Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
HB Dive out of Pistol Ace Double Wing is a straight downhill run play with the HB aligned directly behind the QB, taking the handoff and hitting the A gap immediately. The offensive line blocks a standard inside zone/dive scheme, with the double wing tight ends sealing the edges to prevent backside pursuit while the interior linemen climb to the second level. This is a pure run play designed to attack the middle of the defense quickly, and the primary read is the playside A gap first, bouncing to the B gap if the nose or Mike linebacker fills hard.
Defensive Reads
Watch for a stacked box with 7 or 8 defenders, this is the biggest red flag that HB Dive will get stuffed at the line. Key the Mike linebacker's alignment before the snap. If he is shaded directly over the center in a 30 or 40 front, the A gap will be clogged immediately. Look for user controlled defenders spying the A and B gaps, since a good user player will abandon coverage assignments to fill downhill against Pistol dive concepts. Cover 1 or Cover 3 with an extra hook defender crashing down tends to shut this play down quickly, while spread out nickel or dime looks with light boxes are prime opportunities to run it. Post snap, track how fast the defensive tackles shoot their gaps. If they are penetrating quickly off the snap, bounce the run outside rather than forcing it back inside.
Usage Tips
Use HB Dive on early downs when the defense shows a light box (6 or fewer defenders) to exploit numbers up front.
Check the Mike linebacker depth pre-snap. If he is creeping toward the line expecting run, consider audibling to Read Option or Speed Option instead to hold him with the mesh point.
Pair HB Dive with Mtn PA Power Spot or PA Boot later in the drive since both plays start with the same backfield action, forcing linebackers to hesitate and bite on the fake.
Snap the ball quickly after motion or a hard count to catch defenses in base fronts before they can rotate into a heavy run blitz.
In short yardage or goal line situations, HB Dive is a strong go to call because the double wing personnel gives extra blockers at the point of attack.
