block him.

F Receiver: You will release with your eyes on the defender over the Y Receiver. You will aim for the
shoulder closest to you. You will run a yard behind your aiming point, plant, then come back across. It is
important for you to either make the defender over the Y Receiver to run through you or around you.

Y Receiver: You will run a Snag route. Your aiming point will be one yard deeper than the Read Key’s
initial position. Once you get to this spot you will stick your toe in the ground and show your hands to
the quarterback. Do not drift because you do not want to make it easy for the middle linebacker. The
Quarterback may through it to you while you are moving. That is okay. The route then turns into a Slant
Route.

R Receiver: You will run a five yard In route – called a Fin route. You are the ‘Oh Shit’ route. You do not
have to burst out of your stance. You need to attack the Corner’s outside shoulder for five yards. Make
him turn his shoulders. You will do this to open up the first Fin route and make it easy for the Y Receiver
and the quarterback.

Quarterback’s Thought Process

The defense is in Man. This could be a big play. If the Key Read gives you a pull read, then you need to
get the ball out fast. You want to hit the Y Receiver in stride.

• If the Read Key stays still or drops back to cover the Snag route after the ball is snapped, then I
will hand the ball off.

• If the Read Key follows the Guard pull and crosses the Center’s face then I will pull the ball, flip
his hips, and throw the Snag route.

• If I see color enter the GRASS area where the Snag is at then I will throw the Fin route.

Chapter 10: Two Play-Action Passes to Punish Defenses

Look, defenses coordinators are going to stop the run. It’s going to happen. You need to be prepared.
You don’t want to get caught like a toddler with her hand in the cupcake container. You want to have a
plan so when the defensive coordinator is fixing to dial up his favorite blitz – because that’s the NUMBER
ONE responds a defensive coordinator will do – then you will dial up your favorite pass.

Don’t have a favorite pass?

Well, good thing I’m here. Because I’ve got two Air Raid concepts that will have the opposing defensive
coordinator spiking his headset by the end of the second quarter.

Y-Cross Concept
I love the Y-Cross concept. I believe it’s easier and deadlier than the four-vertical play.

Why?

Because the wide receivers have defined routes to run. The L or R knows he either has a outside release
vertical or a fifteen-yard dig route based on his relationship with the Y wide receiver. The F knows that
he a key screen depending on the formation. And the Y will always have the crossing route – with the
freedom to stop in grass if he has grass.

It’s even easier for the quarterback because he doesn’t have to read any route conversions. His
progression will either take him from left side of the field to the right. Or from the right side of the field
to the left.

Plus, the Y-Cross concept can be ran from every formation.

Y-Cross from 2 x 2 formation with Motion

Why This?
You’ve been running so much motion throughout the game that the defense will have to start rolling to
it. When they do then it is time to bring out the big guns and go for the throat.
Offensive Line Blocking
Front Side Tackle: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Front Side Guard: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Center: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Back Side Guard: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Back Side Tackle: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Wide Receiver Rules

They are running the Y-Cross concept. Only two wide receivers have the option of sitting down in grass:
the Y wide receiver running the cross route and the outside wide receiver running the dig route. Every
other wide receiver must run their route as hard and as fast as possible.

L Receiver: If the Y is not on your side then you will be running a mandatory outside release vertical -
MOR. You must run this route as hard and as fast as possible. You are the first choice in the progression,
so you CANNOT LOAF on this route.

If the Y is on your side, then you are running a 15-yard dig route. You have the option of settling into
grass once you make your dig cut. You are the ‘Oh Shit’ route. Be ready for the quarterback to look for
you if he gets in trouble. If the quarterback starts scrambling, then you will execute your scramble rules.

F Receiver: You are running your quick motion and turning that motion in the comet route. If you get to
the opposite numbers and do not have the ball, then you will stop running and turn towards the
quarterback. Make sure you give him your hands like you do in the Settle Up and Noose drill.

Y Receiver: You will be running the cross concept. You must go under the first color and over top the
second color jersey. You are aiming for a spot 18 to 22 yards deep on the opposite hash.

If you are open in grass while you are running your route, then you will stop and show hands. Do not
give up free grass.
R Receiver: If the Y is not on your side then you will be running a mandatory outside release vertical -
MOR. You must run this route as hard and as fast as possible. You are the first choice in the progression,
so you CANNOT LOAF on this route.

