Playbooks

Mtn Split Zone

Shotgun·Normal Y Off·11

Motion Inside Zone Run Play Zone Run

Play diagram for Mtn Split Zone from Shotgun Normal Y Off in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetNormal Y Off

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

In 2 playbooks

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Breakdown

Mtn Split Zone lines up from Shotgun Normal Y Off with 11 personnel and shows pre-snap motion into the backfield before the snap, converting to an inside zone run at the mound. The offensive line executes an inside zone blocking scheme, sliding zone-step to the play side while the Y (tight end) works across the formation on a split zone kick out path to seal the backside edge defender. This is a run play and zone beater designed to attack backside gaps left open by aggressive flow defenders, with the primary read progression for the ball carrier being backside cutback lane first, then playside bend based on how the linebackers flow with zone track.

Defensive Reads

Watch for the backside edge defender crashing down the line, since the Y's split zone kick block is designed to remove him and create the cutback lane. Identify if linebackers are flowing hard playside with the zone action, which opens the backside A or B gap for a quick cutback read. Check safety depth before the snap, since two deep shells with light boxes are vulnerable to this inside zone concept, while stacked eight man fronts can clog both gaps. Man coverage that follows the Y in motion tips a blitz or man scheme that may leave the box light, giving the running back a numbers advantage at the point of attack. Look for a user-controlled linebacker sitting in the backside gap or lurking near the mesh point, since that defender can blow up the split zone kick block and force a quick predetermined cutback read.

Usage Tips

Use the pre-snap motion to identify if the defense is running with the motion man, which tips man coverage or a base front that will struggle to adjust to split zone action.

Attack second and short or third and short situations where defenses expect base personnel and are not stacked to defend zone runs with extra box defenders.

If the defense shows a heavy box pre-snap, consider hot routing the Y into a stay block or checking to a play action shot off this same look to punish overpursuit.

Pair this call with Inside Zone and Mid Zone from the same set to keep linebacker flow honest, then hit Mtn Split Zone later in the series once defenders start cheating playside.

Use the RB's alignment and the Y's motion to manipulate the edge defender pre-snap, forcing him to declare before the snap so you know which side to key for the cutback.