What Is The Veer And Shoot Offense?

This is essentially a split back offense. Sometimes this is called "Houston Veer". If you grab our 28 Playbook set, you have several in depth Veer offensive playbooks included. It's very versatile and easy to implement, especially at the high school level. You end up with a very powerful inside run game as well as an explosive passing attack. De La Salle high school used a Veer offense to win 151 games in a row, smashing the previous record of 72 consecutive wins. This is the longest winning streak in all of sports. Many of our concepts and ideas come from studying Coach Bob Ladouceur, the De La Salle coach during that time frame.

De La Salle's Coach Bob Ladouceur

Veer and Shoot Defining Characteristics

The Veer and Shoot offense takes a unique approach to receiver alignment, prioritizing extreme spacing over traditional positioning. Instead of maintaining balanced spacing between receivers, the goal is to place them as far away from the box as possible. This forces defenders responsible for covering those receivers to also align far away from the box, leaving more room for the run game to operate.

For example, slot receivers in the Veer and Shoot often align as wide as the numbers on the field—much farther outside than in a standard spread offense, where outside receivers might align just inside the numbers. To put it simply, Veer and Shoot slot receivers frequently line up farther from the box than the outside receivers of most other teams.

Outside receivers in the Veer and Shoot typically hug the sideline, aligning even farther outside than usual. This alignment creates a dilemma for defenders. To stay in front of these receivers at the snap, defenders must also line up wide, pulling them far from the run game. Yet, they have no choice but to stay tight on these receivers, as the offense is designed to exploit defensive lapses by throwing deep passes repeatedly if the coverage isn’t there.

This extreme spacing raises a common question: “If this alignment is so effective, why doesn’t everyone use it?”

The answer lies in the trade-off. By aligning receivers so far outside, the offense reduces the space available for receivers to run a diverse set of routes. The traditional route tree becomes smaller, limiting the versatility of the passing game and the opportunity for receivers to develop a broad skill set for beating defenders.

However, the Veer and Shoot embraces this limitation because it’s laser-focused on its primary objective: isolating receivers on the perimeter for choice routes (which we’ll discuss shortly) while keeping defensive backs far from the box. This approach not only simplifies the passing game but also creates significant advantages for the run game by limiting the defense’s ability to bring help into the box.

Veer and Shoot Extremes

The Veer and Shoot offense fully embraces extremes in every aspect of its design.

One of its most recognizable traits is the extraordinarily wide receiver splits, creating intense spacing that stretches defenses to their limits (as discussed above). Art Briles’ teams, which popularized the Veer and Shoot, were also among the fastest-paced offenses in the nation. This relentless tempo, combined with quick-hitting, downhill run schemes, magnified the challenges for defenders trying to balance their responsibilities between the run and pass.

The philosophy is simple: the faster and more decisive the run game, the less time pass defenders have to react and make an impact.

Briles’ approach also prioritized maximizing the damage done in the passing game. His offenses didn’t settle for the standard bubble screens when defenses committed extra players to stop the run. Instead, they leaned into vertical RPOs (run-pass options), hitting deep routes like posts and seams to exploit defensive vulnerabilities. One of the most famous examples of this was Baylor’s comeback against TCU, where the Bears erased a significant deficit by combining hard-hitting power runs with devastating post routes. Briles’ philosophy of “haymakers until the final bell” became a defining feature of his offenses and those of his coaching tree.

The preferred vertical option routes in the Veer and Shoot are specifically designed to punish defenses when a receiver gets open in space. This offense isn’t focused on controlling the clock or creating subtle leverage advantages—it’s about attacking aggressively. The goal is to race to the line, stretch the defense to its breaking point, and then either crease them with a downhill run or beat them over the top with a deep pass. The ultimate objective is to score as quickly and as often as possible.

Is the Veer and Shoot a Gimmick?

The Veer and Shoot offense often feels like a bit of a gimmick. Its strategy relies on spreading the defense thin, forcing opponents to divide their forces against spread-option and play-action tactics rather than relying on out-executing them with solid fundamentals. The goal is to move at a high tempo, catching the defense off guard or wearing them out.

I don’t mean to criticize these tactics—they make perfect sense and are highly effective when executed well. However, they don't rely on the traditional approach of lining up and physically dominating the opponent. For an offense that emphasizes the power run game, its overall design is surprisingly asymmetrical.

