Playbooks

RPO Alert Dive Hitches

Pistol·Spread·10
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Quick Reference

FormationPistol

In 1 playbook

Spread Classic

Breakdown

RPO Alert Dive Hitches is a run pass option out of Pistol Spread 10 personnel that pairs an HB Dive with a hitch route package to the outside receivers. The quarterback reads the alert defender, typically an overhang linebacker or slot corner, to decide whether to hand off the dive or pull and throw the hitch. This is a zone beater at its core since soft zone coverage will sit off the hitches and invite the give, while aggressive man coverage or crashing run fits should trigger the quick pull and throw. Primary read progression starts with the alert key defender, then works to the hitch on the side that defender vacates or fails to cover.

Defensive Reads

Watch the alert defender, typically a slot corner or overhang backer, since his depth and leverage at the snap tell the quarterback whether to give or pull. Check safety alignment before the snap, a single high safety often signals the box is loaded and the hitch should be the primary answer. Post snap, look for the flat defender sinking into the hitch throwing lane which signals a zone drop meant to bait the quarterback into a covered throw. Man coverage with the corner playing tight technique on the receiver shuts down the hitch, so the quarterback should default to the dive against these looks. Linebacker blitz packages that crash hard downhill can be beaten by the pull and throw since the hitch defender is often pulled out of position by blitz assignments.

Usage Tips

Identify the alert defender pre-snap, usually the flat or overhang defender closest to the box, since his run fit reaction dictates the entire play.

If the defense shows a two high shell with soft corners playing off, expect the hitch to be there for an easy pull and throw before the defender can close.

Use this play on early downs like first or second and short to medium distance since the dive keeps the offense on schedule and the hitch offers a low risk checkdown.

Pair this with RPO Alert Dive Out in the same set so the defense cannot sit on the hitch read, forcing linebackers to respect both option routes off the same run action.

Snap the ball quickly against base defenses with light boxes since the numbers advantage on the dive is often there immediately, removing the need to even go through the option read.

Against man coverage on the perimeter, favor the give since the hitch will not separate against tight press corners jumping the route.

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