3x National Champion Coach Reveals His QB Iso Coaching Secrets

Tony Annese, Ferris State, Head Coach

Full video on Glazier Drive: https://production.glazierdrive.com/s...

PLAY CONCEPT

This is a simple but effective quarterback ISO run play that uses motion as an illusion to manipulate the defense and create open running lanes. The motion triggers defensive movement that the offense exploits for big plays.

BLOCKING SCHEME

Primary Blockers:

The running back to the quarterback's side leads through and blocks the playside linebacker
The backside guard wraps around and blocks the backside linebacker
The center executes a "pin block" on the backside defensive lineman
Both tackles have simple kickout blocks on the defensive ends

Gap Responsibilities:

The running back should attack the vacant gap (if the defender is in the B gap, the back should be in the A gap)
The pulling guard can be either a one-gap or two-gap puller depending on the defensive alignment
The guard and back aim to be "hip to hip" in the hole for maximum effectiveness

QUARTERBACK FUNDAMENTALS

Body Position:

Take short shuffle steps (shuffle-shuffle-go)
Keep shoulders square to the line of scrimmage
Maintain good body control and stay "body loaded"
Present the ball in front during the shuffle but don't mesh with the motion back
Stay tight to the motion player

Reading the Play:

The play can hit in the A gap, B gap, or C gap depending on what the defense gives
Follow your blockers
Stay square and read the defense's reaction to motion

MOTION TIMING AND PURPOSE

The Role of Motion:

Creates an illusion that triggers defensive movement
Forces linebackers (especially the Mike linebacker) to bump outside
Makes defenders declare their intentions early
There's no perfect formula for timing—it requires repetition and drilling

Multiple Plays Off Same Motion:

Jet sweep
Jet read
Quarterback ISO
Counter
Zone read
All these plays must fit together like a puzzle to keep defenses honest

COMMON MISTAKES

Back's Errors:

Eyeing the Mike linebacker too much instead of attacking the open gap
Blocking defenders who are already out of the play due to motion
Missing the A gap opportunity and ending up in the B gap
Wasting blocks on defenders who have already moved themselves out of position

Coaching Point: "Climb, never chase" - backs should continue climbing to the next level rather than chasing defenders laterally

WHY THIS PLAY WORKS

The speaker emphasizes that this blocking scheme creates open space that you simply cannot generate in a conventional offense. When executed properly with the motion causing defensive flow, the quarterback has clear running lanes with lead blockers.

FILM STUDY OBSERVATIONS

Multiple examples show:

When the Mike linebacker bumps outside due to motion, it creates a natural running lane
The guard-back combination being hip to hip creates a powerful double-team effect
Sometimes both blockers end up on the same defender, which isn't ideal but still wins at the point of attack
The best executions show the back reading the gap correctly and attacking vacant space while the guard wraps for the backside linebacker

KEY TEACHING POINTS

Drill motion timing repeatedly until it becomes natural
Don't be afraid to use motion extensively
Win at the point of attack even if assignments aren't perfect
The quarterback must be patient with the shuffle steps and trust his blockers
This play requires speed and agility from the quarterback to maximize scoring opportunities once in the open field

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