The 17 Pass -Fan Left is an airborne version of student body left. As soon as the defense gets sucked into pursuing what appears to be a quarterback keeper, the quarterback has two passing options to check off. If either one is open, he can make the pass. If they're both covered, he can tuck it and run. If one option is open, it gives him a chance to thread the needle.
It's a great play to introduce to youth teams, as it gives the quarterback a couple of options, and forces the end and halfback to get open in the same general area. In addition, it introduces the always difficult task of running to the left, and throwing to the left.
Here's how it breaks down out of the T formation:
Left end: Runs a slant route at about a 45-degree angle toward the left sideline.
Left tackle: Pass blocks the right defensive tackle.
Left guard: Pass blocks the right defensive lineman.
Center: Pass blocks the pursuing lineman or linebacker.
Right guard: Pass blocks the left defensive lineman.
Right tackle: Pass blocks the left defensive tackle.
Right end: Pass blocks the left defensive end.
Quarterback: At the snap, rolls to his right, and forms a horseshoe around the right halfback. Continues to curl behind the halfback, and runs about 10 yards behind the left side of the line of scrimmage. Looks for the open right halfback or the open end in the left flat. If nothing is open through the air, follows the lead blocks of the fullback and left halfback.
Left halfback: Runs to his left at a slight angle, picking up any pursuing defenders who reach the backfield.
Fullback: Runs to his left at a slight angle, parallel to the path of the left halfback. Will likely land between the tackle and tight end to make his block.
Right halfback: Circles around the fullback and left halfback, running at a slight angle to the left sideline. Looks for a receiver about 10 yards into the flat.
Story courtesy of Red Line Editorial, Inc.