Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Lead Dive out of the Power I Strong formation is a downhill run play that uses the fullback as a lead blocker through the A or B gap while the halfback follows directly behind him. The diagram shows the interior offensive line blocking straight ahead at the point of attack with the FB leading the HB through the hole, a classic gap scheme run rather than any type of pass, screen, or RPO. This is a physical, man beating run play designed to test base fronts and light boxes, with the primary read being the fullback's block: follow him through the initial hole and bounce outside if the alley is clogged.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is in a base 4-3 or 3-4 look with linebackers stacked tight, since a light box with only five or six defenders favors this dive heavily. Watch safety depth before the snap: if both safeties are deep in a two high shell, the box is likely lighter and this dive has room to hit for chunk yardage. Post-snap, key the defensive tackles and linebackers filling gaps quickly, which signals a run blitz or gap exchange designed to blow up the fullback's lead block. User controlled defenders sitting in the A or B gap pre-snap are the biggest threat to this play, so be ready to bounce outside if you see a linebacker walked up threatening the exact run gap. This play struggles against stacked eight man boxes or heavy run blitz packages, so avoid calling it into obvious run situations like third and short when the defense is clearly loaded up.
Usage Tips
Run this out of Power I Strong on early downs like first and ten or second and short when you want to establish tempo and set up play-action later in the drive.
Check the box count pre-snap: if the defense has six or more defenders stacked in the box, consider audibling to a perimeter run or play-action shot instead.
Use the fullback as your primary blocking key post-snap, letting his path dictate whether you hit the hole between the tackles or bounce it outside.
Pair this play with PA Boot Slide or PA HB Wheel later in a series once the defense starts crashing down hard on early run tags.
Against aggressive user blitzers flying downhill, consider mixing in HB Misdirection or Power O to counter the same look with a different angle.
