Total Offense: Balance is the Key

A team’s total offense, many coaches will say, will not just help determine a win or a loss, but ultimately, whether the season is a successful one. Today, having a high-powered passing game but a limited running game – or the reverse – just doesn’t cut it. To be consistently successful, a balanced offense is necessary. “I feel you have to have balance in your offense to be a consistent winner,” says Rush Propst, coach of Hoover High School (AL) and winners of four state titles in the last five years. “I believe even more important than time of possession is the number of total offensive snaps your team takes. It’s important to have that balance and we strive for a ratio of 55% rushing to 45% passing. We know if one of our receivers catches 12 balls and the other’s are limited, we’re in trouble. We want more equal distribution.” A good example may be Rice. The Owls