Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
HB Lead Dive out of the Maryland I Close formation is a straight downhill run play designed to attack the A gap. The fullback leads through the hole to seal off the first linebacker while the offensive line blocks straight ahead with double team combos at the point of attack, and the HB follows the FB path shown running vertically off the snap. This is a pure run play, not a play-action or RPO, and the primary read progression starts with the FB lead block, then the play side A gap, before bouncing to the backside gap if the hole is clogged.
Defensive Reads
Key the Mike linebacker depth before the snap since a linebacker sitting tight in the box signals a run blitz that can beat this play if not accounted for. Watch for safety rotation into the box, since an eight man front with both safeties down will clog the A gap and force a bounce read. User the middle linebacker or a defensive tackle as the defense to shoot the gap and disrupt the FB lead block before it develops. This play struggles against gap exchange or run blitz calls that send extra defenders into the dive lane, so mix in HB Toss or Power O to keep the defense honest. Zone coverage shells do not directly affect this run, but watch linebacker eyes since disciplined zone linebackers can still fill downhill quickly against the dive.
Usage Tips
Run this play when the defense shows a light box with six or fewer defenders since the FB lead gives you a numbers advantage at the point of attack.
Use pre-snap motion or check the alignment of the middle linebacker before the snap since a stacked Mike over the center can plug the dive lane immediately.
This play works best on early downs like first and ten or second and short to keep the defense honest and set up play-action later in the drive.
Pair this with SFT PA Sprint HB Flat or PA Boot out of the same Close set so the defense has to respect the run fake off similar formation looks.
Against aggressive nano blitz defenses, hot route the FB to adjust his aim point and attack the softer side of the box.
