Coach ,

From time to time I love to feature a coach who been devoting a lot of time helping other coaches.

He’s become the Internet’s resident analyst. Loren Endsley, an all-American and four-year starter on the offensive line at Eastern Oregon University, is a graduate assistant/assistant offensive line coach on the University of South Dakota coaching staff, and one thing is evident, he can break down concepts and teach them. Since his season had been postponed he made the best of his time breaking down hot concept in coaching.

At this time of year, having resources that give a comprehensive, in-depth look at a concept, it’s variations, and the different applications that teams use is very helpful in helping you evolve your offense. Today, we give you a look at seven concepts which Coach Endsley has researched thoroughly and teaches in detail in each of his courses.

1. The Smash Concept

The Smash Concept is one of the most commonly used passing concepts in all of football. But most coaches are not getting the most out of the scheme. One of the reasons the Smash Concept is so heavily used is that it is an easy read for the quarterback, however, there are a ton of ways to create variations of the Smash while maintaining the same easy read for the quarterback.

Knowing how you can attack different defensive structures and coverages with the various different Smash Concepts will make this concept so much more powerful in your offense. Defenses certainly have strategies to take away the Smash, but variations can be added easily to keep the safety honest or put the flat defender in a true bind.

An example of attacking the reaction of the defense to smash is using a backside bender paired with an in. The front side safety can open up space inside for the bender, and the underneath “In” route provides a great “hot” route for any blitz. Endlsey illustrates it in this video.

2. Tempo as a Weapon

There might not be a better weapon for an offense to use against a defense than Tempo. It can be a great equalizer as well as a massive boost to any offense. But Tempo only is a weapon when it is used correctly.

When Tempo is incorporated improperly it can hinder an offense and create massive issues. That is why Coach Endsley created an all purpose

Tempo Course that details every aspect of tempo and how to properly install and execute Tempo to get the most out of it.

The Offense that decides what pace the game is played out not the other way around. Having a menu of tempo tools allows an offense to keep the defense off balance as explained in this video:

3. The Air Raid’s Potent Y-Cross Concept

Have you thought about incorporating Y-Cross into your offense but want to know the basics and foundation of the concept? Do you already run Y-Cross but are looking for ways to perfect the scheme as well as add variations that can disguise the base concept and cause fits?

This resource will give you everything you need to Master the Y-Cross! Whether you run a traditional Air Raid, incorporate Air Raid Passing concepts, or want to utilize a scheme that is spreading across college football for a number of different systems and offenses. 

Y Cross is so effective because it has the ability to stretch the defense horizontally and vertically. Endlsey explains where the Y-Cross attacks in this video:

Endlsey offers all 3 of these deep dives, Tempo, Smash, and Y-Cross in his bundle here.

4. Keep the Defense Off Balance with Screens

An effective screen can be an absolute game-changer for any offense! A perfectly timed screen at the most ideal position of the field can really catch an overly aggressive defense off guard. 

Mixing screens up with a variety of tempo, formations, shifts, and motions can really mess with a defense! Endlsey went through and broke down the film to give you the top 20 screen variations!

Screens are a lethal way to gain leverage, gain much-needed yards, and put points on the board. Yes, not all screens are flashy and look nice, but every effective offense has their chosen mix of screens and uses them to the max game in and game out!

When the pressure is starting to get to be a little too much or maybe the defense is flowing just too hard and too fast... it is timebreakdown to replace it and take advantage of their playstyle with that screen they were not ready for!

A highly effective screen is the “Dual Screen.”  It allows the quarterback to have two options and separates the defense to open space for your play makers.  Endlsey details it in this video, including game film:

5. Tunnel Screens to Create Explosive Plays

The Tunnel Screen can be one of the most explosive plays in all of football,but only when run correctly. The Screen itself allows for the Offense to get the ball in the hands of a play-maker out in space, while getting Offensive Lineman out on the perimeter to block.

The Tunnel Screen attacks the Perimeters with an all out assault. While stretching the field horizontally is a key aspect of the Tunnel, it also allows you to take advantage of an aggressive pass rush.

If a team is pinning their ears back and attacking your protection then make them pay with a timely Tunnel Screen. Inside this breakdown you will find all the secrets to perfect the Tunnel including the multiple types of Tunnel (Single, Multiple, to #2, Off Play-Action, and much more).

He shows how you can coach your Offensive Line to Understand proper angles and leverage to spring the Tunnel Loose for a highly explosive play. Drilling the play gives leads to effective execution on game day.  Endlsey shares a drill for the QB in this video:

6. Building an RPO System

Picture this… The ability to be right no matter what on the field. Allowing your Quarterback the keys to drive the offense down to the endzone. No one can guess what will happen next! No one can contain what they don’t know!You hold the power, your quarterback has the talent and leadership to get it done! 

This philosophy is moving the game of football faster than ever before! Having the ability to always make the defense wrong has made coaches and offensive coordinators dream for years, now everyone is doing it and it is getting bigger and bigger!

But how is the RPO systematized? It starts with creating an understanding and picture for the QB so that he has the ability to see leverage and space. Endlsey explains how this is done by creating three fields for the QB:

7. Defeat RPO answers with Mesh

The use of man coverage to stop RPO has made man beaters like the Mesh route a part of many teams’ playbooks.

Whether you are looking to install Mesh this next season or looking at adding different variations to your package this course gives you all the tools needed to Master the Mesh Concept.

Endsley details Mesh in different situations such as concepts built around Red Zone & 3rd Downs specifically. He shows how small tweaks of personnel, formation, and motion can give your Mesh Concept a dynamic adjustment. These adjustments are simple and easy for your Offensive Players while being a headache for the Defense. 

Endsley explains why you should run mesh and where it attacks in this video:

20 Screen Variations, the Tunnel Screen, Building an RPO System, and 20 Mesh Variations are part of a bundle available here.

A thorough understanding of the concepts you are looking to add to your offense or improve in 2021 will help you make the best decisions to evolve. Thanks to Coach Endsley for sharing his research!

Bundle 1: Tempo, Smash Concept & Y-Cross (71% off)

Bundle 2: 20 Screen Variations, Tunnel Screen, Building an RPO System, 20 Mesh Variations (67% off)

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski