Playbooks

HB Power

Pistol·Strong·21

Power Run Play Power Run

Likely unavailable in the playbook builder

This play belongs to no NFL team or scheme playbook, so it may not appear in the in-game builder.

Play diagram for HB Power from Pistol Strong in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationPistol

SetStrong

Personnel

212 RB · 1 TE · 2 WR

Breakdown

HB Power out of Pistol Strong is a gap scheme run play built to get a lead blocker through the hole while the offensive line pulls to create a wall on the play side. The diagram shows the fullback and pulling guard working to the play side gap with the halfback taking the handoff and pressing downhill behind them, reading the down blocks up front before choosing his lane. This is a pure run play with no pass option, and the primary read progression for the ball carrier is to press the hole hard, read the fullback and pulling lineman's block angle, and cut off whichever man they seal.

Defensive Reads

Watch linebacker depth pre snap since stacked linebackers close to the line signal a run blitz that can beat the pulling guard to the hole. Identify if the defense is running a 46 or heavy front, since gap discipline defenses with a strong defensive tackle can clog the pulling lane before the fullback gets there. Post snap, key the play side linebacker's fill technique. If he attacks the gap immediately, the ball carrier needs to bounce off the fullback's block rather than pressing straight ahead. This play struggles against a defense that stacks the box and sends an extra man to the play side, so avoid calling it into heavy run blitz personnel. Look for user controlled defenders flowing hard to one side pre snap, since that tells you which direction the defense expects the play to hit and lets you decide whether to stick with the called side or audition a cutback.

Usage Tips

Run this play on early downs like 1st and 10 or 2nd and short to keep the defense honest against your Pistol pass concepts.

Check the box count pre snap. If the defense has six or more in the box, consider audibling to a play action shot instead of running into a loaded front.

User the fullback at the snap if you are worried about a blitzing linebacker filling the hole, since he is your primary lead blocker on the play side.

Pair this play with Orbit HB Power and Orbit HB Power G in your play calling sequence so the defense cannot key on a single blocking pattern out of Pistol Strong.

Use HB Power in short yardage and goal line situations since the downhill blocking scheme is designed to move bodies at the point of attack rather than bounce outside.