1. TRINITY HIGH SCHOOL PISTOL ADAPTATIONS
Andrew Coverdale • Assistant Football Coach Trinity High School • Louisville, KY

2. Base Protection Summary Table
OVERVIEW
“SHOT”: Why & How
Tackle Trap
Wide Zone
Keeper
Alley Screen
Quick Game: Basic, Flash fake
Hard Play Action

3. Base Protection Summary Table
WHY & HOW
“SHOT:” WHY?
Core offense: Problem-solving, slight improvements, different tempo / flavor
The gray area between Gun & Under: self-scout
QB comfort level

4. Base Protection Summary Table
WHY & HOW
HOW?
QB heels at 4; RB to normal TB align* *varies by assignment
Snaps: 5-10 minutes before each practice
Use in 10-15% of our total calls
4 yd Q
3 yd* R

5. Base Protection Summary Table
TACKLE TRAP
RATIONALE from SHOT
Gives us an “A” gap, fastball run
Gives the RB a direct path to his landmark – tempo and vision
Keeps QB’s feet out of the trash
Obfuscates defense’s look at the RB path

6. Base Protection Summary Table
‘A’ gap trap with midline ball-handling designed to hit quickly. Prefer to run it to a Shade/1 tech
Base Protection Summary Table
TACKLE TRAP
FST: Post-Out man on. Possible ‘Team’ w/ FSTE (6 or 9)
FSG: Seal 1st LB FS in the box on the angle you find him - preferably inside-out. Poss Pop-seal / Show-seal v. 1 tech
C: Seal 2d LB FS in the box on the angle you find him - preferably inside-out. Poss. Pop-seal / Show-seal v. Shade
BSG: Post-out first DL past Center
BST: Pull & trap 1st DL on or past C.
BSTE: Chip 1st DL on or outside OT
FSTE: Block Hang – Pop Arc to it v. a 6i. Poss. ‘Team’ with T v. 9 technique/T bubble
QB: Kick back off the midline, give the RB full right of way – extend the ball & see BS EMOL, carry out course through him
RB: Sprint through the midline, jump cut off the cheeks of the FSG, get back on vertical course

7. Base Protection Summary Table
TACKLE TRAP
Versus Odd 41 N 23 19 78 98 44
1. We anticipate the Nose going rt, call it rt Nose moves, C escapes, we’re clean 41 N 23 19 78 98 44
2. We anticipate the Nose going rt, call it rt Nose slants left, into C’s escape path; C takes him with
T adjusts course up into hole, puts head inside #1 LB BS, shouldn’t affect RB mesh, read, or play tempo

8. Base Protection Summary Table
WIDE ZONE
RATIONALE from SHOT
Gets the ball in the RB’s hands a hair sooner – eyes to his read faster, speed earlier
Slightly different tempo for the defense – seems to produce more ‘Take it’ reads – makes our TE better against a 9 tech / T against a 5

9. Base Protection Summary Table
Downhill stretch play designed to attack the C/D gap edge of the defense quickly and exploit lanes that develop if the defense overpursues
Base Protection Summary Table
WIDE ZONE
FSTE: WZ cov/uncov rules. Use Combo-Solo- Through tools by game plan
FST: WZ cov/uncov rules. Use Combo-Solo- Through tools by game plan
FSG: WZ cov/uncov rules. Use Combo-Solo- Through tools by game plan
C: WZ cov/uncov rules. Use Combo-Solo- Through-Cut tools by game plan
BSG: WZ cov/uncov rules. Use Combo-Solo- Through-Cut-RCO tools by game plan
BST: WZ cov/uncov rules. Use Combo-Solo- Through-Cut-RCO tools by game plan
BSTE: WZ cov/uncov rules. Use Combo-Solo- Through-Cut-RCO tools by game plan
QB: Drive for depth at 4-8 o’clock, mesh on 3rd step, recoil/snap, vertical 4th step, 5 step full-speed keeper carryout
RB: Drop step, attack butt of TE, Vision key is EMOL, Reaction key is DL/LB behind; Take it-Stick it-Bang it based on face being crossed

