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Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
Mtn HB Out is a quick-hitting man beater out of Shotgun Doubles Flex Y Off Close that uses pre-snap motion to identify coverage before the snap. The HB motions across the formation and runs an out route to the flat, while the two receivers to the right run a corner route and a deep out breaking to the sideline, and the backside receiver runs a deep vertical clear-out route. The primary read progression starts with the HB out in the flat as a quick answer against blitz or man coverage, then works to the deep out and corner combo on the right side if the underneath route is covered.
Defensive Reads
Watch the HB motion pre-snap and see if a linebacker or defensive back shifts to follow, which confirms man coverage and tells you the out route to the flat will be open. If the defense stays in a two-high safety shell and does not adjust to the motion, expect zone coverage, meaning the corner and deep out combo on the right side becomes the better target. Key on the flat defender or nickel corner underneath the corner route, since a soft zone drop there can bait the deep out into a passing lane if the user does not sink quickly enough. Be wary of a nano blitz or edge pressure package, since the HB motioning out of the backfield removes a blocker and can leave the quarterback exposed if the protection is not adjusted with hot routes. If the backside vertical route draws a safety over the top, that opens up more room underneath for the out and corner combo, so track deep safety rotation post-snap.
Usage Tips
Use the HB motion pre-snap to identify man versus zone coverage based on whether a defender follows the back across the formation.
Against man coverage, the HB out is a near-automatic completion if the defender is trailing from the backfield with no help underneath.
Against zone coverage, look to the deep out and corner combo route stacked on the right side, since the corner route can pull the deep zone defender and open the out route underneath.
This play works well on second and medium or third and short since the HB out is a quick, high-percentage throw that can be checked down immediately post-snap.
Pair this play with Mtn HB Angle or Mtn HB Slot Screen in your play-calling sequence, since both plays use similar HB alignment and motion to keep defenses guessing on backfield touches.
