The Quick Toss is a great running play that allows you to really utilize the speed of your running backs on the outsides. The reason this play is so effective outside of the tackles is because the left guard pulls in that direction immediately after the snap. SportsGamer has taken this play to another level by improving the blocking with the use of motion. The key to perfecting this play is using patience when in the backfield. Take a look at the following examples as SportsGamer breaks it down.
Split Backs 3 WR - Quick Toss
Console(s)
XBOX, PS2
Playbooks
Baltimore, Buffalo, Chicago, Cincinnati, Jacksonville, Minnesota, Tampa Bay, Pass Balanced, Run Balanced, West Coast
Quick Setup
Step 1 - Send your slot receiver in motion to the left.
Step 2 - Snap the ball just after your receiver passes the left tackle.
Play Breakdown
Figure 1 - The New Orleans Saints have come out in the Split Backs 3 WR Quick Toss play. The Quick Toss play can be effective without making any adjustments. However, we're going to use motion before the snap to increase our chances for a big gain.
Figure 2 - Before the play begins, move the icon over the receiver lined up in the slot position. You'll want to place your biggest receiver in at this position on the field for a couple different reasons (in this example we subbed in tight end Zach Hilton). First, using a bigger player will usually mean that they have a higher run blocking attribute. The other reason we like to place a taller receiver in at the slot position is because there is a certain pass that we like to make that is very difficult to stop when the ball is thrown high. The pass that I am talking about is set up in the exact same fashion as the run, preventing the defense from knowing what we are doing before the snap. SportsGamer will take a closer look at this pass very soon, so stay tuned.
Figure 3 - We motion Hilton across and snap the ball just as he passes by left tackle Jammal Brown.
Figure 4 - Quarterback Drew Brees takes the snap and pitches to running back Reggie Bush. Meanwhile, HIlton begins running upfield to make a block on any approaching defenders. We also want you to notice left guard Montrae Holland pulling to the left as he leads the way for Bush. The key for us is to stay in tight behind Hilton and Holland until we find a bigger opening on the field.
Figure 5 - Bush prepares to make the catch on the toss while the blocks continue to develop upfront.
Figure 6 - We take the pitch with Bush and follow closely behind the nearest blocker, which is is left guard Montrae Holland. The player we sent in motion, Zach Hilton, is looking to make a block on someone at the second level of the defense.
Figure 7 - Holland continues to lead the way for our ballcarrier. The key is to be patient. Don't always just ash down the sprint button. Instead, follow behind your blocker and only sprint when you see an opening in the defense. Having patience will allow your blocks to unfold much more effectively during the play.
Figure 8 - Both Holland and Hilton make blocks on defenders, providing us with a running lane to the outside.
Figure 9 - We use Bush's speed to get up the field as quickly as possible.
Figure 10 - We've already picked up 7 yards with Bush as the defenders finally close in for the hit.
Figure 11 - Chicago Bears' cornerback Charles Tillman finally makes the tackle. However, we were able to pick up a nice gain of 8 on the play.
Final Thoughts
The Quick Toss will definitely teach you how to become a much more patient runner. When using motion, you'll start to see players cheating towards that side of the field to stop the run. However, we'll break down a couple more quick passes that we like to use with this same type of motion to keep the defense on their toes at all times. Also, if you have perfected the most effective quick pass in the game, then that will help you greatly when running formations such as the Split Backs 3 WR that was shown above. Head on into practice mode to see for yourself why this run is so effective.
