Chapter 11 - How To Use The Passing Game

Once the first forward pass, in 1905, one of the most difficult problems of all is when to pass. Most coaches have inherited the philosophy of their former coaches regarding the use of the pass. Some believe that every time the ball is in the air, it is going to be intercepted. Still other coaches are completely happy only when they are throwing the ball around. It all depends upon your beliefs and what you want to develop. However, it is essential that the quarterback be carefully instructed in regard to the proper use of the pass. He must know the value of every type of pass and when to use that pass.

Basic Principles Of Passing To Remember

1. Essentials of first-down passing

Throw the ball on first down because this is probably the best passing down. The defensive team is usually not expecting a pass on this down.

Even if you are not pass conscious, occasionally throw on first down to prevent the defense from ganging up with nine or ten men to stop the ground attack on this vital down.

Always throw on first down immediately after any surprise element that has happened. Pass after a key injury to one of their better men—not necessarily a backfield man. Sometimes the defensive team may become slightly disorganized in this situation.

Throw on first down after a blocked punt. This is very demoralizing and an excellent time to pass.

Throw on first down after a fumble or intercepted pass and run-back. If possible, throw into the territory of the back who has just fumbled or the passer who has just had his pass intercepted.

You must not stereotype yourself or your team so that you are always doing the same thing all the time on first down, because there will be different situations.

2. Essentials of second down passing

Throw when it is second down with less than three yards to go. This situation will vary with the opposition. If you are out-manned, you may want to change this passing principle. On one Saturday you may throw on second and less than one yard, or you may want to widen it the other way.

Throw on second down when it is second and eight. Your chances of picking up eight yards in two downs are slim.

If you don't make at least three yards on your first down, strongly consider passing on the second down.

Use the fake-pass and run, the draw, or the screen with second down and eight or more yards to go.

3. Essentials of third down passing

Throw on third down and less than one yard, in your territory. Throw the long pass only. The reason for this is that your chances of controlling the ball completely down the field without a fumble, without a penalty, without a missed assignment from your own 30-yard line are remote. The element of surprise with a deep pass may result in a quick score.

Again, there are certain situations with elements of the weather, wind, etc., where you can't employ this strategy.

When passing on third down and eight, always be sure the length of the pass is at least in advance of the necessary yardage.

Do not fall into the bad habit of passing only on specific downs, such as third down. The chance of success of a pass decreases with lateness of a down.

4. Essentials of fourth down passing

On fourth down, when behind your side of the 50-yard line with the score even, you should always punt. Punt if there is only one half inch to go in this situation.

On fourth down and four yards to go for a first down in scoring territory, either pass or try for a field goal—depending upon time and score.

When you are in doubt, the punt is the strongest offensive as well as defensive play.

Remember, if opponents punt in the last minute or two, play the ball absolutely safe.

A golden rule which every quarterback should keep in mind is, "Never pass on fourth down unless near the opponents' goal line."

Seven Golden Rules Of When Not To Passs

Special hints on passing

To know when NOT to pass is sometimes better than knowing when to pass. As a general rule, DO NOT PASS:

1. When you are ahead in the game—it is absolutely ridiculous to pass. A survey of games each fall always reveals a high percentage lost, either directly or indirectly, due to this flagrant violation of generalship.
   
   
2. Near your own goal line with the score tied, it is not sound strategy to pass at any time. An intercepted pass could give your opponents an "easy" score. As a rule, do not pass until you get out to your own 30-yard line. There is one exception to this rule, and that is because of some defensive alignment or weakness in personnel where prospect for success greatly outweighs chances for failure.
   
   
3. Here is another golden rule that is continually violated at all levels of generalship. When your running attack is going well, especially near the goal line, stay with that good running game. Why change? Do not alter tactics just for the sake of vanity without a sound reason.
   
   
4. Regardless of the territory, on third down with a short distance to go to make the first down, make the first down by running the ball. Use a short yardage play and get the sure first down. Some coaches believe in going for the long pass as a surprise weapon and possible quick score in this situation. From reports of previous games and the tendencies shown in your game, the defense might dictate this call occasionally.
   
