Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
HB Power O out of Shotgun Split Close Pro is a gap scheme run play built to get downhill movement with a lead blocker leading through the hole. The diagram shows the HB taking a lateral step before cutting upfield behind the pulling guard, with the offensive line executing down blocks to seal the interior while the play side guard or FB kicks out the edge defender. This is a run play designed to beat light boxes and overaggressive fronts, and the primary read progression is the HB reading the down blocks first, then keying the puller to decide whether to bend the run inside or bounce it outside the kick out block.
Defensive Reads
Watch the linebacker depth pre-snap, since stacked or crashing linebackers will disrupt the kick out block and blow up the play Identify the strength of the defensive front, because a heavy 4i or 5 technique on the play side can clog the puller's lane before it develops Look for safeties rotating down into the box post-snap, which signals run support and should trigger a quick bounce read to the perimeter User controlled defenders shooting the A or B gap immediately after the snap often indicate a run blitz look, so be ready to cut the play back against the grain If the defense shows two high safeties with light box numbers, expect the run to have a favorable angle for the puller and hit the hole with speed
Usage Tips
Check the box count pre-snap and only run this into 6 or fewer defenders in the box for the best angles
Use motion or a quick glance to identify if the defense is showing man or zone before the snap, since Power O thrives against light zone shells that vacate the interior
Hot route the HB to press the hole hard and trust the puller rather than dancing behind the line, especially in short yardage and goal line situations
Pair this with Inside Zone Split and HB Option from the same set to keep defenders guessing on run direction and force linebackers to stay honest on their fits
Use HB Angle or a play action shot off this same personnel to punish defenses that start selling hard on the run after seeing Power O on early downs
