Beating a team with stronger bases

[FrustratedFinFan]

Hey guys,

I thought we might try a new thread regarding EF strategy. This one sure would help many a coach out there. I think nearly everyone has faced a team with bases that are stronger than their own and found it frustrating to move the ball on offense, especially running, and also found it very difficult to stop their opponent from running the ball down their throats. So, what are some plays that can be used to nullify that advantage...and maybe use the opponent's strength against him?

One idea I am working on is using trap plays. Actually pull a lineman out of line and allow the defender in....particularly a dominant D-lineman.....and then try to run at the gap you created. It seems to me that will require good timing and a running back either set back a little deeper than usual, or with a slower base. The problem than is the loopers getting to you before you hit the hole. I think that you could kick out your tackles to work on this...perhaps by pulling them as well....or putting them on ITZ dials and sliding out. This might create another hole to fill though, but many folks don't put a D-lineman over the tackle in EF.

Another thing that might work is to use misdirection. You could put a back on an ITZ base and point him to a gap hole to get the D to cheat to that gap...and then actually turn the dial to get him to arc either way outside for the corner, or to another hole....or you could use a regular dial set to run backwards to get your misdirection....or even put the base on backwards...

For the pass game, try to get a QB on a good TTC base, or even an ITZ dial. Have the QB use his mobility to go to unexpected spots in the backfield to avoid loopers and dominant D-linemen. The QB might then find some good open field to run in as well.

Any other thoughts??