Football Chalk Talk

Welcome to the Harrison Sports Academy Football chalk talk page. Here is where we will be able to discuss ideas, formations, plays and techniques. Football is a game with many ways to get the job done successfully, so there isn’t a single way to win and prosper. Each week, we will highlight certain formations on both sides of the ball just to talk football strategy.

In addition to training athletes on the football field, we always want to teach them why we are doing something. Going over certain plays and tendencies always gets a better response than mundane drills. Players need to know how to perform and when to perform. There’s a method to this football madness.

Note: Terminology may be different than what you’re used to.

A. Football Chalk Talk

II. Kings Formation

Kings formation utilizes 21 personnel.

I. Diamond Formation

Diamond Formation- Football Chalk Talk.
Diamond Formation

The Diamond Formation is a great way to help your ground game flourish on every level of football. At first look, the Diamond seems to be ready-made for a power run game. If the opponent’s defense isn’t tough enough it’s likely to be a long day of big runs and PAT’s. You can create leverage at the point of attack. If you find yourself with elite blockers your team might have the best running game in your league.

However, the Diamond also opens up the passing game in a major way. Imagine if your offense is filled with hybrid running backs/wide receivers all over your roster. Coach may just want to give the ball to the special talents and dictate what the defense is going to do at all times. Normally, the formation leads to stacked boxes on the defensive side. Well, that’s perfect for 1-on-1 shots with the tight end or wide receiver.

Although the Diamond is easy to run, certain plays are hard to run effectively. First of all, your backfield players cannot be lazy. If they are lazy they can’t play. They are the key to unlocking everything you want to do out of the formation. I’ve seen certain teams with their players jogging on game film. Lackadaisical effort can turn a potential touchdown into a five yard gain.

a. Three Basic Run Game Packages

Iso Lead Action
  1. Iso Ball (Tailback)
    • A-Gap, B-Gap, C-Gap Runs
      • Base Blocking schemes depend on Defensive Front (combo, Double or zone blocking) rules
      • Create rules for TE side vs WR side
      • Key is to isolate the Mike or ILB with a double team
      • QB audibles to get into correct play call
  2. Counter Power
    • C-Gap runs to the tailback (Basic)
      • Counters can hit anywhere on the line of scrimmage
      • Use of G/T Pulls if linemen are athletic enough
      • Up backs are capable of being the pullers
      • QBs reverse pivot
  3. Zone-Read
    • Inside Zone
      • Left or right up back
      • Ability to run triple option
      • O-Line Zone blocking
      • QB has potential to read multiple defenders
    • Outside Zone
      • Left or Right up back
      • Ability to run triple option
      • O-Line base blocking
      • QB Reads Inside linebacker
    • Midline
      • Tailback Straight down hill
      • O-Line Base Blocking
      • O-Line Trap blocking with experience
      • Ability to run triple option
Outside Zone look