Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Mtn HB Base is a run play out of Shotgun Bunch Str Offset that uses pre-snap motion to shift numbers before the snap and hand the ball off on a dive concept between the tackles. The bunch receiver motions across the formation while the offensive line down blocks to create a natural crease for the HB, with the fullback or extra blocker sealing the point of attack. This is a gap scheme run designed to attack light boxes, so the primary read is the initial dive lane, with the back reading the down blocks and pressing the hole before bouncing outside if the defensive front collapses it.
Defensive Reads
Watch the linebacker depth before the snap, since stacked or crashing linebackers signal a run blitz that can blow up the dive before the back gets to the hole. Track the defender assigned to the motion man, because if he follows across the formation it confirms man coverage and often signals fewer bodies in the box. Key the defensive tackles and edge defenders at the snap, since two gap penetration up front is the fastest way to shut this run down before it develops. User the middle linebacker or a safety flowing downhill in run fits to fill the dive lane immediately and force the back to bounce into pursuit. Look for a safety cheating into the box pre-snap, which tells you the defense is selling out against the run and this play should be checked to a pass or RPO instead.
Usage Tips
Use the motion to identify if the defense is playing man or zone, since a defender following the motion man across the formation confirms man coverage and a light box for the run.
Call this play on early downs like first and second and ten to keep the defense honest before mixing in Mtn Deep Post or HB Mtn Trail Dbl Post off the same formation and motion look.
If the defense shows a stacked box with an extra linebacker or safety creeping down, consider audibling to Mtn RPO Alert Swing or Read Option instead of forcing the dive into a loaded front.
Pair this run with Mtn Spinner HB Inside later in the same drive to keep linebackers guessing on run fits since both plays share similar backfield action.
Trust your down blocks and press the hole hard rather than dancing behind the line, since the blocking scheme is designed to create a quick vertical crease rather than a wide cutback lane.
