Yes, you absolutely can “pull a runner” in college football, and it’s a staple of many offensive schemes. The term “pulling a runner” refers to an offensive lineman, typically a guard, coming off the line of scrimmage to block for a ball carrier, often on a sweep or trap play. This maneuver is designed to create an immediate, powerful advantage for the runner by giving them a lead blocker who can clear a path or seal off defenders.
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The Art of the Pull: Creating Running Lanes
Pulling linemen are a crucial element in many successful college football offenses. They add an extra layer of physicality and unpredictability to the run game. This tactic is not just about brute force; it involves timing, awareness, and precise execution from every player involved.
Why Linemen Pull
Linemen pull for a variety of strategic reasons:
- Creating a Lead Blocker: A pulling lineman acts as an immediate escort for the running back, clearing a path through the second level of defense.
- Sealing the Edge: On outside runs like sweeps, a pulling guard can seal off the defensive end or outside linebacker, preventing them from pursuing the ball carrier.
- Misdirection: Pulling linemen can create confusion for the defense, making them overcommit to one side and opening up opportunities elsewhere.
- Adding Force: A pulling lineman adds significant blocking power to a specific area of the field, overwhelming defenders.
Types of Pulling Plays
Several popular run plays feature pulling linemen. These plays are designed to leverage the athleticism and blocking prowess of the offensive line.
The Power Play
The power play is a classic. It often involves a fullback or H-back leading through the hole, with a guard pulling from the opposite side to block. The play aims to hit a specific gap, creating a strong, downhill running lane.
- Execution:
- The offensive line on the play side engages their blocks to create a wall.
- The backside guard (the pulling lineman) unself-sticks from the defender in front of him.
- He then runs across the formation, looking to hit the first defender he sees in the designated gap, often aiming for a linebacker or safety.
- The running back follows the pulling guard through the hole.
The Counter Play
Counter plays use misdirection to get defenders moving in one direction before hitting hard in the opposite direction. Pulling linemen are essential for selling the misdirection and then leading the charge.
- Execution:
- The play often starts with a run fake to one side, drawing defenders.
- A guard and sometimes a tackle will pull from the side opposite the fake.
- These pulling linemen lead the running back to the vacated area, blocking defenders who might have over-pursued the initial fake.
The Sweep Play
While not always featuring a pulling lineman in the traditional sense, some sweep variations incorporate a pulling guard or tackle to lead the ball carrier around the edge. This is particularly effective when trying to seal off the outside.
- Execution:
- The offensive line on the play side will often “down block,” meaning they block the defender inside them.
- A pulling lineman from the backside can then lead the ball carrier around the end, blocking any defenders who try to fill the alley.
Key Considerations for Pulling Linemen
For a pulling scheme to be successful, several factors are critical:
- Timing: The puller must time their movement with the snap count and the running back’s path.
- Awareness: The lineman needs to identify their target, whether it’s a specific defender or an open lane.
- Footwork: Efficient footwork allows the lineman to get out of their stance quickly and turn their hips to block effectively.
- Angle: The pulling lineman must block at the correct angle to seal off defenders and create a running lane.
- Communication: Linemen must communicate to ensure they are on the same page regarding assignments and targets.
The Role of the Running Back
The success of a pulling scheme also heavily relies on the running back. The ball carrier must:
- Read their Blocks: They need to see where the pulling linemen are going and adjust their path accordingly.
- Follow the Lead Blocker: Trusting the pulling lineman to create the lane is paramount.
- Hit the Hole: Once the lane is opened, the running back must burst through it with conviction.
- Be Patient: Sometimes, the pulling lineman needs a moment to get into position. The running back might have to make a slight cut or delay to let the block develop.
Beyond the Traditional Pull: Variations and Modern Football
While the classic pulling guard is a mainstay, modern college football offenses have expanded on this concept.
The Jet Sweep
The jet sweep involves a wide receiver or another player motioning across the formation before the snap and taking a handoff or pitch. While not directly involving linemen pulling in the same way as a power play, it’s a form of misdirection that requires blocking assignments to seal off the edge, sometimes involving linemen moving out of their typical blocking assignment. The goal is to get a fast player into space.
Speed Option
The speed option is a read-option play where the quarterback runs towards the sideline with a running back trailing. The quarterback reads a defender (usually an unblocked defensive end or outside linebacker). If the defender commits to the quarterback, the QB pitches the ball to the running back. If the defender stays wide to take away the pitch, the QB keeps it. While not involving a traditional pulling lineman, it relies on offensive linemen creating a wall and blocking ahead of the quarterback or running back.
Screen Pass Variations
While the screen pass is a passing play, its execution often involves offensive linemen strategically releasing downfield or blocking differently to allow the receiver to get into open space. Sometimes, a pulling lineman might be used as a lead blocker on a screen designed to get a slot receiver or even a wide receiver into the secondary.
Trick Plays
Trick plays can also incorporate pulling linemen in unexpected ways. Imagine a play where an offensive lineman appears to be pulling, but instead, it’s a designed pass, or the pulling lineman actually becomes eligible to catch a pass after motioning. These plays rely on deception and often subvert traditional blocking schemes.
