Mastering the Waggle Play in Football Offense - Strategies and Drills

Understanding the Waggle in Football

The waggle is a key part of many football offensive schemes and can be confusing to fans watching the game. However, when utilized properly, the waggle is an effective way for quarterbacks and offenses to create advantages against the defense.

What is the Waggle?

The waggle is a play action move by the quarterback after the snap where he takes a few steps in one direction, then pivots back to throw in another direction. This movement is designed to make the defense think the quarterback is rolling out for a run or bootleg pass, when he is actually just setting up to throw downfield.

The waggle serves several purposes:

• It draws the defense in the initial direction of the waggle, opening up passing lanes in the opposite direction.
• It slows down the defensive pass rush as players react to the quarterback's movement.
• It gives the quarterback a moment to assess the coverage after the snap.
• It creates a moving launching point for the quarterback's throw.

When is the Waggle Used?

The waggle is primarily used when the offense wants to attack downfield in the passing game. By faking the run action, offensive linemen can sell the run before leaking out for downfield blocks. Receivers also have an opportunity to fake blocking before running route combinations.

Coaches typically call the waggle off play action out of under center formations. Well-executed waggle plays can create wide open receivers running free in the secondary. Defenses have to account for the run threat on the waggle side, opening up the backside of the play.

Examples of Effective Waggle Plays

Some of the most devastating offenses in football have used the waggle as a key component in their passing attacks:

• The Joe Montana-led 49ers of the 1980s under Bill Walsh.
• The Troy Aikman-led Cowboys of the 1990s under offensive coordinator Norv Turner.
• Mike Shanahan's offenses with John Elway in Denver and Robert Griffin III in Washington.
• Sean McVay's modern Rams offense led by Matt Stafford and Cooper Kupp.

When timed perfectly off play action, the waggle puts immense pressure on the defense. Combining the waggle with deep crossing routes, corner routes, post routes, and vertical concepts gives quarterbacks opportunities for big plays downfield.

Executing the Waggle

While the waggle may look simple on TV, it requires considerable coordination between the quarterback and offensive line to sell the fake and set up the throw.

Steps for the Quarterback

The quarterback has several keys on a waggle play:

1. Sell the fake handoff or run action with exaggerated ball carrying motions.
2. Quickly pivot from the fake and roll back in the opposite direction.
3. Keep eyes downfield, looking off defenders while assessing coverage.
4. Set feet and throw accurately to target when they come open.

Responsibilities of the Offensive Line

The offensive linemen have important blocking assignments on the waggle:

• Fire out quickly on run blocks to sell the fake.
• Get depth on run fakes to avoid holding calls.
• Once the waggle starts, transition into pass protection.
• Create a clean pocket for the QB to reset and throw.

Drills to Improve Waggle Execution

Coaches will use several drills in practice to hone the waggle game:

• Mirror drills - QB and OL practice synchronized footwork and fakes.
• Half line/half air - Offense runs the waggle against air, focused on timing.
• Waggle into 7-on-7 - QB and receivers rep the waggle concept against a live defense.

Defending the Waggle in Football

Defensive coaches have crafted several strategies attempting to slow down effective waggle offenses.

Defensive Line Stunts and Games

Movement up front can disrupt the timing of the fake and penetration:

• Looping defensive ends inside to blow up run action.
• Line slants and angles across the offensive front.
• Tackle-end twists to get rushers free.

Second-level Defenders Staying Home

Linebackers and safeties must avoid falling for the fake and sprint to cover their zones:

• Linebackers gain depth before reading their keys.
• Safeties stay over top to take away deep throws.
• Underneath defenders squeeze throwing windows.

Coverage Rotation into the Waggle

Rotating coverage towards the waggle side takes away quick openings for the QB:

• Cornerbacks bump and reroute receivers.
• Linebackers buzz into shallow zones.
• Safeties drive downhill on any out routes.

When executed properly, the waggle puts stress on all three levels of the defense. By staying disciplined, defenses can avoid giving up big plays off this effective football concept.

FAQs

What is the main purpose of running a waggle play?

The main purpose of the waggle is to fake the run action to draw the defense in one direction, opening up the backside for a big play in the passing game.

What type of routes work best off a waggle?

Deep crossing routes, corner routes, post routes, and verticals down the sideline are all effective off a waggle look. Anything to take advantage of the space created behind the defense.

How can defenses try to disrupt the timing of the waggle?

Defenses can use line stunts and games up front or secondary rotation towards the waggle to throw off the offense's timing and execution.

What drill helps quarterbacks perfect the waggle footwork?

Mirror drills between the quarterback and offensive line allow them to synchronize the footwork and fakes required on a clean waggle play.

Who are some elite NFL quarterbacks known for running the waggle?

Legendary quarterbacks like Joe Montana, John Elway, and Troy Aikman all used the waggle as a key part of their offensive attacks.