Playbooks
Quick Reference
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Breakdown
HB Blast is a downhill power run out of the Maryland I formation in the Tight Close set, using a 30 personnel grouping with the fullback lined up in front of the halfback for a true iso block. The diagram shows the HB taking a direct handoff and hitting the A gap immediately behind the fullback, who leads through the hole to isolate and take on the first linebacker that shows. There is no route concept here since this is a designated run play, so the primary read progression is simple: identify which gap the fullback's iso block clears, then decide between the A gap crease or bouncing off the fullback's block if the point of attack gets clogged.
Defensive Reads
Watch the middle linebacker depth pre-snap, since a linebacker sitting tight in the box signals he is keying the iso block and will try to shoot the gap before the fullback gets to him. This play struggles against a 46 style front or any defensive front with extra defenders stacked in the box, since the numbers advantage disappears when the fullback lead block gets outnumbered at the point of attack. Look for defenses that show a two high safety shell with a light box, since that usually means only 6 defenders to account for the run and the fullback iso block has a clean angle. Key on the play side linebacker's initial step after the snap, if he flows hard downhill and meets the fullback in the hole quickly, that lurk threat is reading the play correctly and the HB should cut away from that side. Nano blitz packages that send an extra defender straight through the A or B gap pre-snap can blow this play up before the fullback ever gets a chance to seal his block.
Usage Tips
Run HB Blast on early downs or short yardage situations like 3rd and 1 where you need a guaranteed push at the point of attack. Pre-snap, check the box count and make sure you are not running into a stacked front with an extra defender at the line, since this play relies on the fullback winning his iso block one on one. If the defense shows a heavy blitz look pre-snap, consider audibling to FB Dive or Power O instead since those plays offer different gap answers versus overloaded fronts. Pair this play with PA FB Sail or PA Boot Slide later in a series once the defense starts keying on run heavy Maryland I personnel, since the play action off this look will freeze linebackers who bit hard on the iso action. Use manual control on the halfback so you can press the hole hard and cut off the fullback's block rather than dancing behind the line, which kills the play's tempo against fast flowing defenses.
