Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 74 playbooks
Breakdown
HB Split O is a goal line power run out of a tight, condensed Normal Goal Line Offense look with 23 personnel on the field. The diagram shows the offensive line blocking down with the fullback and a puller working to create a lane, while the halfback takes a downhill path off tackle behind the point of attack, hitting the hole hard as the blocking wall forms to the play side. This is a Power/Dive style run design meant to punch it in from short yardage, so the primary read is one and done: find the crease off tackle created by the down blocks and puller and get skinny through the line of scrimmage before second level defenders fill.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify whether the defense is in a true goal line front with six or seven down linemen, since that alignment is designed to beat off tackle power runs like this one. Key the play side defensive end and outside linebacker, because if they crash down hard on the down blocks they can blow up the intended lane before the puller arrives. Watch for a user-controlled linebacker flying downhill on snap read, as an aggressive user blitzer through the A or B gap can beat the pulling blocker to the spot. If the defense shows a heavy interior stack with extra defensive tackles at the goal line, this run gets much tougher to execute since the off tackle crease shrinks. Look for edge defenders staying wide to protect against a pitch or toss, which actually opens up the off tackle window this play is designed to attack.
Usage Tips
Use HB Split O specifically inside the five yard line when you need a tough, physical push for a touchdown rather than a finesse concept.
Pre-snap, check the defensive front for a stacked box or extra defenders crashing down, since heavy fronts can clog the off tackle lane this play relies on.
Pair this with HB Dive or FB Dive earlier in a goal line series to soften the interior, then bust it outside with Split O once the defense starts keying inside runs.
If you see the defense selling out to stop the run with eight or nine in the box, keep HB Power G and QB Sneak in your back pocket as complementary calls to keep them honest.
Trust your pulling blocker and stay patient behind the fullback lead before making your one cut, since indecision at the goal line kills momentum runs like this.
