Ground Attack - The Running Game

A consistent running game follows many of the same principles as a successful passing game. It’s important to field the right personnel, capitalize on mismatches, counter defensive alignments, and execute the play properly.

Use the match-up stick (as well as checking your roster) to gauge your running back’s composure. A team deep at running back could have a secondary option worth subbing in for a play or two if the starter isn’t performing. Also monitor your player’s fatigue and use substitutions to insert fresh legs onto the field.

Check your team’s offensive line and determine their strength and weaknesses. Perhaps the left tackle and left guard are the strongest members of the offensive line. Most of your runs should go left, in that case. Select running plays that take advantage of your line’s best blockers. Similarly, you can check your opponents' defensive line and linebackers and run to their weaker side.

Before snapping the ball, check the defensive alignment. Is the defense pinching the middle or shifting to the left or right? Adjust your play call (by flipping the run play or calling an audible) to avoid running into a countered situation. Instead, use your own counter to take advantage of the defense’s alignment and mismatches.

Use motion to add blockers. For instance, you’ve called a run to the right side. Motion a tight end on the left side over to the right for additional blocking help. The downside is that this gives a human opponent an idea on what direction the play moves. You can also use motion on receivers to lure corners away from the side of the run. Wide receivers aren’t the best blockers so it’s not a bad idea to clear that side instead of flooding it with weak blockers.

A well-timed spin move leaves a defender grasping air.

Running plays are a design and, more often than not, it’s meant to be followed as designed. Blockers are attempting to open a hole for the running back and block out defenders from the play. Follow the play design as well as the blockers for consistent success. Don’t call an off tackle run play then immediately bounce to the outside where corners might be waiting to pounce.

The final element of the run play comes from your skill with agility moves. The spin move is one of the most lethal and important for gaining even just a few extra yards. If you’re approaching a single defender, perform a spin move to the outside just as the defender reaches your position. At worst you’ll gain a few extra yards; at best, you’ve dodged the defender and are now in the open field with nothing but field in front of you. Jukes and stiff arms are also excellent for dodging or breaking tackles and gaining a few extra yards.

Top Ten Rated Running Backs

The following chart reveals NCAA Football 06’s top ten running backs sorted by overall rating. The chart also lists important running back stats: speed, awareness, agility, acceleration, catch, carry, and break tackle ability.

Top Ten Rated Fullbacks

The following chart reveals NCAA Football 06’s top ten fullbacks sorted by overall rating. The chart also lists important running back stats: speed, awareness, agility, acceleration, catch, carry, break tackle, and run blocking ability.

Executing the Option

The option is a type of play you don’t see in professional football but still see frequently in the collegiate ranks. In an option play, a quarterback has one, two, three, or even four or more options on how to execute the play. In a typical option play, the quarterback runs left or right along the line of scrimmage while a halfback follows close behind. Depending on how the defense reacts, the quarterback could keep the ball and turn up field or toss the ball back to the halfback. Other option plays could include the ability to hand off to a fullback before rolling out or even looking to hit a downfield receiver.

When a defender commits to the quarterback, pitch the ball to the halfback.

The option forces a defense to make a decision. Does the defense go for the quarterback or protect the outside lane and guard the halfback? It’s difficult to defend every single option. Defending the wrong man or making a small error could easily lead to a big gain. Like pass and run plays, examine the defensive alignment to determine your best option before the snap. In a triple option, the quarterback can hand off to the fullback. If linemen and linebackers are spread to protect the outside run, hand off to the fullback and power the ball inside.

As the play develops, gauge where blocking is holding up as well as where free defenders are moving. If blocking is holding up inside and free defenders are to the outside, turn up field with your quarterback. If blocking is weaker inside and defenders are charging the quarterback, pitch to the running back and turn him up field along the sideline. You can pitch the ball even after crossing the line of scrimmage. Do so carefully, however; don’t pitch just because you’re about to be tackled. A gain of 5-6 yards is a solid play and a few extra yards isn’t worth the fumble risk.

Generally the strongest option teams have the fastest quarterbacks. The quarterback speed allows you to get to the outside quickly as well as turn up field and gain big yardage.