Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Off Tackle out of Shotgun Trips HB Wk sends the running back off tackle to the strong side behind the line, with the offensive line blocking down and sealing the edge for a downhill hole. The trips receivers to the field and the single receiver backside are not shown running routes here, meaning this is a straight run-blocking design with no route concept to read, this is a pure run play built to attack the B gap or bounce outside off tackle. Primary read progression for the ball carrier is to press the hole, read the down blocks from the line, and decide whether to hit it inside or bounce it outside based on how the edge defender is sealed.
Defensive Reads
Watch the defensive front pre-snap for a stacked box, if the defense shows eight in the box against this trips shotgun look they are selling out to stop the run and you should consider audibling to a pass concept instead. Key the strong side defensive end and outside linebacker leverage, if they are crashing hard down the line the ball carrier should bounce this outside off tackle for a bigger gain. Look for run blitzes and A gap or B gap fills from linebackers, since this off tackle concept is vulnerable to a well timed inside blitz that beats the down blocks before the hole develops. Zone coverage shells like Cover 3 or Cover 4 with light boxes are prime windows for this run since defenders are dropping into coverage instead of filling gaps. Man coverage with a single high safety often leaves the box thin, giving the offensive line a clean angle to seal the edge for the off tackle run.
Usage Tips
Use this play on early downs, first and second and short to medium distance, when defenses are sitting back in nickel or dime personnel expecting pass out of the trips look.
Check the box count pre-snap, if the defense has six or fewer in the box the numbers favor the run and you should stick with the called play.
Pair HB Off Tackle with HB Mid Draw and Inside Zone from the same Trips HB Wk set so defenses cannot key on a single run gap and have to respect both interior and edge run threats.
Set up play-action shots like PA WR In or PA QB Choice later in the game once the defense starts crashing hard on this run action.
Use the trips formation to bait defenders into thinking pass is coming, since three receivers to one side often draws extra coverage defenders away from the box.
