“You don’t have to do everything. You just have to do a few things at a high level—and execute them over and over again.”
Mick Leach, Air Raid Co-Founder
Offensive Play Installation
The best coaches are good teachers. They are able to explain complicated concepts in an age appropriate way that is easily understood by their players. Once the team understands the basics of the play install, they slowly start to build confidence by getting reps at an increasing intensity.
Use these four simple play installation steps to make sure your kids have mastered to teach any flag football playbook. Check out our practice plans for the ideal schedule to install the Air Raid 5v5 playbook in as little as three practices.
Step 1: Chalk Talk – Your classroom on the field.
Introduce the play you’re installing using a printed play diagram, iPad, or whiteboard (my personal favorite).
- Tell them the play name and why it’s called that to help with retention.
- Explain the purpose of the play on it’s own. How it’s used, what it beats, etc.
- Diagram or show a printout of the route concepts against no defense.
- Add defenders to the diagram to show how the play wins against each.
- Check for understanding throughout by asking confirming questions.
- Make sure your QB understands the full field not just his job.
All of the information you need to effectively teach these concepts is in our online playbook. You can also download the printable version here.
Step 2: Walk the Walk – Take it slow at first.
Walk the play against a multiple defenses (actually more of a half speed jog).
- Line your players up and walk the play with no defenders to ensure proper spacing. Make sure each player gets multiple reps on air.
- Jog the play against each defensive coverage to make sure everyone can execute against an opponent. Emphasize spots where the play requires the QB to make a read.
- Example 1: Move 2-3 defenders around in the shallow zone on play #12 All Hitches to work on your QBs pre-snap reads.
- Example 2: Put a CB on the left of #11 Dragon-Smash to train the QB to find the grass that opens up when the conflicted CB either stays wide to cover the flat route or commits to the slant across the middle.
Step 3: Run it Full Speed – Rep it at game speed.
Speed up your reps until you can execute routes and reads at full speed.
- Repeat the last step of walkthroughs but this time go full speed.
- Use as many defenders as you can to simulate a game situation (even if coaches or parents are stepping in the play CB or Safety). It’s okay if they aren’t playing full speed, you need a body to read more than a full speed defender.
- Emphasize precise routes and spacing by receivers and make sure the QB is capable of making the correct reads.
- If you notice a persistent issue, back up and repeat Chalk or Walk to make your teaching stick. It is better to move slow at first until your players get it right than to run everything haphazardly all season long because the coach rushed through the plays early in the season.
Step 4: Repeat the Process – Teach the Next Play
For best results, use our practice planning tools to maximize your teaching time and get your players ready to perform as quickly as possible.
Download Everything You Need Here:
- Offensive Coordinator Package
- Head Coach Package (coming soon)