Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Buck Sweep out of Shotgun Trio Offset is a gap scheme run play built to get the HB outside the tackle box with lead blockers pulling from the backside. The line shows down blocks at the point of attack while the guard and tackle wrap around to kick out the edge defender and lead through the alley. This is a run play designed to attack the perimeter, and the primary read is the pulling blockers: the ball carrier presses the line of scrimmage, reads the kick out block on the edge defender, then follows his lead blocker through the alley for the cutback or the bounce outside.
Defensive Reads
Watch for scrape exchange linebackers who read the pulling guard and flow hard to the edge, since this can blow up the play before the kick out block is set. Identify the force defender pre-snap, typically the cornerback or overhang linebacker on the play side, because if he sets the edge early the ball carrier needs to cut it up inside. Look for defensive line stunts and slants toward the play side, since Buck Sweep struggles when the down linemen penetrate before the pullers can get outside. Check safety depth and rotation post-snap, since a fast-flowing safety can fill the alley and turn a big outside run into a short gain. Man coverage with an overloaded box is the best matchup since it removes an extra flow defender, while a heavy zone blitz from the play side edge is the most likely play killer.
Usage Tips
Use Buck Sweep against defenses showing light boxes or run alignments that are slanted away from the play side since the pulling linemen need space to get outside cleanly.
Check the alley defender and force defender pre-snap. If the safety is rolled down into the box, expect the edge to get squeezed and be ready to hit the cutback lane instead of bouncing outside.
Pair this with Inside Zone and Power O from the same Trio Offset set to keep the defense honest on gap versus zone reads, then hit Buck Sweep once linebackers start flowing hard to the interior.
On early downs, run this against odd fronts or 3-4 looks where the edge defender is a lighter body who can be kicked out easily by the pulling guard.
Sequence Buck Sweep with Read Option and RPO Zone Alert WR Screen from the same formation so the defense cannot sit on the perimeter run without opening up throwing lanes.
