The Power O Football Play
The Power O Football Play
The Power O Football Play
The Power O football play, or Power “O” for short, is an off-tackle play that utilizes a “gap” blocking scheme. The play is used in some form at every level, from youth football to the NFL. Different than the traditional ISO play, the Power play attacks defenses that like to take away the “B” gap from the offense. Through the years, running strong ISO against a 4-3 team with a dominating 3-technique can prove to be difficult. Against an odd front, teams will slant or play their DEs/DTs in the B gaps to take away any type of isolation play. One of the best schemes around for any offense is the gap scheme utilized by the Power play.
Power O Football Play Blocking Rules
PSTE, PST, PSG – Gap, Down, Backer (Combo blocks can be used if there is no blitz threat)
C – Protect Pulling Guard Hole
BSG – Pull and lead up for PSLB
BST, BSTE – Scoop Playside
The advantages of this scheme…
- Blitz-proof – Since it’s a gap scheme, not a man-blocking scheme
- Can be run strong or weak
- Can be run out of multiple formations, offenses, philosophies
Seen below is an example of the true “Power-O” scheme out of the traditional I-Formation.
The Power play can also be run by Wing-T teams as their “Lead Sweep” play.
Gun and Gun Pistol teams have been running the Power play as a good compliment to their inside and outside zone plays.
More teams, especially at the collegiate and professional levels, are starting to utilize the 1-Back Power scheme against defenses that empty the box. Instead of your PSTE or PST blocking down, they can either Base block or Pass Block their defenders up the field.
The Pulling Guard
We use a “skip” pull method where the BSG will always keep his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage. The BSG will put his backside foot back an inch in his stance so he can explode off that foot first. After the step, he will “skip” with his inside foot, staying low, and staying square towards his destination. I want our guards to seal any leakage before he gets to the hole in order to prevent a bad play. If there is no leakage, he will be able to explode onto the PSLB since his shoulders will still be square to the line of scrimmage.
By incorporating this scheme into your philosophy, you have more answers and fewer questions to what the defense gives you.
