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Your Offensive Scheme Doesn't Matter

Your Offensive Scheme Doesn't Matter
By
Darrin Sheffer

"Scheme is Irrelevant!" 

Those are the exact words that I myself spoke to another coach not too long ago.  If you are familiar with any of my previous blog posts (man it's been awhile since I've actually posted anything) you might be surprised that I would say this.  If this is your first time reading something of mine I will give you a bit of context by saying I used to be VERY opinionated on offensive schemes.  I used to be a "spread hater".  

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After a lot more research, and more importantly a lot more time and experience, I have evolved my position on offense to the very words above, "scheme is irrelevant".  Different offensive schemes are now a dime a dozen, everyone either has their own or they are constantly trying to copy what they see on TV each Saturday and Sunday.  Coach Rick Stewart posted on his Twitter once: "Tell me an offense and I'll find a coach out there who went 10-0 with it" or something along those lines.  It doesn't matter if you want to run a Spread like Clemson/Auburn/Oklahoma or be a Double Wing team, someone somewhere has won a championship with it.  They are all viable options!

So what is my point?  There are other factors out there that are just as important, and in some cases more important than what offensive scheme you choose.  You wanna pass the ball around like LSU did last season? Cool! Just make sure that it's simple enough that your 14-17 year old Teenagers will process it on top of all the other crap that comes along with being a HS Teen (family, homework, grades, girls, hormones, etc).  You wanna be a Triple Option team?  Great! How's your programs' culture?  If you have a negative culture it won't matter how you want to move the ball, your team is gonna suck.  Wanna go fast like Memphis?  Even better!  Are your players in good shape?  No?  Good luck coach!

Whatever offensive scheme floats your boat, you do you coach!  Teach what you know, and if you want to do something new go out and learn it!  Just don't expect a change in offensive scheme to "put you over the top".  As my current HC Coach Mullinax constantly preaches to our players: "It's the little things that matter boys!"  Believe me, I love offensive football.  For goodness sake, my blog is titled Obsessed with Offense.  But please, for the love of football don't forget the little things gentlemen!

Stay Obsessed
Coach Sheffer

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