A Unique Approach to Trips: Maximize Reps and Sets, Minimize Mistakes

By David Buchanan Head Football Coach, Mason County High School (KY) In the late 90’s our program was one of many that was riding the spread offense to bigger and better things. And, like many spread teams, we were heavy in the 2 x 2 set. We knew that trips, a 3 x 1 set, was something that we needed. But how could we install it without bringing on a tremendous amount of additional learning for our kids? Our players were athletic, intelligent, and gave us their best. But, our football IQ was very low. We were building a program in an area that had primarily known success in basketball. Football was a new experience for most of our players, particularly the skill positions on the perimeter; they were basketball players wearing football helmets. Our answer came from the 2 x 2 set. We took the #2 WR from the backside and we made him the front side “trips receiver,” The