10. Base Protection Summary Table
KEEPER
RATIONALE from SHOT
Counterbalance to our best ‘Shot’ run formations – Formation integrity
Gets QB deeper, quicker – better chance to get shoulders turned and deal with wide edge rush/two off the edge
‘Sneak’ tag
Fake/Sell is not as potent

11. Base Protection Summary Table
58-59 Instructional
Base Protection Summary Table
Fk Sd Outs: OVER ROUTE (See FS Ins)—Minimum split. If there’s someone inside you already doing it:
BEELINE POST: OT +6, Stem to 15 in the B gap, vertical stairstep 5 yards, nod & explode at a 45 degree angle to the far hash. Expect ball once past C
Fk Sd Inside: OVER route…MINIMUM split (OT+5) stem release, go under LB if needed, get over 2nd LB, get into QBs vision at yds. Use “STAIRSTEP” if being trailed by anyone, gradually turn #s to QB and allow him to slow you if you feel body presence in front
OL: Block to the number called. Make normal WZ Calls: no BS Cut; TP must not climb. COMMIT to the RUN BLOCK. COMMIT to the TEMPO. Whopper splits, Off alignment. BP hard hand a DL leaving you BS; TP assess gap threats in front, nothing on 3 steps, turn to SL and commit to DL in front
Bt Sd Outs: TIGHT split, COMEBACK/POCKET. 2-safety look, especially Cloud, puts you on alert for Pocket. Explode for width to capture shoulder of CB, straighten to 14, fade 3 steps + 2, break down hips, and pivot inside out back down to sideline. As you run the route, if you feel CB fall off, work to the Pocket, as on the 4 route!
Bt Sd Ins/TE: LATE SHOOT. ID and block the first DL on or outside the tackle for 2 counts. Put one hand on each of his #s, extend arms and PUSH him down into pile w/outside arm, allow him to ‘richochet’ you to your route. Release and work to the Arrow, gaining ground to Flat 4-5 yards deep. Get head around!
R: Threat is any overhang beyond FS T. Deepen 1 yd if ‘Premium.’ SELL run course through ghost TE, flat hand, big pocket, snap over mesh with eyes up, pull jersey & make two moves, sharp rt/lt turn behind LOS. Non-premium run tight course through outside shoulder of OT, fake as you go.
QB: Pre-snap edge threat for wide #1 threat or ‘2 man.’ Possible Pull-up v. wide #1, HOT v. 2-man. Extend ball with a STAB on 1 ½ steps, RECOIL with a snap on 3rd-4th, get vertical 1-2 steps, snap around to tight U. (No vertical step if HOT) 1 safety: PROGRESSION Late Shoot to Over to Comeback. RUN Over open!
2 safety: KEY CB feet, Pin Arrrow or Pocket, Over to Comeback late.
*If your feet are clean and you see a safety’s color on the Over as you progress to it, go Beeline!
*In Trips, ‘CLEAR ALERT’ for a Peek (see his hand) v. Cover 8 / Nosy safety. *Maximize R.A.C. by having ball loaded and throwing Late Shoot EARLY.
Bt Sd Mid: CLEAR. Your job is to clear safety traffic for the Over route.Run through far shoulder of nearest safety. Vs. a 2-safety look, straighten once past his shoulder.
KEEPER
Base rules E R M S W C
1001
1002
“Stairstep” if chased J 5 15