What I truly admire about this system, though, is its dedication to infiltration tactics. The Veer and Shoot offense only seeks to overpower its opponent when it has established a clear advantage.

The system relentlessly and efficiently targets the end zone with the passing game, forcing the defense to stretch itself thin. Once the defense is compromised, it capitalizes with the run game to exploit what’s left. It’s a strategic approach reminiscent of trench warfare: wear down the opponent with precision strikes, then clean up with decisive power.

Mastering the Veer and Shoot Offense: A Simple Guide for Coaches and Players

The Veer and Shoot offense is one of the most exciting and dynamic systems in football. Known for its fast-paced style, this offense combines the power of the option run game with the explosiveness of a spread passing attack. It’s a system designed to stretch defenses horizontally and vertically, creating mismatches and forcing defenders to make split-second decisions.

As an experienced coach, I’ve seen how effective the Veer and Shoot can be at all levels of the game. Whether you’re working with a high school team or looking for a competitive edge in college football, this offense has the potential to keep defenses guessing and put points on the board. We will break it down in simple terms, making it accessible for coaches and players alike.

 What is the Veer and Shoot Offense?

At its core, the Veer and Shoot offense is a hybrid system that combines two key elements:

1. The Veer Option Run Game: The veer is a classic triple-option concept that forces defenses to defend every player on the field. It relies on reading a defender (usually a defensive end or linebacker) and deciding whether to hand the ball off, keep it, or pitch it to a running back.
2. The Shoot Passing Game: The shoot aspect comes from the spread offense, which spreads out the defense horizontally with multiple wide receivers and attacks vertically with deep passes.

By blending these two philosophies, the Veer and Shoot creates a balanced, up-tempo attack that can adapt to almost any defensive scheme.

Origins and Evolution of the Veer and Shoot Offense

The Veer was developed by Bill Yeoman with the Houston Cougars in the 1960s. The Veer and Shoot is an offshoot from the Veer. Below is your basic Veer Option described elsewhere in another article on our website.

Veer and Shoot

The Veer and Shoot offense traces its roots to two influential systems: the veer option, developed in the 1960s, and the spread passing game, which gained prominence in the 1990s. Coaches like Darrell "Mouse" Davis and Art Briles took these concepts and merged them into a single cohesive system.

Art Briles, in particular, made the Veer and Shoot famous during his time at Baylor University, where his offenses broke records and became a nightmare for defenses. Briles' version of the offense emphasized wide receiver splits, fast-paced play, and the ability to exploit defensive mismatches.

If you grab our 28 Playbook set, the Split Back Veer Option is one of the included playbooks!

How the Veer and Shoot Offense Works

The beauty of the Veer and Shoot lies in its simplicity. Here’s how it breaks down:

Wide Receiver Splits

One of the most distinctive features of the Veer and Shoot is the alignment of the wide receivers. They line up near the sideline, creating wide splits that force defensive backs to cover more ground. This spacing stretches the defense horizontally, opening up running lanes and leaving defensive backs vulnerable to deep passes.

Run-Pass Balance

The Veer and Shoot is designed to be unpredictable. By combining the option run game with a vertical passing attack, the offense can adapt to what the defense gives it. If the defense loads the box to stop the run, the quarterback can exploit one-on-one matchups on the outside. If the defense drops back into coverage, the offense can gash them with the veer option.

Reading the Defense

The quarterback is the key to the Veer and Shoot. Much like in other option-based systems, the quarterback must read the defense and make quick decisions. The offense often relies on RPOs (run-pass options) to further complicate the defense’s job.

Veer and Shoot Simplified

• Spread 10 and 11 personnel formations (5 wide with no RB or 4 wide with one RB)

• Tight O-line splits (to keep formation very tight)

• Max WR splits (sometimes all the way to the sideline)

• Run game is veer and power from the gun.

• Play action game is mostly just 1 or 2 route deep choice combos

• Known for allowing receivers not on the deep choice side or run plays to play “dead” or take the play off.

• Quick screens or individual quick routes for short passing or RPO game.

