Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Mtn PA HB Swing is a play-action shot play out of Shotgun Split Y Off Close that sends both outside receivers vertically upfield on deep routes while the HB releases into a swing route to the flat after selling run action. The diagram shows a motion man crossing pre-snap into the backfield, the offensive line selling run blocking to hold the box, and the two outside targets bending their routes up the sideline off an initial out-breaking stem. This is a shot play designed to hit the swing route as a checkdown against aggressive run blitz or to hit one of the vertical stems if the play-action freezes linebackers and safeties, with the primary read progressing from the play-action fake to the vertical shots on the perimeter before working down to the HB swing as the safety valve.
Defensive Reads
Sit two safeties deep pre-snap in a two high shell to take away both vertical shots and force the quarterback down to the HB swing as the only easy completion. Spy or man match the HB out of the backfield with a linebacker to eliminate the checkdown and make the quarterback hold the ball for the developing verticals. Play zone coverage with corners sinking under the vertical stems rather than biting on the play-action fake, since aggressive corners jumping the run look get beat over the top. Watch for user-controlled defenders flowing hard to the play-action mesh point, if the defense sells out on the run fake the vertical routes will be wide open behind the second level. Bring a blitz that accounts for the swing route with a spy or contain defender, otherwise the HB swing becomes an automatic checkdown for positive yardage against pressure.
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs like first or second and short to mid distance when defenses are keyed to respect the run look from Split Y Off Close personnel.
Check the safety depth pre-snap, if both safeties are sitting shallow or crashing to the line on run support the double vertical shots have a much better window to hit.
Motion the HB across pre-snap to get a free read on man versus zone, if a defender follows the motion man across the formation it confirms man coverage and you should climb your eyes to the vertical routes immediately.
Use the HB swing as your built-in answer against blitz-heavy calls since the routes take time to develop downfield and you need an outlet if the play-action fake does not hold the front seven.
Pair this shot play with Mtn Inside Zone or Outside Zone Lt earlier in a series so the run action tendency sells the fake and linebackers bite harder on the play-action mesh point.
