Playbooks

Same Side Zone

Shotgun·Trey Open·11

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 4 playbooks

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Breakdown

Same Side Zone out of Shotgun Trey Open is an inside zone run play with the entire offensive line and the running back's aiming point flowing toward the same side of the formation, matching the Trey (three receiver strong side) bunch alignment. This is a pure run concept designed to seal backside defenders while double teaming the frontside defensive tackle, letting the back read the hole created by the initial double team before working to the second level linebacker fits. Since Trey Open puts extra numbers to one side, this play works as a natural gap scheme complement, and the primary read progression is playside double team, then bounce or bend based on the flow of the playside linebacker.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, identify if the defense has shifted its front toward the Trey side; a shaded front with extra defenders to the strength kills this play's cutback lanes. Watch linebacker depth: linebackers sitting shallow (4 to 5 yards) are primed to fill gaps quickly, so expect a shorter developing hole and be ready to take what the double team gives immediately. If the defense shows a one-high shell with safety rotation toward the Trey bunch, that safety can become an unblocked run support defender, so look to cut the ball back away from that rotation. Beware of user-controlled defensive tackles shooting gaps pre-snap; if you see penetration before the double team locks on, bounce outside immediately rather than trying to force it inside. Nano blitz packages that send extra men off the edge on the backside of the zone can outnumber your protection; if you see a stacked backside edge, this run play becomes vulnerable and you should switch to a quick pass answer.

Usage Tips

Run this on early downs (first and ten, second and short) when you want to stay ahead of the sticks and keep the defense honest against your Trey Open pass concepts.

Check the box count before the snap: if the defense has six or more in the box, consider audibling to a perimeter play like HB Cross Screen or WR Screen instead.

Use your zone read vision reticle to press the frontside double team before deciding to bend the run back to the weak side away from the Trey bunch.

Pair this with RPO Alert Draw Stick or RPO Q Stick Draw earlier in a drive so the defense has to respect both the run action and the quick game, making Same Side Zone hit harder later.

Against aggressive linebacker blitzes, user your fullback or H-back lead blocker (if assigned) to climb and cut the first threat through the alley rather than committing to a predetermined gap.

Other Plays in Trey Open