It’s crunch time in the season right now, and executing a critical play may be the difference between continuing the season or packing up the gear until next year. A season-shaping situation is exactly what happened this past Saturday.

With the game on the line on fourth down an only seconds on the clock, Notre Dame scored what appeared to be the winning touchdown against Florida State, but a penalty flag negated the score, and Notre Dame suffered its first loss of the season.

The ACC's coordinator of football officials explained the rule and pointed out that offensive players are restricted from blocking downfield on a pass unless the ball is first touched behind the line of scrimmage.

At 2:35 of the video below, the play is shown, and clearly the Notre Dame receiver is blocking downfield. This made the play illegal, and while it may be a controversial call, it is the correct call.

 

 

However, with the correct technique, the offense can execute this type of play successfully without violating the rules.

Thanks to Coach Bill Mountjoy for sharing this information. He adopted this technique after learning it from how Don Shula did it in the mid-1970s.

“Pick” Technique for receivers on the “two-point pass”

This example illustrates the technique coming inside from a receiver aligned to the right. Typically, two receivers will align to the same side executing this technique, and a third receiver aligned inside of them in the backfield or motioning from the other side will run a flat route underneath their picks.

The example below shows the flat route being run by a receiver in motion. The technique doesn’t have to be executed at all because the defenders just run with the routes and never fight outside.

 

 

Both receivers should run a slant directly at the defender covering the receiver to the inside. They should not look for the ball because they are not in the progression. Instead, they should focus on their positioning. It is imperative that they obstruct the defender’s attempt to get to the inside receiver who is running the flat route and – this is critical – be stationary so that the defender initiates the contact.

 

The technique has two different scenarios that must be handled. If done properly, the play is legal and hopefully the flat route scores.

If the defender tries to come between the receiver and the line of scrimmage to cover receiver No. 3, the player setting the pick should execute a basketball-style pivot with his left foot, swinging his butt around and becoming stationary so that the defender must run into his back.

 

 

If the defender tries to go over top to get to the flat route, the receiver should execute a basketball-style pivot on his right foot, swinging his butt around and becoming stationary so that the defender must run into his back.

 

 

If the defense tries to zone or switch off, then a simple adjustment will help get receiver No. 3 open cleanly. The defense may want to sit the receiver over No. 1 for the flat route coming out. If the defense wants to do this, put No. 1 on a goal line fade to the pylon in the corner of the end zone, while No. 2 still picks, and No. 3 will be open.

 

In Notre Dame’s case, No. 1 and No. 2 was picking the defenders aligned directly over them. The technique still works in this instance because the bunch alignment creates a traffic problem for the inside-most defender to navigate. The key is driving up into the defender and then pivoting correctly (right foot or left foot) and sitting down so the defender runs into his back.

 

 

Football is a game of details. Teaching the players the exact expectation and technique can make a huge difference when the game is on the line.

It's not always as much about finding another play or scheme to fool the opponent as much as it is teaching the exact technique so that it is executed on game day.