Figure 2: Near/Far Base Formations

Figure 3: Tight Right Near 21 Trap

Figure 3 demonstrates the misdirection potential of this system. Because of the lines of force we can keep the defense guessing. 

Both backs will cross the quarterback's path. Depending on the speed of your backs, it's probably best to have the faking back (fullback) cross first so the fake can be executed in full view of the linebackers. This also gives the backside guard time to pull and set his block. Remember, if the trappee scoots across the line of scrimmage more than two yards, he's out of the play, so that pulling guard should turn up into the hole. 

Again we have a pass fake, and dotted lines demonstrate alternate blocking ideas.

Figure 4: Tight Right Near 27 Crack Sweep

Here is some of the power of the Near formation to attack the weak side. The alternate blocking paths are crucial to the success of this play, and must be carefully coached. If the defensive end stays on the defensive side of the ball and tries to string out the play, then he is the target of the cracker. If he penetrates, however, and tries to "box" then he must be blocked out by the backside guard while the split end attacks the linebacker. Back side to the play, the quarterback must execute a pass fake. He should be watching carefully on all of his fakes so he can inform his coach whether or not the back side pass coverage is biting on the run action. 

Figure 5: Tight Right Near 32 Trap

This is a misdirection play off of the 27 sweep action. The split end shows crack, and at the last second cuts across the field at just past linebacker depth. Backside guard traps inward on the first man outside the center, and both playside guard and tackle attack the nearest linebackers. 

Two things are crucial to the success of this play: 1) the center's block on the nosetackle against a 50 front, and 2) the first step of the fullback, which must be at a 45 degree angle forward to clear him from the quarterback's path. 

The quarterback must hand off the ball with his playside hand, while performing a fake handoff with the backside hand to the halfback. This will take some practice.

Figure 6: Tight Right Near 32 Trap Pass

Here we attack the defense that has responded to our successful faking by cheating up the linebackers and corners. When you begin to see the defensive backs abandoning their pass coverage responsibilities early, then this play will be effective.

Two things make this play successful: 1) successful faking, and 2) keeping the playside defensive end from turning your quarterback into a greasy smear on the field. He must be double teamed by the pulling guard and the fullback.

Run/Pass option is built into this play. If the defenders on the play side are well coached and disciplined to stay in their pass routes, your quarterback should be able to turn upfield for significant yardage. He must be coached to make a rapid read of the coverage, and then either turn up or throw the ball out of bounds. Never throw into coverage! 

Progression is short to deep. Don't get greedy on this play. Take the short routes and the quarterback keeper until the defenders begin to come up, and then throw deeper.

Figure 7: Tight Right Near 36 Power Pass

This play takes advantage of the power action from the first play. Note that the pass routes are the same, and offer the same read progression to the quarterback. 

Here we are depending on the guard to solo block the playside defensive end. If the faking is executed properly, the defensive end's eyes should be following the fullback and he should be preparing to trail the play through the offensive backfield. Right about this time the guard should be hitting him. Coach the guard to keep his head upfield (towards the quarterback) to keep the end from fighting off his block. 

If this block is successful, there is an even better chance to spring the quarterback on a keeper because the linebackers should be responding to the power action away.

Figure 8: Tight Right Far 26 Super Power

The Far formation is an excellent formation to balance your offense. Very similar to the Wing-T, it also offers angle blocking and misdirection.

Figure 9: Tight Right Far 31 Trap

Similar to the Near 32 trap, the Far 31 trap requires more careful timing to be successful. The misdirection action comes from the power, so the quarterback must open pivot as if he were pitching the ball to the halfback. The full back must take one sharp crossover step at a 45 degree angle away from the point of attack, take the football, and then "track in" behind the pulling guard.

Downfield, the flanker's block on the free safety can spring this play for a touchdown if correctly timed. 

Figure 10: Tight Right Far 28 Crack Sweep

If you're going to use a flanker, make that player a part of the running game and use him as a crack blocker. 

The most crucial block of this play is the fullback, who absolutely must fill for the pulling playside guard. Any blitzing linebackers or other penetration must be hold blocked long enough for the halfback to turn the corner.

Figure 11: Tight Right Far Z9 Reverse

Reverses and fake reverses are some of the most effective plays in football at almost every level. The faked sweep action should pull the linebackers away from the real point of attack, and a fast flanker can turn this play into big yardage. 

If there is one problem with the reverse it is that it loses its effectiveness over time. Generally it's a one or two shot per game play, and that means you put a great deal of practice time into a play you'll only call six or seven times all season.

Still, that one play can save you a game.

Figure 12: Tight Right Far 28 Sweep Pass

Using the same methods to attack the defense that we used in the "Near" formation, we can again give our quarterback three receivers flooding a side and a run/pass option. Again, the progression is short to deep.

Figure 13: Tight Right Far 26 Super Power Pass

Once you have established the super power and caused the cornerback to start cheating up, or abandoning his pass coverage responsibilities too quickly, the super power pass should be open. 

Both backs must double team the defensive end and keep him from the quarterback. 

The Near/Far system is a good way to attack a defense at most levels of football. The problem is, the main reason to run the system is its versatility. The flexibility of the formations allows us to easily attack any point of the defense with both misdirection and power. 

Unfortunately, versatility is a problem few youth football teams have. Generally, the problem youth coaches face is that their offense is far too complex. Note that in this system I have shown you just twelve plays. However all of those plays have been shown from a "Tight Right" formation. Imagine the difficulties you could have if you decided to flip-flop the formations and run "Tight Left Far". That would up your play list to twenty-four, which is about fourteen too many in my opinion.

Still, if you get the personnel, and are coaching at a higher level of football, such as junior high or middle school, you might find this system fits into your plans. I hope it helps.