Yes, a college football team can absolutely “pull a runner,” a fundamental offensive play where an offensive lineman, typically a guard, detaches from his blocking assignment to lead a ball carrier through a gap. This maneuver is a staple of many offensive schemes, designed to create an advantage by adding an extra blocker to the point of attack, thereby generating quarterback pressure in a different way – by blocking it.
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The Art of the Pull: Deciphering the Scheme
In the complex world of college football, the “pull” is a surgical strike designed to deceive and overwhelm the defense. It’s a deceptive tactic that hinges on precise execution and a deep understanding of defensive schemes. When an offensive lineman pulls, he’s essentially abandoning his direct positional responsibility to become a lead blocker for a running back. This isn’t a haphazard movement; it’s a calculated decision by the defensive coordinator playcalling that anticipates defensive reactions and exploits potential weaknesses.
Why Pull a Runner? The Strategic Advantage
The primary goal of pulling a lineman is to create a numbers advantage at the point of attack. In a standard run play, the offensive line blocks their assigned defenders. However, by pulling a lineman, the offense can:
- Create a Lead Blocker: The pulling lineman acts as a personal escort for the running back, clearing a path through the defensive front.
- Exploit Gaps: The pulling lineman can lead the runner through a specific gap that might be otherwise occupied or difficult to breach.
- Influence Defensive Assignments: The sight of a pulling lineman can cause defenders to hesitate or overcommit, opening up other lanes or creating mismatches.
- Counter Defensive Aggression: Teams that frequently employ blitzing strategies or aggressive defensive line stunts can be vulnerable to a well-executed pull. The pulling lineman can pick up a blitzing linebacker or a defender looping around the edge.
Identifying the “Puller”
Not every offensive lineman is suited for pulling. The ideal candidate possesses a specific skill set:
- Agility and Footwork: They need to be able to move laterally quickly and efficiently, maintaining balance as they transition from a down-block to a pull.
- Awareness: The pulling lineman must possess excellent vision to identify the ball carrier and the path they are taking, as well as the defenders they need to block.
- Strength and Power: Once they reach their target, they need to be strong enough to seal off defenders and create a running lane.
- Intelligence: They must understand their blocking assignment, the defensive front, and the overall play concept.
Typically, offensive guards are the primary pullers. Their position on the line allows them to quickly move to either the “A” gap (between center and guard) or the “B” gap (between guard and tackle) to lead a running back. In some schemes, even offensive tackles or centers might be called upon to pull, depending on the play design.
The Mechanics of a Pull Play: Step-by-Step
A pull play is a carefully orchestrated sequence of movements. Let’s break down the general mechanics, assuming a guard pulling to the play side:
- The Snap: The offensive linemen engage their blocks as usual, creating initial movement and confusion.
- The Pull: The designated pulling lineman immediately detaches from his initial block. His first step is typically a zone step, angling towards the play’s intended gap.
- The Veer/Turn: As the pulling lineman reaches the line of scrimmage or a designated point, he “veers” or turns his body, planting his outside foot to change direction.
- Identifying the Target: The pulling lineman scans the field for his assignment. This is often a defensive player who is either aggressively pursuing the run or is responsible for the gap the runner is aiming for.
- The Block: The pulling lineman delivers a strong, authoritative block, aiming to seal off the defender and create a clear running lane for the ball carrier. This block is crucial for disrupting the pocket if it’s a play-action pass or for creating a clear path for a pure run.
Types of Pulls and Formations
The type of pull can vary significantly based on the offensive formation and the specific play call:
- Guard Pull (Inside/Outside): The most common pull. A guard can pull inside to lead through the “A” gap or outside to lead through the “B” or “C” gap.
- Tackle Pull: Less common, but a tackle might pull to lead a sweep or to help block for a quarterback draw.
- Center Pull: Even rarer, but a center might be used to pull in specific screen pass situations or as a pulling lead blocker.
- Traps and Counters: These plays often involve a pulling lineman, creating misdirection. A “trap” play typically has an offensive lineman pull to block a defensive player who has an unblocked gap. A “counter” play involves misdirection, often with a pulling lineman leading the way after the initial misdirection.
