Belly Blocking

[coachfletcher]

Hello all. I am new to this site, and a Wing-T guy. I am not currently coaching in a Wing-T system, but I am in the process of designing a playbook that combines the Wing-T running attack with the flexibility of the West Coast nomenclature. I have a fair knowledge of the Wing-T (my dad was a Wing-T coach in the 90's and I read Tubby Raymond's book, though it's been a while). Since I've never really been in the Wing-T system as a coach or player, please excuse my lack of Wing-T terminology (like I said, I don't plan on using the same names for formations and plays when I get the chance to install this thing).

I am a stickler for footwork, and this is where I'm having a problem. I understand how to run the belly, but my biggest jam-up is coming when I try to figure out how to block the belly to a wing and not a halfback. I prefer cross-blocking when the A gap isn't threatened, and the timing of guard and wing crossing concerns me as well. If anybody has any advice on this play, I am all ears.

[coachfletcher]

Also, if anybody is a playbook junkie and would just like to check out my work when I'm done, I would be more than happy to send them a copy.

[Coach Metz]

You know...I was thinking of this same exact situation earlier this summer.
At Lasalle, we ran belly exclusive to the split end, but I figured there would be times to run it strong side.
With my TE blocking Base on belly to his side, I figured, when we x, my PSG should fold and get a LBer. If we blocked it with PSG kicking out the DE and having the TE pick up backer, we figured, that was down, so, why try to reinvent the name? So, in order to run a true belly, we have the PST block down on the 2 or 3tech and fold the PSG up to backer. HB leads and picks up next man up.
Hope this helps.
Good luck,
Metz

[coachfletcher]

Ahhh, so let me get this right.

When you run Belly with a tight end, you just turn out the defensive end with your tight end?

And if you want to cross block, you just run down?

[Coach Metz]

That's pretty much it in a nutshell.
If you want to cross, though, I will say there is one main difference vs down itself.
In belly to the TE with an X-Block, your HB (if he's aligned to the TE) will still lead through the hole.
Same formation running down, he will flare out!
Good luck,
Metz