Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
RPO Power Alert Outs runs an inside zone/power run look out of Pistol Wing Close with a run-pass option read on the outside receivers. Both the X receiver and the TE (or flanker) on the right side release vertically before breaking hard outside into out routes, giving the quarterback quick throws to the boundary against overplayed run fits. The QB keys the alley defender or force player: hand the ball off if that defender stays inside to fill the run lane, or pull and throw the out route if he crashes toward the line of scrimmage. This is a true RPO built to punish aggressive zone and man defenders on the perimeter.
Defensive Reads
Watch the flat defender and alley player at the snap, if they crash down on run action the out routes will be wide open behind them. Cover 3 and Cover 4 shells with aggressive run support are the most vulnerable since the corner and safety often abandon the flat to fill the box. Man coverage with no outside help lets the out routes win instantly against any defender who does not sink and flatten quickly. Disciplined zone defenses that keep a corner and safety deep while linebackers fill downhill will take away both the run and the pass options. Watch for a user-controlled safety or linebacker sitting in the throwing lane, that lurk defender can jump the out route if the QB tips the pass read too early.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or a quick glance at the alley defender and flat defenders to decide which out route side you will favor before the snap.
This play punishes linebackers and safeties who bite hard on run action, so call it early in a series to set up the power run game later.
Hot route the backside out into a comeback or speed out if you are facing press man corners who can jump the initial out cut.
On third and short, trust the run key and take the handoff since defenses often sell out on the pass read in these situations.
Pair this call with HB Slam or HB Zone from the same set so the defense has to respect the interior run every time you break the huddle.
