Game Plan SlidesGridiron Greats Game Plan Review Strategy Technique Offense The Route Tree Short Routes (0-5 Yards) Slant and Hitch: Quick passes to beat the rush. Medium Routes (5-12 Yards) Out and In: Breaking at 90 degrees to find open space. Deep Routes (15+ Yards) Post and Fly: Sprinting deep to outrun the defense. Route Concept Diagram Defense Coverage Concepts Man-to-Man • One defender follows one specific receiver • Requires speed and individual focus • Best for tight coverage on star players Zone Coverage • Defenders guard a specific "area" of the field • Eyes stay on the Quarterback • Good for preventing long passes and deep shots The Perfect Throw Mechanics Checklist 1 Grip Fingers on laces, space between ball and palm. 2 Stance Shoulders perpendicular to target, feet shoulder-width. 3 Step Lead foot steps directly toward the target. 4 Follow Rotate hips, thumb down, fingers point to target. The Secure Catch Hand Positioning Above Waist Make a "Diamond" with your thumbs and index fingers. Catch the nose of the ball with your fingers, not your palms. Below Waist Pinkies together, palms up to form a "Basket". Secure the ball into your body immediately after contact. Assessment Time Show what you know! Written Quiz Skill Scouts
Gridiron Knowledge QuizGridiron Quiz Offensive & Defensive Strategy Assessment NAME: DATE: Instructions: Select the best answer for each multiple-choice question. For the final section, use the space provided to describe a strategy. Good luck, athlete! 1. Which offensive route is characterized by a receiver running 5 yards straight and then making a sharp 90-degree turn toward the sideline? A) Slant Route B) Out Route C) Fly Route D) Hitch Route 2. In football, what is the primary difference between Man-to-Man and Zone defense? A) Zone defense only uses two players, while Man-to-Man uses five. B) Man-to-Man requires players to guard an area; Zone requires guarding a person. C) Man-to-Man assigns a specific opponent to each defender; Zone assigns an area. D) There is no difference; they are two names for the same strategy. 3. Which of these routes is considered a "deep" route (typically over 15 yards)? A) Hitch B) Post C) Slant D) Flat 4. Why might a defense choose to play Zone Coverage instead of Man-to-Man? A) To allow defenders to keep their eyes on the Quarterback. B) To make it harder for the offense to run quick "slant" routes. C) Both A and B are correct. D) To ensure every receiver is covered perfectly at all times. 5. What is the line of scrimmage? A) The line where players wait to enter the game. B) An imaginary line separating the offense and defense before a play. C) The boundary line on the sides of the field. D) The line that marks the end zone. 6. When throwing a football, which foot should a right-handed player step with? A) Right foot B) Left foot C) Both feet together D) No step is required 7. Strategy Execution In the space below, draw and label a "Slant Route" for a receiver. Then, explain why this route is effective against a defense that is playing "off" (defenders standing far back from the line). Middle School PE - Gridiron Assessment Module
Pro Scout ChecklistPro Scout Report Performance Evaluation Skill Set: Offense STUDENT ID PHOTO PLACEHOLDER Athlete Name Period / Class Draft Date 4 Elite (Mastered) 3 Pro (Proficient) 2 Rookie (Developing) 1 Draft Prospect (Not Yet) Throwing Mechanics QB EVAL Technical CriterionScore (1-4)Grip & Carriage Fingers on laces, space between ball and palm, ball held high at chest. | 1 2 3 4 | | The Lead Step Steps with non-dominant foot directly toward the target for power. | 1 2 3 4 | | Hip Rotation & Follow-Through Body rotates fully; throwing arm follows across body with thumb down. | 1 2 3 4 | Catching Mechanics WR EVAL Technical CriterionScore (1-4)Hand Position (Diamond/Basket) Appropriate hand shape used based on ball height (High = Diamond, Low = Basket). | 1 2 3 4 | | Soft Hands (Absorption) Catches with fingertips rather than palms; absorbs ball speed with "giving" hands. | 1 2 3 4 | | The Tuck (Security) Immediately pulls ball into chest and secures it under the arm after catching. | 1 2 3 4 | Coach's Scouting Notes Department of Physical Education Scout ID: #NFL-MS-PE
Gridiron KeyGridiron Key Teacher Reference & Grading Guide Total Points 15 Multiple Choice (1 pt each) 1 B) Out Route (Mechanics: 90-degree turn toward sideline) 2 C) Man-to-Man assigns a specific opponent; Zone assigns an area. 3 B) Post (Mechanics: Deep breaking route over 15 yards) 4 C) Both A and B are correct. 5 B) An imaginary line separating the offense and defense. 6 B) Left foot (Step toward target with non-dominant foot) Short Answer & Diagram (9 pts total) Drawing Criteria (4 pts) • 1 pt: Receiver starts correctly. • 1 pt: Route breaks inward (toward middle). • 1 pt: Route is angled (45 degrees), not 90. • 1 pt: Clear labels (Receiver, Path). Explanation Criteria (5 pts) • 2 pts: Mentions speed of the route. • 3 pts: Explains that "off" coverage leaves the short middle area open for easy completion. Grading Tips for PE Teachers • Award partial credit for diagrams if the general concept is correct but labeling is missing. • Focus on student understanding of "space" and "leverage" in the explanation. • If a student describes a 90-degree turn instead of 45-degree angle for a slant, deduct only 1 point (concept of breaking inside is more important). Confidential Teacher Resource - Do Not Distribute to Students
