Playbooks

RPO Zone Alert Hitches

Shotgun·Wing Slot Offset·12
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Quick Reference

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Breakdown

RPO Zone Alert Hitches is a run-pass option out of the Shotgun Wing Slot Offset formation with 12 personnel, built around an inside zone run with a hitch alert tagged to the perimeter. The QB reads the play side flat defender or overhang linebacker to decide between handing off the zone run or pulling and throwing the quick hitch, making this a zone beater against light box fronts. The primary read progression starts with the box count at the mesh point, then flashes to the alert receiver's hitch if a defender crashes down or widens out of position to stop the run.

Defensive Reads

Watch the play side linebacker depth pre-snap, if he sits at five yards or deeper he is likely dropping to cover the hitch instead of filling the run fit. Identify the coverage shell before the snap, single high shells with aggressive linebackers tend to open up the hitch throw while two high shells with disciplined zone drops can take it away. Post-snap, key the flat defender or overhang player, if he crashes hard on the run action the QB should pull and throw the hitch immediately. User controlled defenders sitting in a shallow zone lurk can jump the hitch route, so be ready to check down or reset to the run if that defender stays home. Aggressive blitz packages that send extra defenders off the edge can disrupt the mesh point timing, so recognize the blitz look and be ready to get the ball out quickly on the RPO read.

Usage Tips

Check the box count before the snap and count defenders in the tackle box against your blockers to decide if the zone run is the better option.

Use the hitch alert against teams that load the box with an extra defender or bring a linebacker down into the run fit, since that leaves the flat and hitch window open.

Hot route the backside receiver into a quick out or slant if you expect man coverage, since the built in hitch is mainly a zone and off man beater.

Pair this play with Same Side Zone or Inside Zone Split in your play calling sequence so the defense has to respect the run first before you start pulling the ball on the RPO read.

Best used on early downs or in obvious run situation counters where defenses are more likely to sell out against the zone run, giving you an easy option throw.

Other Plays in Wing Slot Offset