Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Read Option out of Full House Base Pistol is a true zone read run play built off 21 personnel with the QB under the pistol and two backs flanking him. The diagram shows the offensive line stepping to zone block one direction while the read defender (edge) is left unblocked, giving the QB a give or keep decision based on that defender's crash or contain path. The lone receiver runs a vertical release to hold the alignment corner honest, but this is a run first, zone scheme play with the primary read being the backside edge defender for the QB's give versus pull decision.
Defensive Reads
Key the play side defensive end or outside linebacker before the snap, if he is aligned wide and up the field he is likely the designated read defender. Watch for a spy or scrape exchange linebacker who sits and mirrors the quarterback instead of crashing down the line, that defender neutralizes the keep read. Man coverage on the outside receiver with no extra flow to the box is a green light for the QB run since the numbers favor the offense. Overloaded fronts with safeties creeping down pre-snap signal a run blitz call, expect the read defender to crash hard which should trigger an automatic keep read. Post-snap, track user-controlled defenders flying downhill on run flow, a disciplined user staying home on the edge is the biggest sign this play gets shut down.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, check the box count and identify if the defense is in a 4-3 under or 3-4 look since extra defenders in the box change your keep versus give math immediately.
Watch the edge defender's depth before the snap, if he is crashing hard down the line on tape tendencies you want to hot route the keep read mentally before you even snap it.
Use this play on early downs like first and ten or second and short to stay ahead of the chains and keep the defense honest against your play-action shots later in the set.
Pair Read Option with PA Boot or Wing PA Cross from this same formation so the defense cannot sit on run keys once they see the pistol alignment.
If the defense stacks the box with a run blitz, audible to Slants or Curl Wheel to attack the vacated underneath zones quickly.
