Flexbone Beginner Basics
June 11, 2025
You want to understand the basics of the Flexbone offense, right? Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
Flexbone Offense: Beginner Basics
The Flexbone is a unique and effective offensive scheme, especially for teams that might not have a dominant passing game. It’s all about precision, repetition, and leveraging your personnel.
1. Establish the Run with the Zone Dive
The Flexbone offense typically starts by establishing the Zone Dive. This play features a “triple team” block designed to clear a path for the B-Back (fullback). The goal here is to get the B-Back running downhill quickly and consistently, setting the tone for your ground game.
2. The Core for 60 years: Triple Option
The heart of the Flexbone is the Triple Option. This isn’t just any option; it’s often a Midline Triple Option. Here’s how it works:
* The quarterback (QB), who operates from under center, reads two defensive linemen, typically starting from the guard out.
* Based on these reads, the QB makes quick decisions to either hand off the ball, keep it, or pitch it to a trailing back. This forces the defense to defend multiple threats on every play.
3. Standard Formation
The standard Flexbone formation places the QB under center with:
* Two A-Backs: These are often slot backs who can be used for pitches, runs, or even an occasional pass.
* One B-Back: The fullback, as mentioned, is crucial for the dive and as a lead blocker.
* Two Wide Receivers (WRs): While the Flexbone is run-heavy, the receivers help stretch the field and can be involved in play-action.
4. Alignment and Spacing are Key
In the Flexbone, precision in alignment and spacing is critical. Every player needs to be in their exact starting position, and the distances between players must be consistent. This allows the intricate blocking schemes and option reads to develop correctly.
5. Keep the Offensive Line Agile
The offensive line in a Flexbone offense doesn’t always need to be huge. In fact, it often benefits from being “light” and agile. Instead of brute force, the emphasis is on technique, quickness, and precise blocking angles to open running lanes.
6. Simplicity and Repetition Lead to Success
The Flexbone thrives on “radical oversimplicity” and strong “TEAM Fundamentals.” This means:
* You don’t need a massive playbook.
* Success comes from running a limited number of plays repeatedly until your team executes them flawlessly.
* Mastering the fundamentals, like blocking, option reads, and ball security, is more important than complex schemes.
7. Effective at All Levels
The beauty of the Flexbone is its versatility. It’s a highly effective offense at all levels of football, including:
* 8-man
* 9-man
* 11-man
* Junior High
It’s particularly beneficial for smaller teams that may not have the biggest or most athletic players, as it emphasizes teamwork, technique, and leveraging angles rather than relying solely on individual talent.
