Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
HB Punch out of Shotgun Wing Tight is a designed power run that puts the RB directly behind the QB for a downhill dive between the tackles. The offensive line executes a power/inside zone hybrid scheme, with the play side guard and tackle combo blocking to seal the front and the fullback or wing tight end climbing to the second level to pick up the first linebacker who shows. The lone receiver runs a vertical clear-out route to pull the deep safety and corner away from the box, but this is strictly a run concept with the primary read being the mesh point handoff and the RB's initial aiming point at the A or B gap before bouncing off the double team.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify the Mike linebacker's depth and alignment, if he is stacked in the A gap he can blow up the dive before the fullback climbs to block him. Watch for safety rotation toward the vertical route, a two-high shell that stays balanced means the alley defender is still in the box and can jump the run fit. Post-snap, key the play side defensive tackle, if he shoots the gap instead of reading the double team, this play gets stopped for minimal gain. User the strong safety or nickel defender to fill the alley quickly since the FB/TE lead block only accounts for one second-level defender. Against Cover 3 or Cover 1 with an extra man in the box, this play struggles because the run fit stays intact even with the receiver clearing out.
Usage Tips
Check the box count pre-snap and only run this into 6 or fewer defenders in the box since Wing Tight only gives you extra gap support on one side.
Use the single vertical route as a pre-snap indicator, if the corner bails into a deep third or the safety rotates to that side, the alley defender responsible for run support is likely gone and this hits big.
Hot route the vertical receiver into a quick out or hitch on short yardage downs to keep defenders honest if they start selling out against the run.
Pair this with Inside Zone and 0 1 Trap from the same set so linebackers cannot key the fullback or wing TE's block angle, forcing them to freeze on the mesh point.
Best called on 1st and 2nd and short with 6 in the box, avoid it against heavy 4-3 fronts with a stacked A gap unless you have a lead blocker advantage.
