49ers Clubhouse - West Coast Offense

Like many trends, the West Coast Offense has moved its way across the country, gaining popularity as it goes.

Here is an overview:

Short pass plays replace the running game to control the ball.
Originated with the San Francisco 49ers under Bill Walsh.
Long process for QB to pick-up all the reads and adjustments.
Release all five receivers into the pattern.
QB has a progression of reads for up to five receivers.
Take what the defensive gives you.

Make the defense adjust to you.

The West Coast Offense features short pass plays to replace the running game while still controlling the ball. The quarterback takes a three- or five-step drop, reads the defense and has his progression of receivers to look to. Ideally, all five receivers will release in the pattern giving the QB plenty of passing options.

The San Francisco 49ers' West Coast Offense relies on short passes turning into big plays with the ability of the skill players. Quarterback Steve Young has the patience to continue to throw the short pass if that is what the defense is giving him. Eventually, the big play will come either with a long pass or a short pass with a missed tackle resulting in a touchdown.