The system

Rules and safety

The offense is written to the NFHS rule book, including the 2026 changes. Where a rule calls for judgment, the offense takes the stricter reading so players do not have to judge.

NFHS rule	What it requires	How the offense meets it
7-2-5 Formation and numbering	At least five players numbered 50 to 79 on the line. No more than four backs.	Mast and Slip are on the line in every formation, giving seven on the line. The formation diagrams count it for each set.
7-2-6 Shift	After a huddle or shift, all eleven are still for at least one second before the snap or before motion starts.	“Set” in the cadence. Jet does not move until “Go.”
7-2-7 Motion	One player in motion at the snap, and not toward the opponent’s goal line.	Only Jet moves. He starts off the line and runs flat.
7-2-3 Player under the snapper	Only one player off the line may break the waist line of the nearest lineman.	Only the quarterback in Jetty. Hinge and Jet stay at least a yard deep.
Ineligible receivers	Ineligible players may not be more than 2 yards downfield before a pass that crosses the line is thrown.	Called play-action, heels on the line. Slipway is caught behind the line.
2-17-2 Blocking below the waist	Legal only inside the free-blocking zone, as an immediate first action, between players who started in the zone.	Nobody in this offense blocks below the waist, anywhere on the field.
2-3-10 Blindside block	Outside the free-blocking zone, a block the defender cannot see must start with open hands.	Every perimeter block and every block coming back toward the ball starts with open hands.
9-1 Helping the runner	No pushing, pulling or lifting the ball carrier. A point of emphasis for 2026.	On Keel and Breaker, blockers move the pile. Nobody touches the runner.
9-4-7 Head slap	New wording for 2026: no player may slap an opponent’s head with the hands.	Blockers strike the chest plate with the hands inside.
1-5-3 Equipment and communication	Play cards on the wrist, arm or belt. No audio or video devices on players.	Wristbands and sideline signals only.

A contact budget for the quarterback

He carries on three plays, and two of those are short-yardage calls. On Boardwalk he slides or steps out of bounds. Across a game that is a handful of hits.

Exchanges that cannot be fumbled

Riptide is a short forward pass. A dropped exchange is an incompletion, which removes the pile-up over a loose ball.

Throws that protect the receiver

Buoy is thrown on rhythm and away from the safety. The quarterback is taught to throw it early or throw it away.

An install that needs little contact

Every play can be taught on air and against bags. The NFHS concussion task force recommends full contact in no more than two or three practices a week, about 30 minutes a day and 60 to 90 minutes a week. Your state sets the actual limit.

Check before you install. State associations adopt and modify NFHS rules, and Texas plays under NCAA rules. Confirm the points above with your state office and your officials’ association. This site is a design document and not a rules interpretation.

Common questions

Questions coaches ask.

Which rule book is the offense written to?

The NFHS rule book including the 2026 changes. Where a rule calls for judgment, the offense takes the stricter reading so players do not have to judge, and the rules page lists each rule beside how the offense meets it.

Is the quarterback sneak legal in high school?

Yes, but pushing, pulling or lifting the ball carrier is a foul (NFHS 9-1, a point of emphasis for 2026). On Keel and Breaker the blockers move the pile and nobody touches the runner.

How does the offense avoid ineligible-receiver fouls on play-action?

The line keeps its heels on the line of scrimmage on Gale and Buoy, so no lineman is more than 2 yards downfield when a pass crosses the line. Slipway is caught behind the line, which is why its linemen may be downfield.

What about blocks on the perimeter?

Nobody blocks below the waist anywhere on the field, and every perimeter block and every block coming back toward the ball starts with open hands, which satisfies the blindside block rule (2-3-10).

How much contact does the install need?

Little. Every play can be taught on air and against bags. The NFHS concussion task force recommends full contact in no more than two or three practices a week, about 30 minutes a day and 60 to 90 minutes a week; your state sets the actual limit.

Should I confirm these points with someone?

Yes. State associations adopt and modify NFHS rules, and Texas plays under NCAA rules. Confirm the rules page with your state office and your officials’ association. This site is a design document and not a rules interpretation.