Utilizing the Power Read

with Derek Pennington,
Zeeland East High School (MI) Head Coach;
2017 1st Round Playoff Appearance (9-1 record in 2017)

If you've ever wanted to run the power read in your offense, or enhance the version of the power read you're currently running, then this video from Zeeland East High School head coach Derek Pennington is exactly what you need!

Coach Pennington begins by going over the basic power read play. The blocking scheme is diagrammed against several common defensive alignments and includes key coaching points and adjustments against specific defenses.

Pennington also spends considerable time on the footwork of the running back and the read progression of the quarterback. You'll get the blocking scheme, alignments, and reads for every player. Additionally, you'll learn the read progression for the quarterback and see how to run the power read from various formations and personnel groupings.

Complementary Plays

Coach Pennington diagrams two complementary plays that feature the same backfield action, but are designed to take advantage of how a defense attempts to defend the power read scheme. These plays also help protect the base power read from an overcompensating defense. You'll learn:

• The QB Slam play that blocks the defensive end rather than read him. This gives the defense a different twist on a similar look.
• The quarterback counter play that features similar backfield action as the power read, but a kickout block on the defensive end and a seal block by the H back.
• Why these plays are an excellent way to get an athletic quarterback more involved in the run game.

Power Read Play Action

The last concept covered in this video is play action passes that utilize similar backfield action to the power read. Coach Pennington includes various protection schemes as well as individual routes and the quarterback read progression. He describes when he likes to call certain play action passes and the defensive looks that he thinks each particular play is best against. You'll see:

• The H wheel play out of a 3x1 formation.
• The running back wheel play which is very difficult for the defense to recognize.
• The X Slant play that takes advantage of a defense that spins their safeties to adjust to motion.

Coach Pennington does an excellent job of diagramming the power read play, including complementary running plays and several play action passes. This video is an excellent resource for any coach that wants to utilize the power read scheme.

70 minutes. 2018.