Playbooks

HB Split Dive

Pistol·Deuce Close·12
DiveRun Play
Play diagram for HB Split Dive from Pistol Deuce Close in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationPistol

In 6 playbooks

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Breakdown

HB Split Dive is a downhill interior run out of Pistol Deuce Close with 12 personnel on the field. The diagram shows the offensive line blocking straight ahead at the point of attack with the two attached tight ends and fullback-type blockers sealing gaps on the line of scrimmage, while the HB takes a quick handoff from the pistol alignment and hits the hole immediately off the center or guard. This is a gap run play designed to attack a thin front, with the primary read being the initial crease inside the tackle box before the HB decides whether to bend it back or press forward through the line.

Defensive Reads

Look for the middle linebacker depth before the snap, if he is stacked tight to the line this play will have a hard time getting a clean crease. Identify whether the defense is in a base 4-3 or 3-4 front, an odd front with a nose tackle head up on center can clog the primary running lane. Watch for safety rotation down into the box, an eight man front or run blitz look signals you should check to a different play in the set. Post snap, key the play side linebacker fill, if he flows too fast to the called gap the HB should look to cut back against the grain. Nano blitzes and gap exchange stunts on the interior are the biggest threat to this play, so be ready to check protection or pivot to a quick pass if you see stacked interior pressure.

Usage Tips

Use this play on early downs like first and second and short when you need a quick, low risk gain against light boxes.

Check the defensive box count pre-snap and only run this into 6 or fewer defenders in the box to guarantee a numbers advantage.

Pair HB Split Dive with HB Stretch and Inside Zone Split in the same drive to keep linebackers guessing between downhill dive action and outside zone stretch action.

User the fullback or lead blocker if you get one to manually pick off the first second level defender that shows blitz.

Mix in RPO Read Cheat Wheel Flat from this same formation so defenses cannot sit on the dive look every snap.

Other Plays in Deuce Close