Here’s a look at how pulling linemen are utilized in different formations:
| Formation | Common Puller(s) | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| I-Formation | Guard | Lead blocking through A or B gap |
| Pro-Set | Guard | Lead blocking, often on counter or sweep plays |
| Shotgun | Guard, Tackle | Lead blocking, screen plays, pass protection |
| Pistol | Guard | Lead blocking, often on outside zone plays |
| Wing-T | Guard, Tackle | Lead blocking on counters, sweeps, and trap plays |
The Defensive Response: Countering the Pull
Defenses must be prepared to stop the pull. This requires excellent discipline and recognition from the front seven:
- Gap Discipline: Defensive linemen must maintain their gap integrity and not get pulled out of position by misdirection.
- Linebacker Recognition: Linebackers are crucial in identifying a pulling lineman and filling the appropriate gap. They often have the responsibility of picking up the pulling guard.
- Pass Rush Recognition: If the defense anticipates a run but it’s a play-action pass, the pulling lineman can become an unexpected blocker, negating a blitz or a pressure package. This is where understanding pass rush techniques becomes vital for offensive linemen.
- Blitz Adjustments: When a defense blitzes, the offensive line’s blocking scheme, including pulls, needs to adjust quickly to protect the passer. This is a constant chess match between the defensive coordinator playcalling and the offensive coordinator.
Defeating the Pull: Key Defensive Strategies
- Stunting and Twisting: Defensive line stunts are a common way to disrupt the offensive line’s blocking assignments and create confusion, which can foil a pull. A defensive end might “loop” around an interior lineman, while a tackle “slants” inside, potentially confusing the pulling guard.
- Gap Exchange: Defenders exchange gaps to fill the void left by a stunting teammate, making it harder for a pulling lineman to find a clean target.
- Linebacker Blitzes: Bringing an extra linebacker through a gap can disrupt the pulling lineman’s path or force them to block a faster, more athletic player.
- Run Blitzes: Specific defensive play calls designed to stop the run often involve aggressive pursuit angles and strong gap control, making it difficult for a pulling lineman to seal off a defender.
- The “Scoop” Block: A defensive lineman might execute a “scoop” block, where they redirect the pulling lineman’s momentum rather than trying to win a head-on battle. This allows them to still get to the ball carrier.
The Impact on Pass Protection: Disrupting the Pocket
While pulling is primarily a run-blocking tactic, it has significant implications for pass protection:
- Creating Mismatches: A pulling lineman can be used to block a defensive end on the opposite side of the formation, or to pick up a blitzing linebacker. This can free up other offensive linemen to double-team defensive tackles or create more time for the quarterback.
- Surprise Protection: In some pass plays, particularly screens or play-action passes, a pulling lineman can surprise a defender who is focused on quarterback pressure. This can lead to big plays by clearing a path for a receiver or tight end.
- Protecting Against Stunts and Twists: A well-executed pull can help the offense defend against aggressive defensive line stunts. The pulling lineman can help seal off the inside or outside lanes that a stunt might try to exploit.
- Creating a Cleaner Pocket: By taking a defender out of the play or redirecting them, the pulling lineman contributes to a cleaner pocket for the quarterback, allowing him more time to throw and reduce the likelihood of sacks or hurried throws.
However, pulling in pass protection also carries risks:
- Vulnerability to Games: If the defense anticipates the pull and executes a gap exchange or a well-timed blitz, the offense can be left vulnerable with an unprotected gap.
- Missed Blocks: An errant pull can leave a key defender unblocked, leading to immediate quarterback pressure.
- Confusion: If the offensive line isn’t perfectly synchronized, a pulling lineman can create confusion and leave a gap exposed.
Specific Play Concepts Involving Pulls
The Trap Block
This is a classic play that heavily relies on a pulling lineman. The offense will typically invite a defensive lineman to pursue an unblocked gap, only to have a pulling guard or tackle cut off that defender, creating a lane for the runner.
- Execution: The offensive line on the play side will often engage in down blocks, pushing defenders away from the play. The pulling lineman will come from the opposite side, aiming to block the defender who is chasing the play into the vacated gap.
- Purpose: To create a sudden, unexpected lane and to neutralize a key defender who might otherwise make a tackle.
The Counter Play
Counter plays are designed to misdirect the defense. A pulling lineman is essential to lead the way after the misdirection.
- Execution: The offense will show action in one direction (e.g., a fake handoff to the fullback going one way), then the ball carrier cuts back in the opposite direction, often with a pulling guard leading the way to block the pursuing defender.
- Purpose: To make the defense overcommit to the initial misdirection, leaving them vulnerable to the cutback.
