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Beast Offense

Offense

also: Beast formation offense · Beast formation · Beast

A run-heavy offense that puts three backs in position to block for the runner; many versions use a direct snap.

Beast names both the formation and an offense built around it. Three backs line up where they can block immediately for the runner, and many versions snap directly to him. Some coaches also run it under center.

There is no single Beast alignment or blocking rule. The line can be balanced or unbalanced, the three blocking backs can line up tight or wide, and the offense can carry Power, Wedge, Sweep or other run schemes.

Also calledBeast formation offense, Beast formation

At a glance

Family
Beast
Level fit
youth, middle school
Quarterback must throw
no
Quarterback decision load
not applicable
Borrows from
single wing direct-snap football
Transfers from
single wing, gap-scheme run game, wedge packageWhat carries over if you already run something else.
Belongs to
nobody. It is a family, not one coach's system

Who it is for

If you get to camp without a quarterback who has learned proper throwing mechanics, Beast lets you build around a runner instead. Put him at the direct-snap spot and use the other three backs as blockers in front of him.

What it asks of a roster

  • A runner comfortable taking a direct snap and running behind traffic
  • Three backs willing to do most of their work without the ball
  • A line that can execute the blocking scheme attached to each play

What the staff has to be able to teach

  • A dependable direct snap from the center to the runner
  • Clear jobs for the three blocking backs: kick the edge, lead through the lane or account for backside pursuit
  • The blocking rules for each play. Beast changes the formation; it does not replace Power, Wedge or Sweep rules

Formations

  • Beast Tight - shotgun: seven players packed onto an unbalanced line, with three blocking backs behind the strong side
    Beast Tight - shotgunseven players packed onto an unbalanced line, with three blocking backs behind the strong side
  • Beast Tight (balanced): a double-tight direct-snap set with 2 over the left guard, 4 between the right tackle and tight end, and 3 beside the 1-back
    Beast Tight (balanced)a double-tight direct-snap set with 2 over the left guard, 4 between the right tackle and tight end, and 3 beside the 1-back
  • Beast Wide: a balanced double-tight direct-snap set with the 2, 3 and 4 backs spread across one side of the formation
    Beast Widea balanced double-tight direct-snap set with the 2, 3 and 4 backs spread across one side of the formation

Signature plays

Origins, and what it borrows

Beast comes from single-wing football. Both put the snap in a runner's hands and use extra blockers at the point of attack. Coach Parker traces his branch specifically to the Yale Single Wing. Coaches now use Beast for several related packages rather than one shared playbook.

Resources