with Derek Pennington,
Zeeland East High School (TX) Head Coach;
2017 1st Round Playoff Appearance (9-1 record in 2017)
If you've ever wanted to run the power read in your offense, or enhance the version of the power read you're currently running, then this video from Zeeland East High School head coach Derek Pennington is exactly what you need!
Coach Pennington begins by going over the basic power read play. The blocking scheme is diagrammed against several common defensive alignments and includes key coaching points and adjustments against specific defenses.
Pennington also spends considerable time on the footwork of the running back and the read progression of the quarterback. You'll get the blocking scheme, alignments, and reads for every player. Additionally, you'll learn the read progression for the quarterback and see how to run the power read from various formations and personnel groupings.
Complementary Plays
Coach Pennington diagrams two complementary plays that feature the same backfield action, but are designed to take advantage of how a defense attempts to defend the power read scheme. These plays also help protect the base power read from an overcompensating defense. You'll learn:
- The QB Slam play that blocks the defensive end rather than read him. This gives the defense a different twist on a similar look.
- The quarterback counter play that features similar backfield action as the power read, but a kickout block on the defensive end and a seal block by the H back.
- Why these plays are an excellent way to get an athletic quarterback more involved in the run game.
Power Read Play Action
The last concept covered in this video is play action passes that utilize similar backfield action to the power read. Coach Pennington includes various protection schemes as well as individual routes and the quarterback read progression. He describes when he likes to call certain play action passes and the defensive looks that he thinks each particular play is best against. You'll see:
- The H wheel play out of a 3x1 formation.
- The running back wheel play which is very difficult for the defense to recognize.
- The X Slant play that takes advantage of a defense that spins their safeties to adjust to motion.
Coach Pennington does an excellent job of diagramming the power read play, including complementary running plays and several play action passes. This video is an excellent resource for any coach that wants to utilize the power read scheme.
70 minutes. 2018.
FD-05392B:
with Derek Pennington,
Zeeland East High School (TX) Head Coach;
2017 1st Round Playoff Appearance (9-1 record in 2017)
Utilizing your athletic quarterback as a runner in your offense will create headaches and serious problems for even the most elaborate defensive scheme.
Many coaches put their best athlete at the QB position to take advantage of all of their skills. In this video, Zeeland East High School head coach Derek Pennington shows you many ways to take advantage of an athletic QB, including plays like the:
- Trey Read
- GT Read & GT Read with an H Back
- Midline
- Veer without motion
- Veer with Orbit motion
Pennington uses a PowerPoint to share diagrams and discuss each play before using extensive game video to show you the plays versus several looks. Additionally, he gives you different reads that the QB may encounter running the offense.
Whether you're facing a six, seven, eight, or nine man box, Coach Pennington shows how to effectively move the ball on the ground. His scheme is designed to leave a read man unblocked on each play, allowing for better blocking angles on the remaining defenders.
Also shown is a dual read veer into the boundary with the H back, as well as a QB read on the weak side defensive end. This scheme allows for an extra blocker at the point of attack, and if the defensive end collapses on the dive, it creates a lead play on the weak safety with the QB.
If your quarterback is athletic and elusive, you'd be wise to use more plays that take advantage of his skill set. This video from Coach Pennington offers up some great ideas for you to put to use this season!
68 minutes. 2018.
FD-05392C:
with Derek Pennington,
Zeeland East High School (TX) Head Coach;
2017 1st Round Playoff Appearance (9-1 record in 2017)
Are you tired of teams stacking the box, preventing your run game from excelling? If so, it's time to help spread the defense out by using the bubble pass. The bubble pass is a safe and reliable throw that any quarterback can make, and in this video, Zeeland East High School's Derek Pennington shows you how to run it to perfection.
Coach Pennington covers why you need to use the bubble pass. He discusses how you need to practice the bubble and covers three drills that he uses to make sure everyone on his team knows their job whenever the bubble is called.
Routes and Blocking
Pennington explains and uses film to demonstrate the technique receivers and slots need to know in order for the bubble to be successful. Additionally, he covers the blocking technique that is required to get six or more yards on the play.
Making the right read is essential, and you'll see what the quarterback should look for to find the best match-up to exploit.
QB Power RPO
The video concludes with how Pennington incorporates the bubble pass into the run game by using the quarterback power RPO play. This play can easily be transitioned into your run game package and provides a boundary option as well as to the wide field side.
In order to run the ball, you have to keep the defense honest. This video gives you a great way to prevent the opposition from stacking the box so you can continue to pound the rock!
46 minutes. 2018.
FD-05392D:
with Blair Hoenk,
Zeeland East High School (TX) Pass Game Coordinator;
2017 1st Round Playoff Appearance (9-1 record in 2017)
Many position coaches are in need of updating or even improving their drills and coaching points to develop players. Teaching receivers to catch the ball, use proper route running technique and block in the screen and run game can be a challenging task. In this video, Zeeland East High School wide receivers coach Blair Hoenk shares the 29 drills he uses to help build 'the ultimate high school receiver!'
Coach Hoenk's drills aren't scheme-specific and can be used in any offensive system. He covers how to catch the football, footwork, how to teach players to run routes, and finally, how to get players to perimeter block.
Catching the Football
You will see seven in-season and off-season drills that help teach players how to catch the football at the high school level. Coach Hoenk shows you how to use three tennis ball drills to improve hand-eye coordination, as well as how to get players to improve their ability to catch the ball over their shoulder.
Also shown are techniques for receivers to become a "hands catcher" instead of letting the ball hit their body. Hoenk covers what he wants players to do in order to become more natural at receiving the ball and avoiding having their hands come out too early.
Footwork Drills
Coach Hoenk gives you seven footwork drills for the developing wide receiver. You will see:
- How to get arms and feet moving at the same speed.
- How to teach proper body position so you can get players at the right pad level.
- How to get players to drive their knee to their chest on 135 degree cuts.
- How to teach 45, 90 and 135 degree cuts.
Route Running
Nine drills to teach route running are included. Hoenk gives you his three phases of route running, which include the beginning, mid-route, and top of the route. His Hoop Drill is a great exercise to use with receivers that need help getting off better against press coverage. Additionally, you'll learn how to teach your players to run routes against a zone and the importance of the 'chicken wing' technique so your players don't called for a push off.
Perimeter Blocking
Six drills are included that will help your high school wide receivers embrace perimeter blocking. You'll see:
- How to teach players to be strong with their outside arm.
- How to teach players to use smaller steps when going to engage an opposing player.
- How to use basketball elements to teach blocking techniques.
- How to teach players to block so the ball carrier has two path options.
This video is simple and can be a tremendous benefit to any wide receivers coach, regardless of offensive system. Coach Hoenk provides great drills that your players will enjoy as they perfect their craft.
62 minutes. 2018.