Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
FB Fake HB Toss is a run play out of Maryland I in the Tight Close set that shows a toss action to the halfback bringing the play flow to the left edge, with the offensive line pulling and reaching to seal the perimeter. The fullback fakes his path to sell run action away from the actual ball carrier flow, holding second level defenders and linebackers for a beat. This is a pure run concept designed to attack the edge with numbers, and the primary read progression is the frontside blocks: read the pulling lineman and edge defender first, then get vision on the alley defender before deciding whether to bounce outside or cut up inside the sealed edge.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check safety depth and alignment, this play is vulnerable to defenses that get an extra safety into the box quickly to outnumber the edge blocks. Look for linebackers flowing hard downhill at the snap, that aggression is exactly what the fullback fake is designed to exploit for a cutback. Post-snap, key the edge defender and pulling lineman matchup first, if the edge sets the corner and forces the toss to bounce too wide, the play loses its angle advantage. Beware user controlled linebackers sitting in the alley reading the fullback action, disciplined defenders who do not bite on the fake can fill the toss lane quickly. This concept struggles against overload run blitzes to the toss side and quick flow linebackers who diagnose toss action without keying on the fullback fake.
Usage Tips
Run this on early downs like first and second and short to medium yardage when defenses are keying on standard run fits from Tight Close personnel.
Check the box count pre-snap, if the defense has six or more in the box against 30 personnel, consider audibling to a play-action shot off this same look instead.
Use the fullback fake to hold linebackers and safeties, this manipulates user controlled defenders who bite on the fake and creates a natural cutback lane.
Pair this with PA Boot or PA FB Sail from the same set so the defense has to respect both the toss action and the play-action rollout out of identical pre-snap alignment.
Motion is not shown here, but setting up this run after running Power O or Duo from the same formation forces linebackers to slow their run fits and widens the cutback window.