 Strengths of the Veer and Shoot Offense

1. Explosive Big Plays: With its emphasis on vertical passing, the Veer and Shoot offense is built to generate chunk plays. Defenses that overcommit to stopping the run can be burned by deep throws over the top.
2. Simplified Playbook: While the concepts may seem complex at first glance, the playbook for the Veer and Shoot is often streamlined. This allows players to execute at a fast pace without overthinking.
3. Puts Pressure on Defenses: The combination of wide splits, tempo, and multiple options forces defenses to defend every inch of the field. This creates mismatches and mental fatigue for defenders.
4. Adaptability: The Veer and Shoot can be tailored to fit your personnel. If you have a strong-armed quarterback, you can emphasize the passing game. If your team is built around a mobile quarterback and strong running backs, you can lean into the option run game.

Weaknesses of the Veer and Shoot Offense

1. Execution-Dependent: The Veer and Shoot requires precise timing and decision-making, especially from the quarterback. Mistakes in reading the defense can lead to turnovers or negative plays.
2. Limited Ball Control: Because the offense thrives on big plays, it may struggle to sustain long drives and control the clock. This can be a disadvantage in games where ball control is critical.
3. Vulnerable to Speed on Defense: Defenses with fast, disciplined players who can cover sideline-to-sideline may be able to neutralize the spacing advantage of the wide splits.

Coaching the Veer and Shoot Offense

When introducing the Veer and Shoot to your team, start with the basics. Focus on a few core concepts and build from there.

Step 1: Teach the Spacing

The wide splits are non-negotiable in this system. Spend time drilling proper alignment for the wide receivers, ensuring they understand the importance of creating space for the entire offense.

Step 2: Master the Reads

The quarterback’s ability to read the defense is critical. Begin with simple read-option plays, where the quarterback decides whether to hand off or keep the ball based on the actions of a single defender. Once this becomes second nature, introduce RPO concepts and veer-option plays.

Step 3: Simplify the Playbook

Don’t overwhelm your players with too many plays. The Veer and Shoot thrives on repetition and execution. A handful of well-practiced plays can be more effective than a bloated playbook.

Step 4: Tempo, Tempo, Tempo

One of the hallmarks of the Veer and Shoot is its fast pace. Teach your team to line up quickly and run plays in rapid succession. This prevents defenses from substituting and keeps them off balance.

My Personal Story: Success with the Veer and Shoot

One season, my team faced a powerhouse opponent with a stout defensive front and a reputation for shutting down the run. We knew we couldn’t beat them by playing conservatively, so we installed the Veer and Shoot offense that week. Literally, in one week. It wasn't a full playbook, but it was just 3 plays. And it really threw them off. They had no idea what hit them.

In practice, we drilled our quarterback on reading the defensive end and our receivers on running precise routes off very wide splits. By game day, we were confident in our ability to execute.

The results were astounding. The defense couldn’t handle the combination of our veer-option runs and deep passing game. When they stacked the box, we hit them with go routes down the sideline. When they dropped into coverage, our quarterback gashed them with the option run. We ended up pulling off a stunning upset, scoring 40 points against a team that hadn’t allowed more than 20 all season.

 Modern Examples of the Veer and Shoot Offense

The Veer and Shoot has found success at multiple levels of football:

• Baylor University (Art Briles): Briles revolutionized the college game with his Veer and Shoot system, producing explosive offenses and future NFL stars.
• Ole Miss (Hugh Freeze): Freeze’s offenses used similar principles to achieve success in the SEC.
• High School Football: Many high school programs have adopted the Veer and Shoot for its simplicity and ability to maximize talent.

Why the Veer and Shoot Works

The Veer and Shoot offense is more than just a scheme—it’s a philosophy. By emphasizing space, speed, and decision-making, it forces defenses to play perfect football. And as every coach knows, perfection is hard to achieve under pressure.

If you’re looking for a system that’s exciting, effective, and adaptable, the Veer and Shoot might be exactly what you need.

Should You Use the Veer and Shoot?

The Veer and Shoot offense is a game-changer for teams looking to maximize their offensive potential. Its combination of the veer-option run game and shoot-style passing attack creates a system that’s both explosive and adaptable.

Whether you’re a seasoned coach or just starting out, this offense can be a powerful tool for putting points on the board and keeping defenses on their heels. With proper teaching and practice, the Veer and Shoot can help your team achieve success on the gridiron.