Playbooks

RPO Alert Hitches

Shotgun·Duo Slot Open·20
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Quick Reference

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Breakdown

RPO Alert Hitches is a run-pass option out of Shotgun Duo Slot Open that pairs an inside zone run scheme with a full hitch route package to both sides of the field. The quarterback reads the alert defender, typically the flat or curl defender closest to the line of scrimmage, and either hands the ball off on the run action or pulls it to throw hitches against soft coverage. This is a zone beater at heart since it attacks light boxes and off-man cushions where the hitch sits down in front of the corner, giving the quarterback a built-in numbers advantage regardless of the defensive front.

Defensive Reads

Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if they crash hard on the run fake, the quarterback pull and hitch throw will be wide open behind them Identify single high versus two high safety shells before the snap, single high alignments often mean an extra run defender in the box which triggers the pass read Man coverage with tight press corners is the best way to shut this down since it eliminates the soft completion window the hitch route depends on Look for user controlled linebackers sitting in the flat or curl zone as a lurk threat, a disciplined user defender reading the quarterback's eyes can jump the hitch and bait a turnover Fast, disciplined edge defenders who stay home on the RPO read force the offense into a difficult handoff read and take away the free yardage this play is designed to create

Usage Tips

Check the box count before the snap, if the defense has six or more in the box, key the alert defender immediately for the pull read instead of forcing the handoff

Use this against off-man and zone shells where corners are giving free cushion, the hitch route sits down right in that soft spot for an easy completion and yards after catch

Hot route one of the hitches into a quick out or slant if you see a corner playing tight press man, since the hitch alone will get jumped by aggressive user defenders

Mix this into your play calling with RPO Alert Bubble and RPO Read HB Flat from the same set to keep the defense guessing between perimeter throws and inside handoffs

Best used on second and short or first and ten when defenses are still respecting the run, since the alert read punishes linebackers who sell out to stop inside zone

Other Plays in Duo Slot Open