High school coaches, if you’re hunting for a way to spice up your run game and get more beef on the field, South Dakota State’s unbalanced pistol power scheme from their Week 3 clash against Drake is worth a look. The Jackrabbits threw out a slick wrinkle that’s perfect for teams with an extra offensive lineman itching to make an impact. This isn’t just a gimmick, it’s a strategic way to befuddle defenses, open up edges, and give your quarterback a chance to exploit hesitant DBs. Let’s break it down and talk about how you can steal this for your playbook.
The Formation: Unbalanced Chaos
The Jackrabbits line up in a pistol set with a twist: an extra offensive lineman slotted at tight end on the strong side, paired with a receiver aligned on the line of scrimmage to that same side. This creates an unbalanced look that screams “we’re coming at you” and forces the defense to adjust on the fly. On the backside, a lone receiver is set off the line, giving you flexibility for motion.
The beauty here? That unbalanced line is stacking an extra big body at tight end and overwhelms the point of attack daring the defense to load up. For high school teams, this is a golden opportunity to get that sixth lineman (you know, the kid who’s been dying to crack skulls but doesn’t start at tackle) into the game without scrapping your base scheme.
The Action: Jet Motion and QB Deception
Here’s where SDSU gets nasty. The backside receiver screams across the formation in jet sweep motion, darting right in front of the quarterback. This pulls the corner on the strong side (the “nub” tackle side) down toward the line of scrimmage, itching to blow up what looks like a sweep. Defenses at the high school level eat this up when corners love to crash hard on motion.
But the real magic happens with the quarterback. Instead of opening toward the power side like a traditional power play, the QB opens away from the strong side, clearing the midline and keeping the running back tight to the mesh point. This creates a read look for the QB, eyeing that corner who’s now cheating down thanks to the jet motion. If the corner bites too hard, the QB can pull and take off for the edge. If the corner hesitates, the power scheme hammers the defense with a numbers advantage in the box.
Why It Works
This play messes with defensive discipline in a big way. The unbalanced line forces the defense to shift their front, often leaving them a man short or misaligned. The jet motion screws with the secondary, pulling that strong-side corner out of position and creating hesitation. And the QB’s read option? It’s a dagger. By opening away from the power side, the quarterback keeps the defense guessing, preventing linebackers and safeties from folding into the box too quickly. At the high school level, where DBs often overcommit, this can lead to a free edge for your QB or a gaping hole for your running back.
Coaching Points for Your Team
1. Teach the Unbalanced Look: Make sure your extra lineman at tight end knows his role is to block like a tackle, not a traditional tight end. Drill him on sealing the edge or kicking out the end man on the line of scrimmage (EMOL). Rep this in practice to ensure your line shifts smoothly to the unbalanced side without tipping the play.
2. Jet Motion Timing: The backside receiver’s motion has to be crisp and fast. Time it so he’s crossing the QB’s face just as the snap happens. This pulls the corner’s eyes and gets him moving downhill. Use a verbal or visual cue to keep the motion consistent.
3. QB Reads: Coach your quarterback to read the corner’s hips. If the corner crashes hard on the jet motion or steps toward the line, it’s a pull and go. If he hangs back, hand off and let the power scheme do its work.
4. Running Back Patience: The RB needs to stay tight to the QB at the mesh point and trust the blocking. Teach him to press the line before cutting, letting the unbalanced line’s push create the lane.
5. Film It: At the high school level, kids need to see it to believe it. Record practice reps and show them how the corner’s movement opens up the play. Use film from your own games to reinforce how defenses react to the unbalanced look.
When to Use It
This scheme shines against aggressive defenses that overplay motion or struggle to adjust to unbalanced sets. It’s also a great call if you’ve got a mobile quarterback who can make quick reads and punish overeager DBs. If your opponent’s corners are flying downhill or their linebackers are slow to flow, this play can gash them for big yards.
Steal This for Your Playbook
South Dakota State’s unbalanced pistol power is a fantastic way to add a new dimension to your run game without overhauling your system. It’s simple enough for high school kids to execute but clever enough to keep defenses guessing. Plus, it gets that extra lineman in the game and lets your quarterback play hero. Work this into your install this week, and watch your opponents scramble to figure out what hit ‘em.
Got questions about installing this scheme or tweaking it for your roster? Drop a comment below or hit us up on X, we’d love to hear how you’re making it work!