Playbooks

HB Swing

Shotgun·Spread Y-Slot·11
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Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 1 playbook

Air Raid Classic OffenseOffense

Breakdown

HB Swing out of Shotgun Spread Y-Slot is a check down and screen concept built around getting the running back out into open space to the flat. The offensive line sets up a light pass protection with the backside working to seal off pursuit while the HB releases quickly for the swing route, and the receivers run vertical or deep in routes to clear out underneath defenders and hold linebackers. This is primarily a zone beater and works as a built in outlet against pressure, with the primary read being the HB swing route first, progressing to the underneath crossers or hot routed slot receiver if the flat is taken away.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, identify the flat defender responsibility. Cover 3 sky and Cover 4 quarters shells often leave a linebacker or nickel defender with limited range to the flat. Watch linebacker depth at the snap. If linebackers flow hard to the strength or bite on run action, the HB swing to the weak side will hit for extra yards. Key the corner over the swing route side. If he sinks into a deep zone drop instead of playing underneath, the swing route is uncontested for an easy completion. Man coverage with a linebacker matched on the HB is the biggest threat to this play, since athletic linebackers can close space quickly and limit the gain. User controlled defenders sitting in a shallow zone or spying the backfield can jump the route immediately, so have a hot route or check down ready if you see a defender crashing down before the snap.

Usage Tips

Use this play on third and short or second and long when you need a safe, high percentage completion against zone shells like Cover 3 or Cover 4 that leave the flat soft.

Check the flat defender pre-snap. If the corner is playing off or the linebacker is sitting in the box with no true flat responsibility, the swing route will be uncontested.

Hot route the backside outside receiver into a quick slant or drag to give yourself a second read if the defense rolls a corner down to jump the swing route.

Pair this play with HB Draw or Inside Zone in the same set to keep defenders honest on run fits before hitting them with the swing route as a change of pace.

Avoid calling this against aggressive man blitz packages unless you keep the HB in to chip first, since blitzers can beat the RB to the edge before the swing route develops.

Other Plays in Spread Y-Slot