MESH TECHNIQUES - 2. RIDE AND DECIDE METHOD

The Ride and Decide technique is the oldest one but probably still the most used one. It developed with the Wishbone offense. It is a proven technique within different offensive formations and combines a long read duration for the decision making of the Quarterback and decent deception. It works against different defensive techniques because the Quarterback can control the time of the read with the length of his step. Against a pinching Divekey the step can be shorter, against a slowplaying Divekey the step can be longer, making the Divekey to commit for the B-Back or the Quarterback. This helps with ball security and the reads of the Quarterback. The techniques takes time to teach and because of the ride ball security problems can occur. Also it is tougher for the B-Back to judge if he is getting the ball or not.

The Quarterback will push off his backside foot (left foot if going to the right), gaining depth and step with his playside foot (right foot) at 5 o'clock. The weight is actually transferred to the backside foot (left foot) before the snap. If the Quarterback steps and does not push back, his shoulder level will raise and he will lean back, so make sure that the weight is transferred presnap. This happens especially with tall Quarterbacks. He pushes the ball with his backside hand (left hand) to his rear hip (right hip), keeping both hands on the ball and the front arm (left hand) fully extended. His chin tucks to his front shoulder (left shoulder) and his eyes are on the Divekey immediately. As the B-Back gets into the Mesh, the Quarterback starts riding, keeping his front arm (left hand) extended and stepping with his backside foot (left foot) parallel to the line of scrimmage while transferring his weight from the rear leg (right leg) into the step. The decision to give or pull the ball is made at the front hip (left hip). The Quarterback continues pushing off his front foot (left foot) and stepping with his rear foot (right foot) behind the B-Back. This keeps the Quarterback moving and not having to restart his motion after the read. It helps reducing backside defenders chasing down the Quarterback from behind. Because it is not working into the line of scrimmage Quarterbacks tend to belly off the mesh after disconnecting with the B-Back.