If the Y is on your side, then you are running a 15-yard dig route. You have the option of settling into
grass once you make your dig cut. You are the ‘Oh Shit’ route. Be ready for the quarterback to look for
you if he gets in trouble. If the quarterback starts scrambling, then you will execute your scramble rules.
 Y-Cross from Two-Back with Push Motion

Why This?
You’ve been killing the defense in you two-back formation. You can’t believe the defensive coordinator
is putting all those bodies in the box. Doesn’t he know you like to throw the ball? Well, if he doesn’t
then he is fixing to find out.

Offensive Line Blocking

Front Side Tackle: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Front Side Guard: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Center: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Back Side Guard: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Back Side Tackle: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Wide Receiver Rules

They are running the Y-Cross concept. Only two wide receivers have the option of sitting down in grass:
the Y wide receiver running the cross route and the outside wide receiver running the dig route. Every
other wide receiver must run their route as hard and as fast as possible. That is their job.
L Receiver: : If the Y is not on your side then you will be running a mandatory outside release vertical -
MOR. You must run this route as hard and as fast as possible. You are the first choice in the progression,
so you CANNOT LOAF on this route.

If the Y is on your side, then you are running a 15-yard dig route. You have the option of settling into
grass once you make your dig cut. You are the ‘Oh Shit’ route. Be ready for the quarterback to look for
you if he gets in trouble. If the quarterback starts scrambling, then you will execute your scramble rules.

F Receiver: You are running your push motion and turning that motion in the comet route. If you get to
the opposite numbers and do not have the ball, then you will stop running and turn towards the
quarterback. Make sure you give him your hands like you do in the Settle Up and Noose drill.

Y Receiver: You will be running the cross concept. You must go under the first color and over top the
second color jersey. You are aiming for a spot 18 to 22 yards deep on the opposite hash.

If you are open in grass while you are running your route, then you will stop and show hands. Do not
give up free grass.
R Receiver: If the Y is not on your side then you will be running a mandatory outside release vertical -
MOR. You must run this route as hard and as fast as possible. You are the first choice in the progression,
so you CANNOT LOAF on this route.

If the Y is on your side, then you are running a 15-yard dig route. You have the option of settling into
grass once you make your dig cut. You are the ‘Oh Shit’ route. Be ready for the quarterback to look for
you if he gets in trouble. If the quarterback starts scrambling, then you will execute your scramble rules.

Y-Cross from 3 x 1
Why This?
You know that the ball is on the right or left has about 70 percent of the time. That’s why you are in the
3 x 1 formation to the field most of the game.

The defense thinks you are going to run the Pin and Pull RPO.

The middle linebacker is ready to run at the Y wide receiver because he knows he is going to be running
a snag route.

Little does he know that the Y wide receiver is going to run over the top of him for 6 points.

Offensive Line Blocking

Front Side Tackle: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Front Side Guard: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Center: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Back Side Guard: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Back Side Tackle: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Wide Receiver Rules

They are running the Y-Cross concept. Only two wide receivers have the option of sitting down in grass:
the Y wide receiver running the cross route and the outside wide receiver running the dig route. Every
other wide receiver must run their route as hard and as fast as possible. That is their job.

L Receiver: If the Y is not on your side then you will be running a mandatory outside release vertical -
MOR. You must run this route as hard and as fast as possible. You are the first choice in the progression,
so you CANNOT LOAF on this route.

If the Y is on your side, then you are running a 15-yard dig route. You have the option of settling into
grass once you make your dig cut. You are the ‘Oh Shit’ route. Be ready for the quarterback to look for
you if he gets in trouble. If the quarterback starts scrambling, then you will execute your scramble rules.

F Receiver: You are running your key 3 quick screen concept. SELL IT! You want to make it look like you
are going to get the ball. If you get to the opposite numbers and do not have the ball, then you will stop
running and turn towards the quarterback. Make sure you give him your hands like you do in the Settle
Up and Noose drill.

Y Receiver: You will be running the cross concept. You must go under the first color and over top the
second color jersey. You are aiming for a spot 18 to 22 yards deep on the opposite hash.

If you are open in grass while you are running your route, then you will stop and show hands. Do not
give up free grass.
If you are open in grass while you are running your route, then you will stop and show hands. Do not
give up free grass.

R Receiver: If the Y is not on your side then you will be running a mandatory outside release vertical -
MOR. You must run this route as hard and as fast as possible. You are the first choice in the progression,
so you CANNOT LOAF on this route.

