How to Run the Veer Offense in College Football

The Veer offense was the predominant form of attack in college football during the 1970s and '80's. While defenses ultimately figured out how to stop the attack--it took more than two decades--many of the elements are still found in the Spread offense that is so popular in today's college game. The Veer offense depends on speed and is very useful when a smaller but skilled team is going up against a larger one. Quickness, decisive action and a fair degree of trickery are the key elements.

Instructions

1. Get ready to read the defensive front and attack the formation with speed. The Veer offense is all about creating angles for the quarterback and the running backs. The Veer offense gives the quarterback the option of handing the football to the fullback on the dive play, keeping the ball and running to the outside or pitching the ball to a running back.

2. Take the ball from center and hand it to the fullback who is running up the middle if the linebackers are spread out and the interior is open. This decision is usually followed by a powerful combination block from the guard and center who move the nose tackle or defensive tackle from the point of attack. Once this has happened the fullback gets through the hole and into the secondary. If he can make one defensive back miss, he could run for 20 or more yards.

3. Be prepared to run with the ball as quarterback down the line of scrimmage in an attempt to get the defense moving. As you are running, the running back is running a similar path 2 or 3 yards to your left. The defense does not know if you are going to keep the ball yourself or pitch to the running back. This is determined by the defensive action. If the down linemen have been blocked by your offensive lineman, you should only have to beat one linebacker. If you have a step or more edge on him, cut upfield and run the ball yourself. If the linebacker has you in his sights, take advantage of your other option and pitch the ball to the running back.

4. Throw a block on the linebacker once you have pitched the ball. In most offensive formations, the quarterback stays away from initiating contact. However, once the quarterback has pitched the ball to the trailing running back, he is in perfect position to block the linebacker. A brush block will suffice. As long as you get in the linebacker's way for an instant, the running back should be able to break into the open.

5. Be prepared to drop back and throw a pass. The Veer is a running offense, but the defense's tendency to overplay this attack will lead to opportunities in the passing game. Normally the best passing opportunities will come to wide open receivers downfield. After the quarterback fakes the handoff to the fullback, he drops back and looks for a wide receiver running down the left side of the field. He should be wide open and a well-thrown ball will result in a big play.

Tips & Warnings

• The Veer offense is all about timing and precision. Top conditioning is a must. The quarterback needs to work on his decision-making and ball-handling until he can handle all of the options skillfully.