Playbooks
Likely unavailable in the playbook builder
Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
HB Mid Draw out of Shotgun Y Off Trips Close shows the offensive line selling pass protection for a beat before the interior lanes open up for the HB to press downhill through the middle of the formation. The line fans out like dropback protection to freeze linebackers and get defensive ends upfield before the HB takes the delayed handoff and hits the natural crease between the guards. This is a run play designed to punish aggressive pass rush and overzealous blitz packages, with the primary read being the mesh point gap first and a cutback lane to either side of the center if the initial hole gets clogged.
Defensive Reads
Key the defensive line get off pre-snap, since draws are most vulnerable to disciplined ends and tackles that stay patient instead of selling out for the pass rush. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, since linebackers who bite on the play-action style pass set will vacate the exact lanes this draw is designed to hit. Identify blitz packages pre-snap, since a well timed blitz with a spy or a linebacker reading through the mesh point can blow this play up before the HB gets started. Look for user controlled defenders staying home in the box rather than dropping into coverage shells, since a user lurking near the line can diagnose the delayed handoff and close the cutback lanes. This play struggles against stacked fronts with linebackers sitting at normal depth, since there is no room for the offensive line to climb and create movement at the second level.
Usage Tips
Call this on early downs after showing several pass plays from this same Y Off Trips Close set so the defense is conditioned to drop into coverage or rush the passer aggressively.
Watch for defensive linemen crashing hard off the snap since the draw action is built to exploit that upfield momentum and create a wider cutback lane.
Use this against nickel and dime packages that are light in the box, since the delayed handoff gives your offensive line time to climb to the second level against fewer defenders.
Pair this with Inside Zone and HB Power from the same set to keep the defense guessing between a quick downhill hit and this slower developing draw.
Avoid calling this on short yardage or obvious run downs, since disciplined defensive linemen sitting at the line will blow up the play before it develops.
