Football Strategies: Understanding the Spread Offense

In today's fast pace lifestyle it seems that all aspects of our lives have been modified to speed up the bottom line, which is results. The same is true for the great game of football. The game of football has evolved as such, that size is not so much a factor as much as speed. Don't get me wrong size is still an integral part of the game, but speed is something that can not be accounted for in preparing for a game. With that in mind, the Spread Offense was born. This article is designed help understand this high scoring prolific offense.

The premise behind the spread is to stretch a defense both vertically and horizontally making them defend the entire field. In doing this, one also allows for athletes to make plays in the open field. In essence, what the spread did was place more emphasis on speed. The spread offense incorporates the use of 4 to 5 receivers, and the use of 1 or no backs. Many theories exist as to why teams are using the spread. Some believe that that spread is designed to throw the ball, which is very effective. What people don't know is that many high school and collegiate teams use the spread to run the ball. Why? Spreading people out with 4 receivers makes defenses "show their cards" so to speak. A defense can line up only so many ways to defend the spread. They will either maximize their coverage, which will allow less players to stop the run or maximize the box, which will minimize their pass coverage.

Another aspect of the spread offense that has attracted even your more traditional run oriented schools is the ability to score points, almost at will. The spread offense has increased point production based on the fact that more versatile athletes have been introduced. It used to be that the best athletes on the field were 1 or 2 running backs. Now with the advent of the spread, you have 6 athletes on the field that can score at any time. Furthermore, the spread has introduced a different breed of football player. These football players are basketball type kids, that can utilize many of the skills required for basketball on the football field. The ability to jump, catch, and run are attributes beneficial to the spread. One attribute not commonly associated with basketball is the ability to block. These receivers must screen a man for 1 to 3 seconds for most perimeter run plays. Again, a skill used in basketball.

I hope this article helped you understand the basic concepts behind the spread. That way, when you are watching a college or high school football game you will understand why coaches and players do what they do.