Playbooks
Breakdown
Strong Power out of Pistol Trips is a gap scheme run play that pulls the backside guard to lead through the playside A or B gap behind the fullback/lead blocker look created by the tight formation numbers. The three trips receivers stay uninvolved as run blockers off screen while the diagram shows a hard downhill hit with the HB taking a slight angle off the pulling lineman's path. This is a power run play built to move the pile with numbers at the point of attack, not a play-action or RPO look, so the primary read is the pulling guard's kick out block, and the runner keys the lead blocker into the hole before bouncing outside if the alley is sealed.
Defensive Reads
Pre snap identify the strength of the defensive front and check if the defense has shifted a linebacker toward the trips side, since that alignment often signals a run blitz or scrape exchange designed to beat gap schemes. Look for the strong safety creeping down into the box, this is the biggest key that the defense is selling out against Strong Power and will require a check to a perimeter or pass concept instead. Post snap key the play side defensive end and outside linebacker, if they crash hard down the line to string out the pulling guard, be ready for the ball carrier to bounce outside the block. A user controlled defender flowing downhill fast from a middle linebacker spot can blow up the pulling guard's path, so watch for aggressive user movement at the mike position immediately after the snap. This play struggles against stacked fronts like a 46 or heavy 4-4 look with linebackers playing tight to the line, since there are not enough hats to account for extra second level defenders.
Usage Tips
Run this out of Pistol Trips on early downs when the defense shows a light box or a two high shell that suggests they are respecting the trips pass threat over the run. Check the defensive front pre snap and if you see a 4-3 over or under with the strong safety rolled down into the box, consider a check to HB Slip Screen or Bubble Screen since Strong Power loses value against extra run defenders. Use the FB or lead blocker as your primary aiming point and trust the pulling guard's kick out before deciding to bounce it outside. Pair this play in a sequence with RPO Alert Bubble or RPO Zone Alert Bubble from the same set so the defense has to respect both the run action and the perimeter bubble read, which softens the box for future power runs. Best used on first and second down in short to medium yardage or in short yardage third down situations where the gap scheme can create a clean push.
