Coaches Corner: Empty Formation

One of the different formations Michigan will employ is called “empty”. Some call the formation 5o, but most use term empty.

Michigan has faced empty formations over the years. Ohio State used the formation for a large part of the game in 2006. Formation consists of exactly as term says, no backs, three receivers to wide side usually, and two receivers to short side. It is usually two slots to three-man side, and one Slot with Split Ends lined up wide to both sides.

Reads:off
Empty starts with a series of pre-snap reads. First read is number of defenders in the box. If Quarterback counts five or less in box, Quarterback will check to the Quarterback draw. If he counts more than five, he will generally check off to pass play. Second pre-snap read is the secondary in zone or man. Third pre-snap read is number of defenders high or safeties. In other words is the defense in cover 2, 3, or 4. Final pre-snap read is position of the Cornerback. How far off the line of scrimmage is he.

We will now look at some of the more popular used schemes and packages used in empty:
If the Quarterback reads man coverage, he will more than likely check to one of a few "Legal" pick plays to the three receiver side. To be legal there are two factors that must be followed. First is the receivers cannot make any contact with the defenders, second is the "picking' receiver must continue with their route, usually a slant route. The two most popular pick routes are called slant wheel and slant arrow. In both plays the outside Split End runs a quick slant route with the middle slot or number two receiver running either a wheel, slot running parallel to line of scrimmage. Then turning up the sideline or an arrow route where the number two runs at 45 degree’s right of the butt of the Split End. Key to this concept is Split End’s route. He must run directly at defender lined up over number two. He is trying to rub off number two’s defender on man guarding him. When it works, it looks like something out of the "Keystone Cops". You will see defenders colliding in a less than flattering way.

The next things that most teams run out of empty are a series of slot and Split End screens. These include both slip and jailbreak screens. These screens are particularly effective against zone defenses. They force the defense to play tight and stretch it thinner.

Hot, or Read reads:
If Quarterback reads blitz, he will check to what is called his hot or read receiver. That is generally the Split End to the two-receiver side. This read is based on the position of the corner to defending the Split End. This is where the safeties pre-snap read comes in. If Quarterback reads two high, he probably has hard corner. If he has one high he probably has a softer corner and possibly three deep. If the corner is hard, defined by lining up at the spot where Split End breaks into either his slant or hitch, usually six or six-yards, the Quarterback will throw a fade. If the corner is off, backed past the six or six-yard spot, the Quarterback will check to the fade.

Crossing and circle routes:
Big part of the empty package is crossing routes. These are generally run with the inside receivers, Slots closest to the Offensive Tackle. I will talk about one of the most used/favorite routes called the Vertical Access. This is where can put Outside Linebacker or nickel defender in a huge bind. What happens is the Slot to the two-man side guys as play says vertical where it is usually right up the hash. The inside Slot to the three-man side now runs a drag routes either direct in behind of Middle Linebacker. The Quarterback now reads the Outside Linebacker/nickel defender. If the defender goes with the vertical receiver, Quarterback hits the drag. If the Defender sits, Quarterback hits vertical receiver in front of the safety.

One thing to point out is there are many other combination routes, screens, and even running plays to the slot receivers. What we have put together is a highlight of some of the most popular schemes.

If you are confused or have more questions, please e-mail and we will try and answer your questions.

written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine

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