Hart's Basic Sets

Hart Dad

Hart's Basic Sets

Hart has been running a "spread" offense since 1989. The standard formation consists of two wideouts, two slots and a running back. As in the picture, Hart usually runs out of the shotgun with the running back positioned next to the quarterback.

There are a lot of variations. Hart sometimes sets up with the quarterback under center and the running back in the traditional "tailback" position. On occasion, the Indians will put the running back in a slot position as a fifth receiver. One of the slots usually goes in motion, creating a "trips" set up. Sometimes the Indians will lineup in a trips set.

On rare occasions, Hart will insert a tight end and/or a fullback and in short yardage situations the Indians often go to a "double tackle" formation with two tight ends and a full house backfield.

There's enough variety to keep the opposing defensive co-ordinator busy.

Hart usually runs a basic 4-3 defense. In this picture, the safeties are in "Cover 2" with the strong safety deep (one might surmise from this picture that Hart is expecting a pass as it is third and long and the offense, nominally a run-oriented team, is set up in a spread [passing] formation). The more common set up is with the strong safety up in "Cover 1", essentially functioning as a fourth linebacker.

Depending on the opponent and the situation, Hart sometimes sets up in a 3-4 alignment and occasionally goes to a "dime" (six defensive back) set up or even a zone blitz.

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