How to Play Quarterback in a Spread Offense

The spread offense has become more popular, with its wide-open style and ability to create huge gains in yardage through the air. Teams at all levels of competition employ this offense to score more often and put the opposing team's defense in a poor position. Due to the intricacies of the offense and the focus on passing, it's difficult to play the quarterback position.

Instructions

    • 1

      Start each play with a no-huddle offense to speed the game and keep the defense on its heels. Defenses also become tired much more quickly than offenses, so shorter breaks between plays is an advantage for the offense.

    • 2

      Set the formation with three, four or five receivers -- usually playing them on both sides of the line to spread out the defense as wide as possible.

    • 3

      Examine how the defense sets up to counter your offensive position. Identify which backs are covering which receivers and whether there are any double-teams. If you have five receivers, it's very difficult for the other defense to double-team players.

    • 4

      Know each defensive back well so that you can quickly determine the best match-ups for you. If you're unfamiliar with the defensive players, focus on the receivers who aren't double-teamed.

    • 5

      Call plays at the line of scrimmage based on your analysis of the best match-ups. Pick out your No. 1 and No. 2 receiving options and try to deliver the ball to them quickly after the ball is snapped. Keep the defense off balance by continuing these types of plays over and over again.