Analyzing the Effectiveness of Pulling Schemes
The effectiveness of a pulling scheme depends on several factors:
- Personnel: Do you have strong, agile offensive linemen who can execute the pull?
- Opponent’s Defensive Scheme: How does the opposing defense align and react to motion and pulling linemen?
- Play Calling: How well are the pulling plays integrated into the overall offensive scheme and offensive playbook?
- Execution: Are the plays being run with precision and proper technique?
Positives of Pulling Schemes
- Physicality: They bring a physical element to the run game.
- Versatility: Can be used to run inside, outside, and with misdirection.
- Creates Explosive Plays: A well-executed pull can spring a runner for an explosive play.
- Tests Defensive Discipline: Forces defenders to make correct reads and assignments.
Potential Drawbacks
- Vulnerability to Stunts: Defenders can “stunt” (move across the line of scrimmage in a coordinated way) to disrupt the pulling lane.
- Risk of Missed Blocks: If the pulling lineman misses their block or picks up the wrong defender, the play can be blown up.
- Can Be Predictable: If overused, defenses can adjust and anticipate the pulls.
- Requires Specific Lineman Skills: Not all linemen are equally adept at pulling.
How to Develop a Successful Pulling Scheme
Building a successful pulling game requires a comprehensive approach:
1. Personnel Evaluation
- Identify linemen with the necessary agility, strength, and football IQ to pull effectively.
- Consider assigning specific pulling roles based on player strengths.
2. Fundamental Drills
- Pulling Drills: Practice the mechanics of getting out of a stance, turning the hips, and driving through a target.
- Angle Drills: Focus on hitting the correct blocking angle.
- Partner Blocking Drills: Simulate pulling and blocking a moving defender.
- Read Drills: Offensive linemen practice reading defensive keys to identify their assignment.
3. Scheme Integration
- Variety: Blend pulling plays with other run schemes (e.g., zone blocking, gap schemes) to keep the defense off-balance.
- Complementary Plays: Design plays that set up or complement the pulling plays. For instance, a strong power run can make a counter play more effective.
- Play-Action: Use play-action passes off of pulling run actions to freeze linebackers and defensive backs.
4. Practice and Repetition
- Game Speed Reps: Run pulling plays at game speed during practice.
- Situational Practice: Work on pulling plays in crucial situations (e.g., short yardage, goal line).
- Film Study: Analyze successful and unsuccessful pulling plays to identify areas for improvement.
Case Studies: Teams Known for Pulling
Many successful college football programs have built their offensive identity around strong run games that feature pulling linemen.
- Wisconsin Badgers: Historically, Wisconsin has been a powerhouse for physical offensive lines that excel at gap schemes, including frequent use of pulling guards on power and counter plays. Their offensive scheme is built around establishing a dominant run game.
- Ohio State Buckeyes: Ohio State often utilizes powerful offensive lines that are adept at both zone and gap schemes, frequently employing pulling linemen to create big holes for their running backs. They are known for developing strong downfield threats and explosive plays.
- Alabama Crimson Tide: Under various coaching staffs, Alabama has consistently featured strong offensive lines capable of executing complex blocking schemes, including pulling, to support a diverse run game.
These teams understand that a dominant run game, often bolstered by pulling linemen, can control the clock, wear down opponents, and open up opportunities for explosive plays through the air, especially to talented wide receivers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is a “pull” in football?
A1: In football, a “pull” is when an offensive lineman, typically a guard, disengages from their initial blocking assignment and moves across the formation to block for a ball carrier.
Q2: Which offensive linemen most commonly pull?
A2: Guards are the most common linemen to pull, but tackles can also pull, especially on specific plays or in certain formations.
Q3: Why is pulling linemen important for a running game?
A3: Pulling linemen provide an extra, often unblocked or delayed-blocking, force in front of the running back, creating a lead blocker to clear a path or seal off defenders.
Q4: Can offensive linemen catch passes when they pull?
A4: Typically, a lineman who is pulling is assigned to block and is not eligible to catch a pass unless it’s a specific trick play where they motion out and become an eligible receiver, or if they are the last man on the line of scrimmage and have declared themselves eligible. However, in the context of a traditional pull for blocking, they do not catch passes.
Q5: What are some common plays that feature pulling linemen?
A5: Common plays include the Power, Counter, and some variations of Sweep plays.
Q6: How does a jet sweep differ from a pulling play?
A6: A jet sweep involves a player (often a wide receiver) motioning across the formation before the snap and receiving a pitch or handoff, aiming to get to the edge. While blocking schemes are crucial, it doesn’t typically involve linemen pulling from the opposite side in the same manner as a power or counter play.
Q7: What is the most crucial skill for a pulling lineman?
A7: While strength and agility are important, timing and identifying the correct target are arguably the most crucial skills for a pulling lineman to ensure the play’s success.
Q8: How does a screen pass involve pulling linemen?
A8: In some screen pass variations, a pulling lineman might be used to lead the way for the receiver after the catch, acting as a blocker in space, particularly if the screen is designed for a slot receiver or to exploit a downfield threat.
By mastering the art of the pull, teams can add a potent weapon to their offensive playbook, creating opportunities for significant yardage and an increased number of explosive plays.