The Pistol Offense

Those of you with one back pistols, what does the QB do when you run IZ or OZ? What are his steps? When we do it with two backs, the lead back blocks the first LB who shows. The A back takes one false step and then accelerates through the hole. We do not run "zone" running, meaning, we do not allow for cutbacks.

Our QB's footwork is like the under center midline...step away with backside foot and then step towards the play with the playside parallel to the LOS. Then, he accelerates through the DE on the playside. We do not run much option, so that is not really why we do not "ride and decide." On OZ, he comes down parallel to the LOS and meshes on his third step, which should be outside leg of the tackle.

What about with one back? Do you boot or do you guys come down the LOS? What are the initial steps and angles?

Usually boot but have had them fake Veer when we're targeting a OLB who has the QB.

We boot away on IZ and we allow for cut backs so far in the spring preseason games it has been a really good series for us

We boot off of Zone, and we also have a Zone Read.

Does anyone have their QB take midline steps on IZ? I plan on running this offense this year for the first time and I am considering doing this.

We use the midline footwork on our wedge play. QB then attacks the EMLOS, but this play is almost always a straight up the middle...get one yard type of play. We do not look to bounce or anything like that. We toyed with a reverse pivot on the wedge play a la Nevada, but this was terrible for our timing on depth of QB and RB (3 and 6 yards respectively). The midline footwork is so easy and looks fine in practice.