Coach Mark Richt on the Shallow Cross Series

For example there is a version called "1 Z" (see diagram below) that features the flanker on a shallow cross, a "1 Y" option that features the Y receiver on a shallow cross, a "1 Ted" adaptation which was Richt's designation for a tight end, and a "1 X" version where the split end runs the shallow cross.

Here is a sample diagram I made of the "1 Z" version with four wideouts and the QB operating out of the shotgun with a single back offset.

The front side of the play (right side) is a combination of three routes. The outside Z receiver runs the shallow cross, the Y receiver (Richt's nomenclature) runs the choice route depending upon the type of coverage (one high or two high safety, etc.) and the halfback runs either an arrow route or a scat route.

On the back side the "Ted" receiver (Richt's nomenclature) runs the hot route and adjusts in case of blitz. Otherwise he tries to split the defense depending upon the number and exact position of the safeties. The outside X receiver runs a bench route for clear out purposes and is not the main option on the play.

Details about pass protection, QB reads, adjustments versus different coverages, etc. are in the video (Click here for direct link to the 40 minute video).

The final part of the presentation highlighted various cut ups of the play, and this might be the easiest and most interesting part for college football fans to follow since it just involves video and Coach Richt's comments. The video shows most of the different reads and throws required for the "1 Ted" version of the shallow cross against different coverages and lasts about 10-12 minutes in length. (Click here for direct link).

I spoke briefly to Coach Richt later during the day when he was taking questions from attendees in another room before he left. I asked him a follow-up question about the plays' somewhat declining effectiveness compared to the Florida State years.  Coach Richt replied that he used to think it was easy to make the play work.

However, in reality and with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, it was special players like Charlie Ward and Warrick Dunn that made it so effective in the past.

Also, Coach Richt noted that he thought the best general defense versus the play is a Cover 2 scheme, which is now so common. This defensive secondary alignment makes the play essentially a Hi / Low or “Smash Route” type read to half the field versus the flat defender. An adjustment or "tag" to the play can also create the smash route concept on the back side as well with minor alterations to the play call.

Still, the Shallow Cross is a very effective play but apparently not quite what it used to be in the past. Interestingly Coach Richt noted that many opposing defensive coordinators learned not to blitz the play (he wishes they would however) as that strategy gave up many big gains and easy TDs in the past.

Notes: 1) If for any reason the video or images do not display try accessing them via this link to a web page I created with the same basic information.

2)  Apologies in advance for the level of video and audio quality. Recording and editing this medium is something I am just learning.

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