If the Y is on your side, then you are running a 15-yard dig route. You have the option of settling into
grass once you make your dig cut. You are the ‘Oh Shit’ route. Be ready for the quarterback to look for
you if he gets in trouble. If the quarterback starts scrambling, then you will execute your scramble rules.

Quarterback’s Thought Process on the Y-Cross Concept

It doesn’t matter which formation is called. The quarterback will do the same thing: play fake to the
running back, take a quick three step drop, and go through this progress:

1. Mandatory outside release vertical. If there is NO COLOR in the grass area of the vertical, then
he will throw the ball on the last step of his drop. If there IS COLOR in the vertical area, then he
will hitch up and go to the next progression.
2. The cross route. He will see if the Y wide receiver has settled in grass or is continuing his route. If
there is NO COLOR around the Y wide receiver then he will throw him the ball. If there IS COLOR
around the Y wide receiver then he will hitch up and go to the next progression.
3. The 15-yard dig. He will see if the L/R receiver has settled in grass or is continuing his route. If
there is NO COLOR around the Y wide receiver then he will throw him the ball. If there IS COLOR
around the L/R wide receiver then he will hitch up and go to his last progression.
4. The F wide receiver running his comet/key 3 route. This is also the “Oh Shit” route. If he feels
any pressure, then he will look for his F wide receiver.

Y-Sail Concept
You’ve been killing the defense over the middle. You’ve been hitting the Snag route from the Pin and
Pull RPO. You’ve been hitting the cross from the Y-Cross concept. The middle line backer has been
getting his butt chewed after every series because he can’t stop your players.

Now that 17-year-old kid is ready. He is sick of his coach’s mouth. He is ready to show everyone in the
stands how great he is. He is going to CRACK your player the moment he comes over the middle.

But you aren’t stupid.

You aren’t going to send your player across the middle of the field now. Why?

YOU AREN’T STUPID!

You know that middle linebacker is ready for the snag route or the cross route. You set up your play
calling for that to happen. You are going to call the Y-Sail concept and hit the defense where they aren’t.
 Y-Sail from 2 x 2 formation with Motion

Why This?
You’ve been running so much motion throughout the game on top of routes that go across the middle
that it is causing the opposing players’ head to spin.

Good.

Because you are going to use that against them. Let them defend the middle. We are going to attack
them in the flanks.

Offensive Line Blocking

Front Side Tackle: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Front Side Guard: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Center: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Back Side Guard: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Back Side Tackle: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.
Wide Receiver Rules
They are running the Y-Sail concept. Only one wide receiver has the option of sitting down in grass: the
outside wide receiver running the dig route. Every other wide receiver must run their route as hard and
as fast as possible. That is their job.

L Receiver: If the Y is on your side, then you will be running a mandatory outside release vertical - MOR.
You must run as hard and as fast as possible. You are the first choice in the progression. You CANNOT
LOAF on this route.

If the Y is not on your side, then you are running a 15-yard dig route. You have the option of settling into
grass once you make your dig cut. You are the ‘Oh Shit’ route. Be ready for the quarterback to look for
you if he gets in trouble. If the quarterback starts scrambling, then you will execute your scramble rules.

F Receiver: You are running your quick motion and turning that motion in the comet route. If you get to
the opposite numbers and do not have the ball, then you will stop running and turn towards the
quarterback. Make sure you give him your hands like you do in the Settle Up and Noose drill.

Y Receiver: You will be running the sail concept. You must release outside the defender that is head-up
or slightly inside of you. You are pushing your route vertical for 10 yards before speed turning towards
the sideline. You want to run a SPEED OUT because we do not want to lose speed on the break.

R Receiver: If the Y is on your side, then you will be running a mandatory outside release vertical - MOR.
You must run as hard and as fast as possible. You are the first choice in the progression. You CANNOT
LOAF on this route.

If the Y is not on your side, then you are running a 15-yard dig route. You have the option of settling into
grass once you make your dig cut. You are the ‘Oh Shit’ route. Be ready for the quarterback to look for
you if he gets in trouble. If the quarterback starts scrambling, then you will execute your scramble rules.

Y-Sail from Two-Back with Push Motion

Why This?
You’ve been killing the defense in your two-back formation. You can’t believe the defensive coordinator
is putting all those bodies in the box. Doesn’t he know you can throw the ball to other places on the
field?

