Playbooks

RPO Zone Omaha Hitch

Shotgun·Normal Y Off Close·11

RPO Hitch Pass Play Run Play

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Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetNormal Y Off Close

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

In 2 playbooks

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Breakdown

RPO Zone Omaha Hitch is a run pass option out of Shotgun 11 personnel that pairs an inside zone run scheme with an Omaha style hitch and quick game combo attached to the backside. The quarterback reads the second level defender (usually a flowing linebacker or slot corner) to decide between handing off the zone run or pulling and throwing the hitch route for a quick, easy completion. This play is built as a zone beater since the hitch settles into soft spots created by off man or zone drops, and the primary read progression starts with the run key defender before working to the hitch and any underneath alert route.

Defensive Reads

Identify if the defense is in a two high shell or single high shell before the snap, two high shells generally leave the hitch throwing lane open longer. Key the play side linebacker, if he crashes hard on the run fit immediately, that confirms the throw read for the hitch. Watch for a user controlled defender sitting in a shallow zone or lurking near the hitch route, this is the primary way defenses take away the quick throw. Man coverage with no safety help over the top is the biggest weakness for a nano blitz style front, since the zone run action can still hit if the front is light in the box. Heavy blitz packages with quick pressure off the edge can beat this play if the quarterback holds the ball too long deciding between run and pass, so make the RPO decision fast.

Usage Tips

Check the box count before the snap and if the defense is stacked in the run fit, plan to throw the RPO read instead of forcing the handoff.

Look at the slot defender depth pre-snap, if he is playing off coverage or sitting in a zone shell, the hitch route will be there almost immediately after the snap.

Use the hot route menu to convert the hitch into a speed out or slant if you see aggressive man coverage jumping the stick window.

This play works best on early downs (first and second down) where defenses are more likely to sell out against the run, opening the RPO throw.

Pair this call with RPO Zone Snag or RPO Zone Stick in the same set to keep the defense guessing between hitch, snag, and stick concepts off the same zone run action.