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Quick Reference
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Breakdown
HB Off Tackle out of Shotgun Split Y-Flex is a straightforward gap run designed to hit off the tackle box between the guard and tackle. The diagram shows the offensive line blocking down as a unit with the HB taking a lateral step before turning upfield through the off tackle hole, while the two outside receivers and TE run vertical stems to occupy deep defenders and clear the alley. This is a run play with no play-action or RPO element, and the primary read progression starts with the play side hole then bounces outside if the DE and OLB get sealed too far inside.
Defensive Reads
Watch for the play side defensive end and outside linebacker crashing down hard, which signals a run blitz or gap exchange that can blow up the off tackle lane. If the strong safety rotates down into the box pre-snap, that is an extra run defender and the HB should be coached to bounce this run outside rather than force it inside. Man coverage on the outside receivers with press corners usually means the underneath run support is lighter, favoring this play since fewer defenders are sitting in the box. Zone shells with linebackers sitting flat footed and reading the mesh point can fill the off tackle gap quickly, so identify Mike linebacker depth before the snap. User controlled defenders flying downhill from a linebacker spot are the biggest threat, so avoid calling this when the opponent shows aggressive user run support tendencies at the second level.
Usage Tips
Check the defensive front pre-snap and identify where the extra defender is stacked, since off tackle needs a numbers advantage on the play side edge.
If the defense shows a 4-3 over or under front with the strong safety cheated into the box, consider audibling to the backside or motioning the HB to change the play direction.
Use your play side guard and tackle double team as the primary key, and vision your HB to press the hole hard before bouncing outside if the DE crashes down.
Pair this with HB Draw and Inside Zone Split from the same set to keep linebackers honest on run fits and prevent them from flowing hard to one gap.
Best called on early downs (first and ten, second and short) when the defense is more likely to be in base personnel rather than nickel or dime sub packages.