Offensive Line Blocking

Front Side Tackle: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Front Side Guard: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Center: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Back Side Guard: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Back Side Tackle: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Wide Receiver Rules

They are running the Y-Sail concept. Only one wide receiver has the option of sitting down in grass: the
outside wide receiver running the dig route. Every other wide receiver must run their route as hard and
as fast as possible. That is their job.

L Receiver: If the Y is on your side, then you will be running a mandatory outside release vertical - MOR.
You must run as hard and as fast as possible. You are the first choice in the progression. You CANNOT
LOAF on this route.

If the Y is not on your side, then you are running a 15-yard dig route. You have the option of settling into
grass once you make your dig cut. You are the ‘Oh Shit’ route. Be ready for the quarterback to look for
you if he gets in trouble. If the quarterback starts scrambling, then you will execute your scramble rules.

F Receiver: You are running your push motion and turning that motion in the comet route. If you get to
the opposite numbers and do not have the ball, then you will stop running and turn towards the
quarterback. Make sure you give him your hands like you do in the Settle Up and Noose drill.

Y Receiver: You will be running the sail concept. You must release outside the defender that is head-up
or slightly inside of you. You are pushing your route vertical for 10 yards before speed turning towards
the sideline. You want to run a SPEED OUT because we do not want to lose speed on the break.

R Receiver: If the Y is on your side, then you will be running a mandatory outside release vertical - MOR.
You must run as hard and as fast as possible. You are the first choice in the progression. You CANNOT
LOAF on this route.

If the Y is not on your side, then you are running a 15-yard dig route. You have the option of settling into
grass once you make your dig cut. You are the ‘Oh Shit’ route. Be ready for the quarterback to look for
you if he gets in trouble. If the quarterback starts scrambling, then you will execute your scramble rules.
 Y-Sail from 3 x 1

Why This?
As an offensive coach, you know that the ball is on the right or left has about 70 percent of the time.
That’s why you are in the 3 x 1 formation to the field most of the game. The defense thinks you are
going to run the Pin and Pull RPO or the Y-Cross concept because they think your quarterback can’t
make a throw to the field.

Let them hate on your quarterback.

You know that he can make that throw because you practice it every day.

Plus, your wide receiver will be so wide open a three-year-old could make the throw.

Offensive Line Blocking

Front Side Tackle: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Front Side Guard: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Center: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Back Side Guard: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.

Back Side Tackle: You will execute your half-slide protection rules.
Wide Receiver Rules
They are running the Y-Sail concept. Only one wide receiver has the option of sitting down in grass: the
outside wide receiver running the dig route. Every other wide receiver must run their route as hard and
as fast as possible. That is their job.

L Receiver: If the Y is on your side, then you will be running a mandatory outside release vertical - MOR.
You must run as hard and as fast as possible. You are the first choice in the progression. You CANNOT
LOAF on this route.

If the Y is not on your side, then you are running a 15-yard dig route. You have the option of settling into
grass once you make your dig cut. You are the ‘Oh Shit’ route. Be ready for the quarterback to look for
you if he gets in trouble. If the quarterback starts scrambling, then you will execute your scramble rules.

F Receiver: You are running your key 3 quick screen concept. Really sell it. You want to make it look like
you are going to get the ball. If you get to the opposite numbers and do not have the ball, then you will
stop running and turn towards the quarterback. Make sure you give him your hands like you do in the
Settle Up and Noose drill.

Y Receiver: You will be running the sail concept. You must release outside the defender that is head-up
or slightly inside of you. You are pushing your route vertical for 10 yards before speed turning towards
the sideline. You want to run a SPEED OUT because we do not want to lose speed on the break.

R Receiver: If the Y is on your side, then you will be running a mandatory outside release vertical - MOR.
You must run as hard and as fast as possible. You are the first choice in the progression. You CANNOT
LOAF on this route.

If the Y is not on your side, then you are running a 15-yard dig route. You have the option of settling into
grass once you make your dig cut. You are the ‘Oh Shit’ route. Be ready for the quarterback to look for
you if he gets in trouble. If the quarterback starts scrambling, then you will execute your scramble rules.

