Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Y Lead Read Option is a run play out of Shotgun Doubles Off Close Wk with 11 personnel, showing three receivers split wide and the QB reading the mesh point with the HB. The diagram shows a zone read scheme where the offensive line executes an inside zone blocking scheme while the QB keys the play side defensive end, either handing off to the HB on the give read or pulling it to run himself off tackle. This is a pure run play designed to attack light boxes and gap exchanges, with the primary read being the unblocked edge defender at the mesh point.
Defensive Reads
Watch the play side defensive end pre-snap and post-snap, since his crash or contain decision determines the entire read for the offense. Stack the box with an extra defender and have him key the mesh point immediately to erase both the give and pull options. Spy the quarterback with a linebacker if your defense struggles to set a hard edge, since a disciplined QB spy neutralizes the pull read. Look for defenses in odd fronts or with a 3-technique shaded away from the run direction, since those fronts often lack an extra gap defender. This play struggles against user-controlled defensive ends who stay square and refuse to bite on the zone action, forcing a low value give read every time.
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap and only run this play into 6 or fewer defenders in the box to guarantee a numbers advantage.
Identify whether the defensive end is crashing down or staying home on the read, since that dictates whether you pull the ball or hand it off.
Use this out of 2nd and short or 3rd and short situations where defenses often sell out against the pass, leaving light boxes for the zone read.
Pair this with RPO Read Bubble and RPO Zone Read Bubble from the same set so the defense has to respect both the run action and the perimeter throw off similar formations.
Against aggressive edge defenders who consistently crash down on the mesh, pull the ball more often since the QB run lane will stay open.
