Playbooks

Shovel Option

Shotgun·Split Slot Open·20
Run PlayPass PlayRPOTrick PlaySpeed OptionDesigned Qb RunMisdirectionFlatSwing
Play diagram for Shovel Option from Shotgun Split Slot Open in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

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Breakdown

Shovel Option is a designed QB run and RPO hybrid out of Shotgun Split Slot Open, giving you a true speed option look. Off the snap the QB rides down the line reading the shovel pass to the trailing back while a receiver runs a swing route into the flat as the pitch man. There is no true blocking scheme to read since this is an option keyread play, so the primary progression is QB shovel to the diving back first, then pitch to the flat man if the edge defender crashes down.

Defensive Reads

Watch for run blitzes and edge pressure pre snap since a crashing defensive end forces the pitch read every time. Identify if the defense is playing assignment sound option football with a dedicated QB spy or force defender outside. Cover 2 and Cover 3 shells with aggressive flat defenders can jump the shovel or the pitch, so look for squatting corners and linebackers flowing hard. Post snap, watch for a scraping linebacker who reads the mesh point quickly, this can blow up both the shovel and pitch options. Man coverage with no extra run support tends to get gashed since the option forces a numbers advantage at the point of attack.

Usage Tips

Use this on early downs when you want a low risk gain with explosive upside if the defense misreads the option.

Key the play side edge defender before the snap, if he is unblocked or aggressive he is your option key.

Hot route the swing man deeper into the flat against teams that crash hard to eliminate the pitch relationship.

Pair this with Mtn RPO Alert QB Counter or Mtn RPO Peek Swing from the same set to keep defenders honest on the perimeter.

Run this in short yardage or on the goal line since the shovel action punishes defenders selling out to stop the edge.

Other Plays in Split Slot Open