Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 11 playbooks
Breakdown
Mtn Return HB Toss is an outside zone toss run out of Shotgun Deuce Close with 12 personnel, featuring a return motion man crossing the formation before the snap to build extra numbers to the toss side. The offensive line and both TEs flow together to seal the edge, with the fullback or motion man leading through the alley for the HB as he takes the toss and presses the perimeter. This is a run play designed to attack outside gaps and speed to the edge, with the primary read being the edge blocks: bounce if the edge seals, or cut it up inside if defenders squeeze down and the alley is open.
Defensive Reads
Watch for linebackers flowing hard with the return motion before the snap, that is a sign of man coverage or a run blitz keyed on motion. If the defense keeps its front gaps intact and does not overshift, they are likely playing zone run fits and will rally to the toss quickly. A safety rotating down into the box pre-snap signals an extra run defender, which should push you toward the cutback lane instead of bouncing outside. User-controlled defenders flying downhill immediately after the snap indicate an aggressive edge set look, so be ready to cut inside if that outside contain gets beat. This play struggles against fast-flow defenses with disciplined edge setters who stay square and force the ball back inside into a clogged alley.
Usage Tips
Use the return motion pre-snap to check if the defense adjusts a linebacker or safety across the formation, that shift tells you whether you are getting man or zone coverage. Call this on early downs or short yardage when you want to keep defenses honest against your play-action and RPO calls out of the same Deuce Close set. Hot route the second TE to stay in and block if you see a heavy box or an extra defender creeping down near the line. This play pairs well with Mtn PA Slide or Mtn Stick since the toss action sells the same edge flow before you counter with a boot or quick game read. Avoid calling this into stacked fronts with three or more defenders already shaded to the play side, since the numbers advantage disappears.
