Playbooks
Quick Reference
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Breakdown
FB Belly is a power run play out of Pistol Strong Slot Open with 20 personnel, using motion to bring the fullback across the formation before the snap to set the blocking angle. The diagram shows the fullback leading through the hole with the halfback taking the handoff on a downhill dive path behind the point of attack blocking, creating a gap scheme with the FB kicking out or leading up on the first threat past the line. This is a run play designed to attack downhill through a manufactured hole, not a man or zone beater since there is no pass concept involved, and the primary read is the fullback lead blocker into the play side gap with the running back reading the FB's block to decide cutback versus hitting it up inside.
Defensive Reads
Watch linebacker depth at the snap since stacked backers sitting at five yards or closer can beat the FB's block before the lead man gets a clean angle. Check for defensive ends and edge defenders crashing hard inside, which opens the alley for a cutback if your fullback climbs to the second level cleanly. Bring an extra run defender into the box pre-snap by rotating a safety down to shut down the lead blocking angle, especially versus 20 personnel where defenses expect run support numbers. If the defense shows Cover 3 or Cover 4 with safeties staying deep, the box is lighter and this play hits quicker since there is no extra run fit. Watch for a user-controlled linebacker spying the fullback's motion path, since a heads up user can jump the lead block and blow up the play before the halfback ever gets to the mesh point.
Usage Tips
Use the pre-snap motion to identify if the defense shifts a linebacker or safety over the top, which tells you if they are keying run flow. Look for base 4-3 or 3-4 fronts with linebackers playing downhill since this play wins against aggressive run fits when your FB lead blocker can seal the alley defender. Pair this with HB Dive and Inside Zone Split in the same set to keep the defense guessing between gap and zone schemes off similar motion looks. Best called on early downs in short yardage or first and ten to establish tempo and set up play-action shots later like PA Slide or Orbit PA Wheel out of the same formation. Against defenses that flow hard to motion, consider holding the FB stationary at times to bait linebackers into false steps before running this exact concept.
