Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Orbit HB Off Tackle is a run play out of Pistol Strong Slot Open that uses HB orbit motion behind the QB before the snap to bring the running back across the formation and build lead momentum toward the point of attack. The offensive line executes an off tackle blocking scheme, sealing the edge to the strong side while the fullback or lead blocker climbs to the second level to handle the first flowing linebacker. This is a run play (not a play-action or RPO), and the primary read progression is patience behind the line to let the off tackle hole develop, then decide between the designed hole and a bounce outside if the edge defender gets sealed inside.
Defensive Reads
Check for base 4-3 or 3-4 fronts with the strong side defensive end and outside linebacker aligned tight to the tackle box, since a wide edge alignment invites a clean bounce outside. Watch the play side linebacker depth after the orbit motion, a linebacker who crashes hard flow with the motion is vulnerable to a cutback if the blocking wins at the point of attack. Man coverage defenses that send a defender to shadow the HB motion across the formation open up natural running lanes since one less body stays in the box. Zone blitz packages and overloaded strong side fronts with extra defenders stacked over the tackle can blow up the off tackle lane before the fullback gets a clean angle. User-controlled defenders flying downhill to jump the motion or crash the edge create cutback lanes, so read the second level linebacker fit closely after the snap.
Usage Tips
Use the orbit motion pre-snap to identify if the defense shifts a linebacker or safety to follow the HB, which reveals man coverage or a scrape exchange run blitz look.
Run this early in a series on first or second down to establish tempo and set up Orbit PA Wheel later, since both plays share the same HB motion and keep the defense guessing between run and play-action.
Hot route the fullback to adjust the lead block angle if the defense stacks the box with an extra run defender pre-snap.
Pair this play with HB Zone and Inside Zone Split in your call sheet to attack different gaps while keeping the same personnel look and motion tendency on tape.
Attack light boxes (six defenders or fewer) since the off tackle scheme relies on winning numbers at the point of attack rather than deception.
