Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Mid Draw out of Shotgun Doubles shows a five man protection look with both outside receivers and the slot running vertical release routes to hold corners and safeties, while the HB sits in the backfield for a delayed handoff up the middle. The offensive line initially sets up like pass protection before the interior linemen climb to the second level, disguising the run as a drop back pass to freeze linebackers. Primary read progression is simple: press the HB straight downhill through the vacated interior gap once the linebackers bite on the pass fake, reading the Mike and Will linebacker flow before deciding to bend the run backside if the alley is clogged.
Defensive Reads
Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if the Mike and Will linebacker sprint forward on a blitz read instead of dropping into zone, the draw will hit a clogged lane immediately. Key the defensive line stunts, since interior tackle and end games can blow up the draw before the OL gets a chance to climb and seal the second level. Identify single high versus two high safety shells pre-snap, since a two high shell often means lighter box counts that this draw exploits with room to break through the second level. Post-snap, look for a user controlled linebacker sitting in a lurk spot over the middle instead of biting on the pass fake, that defender can cut off the draw before it develops. Man coverage on the outside receivers with no underneath help usually means an aggressive front seven, so check if a spy or delayed blitzer is sitting in the box before committing to this call.
Usage Tips
Call this play against aggressive user defenses that key run fits fast off the snap since the pass set delays their trigger just enough to open the interior lanes.
Use pre-snap motion or a hard cadence to bait linebackers into jumping the play, since HB Mid Draw thrives when Mike and Will flow laterally before reading run.
Pair this with 45 Quick Base or Curl Flats out of the same Doubles set so opponents respect the drop back pass shell before you dial up the draw as a change of pace.
Best used on second and medium or third and short distances after you have shown consistent shotgun passing formations, since the draw fake only works if the defense expects a quick game concept.
Avoid calling this against heavy blitz packages with numbers stacked in the box, since the delayed handoff gives extra defenders time to close before the OL climbs to the second level.
