7 Man Mechanics Question

[Rich]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

Normally I'd agree with you, but adding a SJ and FJ only changes the responsibilities of the BJ - and not in too difficult a way.

The only weirdness is on kicks.

The short wings have to remember to stop at the 2 yard line on scrimmage plays that start from outside the 5. Lots of verbal communication is necessary between short and deep wings. The key for deep wings is to remember that outside the 2 yard line they have no spotting responsibilities and to keep a cushion.

The addition of deep wings can change keys for the short wings, too. That's not a trivial thing, but worked properly means we can stay with our keys a bit longer.

As a first year SJ, it's not a trivial adjustment and I would want good officials in those positions if we did this on my HS crew. But I think the deep wings bring a LOT to the table and relieve the short wings of a lot of work.

One thing I'll disagree with in this thread. I'd rather work with 6 than 5. Yes, I do think 7 is much better than 6, but I'd rather have two deep wings than one official trying to cover the entire field deep. Two deep wings provide a lot. The only place I really don't like 6 is when the deep wings start at a pylon and still have to cover the end line.