Installing the Jet Series into your offense, or as your offense, is much easier than you think. It is a series that can provide an advantage to any offense. Teams with superior skill players, inferior skill players, a great offensive line, a not-so-great offensive line-it does not matter. The Jet Series is for any offense that is willing to commit to it and spend the time installing it correctly.
In order to commit to the Jet, one needs to understand the philosophy of the base play, the Jet Sweep. The idea behind the Jet Sweep is to give the ball to a ball-carrier with a running start and get to the edge. A simple blocking scheme, similar to what an offense may already use in running a toss sweep, is used. It is key to understand that any defender from the front side 3 technique and back does not need to be blocked. They cannot make the play. Any play run from the series must look exactly the same as the Jet Sweep. Many teams will add the Jet Sweep to their offense and not incorporate it into their system. Keep in mind that the Jet and its complimentary plays are not trick plays. They are a system and, like any offensive system, require a commitment. With that said, let’s take a look at the base play.
The Jet Sweep
The entire series begins with the Jet Sweep. Each and every play in the series must look like the Jet Sweep every time. As such, we must begin with a thorough understanding of the Jet Sweep. We accomplish that with the Jet Drill (See Diagram 1).
Diagram 1
Jet Drill–Flip to run to the left
With the Jet Drill, you can rotate players or use bags or cones to represent the offensive linemen. If you have one, you can roll out the tape with the OL markings on it. Whatever you choose, it’s important for your backs to have landmarks. Then, you just work the drill stressing the Coaching Points that are seen below.Every snap should look the same with emphasis on getting the ball to the perimeter.
Basic Rules and Coaching Points
1. The Jet Series is always run “On 1.” Our cadence is “Color-Number,
Color-Number, Set, Hut”.
2. The Jet back goes in full speed motion on “Set.”
3. The QB must get the ball snapped when the Jet back reaches the outside
leg of the OG.
4. The QB footwork involves a lateral 6″ step to the playside A gap and then
a reverse pivot to either 5 or 7 o’clock.
5. The ball is handed to the RB in the playside A gap.
6. Upon receiving the ball, the RB takes a small bucket step to give some
ground and then will continue to the hash, to the numbers, and to the
sideline.
7. The FB takes a small lateral step, allowing the RB to clear, and then runs
the Dive/Trap path right through the center.
8. The QB will fake to the FB and then continue with a boot fake.
The basic rules for blocking the Jet Sweep are the same as they would be for blocking our Toss Sweep or our Outside Zone play. Any defender inside of the front side 3-technique cannot make the play, therefore, in some situations we will pull an uncovered OL to get him in front of the ball carrier (See Diagram 2). Lineman from the center back will track to the playside. If they are covered and defender slants to the Jet action, they engage the defender. If the defender slants away from the Jet action, they can continue their track to the next defender. The same applies to an uncovered OL; he would continue on track to reach the next defender.
Diagram 2
To see the Jet Sweep in action, go to www.football-freak.com.