Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Draw out of Pistol Trips Left Open shows three receivers to the left and a single receiver split right, with the HB aligned behind the QB in the pistol alignment. The offensive line sells pass protection at the snap before releasing into run blocks, letting the defensive line crash upfield while the HB delays before taking the handoff and hitting the interior gap. This is a pure run play designed to bait aggressive pass rushers and blitzing linebackers, with the primary read being the frontside A or B gap and a cutback lane to the backside if the initial hole is clogged.
Defensive Reads
Key the middle linebacker depth at the snap, since a linebacker sitting too shallow or flowing hard to the trips side leaves the draw lane wide open. Watch defensive tackle gap discipline, since a two-gapping or read style front will squeeze this play much harder than an aggressive one gap penetrating front. Identify if the defense is in man coverage with the corners turning their backs to the backfield, which removes an extra run defender and favors the draw. User the middle linebacker or a spy defender if you are on defense, since draw plays rely on linebackers biting on pass rush lanes. Beat this play with a scrape exchange or a defensive lineman assigned to stay home in the B gap, since disciplined gap integrity is the primary counter to any draw concept.
Usage Tips
Call this on early downs or in obvious passing situations like 2nd and long to catch defenses in nickel or dime sub packages that lack gap integrity. Watch for defensive linemen and edge rushers who consistently get vertical push upfield, since draw hits hardest against penetration-heavy fronts. Use the pistol alignment to disguise intent, since the trips look to the left often draws safety rotation and linebacker flow away from the play if defenders bite on the receiver stems. Pair this with RPO Alert Bubble and RPO Read Bubble from the same set so defenses cannot sit on run keys without opening up bubble screen throws to the trips side. Avoid calling HB Draw against defenses showing heavy A gap blitz pre-snap unless you can hot route protection, since blitzing linebackers can beat the delayed handoff timing.
