Playbooks
Reload RPO Alert Hitches is an RPO built off the Wide Y Off Trips look, giving the quarterback a run/pass alert read based on the box count and second level triggers. The trips side runs hitch routes at a shallow depth as the pass alert, while the backside stays alive as the run alert with the offensive line working a zone track to reload the play design. The primary read progression starts with the box count pre snap, then works to the alert defender (usually a flowing linebacker or nickel) to decide handoff versus quick hitch throw, and finally works trips outside in if the pass alert is triggered.
Pre snap, identify single high versus two high safety shells since single high defenses are more vulnerable to the run alert while two high shells often signal the defense is selling out to stop the quick pass Watch the alert defender's run fit discipline, if that linebacker or nickel stays home in the run gap you should be reading pass and taking the hitch immediately Man coverage on the trips side with tight cushion corners is the biggest threat to this play, since a jump on the hitch route by a user controlled defender can bait an interception Zone coverage with a flat defender sitting on the hitch route also takes this away, so be ready to climb the progression to the next hitch route inside Blitz packages that bring extra defenders off the edge but leave the alert read light in the box favor the run side of this RPO, so trust the handoff read against aggressive pressure calls
Check the box count before the snap and identify whether the defense is playing with a light or heavy front, since this determines whether you should be leaning run or pass on the alert read
Look for off man or soft zone corners over the trips side, since the hitch routes are designed to sit down in front of that cushion for an easy completion and YAC opportunity
Use the hitch as a built in answer against blitz heavy defenses because the quick game timing gets the ball out before pressure arrives, making this a great third and short or two minute drill call
Pair this play with HB Power G out of the same set so the defense has to respect the run fit every snap, which sets up the RPO read to stay honest
Sequence this with RPO Walk Alert Curls or RPO Walk Glance later in a series so linebackers cannot key on the same alert defender read and jump the hitch route