EF Blocking - Holes vs Bulldoze...

Hard to imagine, but after reading K. Lomax's reply to my scale-sized board post...we finally agree on something.

I have been lobbying to implement line-spacing into the multi-stop system. When watching real NFL games, you will notice that once linemen become engaged with one another, they "stick" regardless of who gets pushed back. The push at the line opens small holes in which running backs must weave their way into. It is also the responsibility of the linebackers to meet the running backs in the hole. This is done through stoppages and cannot be achieved in one-stop p or p due to the read/react element.

The prevalent thing happening in EF, are that lines are bunched in too close. Lineman on both sides, but particularly the offensive side are pushing in a wedge, while linebackers are unable to get into the hole to make a tackle. The reason is that due to the shape of the bases (rectangular) there is NO HOLE to run through.

A simple spacing of .5" helps to curb the problem. Also, it allows for the center to choose which D-lineman he will double. This stragegy also nullifies the outside blitz as they have a farther distance to travel.

This is not possible on a 620 or SB sized board as the WRs have no room to run. A more effective simulation requires games be played on a scale-sized or close to scale-sized gameboard.

While lines may be linked at the feet in real FB at the snap, the lineman will soon spread out into their own individual battles with the d-line.

Blocking must emphasize opening holes vs bulldozing your opponet while linebackers sit helplessly behind the d-line bases.

What do you all think?

[NEW CASTLE HiTMEN]

I play with offensive line gaps. If the d-line wants to shoot those gaps I simply adjust my o-line to them before the snap. Also allows for O & D audibles. Good post D-Master.

[capanther]

i only play solitaire and sometimes against one of my 2 sons..........but my rule is, i always use line splits and every offensive man must be covered by a defensive man....thus i use alot of 1 back sets with twins on one side and pro on the other.......( basically this creates 9 men accross the line, even though some are off the line and it only leaves 2 defensive players behind the defensive line) .this prevents stacking and opens up natural holes.i feel it makes the game more realistic and the plays are much more realistic than just (stack and push)..........it is nice because i often have 1 or 2 backs have 100 yards rushing in a game and the plays look like they are supposed to when the hole opens up instead of ring around the rosie.....

Thank you both for your responses. Another thing that I discovered is that you are really forced to coach your offensive line when the players are spread out.

Another benefit of this is the ability of the linebackers to blitz up the middle forcing runners to stay in to block. With this philosophy, your options are open as to alternative methods for pressuring the quarterback as opposed to simply executing the same 'ol "looper" blitz OVER and OVER again.

Any other thoughts on this?

[detroitchild]

Interesting!

I had to check the date of the original post. DC you messed me up! I thought DM was starting something.

At the Seawall BRAWL in VA this June, as well as here in Chicago (MWEFL) we use the Strategy Divider which mandates line splits. As well as ABC tackling, sound, balanced Defense is necessary!

Gimme a holler sometime, DC. 773-412-7789.

[andre kc]

this is a good Ideal, I wish we had something like this when I was in NYEFL

[mantaraydre]

This kind of spacing is great for ef, it allows for more exciting play and openess. I personnally do not like stacking in any form but if it's a league's rule i will abide by it. This spacing allows your line backers to become more involved and not blocked out by it's own defensive lineman. The MFPL system is a great system that mimic's the NFL in it's game play. This type of line spacing would only enhance what you guy's have and make you system more exciting.

contact anthony burgess and get a copy of this great system !!!!!


MANTARAYDRE

ANT, WE MUST TALK TURKEY IN REGARDS TO LEAGUE PLAY AT THE BRAWL.

Smitty: this post was dated 11/2006!?! I'm sure DM has figured it out by now.

And your recommendation of a magnet under a stacked LB poses several problems for anyone playing in the MPFL, and especially those that do not.

A. Stacking LBs is illegal in most leagues, unless they are a base-length behind the DL or in a gap.

B. Magnets are illegal in most leagues, or at least within 15-20 yds of the LOS, so a TTC cranked all the way to one side or the other to hold the LB in the general vicinity would accomplish the same thing.

• Don't you know that magnets ATTRACT attention just like chum ATTRACTS sharks!?! You say the OL would be way downfield (how long is the board on for the initial "snap?") and then the LB would have a clear shot? Against a Rookie, maybe, not a veteran Coach. If my OL didn't have a DL lined-up in front of him, you better believe they're looking for a LB at the next level!!! C'mon, now, you know not many Coaches would just let their OL fly downfield!?!

• And, even if your DL played possum and let the OL push him back, wouldn't he get pushed back into the LB on a magnet?

C. Stoppages, again, aren't the mainstay in most leagues. The MPFL and my traveling ILLINOIS Season that I did last year are the only two leagues I know of that use stoppages.

D. If you require the D to man-up on 2 or 3 OL, then the O can increase their splits. Or using stoppages like an initial snap, it wouldn't matter. Even though we use the Strategy Divider here in the MWEFL for all plays from scrimmage, we don't use it on GL situations, 4th and 1s, FGs or EPs, because in REAL life those gaps get closed and it's ALL push. BUT ONLY IN THOSE SITUATIONS, NOT THE ENTIRE GAME!?!?!?!?!

These are more or less questions, not accusations, Smitty! Everyone plays differently, so these are just my thoughts.

[childslovegame]

Jimbo,

My response was to DM and to his style of playing in the MPFL. The MPFL is the only system DM plays in. Length of stoppages are determined by the home coach. There's no uniformity. Some coaches can have their stoppages at 10 yds., 15 yrds., etc. They call it "Home Field Advantage". Stacking is outside of one base length. What I suggested before dose work in the MPLF System.

Smitty