Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
HB Stretch out of Pistol Weak Slot Open is an outside zone run play with the HB taking a lateral aiming point toward the play side edge, shown by the red arrow stretching wide before the back can cut upfield off his blocks. The offensive line and TE flow in unison toward the point of attack, reach blocking the frontside and cutting off backside pursuit to create a run lane based on where the defense flows. This is a zone run designed to attack overaggressive fronts and gap-shooting defensive linemen, with the primary read being the frontside cutback lane determined by the flow of the defensive end and outside linebacker.
Defensive Reads
Watch for defensive ends and edge defenders crashing hard down inside, which opens the bounce lane to the outside for the HB to stretch and turn upfield. Key the play side linebacker depth and flow, since a linebacker who overruns the stretch action leaves a natural cutback lane right behind the zone blocking. Identify safety alignment before the snap, since a single high safety cheating toward the run strength can rob the cutback and force the HB to bounce outside into a numbers disadvantage. User linebackers who stay home and read the mesh point can blow this play up quickly, so watch for defenders spying instead of flowing hard to the play side. Cornerback and slot defender leverage on the play side edge matters, since a corner sitting in the alley or a scrape exchange technique from the linebacker level can string the run out and kill the cutback window.
Usage Tips
Check the defensive front pre-snap and confirm the play side has a clear stretch lane before the snap, since stacked fronts with extra bodies at the point of attack can clog this run.
Use the left or right stick to press the line hard playside and hold your zone read patience so the HB can find the cutback if backside pursuit overruns the play.
Pair this with HB Dive from the same set to keep defenders honest on interior gaps, then hit them with Stretch when they start crashing down.
Against aggressive linebackers who shoot gaps, this play hits fast, so use it on early downs like first and second and ten to establish tempo.
Mix in Zone Fake Jet or Jet Touch Pass out of the same personnel to disguise your run action and keep second level defenders from flying to the sideline too early.
