Technical questions. Please enlighten me.

[slanidrac16]

So I’ve watched football for over 60 years. I never played the game. I never coached the game. My technical knowledge of the game is limited.

When we look at possible players in free agency I ( like most?) look at a list of free agents and based on rankings or statistics sets my wish list.

So here are my technical questions.
What are we looking for in an o-lineman?
For instance I hear someone say he’s great in a zone blocking scheme. So the guy I might look at would be a terrible fit for us. Who ideally fits our scheme?

Same goes for d-linemen. One gap, 3 gap 5 technique. I understand the gist of it but what is our scheme but when looking at DT free agents or the draft who fits the system we play?

I get some db’s are better at zone and some man to man. It seems we (most?) play a mixture of that. Do we play more zone? Is man to man a luxury?

How about play design? Do teams have a playbook with 50-60 plays or do they have 10-12 basic plays that are adjusted and modified from week to week or opponent to opponent?

And finally, the play sheet on game day. I’ve always been intrigued of just what that play sheet looks like up close and what it says. If anybody has a picture, even if it’s a high school play sheet, could you post a picture of one?

Thanks in advance.

 

[slanidrac16]

So I’ve watched football for over 60 years. I never played the game. I never coached the game. My technical knowledge of the game is limited.

When we look at possible players in free agency I ( like most?) look at a list of free agents and based on rankings or statistics sets my wish list.

So here are my technical questions.
What are we looking for in an o-lineman?
For instance I hear someone say he’s great in a zone blocking scheme. So the guy I might look at would be a terrible fit for us. Who ideally fits our scheme?

Same goes for d-linemen. One gap, 3 gap 5 technique. I understand the gist of it but what is our scheme but when looking at DT free agents or the draft who fits the system we play?

I get some db’s are better at zone and some man to man. It seems we (most?) play a mixture of that. Do we play more zone? Is man to man a luxury?

How about play design? Do teams have a playbook with 50-60 plays or do they have 10-12 basic plays that are adjusted and modified from week to week or opponent to opponent?

And finally, the play sheet on game day. I’ve always been intrigued of just what that play sheet looks like up close and what it says. If anybody has a picture, even if it’s a high school play sheet, could you post a picture of one?

Thanks in advance.

Probably a good post for Harry.

 

[Harry]

Okay. I’ve done both but everyone would know these if they were that simple to describe. Keep in mind all styles are typically mixed into every team’s play. It’s more a matter of frequency. Taking Oline blocking zone blocking usually refers to using multiple blockers to target a player or area. For that you need agile blockers. Some teams focus more on drive blocking where you basically take out the guy in front of you. That style puts a premium on strength. This is all more about run blocking. I’ve posted a little on names. Other attributes like leadership and composure factor in as well.

The technique numbers are about where players line up. Odd numbers line up on the outside shoulder of an Olineman. The 3 refers to the guard and the 5 to the tackle. This alignment tends to favor penetrating the line and attacking the backfield. Usually these players emphasize speed and agility. Even numbers line up head on or sometimes on the inside shoulder. The latter allows for more penetration. Typically these players are bigger and stronger. Dockett was usually a 3.

Man to man corners are harder to find. There are also press CBs who try to hold up the receiver at the line. Their intent is to disrupt the route. The downfield contact penalty was created, in part, to prevent them from mugging a receiver throughout their route. Man to man usually require special speed. Zone, played well, requires alertness and quickness.

In a sense many plays are versions of the same play. When a QB gives the play in the huddle he delineates the specifics, like formation, blocking scheme, to the right side or left and much more. It all tells you what version of a basic play will be run.

Play sheets vary by the coaches style. They are usually broken up at least by yardage needed to gain and situation, like 2 pt conversions. Put “play sheet football” into google and you’ll see a bunch I’m sure.

Hope this helps a little.