Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 17 playbooks
Breakdown
HB Dive out of Pistol Deuce Close is a straight downhill run play that attacks the interior of the defense with the HB lined up behind the QB in pistol alignment. The offensive line blocks a standard dive scheme, with the interior linemen climbing to the second level to seal off linebackers while the two in-line tight ends from the 12 personnel set reinforce the edges to prevent backside pursuit. This is a pure run play, not a man or zone beater in the passing sense, and the primary read is a one cut decision for the HB based on which A gap or B gap opens up off the double teams at the line of scrimmage.
Defensive Reads
Identify the box count pre-snap, since HB Dive struggles against eight man fronts or heavy blitz packages that stack extra defenders inside. Watch linebacker depth before the snap, as linebackers sitting close to the line of scrimmage can shoot gaps and blow up the dive before the double team engages. Key the defensive tackles alignment, since a shaded nose tackle in the A gap can disrupt the initial double team and force a cutback. Look for user-controlled defenders spying the A and B gaps, as a disciplined user linebacker reading the mesh point can close the dive lane instantly. This play is most vulnerable to gap exchange stunts and A gap blitzes, so avoid calling it into obvious run-blitz situations on short yardage downs.
Usage Tips
Use HB Dive on early downs when the defense shows a light box with six or fewer defenders to exploit numbers at the point of attack.
Check pre-snap for a single high safety shell, since dive concepts hit fastest when the second level linebackers are not stacked to fill gaps quickly.
Pair this play with HB Stretch and Inside Zone Split in your play-calling sequence to keep defenders honest on both inside and outside run fits.
If the defense starts crashing hard on early downs, mix in RPO Read Cheat Wheel Flat or PA Boot Y Leak from the same formation to punish overaggressive linebackers.
Use manual user control on a lead blocking tight end to seal an extra defender at the second level and create a cleaner interior lane for the HB.
