tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15377771.post8414016120773784735..comments2024-03-13T03:27:50.582-04:00Comments on Smart Football: The A-11 Offense: A Pragmatic ApproachChrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07204245083374821812noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15377771.post-63385467018048465542009-03-18T22:53:00.000-04:002009-03-18T22:53:00.000-04:00"A gripping case if anyone is a lawyer out there....."A gripping case if anyone is a lawyer out there...will the small schools win this battle if it ever goes to court, and if yes, then on what grounds?"<BR/><BR/>NO! The small schools, the large schools and the medium schools all belong to their respective state high school assoc's, who in turn are the voting members of the NFHS. Let me put it another way: 46 out of 48 state high school assoc's, composed of and representing all their member schools voted to do away with the A-11. The NFHS rule book is written by the state assoc's and their schools. There can't be and there won't be a lawsuit since you can't sue yourself. The A-11 might be innovative but it is clearly not within the spirit and intent of the rules and if Kurt and Steve would turn to the back of the rule book and read the Coaches Code of Ethics they might learn that they are not to "seek an advantage by circumvention of the spirit or letter of the rules".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15377771.post-51557663856462922112009-03-12T14:07:00.000-04:002009-03-12T14:07:00.000-04:00A comprehensive piece of writing about this new of...A comprehensive piece of writing about this new offense.<BR/><BR/>Projecting down the road 10 or 15 years, it is quite possible football will resemble this A11.<BR/><BR/>It is hard to see where the game will be slowed down or rules changed to prevent more speed from taking the field at a variety of positions.<BR/><BR/>Well done and well examined.<BR/><BR/>Chase NixonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15377771.post-29269226640524717652009-03-04T10:19:00.000-05:002009-03-04T10:19:00.000-05:00We created a variation of football that would make...We created a variation of football that would make the A-11 a legal offense to run. Of course, the deception isn't there. <BR/><BR/>http://games.omnivore.us/2009/03/04/developing-the-sport-of-viperball/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15377771.post-6276261470375769332009-02-25T16:25:00.000-05:002009-02-25T16:25:00.000-05:00Hegelian football! Ideal football exists in the ...Hegelian football! Ideal football exists in the world of ideas, but it only transcends the physical by repeated attempts to come into being!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15377771.post-67921115177904537902009-02-20T10:09:00.000-05:002009-02-20T10:09:00.000-05:00I have watched my Father's old game films from the...I have watched my Father's old game films from the 50's and 60's and 70's when he coached high school ball and 16 years of college too.<BR/><BR/>Schemes in football are somewhat cyclical and tend to revolve around the athletes available. This new offense successfully puts the largest amount of athletes into spacial relationships out on the field unlike anything else.<BR/><BR/>I completely agree that the game is moving toward a broader, more stretched out style, like Smart football suggested, and probably the most startling thing is to realize this A-11 leap-frogged regular football from having only six eligible players available, all the way to the maximum of eleven possible eligible players. <BR/><BR/>Talking with my Father about the direction football is going, he thinks it will "slowly" add more eligible players at a time, and eventually end up looking like A-11 but with the numbering requirement done away with within 20 years.<BR/><BR/>Great article.<BR/><BR/>Vaughn S.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15377771.post-62569609886405227962009-02-15T15:21:00.000-05:002009-02-15T15:21:00.000-05:00I must be missing a critical point, but can't the ...I must be missing a critical point, but can't the nhfs just order the schools what type of football rules have to be followed?<BR/><BR/>Is this federation a ruling body or not?<BR/><BR/>If yes, then case closed and this offense is dead in the water.<BR/><BR/>But if not, then this will be a huge class action suit against the nhfs and they deserve it.