3 Plays Every Coach Needs in Their Playbook

There are some plays that are just good football plays- regardless of team athletic ability and skill set. If you lack team speed these plays are good. If you lack size, these plays are good. If you lack both, these plays are good. These plays can be executed out of any formation and at any age. Here are 3 plays plays every coach needs in their playbook.

3 Plays Every Coach Needs in Their Playbook

Jet Sweep Play

Benefits of Jet Sweep

• Only have to block 2-3 defenders to get big time yardage.
• Gets your ball carrier the ball in space very quickly- defense is standing still.
• Play-action passing and counters off of Jet Sweep hit big!

Jet Sweep is one of the best plays in football for these key reasons. You will only need to block 2-3 defenders to get big yardage. If you can get the the play-side DE, CB, and OLB blocked you’ll get a big play. Jet will allow you to get your ball carrier the football in space extremely quickly. The defense will be standing still, while your back is getting the ball running full speed.

Jet Sweep is great if you don’t have team speed- it makes your team fast, even if you don’t have fast players. If you do have team speed, Jet Sweep will kill defenses. Last but not least, Jet Sweep will force defenses to shift or get beat outside. Once the defenses start adjusting to Jet, then you kill them with the complement plays (counters, play-action passes).

Best Formations to Run Jet Sweep out of: 

• Wing T
• Spread Formations
• Any formation with a wing back / slot receivers
• Can be executed out of Gun or from under center

Jet Sweep Game Film 

See Also: Single Wing Jet Sweep 

See Also: Attacking the Defense with Slot Jet Series

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Trap Play

The Trap play is a highly effective offensive concept in youth football, especially when facing aggressive defensive linemen. Here are the key benefits of running the trap play:

Exploits Aggressive Defenses

The trap play takes advantage of defensive linemen who charge up-field aggressively- that are taught to get ‘penetration’. By allowing them to penetrate, the offense can use a quick-hitting run inside, leading to big gains.

Creates Misdirection

Defenders often overcommit to the initial backfield movement, allowing the ball carrier to run through the vacated space. This misdirection is especially useful against undisciplined defenses.

Utilizes Quick-Hitting Action

The play develops fast, reducing the chances of defenders reacting in time. A well-executed trap play can break for large yardage before the defense adjusts.

Neutralizes Bigger Defensive Linemen

Instead of blocking dominant defensive tackles head-on, the trap play allows offensive linemen to use angles and movement to block them effectively. This minimizes the impact of bigger, stronger defenders.

Works Well Against Blitzing Defenses

When defenses blitz, they often leave gaps open. A well-timed trap play can turn a defensive blitz into an easy big gain for the offense.

Best Formations to Run Trap out of: 

• I Formation
• Wing T
• Spread Formations (QB Trap)

See Also: Offset I-Formation Playbook

Blast Play

The blast play is one of the best run plays for youth football because of its simplicity and effectiveness. The Blast Play will get you multiple lead blockers at the point of attack. It’s easy to execute and it’s a play that needs to be in your playbook.

Benefits of the Blast Play 

• Simple and easy to execute.
• Multiple blocking scheme options.
• Works against most defenses.
• Sets up play-action.

The blast play is a straightforward inside run where the fullback and /or lead blockers clear the hole for the running back. It doesn’t require complex blocking schemes, making it ideal for young players who are still learning the game. A play is considered ‘blast’ when you have 2 or more blockers leading the way. There are several different blocking schemes that can be utilized. You can utilize base blocking, down blocking, or even double teams at the point of attack.

Beast Formations to run Blast out of: 

• Direct Snap / Beast Formation
• Wishbone Formation
• Full-house Formation

See Also: Beast Formation Playbook 

See Also: Wishbone Formation Clinic

The blast play is effective against common youth football defenses like the 5-3, 4-4, and 6-2 because it attacks the middle, where younger defenders often struggle to hold their ground. Once the defense starts focusing on stopping the blast, it opens up the passing game. A simple play-action pass off the blast fake can lead to big plays downfield. At the end of the day, Blast is great because you just get more blockers at the point of attack than the defense has defenders.