Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Slam is a downhill dive run out of the Pistol U Off 12 personnel look, lining up the HB directly behind the QB with two TEs tight to the formation for extra beef at the point of attack. The blocking scheme sends the line straight ahead with the fullback/TE lead blocker slamming the interior gap, and the HB takes the handoff and hits the A or B gap with minimal lateral movement. This is a straight downhill run play, not a stretch or zone concept, so the primary read is simply the initial hole created by the double team or combo block up front, with the backside cutback as the secondary read if the play side gets clogged.
Defensive Reads
Watch for a stacked box with 8 or more defenders, which signals the defense is selling out to stop the run and may leave one on one coverage on the outside. Key the middle linebacker depth pre-snap. If he is walked up tight to the line, expect a fast fill and consider checking to a play action pass instead. Post-snap, identify whether the defensive line is two gapping or shooting gaps. Two gap fronts clog the interior and force a cutback read. This play struggles against heavy blitz packages sent right up the middle since there is no RPO or quick throw outlet to punish the aggression. It beats base 4-3 and 3-4 fronts that are playing honest gap responsibility without extra run support crashing down from the second level.
Usage Tips
Use HB Slam on short yardage and goal line situations where you need a tough, north south gain against a stacked box.
Check the defensive front pre-snap. If both A gaps are loaded with linebackers or a nose tackle is shaded to the play side gap, consider audibling to HB Zone Wk or HB Stretch instead.
Pair this play with Read Option and PA Boot Y Drag from the same set so defenses cannot key on run alignment without respecting the play action boot threat off similar personnel.
Mix HB Slam in early on 1st and 10 to establish the run and set up PA Shot Go's or PA Deep Cross later when the safeties start creeping into the box.
Trust your lead blocker and hit the hole fast. Hesitation kills this play since it has no lateral stretch to buy the HB extra time.
