Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Mtn HB Base is a run play out of Shotgun Doubles Offset Wk with 11 personnel that features pre-snap motion into the backfield before the ball is snapped. The diagram shows the offensive line blocking straight ahead at the point of attack with the HB taking a dive path directly behind the center, hitting the hole downhill for a north-south run. This is a pure run play designed to attack the interior of the defense rather than a man or zone beater through the air, so the primary read is the frontside gap and whether the defensive front sells out to stop the dive before you either hit it or bounce based on the flow of the linebackers.
Defensive Reads
Key the Mike linebacker depth pre-snap, if he sits back off the line the dive lane opens up and you should trust your blocking. Watch for defenders shading toward the motion man, that confirms man coverage and often signals a lighter box for the interior run. This play struggles against stacked eight man fronts or run blitzes where extra defenders crash downhill immediately at the snap. Look for safeties creeping into the box post motion, which indicates run support and means you should have a checkdown ready like switching to Outside Zone. Beware of user controlled defenders spying the dive lane, since a smart user can jump the interior gap and blow up the play before the line can seal it.
Usage Tips
Use the pre-snap motion to identify if the defense is in man or zone, since a defender following the motion man across the formation confirms man coverage and tells you the box is likely light for the dive. Run this on early downs like first and second and short to keep defenses honest and set up your RPO and play-action shots later in the drive. Pair this with RPO Peek Slant or RPO Alert Bubble from the same set so the defense has to respect the dive look before you pull the ball on a run pass option. If the defense stacks the box with extra linebackers or a run blitz, consider checking to Outside Zone or HB Draw instead to bounce it outside. Watch the Mike linebacker pre-snap, if he creeps up into the A gap you may need to hot route the fullback or adjust blocking to seal him off.
