Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Base out of Doubles Z Close Wk is a straightforward dive run play run from Shotgun 11 personnel. The diagram shows the HB taking a direct handoff and hitting the point of attack right behind the center, with the offensive line stepping into a standard run block scheme up front to seal running lanes at the second level. This is a downhill run play designed to punish light boxes and undisciplined gap fits, and the primary read progression for the ball carrier is to press the initial hole, then bounce outside off the block flow if the interior gets clogged.
Defensive Reads
Look for the defense to load the box with 7 or more defenders, which signals they expect the run and will beat this play at the line of scrimmage. Watch linebacker depth before the snap, since shallow linebackers who are already keying the run fits can close the dive lane before the HB gets vertical. If the user controls a linebacker and sits in the A gap or shows blitz timing, expect the interior lanes to collapse quickly and consider a different play call. Cornerback and safety alignment matters less against this run play, but a single high safety rotating down into the box pre-snap often means the defense is selling out to stop the dive. Nickel and dime packages with lighter boxes are the best matchup for this play since they lack the extra run defender needed to fill every gap.
Usage Tips
Check the defensive box count pre-snap and only run this into 6 or fewer defenders in the box for the best odds of a positive gain.
Use motion or a quick pre-snap check to identify if the defense is stacking the A and B gaps, since this play is vulnerable to interior blitzes if the offensive line loses the point of attack.
Pair HB Base with RPO Read Bubble and RPO Zone Read Bubble in the same set so defenses have to respect both the dive and the perimeter throw off similar formation looks.
Best used on early downs (1st and 10 or 2nd and short) to stay ahead of the chains and keep the defense honest against your pass-heavy calls like Dagger Z Comeback and Double Post.
If the defense shows a heavy blitz look pre-snap, consider hot routing the HB to a check release or switching to Inside Zone from the same set for a different blocking angle.