   
5. Always consider both the wind and the weather. Do not attempt to throw long into a strong wind. Do not attempt to throw long passes with a wet or heavy ball. Although some quarterbacks can throw a wet ball well, it is still better to throw short in both wet and windy situations.
   
   
6. Do not call a pass play which requires a poor passer to throw. If you do not have at least one passer on the squad, do not pass. Instead, use your running attack with as few "safe" passes as possible and employ the screens, draws, and fake-pass and run statutes, etc.
   
   
7. Do not pass in the flat zones unless you are sure of the coverage. Always warn your team about coverage when using a flat pass. Use the flat pass sparingly.

Special Hints On Passing

The following hints will give you some additional tips on when a pass is most likely to succeed.

1. Employ short or average length passes often when behind late in the fourth quarter of a game. The defense is alert and will play deep at this point.
   
   
2. The long pass play on the opening play of a game has great value other than mere completion of that pass. It keeps the defense from concentrating too close to the line of scrimmage.
   
   
3. If you must pass when ahead late in the game, use passes that are "safe" and will not permit interception. Option running passes are good here. Remember, it is of doubtful value to pass at all if you are ahead and the game is nearly over.
   
   
4. The forward pass play is not a desperation measure and is not a play to employ only when you are behind.
   
   
5. If your opponents are rushing your passer hard, do not forget the effectiveness of the fake-pass and run and the screen.
   
   
6. When you are near your opponent's goal line and your running game has brought you down the field, stay with it. It is doubtful strategy to employ the pass.
   
   
7. Faking a short pass and then using a quarterback sneak is effective immediately after the completion of a short pass.
   
   
8. It is much easier to score by using the pass when at least 35 yards out from opponent's goal than when inside of their 20-yard line.
   
   
9. Against a substitute or inexperienced defender, use a pass play.
   
   
10. The percentages  for  completion  of  certain  "sideline passes" are high.
    
    
11. Generally, the disadvantages of a pass thrown from back of your own 30-yard line outweigh the advantages.
    
    
12. Switch your favorite receiver to another position on a quick line-up without huddling. Make the pass a deep one to go all the way.
    
    
13. Pass when you have the wind behind you.
    
    
14. Pass against a limping or injured pass defender.
    
    
15. Always remember—wind  and weather conditions  are strong factors for consideration in the passing game.

Why Passes Are Intercepted

A quarterback should know why passes are intercepted. For every pass that is intercepted, he should know the specific reason or reasons. By making a study of this and analyzing the errors, he can reduce his interception total.

There are eleven factors involved in pass interceptions. They are as follows:

1. When the offensive team attempts to pass, or pass deep, on an obvious passing down.
   
   
2. When the passer under-throws a lead pass. It is always better to over-throw than to under-throw.
   
   
3. When the passer does not remain in his pocket. It is impossible for linemen to block for a passer who does not stay in his "cup" or for one who retreats too deeply. Usually the passer is forced to throw on the run, and an interception results.
   
   
4. When a pass pattern is poorly executed. This may be due to one of the decoys as well as the intended receiver.
   
   
5. When the passer follows his intended receiver all the way.
   
   
6. When the passer fails to "anticipate" the moment his receiver will break open. A common error of many passers is throwing the ball when the receiver is open, but not "anticipating" when he will be free.
   
   
7. When the passer leaves his feet in throwing. Few passers at any level of competition can throw accurately with both feet off the ground. However, many like to try—it makes a nice picture.
   
   
8. When the passer takes too much time to throw, and inversely when the passer has the time, but does not take it.
   
   
9. When the passer over-throws the short pass, and under-throws the long pass.
   
   
10. When the pass protection fails to hold up and the passer is forced to hurry up his throw or throw off-balance. When the passer throws off-balance, his feet are usually not properly placed and an interception results.
    
    
11. When the passer becomes "gun-shy" and throws the foot ball rather than "eat it" and take the loss.

There is one additional factor that has not been mentioned.
 
This factor is an excellent play upon the part of the defensive man in defending against the forward pass.

Summary

Experience and a study of play-by-play statistics of the important games has demonstrated that you are not likely to score on your equal without the use of the forward pass. In isolated instances you may do so, but as a general rule, you will find it is either the pass that scores outright, or a successful pass that plays the part in the advance that places you in position to score.

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