Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
HB Draw out of Pistol Doubles Flex Hip is a designed delay run that shows pass blocking at the snap before the offensive line climbs to create running lanes up the middle. The diagram shows four receivers releasing vertically to sell the pass look while the QB takes a shotgun style drop and hands off to the HB, who reads the interior blocking scheme for a crease. This is a pure run play designed to bait aggressive pass rushers and blitzing linebackers, with the primary read being the initial gap created by the center and guards before the HB decides to bend the run backside if the frontside gets clogged.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the linebackers are showing blitz or creeping toward the line, since aggressive fronts get exploited hardest by the delayed handoff. Check safety depth, if both safeties are deep in a two high shell there is more room underneath for the HB to work through the second level. Post-snap, key on defensive tackles and defensive ends, if they get penetration too quickly the play can get blown up before the blocking scheme sets, so a disciplined pass rush that stays in its lanes is the best counter. Watch for a spy or a defender sitting in the middle of the field, a user controlled linebacker reading the QB's eyes can jump the draw and blow it up for a loss. This play struggles against zone blitzes where interior defenders drop and disciplined linebackers stay put, since there is no room to hide the delayed handoff.
Usage Tips
Call this play when you see linebackers creeping up pre-snap or showing blitz indicators, since the pass blocking sell freezes aggressive defenders and opens the middle. Use it on early downs in normal distance situations to keep defenses honest and set up explosive play-action shots later in the drive. Watch for defenders flowing hard to the flats or biting on the vertical releases from the four receivers, that lateral flow creates the cutback lane you want to hit. Pair this with Curls or Slants from the same set to keep the defense guessing between quick game and delayed run concepts without changing formation. Avoid calling this against disciplined defenses that stay home on draws and instead save it for series where you have already shown dropback pass out of this exact personnel and set.