Quarterback’s Thought Process on the Y-Sail Concept

It doesn’t matter which formation you call. The quarterback will do the same thing: play fake to the
running back, take a quick three step drop, and go through this progress:

1. Mandatory outside release vertical. If there is NO COLOR in the grass area of the vertical, then
he will throw the ball on the last step of his drop. If there IS COLOR in the vertical area, then he
will hitch up and go to the next progression.
2. The sail route. If there is NO COLOR around the Y wide receiver then he will throw him the ball.
If there IS COLOR around the Y wide receiver then he will hitch up and go to the next
progression.
3. The 15-yard dig. He will see if the L/R receiver has settled in grass or is continuing his route. If
there is NO COLOR around the Y wide receiver then he will throw him the ball. If there IS COLOR
around the L/R wide receiver then he will hitch up and go to his last progression.
4. The F wide receiver running his comet/key 3 route. This is also the “Oh Shit” route. If he feels
any pressure, then he will look for his F wide receiver.
 Chapter 11: Drilling the Pin and Pull RPO
If you want to be good at the Pin and Pull PRO then you must practice the play every day. How do you
practice the play? Do you run nothing but Inside Period and Team Run every day during practice?

Nope.

You do this drill every day for ten minutes a day.

Let me repeat that.

YOU. DO. THIS. DRILL. EVERY. DAY!!!!

Now, if you have read my One-Back Power RPO eBook then you will be familiar with this drill because
it’s the same drill.

SET UP

You need one two coaches, a Center/manager to snap the ball, Running Backs, F and Y Receivers, and
Quarterbacks.

RUNNING THE DRILL

The two coaches will be the read key. The first coach will be the Read Linebacker, and the second coach
will be the Cloudy Linebacker.

The Read Key has two movements:

Cross the Center’s face

If the Read Key Crosses the Center’s face, then the Quarterback will pull the ball and throw the ball to
the Snag route.
Sinks on the Snag Route

If the Read Key sinks to cover the Snag route, then the Quarterback hands the ball off.

The Running Back will read the block of the other Running Back on the line of scrimmage:

• If that Running Back steps outside – simulating a stretch block – then the Running Back will
stick his foot in the ground and get North and South.

• If the Running Back on the line of scrimmage turns inside – simulating a hook block – then the
Running Back will sprint to the sideline before turning it up.
The Cloudy Linebacker has two movements:

Chase the Snag Route

If the Quarterback gets a pull read from the Read Key, and the Cloudy Linebacker comes into the GRASS
area, then the Quarterback throws the Fin route.

Drop back into the R/L Receiver’s Fin route

If the Quarterback gets a pull read from the Read Key, and the Cloudy Linebacker doesn’t come into the
GRASS area, then the Quarterback will throw the Snag route.

The one thing to remember during this drill is to ingrain in your Quarterback that he must ALWAYS FAKE
A THROW IF HE HANDS THE BALL OFF!

This is cause the defense to freeze for a second. Which in turn can help turn a five-yard run into a
twenty-five-yard run.

Note: The Read Keys are not there to confuse the Quarterback. Give him CLEAR and CONCISE reads.
We want the Quarterback to be comfortable during this play. Now is not the time to confuse him and
get him gun shy.

Chapter 12: Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions

This section is here because I got a slew of emails from my last book about different scenarios involving
the Pin and Pull RPO. I want other coaches to know what the questions were as well as the answers.

Why?

Because this play is freaking amazing and I want you to have all of the answers so you can piss off
defensive coordinators.

Duh!

1. How do you block odd-front teams that play their defensive ends in 4is?

I fucking hate 4i’s. I really do. I hate them so much that I’m leaving in that cuss word. It’s the only cuss
word you will find in the entire eBook. You know that’s how much I hate 4i’s.

But I don’t fear them. There’s a difference.

Why?

Because we’ve taught our backside tackle and guard to make a call if they come across a 4i. What call?

A switch call.
All the ‘Switch’ call does is switch blocking responsibilities between the backside guard and tackle.

What about the frontside tackle?

Nothing changes for him. Remember, he is blocking anyone head up to outside of him. We treat play
side 4i’s as head up. He’s blocking man-on that defender.

2. Do you only have one answer for when teams go man-to-man?

RPO wise? Yes. Changing the Read guy? No.

Look. I get it. You love RPOs. You see high school teams running them. College teams are running them.
Hell, even NFL teams are running them.

Just because teams are running a 101 different RPOs doesn’t mean you have to though.

Get great at one RPO that gives man-to-man defenses trouble. It can be the pick route. It could be
double slants. It could be slant/arrow.

Just get great at whatever it is you pick to defeat man-to-man defense.

3. Okay. You can get off your soap box now. Tell me how you change the read guy in the Pin and
Pull RPO.

Sorry. I got a little bit carried away there. Won’t happen again.

