Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Pass is a trick play out of the I Form Pro 21 personnel set that flips the ball to the halfback who then throws downfield off a fake run action. The diagram shows the X receiver running a deep out breaking route from the numbers up the seam then bending toward the sideline, while the outside receiver to the right (Z or slot) runs a vertical route straight up the field as the clear out man. The HB starts in the backfield, takes the pitch, and flares slightly to the flat before setting up to throw, meaning the offensive line and TE are locked into pass protection to buy the ball carrier time to make a throwing decision. The primary read progression is the vertical shot route first for the home run, then working back to the breaking route underneath if the deep man is covered.
Defensive Reads
Watch for run blitzes and stacked box counts pre-snap, since a defense selling out against the run is the ideal environment for the play to hit over the top for a touchdown or explosive gain. Key the free safety depth at the snap, if he bites hard on the run fake and comes downhill the vertical route will be wide open behind him. Identify man coverage on the outside receivers before the snap, since man corners who bite on the run fake or get picked by natural traffic near the line give up easy separation on both the vertical and breaking routes. Look for zone shells with linebackers sinking into passing lanes, since disciplined zone defenders who do not overreact to the HB run action can sit underneath and take away the shorter breaking route, forcing a difficult throw into the vertical only. On the defensive side, a spy or contain defender assigned to the HB who does not bite on the run action can blow up the entire concept before the HB even sets his feet to throw, so shading a linebacker or safety to mirror the HB's flare motion is the primary counter.
Usage Tips
Call this on early downs or in obvious run situations when the defense is selling out to stop the run game, since the HB Pass punishes overaggressive run fits and safeties who crash downhill.
Check the pre-snap alignment for single high shells or run blitz looks with linebackers stacked tight to the box, that is when the play action fake is most believable and the vertical route has the best chance to hit for a big play.
Hot route the underlying breaking route into a deeper comeback or dig if you see the corner playing soft zone technique, since the HB throwing motion is slower than a QB and you need routes that settle in windows rather than routes that need pinpoint timing.
Pair this play in a sequence with HB Toss, HB Stretch, and Power O earlier in the game so defenders key run action off similar HB touches, then call HB Pass once you have established tendencies and safeties are cheating up.
Avoid calling this on third and long or in situations where the defense is clearly playing pass shells with two deep safeties, since the HB has limited arm strength and a longer wind up than the QB which makes it risky against disciplined zone coverage.
