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Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Y Lead Read Option is a run play out of Pistol that puts the quarterback through a true read option progression with a lead blocker in front of the running back. The offensive line and lead blocker attack downhill while the quarterback reads the edge defender to decide between handing the ball off on the give path or pulling it to attack the alley himself. This is not a man or zone beater in the passing sense since it is a run play, and the primary read progression is the quarterback keying the first unblocked defender outside the tackle box to determine give or keep.
Defensive Reads
Watch the play side defensive end or outside linebacker before the snap to see if he is sitting in a contain technique or crashing hard inside, since that alignment tells you the quarterback keeper read. A defense that sets a hard edge with a disciplined read defender who stays square will shut down the keeper and force the give every time. Look for an extra defender creeping into the box or a linebacker cheating downhill presnap, which signals a run blitz that can blow up the lead block before it develops. If the user pulls a linebacker off a run fit to spy the quarterback, expect the give read to open up since the interior will be lighter. Watch for a safety rotating down into the box late, which often means the defense is selling out to stop the read option and leaves the deep middle vulnerable on a later play-action shot from this same set.
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap and only call this into light boxes with six or fewer defenders in the box since the lead blocker needs room to work. Identify whether the edge defender is crashing hard down the line or staying home, because that read dictates give versus keep every single snap. Use hot routes sparingly on this play since altering the receivers can tip the run to a good defense, but you can motion the Y receiver to check for man coverage before the snap. Mix this in on early downs alongside Gt Read Option and Counter Read Option to keep the defense guessing on which gap the read option is attacking. Save this play for second and short or first and ten situations where a light box is likely, and pair it with HB Dive to condition the defense to bite on interior run action before hitting them with the pulled keeper.
