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Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
Mtn Buck Sweep is a Shotgun run play out of the Spread Y-Slot Wk set that sends the HB in jet motion across the backfield before the snap, setting up a sweep to the perimeter with the offensive line pulling to lead the way. The diagram shows two receivers releasing vertically outside as decoys while the underneath backfield action stays condensed, with the motion man becoming the primary ball carrier on the toss. This is a pure run play designed to attack the edge and get blockers out in front, punishing overaggressive linebacker fits and light boxes rather than beating any specific coverage shell.
Defensive Reads
Key the edge defender or overhang linebacker immediately at the snap, if they crash inside without respecting the motion the sweep can be sealed off before it develops. Watch safety depth before the snap, a safety cheating down into the box signals run support and a potential fit that can blow up the sweep at the point of attack. Identify if the defense is in a base 4-3 or 3-4 look, heavier fronts with extra defenders on the line can outnumber the pulling blockers and stop the edge run cold. User the flow linebacker to mirror the HB motion and stay square, do not bite on the initial jet action or the sweep will turn the corner untouched. Watch for scrape exchange technique from linebackers, if the defense sends one linebacker to fill the vacated gap while another flows outside, the cutback lane inside can be there for the ball carrier.
Usage Tips
Use the pre-snap motion to identify if the defense is playing man or zone, if defenders follow the HB across the formation you are likely facing man coverage and can consider an audible.
Call this on early downs or short yardage when the box count is light, six or fewer defenders in the box makes the sweep hit fast to the edge.
Combine Mtn Buck Sweep with Mtn HB Counter and HB Off Tackle from the same set to keep linebackers guessing on run direction and force them to respect multiple gap fits.
Pair it with RPO Peek Slant or RPO Zone Peek in your play calling sequence so defenses cannot sit on the sweep tendency once they see the motion.
If the defense shows an overhang defender crashing hard toward the motion, hot route the outside vertical routes into quick screens or hitches as a changeup to punish aggressive edge defenders.
