Pocket Passes vs. Action Passes

Pocket Passes versus Action Passes

            The quarterback has two main types of passes, a standard pocket pass and a play action pass. The pocket pass is a straight drop back pass with no play fake. Pocket passes come in multiple series like the 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 series. These are called by the quarterback or the offensive coordinator as the author explains, “Pocket passes are called using two digit numbers between 50 and 99. The first digit represent the protection and the second digit represents the route package” (32 Gonzalez). In a 50 series pocket pass, the tailback and the full back have the responsibility to pick up the blitz when it comes. This gives their quarterback more time to execute the pass. However, if there is no blitz they both have a check release. If the defense is running a 4-3 scheme the uncovered lineman is to pick up the linebacker if he was to pressure the quarterback. In the 60 series, the running back to the right of the quarterback has a free release to his route while the left running back will have a running back. The 70 series has a protection back and a running back that has a check release. While in the 80 series, both backs have a free release unless the quarterback notices an incoming blitz and decides to make an adjustment to help the protection around him. The offensive line will also slide to the weak-side to help protect the quarterback. The last series, the 90 series, uses a seven-man protection scheme with one running back. All of these series are used for the same objective, to buy time for the quarterback so that he can deliver a pass from the pocket to any of his receiver’s.

(T: Tackle, G: Guard, C: Center, TE: Tight End, R: Receiver, QB: Quarterback, RB: Running back) This formation can lead to a standard pocket pass for the quarterback.

            The play action pass is used to distract the defensive unit and help the receivers get open due to the distraction that the quarterback will create to attract the defensive backs. Play action passes consists of movements that lead to the pass (33 Gonzalez). There are two main play action plays, boot action and a run action pass. The boot play action is a fake counter run away from where the quarterback will scramble to and he will use a moving pocket concept with a personal protector to help buy him time so he can deliver his pass. A run action pass is when the quarterback fakes a handoff to the running back as if it was a running play but he holds on to the ball to complete the pass. All play action passes are designated to create a distraction for the defense so it can open up space with the receivers and making it an easier and more efficient pass. 

(R: Receiver, T: Tackle, G: Guard, C: Center, RB: Running back, QB: Quarterback) In a play action, the running back is used as a distraction for the defensive in a fake hand-off to try and bring the safeties and linebackers up towards the line of scrimmage to help open up the field for the receivers.

What type of pass do you think would be easier to read and execute by the quarterback? Why?

Gonzalez, Dan. Concept Passing: Teaching the Modern Passing Game. Monterrey, California: Coaches Choice, 2009. Print.