Broad misdirection plays

Bears’ offense is interesting tonight. A number of called QB draws against a defense that is not accounting for the QB. Army is vulnerable to that play also. Also a lot of broad misdirection which can work well in youth football. 

30 and 31 inside trap plays

In high school football, 30 and 31 inside trap are great plays. Fullback takes on 45º step away from the hole then turns 90º back toward the hole. High school linebackers react to the first step and take themselves away from the play or at least have their weight on the wrong foot when they correctly diagnose the play. My JV team went to a summer camp where we played against other high school’s varsities. We were the only JV team there. Our only JV play that worked against the bigger older varsities was 30 and 31 trap.

Does not work in youth

But in youth, inside trap does not work. The initial step of the fullback is invisible to the youth inside linebackers. To use misdirection them against them you need to go at least three steps in the wrong direction then cut back to the other side of the field, i.e. reverses and counters. That and split flow (one or more offensive players flowing toward each side on the same play—QB gives to one and fakes to the other) are what Chicago is using against the Vikes. It delays linebackers from diagnosing and attacking the ball carrier. Meanwhile, the blockers know where the ball is going and are gathering steam running toward their target blockees.

11-man offense

QB draws enable the offense to play eleven men instead of the usual ten left after the QB hands off and goes off duty. Misdirection enables the offense to play full speed for all six seconds of a play but prevents the defense from playing for the first two or three seconds of the six-second play.
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