<BR/><BR/>GillAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15377771.post-42186569194455453112009-02-10T17:35:00.000-05:002009-02-10T17:35:00.000-05:00I'm not quite sure if all the people who call this...I'm not quite sure if all the people who call this offense "innovative" actually read what Chris wrote. There's no way that this is going to take off and become anything more than a gimmick, and it's certainly not going to revolutionize the game of football. Hell, the "spread" in all it's connotations hasn't even transferred to the NFL. Yes, some concepts found in spread formations are starting to emerge (zone read, Wildcat/Wildhog, etc.) but we're a long way off from a cultural revolution in the NFL. The NFL, the owners, the fans, and the coaches seem to care more about wins and scoring points than innovation. Even in college football there are still teams running pro-style offenses at very high levels (USC, Alabama) and for every Utah or Florida there is an equally bad spread team to counteract them. (Chris has already alluded to these things before in previous posts). I think it's absolutely foolish to say that the A-11 is going to revolutionize the game of football. Remember when a couple of Southwest and Big 8 schools were running what was at the time the most innovative offense in college football? And where's the wishbone now? Even what we're seeing now in the "spread" formations can be traced back to the beginnings of the modern game of football. Creative? Yes. Taking advantage of a loophole? Yes. But don't confuse a clever interpretation of the rule with innovation. <BR/><BR/>As Chris pointed out, the biggest problem with this offense is that you cannot run the football with any sustained success. You might be able to catch a team unawares once or twice with a QB draw/power (as the selectively placed YouTube clips show) but it won't work every play. So for those people who say the "old style" (i.e., running the ball) of football is endangered I think you're severely mistaken. Also, there is no deep passing game whatsoever due to the QB's lack of time to throw the ball. If a team knows that the deep threat is not there, they can move more defenders up into the shallow zones to take away the quick passes that are the bread and butter of this offense.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15377771.post-73340738468404477012009-01-20T19:27:00.000-05:002009-01-20T19:27:00.000-05:00Coach Roger has some interesting ideas, at least j...Coach Roger has some interesting ideas, at least jumping off from what a few others on this blog have mentioned.<BR/><BR/>A new football league built around the offerings of this offense?<BR/><BR/>I do not know about it, that is way above my pay grade.<BR/><BR/>I would somewhat agree though, there seems to be many exciting collegiate players that do not make it into the NFL. Maybe they are just not that good, or maybe they would be better served in another forum like an A11 type league?<BR/><BR/>This blog has provided some good reading among others too.<BR/><BR/>Ike PhelsteinAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15377771.post-90671035251524299262009-01-20T02:40:00.000-05:002009-01-20T02:40:00.000-05:00Interesting article, I'd been hearing about this o...Interesting article, I'd been hearing about this offense now and again and now I have some idea of what it is about. Thank you. <BR/><BR/>One correction, you quote Stan Humphries early in the article, but the rest of the time it's Steve Humphries. Not sure if Stan is on the same staff, but I thought I'd point that out if he isn't.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15377771.post-67334068963068678552009-01-19T21:39:00.000-05:002009-01-19T21:39:00.000-05:00I should have clarified my statement above, I was ...I should have clarified my statement above, I was referencing the earlier poster who said this offense will be the key stone of a new football league soon.<BR/><BR/>I agree, and under the two conditions I listed about having in part the QB to be under Center sometimes, and allowing the OL to cut block will instantly offset the superior speed at the highest level.<BR/><BR/>When that happens, this offense in the hands of top O-coordinators will instantly break the game wide open in a good way.<BR/><BR/>Coach RogerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15377771.post-10789390374355196882009-01-18T23:44:00.000-05:002009-01-18T23:44:00.000-05:00Coach Roger,Not sure where you've coached, but (a)...Coach Roger,<BR/><BR/>Not sure where you've coached, but (a) the A-11 cannot be combined with a QB under center, because the rule exception the offense takes advantage of requires the QB to be at least 7 yards deep in the shotgun.<BR/><BR/>And (b) it also cannot be combined with the cut block, which is illegal under HS Federation rules. It is legal in college and Texas, but of course the A-11 is illegal under college (Texas) rules.<BR/><BR/>So both your prescriptions won't work.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15377771.post-29333195011077586612009-01-18T21:54:00.000-05:002009-01-18T21:54:00.000-05:00Having coached at high levels for more than 15 yea...Having coached at high levels for more than 15 years, when the uppermost coaches break down the possibilities of this offense, only then will it reach the Pro level, and if two things happen.