12. KEEPER “Sneak” J C C W M S R E T T E M “Stairstep” if chased Tagged
58-59 Instructional
Sneak Instructional
OL: Block to the number called. Make normal WZ Calls: no BS Cut; TP must not climb. COMMIT to the RUN BLOCK. COMMIT to the TEMPO. Whopper splits, Off alignment. BP hard hand a DL leaving you BS; TP assess gap threats in front, nothing on 3 steps, turn to SL and commit to DL in front
KEEPER
“Sneak”
Fk Sd Outs: OVER ROUTE (See FS Ins)—Minimum split. If there’s someone inside you already doing it:
BEELINE POST: OT +6, Stem to 15 in the B gap, vertical stairstep 5 yards, nod & explode at a 45 degree angle to the far hash. Expect ball once past C J
Fk Sd Inside: OVER route…MINIMUM split (OT+5) stem release, go under LB if needed, get over 2nd LB, get into QBs vision at yds. Use “STAIRSTEP” if being trailed by anyone, gradually turn #s to QB and allow him to slow you if you feel body presence in front 15
“Stairstep” if chased C C
Bt Sd Outs: TIGHT split, COMEBACK/POCKET. 2-safety look, especially Cloud, puts you on alert for Pocket. Explode for width to capture shoulder of CB, straighten to 14, fade 3 steps + 2, break down hips, and pivot inside out back down to sideline. As you run the route, if you feel CB fall off, work to the Pocket, as on the 4 route! W M S R 5 E T T E
Bt Sd Mid: CLEAR. Your job is to clear safety traffic for the Over route.Run through far shoulder of nearest safety. Vs. a 2-safety look, straighten once past his shoulder.
Tagged M
Tagged Rec: SNEAK. Regardless of formation, have at least 2 yds depth from tackle to give yourself vision through the “Tube.” Negotiate best path QUICKLY through LOS with eyes on Boot side EMOL and pads down; go behind or underneath. Gain depth once clear and look for ball IMMEDIATELY.
R: Threat is any overhang beyond FS T. Deepen 1 yd if ‘Premium.’ SELL run course through ghost TE, flat hand, big pocket, snap over mesh with eyes up, pull jersey & make two moves, sharp rt/lt turn behind LOS. Non-premium run tight course through outside shoulder of OT, fake as you go.
QB: Check WZ away from two-man look. Otherwise, PSL DE. No vertical climb on the mesh, snap head through throwing lane, be prepared to give Sneak the ball with an Athletic throw. Progression becomes normal if Sneak is taken away.

13. Base Protection Summary Table
ALLEY SCREEN
RATIONALE from SHOT
Alley Screen is hard from under C – this isn’t
Quasi-Wide Zone fake for hard RB-key LB
Longer look for defense at RB on normal “Swing away”
Always looking for ways to move/hold #4 in our screen rules (Mike LB, typically) – this gives us another way to do it
Base down, 3rd & Med tendency-breaker

14. Base Protection Summary Table
QUICK GAME
RATIONALE from SHOT
“Grayer” run-pass tendency from ‘Shot’ than Under or Gun
QB at depth with the threat of an immediate downhill RB
Can’t key Man/Slide side of protection based on back’s alignment
Flash fake gives us a way to hold the playside ‘Point’ LB while still getting QB to depth

15. Base Protection Summary Table
HARD PLAY ACTION
RATIONALE from SHOT
Deeper ‘Base’ throws to take out chunks of yardage often get stopped by ‘Danger Players’ in front of the read (e.g., frontside ILB)
Play action is a good way to hold those danger players and isolate someone else
It’s also a good way to define our read player more quickly and decisively for the QB
Depth has been a problem on our hard play action drops; ‘Shot’ helps solve that problem

16. Anticipated Big 5 / Rhythm 3
58-59 Instructional
HARD PLAY ACTION
Curl-Flat Concept
2 saf look, Head-up or wider: SEAM to THIN
MUST see LB in front of Post Curl! Danger player! 10 V V
Accelerate through break!
Gain depth! O O I I M
Switch Stems: 4-5 Curl v. Cloud
Anticipated Big 5 / Rhythm 3
Possible Arrow off Tight U by pre-read/situation..
Work the Post Curl off the 5th step to the BS Seam Read

17. HARD PLAY ACTION Double Post Concept ## S C C V S O O I I 10-12
58-59 Instructional
HARD PLAY ACTION
Double Post Concept C ## S S C
Must know 1 or 2 safeties pre-snap
Preferred inside release, re-stack & don’t get shoved
Break is 8 to 10 off outside foot
Angle through far shoulder of near safety…will be a flat angle v. 1 saf, a thinner angle v. 2 saf.
Stem & Restack v. Cloud
10-12
Tease past outside shoulder,
Step on his toes V O O I I
Key defender off near safety’s shoulders…
5 big (3 big)/Hitch
If he collapses or stops his feet, 3 ball Outside Post NOW…
If his shoulders fly open/he crosses face, 2 ball Ins Post

18. TRINITY HIGH SCHOOL PISTOL ADAPTATIONS
Andrew Coverdale • Assistant Football Coach Trinity High School • Louisville, KY