We have two different tags for our Pin and Pull RPO.

The first one is the “SLIP” tag.

The “SLIP” tag tells the backside tackle to double with the backside guard and come off to the backside
linebacker.

It also tells the quarterback to read the defensive end instead of the backside linebacker.

Why use this tag when we know teams are going to go man-to-man against us.

Ask yourself this question. If the defense is in man-to-man then who is responsible for the quarterback if
the defensive end crashes?

That’s a great freaking question. So, defenses have to be option sound in order to stop that
play when they are in man-to-man. That makes sense. Okay, if that’s your first tag then what’s your
second tag?

The second tag is our “BACKER” tag.

The “BACKER” tag tells the quarterback to read the same linebacker he would normally read on the Pin
and Pull RPO, but to run the ball instead of throwing it if the linebacker gives him a PULL read.
Think about it. If the defense decides to go man-to-man then they must be option sound with their
defensive line and their linebackers.

That’s a difficult think to do on top of worrying about RPOs and two deadly play-action passes off the
RPO.

4. How do you block up the Pin and Pull RPO against a seven-man front Cover 0 team?

You don’t. They have more people in the box than you. Don’t run the play. Please. I’m begging you. You
will only give yourself a headache. Call a pass. Please.

5. How do you block a bear front?

The only time we see a bear front is when we are on the goal line. But that doesn’t mean we don’t
prepare for it. What our players do is give a “BEAR” call. That tells the offensive line to full zone the play.

The quarterback knows when he hears the center scream “BEAR” that the RPO is off and he is reading
the C-gap defender. If he gives a pull read, then he will run it like our normal inside zone.

6. How often do you get called for illegal man down field?

We’ve only been called three times for illegal man down the field in the three years we’ve been running
this play.

How?

By repping the hell out of the play every day in practice. I’ve found it was the quarterback’s fault all
three times we got called for the penalty because he was holding onto the ball too long. He needs to
make a quick decision on whether to hand the ball off or through the RPO.

7. Can you explain how to block the Pin and Pull RPO against a 5-3 defense?

I’m going to be honest here. I have no freaking idea what a 5-3 defense is. I think I have an idea, but I’m
not sure. Here’s what I think it is:
If this is what coaches are talking about when they say 5-3 defense, then I’m at a loss for words.

Why would you want to run the ball against that front? Why not throw the ball to the F on a key screen?
Or motion the tailback out on a swing route and through him the ball? Or run Y-Stick, Y-Corner, or any
other quick game concept that takes advantage of the three on one situation?

Stop trying to run this play against defenses that stack the box. THROW THE FREAKING BALL!

8. What are your splits for the offensive linemen?

Perfect world? Three feet. What’s the closest I can live with? Two feet.

How will I react if they are foot to foot? Like a freaking fool.

9. Do you have any problems with your snap when the center is pulling?

We did at first. But when you rep it every day – because we don’t have that many run plays – then it
becomes second nature to the center.

Remember, you must rep the hell out of this play. Every day. All the time. Until the offensive line can run
it in their sleep.

10. What app do you use to draw your playbook?

Hudl Playbook.
 Chapter 13: That’s it
That’s the end of the updated version of my Pin and Pull RPO eBook.

I hope you got something from this eBook. I didn’t leave anything out. I’m not trying to hide any secrets.
I truly believe this play is one of the best plays in football. It takes what the defense coaches their
linebackers and uses it against them.

That’s freaking smart.

And I want you all to know that I did not create this play. I stole it from the countless hours of Googling,
YouTubing, and watching college football games.

Please feel free to email me at ronmckie@ronmckiefootball.com if you have any questions about this
play. Also, if you’ve installed this play then please email me and let me know how the play is working for
you.

I run a website where I talk about everything related to the Spread Offense. You can find it at
www.ronmckiefootball.com

I have a YouTube channel where I talk about the Spread Offense. I would love for you to come join the
conversation. My YouTube Channel is at www.youtube.com/c/coachmckie

I have a podcast where I talk about the Spread Offense, interview coaches, and answer emails. The
podcast is called Talking Football with Coach McKie. It’s up on iTunes and Sticher. I’d love for you to take
a listen.

I’m also active on Twitter. My handle is @CoachMcKieJr.

Thanks for taking time out of your day to read my eBook. I hope you got something out of it.

And until next time coaches, let’s continue to Master the Spread,
Score Points, and Have Fun!