<BR/><BR/>First, the offense needs to be able to be executed in part, with the QB under Center, this will enable the short passing game and quick run game to flourish.<BR/><BR/>Second, if the OL Cut Block the defensive line and LB's, then this new offense can and will become very popular.<BR/><BR/>In the Pro's, Cut Blocking is Taboo for fear of injury, but in Bill Walsh's heyday, his OL cut blocked every team they played.<BR/><BR/>Once a good O-coordinator gets tuned into this A-11, and when he combines it with OL that Cut Block, it will break the game wide open.<BR/><BR/>Coach RogerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15377771.post-13889239381770475262009-01-18T20:45:00.000-05:002009-01-18T20:45:00.000-05:00I don't believe this offense will go away, there a...I don't believe this offense will go away, there are too many options available for quality coaches to pursue, and too many top athletes available who can prosper within this type of system.<BR/><BR/>Will this offense lead to the creation of an entirely new pro league as mentioned earlier?<BR/><BR/>Well, if it creates new jobs for players and coaches, and if the fans like it, then I would agree it could happen.<BR/><BR/>If it cannot accomplish all three things, then probably not.<BR/><BR/>Billy OmminsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15377771.post-15332640942888986872009-01-17T11:50:00.000-05:002009-01-17T11:50:00.000-05:00Salient points abound with the plethora of viewpoi...Salient points abound with the plethora of viewpoints posted about this offense.<BR/><BR/>No matter the 'old school' or 'new wave' style of football an individual prefers, football changes weekly, monthly, yearly and with each generation.<BR/><BR/>This new offense will be the cornerstone its own new football league someday soon.<BR/><BR/>There are too many great athletes who after having great collegiate football careers are then unemployed due to the contstraints of the typical NFL personnel molds.<BR/><BR/>Phillip V.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15377771.post-56776172993798695032009-01-16T11:32:00.000-05:002009-01-16T11:32:00.000-05:00I have researched this offense over the last few m...I have researched this offense over the last few months to see if it would be a logical alternative to the power football schmes that I have seen run. With the athletes that our school has, i thought that this might be a gimick that we could incorporate into our offense. But, after further review, I agree with a previous poster. I would have a hard time putting in a scheme and gameplanning it for a week or more only to have our referee crew decide before the game that this offense was not within the rules. I would feel safer relying on traditional schemes that I knew were not going to be open to interpretation. With that said, I do think that Humphries and Bryan did develop something that is interesting and innovative. I would not run it, not because I am a "football purist," but because of the reasons I stated above.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15377771.post-23979326112814749652009-01-15T14:07:00.000-05:002009-01-15T14:07:00.000-05:00I am a fan of power football first and foremost, b...I am a fan of power football first and foremost, but there seems to be something to this offense.<BR/><BR/>Will it dominate football?<BR/><BR/>Not in my opinion.<BR/><BR/>Will it be in football future?<BR/><BR/>Yes.<BR/><BR/>How much? <BR/><BR/>Not sure but here for good.<BR/><BR/>Mike H.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15377771.post-642899346267842262009-01-06T18:47:00.000-05:002009-01-06T18:47:00.000-05:00The Purpose of an offense is to score at least one...The Purpose of an offense is to score at least one more point than your opponent does each game.<BR/><BR/>Looking at the results, I would say Piedmont has had very good success using A11 in its first two years out of the gate, never mind strength of schedule, rain, sun, wind, etc. A win is a win.<BR/><BR/>More important is teams around the country picked to follow A11 footsteps, and many of those teams did well, other got beat routinely however.<BR/><BR/>One could suffice the jury is still out on A11 as to what this advancement means for football. This juror is deliberating the points. <BR/><BR/>It should be obvious football is not becoming more cloddy or slowed down, nevertheless, plenty of teams in the land hate the spread offense and the concepts built into it.<BR/><BR/>Using history of the game as the only true barometer over the last 130 some odd years, it is reasonable to perceive the future with A11 type systems or hybrid offenses scurrying around all over the field attempting to breed mismatches at various points on the field, high/low, inside/out, left/right, rub/shallow, any combination a coach can muster up.