Creating mismatches in the run game.

Question
QUESTION: What are some general philosophies or rules to follow as to creating favorable/successful running plays?

Also I'm having problems getting numbers at the point of attack. I know plays like counters, traps, and treys but I need to know the mindset of what you are trying to accomplish on those plays and how it is accomplished

ANSWER:      Formations is the key to mismatches or favorable matchups for your offense.  I coach in the enter-city, most of my kids don't have years of playing experience when they get to me.  So our technique is not always sound.  You can't always line up and tell your kids that you have to get more push.  If the other team is quicker or stronger or more experienced then you are not going to move the ball that well on the ground.  So multiple formations is how I go about running the football with success.  We run trips with the tight end opposite.  We also run double tight solo running back set, solo right or left which has twins to the same side as the tight end and a split to the other side.  We run unbalanced line, with multiple receiver sets.  We also use motion by the slot to get better numbers.  We run unbalanced line and then when the D-line over shifts down, we run unbalance weak side trap.  We run Quick pitches out of trips with a motion and a crack back block on the d end or outside backer.  
    I have found that using multiple formations, gives you two defiant advantages.  One teams that scout you have a much harder time keying on what play you are going run.  Two the multiple formations gives you more options for run play success, and takes some pressure off of the O-line somewhat.  
GOOD Luck Coach Noel!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So when running the ball do you look for more a matchup advantage or a number advantage?

Also do you attack a defense differently based on fronts(running).

Last, how much does anticipation of what the defense is going to call have on what you run on offense.

Answer
Part 1 I look for both if possible.  If we think we can attack a weaker player on one side of the ball we will do that at times.  But if the team is over shifted down then we will try and run to a numbers advantage.

Part 2 Yes we do attack defenses based on the fronts they give.  For example against a 4 front we will use quick inside traps and lead draws. Against a 5 man front we will look to get the ball to the edge and have more blockers at the point of attack.

Part 3 A good defense can dictate what plays you will call.  Last friday night the team we played against was blitzing all 3 linebackers inside.  They were also playing very tight on our receivers.  This stoped us from running to much inside on them.  So went spread to get some of there guys out of the middle, we used alot of quick pitches to the edge out of trips formmation.  We ran speed option to the edge, and bubble screens, to the wide outs.  The best passing play for us was hiting the tight end down the middle on their blitzes.  We also scored on a tight end screen.  Coach Noel