Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Off Tackle out of Shotgun Tight Base Flex is a downhill run play that sends the HB toward the strong side edge, hitting the gap outside the tackle before the play design bends back inside if the alignment shows outside pursuit. The offensive line executes a down blocking scheme with the frontside pulling to seal the edge, while the second RB works as a lead blocker through the hole to clear out any second-level defenders. This is a pure run play with no pass options attached, and the primary read progression starts with the play side defensive end and tackle alignment, then works to the flow of the second level linebackers to decide whether to press the off tackle hole or cut it back inside.
Defensive Reads
Watch the play side defensive end pre-snap, if he is crashing hard inside the off tackle lane opens up wide for an easy cutback bounce. Key the outside linebacker or Sam backer depth, if he is sitting too deep in coverage he cannot fill the alley fast enough to stop the edge run. Look for run blitzes from the strong side safety, since an aggressive downhill safety can blow up the pulling blocker and force a negative play. Check for stacked fronts with extra defensive linemen shaded to the play side, this alignment clogs the off tackle gap and forces a cutback read. User-controlled linebackers who spy the mesh point can jump the pulling lead blocker, so patience from the ball carrier to let the blocks develop is critical against aggressive user play.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or a quick glance at the defensive line spacing to confirm the off tackle lane is not stacked with extra bodies before the snap.
Identify base 4-3 or 3-4 fronts with the defensive end lined up wide, since this creates the natural running lane the play is designed to attack.
Pair this call with Inside Zone from the same set so the defense has to respect both the off tackle bounce and the interior cutback, keeping linebackers honest on flow.
Save this play for early down situations like 1st and 10 or 2nd and short where defenses are more likely to sit in base run fits instead of nickel or dime packages.
If the defense shows a heavy box with 8 or more defenders near the line, consider switching to Mtn H-Choice or F Choice Spot to get the ball out quickly instead of forcing the run.
