Playbooks
Quick Reference
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Breakdown
HB Power out of Shotgun Normal Flex Wing is a downhill gap scheme run play designed to overload one side of the formation with double team blocks up front while the backside guard or fullback wraps around to lead through the hole. The diagram shows the offensive line executing down blocks and a pull scheme to seal the point of attack, with the HB taking the handoff and pressing the designated gap behind his lead blocker. This is a pure run play with no route concept to beat man or zone coverage, so the primary read progression is entirely for the HB: press the play side gap, read the puller and lead blocker, then cut off the block or bounce outside if the alley is clogged.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify the strength call and count defenders in the box. A stacked box with an extra safety down means the offense will struggle to get a clean double team. Watch linebacker depth. Linebackers sitting at five yards or deeper give the puller time to climb and seal, while linebackers crashing downhill at the snap can blow up the play in the backfield. Post-snap, key the play side defensive end and outside linebacker. If they squeeze hard down the line, the HB has to bounce it outside where the alley defender becomes the key. User the middle linebacker or a safety to fill downhill quickly, since HB Power depends on the puller reaching the second level before the ball carrier arrives. Man coverage on the perimeter does not matter here since there is no route concept, so defenses should focus purely on gap discipline and edge containment rather than coverage shells. A hard edge set from the defensive end forces the pulling blocker to adjust his track, which often slows the play down enough for the defense to rally and make the tackle for a short gain.
Usage Tips
Run this out of Shotgun to disguise it against defenses expecting a pass on early downs since the back is already offset in the backfield.
Check the box count before the snap. If the defense has six or more in the box, consider audibling to a quick pass like Slot Out or Curl Flats instead.
Use manual motion or a shift to see if linebackers walk down into run fits, which tells you the play side gap may be crowded.
Pair HB Power with HB Dive and PA Under in the same drive to keep linebackers honest, since both plays start with similar HB alignment and mirrored initial steps.
On short yardage or goal line situations this play shines because the double team and puller create a hard-nosed push that is tough for base fronts to hold up against.
Trust the pulling blocker fully. Do not cut back too early, let the lead blocker climb to the second level before making your cut.
