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The West Coast Offense
Today, a legendary coach passed away. Bill Walsh won three Super Bowl Trophies as the head coach for the San Francisco 49ers. His inspiration and presence in the game will be missed. I don’t know if he knew Christ. While many of his coaching techniques have inspired coaches around the country, the most important thing a person can leave to future generations is their faith.
The “Breaking News” today shifted many football fans into thinking about our favorite sport before the pre-season kick-off. Some would say the original West Coast Offense was a product of Oakland Raiders’ Al Davis or San Diego Chargers’ Sid Gilman, both of whom were very pass-oriented. Others would claim that it was the by-product of “the Genius” – Coach Bill Walsh.
The West Coast Offense has lots of motion from the backs and receivers; many short passes allowing gifted runners to break tackles in the open field. There is a great deal of zone blocking with the running backs operating out of a single back or an “I” formation.
The key to this offense is deception. One coach said, “It’s all about fooling your opponent and keeping him off balance.”
The quick hitting offense helps reduce the effectiveness of very mobile and agile linebackers who like to blitz a lot. By the time they get to the quarterback he has already released the ball. Instead of doing a five or seven step drop, in this plan the wary quarterback moves three steps back and immediately throws the ball to a receiver.
Most coaches will agree that three things are needed to make this offense work.
- Players must be smart and listen carefully to each play call. The average West Coast Offense may have 130-150 plays that involve various men in motion off a basic formation. The players must keep track of where the opponents are, remember the snap count, and be able to move into his new position just at the proper time.
- A team must be patient and disciplined to allow the time necessary for all the motion men to do their thing while not jumping off sides or sending two men in motion at the same time. It also requires the coach to get the new play communicated to the quarterback quickly so that he has enough time after breaking the huddle to set his receivers in motion.
- Receivers must be fast and precise in their patterns. “It’s all about timing!” With an accurate quarterback and a receiver who runs precise patterns, a quick slant pattern is almost unstoppable. If a team needs five yards, a quarterback can toss a bullet-like pass low and away from the defender, allowing only the receiver to have a good shot at catching the pass.
- Adaptation is a key to success. Many of today’s NFL coaches, who studied under Walsh, have taken their initial concepts of his system and have modified their play selection to take advantage of the individual skills and abilities of selected key players. An explosive running attack compliments the short passing game. The big powerful running back that lumbers through the line is not as effective as a quicker moving back that can also be used as a receiver.
A Controlled Spirit
Some time ago, I remember reading a book entitled, The Controlled Spirit Temperament. This book has long disappeared from my library shelves along with scores of others loaned out and never returned. What I remember of the book deals with how we need to work at being under control.
Our natural worldly spirit suggests, “If it feels good do it”. Once we receive Christ into our lives we are filled with a spirit that is not of this earth. To some this will sound very mystical, yet God intended for it to be very understandable. “I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” (Joel 2:28 and Acts 2:17.)
The Apostle Peter at Pentecost reminded the believers that they would receive “the gift of the Holy Spirit” and they repented and were baptized. (Acts 2:37-39)
I know I need help calling the plays in my life. I appreciate knowing that the ultimate Coach and Counselor runs my west-coast offense. He can run yours too. Just continue to ask God to take over your life. He will help guide you in all your decisions.
Have a great week. Jim |
