This Left Formation: Lead Sweep Play (toss sweep) is a play out of a Wing T Formation. Many Wing T coaches call this formation 900/left. This is an excellent play because it shows strength to the left and actually tosses the ball to the right, opposite of the pre-snap strength. This play is easy install and is very difficult to stop.
Left Formation: Lead Sweep Play Blocking Rules and Execution
This play is designed to force the defense to shift to the (TE) and (WB) side (left side). When the defense shifts, that is when we change the strength of the formation by motioning the (WB) across to the right and tossing the ball outside. The crack block by the split-end seals the edge. This play is great because it switches the strength of the formation very quickly. Since it changes so quickly, the defense doesn’t have time to readjust.
Center: Block head up defender. If he is getting double A-gaps, then he is to block back-side A-gap defender.
Right Guard (RG): Inside-Over-Linebacker.
Right Tackle (RT): Inside-Over-Linebacker.
Left Guard (LG): Step inside, cut-off.
Left Tackle (LT): Step inside, cut-off.
Tight-end (TE): Step inside, cut-off.
Split-end (SE): Crack defensive end (E). Make sure that the split-end cheats his splits down enough so that he gives himself a good crack blocking angle on the defender. He cannot clip or spear the defender. The (SE) needs to be on the line of scrimmage.
Wing-back (WB): Comes in full speed motion across the formation and looks to block the first defender outside the (SE)’s crack block. This will usually be the outside linebacker (W).
Halfback (HB): Lead block, look to block the cornerback.
Fullback (FB): Receive toss, get outside, run behind the (HB) leading the way.
Quarterback (1): Reverse pivot and pitch the ball to the (FB). Reverse out and fake bootleg to the left.
Coaching Tips
- (WB) coming in motion cannot go or even lean forward until the ball is snapped. He must stay parallel to the line of scrimmage until the football is snapped.
- The motion timing does take a little practice. The timing of the snap count and motion varies per team. We usually want our wing-back over the tackle when the ball is snapped.
- The QB toss must be right to the (FB). The QB must reverse pivot, square up to the (FB) and toss the ball. The QB must move his feet, he cannot toss the ball around his feet and hip. The toss has to be right at the (FB), it cannot float in the air. Check out the video below (Installing the Rocket Sweep)- it talks about proper technique for tossing the football.
- Run plays to the (TE) and (WB) side to force the defense to shift. Once they shift to the strength, that is when you hit them with this Left Formation: Lead Sweep Play to the right.
Left Formation: Lead Sweep Play with Reach Blocking
You can have the play-side of the offensive line step play-side and reach block, rather than execute inside-over-linebacker rules. You can also have the (SE) crack the outside backer (W) and have the motion back (WB) seal the defensive end. There are several different ways you can block the edge. It all depends on how wide the contain defender is. Typically on sweep plays, coaches will have their players reach play-side.
Center: Block head up defender. If he is getting double A-gaps, then he is to block back-side A-gap defender.
Right Guard (RG): Step play-side, reach offensive tackle.
Right Tackle (RT): Step play-side, reach defensive end or work onto linebacker.
Left Guard (LG): Step inside, cut-off.
Left Tackle (LT): Step inside, cut-off.
Tight-end (TE): Step inside, cut-off.
Split-end (SE): Crack outside linebacker (W). Make sure that the split-end cheats his splits down enough so that he gives himself a good crack blocking angle on the defender. He cannot clip or spear the defender.
Wing-back (WB): Comes in full speed motion across the formation and seals the defensive end (E). The (WB) must work to maintain outside leverage. The defensive end will fight hard not to get sealed so its important that the (WB) works to maintain outside leverage.
Halfback (HB): Lead block, look to block the cornerback.
Fullback (FB): Receive toss, get outside, run behind the (HB) leading the way.
Quarterback (1): Reverse pivot and pitch the ball to the (FB). Reverse out and fake bootleg to the left.
(See Also) Rocket Sweep Series
(See Also) Fullback Trap off of Toss Sweep