my new offense...

Question
This past year my team ran the Double Wing/ Bay City T formations. We lost our big linemen and the pounding the ball idea wont work against teams in my league. I have a lot of athletic kids, skinnier, reciver and back type players. Im going to use an open offense next year, I just dont know which  one I should choose. I have a lot of football intelligent kids on the team, so im not scared to do something more than a basic 2 wide I or a Wishbone. I was looking into a Ace or Singleback formation or Nevada's Pistol Offense. A lot of the teams in my league run 8 men in the box defenses. Basic 5-3, 4-4, 6-2 and a few teams run a 5-2 and a 6-1. I had a lot of sucess running outside sweeps and counters, and the Pistol offense really makes those work. Im confident in my linemen to be able to protect my shotgunned QB, and im thinking about instead of unsing just the normal Pistol 2 wide/2 slot formation, bringing in a TE or something for a little extra protection. I was just wondering if you think this offense is a little to complicated for my players (who are very football intelligent) and if you think so what else should I look at? Maybe the West Coast?

Answer
Jalen -

First off, let me apologize for the delay in my response.  I was out of town, and forgot to put myself on "vacation" through the site.  I have also found that when I put myself on vacation, people end up not writing at all, and miss out on a good experience.

Ok lets get to your question.  Ironically enough, ,my senior year in high school, I QBed that same offense.  We called it the run and shoot, but it sounds exactly the same as your "pistol".  2 Wr, 2 slots, single back.  SO I am very familiar with it.  My overall opinion is that it is a limited offense to run as a base.  Most defenses had an easy time figuring out ways to defend it, which made my life as a QB a living hell.  I was sacked over 40 times in a 10 game season. Thats a lot of beating for any QB.  Now, my line wasnt exactly filled with great players, but the schemes didnt help either.  I tried my best to convince the coach to get rid of 1 slot for a TE, but he refused.  The last game of the year he gave in, and we ran an "ace" formation - 2 WR, 1 slot, 1 TE.  It worked well, allowing my TE to stay in when needed.  So first and formost, I would try and deter you from the "pistol" offense.  I do like the "ace" though, as long as you have the players to do it.  

I want you to remember 2 important things when choosing an offense.  1- What type of talent do I have / what are my team's strengths.  2- What do I , as a coach, know well.  A lot of coaches make the cardinal mistake of installing offenses that they know well, but do not take the players talents into consideration.  SO no matter how good the coach is, the team fails.  Dont make this mistake.  Take a good look at your team BEFORE you decide on an offense.  For example.  To run an open offense, you had better have a QB who can throw a  multitude of patterns, under all different conditions.  Where do you live / hows the weather?  Does it rain a lot?  Can you throw the ball 30 times a game in the weather accurately?  How are your linemen?  Can they block a 5 man rush with only 5 linemen?  Can they open wholes against a 5-2 defense in an "ace" formation?  Things like this.  

As far as being complicated, it is.  But if you have a knowledgeable team, it should be ok.  Just make sure and decide now, and begin getting the players study material.  It is always a good idea in my opinion to try and spread the defense out by using an open formation, but ONLY if you CAN do it effectively.  A golden rule is to always play YOUR strength, even if it plays into the other teams strength.  Never use one of your weaknesses, even if it puts the defense into their weakness.  Get what I am saying? It means that if you are good at power football, than do it. Even if the defense is set up for that.  Spreading out the offense might put a certain defense at a disadvantage, but if it isnt your strength, it doesnt help you much.

Basically, the best approach is to take your time, and review who you have coming back next year (and for a few years to come).  Pick an offense that will give you the best chance to win no matter the conditions, also taking into account for injuries ( if you run an open, passing offense, you have to think about if your starting QB gets hurt.. Do you have a competant back up?).  Once you have it, do as much research as possible to get prepared.  Then, install it ASAP.  Get the info out to your players.  ALSO - make sure you have the right assistant coaches for this.  Having a QB coach who ran the option his whole life wont help if you install an "ace" offense, you know?  AS the head coach, it is your job to take all of this into account.  

Get going on this, and let me know how it is going.  Once you have made a decision, feel free to get back to me with any questions about your decision.  I would be happy to work out any kinks you migt have. I have done some private consulting with high school coaches for this exact reason, and would be happy to help you if needed. Good luck with your decision

Best wishes

Coach Perl