Teaching Option Routes Effectively
When coaching players on how to run option routes, it’s essential they understand both the underlying principles and the fundamentals. The receiver’s decision-making hinges on the defenders in their coverage zone, meaning they don’t need to read the entire field—just their specific area.
Key Option Routes in the No Huddle No Mercy Offense
In Coach Shawn Liotta’s No Huddle No Mercy Offense, there are several types of option routes:
- Vertical Option Routes: Including variations like the Deep Choice Concept.
- Quick Choice Option Routes
This offense utilizes many “no read” quick game concepts. The option route is unique as it requires both the quarterback and receiver to make real-time adjustments. Unlike screens or run-pass options, this route demands on-the-fly decision-making.
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For more in-depth insights, check out the No Huddle No Mercy Offense series here.
Benefits of Multiple Adjusting Route Concepts
- Adaptability to Coverage Techniques: Coach Liotta’s approach ensures that neither he nor his players worry about the defensive coverage. These plays are designed to enable offensive players to find openings regardless of the coverage.
- Player Confidence: Players often prefer the “choice” route because they feel perpetually open against any defense.
- Daily Drills: Consistent practice is crucial. Coach Liotta emphasizes that without regular drills, it’s challenging to achieve the necessary proficiency.
Design and Implementation of Adjusting Pass Routes
- Universal Effectiveness: Repetition and familiarity with the concepts instill confidence in players, making the defense’s actions irrelevant.
- Quarterback and Receiver Synergy: Regular practice fosters a shared understanding between the quarterback and receivers, enabling them to identify and exploit defensive weaknesses together.
Coach Liotta no longer uses the “Routes on Air” period common in Air Raid offenses. Instead, he focuses on real-game scenarios with defenders, enhancing the practical effectiveness of these routes.
Integrating “Locked Concepts”
Contrary to some misconceptions, having option routes doesn’t exclude the use of traditional “locked routes” that remain constant against various defenses.
Teaching Progression for Every Play
- Alignment
- Stance
- Coverage Keys
- Responsibility
These elements require no special talent. Every player, regardless of skill level, can master these fundamentals. Performance beyond this point depends on individual ability.
Tips for Adjusting Concepts
- Drive Past Undercoverage: There are no fixed landmarks for breaks. The receiver must pass through second-level coverage to threaten the deep coverage.
- Ignore Yardage on Breaks: Focus on breaking open rather than a specific yardage, especially for slot routes with more defensive variables.
- Speed and Leverage: Quick off the ball to break the defender’s leverage, clearing second-level defenders swiftly.
- Avoid Contact: Prevent defenders from getting hands on the receiver, which can disrupt routes. Coach Liotta emphasizes techniques to maintain freedom from defenders, such as hand-slapping.
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