Playbooks

HB Circle

Shotgun·Flex Y Off Close·11
Pass PlayQuick PassFlatOutGoCurlHb ScreenSwingSlant FlatMan Beater
Play diagram for HB Circle from Shotgun Flex Y Off Close in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 8 playbooks

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Breakdown

HB Circle out of Shotgun Flex Y Off Close is a quick pass concept built around a slant flat combo underneath with three vertical stretch routes clearing out over the top. The outside receiver runs a go route, the slot runs a curl, and the tight end works an out route to the flat while the HB circles out of the backfield on a slant flat route that mirrors the tight end's release for a natural rub. Your primary read starts with the HB circle release versus underneath zone drops, then works to the tight end's flat out and up to the curl if a linebacker sinks into the throwing lane, making this a strong man beater against man coverage thanks to the natural pick created by the two flat routes.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, check safety depth: a single high safety with corners playing outside leverage signals man coverage, which is exactly what the slant flat rub is designed to beat. Watch the flat defender or slot corner at the snap, if he widens to the tight end's out route the HB circle will slip open underneath for an easy checkdown. Key the middle linebacker's drop, if he sinks to the curl route the window to the flat tightens and you should already be progressing to the HB. Beware disguised zone blitzes where a linebacker walks up late, since the quick flat routes can get swallowed if the underneath defenders sit instead of blitzing. Against Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells with two deep zone defenders sitting on the go and curl, the flat routes remain the answer, so trust the primary progression to the HB circle first.

Usage Tips

Use pre-snap motion or a hot route check to see if the defense shifts, since HB Circle thrives when the defense shows man coverage with no safety help underneath.

Get the ball out fast on the HB circle route against blitz-heavy looks, it is designed as a built in answer to pressure and functions like a screen valve.

If the linebackers sink hard to take away the flat, hit the curl route sitting down in the void at ten to twelve yards for a chain moving gain.

Pair this play with RPO Read Out or RPO Zone Alert in the same set to keep defenses honest on run fits before dialing up HB Circle when they start crashing down.

Best used on second and short to second and medium, where the quick game timing punishes both blitzes and off coverage without needing a deep drop.

Other Plays in Flex Y Off Close