Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Wk Toss out of the I Form Close Flex set is a weakside toss run with the fullback leading through the hole and the offensive line flowing to seal the edge. The diagram shows the HB taking a lateral toss and cutting upfield behind the FB's lead block, with the line pulling to the weak side to create a running lane outside the tackle. This is a pure run play with no route concepts or play-action elements, and the primary read progression starts with the FB lead block, then bounces outside if the edge is sealed or cuts up inside if the alley is clogged.
Defensive Reads
Watch for the strong safety or weakside linebacker crashing down hard, since that signals the defense is keying the toss action. This run gets shut down by fast-flowing linebackers and edge defenders who stay disciplined and force the ball back inside. Look at the defensive end alignment pre-snap, a wide 9-technique can blow up the pulling lineman and kill the play at the line. If the defense shows an overload front to the weak side or a nano blitz look, the FB lead block will not have enough surface to seal the edge. Post-snap, track the play-side linebacker's pursuit angle, if he takes on the FB block instead of shooting the gap the HB should have room to bounce outside.
Usage Tips
Run this on early downs like first or second and short to medium yardage when defenses are not stacked against outside runs.
Check the defensive front pre-snap and look for light edges or a linebacker cheating inside, since that opens up the weakside bounce.
Pair this with HB Power O and HB Iso from the same set so the defense has to respect both weakside and strongside gap runs.
Use PA Level or PA Spot afterward off similar formation looks to punish linebackers who start flowing hard to stop the toss.
Avoid calling this against heavy blitz packages or when the defense shows a 6th man in the box, since the pulling linemen need time to get outside.