<BR/><BR/>Investigating this A11 has done the game a decent service, past and present, however the future remains to be seen.<BR/><BR/>Tom W.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15377771.post-51251814158184307942009-01-06T16:59:00.000-05:002009-01-06T16:59:00.000-05:00I'm no expert, but it seems to me the A11 certainl...I'm no expert, but it seems to me the A11 certainly takes the concept of spreading the ball around the field to the logical conclusion. I played receiver in high school so I obviously would prefer that. Ultimately to me though after watching some game film of Piedmont's offense it looks like they suffer the same issues any other offense would face--namely fielding personnel effective at their jobs. Someone else commented on the need for an athletic quarterback(s) in this offense, and I would certainly agree. Botched snaps would put you in the hole real easy too...<BR/><BR/>Also why do half the people supporting this offense throughout this thread have total disregard for capitalization rules?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15377771.post-29628976896787749942009-01-01T14:08:00.000-05:002009-01-01T14:08:00.000-05:00Watching the bowl games during the past 10 days, i...Watching the bowl games during the past 10 days, it is brutally clear which way football is headed, so many teams spread out to use their team speed and athletic playmakers.<BR/><BR/>The A-11 has changed football and is much more in line with the superstars of today than any other offense out there.<BR/><BR/>Looking forward to see how it progresses at all levels of play.<BR/><BR/>IanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15377771.post-43824751840705095572008-12-31T01:43:00.000-05:002008-12-31T01:43:00.000-05:00its a great Offense but i am going to say that in ...its a great Offense but i am going to say that in a year or two they will have the same rule as ncaa about only on kicking downsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15377771.post-3032029983508149582008-12-27T22:52:00.000-05:002008-12-27T22:52:00.000-05:00Hmmmm...I read the article yesterday in ESPN magaz...Hmmmm...<BR/><BR/>I read the article yesterday in ESPN magazine, and it was dead center regarding the adaptations the higher levels of football will have to make to adjust to the speed and super athletic playmaking ability of the best players.<BR/><BR/>A-11? <BR/><BR/>Yep, You betcha now that I have studied it. It will happen sooner rather than later, the fans and very talented players will demand the game transition.<BR/><BR/>These two coaches who invented this new offense should be given kudos from the footballers of the future, today and yesterday.<BR/><BR/>Coming from an older player and wunna be coach, this game needed a shot in the arm like this A-11.<BR/><BR/>Vauhgn T.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15377771.post-62797182342309490372008-12-27T15:54:00.000-05:002008-12-27T15:54:00.000-05:00Why is the game called "football?" The only time ...Why is the game called "football?" The only time the feet are used with the ball is when on the kickoff, the PAT and the Punt. The game should be more properly called "carryball" or "passball" but no "football"Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00715824163350011565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15377771.post-6896033779218484762008-12-03T21:26:00.000-05:002008-12-03T21:26:00.000-05:00The A-11 is the best offense ever made.I wish I ha...The A-11 is the best offense ever made.<BR/><BR/>I wish I had invented this thing, but at least I get to watch it.<BR/><BR/>Awesome!<BR/><BR/>BernieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15377771.post-4298154273309238542008-11-18T12:11:00.000-05:002008-11-18T12:11:00.000-05:00I was very skeptical of this new offense, but now ...I was very skeptical of this new offense, but now that have looked into it, it is clear the game of football is barrelling this way.<BR/><BR/>Very exciting the A-11 is.<BR/><BR/>Hip Hop ReggieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15377771.post-39412523880845391572008-11-17T20:51:00.000-05:002008-11-17T20:51:00.000-05:00Having watched my son's HS team play against an A-...Having watched my son's HS team play against an A-11 offense this year, I'm neither impressed nor worried about seeing it again. Nothing I've seen so far suggests that high schools with the necessary skill players wouldn't have greater success running the Lonesome Polecat (Tiger Ellison's first version of the spread), or any number of other variants.<BR/><BR/>Teams will talented defensive players may not know what to think of the A-11 when they first see it, but it won't take them long to adjust. High school players just aren't smart enough to consistently use the eligibility options effectively.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com