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The full text of “The Power O” by Gene Suhr, from the Vol 2 — Spring 2019 issue.
Page 20T N T B B B B C C FS SS This is the first part of a two part series on the Power play. This is a play that should be in your offense. In my thirty eight years of coaching this play was a signature play in our run game. The specifics of the Power are simple, though mastering them requires painstaking attention to detail. When executed correctly, the power is a very effective ball control play. It embodies a physical, aggressive style of play that wears the defense down.
Because of the importance of repetition we applied similar blocking schemes from other run plays in our offense. We are a Zone (inside), Power and Counter offense, so we try to incorporate the same schemes from these plays. This allows our offensive lineman to get more reps which in turn carry over to each run scheme. THE POWER PLAY-- (BREAD & BUTTER) GAP RULES Y -- Step with inside foot near the outside of the foot of the defender to your inside gap.
Attack the outside number of that defender and drive off the ball. Work a combination block with the offensive tackle. If there is not defender in gap or the defender slants inside, work a track to the backside linebacker or the Þrst defender to show on level 2. You are responsible for the gap to your inside. Keep eyes on your Lber. PST-- Responsible for the gap to your inside on level 1 working to level 2 backside Lber. Step with inside foot, be ready to engage slant if covered.
If covered attack the inside number of the defender over you and drive him off the ball, with your eyes to your inside gap. If the defender plays on to outside, punch and drive with eyes of the backside Lber. Do not allow any run throughs in your gap. Seal off the backside Lber as him works towards you. If defender works inside of you, engage and lock on and drive. Do not allow any penetration. Create movement with the combination block with tight end. Keep eyes on your Lber.
PSG-- Responible for the gap to your inside. If defender on or over you, punch and seal, if uncovered, step with inside foot and block down on the defender in your gap. The center will punch and work backside, so you will have to seal off the defender not allowing him back outside. If covered step with inside foot and engage defender over you attacking his inside number and driving him off LOS, with eyes on your gap to the backside Lber. If covered you must get movement back off the ball.
The Power O By Gene Suhr, Retired High School and College Coach