The Sweep Play
On a sweep, the ball carrier gets to the outside edge of the formation. A pulling lineman is often used to lead the block at the second level, taking on linebackers or defensive backs.
- Execution: The offensive line blocks down, and a guard or tackle pulls to lead the runner around the end, often blocking the first defender they see in their path.
- Purpose: To get the ball carrier to the perimeter with a lead blocker, creating a numbers advantage against outside defenders.
Screen Passes
While not always involving a traditional “pull” in the run-blocking sense, screen passes often utilize offensive linemen in a similar fashion, peeling off their initial block to create a convoy for the receiver.
- Execution: Offensive linemen initially engage their blocks as if protecting against a blitz, then release and move downfield to block for the screen receiver.
- Purpose: To get the ball quickly to a perimeter player with blockers in front, exploiting aggressive defensive pass rushes.
Training and Development for Pulling Linemen
Pulling is a demanding skill that requires dedicated training:
- Footwork Drills: Emphasis on quick, efficient footwork, hip flexibility, and balance. Drills like cone drills and ladder drills are essential.
- Agility and Change of Direction: Practicing sharp cuts and transitions from forward momentum to lateral movement.
- Vision Drills: Training linemen to quickly scan the field and identify their target, even in chaotic situations.
- Blocking Technique: Refining techniques for delivering a strong, effective block, whether it’s a drive block, a seal block, or a reach block.
- Film Study: Linemen must study opposing defenses to recognize common stunts, blitzes, and defensive assignments, which helps them anticipate their blocking responsibilities on a pull.
The Risks and Rewards
Pulling a runner is a high-reward, potentially high-risk maneuver. When executed correctly, it can lead to significant yardage gains and open up the offense. However, a failed pull can result in negative plays, blown assignments, and pressure on the quarterback. The success of a pull hinges on:
- Execution: Perfect timing and technique are paramount.
- Scheme Fit: The play must fit the strengths of the offensive line and the weaknesses of the defense.
- Defensive Recognition: The ability of the offensive players to read the defense and adjust their blocks is crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can any offensive lineman pull in college football?
While any lineman can technically be asked to pull, it’s typically reserved for those with the agility, awareness, and strength to do so effectively. Guards are the most frequent pullers, but tackles and even centers can be utilized in specific schemes.
Q2: What is the main goal of pulling a lineman?
The primary goal is to create a numbers advantage at the point of attack by adding an extra blocker, thereby clearing a path for the ball carrier and increasing the likelihood of positive yardage. It’s a way of actively attacking the defense’s offensive line protection by overwhelming it.
Q3: How do defenses try to stop a pulling lineman?
Defenses use gap discipline, linebacker recognition, defensive line stunts, and gap exchanges to disrupt the pulling lineman’s path and prevent them from sealing off a defender. They aim to disrupting the pocket in the run game.
Q4: Does pulling a lineman affect pass protection?
Yes, it can significantly affect pass protection. A pulling lineman can be used to pick up blitzers, block defensive ends, or help neutralize defensive line stunts, thereby protecting the quarterback. However, it can also create vulnerabilities if not executed perfectly.
Q5: What are some common plays that use a pulling lineman?
Common plays include trap blocks, counter plays, and sweep plays. Pulling linemen are also crucial in certain screen pass schemes. They are integral to creating negative plays for the defense by blocking defenders out of the tackle box.
Q6: How does a pulling lineman identify their target?
They are trained to read the defensive flow and identify the defender who is responsible for the gap they are leading through or who poses the biggest threat to the ball carrier. This requires excellent field vision and anticipation of quarterback pressure in a passing situation.
Q7: What are the risks involved in a pull play?
The risks include a failed block leading to no gain or a loss, the pulling lineman being out of position to block a blitzing defender on a play-action pass, or creating confusion and leaving a gap vulnerable for creating negative plays. It requires precise defensive coordinator playcalling to anticipate how the defense might react.
Q8: What are essential skills for a pulling lineman?
Key skills include agility, quick feet, strong lateral movement, good vision, strength to deliver a block, and football intelligence to read defenses and understand play concepts, especially when dealing with edge rusher moves.
The ability to successfully execute a pull is a testament to the intricate planning and execution that defines college football. It’s a sophisticated strategy that, when mastered, can unlock significant offensive potential and make life very difficult for opposing defenses.