Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
HB Dive out of Pistol Trips Left Open is a straight downhill run play with the HB lined up behind the QB in the pistol alignment. The offensive line blocks a standard interior gap scheme, sealing the front and pushing vertical movement right at the line of scrimmage for a north-south hit. This is a base run play, not a man or zone beater in the passing sense, designed to attack light boxes and gain tough yards up the middle before the trips receivers can even factor into coverage.
Defensive Reads
Watch pre-snap box count and linebacker depth, stacked boxes with linebackers creeping to the line signal a run blitz designed to blow this play up. Identify if the defense is in a nickel or dime package with light personnel, since fewer bodies inside the tackles makes this play very effective. Post-snap, key the linebacker fill speed and gap discipline, disciplined defenses that stay home in their gaps will limit this to minimal gains. User-controlled defenders spying the A-gap or B-gap can jump this run immediately, so recognize when the CPU or opposing player is stacking the box manually. Cover 0 and Cover 1 looks with an extra man in the box are the biggest threat to this play, while base Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells with standard personnel are more exploitable.
Usage Tips
Check the defensive box count before the snap and only run this into 6 or fewer defenders in the box for a clean lane.
Use this play on early downs like first or second and short to medium yardage to stay ahead of the chains without tipping your hand.
Pair HB Dive with Close HB Dive and HB Slam in your play-calling sequence so the defense cannot key on one specific gap or blocking scheme.
If the defense shows heavy run blitz looks with linebackers crashing downhill, switch to RPO Alert Bubble or RPO Read Bubble from the same set to punish overaggression.
Take manual control of the fullback or a blocker if your line is getting beat at the point of attack to manufacture an extra crease.