19. Base Run with Frontside/Backside Bubble Screen
Base Protection Summary Table
RUN/UNCOVERED
Base Run with Frontside/Backside Bubble Screen
SLOT ASSESSMENT: More Slots than short defenders: Throw
Slots/Short defenders equal: Run
OL: Block the run called
Bubble: Block on Recognition
Most Dangerous CB
Execute Run or Pass based on Slot assessment *HOLD YOUR EYES

20. Base Run with Internal Now Screen
Base Protection Summary Table
RUN/UNCOVERED
Base Run with Internal Now Screen
SLOT ASSESSMENT: More Slots than short defenders: Throw
Slots/Short defenders equal: Run
OL: Block the run called
Most Dangerous *Protect*
Split to Hash 1 step NOW
Max Split CB Inside Rendezvous
Execute Run or Pass based on Slot assessment *HOLD YOUR EYES

21. Base Run with Outside Now Screen
Base Protection Summary Table
RUN/UNCOVERED
Base Run with Outside Now Screen
SLOT ASSESSMENT: More Slots than short defenders: Throw
Slots/Short defenders equal: Run
OL: Block the run called
2nd Most Dangerous *Protect*
Split to Hash 1 step NOW
Execute Run or Pass based on Slot assessment *HOLD YOUR EYES

22. ISSUES & ADJUSTMENTS Bubble v. Cloud CB -Max Split, create an alley
*Must still press outside block
*Interior Now is a good answer as well

23. 2. Bubble v. Outside leverage ‘Hang’
ISSUES & ADJUSTMENTS
2. Bubble v. Outside leverage ‘Hang’
-”Cross” call
*Outside receiver – Rendezvous under control – don’t go hunting
*Slot – Arc three steps flat, chase outside shoulder of CB, ready to Kick
*Bubble – Chase the block of the Arc Man

24. ISSUES & ADJUSTMENTS 3. Cover 0
-Slot assessment says run, but run is still outnumbered
*Need 1-2 base, day one answers v. Cover 0 across your whole offense
*Can pre-call ‘Scoop’ – motion man ‘Scoops’ man over Bubble
*’Cross’ with ‘Scoop’ has some merit as well

25. Base Protection Summary Table
PRACTICE: Phase I

26. SPACING CONCEPT Base Spacing Rules C V 3
Base Protection Summary Table
SPACING CONCEPT
Base Spacing Rules V
1 step, get FAST width, take flat defender OUT!
Sit past far leg of 2nd LB. Face QB, give him eyes if available
SPRINT
3 steps!
Speed break 2 steps to 7: Get inside flat defender 7
½ -1 6 C
Individual
OT +3 3

27. Spacing adapted to Quads: Basic adaptation
Base Protection Summary Table
SPACING CONCEPT
Spacing adapted to Quads: Basic adaptation V
1 step, get FAST width, take flat defender OUT!
Sit past far leg of 2nd LB. Face QB, give him eyes if available
SPRINT
3 steps!
Speed break 2 steps to 7: Get inside flat defender 7
½ -1 6 C
Individual
OT +3 3
Now/Fade

28. ‘COP’: Qk Post (8) Qk Corner v. MOFC
Base Protection Summary Table
SPACING CONCEPT
Spacing adapted to Quads: ‘Cop’ Insert as a 2-safety beater
Sit past far leg of 2nd LB. Face QB, give him eyes if available
Speed break 2 steps to 7: Get inside flat defender 7 C 6
SPRINT
3 steps! V V 3
OT +3
Individual
‘COP’: Qk Post (8) Qk Corner v. MOFC

29. Quick Sprint Smash: Base Rules
Base Protection Summary Table
ADAPTED BASE PASSES
Quick Sprint Smash: Base Rules

30. Quick Sprint Smash: Quads Adaptation
Base Protection Summary Table
ADAPTED BASE PASSES
Quick Sprint Smash: Quads Adaptation
Now/Fade

31. Quick Sprint Flat: Base Rules
Base Protection Summary Table
ADAPTED BASE PASSES
Quick Sprint Flat: Base Rules

32. Quick Sprint Flat: Quads Adaptation
Base Protection Summary Table
ADAPTED BASE PASSES
Quick Sprint Flat: Quads Adaptation
Post is now FIXED yds
“HUNT” Find window Inside rubbed defender yds