[Reginald Rutledge]

there is never a beef on my part with what you're talking about. We good friends which I appreciate. We just don't agree here.

Disclaimer: Please do not read if you are not wanting to tolerate long-winded post on Shootout strategies.

These rules under the Shootout system allows for a person to run the ball too. Whether it is a blast play, power dive, or quick toss, the rules are set up to allow for stacking and no stacking.

I can tell you that here in the DFW, we have 1800 yard rushers over a 12 game season but we have great defenses that stop those great runners. But because how the system is set up, it takes coaches who have great play calling, the ability to REALLY throw the ball (not just a dink and dunk) with consistency, and the creativity to exploit the other team weakness to be good at this style of play.

This system was purposely set up for scoring. That's why the offense has a 3-1 movement ratio. Only the good teams know how to keep a great offensive team from putting up big numbers.

But one of the reasons this system work is because of the stacking. If the defense stacks 8 in the box, and I audible from the I to the pro set with the backs going around either end, I put the D at a huge disadvantage either as a run or pass. I dictate what the defense has to do to stop me! But if you have no ability to pass the ball, you will be stopped. That's usually when people complain about the run or the pass; when they have not figured out the nuances of the system. That's why I tell people learn to throw the ball with confidence, proficiency, and accuracy because in this style of play, your weaknesses will be exposed.

For 13 years in the DFW League, this system has worked to perfection. We've always been willing to tweak rules if we felt they were in the best interest of the league. But to a man, they will tell you that they want you to stack 10 in a row! It's suicidal for the defense because the audible allows you to exploit those type of one-on-one situations. So what if you have to pass to matriculate the ball, it still adds up as 7!

I really do want you to still come down to Texas and watch us play under this style. You will see why these guys here are like crack addicts about the style. All of these guys are skilled passers that if you do pile 9 in the box, you will pay unmercifully for that. It's just a matter of time before that other team looks up at the half and see 35 points scored on them.

The question I have is "How good is your ability to pass the ball?" Truthfully? Because if you are passing at a 0-20% rate, you will never win in this style. If you pass at 20-40%, you will be competitive sometimes. If you can pass at 40-50%, you will make the playoffs. If you pass 50-60%, you will be a contender. If you go pass that, you are championship material.

I think Bluesman brings up a GREAT point. Is it okay that you can run 3-1 on offense but not stack on defense? Answer, no! But because each team has that opportunity to do that, it balances out. These are little opportunities for offensive progression. The rules have worked for 34 years and the excitement they bring tells us not much tweaking needs to be done. Trust me, in this style of play, the defense is at more of a disadvantage than the offense ever will. But that's okay because it makes you creative as an offensive coach and resourceful as a defensive coach. It's done us proud for 13 years and those that go through the growing pains of learning how to play under this style love what it does.

I am not here to force this style on you and I always say, if you're not happy in something, you probably should not play in it because you will not be happy doing it. But I know you are a bright mind and I think if you came to Texas to see what happens here, it may change your thinking. When I come to LA, let's spend some time together (along with Michael Robertson) and we will show you so many tricks to the madness.

Sorry for the long post.

Reg